 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
New use possible for ethanol plant wastes
Washington (UPI) Jul 8, 2008 U.S. scientists say a byproduct of corn ethanol fuel production might become useful as a way of controlling weeds in potted ornamental plants. Researchers said the potential herbicide -- dried distillers grains with solubles, or DDGS -- is a byproduct of converting corn to fuel ethanol. DDGS is typically used as livestock feed but U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers Rick Boydston, Harold Collins and Steve Vaughn undertook a study to evaluate the use of DDGS as a weed deterrent on potted ornamentals. They applied DDGS two ways: to the soil surface and mixed into the potting media of transplanted ornamentals. Applied to the soil surface after transplanting, the researchers found DDGS caused no injury to plants and reduced the amount of common chickweed and annual bluegrass. Weed control was not perfect, Boydston said, but could reduce hand-weeding. When mixed into the potting media, however, DDDS was toxic to transplanted rose, coreopsis and phlox plants. The scientists noted additional research is needed to identify and confirm the safety of using DDGS on other ornamentals and its effectiveness of controlling other types of weeds. The study results appeared in the February issue of HortScience. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Ethanol Byproduct Produces Green Results
Prosser WA (SPX) Jul 07, 2008Commercial flower and plant growers know all too well that invasive, ubiquitous weeds cause trouble by lowering the value and deterring healthy growth of potted ornamental plants. To control weeds, many commercial nursery owners resort to the expensive practice of paying workers to hand-weed containers. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook