Source: KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
BIOCHAR AND BIOFILTERS FOR ON-FARM BIOREMEDIATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SURFACE RUNOFF AND SEEPAGE WATER ARISING FROM AGRICULTURAL FIELDS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
REVISED
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1001364
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
KYX-10-13-48P
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2013
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Antonious, GE, .
Recipient Organization
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FRANKFORT,KY 40601
Performing Department
Agriculture & Environmental Science
Non Technical Summary
Environmentally and economically viable agriculture requires the use of cultivation practices and innovative technologies that maximize agrochemical efficacy while minimizing their off-site movement. In Kentucky agriculture, herbicides (dacthal, halosulfuran, carfentazone, pendimethalin) and insecticides (permethrin, asana, provado, diazinon) are applied according to guidelines. Their application period are usually coincides with seasonal rainfall. As a result, pesticide wash-off occurs, allowing pesticides to enter the Kentucky River watershed and impact surface water quality. The escalating production costs associated with the increasing costs of energy and fertilizers to U.S. farmers and the problems of soil deterioration and erosion associated with intensive farming systems have generated considerable interest in less expensive and more environmentally compatible production alternatives such as recycling wastes from several processing operations for use as fertilizers in land farming and provide high quality organic amendments. The objectives of this plan of work will be to: i) assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on pesticides transport from soil into runoff and seepage water arising from agricultural fields; ii) assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on the activity of soil enzymes (invertase, urease, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase) that enhance soil C, N, and P cycling; iii) monitor NH3+, NO3- , phosphate, and trace-elements (Ni, Pb, Cd) concentrations in soil, runoff, seepage water, and their potential bioaccumulation in edible plants at harvest; iv) monitor the impact of drip irrigation systems and biofilters on transport of nutrients and pesticides residues into the soil column; and v) deliver applied research-based information and experiential learning opportunities to farmers in three KY counties, agricultural professional, and nursery operations through use of sewage sludge and on-farm installation of biofilters (biobeds) in grower agricultural fields. Our assumption is "A pesticide held strongly to soil amendments by adsorption is less likely to runoff or leach". Such soil amendments that enhance soil physical, chemical, and microbial conditions could also enhance pesticide bioremediation. Identifying soil management strategies that meet crop nutritional needs, support crop production, and protect surface and subsurface water quality from off-site transport of pesticides, NH3+, NO3-, P and trace-elements is the main focus of this project. The project goals are in line with the USDA strategic goal #3: support increased economic opportunities of rural and farm economics to great prosperity and goal #6 protect and enhance the Nation's natural resources and environment.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
90%
Applied
10%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1040110200020%
1040210200020%
7111499200020%
1330110200020%
1330210200020%
Knowledge Area
104 - Protect Soil from Harmful Effects of Natural Elements; 133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 711 - Ensure Food Products Free of Harmful Chemicals, Including Residues from Agricultural and Other Sources;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources; 1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
2000 - Chemistry;
Goals / Objectives
Objective 1. Assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on pesticides transport from soil into runoff and seepage water arising from agricultural fields Objective 2. Assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on the activity of enzymes (invertase, urease, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase) that enhance soil C, N, and P cycling Objective 3. Monitor NH3+, NO3- , Phosphate, and trace-elements (Ni, Pb, Cd) concentrations in soil, runoff, seepage water, and their potential bioaccumulation in edible plants at harvest. Objective 4. Monitor the impact of drip irrigation systems and biofilters on transport of nutrients and pesticides residues into the soil column. Objective 5. Deliver applied research-based information and experiential learning opportunities to farmers, agricultural professional, and nursery operations through use of sewage sludge and on-farm installation of biofilters (biobeds) in growers' agricultural fields.
Project Methods
Objective 1: To assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on pesticides transport from soil into runoff and seepage water arising from agricultural fields The field trial areas will be conducted on a Lowell silty loam soil (pH 6.7, 2% organic matter) of 10% slope located at the Kentucky State University (KSU) Research Farm (Franklin County, KY). Eighteen field plots of 3.7 m wide and 22 m long each with stainless steel borders along each side were established. The experimental design will be 2 ×3 ×3 factorial every year including two pesticides (herbicide and insecticide), and three fixed factors including three soil management practices (sewage sludge, chicken manure, and a rototilled bare soil) replicated three times. At the lower end of each of nine experimental plots, biobed systems were installed while other nine plots having no biobed systems will be used for comparison purposes. Each biobed system is a cavity (3.7 × 3 × 1.5 m3) in the ground down the field slope filled with a 10 cm layer of limestone gravel at the bottom, then filled with biobed mixture (straw, peat, and top soil), and covered with a tall fescue (Festuca sp., Kentucky 31) grass layer to help maintain a suitable level of temperature for biobed microbial activity. Soil amendments will be incorporated into native soil at 15 t acre-1 (on dry weight basis) with a plowing depth of 15 cm. Each of the two soil amendments (sewage sludge and chicken manure) will be mixed with 0.1% biochar prior to incorporation into the 1-2 inches native soil. The soil in the experimental area will be sprayed with recommended herbicides according to the recommended rates of application in Kentucky. Runoff water under natural rainfall events will be collected and quantified at the lower end of each plot throughout the growing season using tipping-bucket runoff metering apparatus. Eighteen (18) pan lysimeters will be used to monitor the presence or absence of pesticide residues and/or nitrate and phosphate in the vadose zone. Pesticide residues in aliquots up to 1L will be also extracted using C18 solid phase extraction columns and injected into a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with flame ionization detector (FID), electron-capture detector (ECD), or nitrogen- phosphorus detector (NPD) depending on the chemical structure of the pesticide under investigation. Pesticide residues will be confirmed using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a mass selective detector (GC/MSD) operated in total ion monitoring. Objective 2: To assess the impact of recycled municipal sewage sludge and chicken manure mixed with biochar on the activity of soil enzymes (invertase, urease, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase) that enhance soil C, N, and P cycling. For determination of urease activity, five g of representative soil sample from each of the three soil treatments (see objective 1) will be placed in 50 mL volumetric flasks and 10 mL of 0.1 M phosphate buffer. Concentrations of NH3+ ions in soil extracts will be determined using the selective electrode method. Urease activity will be expressed as mg NH4-N released per g dried soil during the 1h incubation at 30OC. Invertase activity in soil samples will be estimated by the method described by Balasubramanian et al. (1970). Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in soil will be determined based on concentration of p-nitrophenol released when soil is incubated with buffered sodium p-nitrophenol phosphate solution (pH 6.7 for acid phosphatase assay and pH 11 for alkaline phosphatase assay). Measurement of soil dehydrogenase activities will be also achieved using the methods reported by He et al. (2006). Objective 3: To monitor NH3+, NO3- , Phosphate, and trace-elements (Ni, Pb, Cd) concentrations in native soil amended with sewage sludge, chicken manure, and their transport into runoff, seepage water, and potential bioaccumulation in edible plants at harvest. Concentrations of NH3 +, NO3 -, and PO4 will be determined in soil, runoff and infiltration (seepage) water using the ion elecrode method. Sediments will be separated from bulk water samples using vacuum filtration and glass fiber discs. Mehlich-3 extractable Cd, Ni, and Pb will be determined in soil extracts using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer. Five mL of concentrated nitric acid will be added to 100 mL of the water sample and mixture will be evaporated on a hot plate to near dryness for quantification of Ni, Pb, and Cd in runoff and seepage water. At harvest time, 25 fruit samples of the growing plants of comparable size will be collected at random from each of the 18 field plots (six replicates for each soil treatment), washed with deionized water and dried in an oven at 65O C for 48 h for quantification of Ni, Pb, and Cd in plants at harvest. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) will be characterized by the ratio of the metal content in plant and total metal content in the soil. Objective 4: Monitor the impact of drip irrigation systems and biofilters on transport of nutrients and pesticides residues into the soil column. In situ suction lysimeters will be inserted into horizontally excavated area and hydrolytically passed upward to insure a good contact between soil and lysimeter surface in three experimental plots to monitor leaching (seepage) of pesticides and nutrients in the vadose zone. Volumes of water will be collected, recorded and related to soil incorporated with sewage sludge or chicken manure.Two types of irrigation systems will be installed in the runoff/erosion plots: one system will be programmed to run for 25 minutes twice daily (5.8 hours/week). The other treatment will be watering once a week for 6 hours. Thus both systems would deliver approximately the same amount of water per week (6 hours) though one would be in short spurts and the other in a single long irrigation. Irrigation will be controlled automatically with switching-tensiometers placed at a depth of 15 cm from soil surface. Objective 5: To deliver applied research-based information and experiential learning opportunities to Kentucky farmers, agricultural professional, and nursery operations through use of sewage sludge and on-farm installation of biofilters (biobeds) in growers' agricultural fields. Field studies on the use of sewage sludge for land farming will be conducted in small limited resources farmers in Kentucky (Meade, Boyle, and Grayson Counties). Soil samples will be taken from the rhizosphere of growing plants within the treatments prior to and after sewage sludge application during the course of the study. Organic matter, soil compaction, soil bulk density, and trace-elements (Cd, Ni, and Pb) will be determined. In addition to KSU Research Farm, biofilters will be installed in three small farm growers' fields. Sewage sludge will be incorporated into native soil after addition of 0.1% biochar. A small trench will be excavated in the soil down the field slope to capture and direct runoff into biobeds buried at the end of each trench. At the down slope end of each biobed, soil furrow will be created to divert runoff water through a trench into a 2 gallon container placed below the soil surface. Surface runoff water in three containers (2 gallons each) will be collected for quantification of pesticides and nutrients (NO3-N, NH4-N, phosphate, and trace-elements) in runoff water leaving the field during irrigation and/or rainfall events.

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The project target audience are: 1- Kentucky limited-resource farmers who are seeking easy and affordable ways to reduce their dependence on inorganic fertilizers and reduce their impact on the environment. 2-Attendees at the KSU/College of Agriculture Third Thursday Thing (a monthly sustainable agriculture workshop series targeting small farmers and agricultural professionals) held at the KSU Harold Benson Research & Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, KY. 3- The scientific community and students who attend national conferences such as Soil Society of America (SSA), Kentucky Academy of Science Annual meeting (KAS), and Global Biotechnology Conference. 4- Graduate and undergraduate students from the KSU College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems (KSU/CAFSSS) programs who are enrolled in Dr. Antonious' agriculture classes (AFE 340: Environment and Agroecology; ENV 595: Environmental Science and Bioremediation; and ENV 511: Energy and Environment). 5- Visitors to the KSU campus and open houses participate in distribution results of our research findings related to the application of recycled waste for agricultural production. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate students involved in the project and personnel hired to implement and achieve the project goals all gained the training and expertise needed. All personnel involved in the project had the opportunity to present their research findings at state and national conferences and scientific meetings (18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, the Kentucky Academy of Science, and the Posters-at-the-Capitol annual program). The faculty members and other researchers involved in the project also had the opportunity to publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. Students taking classes with Dr. Antonious (Project Director) were also provided background information about environmental pollution by pesticides and trace metals and presented their research and review articles to other students in their classes through monthly seminars organized by Dr. Antonious. Limited-resource farmers using municipal sewage sludge on their farms are given the opportunity to see the results of our findings and use this information to consider animal manure as an affordable organic fertilizer. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results obtained from this project were disseminated to the scientific community through the Annual International Symposium on Environment, Athens, Greece, May 22-25, 2017; the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, August 8-11, 2017; the 18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, April 1-4, 2017, Atlanta, GA; the Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, March 2, 2017, Frankfort, KY; the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) 2017 Annual Meeting, November 3-4, 2017, Murray, KY; the 54th North American Chemical Residue Workshop, July 23-26, 2017, Naples, Florida,; and as an invited speaker at the 32nd International Conference on Solid Waste Technology (ICSW), March 19-22, 2017, Philadelphia, PA. Results were also published in the University of Kentucky 2016 and 2017 Fruit and Vegetable Annual Research Reports. Dissemination also included the day-to-day involvement of four KSU graduate students supervised by Dr. Antonious (Project Director) 1- Mr. Thomas Trivette, 2- Mr. Yogendra R. Upadhyaya, 3- Mr. Lusekelo Nkuwi, and 4-Mr. Brian Edgar; their research theses are all derived from this project plan-of-work. These students presented their research at three scientific meetings in 2017. In addition, one student, Mr. Thomas Trivette, coauthored an article published in the 2017 Journal of Environmental Science and Health (a peer-reviewed journal; see publication record). Kentucky small-scale farmers received information of these results at the KSU Small Farm Conference held in Frankfort, KY, and at the Kentucky State Fair and the Franklin County Fair. Results were also disseminated to Kentucky agricultural researchers and growers through the University of Kentucky 2016 and 2017 Fruit and Vegetable Annual Research Reports.. Research results were also disseminated to KSU undergraduate and high school students through on-campus presentations and seminars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Our plan for research over the next year is to monitor the impact of soil amendments (worm castings, municipal sewage sludge, horse manure, and chicken manure) on the activities of soil enzymes (urease and invertase) and heavy metal (Cd, Ni, and Pb) concentrations in agricultural soils planted eggplants, sweet potatoes, and onions. We will also study metal bioaccumulations in edible plants at harvest. The persistence of two insecticides (permethrin and cypermethrin), which are recommended for use on vegetables in Kentucky, will be monitored in vegetables grown in greenhouses. In addition, we will continue to monitor NH3+, NO3-, phosphate, and trace elements (Ni, Pb, Cd) potential bioaccumulation as well as concentrations in soil, runoff, and seepage water. The impact of drip irrigation systems on the transport of nutrients and pesticide residues into runoff will also be assessed.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? To investigate the impact of soil amendments on the concentration of the hydrophilic plant secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GSLs), in plant shoots, two plant species, arugula (Eruca sativa) and mustard (Brassica juncea), were field-grown under four soil management practices: soil mixed with municipal sewage sludge (SS), soil mixed with horse manure (HM), soil mixed with chicken manure (CM), and no-mulch bare soil (NM). GSLs in arugula and mustard were extracted using boiling methanol and separated by adsorption on Sephadex ion exchange disposable pipette tips filled with 2-diethylamino ethyl ether (DEAE), a weak base, with a net positive charge that exchange anions, such as GSLs. Quantification of GSLs was based on inactivation of arugula and mustard myrosinase and liberation of the glucose moiety from the GSLs molecule by addition of standardized myrosinase (thioglucosidase) and spectrophotometric quantification of the liberated glucose moiety. Overall, GSLs concentrations were significantly greater (1287 mg g-1 fresh shoots) in plants grown in SS compared to plants grown in CM, HM, and NM soil (929, 890, and 981 mg g-1 fresh shoots, respectively). Mustard shoots contained greater concentrations of GSLs (974 mg g-1 fresh shoots) than arugula (651 mg g-1 fresh shoots). In addition, soil and soil amended with SS were collected from three Kentucky counties (Adair, Franklin, and Meade) and tested for total metals using nitric acid solution and metal ions available to plants using a CaCl2 solution. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used to assess the transport of metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni) from soil mixed with SS into plants and the potential bioaccumulation of these metals in edible plants at harvest. Tobacco leaves, potato tubers, green beans, pepper fruits, squash fruits, tomato fruits, broccoli buds, onion leaves and bulbs, sweet potato, beet, and okra fruits grown in soil amended with SS were collected at harvest for metal analyses. In Meade county, results indicated that Cd bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of pepper, onion leaves, onion bulbs, tomato fruits, and okra fruits was >1 whereas, the BAF values of bean pods, bean seeds, green squash, yellow squash, and beet heads were <1. BAF values of Pb in all of the above mentioned crops were <1. Other than tomato fruits and beet heads, Ni BAF values were all >1. In Franklin County, Ni BAF values were <1 in potato, pepper fruits, onion bulbs and all other plants tested. Only Ni BAF values in tobacco leaves and onion bulbs were >1 in Adair County. Accordingly, our results revealed that low Cd-, Pb-, and Ni-accumulator plants could be grown in soil contaminated with such metals.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, ET; Mutari, A; Snyder JC (2017). Dissipation, half-lives, and mass spectrometric identification of chlorpyrifos and its two metabolites on field-grown collard and kale. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B 52:251-255. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/SBbFzWtjqXwUeaN4RGTa/full
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, ET; Kochhar, TS (2017). Testing bioaccumulation of Cd, Pb, and Ni in Plants-grown in soil amended with municipal sewage sludge at three Kentucky locations. JSM Environmental Science & Ecology 5: 1039. Available at: https://jscimedcentral.com/EnvironmentalScience/environmentalscience-5-1039.pdf
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, ET; Antonious, AG; Trivette, T (2017). Emerging technology for increasing glucosinolates in arugula and mustard greens. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 52: 466-469. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/vmMAbXMqKHzgQeMAYFsj/full
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Enzymes as indicators of soil microbial activity at three locations in Kentucky. Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2017 Annual Meeting, November 3-4, 2017, Murray, KY. Available at: https://www.memberleap.com/members/publication/program_issue.php?iid=272185
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF; Pomper, K; Turley, E; Heist, Q; Trivette, T; Nkuwi, L; Upadhyaya, Y; and Mishra, B (2017). Impact of Soil-Set�, Grain-Set�, and Liqui-Plex� formulations on hot pepper yield, plant morphology and fruit quality. Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2017 Annual Meeting, November 3-4, 2017, Murray, KY. Available at: https://www.memberleap.com/members/publication/program_issue.php?iid=272185
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Upadhyaya, Y; Trivette, T; Nkuwi, L; Upadhyaya, Y; Mishra, B; and Antonious, GF (2017). Yield of eggplant grown in horse manure and vermicompost amended soil. Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) 2017 Annual Meeting, November 3-4, 2017, Murray, KY. Available at: https://www.memberleap.com/members/publication/program_issue.php?iid=272185
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lusekelo, JN; Turley, ET; Antonious, GF (2017). Investigating the impact of low-=cost organic fertilizers on tomato yield. Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) 2017 Annual Meeting, November 3-4, 2017, Murray, KY. Available at: https://www.memberleap.com/members/publication/program_issue.php?iid=272185
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Soil amended with organic manure elevated antioxidants content of arugula and mustard greens. In Fruit and Vegetable 2017 Annual Research Report No. PR-739. University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Lexington, KY: 33-35. Available at: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/PR/PR739/PR739.pdf.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Municipal sewage sludge increased soil-incorporated bio fumigants in horticultural crops. 32nd International Conference on Solid Waste Technology (ICSW), March 19-22, 2017, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Invited presentation. Available at: solid-waste.org.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Upadhyaya, YR; Antonious, GF (2017). Quantification of toxic metals and antioxidants in hot pepper, Capsicum spp 54th North American Chemical Residue Workshop, , July 23-26, 2017, Naples, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Separation and identification of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in twenty-six previously uncharacterized genotypes of hot pepper. 18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, April 1-4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Enhancing glucosinolates in Brassica plants for potential soil bio fumigation. 18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, April 1-4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Turley, ET; Antonious, GF (2017). Investigating the impact of soil amendments on field-grown tomato. 2017 American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, September 19-22, 2017, Waikoloa, HI. Available at: https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2017/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/25885
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Turley, ET; Antonious, GF (2017). Evaluation of tomato grown under different soil amendment practices. 18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, April 1-4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). A simplified method for identification and quantification of two capsaicinoids in hot pepper fruits. 54th North American Chemical Residue Workshop, July 23-26, 2017, Naples, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Quantification of bioactive compounds in hot pepper genotypes selected from the USDA/ARS National Germplasm Collection. 2017 American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, September 19-22, 2017, Waikoloa, HI. Available at: https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2017/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/25887
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Nkuwi, LJ; Turley, ET; Antonious, GF (2017). Chicken manure and biochar for growing tomato. 18th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, April 1-4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, A; Gyawali, B; Antonious, G (2017). Variability of hot pepper genotypes in ascorbic acid content. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, March 2, 2017, Frankfort, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Antonious, GF (2017). Impact of recycled manure on soil enzymes and crop antioxidants content. 12th International Symposium on the Environment, May 22-25, 2017 Athens, Greece. Available at: https://www.atiner.gr/2017/2017PRO-ENV.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Nkuwi, L; Turley, E. Antonious, G (2017). Recycled waste increased tomato production under field conditions. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, March 2, 2017, Frankfort, KY.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, GF (2016). Soil amendments for agricultural production. In: Organic Fertilizers: From Basic Concepts to Applied Outcomes. Larramendy ML and S. Soloneski (eds) Published by Intech, Rijeka, Croatia: 157-187.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, GF (2016): Distribution of seven heavy metals among hot pepper plant parts. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B 51:309-315. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03601234.2015.1128743.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, ET; Nkuwi, L. (2016). Impact of soil amendments and biochar on yield of tomato grown under field conditions. In Fruit and Vegetable 2016 Annual Research Report No. PR-721. University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Lexington, KY: 25-26. Available at: https://issuu.com/garypalmer7/docs/pr721
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, ET; Antonious, A; Trivette, T. (2016). Increasing glucosinolates in arugula and mustard greens. In Fruit and Vegetable 2016 Annual Research Report No. PR-721. University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Lexington, KY: 23-25. Available at: https://issuu.com/garypalmer7/docs/pr721
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, GF (2016). Do soil amendments enhance glucosinolates in arugula and mustard leaves? Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2016 Annual Meeting, November 4-5, 2016, Louisville, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Turley, E; Antonious, GF (2016). Impact of soil amendments on yield of field-gown tomato. Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2016 Annual Meeting, November 4-5, 2016, Louisville, KY.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes Kentucky farmers who have provided detailed information about growing vegetables in recycled waste and potential soil biofumigation using soil amendments mixed with biochar as well as the opportunity to attend presentations at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm, Lexington, KY and the KSU/College of Agriculture Third Thursday Thing (a monthly sustainable agriculture workshop targeting small farmers, beginning farmers and agricultural professionals) held at KSU Harold Benson Research & Demonstration Farm, Frankfort, KY. In addition, the target audience included the scientific community who attended national conferences such as the Soil Society of America, Kentucky Academy of Science, and Global Biotechnology Conference. Target audiences also included KSU graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in Dr. Antonious' agriculture classes (AFE 340 Environment and Agroecology, ENV-595 Environmental Science and Bioremediation and ENV 511 Energy and Environment) as well as campus and open house visitors. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students taking AFE 485/ENV 585 (Special Topics Class); ENV-595 (Environmental Science & Bioremediation), AFE-340 (Environmental Science & Agro Ecology), and ENV-511 (Energy & the Environment) learned basic principles of science as well as problems associated with recycled waste; analyzed soil and water samples collected from agricultural fields; learned to describe conventional and sustainable practices; monitored contaminants in environmental samples; learned state-of-the-art analytical techniques of extraction, cleanup of soil and water sampling; and learned chromatographic separation, detection, and quantification of environmental contaminants. These courses provided students with background information about current environmental dilemmas such as soil deterioration, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity, species interactions, energy generation, energy storage, safety, and waste disposal issues. Ms. Catherine Croft (undergraduate student), Ms. Regina Hill (Research Assistant), Mr. Alexander Antonious (undergraduate student), and Mr. Eric Turley (Co-Investigator) worked side-by-side with Dr. Antonious on soil and water quality and other environmentally related issues. The project allowed two faculty members (Drs. George Antonious from KSU and John Snyder from the University of Kentucky) to share research results. The project provided career-development opportunities for all students involved. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results were disseminated to Kentucky small farmers at the KSU Small Farm Conference, Frankfort, KY, and through state, national and international presentations at agricultural science meetings, such as the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), August 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA; Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, November 13-14, 2015, Highland Heights, KY; Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) November 15-18, 2015, Minneapolis, MN; Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, Frankfort, KY, February 25, 2016; the 31 International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management, April 3-6, 2016, Philadelphia, PA; the 11th Annual international Symposium on Environment, May 23-26, 2016, Athens, Greece; and the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, August 8-11, 2016. Results were disseminated to Kentucky agricultural researchers and growers through the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Annual Research Report published by the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture in 2015 and 2016. Research results were also disseminated to KSU graduate, undergraduate, and high school (Summer Apprenticeship Program) students through on-campus presentations and seminars, and to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue monitoring the impact of soil amendments (sewage sludge, horse manure, yard waste, and chicken manure) applied to agricultural soils on the activities of soil enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, invertase, and urease) and heavy metal (Cd, Ni, and Pb) concentrations as well as study heavy metal bioaccumulations in tomatoes grown under these management practices. The persistence of herbicides applied to soil amended with sewage sludge, horse manure, and chicken manure will be monitored and compared with pesticide persistence in bare (no mulch) soil. The impact of biochar on herbicide persistence will also be examined.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A field trial area was established at the University of Kentucky South Farm (Lexington, KY). Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. Mountain spring) seedlings (52 days old) were planted in 30' × 144' beds of freshly tilled soil at eight inch row spacing on June 3, 2016. Each bed was divided into three replicates using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the following treatments: 1) control (untreated soil with no mulch); 2) sewage sludge; 3) horse manure; 4) chicken manure; and 5) yard waste compost. Each of these 5 treatments was also mixed with 1% biochar to make a total of 10 treatments. The entire study area contained 30 plots (3 replicates × 10 treatments). Soil samples were collected and the plants were harvested during the growing season. Fruit total weights were recorded for each treatment. The objectives of this investigation were to: 1) assess variation in tomato yield among plants; 2) determine ascorbic acid, phenols, and total sugar concentrations in fruits; and 3) assess the impact of soil amendments on soil urease and invertase activity. Plants were also sprayed with a mixture of permethrin and cypermethrin to study their persistence on tomatoes under field conditions.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2016). Assessment of soil enzymatic activity following incorporation of recycled sewage sludge at three locations in Kentucky. 11th Annual International Symposium on Environment, May 23-26, 2016, Athens, Greece. Invited presentation. Available at: http://www.atiner.gr/abstracts/2016ABST- ENV.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2016). Exploring recycled waste in enhancing soil enzymes activity and biomass production in arugula and mustard greens. 31st International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management, April 3-6, 2016, Philadelphia, PA. Invited presentation. Available at https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2016/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/24879.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Turley, E. T. and Antonious, G. F. (2016). Impact of soil amendments on organosulfur compounds in onion. The American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, August 8-11, 2016, Atlanta, GA. Available at: https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2016/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/24879
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2016). Dissipation, half-lives, and mass spectrometric identification of chlorpyrifos and its two metabolites on field-grown collard and kale. Global Biotechnology Congress, August 21-25, 2016, Boston, MA. Invited presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Williams, B., Antonious, G. and Turley, E. (2016). Assessment of Kentucky River for Water Quality. A paper presented at the Summer Apprenticeship Program (SAP) Annual Training, May-June, 2016, KSU College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems. Proceedings of the SAP: 57-60.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2016). Recycling organic waste for enhancing soil urease and invertase activity. International Journal of Waste Resources. 6: 219-225.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Buchanon Z., Antonious, G. and Hill, R. (2016). Identification of Kentucky Soil. A paper presented at the Summer Apprenticeship Program (SAP) Annual Training, May-June, 2016, KSU College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems. Proceedings of the SAP: 61-65.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Branttie, J., Antonious, G. F. and Turley, E. T. (2016): Monitoring the Kentucky River nitrate and ammonia levels. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, February 25, 2016, Frankfort, KY: 22.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Trivette, T, Antonious, A., Antonious, G. F., Turley, E. T., and Hill, R. (2016). Glucosinolates for sustainable agriculture. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, February 25, 2016, Frankfort, KY: 17
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2015).Exploring the soil myrosinase- glucosinolate system in plant protection. International Annual Meeting of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), November 15-18, 2015, Minneapolis, MN. Invited presentation. Abstract available at: https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2015am/webprogram/Paper91256.html
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2015). Residues and fate of chlorpyrifos on two leafy vegetables at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2015 Annual Meeting, November 13-14, 2015, Highland Heights, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Thomas, W., Antonious, G., Turley, E. and Hill, R. (2015). Separation and quantification of glucosinolates in Brassica vegetables. Kentucky Academy of Science 2015 Annual Meeting, November 13-14, 2015, Highland Heights, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Turley, E. and Antonious, G. (2015). Impact of soil amendments on the quality of field-grown onions. Kentucky Academy of Science 2015 Annual Meeting, November 13-14, 2015, Highland Heights, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hill, R., Trivette, T., Turley, E. and Antonious, G. (2015). Impact of soil amendments on Brassica biomass. Kentucky Academy of Science 2015 Annual Meeting, November 13-14, 2015, Highland Heights, KY.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2015). Heavy metals in pepper grown in soil amended with recycled waste. University of Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Annual Research Report No. PR-706, pages 32-34, Department of Horticulture, Lexington, KY 40546. Published in December, 2015.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, G. F. (2015). Heavy metals in pepper grown in soil amended with recycled waste. In Fruit and Vegetable 2015 Annual Research Report No. PR-706. University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture, Lexington, KY: 32-34.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included Kentucky farmers who were provided with detailed information about growing arugula and mustard greens in recycled waste and potential soil biofumigation using arugula and mustard. Results were also presented at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm by Dr. Antonious at UK South Farm, Lexington, KY. Target audience also included the KSU/College of Agriculture Third-Thursday monthly meetings held at KSU Harold Benson Research & Demonstration Farm & KSU graduate and undergraduate student's taking Dr. Antonious's agriculture classes (AFE 340 Environment and Agroecology, ENV-595 Environmental Science and Bioremediation and ENV 511 Energy and Environment) as well as campus and open house visitors. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students taking ENV-595 (Environmental Science & Bioremediation course), AFE-340 (Environmental Science & Agro Ecology, and ENV-511 (Energy & the Environment) were able to learn the principles of science and problems associated with recycled waste; analyze soil and water samples collected from agricultural fields; describe conventional and sustainable practices; monitor contaminants in environmental samples; learn recent analytical techniques of extraction, clean-up of soil and water samples; learn chromatographic separation, detection, and quantification of environmental contaminants. These courses have provided students with background information about current environmental dilemma such as soil deterioration, air pollution, water pollution, and deforestration, biodiversity and species interactions, and energy generation, energy storage, safety and waste disposal issues. Ms. Catherine Croft (undergraduate student), Ms. Regina Hill (Research Assistant), Mr. William Garett Henry (KSU graduate student), and Mr. Eric Turley (Co-Investigator) were all worked side-by-side with Dr. Antonious and provided with the training opportunities in environmentally related issues (see publication record). The project has allowed two faculty members (Drs. George Antonious from KSU & John Snyder, project participate from the University of Kentucky) to share research results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project has developed career learning opportunities to all students involved in this research project. Results were disseminated to Kentucky small farmers at KSU Small Farm Conference, National and International presentations in agricultural science meetings, such as the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2014 Annual Meeting in November 14-16, 2014, Lexington Convention Center, KY, Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) in November 2-5, 2014, Long Beach, CA & the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), July 28-31, 2014 Annual Conference, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL. Results were also disseminated to Kentucky agricultural researchers and growers through the Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Annual Research Report published by Department of Horticulture, Lexington, KY 40546. Research results were also disseminated to KSU graduate and undergraduate students through on-campus presentations, seminars, and flyers. In addition, research results were also disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals (see publication record). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will assess the impact of soil amendments (sewage sludge, horse manure, and chicken manure) applied at 15 tons per acre, on dry weight basis, on the the activities of soil enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, inverstase, and urease) and heavy metals (Cd, Ni, and Pb) concentrations and bioaccumulations in plants grown under this practice. The persistence of pesticides applied to soil amended with sewage sludge, horse manure, and chicken manure will be compared with pesticides persistence in no-mulch bare soil.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A field trial area was established at the University of Kentucky South Farm. Arugula (Eruca sative) and mustard (Brassica juncea) were grown in 30' × 144' beds of freshly tilled soil at eight inch row spacing on April 15, 2015. The entire study area contained 24 plots (2 crops × 3 replicates × 4 treatments). Each bed was divided into three replicates in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the following four treatments: 1) control (no-mulch untreated soil); 2) sewage sludge, applied at 15 tons per acre; 3) horse manure applied at 15 tons per acre; and 4) chicken manure applied as 15 tons per acre, on dry weight basis. Soil samples were collected and the plants were harvested three times during the growing season. Plant root weight, shoot weight and total plant weight were recorded for each of the four soil treatments. Arugula and mustard plants were also sprayed with a mixture of two insecticides (permethrin and cypermethrin) and leaf samples were collected at different time intervals for detemination of insecticide residues. Leaf samples were also collected for determination of glucosinolates (GSLs, β-D-thioglucoside-N-hydroxysulfates). The objectives of this investigation were to: 1) assess variation in GSLs concentrations among plants grown under four soil management practices, 2) quantify GSLs concentrations in roots, leaves, and stems at harvest for potential use of their crude extracts in plant protection, and 3) assess myrosinase activity in soil amended with chicken manure, horse manure, and sewage sludge mixed with native soil. Separation of GSLs was accomplished by adsorption on a DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange resin using disposable pipette tips filled with DEAE, a weak base, with a net positive charge when ionized and exchange anions such as GSLs (hydrophilic plant secondary metabolites). Quantification of total GSLs was based on inactivation of plant endogenous myrosinase and liberation of the glucose moiety from the GSLs molecule by addition of standardized myrosinase and colorimetric determination of the liberated glucose moiety.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF (2015): Decontamination of pesticide residues for sustainable agriculture. JSM Environmental Science & Ecology 3 (1), 1014-1020.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF (2015): Glucosinolates in collard greens grown under three soil management practices. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, volume 50, 368-373.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF (2015). Reducing herbicides in agricultural runoff and seepage water. Book chapter-1, p 3-34. In: Herbicides, Physiology of Action, and Safety, ISBN 978-953-51-4413-7, edited by Andrew Price, Linda Sarunaite, and Jessica Kelton. Published by Intech, Janeza Trdine 9, Rijeka, Croatia.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Morris, JB; Chase, C; Treadwell, D; Koenig, R; Choc, A; Morales-Payand, JP; Murphy, T; and Antonious, GF (2015). Effect of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) cutting date and planting density on weed suppression in Georgia, USA. J. Environmental Science and Health Part B (2015) 50, 614621.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF; Eric T. Turley; Regina R. Hill (2014): Impact of soil amendments on metribuzin and DCPA half-lives and mobility into agricultural runoff water. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, volume 49, 313323.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, G.F. (2014). Impact of soil management practices on yield, fruit quality, and antioxidant contents of pepper at four stages of fruit development. J. Environmental Sci. Health, Part B49, 769-774.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF; Eric T. Turley; Regina R. Hill (2014). Antioxidant contents of bell pepper and melon fruits grown in soil amended with recycled waste. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 49, 361365.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF; Turley, E; Hill, R; Snyder, JC (2014): Chicken manure enhanced yield and quality of field-grown kale and collard greens. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part-B Pesticides, 49, 299-304.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Antonious, GF (2015): Heavy metals uptake in plant parts of hot pepper grown in recycled waste. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), August 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious, GF (2014). Presented a research paper titled Enzymatic activity and concentration of trace-elements in soil collected from three Kentucky Counties, published abstract of oral presentation at the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), November 2-5, 2014 Annual Meeting, Long Beach Convention Center, S-7, CA. Available at https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2014am/webprogram/Paper85116.html.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious, GF (2014). Sewage sludge enhanced the glucosinolates content of collard greens, University of Kentucky, Food, Fruit and Vegetable 2014, PR-688, pages 32-34, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Annual Report, Lexington, KY 40546. Published at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/PR/PR688/PR688.pdf.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious, GF (2014). Oral presentation titled Glucosinolates of collard greens grown under three soil management practices at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2014 Annual Meeting, November 14-16, 2014, Lexington Convention Center, West Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Eric Turley and George Antonious (2014). Oral presentation titled Monitoring nutrients levels in Kentucky River at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2014 Annual Meeting, November 14-16, 2014, Lexington Convention Center, 430 West Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Catherine Croft (KSU undergraduate student), Regina Hill, and George Antonious (2014). Poster presentation titled Runoff and leaching of herbicides from agriculture fields at the Kentucky Academy of Science, 2014 Annual Meeting, November 14-16, 2014, Lexington Convention Center, West Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Regina Hill and George Antonious (2014). Oral presentation titled Use of Municipal Sewage Sludge in Land Farming at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), 2014 Annual Meeting, November 14-16, 2014, Lexington Convention Center, West Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: KSU graduate and undergraduate students who are seeking expertise in laboratory and field research training, i.e. Ms. Marie Blacksmith (KSU graduate student), spring-2014 has completed her thesis titled "Glucosinolates concentrations in kale and myrosinase activity in soil amended with recycled waste". Ms. Blacksmith has completed her Master's Thesis Defense in Environmental Science on May 8, 2014. Also, Kentucky small farmers through the Kentucky State University Research and Demonstration Farm meetings, as well as KSU graduate and undergraduate student's taking agricultural classes (ENV 511, ENV 595, and AFE 340) taught by the PD of this project (Dr. Antonious). Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Ms. Catherine Croft, KSU undergraduate student, was given the opportunity to quantify pesticides in soil and present her research results at scientific conferences (see project products). Ms. Tianna Lyles, KSU Bio-410 undergraduate student, was given the opportunity to monitor water quality in Kentucky River (water conductivity, ammonia-N, and nitrate-N in relation to the water quality standards) and present her research results at scientific conferences (see project products). Ms. Marie Blacksmith (KSU graduate student) has completed her Master of Science, project title "Glucosinolates concentrations and myrosinase activity in kale grown in soil amended with recycled waste" and presented her research results at scientific conferences (see project products). In addition, two KSU personnel in this project, Mr. Eric Turley (Co-investigator) and Ms. Regina Hill (Research assistant), were given the opportunity to learn several analytical techniques for pesticides extraction and quantification in soil and water. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Printed brochures about the project goals and results were distributed to campus and open house visitors at KSU campus events. Undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the project plan of work were given the opportunity to present their research results at the Kentucky Academy of Science and Posters-at-the-Capitol Annual Meetings through oral and poster presentations. Results of using sewage sludge and chicken manure for land farming were also disseminated to Kentucky farmers at KSU Small Farm Conferences through oral presentations, flyers, and printed brochures. The PD has also presented several oral and poster presentations at national meetings such as the Annual Meeting of Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and at the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference describing the project goals and achievements. A presentation (CAFSSS Environmental Studies: An Overview) was made at the R.O.C. Wi Hi Summer Program to Summer High School Students. A presentation on KSU/CAFSSS Environmental Studies and Sustainable Systems Research, Extension, and Teaching Activities was made to visiting faculty and administrators from Michael Okpara University, Nigeria. Dr. Antonious also presented "Mitigation of pesticide residues" at the University of Kentucky Faculty Seminar Series, Department of Horticulture, Lexington, KY. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Additional methodologies to mitigate the impact of pesticides and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni) on the ecosystem will be implemented in three Kentucky counties: Meade County (Mr. Norman Watts, Brandenburg Road, Ekron, KY); Boyle County (Mr. Larry Sims, Pollys Bend Road, Lancaster, KY); and Grayson County (Mr. Harvel Escue, Owensboro Road, Leitchfield, KY). Growers concerns have been expressed over the long-term use of sewage sludge and heavy metals uptake and accumulation in edible crops at harvest. Crops grown on acidic soils accumulate higher concentrations of most metals in their tissues. To assist rural communities in implementing sustainable agriculture systems that reduce the transport of pesticide residues into surface water and prevent potential accumulation of heavy metals from sewage sludge and chicken manure into edible plants at harvest, while providing crop needs of organic fertilizers, we will deliver information and on-site guidance to enable small farmers in Kentucky to reduce pesticides and nutrient load on surface runoff and seepage water through recycled organic waste and use of soil management practice. KSU/College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) will provide the leadership in three counties by assisting limited resource farmers with guidance and training on safe use of sewage sludge for land farming to reduce the impact of pesticides and heavy metals on environmental quality.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Data was analyzed from an experiment that was conducted using eighteen (18) runoff plots and 18 pan lysimeters to monitor the presence or absence of herbicide residues and/or nitrate, ammonia, and phosphate in the vadose zone. Runoff water under natural rainfall events was collected and quantified at the lower end of each plot throughout the growing season using tipping-bucket runoff metering apparatus. The retention and behavior of two herbicides, metribuzin and DCPA in runoff and seepage water from agricultural fields were investigated. The objectives of this investigation were to: (i) determine the dissipation and half-life (T1/2) of metribuzin and DCPA herbicides in soil under three management practices: chicken manure (CM), sewage sludge (SS), and no-mulch native soil (NM); (ii) monitor herbicides residues in runoff and infiltration water following addition of soil amendments; and (iii) determine the impact of soil amendments on the transport of NO3, NH4, and PO4 from soil into surface and subsurface water. Half-life (T 1/2) values of metribuzin were 24, 18, and 12 d in CM, SS, and NM treatments, respectively. Similarly, T 1/2 values of DCPA were greater in CM and SS incorporated soil (45.8 and 52.2 d, respectively) compared to NM native soil (26.2 d). Addition of CM and SS to native agricultural soil increased water infiltration, lowering runoff water volume and herbicide residues in runoff following natural rainfall events. These findings indicated that soil amendments could be used to intercept pesticide-contaminated runoff from agricultural fields. This practice might provide a potential solution to pesticide contamination of surface and seepage water from farmlands. Concentration of NO3− in leachate water was greater than in runoff water. This study revealed that increasing soil organic matter by the addition of soil amendments, such as CM and SS mixed with native soil, reduced the transport of the two herbicides metribuzin and DCPA down the land slope into runoff water. In addition, field studies at three locations in Kentucky counties revealed that regardless of soil location, results indicated that native soil invertase and urease were significantly (P< 0.05) enhanced due to addition of SS. Invertase and urease activities were increased by 89 and 47%, respectively in soil mixed with SS compared to native soil. Similarly, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities increased by 23 and 26%, respectively after soil incorporation with SS. In addition, regardless of soil treatments, urease activity was greater in soil samples collected from Meade location compared to Adair and Franklin locations. Whereas invertase activity was significantly greater in both Franklin and Meade locations compared to Adair location. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in Adair and Meade were greater than Franklin location. Urease is an enzyme that depends on Ni for its activity. The increase in urease activity associated with SS addition may also be explained by the presence of Zn in SS or by the presence of urea, the substrate of the enzyme. SS contains high amounts of enzymatic substrates. These easily available substrates stimulate microbial growth and enzyme secretion.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF, Turley ET, Hill, RR. (2014). Impact of soil amendments on metribuzin and DCPA half-lives and mobility into agricultural runoff water. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, volume 49, 313323.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF, Turley ET, and Hill RR. (2014). Antioxidant contents of bell pepper and melon fruits grown in soil amended with recycled waste. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part B, volume 49, 361365.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF, Turley E, Bomford M, Mims S, Sedlacek J, Webster T, and Hubbard-Sanchez J. (2014). Sustainable Research Projects and Campus Initiatives in the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems at Kentucky State University. Sustain, J. of Environmental and Sustainability Issues, Spring/Summer 2014, 42-47.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF, Turley ET, Hill R, and Snyder JC. (2014). Chicken manure enhanced yield and quality of field-grown kale and collard greens. J. Environmental Science and Health, Part-B Pesticides, 49, 299-304.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF. (2014). Impact of soil management practices on yield, fruit quality, and antioxidant contents of pepper at four stages of fruit development. J. Environmental Sci. Health, Part B49, 769-774.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF. (2014). Sewage sludge enhanced the glucosinolates content of collard greens, University of Kentucky, Food, Fruit and Vegetable Report 2014, PR-688, pages 32-34, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Lexington, KY 40546.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Antonious GF. (2014). Antioxidant content of pepper grown in recycled water. page 74, American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), July 28-31, 2014 Annual Conference, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Blackberry MJ and Antonious GF (2014). Quantification of Capsaicin in Hot Pepper Fruits. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, Frankfort, KY on February 27, 2014. Published abstract #128, page 90.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lyles T, Antonious G and Turley E. (2014). Assessment of the Kentucky River Water Quality. Kentucky Posters-at-the-Capitol, Frankfort, KY on February 27, 2014. Published abstract #77, page 59.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Blacksmith M. (2014). Glucosinolates concentrations in kale and myrosinase activity in soil amended with recycled waste. (Unpublished master's thesis.) Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hill RR, Antonious GF and Turley ET. (2013). Heavy metal concentrations in edible plants. 99th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Science, Agricultural Sciences, November 8-9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Croft C, Antonious GF, Turley ET and Hill RR. (2013). Exploring soil amendments in agricultural production. 99th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Science, Agricultural Sciences, November 8-9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Blacksmith M, Antonious GF, Hill RR and Turley ET. (2013). An effective and quick procedure for glucosinolates quantification. 99th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Science, Agricultural Sciences, November 8-9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Turley ET and Antonious GF. (2013). Sewage sludge increased vegetables yield over five years of field studies. 99th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Science, Agricultural Sciences Section, November 8-9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.