Regional Assessment of Nutrient and Pesticide Leaching in the Vegetable Production Area of Rattaphum Catchment, Thailand

Regional groundwater vulnerability maps to indicate the impact of leaching of chemicals under different management scenarios were prepared for the Rattaphum Catchment using several leaching models and GIS techniques. The Attenuation Factor (AF) model was used to simulate the leaching potential of several pesticides for selected soils in the catchment under different rates of recharge from irrigation. The LEACHN model was used to simulate the NO₃ ⁻ leaching potential and LEACHP was used to simulate leaching potential of metolachlor under different management scenarios. The results showed that only a small number of pesticides have the potential to contaminate the shallow groundwater. However, the risk of contamination with nutrients is much higher due to the mobility and conservative nature of the NO₃ ⁻. The LEACHP results indicated that the intensive use of agrochemicals in the vegetable growing area, especially during the rainy season when the groundwater is near the surface, increases the risk of pesticide contamination. The results of upscaling from the farm to the catchment scale using soil maps and GIS techniques under various management scenarios and chemical application rates showed that the most effective strategy to reduce chemical leaching is by reducing pesticide application rates and optimizing the application of irrigation water. The identification of potential high risk farms by ranking soils and agricultural practices could be used to formulate management practices that reduce pesticide contamination of the surface and ground water resources in the area.     

Estimation of nutrient values of pig slurries in Southeast Spain using easily determined properties

The contents of available nutrients in pig slurries are not easy to quantify in situ without laboratory facilities, but chemical analyses using standard laboratory methods also take time and are costly and not practical for most farms. Thus, when animal slurries are applied to land, their fertiliser potential is often unknown. In addition, in the last years, the changes in the management of industrial piggeries has changed the nature of the pig slurries vg. decrease of the dry matter content, and consequently the methods and equations used for estimating the nutrient contents in these residues must be checked. In our study, slurry samples were collected from the storage tanks of 36 commercial farms in Southeast Spain. Samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), redox potential (RP), specific density (D), total solids (TS), sedimentable solids (SS), biological oxygen demand (BOD(5)), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TKN), ammonium nitrogen (AN), organic nitrogen (ON), and total contents of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Relationships between major nutrient levels of pig slurries and a range of physical and chemical properties were investigated. We also analysed the variability of pig slurries according to the production stage. TKN, AN and K were closely related to EC. The P content in slurries was related more closely to solids-derived parameters such as D. The use of multiple properties to estimate nutrient contents in pig slurries, especially for AN and K, seemed unnecessary due to the limited improvement achieved with an additional property. Therefore, electrical conductivity seemed to be the most appropriate single, easily determined parameter for estimation of total and ammonium nitrogen and potassium in pig slurries, with more than 83% of the variance explained. P seemed to be the worst key nutrient for estimation using any easily determined parameter.     

Modelling Pesticide and Nutrient Transport in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia Agro-Ecosystems

Cameron Highlands has a long history of intensive horticulture especially vegetable and flower cultivation. This industry uses large amounts of nutrients and pesticides. Several simulation models were used to assess the movement of pesticides and nutrients in relation to agronomic practices in farm plots cultivated with cabbage and chrysanthemum. It was shown that most of the pesticides are absorbed by the topsoils which are enriched by organic fertiliser, and are not leached beyond the top 10 cm layer. Methamidophos, dazomet, cyromazine, triforine and NO₃N were predicted to cause soil contamination. The application of high amounts of fertilisers can cause nitrate contamination to the groundwater in Cameron Highlands.     

Sustainability of Current Agricultural Practices in The Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands is a mountainous region with steep slopes. Gradients exceeding 20^∘ are common. The climate is favourable to the cultivation of tea, sub-tropical vegetables and flowers (under rain-shelter). Crop production is sustained by high fertiliser and manure applications. However, agriculture in this environment is characterised by high levels of soil erosion and environmental pollution. A study on the sustainability of these agro-ecosystems was conducted. Results indicated that soil loss was in the range of 24–42 ton/ha/yr under vegetables and 1.3 ton under rain-shelter. Sediment load in the vegetable sub-catchment reached 3.5 g/L, 50 times higher than that associated with flowers under rain-shelter and tea. The sediments contained high nutrient loads of up to 470 kg N/ha/yr. The N, P and K lost in runoff from cabbage farms was 154 kg/season/ha, whereas in chrysanthemum farms it was 5 kg. In cabbage farms, the N, P, and K lost through leaching was 193 kg/season/ha. The NO₃–N concentration in the runoff from the cabbage farms reached 25 ppm but less than 10 ppm in runoff from rain-shelters. Inorganic pollution in the rivers was within the acceptable limit of 10 ppm. The sustainability of the agro-ecosystems is in the order of tea { > } rain–shelter ≫ vegetables.     

Effects of Climate and Ecosystem Disturbances on Biogeochemical Cycling in a Semi-Natural Terrestrial Ecosystem

The effects of increased temperature and potential ecosystem disturbances on biogeochemical cycling were investigated by manipulation of temperature in a mixed Calluna/grass heathland in Denmark. A reflective curtain covered the vegetation during the night to reduce the heat loss of IR radiation from the ecosystem to the atmosphere. This `night time warming' was done for 3 years and warmed the air and soil by 1.1 °C. Warming was combined with ecosystem disturbances, including infestation by Calluna heather beetles (Lochmaea suturalis Thompson) causing complete defoliation of Calluna leaves during the summer 2000, and subsequent harvesting of all aboveground biomass during the autumn. Small increases in mineralisation rates were induced by warming and resulted in increased leaching of nitrogen from the organic soil layer. The increased nitrogen leaching from the organic soil layer was re-immobilised in the mineral soil layer as warming stimulated plant growth and thereby increased nitrogen immobilisation. Contradictory to the generally moderate effects of warming, the heather beetle infestation had very strong effects on mineralisation rates and the plant community. The grasses completely out-competed the Calluna plants which had not re-established two years after the infestation, probably due to combined effects of increased nutrient availability and the defoliation of Calluna. On the short term, ecosystem disturbances may have very strong effects on internal ecosystem processes and plant community structure compared to the more long-term effects of climate change.     

Nitrate Leaching from Moorland Soils: Can Soil C:N Ratios Indicate N Saturation?

Links between forest floor carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios, atmospheric N deposition and nitrate leaching into surface waters have been reported for forest ecosystems, but similar studies have not been reported previously for the equivalent compartments of moorland ecosystems in Great Britain, despite the importance of nitrate in contributing to the acidification of moorland streams and lakes in British uplands. In this paper, the relationships between the C:N ratio of moorland soil surface organic matter, N deposition, and nitrate leaching are explored for 13 soils in four moorland catchments. Although there is spatial variability in the C:N ratio of soils, major differences are apparent between soils and especially between catchments. The C:N ratio appears to be inversely related to modelled inorganic N deposition and, to a lesser degree, measured nitrate leaching, for three of the four catchments studied (Allt a'Mharcaidh, Afon Gwy, and Scoat Tarn). Nitrification may make an important contribution to nitrate leaching at the two higher deposition sites. At the fourth site, the heavily acidified River Etherow catchment, extremely high rates of nitrate leaching are not accompanied by low C:N ratios or high nitrification potentials in the upper soil horizons. Hence the C:N ratio of surface soil organic matter may have potential as an indicator of nitrogen saturation and leaching in some systems, but it is not universally applicable.     

Geographic information systems (GIS) based model of dairy manure transportation and application with environmental quality consideration

Survey information was used to develop a minimum cost spatial dairy manure transportation model where environmental quality and crop nutrient requirements were treated as constraints. The GIS model incorporated land use types, exact locations of dairy farms and farmlands, road networks, and distances from each dairy farm to receiving farmlands to identify dairy manure transportation routes that minimized costs relative to environmental and other constraints. Our analyses indicated that the characteristics of dairy manure, its bulk and relatively low primary N, P₂O₅ and K₂O nutrient levels limit the distribution areas or distances between the farms and the land over which the manure can be economically spread. Physical properties of the land limit the quantities of nutrients that can be applied because of excess nutrient buildup in soil and potential to harm nearby waterbodies and downstream people and places. Longer distances between dairy and farmland favor the use of commercial fertilizers due to the high cost of manure transportation. At $0.08 per ton per km transportation cost, the optimal cut-off distances for dairy manure application is 30 km for N and 15 km each for P₂O₅ and K₂O consistent rules. An analysis of dairy manure application to different crop types suggest that, on average, 1 ha of land requires 61 tons of dairy manure to meet the recommended N, P₂O₅ and K₂O needs.     

Biodegradable municipal solid waste: characterization and potential use as animal feedstuffs

Five different fractions of the biodegradable municipal solid waste (BMSW) were evaluated as potential animal feedstuffs. For each source of waste (meat waste (MW), fish waste (FW), fruit and vegetables waste (FVW), restaurant waste (RW), household waste (HW)), samples were obtained from small shops (butchers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable shops), restaurants and a MSW treatment plant (household waste). The chemical composition, microbiological characterization, dioxins, furans, PCB's and mineral content were determined for every type of waste fraction. The analysed biodegradable waste presented high moisture content (from 60% to 90%). Some fractions were dense in one nutrient: meat waste in ether extract, fish waste in crude protein, fruit and vegetable waste in nitrogen free extract. The other studied fractions (restaurant fraction and household fraction) presented a more balanced composition, but the presence of toxic concentrations of contaminants such as metals was higher than European legislation permitted values in animal feeding. From a microbiological standpoint, a heat treatment at 65 degrees C for 20 min was sufficient to ensure microbiological quality of the samples. This treatment was also advisable to reduce the moisture content: a lower moisture content facilitates the waste handling and processing and, therefore, the inclusion of these waste fractions in commercial animal diets. This paper presents a potential alternative for the recovery of organic matter content in municipal solid waste. The results obtained in this research and the feedstuffs legislation in force related to animal feed, indicated that some of the studied biodegradable waste fractions (meat waste, fruit and vegetable waste and fish waste) could be considered as alternatives to typical raw materials used in animal feeds.     

Leaching behaviour of waste and stabilized waste materials; characterization for environmental assessment purposes

The importance of systematic trends in trace contaminant leaching from waste materials and stabilized waste is stressed. Similarities in leaching behaviour of different waste materials and mechanisms for leaching from stabilized waste forms are identified. The use of diffusion measurements to quantify the mobility of specific chemical species in waste and soil is discussed. Implementation of more fundamental regulatory testing procedures which reflect the behaviour of materials in end use applications, is recommended to allow better control over environmental impact in the wide variety of utilization and disposal practices.     

Nitrogen mineralization and nitrate leaching of a sandy soil amended with different organic wastes.

Organic wastes can be recycled as a source of plant nutrients, enhancing crop production by improving soil quality. However, the study of the dynamic of soil nutrient, especially the N dynamic, after soil application of any organic material is vital for assessing a correct and effective use of the material, minimizing the losses of nitrate in leachates and avoiding the negative environmental effects that it may cause in groundwater. To estimate the effect of three organic materials, a municipal solid waste compost (MWC), a non-composted paper mill sludge (PS), and an agroforest compost (AC) on the N dynamic of a sandy soil two experiments were carried out: an incubation experiment and a column experiment. The incubation experiment was conducted to estimate the N mineralization rate of the different soil-amendment mixtures. The soil was mixed with the organic amendments at a rate equivalent to 50,000 kg ha(-1) and incubated during 40 weeks at constant moisture content (70% of its water-holding capacity) and temperature (28 degrees C) under aerobic conditions. Organic amendment-soil samples showed an immobilization of N during the first weeks, which was more noticeable and longer in the case of PS-treated soil compared to the other two amendments due to its high C/N ratio. After this immobilization stage, a positive mineralization was observed for all treatment, especially in MWC treated soil. Contemporaneously a 1-year column (19 cm diameter and 60 cm height) experiment was carried out to estimate the nitrate losses from the soil amended with the same organic materials. Amendments were mixed with the top soil (0-15 cm) at a rate equivalent to 50,000 kg ha(-1). The columns were periodically irrigated simulating rainfall in the area of study, receiving in total 415 mm of water, and the water draining was collected during the experimental period and analysed for NO3-N. At the end of the experimental period NO3-N content in soil columns at three depths (0-20, 20-35 and 35-50 cm) was determined. The nitrate concentration in drainage water confirmed the results obtained in the incubation experiment: nitrate leaching was higher in soil treated with MWC due to its higher N-mineralization rate. Nevertheless, the nitrate losses represented a low amount compared with the total nitrogen added to soil. No clear signs of water-draining contamination were observed during the first year after the application of AC and PS; however, the nitrate leaching in soil treated with MWC slightly exceeded the limit allowed for the Drinking Water Directive 98/83/CE.     

Outdoor Weathering Evaluation of Carbon-Black-Filled, Biodegradable Copolyester as Substitute for Traditionally Used, Carbon-Black-Filled, Nonbiodegradable, High-Density Polyethylene Mulch Films

Carbon-black-filled, biodegradable, copolyester mulch film (Eastar®, or EA, Tennessee Eastman, Kingsport, TN) and commercial carbon-black-filled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mulch film were exposed for 12 weeks to commercial vegetable crop growing conditions by being placed directly on irrigated soil in the field of the University of Tennessee Alcoa Highway State Agriculture Experiment Station (Knoxville, TN) and by being placed on a plywood exposure rack as described by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Test Method 1435: Outdoor Weathering of Plastics. Mechanical properties and weather information were collected in order to evaluate the feasibility of using the newly developed biodegradable EA mulch film to replace the nonbiodegradable HDPE mulch film. Results indicate that the EA mulch film exhibited favorable tensile strength and elongation-at-break during outdoor exposure rack testing and outdoor, in-field, placed directly on the soil, exposure testing, suggesting biodegradable EA could be a substitute for the HDPE nonbiodegradable material.     

Hydrogeomorphological Controls on Groundwater Quality in the Rattaphum Catchment (Songkhla Lake Basin), Thailand

The Rattaphum Catchment comprises four major hydrogeomorphic units: mountains, footslopes, plains and inland swamps around a lake system. The area accommodates three main agro-ecosystems: vegetable, rubber and fruits. During the high-rainfall period, groundwater levels rise near to the soil surface in all agro-ecosystems. The high water levels remain for 3–4 months in the coastal plain, while in other areas the groundwater level fluctuates according to the intensity of rainfall events during the 2–3 months of the rainy season. Groundwater salinity is higher near Songkhla Lake and decreases rapidly inland. It is generally lower near streams. Salinity is also lower during periods of higher recharge, increasing slightly during the dry season due to leaching of chemicals from the agricultural areas. In the saturated sandy soils with high hydraulic conductivity and in the vegetable agro-ecosystem areas with high water levels, the NO₃ level in groundwater always exceeds the WHO standard. Variations in NO₃ levels are closely related to patterns of landuse, with higher nitrate levels commonly found in vegetable areas and lower levels associated with fruit and rubber tree plantations. Nearly all groundwater and surface water is contaminated by coliform bacteria, with the level of contamination controlled by groundwater levels, the amount of rainfall and farm activities. Vegetable agro-ecosystems, which have the most intensive cropping system, were found to be the most polluted. In all of the agro-ecosystems, the most polluted period coincided with the first series of rainfall events.     

Best Management Practices for Silvicultural Chemicals and the Science Behind Them

Silvicultural chemicals include fertilizers and pesticides applied for forest management. All states east of the Rockies have at least some form of silvicultural chemical best management practices (SCBMPs) and it is widely accepted that SCBMPs effect some protection of water quality. All SCBMPs recommend handling and application precautions and a minimum width streamside management zone (SMZ) on each side of streams for protection of water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Typically these zones increase in width as stream width increases. In areas where cold-water fish are present, additional widths are designated for their protection. Minimum SMZ widths range from 8 to 91 meters on each side of the stream bank for intermittent and perennial streams. Most SMZ recommendations do not cover ephemeral drainages, ditches or canals. SMZs are generally described as being site specific with width dependent on slope, soil type and other conditions as well as the stream's designation as perennial or intermittent. The science behind SCBMPs is often elusive. Spray drift can be controlled through proper selection and use of application technology while considering site specific conditions. SMZs greatly reduce the amount of herbicides reaching streams. Available toxicological data and research on aquatic ecosystem impacts from herbicide use suggest that additional protection from silvicultural chemicals may not be necessary. However, there is evidence to suggest that protection of ephemeral and intermittent channels can further reduce entry of silvicultural chemicals into streams and also reduce sedimentation. This may be the most fruitful area of research we can pursue in light of the knowledge gaps listed.     

Bioassessment of silvicultural impacts in streams and wetlands of the Eastern United States

Bioassessment is a useful tool to determine the impact of logging practices on the biological integrity of streams and wetlands. Measuring biota directly has an intuitive appeal for impact assessment, and biota can be superior indicators to physical or chemical characteristics because they can reflect cumulative impacts over time. Logging can affect stream and wetland biota by increasing sedimentation rates, altering hydrologic, thermal, and chemical regimes, and changing the base of food webs. Biotic impacts of logging on streams compared to wetlands probably differ, and in this paper we review some of those differences. In streams, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, algae, and macrophytes have been used as indicators of logging impacts. In wetlands, bioassessment is just beginning to be used, and plants and birds are the most promising indicator taxa. Various best management practices (BMPs) have been developed to reduce the impacts of logging on stream and wetland biota, and we review quantitative studies that have evaluated the efficacy of some of these techniques in streams and wetlands in the eastern United States. Remarkably few studies that address the overall efficacy of BMPs in limiting biotic changes in streams and wetlands after BMP implementation have been published in scientific journals, although some work exists in reports or is unpublished. We review these works, and compile conclusions about BMP efficacy for biota from this body of research.     

Leaching Induced Changes in Substrate and Solution Chemistry of Mine Soil Microcosms

Leaching of soluble salts formed as the result of pyrite oxidation and primary mineral weathering is a major process in mine soil development. A microcosm experiment was designed to study leaching rates from mine soil columns under controlled laboratory conditions. Objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effect of leaching and the effect of fly ash amelioration on mid- to long-term chemical soil properties, and to test whether the results are qualitatively comparable to long-term field studies along a site chronosequence. The leaching experiment was conducted over a period of 850 days representing a kind of time-lapse picture due to high water fluxes. Leaching resulted in more favourable mid- to long-term properties of mine site topsoils, especially a reduced risk for acidity and salt stress. Ash amelioration decreases leaching rates by increasing pH and Al and Fe precipitation. It could be shown that the results of the column leaching studies are qualitatively in good agreement with field observations at least for long-term considerations. By enhancing the leaching process mid- to long-term chemical soil properties can be estimated.     

REVIEW OF THE USE OF SWINE MANURE IN CROP PRODUCTION: EFFECTS ON YIELD AND COMPOSITION AND ON SOIL AND WATER QUALITY

The world swine population produces about 1.7 billion tonnes of liquid manure annually. At an application rate of 20 tonnes per hectare, this could fertilize about 85 million hectares of land annually. Storage and disposal of this material presents a challenge to producers because of the potential for environmental pollution. However, because swine manure contains essential plant nutrients, use of swine manure as a soil amendment for crop production is a practical method to solve the disposal problem. The composition and effectiveness of swine manure as a source of plant nutrients depends on several factors including type of ration fed, housing system, method of manure collection, storage and handling. Research has shown that manure application increased soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na. However, heavy or excessive application of manure increased leaching of NO₃-N, P and Mg. Swine manure is reported to be effective in increasing the yields of cereals, legumes, oilseeds, vegetables and pastures, and in increasing plant nutrient concentration, especially N, P and K. The efficient use of swine manure can be an agronomically and economically viable management practice for sustainable crop production in temperate regions such as the Canadian prairies where the swine industry is expanding rapidly.     

Life cycle modelling of environmental impacts of application of processed organic municipal solid waste on agricultural land (EASEWASTE).

A model capable of quantifying the potential environmental impacts of agricultural application of composted or anaerobically digested source-separated organic municipal solid waste (MSW) is presented. In addition to the direct impacts, the model accounts for savings by avoiding the production and use of commercial fertilizers. The model is part of a larger model, Environmental Assessment of Solid Waste Systems and Technology (EASEWASTE), developed as a decision-support model, focusing on assessment of alternative waste management options. The environmental impacts of the land application of processed organic waste are quantified by emission coefficients referring to the composition of the processed waste and related to specific crop rotation as well as soil type. The model contains several default parameters based on literature data, field experiments and modelling by the agro-ecosystem model, Daisy. All data can be modified by the user allowing application of the model to other situations. A case study including four scenarios was performed to illustrate the use of the model. One tonne of nitrogen in composted and anaerobically digested MSW was applied as fertilizer to loamy and sandy soil at a plant farm in western Denmark. Application of the processed organic waste mainly affected the environmental impact categories global warming (0.4-0.7 PE), acidification (-0.06 (saving)-1.6 PE), nutrient enrichment (-1.0 (saving)-3.1 PE), and toxicity. The main contributors to these categories were nitrous oxide formation (global warming), ammonia volatilization (acidification and nutrient enrichment), nitrate losses (nutrient enrichment and groundwater contamination), and heavy metal input to soil (toxicity potentials). The local agricultural conditions as well as the composition of the processed MSW showed large influence on the environmental impacts. A range of benefits, mainly related to improved soil quality from long-term application of the processed organic waste, could not be generally quantified with respect to the chosen life cycle assessment impact categories and were therefore not included in the model. These effects should be considered in conjunction with the results of the life cycle assessment.     

Laboratory evaluation of the pollution potential of land applied dairy manure

Laboratory experiments were performed using 24,900 mm deep soil columns to determine the amounts of nitrogen lost through the processes of leaching and ammonia volatilization from land receiving high applications of dairy cattle manure. The soil columns were conditioned over a period of one year before the start of the experiment and a conscious effort was made to make the physical properties of the columns soil sufficiently reproduced to resemble the undisturbed soil. The effects of three manure and three water application rates on nitrogen losses were monitored over a period of 10 weeks. The concentrations of nitrogen compounds in the leachates obtained from the soil columns were very low. The observed losses of nitrogen caused by leaching and ammonia volatilization were influenced by manure and water application rates. The high concentration of nitrate nitrogen at the beginning of the experiment has the potential of causing groundwater pollution. Also, ammonia volatilization is considered high enough to cause serious odor problems.     

Effect of compost treatment of sewage sludge on nitrogen behavior in two soils

This work aims to evaluate the effects of compost treatment of digested sewage sludge on nitrogen behavior in two soils, a Spodosol and an Oxisol soil. Digested sewage sludge was composted with sawdust and woodchips, diluting the total nitrogen to one-fourth (dry mass basis) of its original value. Then, sludge and compost were added to the two soils on an equivalent dry weight basis to consider the risk of NO3- -N leaching. Compost treatment of sewage sludge has slowed down the release of mineral-N to half in the Spodosol and to one-third in Oxisol soil. As a result, NO3- -N concentrations in soils incubated with compost were less than half of the amounts found from soils incubated with digested sludge. Estimates were made of the maximum monthly nitrate to leach from the four combinations of soil and sludge treatment. Application of digested sludge, at a higher nitrogen application rate, resulted in a higher nitrate leaching potential than application of the compost product. Soil type also played an important role, with the Oxisol having slightly higher estimated leaching potential than the Spodosol. The higher nitrate release rate in the Oxisol is counterbalanced by its higher field capacity to lessen the expected difference between the two soils.     

Leaching of wood ash products aimed for spreading in forest floors--influence of method and L/S ratio

Use of biofuels in the form of logging residues is increasing in the European countries. This intensive forestry, where entire trees are removed from the felling sites, may contribute to a negative nutrient balance in the forest soil. Recycling of ash from the combustion of clean wood fuel, sometimes in combination with limestone or additives/binders, back into the forest soil could maintain the soil nutrient reservoir intact. Before spreading ash, it is important to determine its contents and, particularly, its decomposition pattern using reliable laboratory leaching tests. In this study, mineralogy and the leaching of Na, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, P, and Zn from wood ash pellets and granules, produced both from green liquor sludge and fly ash, are examined by XRD and by subjecting these substances to three different laboratory leaching tests: upflow percolation (CEN/TS 14405), batch leaching (SS-EN12457), and a new Swedish leaching test using a magnetic stirrer. Mineral phases such as quartz, ettringite, calcite, gehlenite, and aphtitalite were identified in the ash granules and in the ash/green liquor sludge granules, by means of XRD. Six additional minerals were detected in the granules of ash only, and another six in the ash/green liquor sludge granules. At L/S 2, the batch leaching test resulted in the highest amounts of elements leached and the upflow percolation test the lowest. At L/S 10, both the batch leaching test and the upflow percolation test resulted in high amounts of elements leached. The batch leaching test at L/S 10 complies quite well with the percolation test and could be suitable for ash/green liquor sludge granule evaluation in daily practice. The magnetic stirrer test seems to underestimate the release potential of elements from granules. The batch test is simple to perform, and has the ability to dissolve 70-80% of the elements with the highest mobility from the materials under study.