| dc.description.abstract | Demand for establishing a sustainable food system has increased in past decades. Brewers' Spent Grain (BSG) is main byproduct of beer production process. Global beer industries produce up to 39 million tons of waste annually but usually, but it is usually wasted because it is too perishable to feed animals. BSG contains valuable nutrients for soil including nitrogen (19%-30%). Application of raw BSG to soil for agricultural production has a potential to enhance soil health by supplementing organic materials and stimulating microbial activities. Currently land-application utilizes composted BSG, which is costly and time consuming to produce. The main purpose of this project was to determine if application of fresh BSG enhances soil health and increase yields of plants. In this research, Radish Rover F1 was grown for five weeks in green house, and BSG was applied at three different application rates and two application methods (0, 10 and 40 g applied to the surface or incorporated per 460 g air-dried soil) application) Dry mass of total radish tissue of shoots and roots, nutrient contents (i.e., P, K) in radish tissue, total C:N ratio in soil, and beta glucosidase, N-acetylglutamate (NAG), and phosphatase enzyme activity were assessed to determine effects of BSG on radish growth and soil health improvement. The result showed 40 g incorporated significantly improved dry biomass, P, K contents in plants, total C:N ratio in soil and microbial enzyme activities compared to no BSG application. In conclusion, BSG acted as soil amendment enhancing productivity, microbial activity, and nutrient cycle in soil. The results of this greenhouse evaluation strongly suggest that BSG has potential to enhance soil health and potential crop yields. | |
