Aspects of agricultural use of potato starch waste water.

Abstract

Disposal of potato starch process water (average N, P2O5, K2O contents, 390, 140, 700 mg/l) on the land results in a high degree of purification. Complete purification is obtained in sandy soils if the rates do not exceed 100 to 150 mm/year. To maintain favourable conditions for biological decomposition of the organic matter the dose should be less than the water storage capacity of the soil. Disposal of the annual amount between a number of sprinkling irrigations is therefore recommended. Application rates can be adjusted to plant nutrient requirements. Optimum adjustment leads to an average yearly application of 25 mm yearly for the normal cropping pattern of the Peat Colonies. If excess supply is accepted the average value can be increased to 60 mm without harmful effects. From a computerized model study of the effect of the utilization of this waste water on farm economic results, the applications of 50 and 100 mm gave the highest returns.[227.7]. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)