<b>Chemical changes in soil cultivated with Tifton 85 grass (<em>Cynodon</em> spp.) and fertilized with a percolate of urban solid wastes</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v33i3.6124

Abstract

The chemical characteristics of a soil cultivated with Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp.) after receiving different urban solid waste (MSW) leachate rates were evaluated. A 5,000 L reservoir, filled with new MSW was used to produce the leachate used in the research. The leachate was applied at rates of 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 kg ha^-1 day^-1 of BOD. The pH, the content of organic matter (OM), N-total, NO₃^-, NH₄⁺, available P and exchangeable concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Mn were measured. Soil Cationic Exchange Capacity (CEC) was also determided by calculation. It was found that MSW leachate application raised soil N-total, K, P, NO₃^- and Mn concentrations. MSW leachate rates less than 750 kg ha^-1 day^-1 of BOD provided no elevation of contaminant concentrations to critical levels during the experiment period and, therefore, these rates can be used. However, we recommend a long term monitoring of soil chemical characteristics and groundwater in order to assess environmental contamination risks if disposal was done outside landfill.