Degree Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2018
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Horticulture
Major
Horticulture
First Advisor
William R. Graves
Abstract
This thesis comprises five chapters and details the evaluation of wastewater-grown-algae-based materials as plant fertilizers in container-crop production. Chapter one provides context for the thesis followed by a detailed review of literature relevant to bio-based fertilization and the use of algae to treat wastewater. Chapters two through four are manuscripts intended for submission to HortScience. Chapter two details the production of three container-grown crops with pellets or pastes of wastewater-grown algae as a fertilizer source. Evaluation of extruded algae-and-bioplastic materials as fertilizers for three container-crops and for turfgrass are reported in chapters three and four, respectively. The final chapter synthesizes the results of chapters two through four to form general conclusions regarding the efficacy of wastewater-grown algae as a horticultural fertilizer, and finally, suggests areas meriting further research.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/etd-180810-5988
Copyright Owner
J Austin Gimondo
Copyright Date
2018-05
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
135 pages
Recommended Citation
Gimondo, J Austin, "The horticultural potential of wastewater-grown algae fertilizers" (2018). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 16358.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/16358