Show Potential Seen For For Boosting Soil Nutrients Industrial organic wastes may prove to be valuable resources resources resources re re- re- re sources when it comes to alleviating alleviating alle alle- fertilizer shortages Recent studies at the University University Uni Uni- of Rhode Island indicate indicate indi indi- indicate cate good potential lor utilizing the wastes both as plant nutrients nutrients and as assoil soil conditioners During their investigation plant and nd soil scientists t tested t to residues from Ii a a pharm teal cal firms firm's production df antibiotics anti anti- and organic acids Composed primarily of cellulose lose nd protein the waste contains contains contains con con- about two p percent organic nitrogen Unlike most commercial inorganic inorganic inorganic in in- organic nitrogen sources nitrogen nitrogen nitro nitro- gen in the waste is slow low release a desirable factor from the standpoint of crop production and environmental quality In addition the wastes do not contain the large amounts of heavy metals or pathogenic organisms organisms or or- often otten found in sewage sludge Experimental plots of potatoes potatoes pota pota- toes treated with the waste product had higher yields than those using commercial fertilizers fertilizers fertil fertil- scientists report Turf Turf- grass also grew profusely and had excellent color with no supplemental supplemental supplemental sup sup- nitrogen Evidence also indicated that the waste increases the soils soil's water holding capacity Because of the nitrogen's s slow release quality scientists say the waste can be applied at rates of 50 to tons an acre with no danger of ground groundwater groundwater groundwater water pollution I As a result of ot their studies Rhode Island researchers believe be lieve many materials now considered con con- considered as wastes may prove be valuable as soil sot supplements |