Adam H. Wiese

Choosing tree genotypes for phytoremediation of landfill leachate using phyto-recurrent selection

Information about the response of poplar (Populus spp.) genotypes to landfill leachate irrigation is needed, along with efficient methods for choosing genotypes based on leachate composition. Poplar clones were irrigated during three cycles of phyto-recurrent selection to test whether genotypes responded differently to leachate and water, and to test whether the methodology had merit as a tool for plant selection during remediation. Fifteen below- and above-ground traits were evaluated. Twenty-five clones were tested in cycle 1, while the best 12 genotypes were evaluated in cycles 2 and 3. Eight clones were selected and subsequently tested in an in situ landfill study (cycle 4). Results from cycles 1, 2, and 3 are presented here. Overall, clones responded differently to irrigation treatments, with certain genotypes exhibiting better below- and above-ground growth with water than leachate. However, growth was greater with leachate irrigation for some clones. In addition, differences between treatments within clones decreased with days after planting (DAP). There were no treatment differences for number of leaves, height, and root length at the end of cycle 2 (45 DAP) or cycle 3 (30 DAP). These results detail the extensive variation in clonal responses to leachate irrigation, along with the need and efficacy of using phyto-recurrent selection to choose superior genotypes.

Uptake of Macro- and Micro-Nutrients into Leaf, Woody, and Root Tissue of Populus after Irrigation with Landfill Leachate

ABSTRACT Information about macro- and micro-nutrient uptake and distribution into tissues of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate helps to maximize biomass production and understand impacts of leachate chemistry on tree health. We irrigated eight Populus clones (NC 13460, NCI4O18, NC14104, NC14106, DM115, DN5, NM2, NM6) with fertilized (N, P, K) well water(control) or municipal solid waste landfill leachate weekly during 2005 and 2006 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA. During Aug. 2006, we tested for differences in total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, B, Mn, Fe, Cu, Al, and Pb concentration in preplanting and harvest soils; and in leaf, woody (stems + branches), and root tissue. Other than N, leachate did not increase the soil concentration of elements relative to preplanting levels. There was broad genotypic variation for tissue concentrations, with clone-specific uptake for most elements. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, and Mn concentrations were greatest in leaves and least in woody tissue, while those of Fe, Cu, and Al were greatest in roots and least in leaves and woody tissue. Overall, successful uptake of nutrients without impacts to tree health validated the use of landfill leachate as an irrigation and fertilization source for Populus.

Irrigating Poplar Energy Crops with Landfill Leachate Negatively Affects Soil Micro- and Meso-Fauna

Increased municipal solid waste generated worldwide combined with substantial demand for renewable energy has prompted testing and deployment of woody feedstock production systems that reuse and recycle wastewaters as irrigation and fertilization. Populus selections are ideal for such systems given their fast growth, extensive root systems, and high water usage rates. Maintaining ecological sustainability (i.e., the capacity for an ecosystem to maintain its function and retain its biodiversity over time) during tree establishment and development is an important component of plantation success, especially for belowground faunal populations. To determine the impact of solid waste leachate on soil micro- and meso-fauna, we compared soil from eight different Populus clones receiving municipal solid waste landfill leachate irrigation with clones receiving fertilized (N, P, K) well water irrigation. Microfauna (i.e., nematodes) communities were more diverse in control soils. Mesofauna (i.e., insects) were associated with all clones; however, they were four times more abundant around trees found within the control plot than those that received leachate treatments. Nematode and insect abundance varied among Populus clones yet insect diversity was greater in the leachate-treated soils. Phytotechnologies must allow for soil faunal sustainability, as upsetting this balance could lead to great reductions in phytotechnology efficacy.

The Crush and Spray a patented design for herbicide application with less waste

The USDA Forest Service recently patented an equipment design to deliver herbicides more efficiently and cost-effectively. Towed by a standard all-terrain vehicle, the Crush and Spray can access out-of-the-way or wet locations. An adjustable roller first knocks down the unwanted plants. A low-set spray boom with wide angle sprayer nozzles then provides precise, close-to-the-ground application of herbicide along the length of each plant. The operator can easily control the flow of chemicals using a pressurized pumping system with a simple on–off switch. This Crush and Spray system treats targeted plants without wasting herbicides or creating overspray and chemical drift. In field trials over the course of 2 y, the Crush and Spray was used successfully to treat quackgrass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould [Poaceae]) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. [Asteraceae]). On average, more than 96% of the plants treated in the Crush and Spray plots were successfully eliminated with just one application of herbicides. In comparison plots, the same chemicals delivered without the Crush and Spray effectively treated an average of 87% of the grasses and 77% of the broadleaf plants. An unexpected finding from the field trials was that plots treated with the Crush and Spray in year one had very low regrowth of weeds in year two even though no additional chemicals were applied.