Whey utilization in furrow irrigation: effects on aggregate stability and erosion
Gary A Lehrsch1, Charles W Robbins, Melvin J Brown
1USDA-ARS, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, 3793 N. 3600 E., Kimberly, ID 83341-5076, USA. Gary.Lehrsch@ars.usda.gov
Bioresource Technology
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Cottage cheese whey application stabilized soil aggregates and significantly reduced sediment loss in irrigation furrows. This agricultural byproduct offers a sustainable solution for improving soil structure and reducing erosion.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Improving soil structure is crucial for reducing furrow erosion and maintaining water infiltration.
- Cottage cheese whey, a byproduct of dairy processing, has potential as a soil amendment.
- Soil degradation in agricultural fields necessitates innovative and sustainable solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cottage cheese whey in stabilizing soil aggregates.
- To quantify the reduction in sediment losses from furrow irrigation using whey.
- To assess the impact of whey on the aggregate stability of degraded calcareous soil.
Main Methods:
- Application of cottage cheese whey (2.4 or 1.9L/m) via gravity flow in irrigation furrows.
- Irrigation of treated and control furrows.
- Measurement of sediment losses using furrow flumes.
- Assessment of soil aggregate stability via wet sieving.
Main Results:
- Whey application significantly increased aggregate stability by 25% at 0-15mm depth and 14% at 15-30mm depth.
- Average sediment losses were reduced by 75% in furrows treated with whey on a 2.4% slope.
- Whey demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the stability of structurally degraded calcareous soil.
Conclusions:
- Cottage cheese whey is an effective soil stabilizer for irrigation furrows.
- Whey application significantly reduces soil erosion and improves soil structure in agricultural settings.
- Utilizing dairy byproducts like whey presents a sustainable approach to soil management and conservation.
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