Percorrer por autor "Wilfert, Philipp"
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- Enhancing maize growth and reducing irrigation needs with extracellular polymeric substances and microbial inoculantsPublication . Overall, Alexandra; Moreira, Helena; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Castro, Paula M. L.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.Soil amendments and microbial inoculants can affect plant growth, water retention, and crop resilience. This study investigated the effects of two amendments, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and biochar, with and without bacterial inoculation, on maize (Zea mays) growth, irrigation needs, and physiological responses. Maize was cultivated in soil with 2.5 % and 5 % (w/w) of wet EPS (Kaumera®) or biochar and inoculated with a bacterial consortium consisting of Arthrobacter nicotinovorans EAPPA and Rhodococcus sp. EC35. EPS-treated plants exhibited significantly higher shoot biomass, larger stem thickness, while soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values suggest improved nutrient availability and photosynthetic efficiency. In non-inoculated plants, EPS supplementation increased shoot dry biomass by 78 % and stem thickness by 9 % compared to control plants grown without amendments. This enhancement strongly correlated with nutrient uptake, especially in plants supplemented with 5 % of EPS. Particularly, Mg and Ca concentrations increased by 195 % and 73 %, respectively, compared to non-amended controls. Inoculation further amplified these benefits, underscoring its key role in plant development and resilience. In contrast, biochar-treated plants exhibited reduced growth, suggesting stress effects at the tested addition doses. Electrolyte leakage, a key indicator of plant stress, was significantly lower in soils amended with EPS, suggesting that EPS provides a protective effect to the plants. EPS also demonstrated remarkable water retention benefits, reducing irrigation requirements by 30 % with 5 % of EPS application, compared to 9 % reduction with biochar. The use of EPS, combined with microbial inoculants, represents a sustainable agricultural strategy for optimizing maize production in water-limited environments.
- Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake in Maize (Zea mays L.) using extracellular polymeric substances recovered from waste sludgePublication . Amorim, Catarina L.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Martins, António; Castro, Paula M. L.; Miranda, CatarinaExtracellular polymeric substances (EPS) can be recovered from waste aerobic granular sludge (AGS) generated during biological wastewater treatment. These biopolymers are rich in organic carbon and nutrients and can improve the water-holding capacity of soils, making them suitable for agricultural applications.
- Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake in Maize (Zea mays L.) using extracellular polymeric substances recovered from waste sludgePublication . Amorim, Catarina L.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Martins, António; Castro, Paula M. L.; Miranda, CatarinaExtracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are biopolymers that can be recovered from waste aerobic granular sludge (AGS) generated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These biopolymers represent a valuable resource with attractive attributes, making them suitable for applications across different sectors. In agriculture, EPSs have attracted growing interest, although their beneficial effects are still underexplored. In a 7-week greenhouse experiment, the effects of EPSs recovered from waste AGS sourced from two WWTPs (Utrecht (EPS_U) and Faro (EPS_F)) and a lab-scale reactor (EPS_R) on maize growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutrient uptake and use efficiency were explored. EPSs were incorporated into the soil at doses of 0.5% and 1% (w/w), and their effects were evaluated against equivalent doses of vermicompost and non-amended soil (control). EPS incorporation, especially with 1% EPS_R, enhanced stem thickness and shoot fresh weight, whereas lower doses of other EPS sources and vermicompost had only marginal effects. Additionally, EPSs, regardless of their source, markedly enhanced the chlorophyll content compared to plants grown in non-amended soils, demonstrating their role in enhancing nutrient availability and maize photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, the incorporation of EPS_R_1% and EPS_F_1% markedly increased the Mg and K uptake by 46% and 34%, respectively, compared to the control. Some EPS treatments were also able to increase the use efficiency of Ca, K, Na, and Zn, compared to plants in vermicompost-treated soils. As such, EPSs can effectively enhance the availability, uptake, and use of nutrients in maize. The study highlights the potential of waste-derived biopolymers to enhance maize nutritional traits and physiological responses while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and resource recovery strategies.
- Impact of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), biochar, and microbial inoculants on maize growth and irrigation needsPublication . Overall, Alexandra; Moreira, Helena; Sousa, Ana Sofia; Wilfert, Philipp; van Loosdrecht, Mark; Castro, Paula M. L.; Pereira, S. I. A.
- Unveiling the agronomic potential of extracellular polymeric substances recovered from aerobic granular sludge on maizePublication . Amorim, Catarina L.; Pereira, Sofia I.A.; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Martins, António; Castro, Paula M. L.; Miranda, CatarinaBackground: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) recovered from waste aerobic granular sludge (AGS) generated during wastewater treatment represent a promising route for resource recovery. As valuable biopolymers, EPS have garnered special attention across multiple sectors, particularly agriculture, although their benefits in this field remain understudied. This study assessed the agronomic potential of EPS recovered from three AGS sources, including two full-scale wastewater treatment plants in Utrecht (EPS_U) and Faro (EPS_F), and a laboratory-scale reactor (EPS_R), as soil amendments. Methods: A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two EPS doses (0.5% and 1% w/w) on maize growth, nutrient uptake, and soil enzyme activities, compared with vermicompost at the same doses and a non-amended soil (control). Results: Both the source and dose of EPS strongly influenced their performance, with EPS often outperforming vermicompost. Notably, application of 1% of EPS, regardless of the source, markedly enhanced maize chlorophyll content, with EPS_R at 1% increasing it by 62% compared to 1% vermicompost and by 105% compared to the control. Similarly, applying 1% of EPS_R significantly increased shoot fresh weight and stem thickness. Nutritionally, 1% of EPS_R and 1% of EPS_F enhanced magnesium and potassium contents in shoots by 46% and 34%, respectively. Regarding soil enzymatic, EPS_U_1% greatly stimulated urease activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, while EPS_R_1% maximized acid phosphatase activity, underscoring the role of EPS in fostering a healthy rhizosphere. Conclusions: Using EPS as soil amendments offers a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers, while their recovery for agricultural use supports circular economy principles within the water sector.