Using experimental facilities with controlled and contained growing conditions 4Recycling Ltd are able to offer their clients a bespoke experimental programme for assessing the chemical efficacy of their products, and detailed plant growth tests (bioassay) for assessing the impacts on crop yield and quality and soil fertility.
A typical bioassay study will investigate the effect of a soil amendment on plant growth (yield and quality) and soil fertility, with each amendment applied at a series of application rates dependent upon predicted plant and soil responses.
The amended soils are then sown with a series of different crop species (e.g. wheat, oilseed rape, grass, tomato) and allowed to grow for c.20 weeks before the plants are harvested and submitted for a series of analysis.
Each experimental treatment is assessed for both fresh and dry matter yields, and the dry matter analysed for major plant nutrients and minor elements.
The soils from each treatment are analysed before commencement of the bioassay and post plant harvest, to assess the impacts of the soil amendments on soil fertility and quality.
At conclusion of the bioassay, 4Recycling Ltd are able to produce a report detailing the potential value of the product for agricultural/horticultural use, plus identify any significant impacts of the material on soil and crop quality.
