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[SPA] Este estudio se enfoca en abordar los desafíos asociados a la producción intensiva de cultivos hortícolas en el Campo de Cartagena, Murcia, donde la dependencia de insumos externos, como fertilizantes y plaguicidas, plantea preocupaciones significativas en términos de sostenibilidad y conservación del medio ambiente. La aplicación excesiva de fertilizantes y plaguicidas puede contaminar los recursos naturales, como el agua, el aire y el suelo, además de contribuir al empobrecimiento del suelo y aumentar la susceptibilidad de las plantas a enfermedades. El objetivo central de este estudio es evaluar cómo la reducción de la fertilización, combinada con la aplicación de formulaciones de microorganismos, afecta la rentabilidad y la sostenibilidad de un cultivo de patata. Para lograr esto, se redujo en un 50% el uso de fertilizante inorgánico en el cultivo, que se llevó a cabo desde diciembre de 2022 a junio de 2023. Se implementaron cuatro tratamientos diferentes: 1) Control con 100% de fertilización; 2) Control con 50% de reducción de fertilización; 3) Tratamiento con la aplicación del producto Bactoneco y reducción de fertilización; 4) Tratamiento con la aplicación del producto Nuve y reducción de fertilización. [ENG] This study focuses on addressing the challenges associated with intensive horticultural crop production in the Campo de Cartagena, Murcia, where a reliance on external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides raises significant concerns in terms of sustainability and environmental conservation. Excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate natural resources such as water, air, and soil, and contribute to soil depletion while increasing plant susceptibility to diseases. The central objective of this study is to assess how the reduction of fertilization, combined with the application of microorganism formulations, affects profitability and sustainability in potato crop. To achieve this, a 50% reduction in the use of inorganic f

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can potentially address the gap between energy demand and supply playing a crucial role in the production of sustainable energy from utilization of biogenic waste materials as feedstock. The biogas production from anaerobic digestion is primarily influenced by the chemical compositions and biodegradability of the feedstock. Organosolv-steam explosion offers a constructive approach as a promising pretreatment method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomasses delivering high cellulose content.This study showed how synergetic co-digestion serves to overcome the challenges of mono-digestion's low efficiency. Particularly, the study evaluated the digestibility of organosolv-steam pretreated wheat straw (WSOSOL) in mono as well as co-digesting substrate with cheese whey (CW) and brewery spent grains (BSG). The highest methane yield was attained with co-digestion of WSOSOL + CW (338 mL/gVS) representing an enhanced biogas output of 1–1.15 times greater than its mono digestion. An ammonium production was favored under co-digestion strategy accounting for 921 mg/L from WSOSOL + BSG. Metagenomic study was conducted to determine the predominant bacteria and archaea, as well as its variations in their populations and their functional contributions during the AD process. The Firmicutes have been identified as playing a significant role in the hydrolysis process and the initial stages of AD. An enrichment of the most prevalent archaea genera enriched were Methanobacterium, Methanothrix, and Methanosarsina. Reactors digesting simpler substrate CW followed the acetoclastic, while digesting more complex substrates like BSG and WSOSOL followed the hydrogenotrophic pathway for biomethane production. To regulate the process for an enhanced AD process to maximize CH4, a comprehensive understanding of microbial communities is beneficial., Full text license: CC BY 4.0

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can potentially address the gap between energy demand and supply playing a crucial role in the production of sustainable energy from utilization of biogenic waste materials as feedstock. The biogas production from anaerobic digestion is primarily influenced by the chemical compositions and biodegradability of the feedstock. Organosolv-steam explosion offers a constructive approach as a promising pretreatment method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomasses delivering high cellulose content.This study showed how synergetic co-digestion serves to overcome the challenges of mono-digestion's low efficiency. Particularly, the study evaluated the digestibility of organosolv-steam pretreated wheat straw (WSOSOL) in mono as well as co-digesting substrate with cheese whey (CW) and brewery spent grains (BSG). The highest methane yield was attained with co-digestion of WSOSOL + CW (338 mL/gVS) representing an enhanced biogas output of 1–1.15 times greater than its mono digestion. An ammonium production was favored under co-digestion strategy accounting for 921 mg/L from WSOSOL + BSG. Metagenomic study was conducted to determine the predominant bacteria and archaea, as well as its variations in their populations and their functional contributions during the AD process. The Firmicutes have been identified as playing a significant role in the hydrolysis process and the initial stages of AD. An enrichment of the most prevalent archaea genera enriched were Methanobacterium, Methanothrix, and Methanosarsina. Reactors digesting simpler substrate CW followed the acetoclastic, while digesting more complex substrates like BSG and WSOSOL followed the hydrogenotrophic pathway for biomethane production. To regulate the process for an enhanced AD process to maximize CH4, a comprehensive understanding of microbial communities is beneficial., Full text license: CC BY 4.0

This book, Applications of Blockchain Technology, discusses how blockchain technology is transforming the future of money, transactions, government, and business. The world is changing quickly these days, and a transition flow can be seen in Business Process Management (BPM). Traditional Business Process Management has been in place for one to two decades, but internal workflow is limited to a single organisation. They do not manage information and the workflow process across organisations. If they do, they will fall into the same trap as control is transferred to a third party, which is a centralised server, resulting in data tampering and a single point of failure. This book addresses these issues by highlighting a number of unique problems and effective solutions that reflect the state-of-the-art in blockchain technology. This book investigates new experiments and yields promising solutions to blockchain technology's current challenges. The edited book's goal is to present a detailed examination of the adaptation and implementation of blockchain technologies in real-world business applications. Blockchain is gaining traction in all industries that conduct massive daily transactions. This book covers all aspects of blockchain with a complete 360-degree view spectrum, and it can be used by computer science postgraduate students,researchers, and practitioners at the basic and intermediate levels. This book addresses research work in many fields of blockchain engineering and provides in-depth knowledge of the topics covered. It demonstrates the rapid advancements made in the existing business model through the use of blockchain techniques. Chapter 1: Blockchain for Decentralised Rural Development and GovernanceChapter 2: A Study on Security and Privacy of BlockchainChapter 3: Evolution of Block Chain TechnologyChapter 4: Blockchain ApplicationsChapter 5: An Overview of Blockchain TechnologyChapter 6: Hash Functions in Blockchain TechnologyChapter 7: Elements of Block

Mykovam® bio-fertilizer was tested to evaluate the effects and performance on the growth and yield of open-pollinated variety (OPV) young corn. The result of the study showed that OPV corn fertilized with mixed Mykovam®, and inorganic fertilizer at one-half recommended rate, (T5) has the highest plant height of 282.40 cm, and the number of leaves at 50 days after planting (DAP) but did not differ significantly with T4 fertilized plants. The number of days to tasseling and silking was shorter in T4 and T5 OPV corn plants at 57 days and got the highest number of corn ears per plant of 1.37 and 1.57, respectively. The average weight of corn cobs, ten samples per treatment was recorded at T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic) with a mean value of 1.23 kg followed by Treatment 4 applied with the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer with 1.07 kg of weight. The shortest plants, the lowest number of corn leaves, the highest number of days to tasseling and silking, and the least corn ears/plant were from the unfertilized plot (T0) which did not differ statistically with plants fertilized with Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.  Mykovam bio-fertilizer application can help in reducing the amount of inorganic fertilizer but the lone application of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer on OPV corn has less effect due to the shorter period of study and considering the soil has low phosphorous based on the result of soil analysis. Economic analysis showed the highest yield of young cobs was recorded in T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic), while the lowest net income was obtained in T2 applied with 500 kg/ha of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.

Mykovam® bio-fertilizer was tested to evaluate the effects and performance on the growth and yield of open-pollinated variety (OPV) young corn. The result of the study showed that OPV corn fertilized with mixed Mykovam®, and inorganic fertilizer at one-half recommended rate, (T5) has the highest plant height of 282.40 cm, and the number of leaves at 50 days after planting (DAP) but did not differ significantly with T4 fertilized plants. The number of days to tasseling and silking was shorter in T4 and T5 OPV corn plants at 57 days and got the highest number of corn ears per plant of 1.37 and 1.57, respectively. The average weight of corn cobs, ten samples per treatment was recorded at T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic) with a mean value of 1.23 kg followed by Treatment 4 applied with the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer with 1.07 kg of weight. The shortest plants, the lowest number of corn leaves, the highest number of days to tasseling and silking, and the least corn ears/plant were from the unfertilized plot (T0) which did not differ statistically with plants fertilized with Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.  Mykovam bio-fertilizer application can help in reducing the amount of inorganic fertilizer but the lone application of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer on OPV corn has less effect due to the shorter period of study and considering the soil has low phosphorous based on the result of soil analysis. Economic analysis showed the highest yield of young cobs was recorded in T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic), while the lowest net income was obtained in T2 applied with 500 kg/ha of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.

El uso de bacterias promotoras del crecimiento de planta puede contribuir a la sostenibilidad de la agricultura. Metabólicos y variables morfométricas, y su correlación con el crecimiento inicial de los cultivares de tomate fue analizado en este estudio, con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la inoculación de semillas con Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subs. plantarum FZB42, usando dos dosis: 20% de suspensión de bacterias en la solución de inoculante (Ba20) y 80% de suspensión de bacterias en la solución de inoculante (Ba80), la concentración estimada es 1,6 x 105 y 6,4 x 106 bacterias por semilla, respectivamente. La inoculación he proporcionado incremento de crecimiento en las raíces en proporciones diferentes, que van desde 14,56% (longitud total en la variedad ‘Santa Clara I-530’) a 197,13% (volumen en el cultivar ‘Cherry 261’). Mientras que los incrementos de parte aérea variaron de 12,06% (área de las hojas de ‘Santa Clara I-530’) al 88,88% (materia seca de ‘Cherry 261’). Los aumentos del sistema radicular en Ba20 se refleja en aumentos en la altura y peso de materia fresca de la parte aérea. Una concentración de metabolitos (azúcares y proteínas solubles) estaba estrechamente relacionada con la expansión de las hojas de acuerdo con la respuesta del cultivar y dosis. El Ba20 (1,6 x 105) mostró efecto significativo de la promoción del crecimiento vegetal en dos cultivares de tomate en crecimiento inicial, siendo prometedor para futuros trabajos, The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria contributes to the sustainability of agriculture. Metabolic and morphometric variables, and their correlation with the initial growth of two tomato cultivars, were assessed in this study. This was done to evaluate the effect of seeds inoculated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum FZB42 in two doses: 20% of bacteria suspension as inoculant solution (Ba20) and 80% of bacteria suspension as inoculant solution (Ba80), equating to 1.6 × 105 and 6.4 × 106 bacteria per seed, respectively. Bacterial inoculation increased the growth of roots at different rates, from 14.56% (total length in the ‘Santa Clara I-530’ cultivar) up to 197.13% (root volume of the ‘Cherry 261’ cultivar). Increments in the aerial part also varied from 12.06% (leaves area in ‘Santa Clara I-530’) up to 88.88% (dry matter in ‘Cherry 261’). Increases in the root system with Ba20 were also correlated with an increase in the height and weight of the fresh matter of plant aerial parts. Metabolite concentration (sugars and soluble proteins) was closely related to leaf expansion according to the response of cultivars and doses. Ba20 (1.5 × 105 bacteria per seed) showed plant growth effects on two cultivars of tomato, which is promising for future studies.

There are a substantial number of studies on the biofertilization effects of cyanobacteria in rice paddy fields, mainly attributed to biological fixation of N2, but not much attention has been given to their fertilizing capacity in aerobic soils. Few studies have used solid media (i.e. a soil) when testing the plant-growth-promoting effects of microalgae on plants, and particularly on wheat. The purpose of this study was to test the biofertilizing effect of a filamentous cyanobacterium, previously isolated from an agricultural soil, in order to evaluate the potential substitution of chemical fertilizers and to test its phyto-stimulating capacity. Seedlings of Triticum aestivum were grown in pots with a peat-vermiculite mixture (1:1 weight basis) in an experiment designed as a complete randomized block, consisting of four treatments and with four replicates each: a pure culture of Anabaena cylindrica concentrated by centrifugation to 2 g dry matter L−1 (treatment B); spent cyanobacteria growth medium filtered at 0.22 µm (treatment F); harvested cyanobacterial mat re-suspended in distilled water (treatment WB); and distilled water as a control (treatment W). Aboveground wheat plant mass was improved by 40% in both treatments with cyanobacterial biomass (B and WB), as compared to the control (W) and filtrate (F), demonstrating that the co-cultivation with living cyanobacterial biomass was key to plant improvement. Chlorophyll contents were also increased by nearly 50% and nitrogen by over 10% in the treatment WB, clearly indicating that nutrients in the filtrate were irrelevant to the beneficial effects on plant growth.

Mykovam® bio-fertilizer was tested to evaluate the effects and performance on the growth and yield of open-pollinated variety (OPV) young corn. The result of the study showed that OPV corn fertilized with mixed Mykovam®, and inorganic fertilizer at one-half recommended rate, (T5) has the highest plant height of 282.40 cm, and the number of leaves at 50 days after planting (DAP) but did not differ significantly with T4 fertilized plants. The number of days to tasseling and silking was shorter in T4 and T5 OPV corn plants at 57 days and got the highest number of corn ears per plant of 1.37 and 1.57, respectively. The average weight of corn cobs, ten samples per treatment was recorded at T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic) with a mean value of 1.23 kg followed by Treatment 4 applied with the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer with 1.07 kg of weight. The shortest plants, the lowest number of corn leaves, the highest number of days to tasseling and silking, and the least corn ears/plant were from the unfertilized plot (T0) which did not differ statistically with plants fertilized with Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.  Mykovam bio-fertilizer application can help in reducing the amount of inorganic fertilizer but the lone application of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer on OPV corn has less effect due to the shorter period of study and considering the soil has low phosphorous based on the result of soil analysis. Economic analysis showed the highest yield of young cobs was recorded in T5 (1/2 RR Mykovam® + ½ RR Inorganic), while the lowest net income was obtained in T2 applied with 500 kg/ha of Mykovam® bio-fertilizer.

Maize is an important staple crop and a significant source of various nutrients.We aimed to determine the macronutrients, antioxidants, and essentialelements in maize genotypes (white, yellow, and red kernel) using threedifferent fertilizers, which could be used as a basis to increase the nutrientdensity of maize. The fertilizer treatments used bio- and organic fertilizers as asustainable approach, urea, as a commonly used mineral fertilizer, and thecontrol (no fertilization). We evaluated the yield, concentration ofmacronutrient (protein, oil, and starch), nonenzymatic antioxidants(phenolics, yellow pigment, total glutathione (GSH), and phytic phosphorus),and reduction capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, aswell as essential elements that are commonly deficient in the diet (Mg, Ca, Fe,Mn, Zn, Cu, and S) and their relationships with phytic acid. The genotypeexpressed the strongest effect on the variability of grain yield and the analyzedgrain constituents. The red-kernel hybrid showed the greatest accumulation ofprotein, oil, phenolics, and essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and S) than a yellowand white hybrid, especially in the biofertilizer treatment. The yellow kernel hadthe highest concentrations of yellow pigment, GSH, phytic phosphorous, Mg,Mn, and Zn (19.61 µg g−1, 1,134 nmol g−1, 2.63 mg g−1, 1,963 µg g−1, 11.7 µg g−1,and 33.9 µg g−1, respectively). The white kernel had a greater starchconcentration (2.5% higher than that in the red hybrid) and the potentialbioavailability of essential metals, particularly under no fertilization. Thissupports the significance of white maize as a staple food in many traditionaldiets across the world. Urea was important for the enhancement of theantioxidant status (with 88.0% reduction capacity for the DPPH radical) andincreased potential Zn bioavailability in the maize kernels (13.3% higher thanthat in the biofertilizer treatment). This study underlines the differences in theyield potential and chemical

Maize is an important staple crop and a significant source of various nutrients. We aimed to determine the macronutrients, antioxidants, and essential elements in maize genotypes (white, yellow, and red kernel) using three different fertilizers, which could be used as a basis to increase the nutrient density of maize. The fertilizer treatments used bio- and organic fertilizers as a sustainable approach, urea, as a commonly used mineral fertilizer, and the control (no fertilization). We evaluated the yield, concentration of macronutrient (protein, oil, and starch), nonenzymatic antioxidants (phenolics, yellow pigment, total glutathione (GSH), and phytic phosphorus), and reduction capacity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, as well as essential elements that are commonly deficient in the diet (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and S) and their relationships with phytic acid. The genotype expressed the strongest effect on the variability of grain yield and the analyzed grain constituents. The red-kernel hybrid showed the greatest accumulation of protein, oil, phenolics, and essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and S) than a yellow and white hybrid, especially in the biofertilizer treatment. The yellow kernel had the highest concentrations of yellow pigment, GSH, phytic phosphorous, Mg, Mn, and Zn (19.61 µg g−1 , 1,134 nmol g−1 , 2.63 mg g−1 , 1,963 µg g−1 , 11.7 µg g−1 , and 33.9 µg g−1 , respectively). The white kernel had a greater starch concentration (2.5% higher than that in the red hybrid) and the potential bioavailability of essential metals, particularly under no fertilization. This supports the significance of white maize as a staple food in many traditional diets across the world. Urea was important for the enhancement of the antioxidant status (with 88.0% reduction capacity for the DPPH radical) and increased potential Zn bioavailability in the maize kernels (13.3% higher than that in the biofertilizer treatment). This study underlines the differences in

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural sys-tems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural systems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural sys-tems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural sys-tems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural sys-tems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Der Mangel an Nährstoffen im Boden, hauptsächlich an Phosphor (P) und Stickstoff (N), verbunden mit einem hohen Salzgehalt und der generellen Verarmung landwirtschaftlicher Böden , sind ein ernstes Problem für die landwirtschaftliche Produktion weltweit. Daher besteht ein dringender Bedarf an Forschung und Entwicklung geeigneter landwirtschaftlicher Praktiken, um ungünstige Bodenbedingungen zu verringern und wenn möglich die Fruchtbarkeit von Kulturland wiederherzustellen. Die Verwendung von Rhizobakterien, die das Pflanzenwachstum (PGPR) fördern, kann sich bei der Entwicklung von Strategien zur Erleichterung des Pflanzenwachstums unter normalen Wachstumsbedingungen sowie unter abiotischen Stress als nützlich erweisen. Diese Bakterien bieten ihren pflanzlichen Wirten Vorteile, indem sie die Aufnahme von Bodenmineralien fördern und Pflanzen vor schädlichen Umwelteinflüssen schützen. Die vorliegende Arbeit bewertet die Rolle von in Kamerun natürlich vorkommenden PGPR an Mais und untersucht deren Potenzial als Bioimpfstoffe zur Steigerung des Pflanzenwachstums in Kamerun. Wir prüfen die Hypothese, dass einheimische Bakteriengemeinschaften aus Kamerun einen hohen Anteil an Bakterien aufweisen, deren Eigenschaften Kulturpflanzen helfen, mit ungünstigen Bedingungen umzugehen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden dazu Bakteriengemeinschaften der Rhizosphäre von in Kamerun angebautem Mais isoliert und untersucht. Zum ersten Mal erfolgte eine umfassende phylogenetische Zuordnung aller kultivierbaren Bakterien, auf Grundlage ihrer potenziellen Fähigkeiten zur Förderung des Pflanzenwachstums., Nutrient deficiencies in soil, mainly in phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), coupled to salinity and the impoverishment of agricultural soils, are a severe problem for agricultural production worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research and development of more suitable agricultural practices in order to reduce unfavorable conditions, and if possible, to restore the fertility of cultivated lands. The use of rhizobacteria, which promote plant growth (PGPR), can prove useful in developing strategies to facilitate plant growth under normal as well as under abiotic stress conditions. These bacteria offer benefits to plant hosts by promoting the uptake of soil minerals and protecting plants from environmental stresses. The thesis evaluates the role of native PGPR associated with maize as potential bio-inoculants for plants growth in Cameroon. We hypothesized that native bacterial communities from Cameroon include a high potential of bacteria helping the plant cope with unfavorable conditions. Here, we provide for the first time a comprehensive phylogenetic affiliation of cultivable bacterial communities associated with maize rhizosphere grown in Cameroon in relationship to their potential plant growth-promoting abilities.

Cover crops (CC) are an important low-input strategy in sustainable agricultural systems. The impact of different CC (common vetch, field pea, winter oats, fodder kale, common vetch + winter oats and field pea + winter oats), organic mulch, control treatment-fallow, and bio-fertilizer (BF) application, on yield and quality of sweet maize kernel was evaluated. CC biomass was higher in mixtures: field pea + winter oats, and common vetch + winter oats, as well as in fodder kale. Kernel yield and its chemical composition varied significantly by CC, BF, year, and their interaction. Organic mulch enhanced the concentration of sugars and glutathione in maize kernel. BF increased kernel yield, the concentration of sugars, vitamin C, Mg, Fe, Zn, and reduced phytate concentration. The highest Mg and Mn concentration in maize kernel was achieved with fodder kale, Zn concentration with common vetch + winter oats + BF, and Fe concentration with winter oats. The same treatments expressed the highest impact on variability in concentration of the phytate, phenolics, and yellow pigment, thus affecting further bio-availability of essential elements. Results indicate that in a semi-arid climate, under rain-fed conditions, CC such as fodder kale and winter oats + common vetch could enhance sweet maize productivity and kernel quality, serving as an important part of a sustainable cropping system, to facilitate food security.

Biofertilizers containing living organisms are attractive because of their potential positive impact on plant growth and reduced environmental effect compared to mineral fertilizers. Many studies have reported the potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and cyanobacteria, applied singly or in combination. In the present study, the combined effect of PGPR and cyanobacteria on Triticum aestivum L. was examined in a hydroponic growth system. Calothrix sp. and Anabaena cylindrica were used as cyanobacterial strains, and Chryseobacterium balustinum, Pseudomonas simiae and Pseudomonas fluorescens were used as PGPR strains. In addition to growth parameters, total nutrients in each treatment and the ability to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) were measured after 17 days of treatments. The study results indicate that the consortium of the five isolates gave the best performance in terms of growth parameters. It increased by 36% for plant height in the combination of Calothrix sp. and P. simiae, and the dry shoot mass was increased by 80%, 77%, and 76% under the combinations of A. cylindrica with C. balustinum, P. simiae, and P. fluorescens, respectively. The ability to produce IAA was confirmed in the treatments with cyanobacteria, with PGPR strains, and in treatments combining the different microorganisms, using both colorimetric and chromatographic methods. Thus, biofertilizers containing the consortia cyanobacteria and PGPR used in this study are recommended for improved growth of wheat plants.

Worldwide dairy processing plants produce high volumes of dairy processing sludge (DPS), which can be converted into secondary derivatives such as struvite, biochar and ash (collectively termed STRUBIAS). All of these products have high fertilizer equivalent values (FEV), but future certification as phosphorus (P)-fertilizers in the European Union will mean they need to adhere to new technical regulations for fertilizing materials i.e., content limits pertaining to heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn), synthetic organic compounds and pathogens. This systematic review presents the current state of knowledge about these bio-based fertilizers and identifies knowledge gaps. In addition, a review and calculation of greenhouse gas emissions from a range of concept dairy sludge management and production systems for STRUBIAS products [i.e., biochar from pyrolysis and hydrochar from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)] is presented. Results from the initial review showed that DPS composition depends on product type and treatment processes at a given processing plant, which leads to varied nutrient, heavy metal and carbon contents. These products are all typically high in nutrients and carbon, but low in heavy metals. Further work needs to concentrate on examining their pathogenic microorganism and emerging contaminant contents, in addition to conducting an economic assessment of production and end-user costs related to chemical fertilizer equivalents. With respect to STRUBIAS products, contaminants not present in the raw DPS may need further treatment before being land applied in agriculture e.g., heated producing ashes, hydrochar, or biochar. An examination of these products from an environmental perspective shows that their water quality footprint could be minimized using application rates based on P incorporation of these products into nutrient management planning and application by incorporation into the soil. Results from the concept system showed that elimination of

Biological fertilizers based on microalgae have proven to be a successful alternative in the agricultural sector to reduce unnecessary chemicals that can have unwanted side effects. Previous studies have shown that microalgae have multiple effects on plants, such as inducing faster germination, promoting leaf and root growth, and increasing disease resistance. This study investigated the biocontrol and biological fertilizer abilities of natural highly CK-producer Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chl). A newly developed CRISPR/Cas9 Chl mutants (CK-deficit) were used to investigate the function of cytokinins (CKs) in Chl-mediated bacterial-induced resistance and plant seed germination and drought tolerance. In wild type CC125, there are 6156,6 pmol/g total CKs (including 30.2% CKs bases and 69.8% CKs nucleotides), 55.5% iP- type, 44.3% cZ-type, 0.2% tZ type were found by LC-MS. The CKs level of the isopentenyl transferase (IPT) mutants and the Lonely Guy Gene (LOG) mutants are 11,7 pmol/g and 1688,2 pmol/g, respectively. The biocontrol results showed the promotion of Nicotiana tabacum cultivar SR1 (NT) resistance to the Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tabaci (PstT) after infiltration with the wild-type strains of Chl. On the other hand, mutant strains deficient in the production and signaling of CKs showed a reduction in resistance promotion. Nevertheless, mutants indicated positive stimulation effects on drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. These results prove that CKs are an essential part of microalgae's ability to promote resistance to pathogens. Meanwhile, moderate CKs producing mutant Chl strains are good candidates as biofertilizers to improve the drought resistance in plants.

Biological fertilizers based on microalgae have proven to be a successful alternative in the agricultural sector to reduce unnecessary chemicals that can have unwanted side effects. Previous studies have shown that microalgae have multiple effects on plants, such as inducing faster germination, promoting leaf and root growth, and increasing disease resistance. This study investigated the biocontrol and biological fertilizer abilities of natural highly CK-producer Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chl). A newly developed CRISPR/Cas9 Chl mutants (CK-deficit) were used to investigate the function of cytokinins (CKs) in Chl-mediated bacterial-induced resistance and plant seed germination and drought tolerance. In wild type CC125, there are 6156,6 pmol/g total CKs (including 30.2% CKs bases and 69.8% CKs nucleotides), 55.5% iP- type, 44.3% cZ-type, 0.2% tZ type were found by LC-MS. The CKs level of the isopentenyl transferase (IPT) mutants and the Lonely Guy Gene (LOG) mutants are 11,7 pmol/g and 1688,2 pmol/g, respectively. The biocontrol results showed the promotion of Nicotiana tabacum cultivar SR1 (NT) resistance to the Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tabaci (PstT) after infiltration with the wild-type strains of Chl. On the other hand, mutant strains deficient in the production and signaling of CKs showed a reduction in resistance promotion. Nevertheless, mutants indicated positive stimulation effects on drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. These results prove that CKs are an essential part of microalgae's ability to promote resistance to pathogens. Meanwhile, moderate CKs producing mutant Chl strains are good candidates as biofertilizers to improve the drought resistance in plants.

Розглянуті перспективи використання біопалива в енергоустановках, як один з пріоритетних напрямком розвитку енергетики України й світової економіки. Намічені шляхи підвищення економічної ефективності роботи систем генерації енергії на альтернативному паливі для підвищення енергетичної стабільності країн, покращення стану навколишнього середовища і збереженню запасів традиційних енергоресурсів. Представлено методику визначення економічної ефективності парогазових енергоустановок шляхом зіставлення строку їх окупності при зміні електричної потужності та виду палива, що використовується. Виконано аналіз економічної доцільності використання парогазових установок на біопаливі та представлено техніко-економічне обґрунтування використання біогазових електростанцій, які забезпечують вироблення електроенергії, теплової енергії для опалювання, гарячого водопостачання та виробництво екологічно чистих біодобрив. Наведено обґрунтування перспектив використання парогазових установок на біопаливі та намічено шляхи зменшення строку їх окупності на засадах енергозберігаючих технологій., The prospects of use of biofuels for power plants as one of the priority way for energy development of Ukraine and world energy are considered. The ways to improve the economic efficiency of power generation systems based at alternative fuels for rising energy security of countries, improving the environment and preservation of traditional energy sources are estimated. A method of determination of economic efficiency the combined-cycle power plant by comparing its payback period which depends of electric power and the type of fuel is worked out. The analysis of the economic feasibility of using combined-cycle power plants at biofuel and feasibility study of use of biogas power plants that provide thermal energy for heating and hot water supply both the production of clean bio-fertilizers are presented. Justification of the prospects for using combined-cycle power plants at biofuels and the ways of reducing the payback period at principles of energy-saving technologies are given.

The objective of experiment was to determine the influence of different fertilizaers: mineral, organic and biofertilizer to phytic acid, Fe, Zn and Mn accumulation in maize with different grain color. Fe, Zn and Mn concentrations in grain depend on year, while Pphy has low variability. Red maize was characterised with the highest Fe and Zn values, while yellow had the highest Mn value. Fertilization could improve Fe, Zn and Mn accumulation in maize grain, mainly application of biofertilizer or cropping without fertilization, thus underlining importance of low-input technologies.

Providing both fish and plants with optimal environmental conditions is a classical problem in the field of aquaponics. Several studies have tackled this problem by decoupling fish and plant systems. However, in order to achieve both high nutrient levels for the plants and low nutrient and particulate loading in the fish tanks, suspended matter in the aquaculture component needs to be discharged and fertilizer needs to be added to the plants continuously. The present study aims to explore to what degree desalination technology could potentially be used to provide the necessary balance between the two different components based on a theoretical modelling approach using contemporary source material. We suggest how specific desalination engineering approaches can improve the nutrient balances in multi-loop aquaponics systems in order to attain optimal growth conditions for both fish and plants.

Earthworms are often known as soil scientist. They are the main driving force that helps in sustainable production of food. They maintain the soil’s physical, chemical and biological health and act as a bio fertiliser. Their excreta and body fluids (vermiwash) has a significant effect in promoting the growth of the agricultural plants. The shoot length, root length, number of twigs, flowers, fruit, grains and biomass, were increased significantly in all the plants that were treated with this biofertilizer. The analysis of the wash showed the high content of various macro and micro nutrients like Ca, K, P, S, organic carbon, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe etc. It also helps the plants for attainment of maturity and reproduction at faster rate, thus reducing the ‘life-cycle’ of crops and shortening their ‘harvesting time’. So, it can be concluded there is significant increase in vermicompost treated plants as there is reduction in the incidence of ‘pest and disease attack’, and we can now control pests without pesticides’ and ‘now we can have a better taste of chemical-free organic food products.

Production of biogas is one of several alternatives to meet sustainable energy solutions and waste management. However, managing the by-product (digestate) can be problematic with its high handling costs. Digestate from wet co-digestion biogas plants contains large volumes of water, causing high transportation costs and low concentration of the valuable nutrients. An alternative to try and reduce the associated costs is by processing the digestate. Processing the digestate for volume reduction allow for more economic and resource efficient ways of handling the product. This master thesis was performed on an initiative from Tekniska verken AB and address digestate handling from Linköping biogas plant, a large co-digestion biogas plant in Sweden. The project aimed to find a feasible, more resource efficient management of their digestate by looking at digestate processing alternatives.The approach systematically evaluated a large number of processing techniques by both literature and communication with TvAB or experts. A selection of techniques were further evaluated were studies in laboratory and a market analysis on digestate provided complementary information, aiding the economical evaluation. Results suggest that processing by centrifuge is a viable, economic option when digestate management is costly and a liquid fraction can be recirculated in the process. It has the potential to significantly reducing digestate management costs. Other processing alternatives may be beneficial if transportation distance can be greatly reduced and/or synergies can be found, but the findings in this project suggest that only treatment with centrifuge is of interest. The results are subject to a number of conditions (such as size of the plant) and assumptions (such as recirculation of a liquid fraction) and therefore need individual adaption to be applicable at any specific plant. Conclusive remarks are that although site specific conditions affect the choice of processing, a projec

Production of biogas is one of several alternatives to meet sustainable energy solutions and waste management. However, managing the by-product (digestate) can be problematic with its high handling costs. Digestate from wet co-digestion biogas plants contains large volumes of water, causing high transportation costs and low concentration of the valuable nutrients. An alternative to try and reduce the associated costs is by processing the digestate. Processing the digestate for volume reduction allow for more economic and resource efficient ways of handling the product. This master thesis was performed on an initiative from Tekniska verken AB and address digestate handling from Linköping biogas plant, a large co-digestion biogas plant in Sweden. The project aimed to find a feasible, more resource efficient management of their digestate by looking at digestate processing alternatives.The approach systematically evaluated a large number of processing techniques by both literature and communication with TvAB or experts. A selection of techniques were further evaluated were studies in laboratory and a market analysis on digestate provided complementary information, aiding the economical evaluation. Results suggest that processing by centrifuge is a viable, economic option when digestate management is costly and a liquid fraction can be recirculated in the process. It has the potential to significantly reducing digestate management costs. Other processing alternatives may be beneficial if transportation distance can be greatly reduced and/or synergies can be found, but the findings in this project suggest that only treatment with centrifuge is of interest. The results are subject to a number of conditions (such as size of the plant) and assumptions (such as recirculation of a liquid fraction) and therefore need individual adaption to be applicable at any specific plant. Conclusive remarks are that although site specific conditions affect the choice of processing, a projec

The mobilization of nutrients from fish sludge (i.e., feces and uneaten feed) plays a key role in optimizing the resource utilization and thus in improving the sustainability of aquaponic systems. While several studies have documented the aerobic and anaerobic digestion performance of aquaculture sludge, the impact of the digestate on plant growth has yet to be understood. The present study examines the impact of either an aerobic or an anaerobic digestion effluent on lettuce plant growth, by enriching a mixture of aquaculture and tap water with supernatants from both aerobic and anaerobic batch reactors. The lettuce plants grown in the hydroponic system supplied with supernatant from an anaerobic reactor had significantly better performance with respect to weight gain than both, those in the system where supernatant from the aerobic reactor was added, as well as the control system. It can be hypothesized that this effect was caused by the presence of NH4+ as well as dissolved organic matter, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and fungi, and humic acid, which are predominantly present in anaerobic effluents. This study should therefore be of value to researchers and practitioners wishing to further develop sludge remineralization in aquaponic systems.

Phosphorous (P) is an element that plays an important role in every agro-ecosystem in regards to food-security, as it is essential for both animal and plant nutrition, and to environmental issues. From a soil fertility perspective, in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the P-cycle the aim should be directed towards increasing the relative solubility of P already present in the soil in rather unavailable forms. This would reduce the necessity of mineral P fertilizers input, mainly based on Rock Phosphate (RP) deposits. RP is a limited and non-renewable resource that is distributed un-evenly across the world and, as it becomes more scarce, it decreases in quality and increases in price. The Phosphorous Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM) is a group of fungi and bacteria that is selected for its ability to solubilize various forms of P. It is thought that the interactions between these organisms and the plant’s roots would increase the P efficiency of the crop, thus helping reducing the inputs in terms of mineral fertilizers without affecting the yield. The necessity of a better understanding of these interactions and of how they affected plants growth, motivates ongoing research in this field and also the experimental work for this Master’s thesis. The project aimed to investigate the effects of seed inoculation with one specific PSM, the fungi Penicillium bilaii, on the growth of Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and on P-availability and uptake. The main hypothesis was that inoculation with P. bilaii would increase plant and roots growth of Oilseed rape (OSR) in low P soil. The experimental part was carried out in the Department of Plant and Environmental Science at the University of Copenhagen and it consisted of two trials in growth chamber: a rhizobox experiment and a pot experiment. In both experiments, the effectiveness of P. bilaii was tested on a variety of treatments in depleted soils. The treatments included different combinations of

Phosphorous (P) is an element that plays an important role in every agro-ecosystem in regards to food-security, as it is essential for both animal and plant nutrition, and to environmental issues. From a soil fertility perspective, in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the P-cycle the aim should be directed towards increasing the relative solubility of P already present in the soil in rather unavailable forms. This would reduce the necessity of mineral P fertilizers input, mainly based on Rock Phosphate (RP) deposits. RP is a limited and non-renewable resource that is distributed un-evenly across the world and, as it becomes more scarce, it decreases in quality and increases in price. The Phosphorous Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSM) is a group of fungi and bacteria that is selected for its ability to solubilize various forms of P. It is thought that the interactions between these organisms and the plant’s roots would increase the P efficiency of the crop, thus helping reducing the inputs in terms of mineral fertilizers without affecting the yield. The necessity of a better understanding of these interactions and of how they affected plants growth, motivates ongoing research in this field and also the experimental work for this Master’s thesis. The project aimed to investigate the effects of seed inoculation with one specific PSM, the fungi Penicillium bilaii, on the growth of Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and on P-availability and uptake. The main hypothesis was that inoculation with P. bilaii would increase plant and roots growth of Oilseed rape (OSR) in low P soil. The experimental part was carried out in the Department of Plant and Environmental Science at the University of Copenhagen and it consisted of two trials in growth chamber: a rhizobox experiment and a pot experiment. In both experiments, the effectiveness of P. bilaii was tested on a variety of treatments in depleted soils. The treatments included different combinations of

A field experiment was conducted at Khomam, Guilan province, northern Iran, to evaluate the effects of phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experimental design was a factorial arrangement of treatments based on a randomized complete block with four replicates. Factors were phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha-1 as triple superphosphate) and phosphate bio-fertilizer application (seed inoculated with phosphate bio-fertilizer containing Pseudomonas fluorescens strain P5 and strain p13, and non-inoculated (control). Analysis of variance showed that phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer had significant effect on plant height, pod number per plant, pod yield and pod N and P concentration. The relationships between phosphorus application rate and pod number per plant and pod yield were well expressed by linear equations. Regardless of phosphate bio-fertilizer application, pod number per plant was significantly increased from 55 to 85 pods per plant as P application rate increased from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Similarly, pod yield increased linearly with increasing P application rate from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Regardless of phosphorus rate, pod number per plant and pod yield were significantly higher in plots that received phosphate bio-fertilizer compared to control plots. Pod number per plant and pod yield increased by 16% and 15%, respectively, when phosphate bio-fertilizer was applied. Based on the results of this experiment, P application at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 along with phosphate bio-fertilizer are recommended for obtaining the greatest pod yield in green bean., EL objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de fosfato con una fuente química y bio-fertilizante en el crecimiento y rendimiento de judías (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). El experimento se realizó en Khomam, provincia Guilan, al norte de Irán. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 5X2 con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron aplicación de fósforo en dosis de 0, 25, 50, 75, y 100 kg ha-1 como superfosfato triple y aplicación de fosfato bio-fertilizante con semillas inoculadas con Pseudomonas fluorescens y semillas no inoculadas (control). Los resultados indican que la aplicación de SPT y bio-fertilizantes afecta significativamente la altura de la planta, el número de vainas por planta, rendimiento y la concentración de N y P en vainas. Las relaciones entre dosis de fertilizantes fosfatado y bio-fertilizante se expresaron con ecuaciones lineales. Independientemente de la aplicación de bio-fertilizantes, el número de vainas aumentó significativamente de 55 a 85 vainas por planta cuando la aplicación de P aumento de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El rendimiento de vainas aumentó a mayor dosis de P de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El número de vainas y rendimiento fue significativamente mayor en las parcelas inoculadas con bio-fertilizantes en comparación con el control, para todas las dosis de fosfato. El número de vainas por planta y rendimiento se incrementó en un 16% y 15%, respectivamente, cuando se aplicó bio-fertilizante. Los resultados sugieren que la aplicación de P en dosis de 100 kg ha-1 y la aplicación de bio-fertilizante es recomendable para obtener mayor rendimiento de vaina en judías.

A field experiment was conducted at Khomam, Guilan province, northern Iran, to evaluate the effects of phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experimental design was a factorial arrangement of treatments based on a randomized complete block with four replicates. Factors were phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha-1 as triple superphosphate) and phosphate bio-fertilizer application (seed inoculated with phosphate bio-fertilizer containing Pseudomonas fluorescens strain P5 and strain p13, and non-inoculated (control). Analysis of variance showed that phosphorus rate and phosphate bio-fertilizer had significant effect on plant height, pod number per plant, pod yield and pod N and P concentration. The relationships between phosphorus application rate and pod number per plant and pod yield were well expressed by linear equations. Regardless of phosphate bio-fertilizer application, pod number per plant was significantly increased from 55 to 85 pods per plant as P application rate increased from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Similarly, pod yield increased linearly with increasing P application rate from 0 to 100 kg ha-1. Regardless of phosphorus rate, pod number per plant and pod yield were significantly higher in plots that received phosphate bio-fertilizer compared to control plots. Pod number per plant and pod yield increased by 16% and 15%, respectively, when phosphate bio-fertilizer was applied. Based on the results of this experiment, P application at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 along with phosphate bio-fertilizer are recommended for obtaining the greatest pod yield in green bean., EL objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de fosfato con una fuente química y bio-fertilizante en el crecimiento y rendimiento de judías (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). El experimento se realizó en Khomam, provincia Guilan, al norte de Irán. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 5X2 con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron aplicación de fósforo en dosis de 0, 25, 50, 75, y 100 kg ha-1 como superfosfato triple y aplicación de fosfato bio-fertilizante con semillas inoculadas con Pseudomonas fluorescens y semillas no inoculadas (control). Los resultados indican que la aplicación de SPT y bio-fertilizantes afecta significativamente la altura de la planta, el número de vainas por planta, rendimiento y la concentración de N y P en vainas. Las relaciones entre dosis de fertilizantes fosfatado y bio-fertilizante se expresaron con ecuaciones lineales. Independientemente de la aplicación de bio-fertilizantes, el número de vainas aumentó significativamente de 55 a 85 vainas por planta cuando la aplicación de P aumento de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El rendimiento de vainas aumentó a mayor dosis de P de 0 a 100 kg ha-1. El número de vainas y rendimiento fue significativamente mayor en las parcelas inoculadas con bio-fertilizantes en comparación con el control, para todas las dosis de fosfato. El número de vainas por planta y rendimiento se incrementó en un 16% y 15%, respectivamente, cuando se aplicó bio-fertilizante. Los resultados sugieren que la aplicación de P en dosis de 100 kg ha-1 y la aplicación de bio-fertilizante es recomendable para obtener mayor rendimiento de vaina en judías.

Sustainability is the biggest challenge faced by Mexico against a backdrop of bleak environmental degradation. It is necessary to acquire knowledge and to implement environment-friendly alternatives in order to preserve and maintain the natural resources of the country, a key factor in improving the profitability of agricultural production. In nature there is an unknown number of associations between microbial populations, which are influenced by environmental, physical and chemical factors. Microbial relationships determine the dominant or inhibited communities that exist in the soil, in the roots of the plants, and also those that coexist without affecting (positively or negatively) other populations. The factors determining microbial activity are important because of their influence in maintaining soil fertility and crop nutrition. Therefore, this work studied the bacterial populations present in locations with different soil and climatic conditions. This in order to evaluate the presence of bacterial populations potentially beneficial for the crops of interest in the region. Initially, the total bacterial population and the subpopulation with rhizobial group characteristics were estimated in samples from three localities of the state of Chihuahua in June 2007, from 11 composite samples of agricultural soils. Bacterial population density was evaluated at levels from 1X102 to 6.6X103 UFC g-1, very low values for agricultural soils, suggesting the negative effect of pesticide application on the microbial populations of the soil., La sustentabilidad en México es el mayor desafío que enfrenta el país ante un panorama de degradación ambiental poco alentador. El conocimiento y aplicación de opciones amigables con el medio ambiente resulta necesario para preservar y mantener los recursos naturales, siendo un factor clave para elevar la rentabilidad en la producción agrícola. En la naturaleza existe un número indeterminado de asociaciones entre poblaciones microbianas, éstas son influenciadas por factores del ambiente, físicos y químicos. En el suelo, en las raíces de las plantas, las relaciones microbianas determinan cual es la comunidad dominante o inhibida, así como aquellas que coexisten sin afectar (positiva o negativamente) a otras poblaciones. Los factores que determinan la actividad microbiana son importantes debido a la influencia que tienen en el mantenimiento de la fertilidad del suelo y la nutrición de los cultivos. Por lo anterior, se efectuó el estudio de las poblaciones bacterianas presentes en localidades con diferentes condiciones edafoclimáticas. Ello para evaluarla presencia de poblaciones bacterianas potencialmente benéficas para los cultivos de interés en la región. Inicialmente, se estimó la población bacteriana total, y la subpoblación con características del grupo rhizobia, en muestras obtenidas en tres localidades del estado de Chihuahua en junio de 2007, a partir de 11 muestras compuestas de suelos con actividad agrícola. Se evaluó la densidad de poblaciones bacterianas en niveles de 1X102 a 6.6X103 UFC g-1, valores muy bajos para suelos con actividad agrícola, sugiriendo el efecto negativo de la aplicación de agroquímicos sobre las poblaciones microbianas del suelo

Sustainability is the biggest challenge faced by Mexico against a backdrop of bleak environmental degradation. It is necessary to acquire knowledge and to implement environment-friendly alternatives in order to preserve and maintain the natural resources of the country, a key factor in improving the profitability of agricultural production. In nature there is an unknown number of associations between microbial populations, which are influenced by environmental, physical and chemical factors. Microbial relationships determine the dominant or inhibited communities that exist in the soil, in the roots of the plants, and also those that coexist without affecting (positively or negatively) other populations. The factors determining microbial activity are important because of their influence in maintaining soil fertility and crop nutrition. Therefore, this work studied the bacterial populations present in locations with different soil and climatic conditions. This in order to evaluate the presence of bacterial populations potentially beneficial for the crops of interest in the region. Initially, the total bacterial population and the subpopulation with rhizobial group characteristics were estimated in samples from three localities of the state of Chihuahua in June 2007, from 11 composite samples of agricultural soils. Bacterial population density was evaluated at levels from 1X102 to 6.6X103 UFC g-1, very low values for agricultural soils, suggesting the negative effect of pesticide application on the microbial populations of the soil., La sustentabilidad en México es el mayor desafío que enfrenta el país ante un panorama de degradación ambiental poco alentador. El conocimiento y aplicación de opciones amigables con el medio ambiente resulta necesario para preservar y mantener los recursos naturales, siendo un factor clave para elevar la rentabilidad en la producción agrícola. En la naturaleza existe un número indeterminado de asociaciones entre poblaciones microbianas, éstas son influenciadas por factores del ambiente, físicos y químicos. En el suelo, en las raíces de las plantas, las relaciones microbianas determinan cual es la comunidad dominante o inhibida, así como aquellas que coexisten sin afectar (positiva o negativamente) a otras poblaciones. Los factores que determinan la actividad microbiana son importantes debido a la influencia que tienen en el mantenimiento de la fertilidad del suelo y la nutrición de los cultivos. Por lo anterior, se efectuó el estudio de las poblaciones bacterianas presentes en localidades con diferentes condiciones edafoclimáticas. Ello para evaluarla presencia de poblaciones bacterianas potencialmente benéficas para los cultivos de interés en la región. Inicialmente, se estimó la población bacteriana total, y la subpoblación con características del grupo rhizobia, en muestras obtenidas en tres localidades del estado de Chihuahua en junio de 2007, a partir de 11 muestras compuestas de suelos con actividad agrícola. Se evaluó la densidad de poblaciones bacterianas en niveles de 1X102 a 6.6X103 UFC g-1, valores muy bajos para suelos con actividad agrícola, sugiriendo el efecto negativo de la aplicación de agroquímicos sobre las poblaciones microbianas del suelo

Biogas production from maize/sugar beet silage was studied under mesophilic conditions in a continuous stirred tank reactor pilot-scale process. While energy crop mono-digestion is often performed with very long hydraulic retention times (HRTs), the present study demonstrated an efficient process operating with a 50-day HRT and a corrected total solids (TScorr) based organic loading rate of 3.4 kg/m3×d. The good performance was attributed to supplementation with both macro- and micronutrients and was evidenced by good methane yields (318 m3/ton TScorr) which were comparable to laboratory maximum expected yields plus low total volatile fatty acid concentrations (< 0.8 g/L). A viscoplastic and thixotropic digester fluid behaviour was observed, and the viscosity problems common in crop mono-digestion were not seen in this study. The effluent also complied with Swedish certification standards for bio-fertilizer for farmland application. Nutrient addition thus rendered a stable biogas process, while the effluent was a good quality bio-fertilizer.