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Large number of nitrogenous fertilizers turned out to be applied to plants for maintenance and boosting yields. The nitrogen efficiency of synthetic fertilizers remains very less and it paves the way for serious environmental problems such as leaching and nitrate pollution in the soil, air streak mortification like greenhouse gas ejections. Nitrification inhibitors alleviate drop of nitrification. Biological nitrification inhibition had spectacularly enlarged its attention because of its modest cost and its ecofriendly attributes. Reduction of ill impacts of nitrogen loss on the environment had been revamped with an improvement in the nitrogen use efficiency and reduction of nitrous oxide emission, which has now become a point of interest. The current novel idea is to bring down the quantity of nitrogenous fertilizers to a reasonable extent and the usage of nitrogenous fertilizers synergists. In this review, it was hypothesized that, application of nitrification inhibitors could increase the positive supply of soil nitrogen capacity over time duration and it aids in reduction of nitrous oxide emission in-addition it helps in enhancement of N-recovery in the cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritive components such as crude protein, crude fibre, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, of important fodder plant species in successional grassland in Manipur have been evaluated throughout the year. The amount of crude protein and fibre varied from 2.38% (January) to 25.75% (May) and 25.20% (January) to 69.87% (July), respectively in different species. Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents also ranged from 37.19% (March) to 60.42% (May), 19.89% (March) to 44.59% (September) and 4.28% (March) to 28.21% (January), respectively, in different species across the months. The highest nutritive value of plant species i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was found to be during the rainy months of July/September. Out of 13 fodder plant species, Desmodium triflorum exhibited highest content for crude protein and nitrogen, Fimbristylis dichotoma for crude fibre, and potassium, Arundinella setosa for cellulose, Bothriochloa intermedia for Hemicellulose, Dichanthium annulatum for lignin, Andropogon ascinodes for phosphorus during the study period. These species are more palatable in early vegetative stage and considered excellent nutritious fodders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using gas and rock samples from major petroliferous basins in the world, the helium content, composition, isotopic compositions and the U and Th contents in rocks are analyzed to clarify the helium enrichment mechanism and distribution pattern and the exploration ideas for helium-rich gas reservoirs. It is believed that the formation of helium-rich gas reservoirs depends on the amount of helium supplied to the reservoir and the degree of helium dilution by natural gas, and that the reservoir-forming process can be summarized as "multi-source helium supply, main-source helium enrichment, helium-nitrogen coupling, and homogeneous symbiosis". Helium mainly comes from the radioactive decay of U and Th in rocks. All rocks contain trace amounts of U and Th, so they are effective helium sources. Especially, large-scale ancient basement dominated by granite or metamorphic rocks is the main helium source. The helium generated by the decay of U and Th in the ancient basement in a long geologic history, together with the nitrogen generated by the cracking of the inorganic nitrogenous compounds in the basement rocks, is dissolved in the water and preserved. With the tectonic uplift, the ground water is transported upward along the fracture to the gas reservoirs, with helium and nitrogen released. Thus, the reservoirs are enriched with both helium and nitrogen, which present a clear concomitant and coupling relationship. In tensional basins in eastern China, where tectonic activities are strong, a certain proportion of mantle-derived helium is mixed in the natural gas. The helium-rich gas reservoirs are mostly located in normal or low-pressure zones above ancient basement with fracture communication, which later experience substantial tectonic uplift and present relatively weak seal, low intensity of natural gas charging, and active groundwater. Helium exploration should focus on gas reservoirs with fractures connecting ancient basement, large tectonic uplift, relatively weak sealing capacity, insufficient natural gas charging intensity, and rich ancient formation water, depending on the characteristics of helium enrichment, beyond the traditional idea of searching for natural gas sweetspots and high-yield giant gas fields simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasonable nitrogen (N) application is a promising strategy for reducing crop cadmium (Cd) toxicity. However, the specific form of N and the required amount that affect Cd tolerance and accumulation in rice remain unclear. This study explored the influence of different N-fertilizer forms (NH 4 NO 3 , NH 4 Cl, and KNO 3) and dosages on Cd tolerance and uptake in Cd-stressed N-sensitive and N-insensitive indica rice accessions. The results indicated that the Cd tolerance of N-sensitive indica accessions is more robust than that of N-insensitive ones. Furthermore, the shoot Cd content and Cd translocation rate in both N-sensitive and N-insensitive indica accessions decreased with an appropriate supply of NH 4 NO 3 and NH 4 Cl, whereas they were comparable or slightly increased with increased KNO 3. Unfortunately, we did not find significant and regular differences in Cd accumulation or translocation between N-sensitive and N-insensitive rice accessions. Consistent with the reduction of shoot Cd content, the addition of NH 4 NO 3 and NH 4 Cl also inhibited the instantaneous root Cd2+ uptake. The expression changes of Cd transport-related genes under different N forms and dosages suggested that the decreased shoot Cd content, caused by the increased supply of NH 4 NO 3 and NH 4 Cl, is likely achieved by reducing the transcription of OsNRAMP1 and OsIRT1. In summary, our findings reveal that an appropriate supply of NH 4 NO 3 and NH 4 Cl could reduce Cd uptake and transport in rice seedlings, suggesting that rational N management could reduce the Cd risk in rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allochthonous inputs often link nutrient cycles between different ecosystems as nitrogen (N) that originates in one ecosystem is transferred to another. Mobile animals such as birds and fish can translocate nutrients between locations. Consequently, animal-mediated nutrient subsidies can shape plant communities, especially in nutrient-poor ecosystems. Terrestrial cliffs are typically nutrient-poor, receiving N from atmospheric deposition and cliff-top runoff. Cliff nesting birds deposit N-rich excrement onto the cliff during nesting, yet this potential nutrient input has rarely been demonstrated. Here we document an allochthonous input of N from cliff-nesting birds to terrestrial cliff vegetation. We sampled mineral N and vegetation on eight cliff systems in western North Carolina (USA) with nests from peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus; two sites) and common raven (Corvus corax ; five sites). Two sites had nests but species identity was not confirmed. Cliff faces below bird nests had higher levels of ammonium (NH 4 +) than did faces without nests. Both ammonium and nitrate (NO 3 −) explained variability in cliff vegetation community composition, but site-level characteristics explained more of the variation than did N inputs alone. Lichens, the dominant taxonomic group, contributed the most to this variation and had higher species richness and diversity below nests. Indicator species analysis identified two nitrophilic lichen species below nests: Flavoplaca citrina and Physcia caesia. A third nitrophilic lichen, Polycauliona candelaria (syn. Xanthoria candelaria) was also found under nests. Bird excrement is likely a significant subsidy to nutrient-poor terrestrial cliff ecosystems, thus linking cliffs to more productive ecosystems and highlighting the need to include birds in conservation and management of cliffs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on rice quality, grain‐filling rate, and starch synthase activity have been widely studied, but whether there is a relationship between grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activity has not been reported. We conducted a 2‐year field experiment using the indica rice cultivar Shenliangyou 5814 to investigate the effects of N fertilization (0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg·ha–1) on rice quality. Findings: N fertilization notably increased grain yield, head rice rate, and protein content while reducing chalkiness degree and rate, thereby enhancing milling, appearance, and nutritional quality. Meanwhile, N fertilizer application (N = 270–360 kg·ha–1) delayed the time to reach the maximal grain‐filling rate, extending it to approximately 18.4–19.9 days after flowering, and enzyme activity also peaked around the same time. Grain‐filling rate was positively correlated with the activities of AGPase and SBE after N fertilization. They were also significantly correlated with milling, appearance, and nutritional quality after 22 days of flowering. Conclusions: N fertilization achieved a harmonious balance between the grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activities, ultimately improving milling, appearance, and nutritional quality. Significance and Novelty: N fertilization regulated the coordination between grain‐filling rate and starch synthase activity for rice quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of oxalate–phosphate–amine metal–organic frameworks (OPA-MOFs) as highly efficient slow-release fertilizers in acidic soils is well established. However, a research gap exists concerning the impact of OPA-MOFs on soils with high levels of calcium carbonate. Thus, two distinct types of OPA-MOFs with enhanced specific surface areas were synthesized and utilized in field experiments. A randomized complete block design was employed to evaluate the effect of five different fertilizers on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents in wheat at various growth stages cultivated in calcareous soil. The treatments comprised OPA-MOF1, OPA-MOF2, IF1 (urea and triple superphosphate fertilizer), IF2 (ammonium nitrate and triple superphosphate fertilizer), and a control, each with three replications. N and P contents of the wheat plants were assessed at Zadoks growth stages 13 and 40, as well as in the wheat grains. The findings indicated that the highest grain yield was obtained with IF1 (1439.86 kg ha−1), followed by IF2 (1146.83 kg ha−1). In contrast, the OPA-MOF treatments yielded lower grain yields (OPA-MOF1: 1020.64 kg ha−1, OPA-MOF2: 845.06 kg ha−1). Moreover, OPA-MOF1 exhibited a more pronounced effect on the slow release of N and P elements due to its more regular structure, resulting in higher N content during the middle growth stage and a greater grain yield compared to OPA-MOF2.Highlights: The N and P contents were measured at Zadoks growth stages 13, 40, and at the maturity of wheat grains. OPA-MOFs effectively increased nitrogen content in the shoot and grain of wheat. Application of OPA-MOFs can improve yield, biomass, and 1000-seed weight in wheat. OPA-MOF1 showed better performance than OPA-MOF2 in increasing grain P content. OPA-MOFs showed a slower trend in biomass production compared to IF1 and IF2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing nutrient recycling in wastewater treatment plants is essential for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we investigated a biphasic treatment system for anaerobic liquid digestate, which involved natural and K-enriched zeolite for NH4+ recovery (phase 1), followed by struvite crystallization under two conditions: NH4+ excess and Mg2+ excess (phase 2). The adsorption of NH4+ by natural zeolite enabled saving Mg and P reagents, used to achieve target Mg:NH4:PO4 ratios. The reagent use efficiency of struvite precipitation was highest with natural zeolite under NH4+ excess conditions (96%), whereas the other treatments exhibited lower yields. In this condition, the digestate enriched in Ca2+ released by zeolite; however, no P interferences occurred (Ca2+/Mg2+ < 0.5). Fractions of Ca2+ precipitated as CaCO3. Both the isomorphic NH4- and K-struvite occurred, distinguished by calibrating XRPD data (total struvite) with N contents (indicative of NH4+-struvite). The precipitates comprised NH4- and K-struvite at 60% and 30% (calcite at 9%) in the treatment that involved natural zeolite, 65% and 35% with the K-exchanged zeolite, due to higher presence of K+. Concerning the chemical evolution of the treated digestate, fewer alterations occurred for inorganic ions in the treatment that involved natural zeolite (phase 1) with NH4+ excess condition (phase 2), besides for unreacted SO42– derived from the Mg reagent. The recovered zeolite was enriched in N at 0.5%. Struvite precipitates met the EU regulations regarding permissible levels of organic C, P content, and heavy metal impurities, thereby potentially enabling its use as a fertilizer.Highlights: Zeolites allowed less reagents for reaching optimum struvite precipitation. N loads were reduced with zeolite–struvite treatment up to 86%. Struvite from digestate is usable in agriculture and complied with EU regulations. The precipitation of K-struvite limited the recovery of N from digestate. To discern (K) and (NH4)-struvite, XRD must be combined with chemical information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to clarify the effects of planting density with nitrogen rate on regulation of nitrogen utilization in summer direct seeded cotton, the CCRI 425 were used as the experimental materials in the Key Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology of Yangzhou University in 2019 and 2020. Density were used as the main treatments in 2019 and three levels of density of 60,000 plants hm-2, 90,000 plants hm-2, and 120,000 plants hm-2 were set. Nitrogen application rate as the secondary treatments and four levels of convention nitrogen application rate (0 kg hm-2, 90 kg hm-2, 150 kg hm-2, and 210 kg hm-2) were conducted. Production application (90,000 plants m-2, 180 kg hm-2 nitrogen application rate) was used as the CK. Under the density of 120,000 plants hm-2, there were four levels of convention nitrogen application rate (0 kg hm-2, 90 kg hm-2, 150 kg hm-2, and 210 kg hm-2). The results showed that cotton seed yield was increased, reaching 4147.8-5119.2 kg hm-2, at the density of 12x104 plants hm-2 with nitrogen application of 150 kg hm-2. The dry matter of reproductive organs was 2605.6-2863.6 kg hm-2 and accounted for over 50% of the total dry matter weight. Nitrogen accumulation in reproductive organs was significantly increased, reaching 45.97-60.70 kg hm-2. Nitrogen use efficiency was significantly increased, nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) was 42.58%-44.17%, agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (aNUE) was 7.16-21.34 kg (kg N) -1, physiological nitrogen use efficiency (pNUE) was 19.16-24.03 kg (kg N) -1, partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (NPP) was 21.12-34.13 kg (kg N) -1. Regression analysis further showed that nitrogen recovery efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency, nitrogen physiological efficiency, and physiological efficiency were linearly positively correlated with yield. The percentage of open bolls reached 43.59%-60.76% before spraying defoliation and ripening agent and the normal flocculation rate could be achieved after spraying defoliation and ripening agent. Therefore, high-density with medium nitrogen rate is beneficial to nitrogen absorption and utilization, which provides the technical support for high yield, high efficient production, and nitrogen reduction in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Donghua University (English Edition) is the property of Journal of Donghua University Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Constructed wetlands are an inexpensive approach in wastewater treatment. The total nitrogen (TN) removal in constructed wetlands varies widely depending on the type of constructed wetland. To determine what processes lead to greater efficiency of nitrogen removal, the discrepancy in nitrogen removal performance between two types of constructed wetlands was studied: a down-flow and an up-flow vertical subsurface flow system. The results demonstrate that pollutant concentrations of water at the outflow and at different depths of the mesocosms fluctuated in both down-flow and up-flow systems. Ammonia and TN total removal of down-flow systems were 0.53 and 0.85 g·m-2·d-1 respectively. And they were 2.24 and 2.82 g·m-2·d-1 for up-flow systems. Pollutant removal efficiency was greater in the up-flow system compared with the down-flow system. There are three potential reasons for the observed difference. First, greater oxygen levels lead to more nitrification in up-flow systems compared with down-flow systems. Secondly, in the down-flow systems, when wastewater with higher dissolved oxygen was added to the top layer, the resulting dominant process was aerobic organic matter decomposition, while ammonia removal was restricted. In the up-flow system, although the oxygen level of the inflow was consumed for organic matter degradation, the oxygen released from roots allowed nitrification and denitrification to occur. Finally, the results reveal that nitrification in up-flow constructed wetlands was positively related with higher total nitrogen removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, during rabi season on the sandy loam soils to study the influence of different rates of nitrogen and sulfur on growth and yield attributes of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.). The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) consisting of eight treatments and three replications viz. (N1: 0 kg N per ha, N2: 100 kg N per ha, N3: 125 kg N per ha, N4: 150 kg N per ha, S1: 0 kg S per ha, S2: 30 kg S per ha, S3: 60 kg S per ha and S4: 90 kg S per ha). The different growth and yield attributes viz. plant height (cm), number of unfolded leaves per plant, diameter of cabbage head (cm), weight of cabbage head (kg) and yield of cabbage (t/ha) were recorded at different growth stages and at the time of harvesting. The results revealed that the application of 150 kg nitrogen and 90 kg sulfur per hectare gave the maximum values in all the growth and yield attributes compared to all the other treatments as well as control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth and yield performance of maize as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus in the trans-ecological zone in the field was conducted at Agbor, 5.250N and 6.190E in Delta State. Soils at the experimental site were analysed for their physical and chemical properties to determine their nutrient status. Maize variety ACR-89 DMRESR-W was used. The design was a 4 x 4 factorial randomised complete block experiment replicated three times. Four levels of both nitrogen and phosphorus were examined: 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha. The parameters measured were seedling emergence at 7 days after planting, leaf area and stem girth at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting, maize cob weight and grain yield. Results showed that combined application of 60 kgN/ha + 60 kgP/ha significantly increased leaf area at 6 and 9 weeks after planting. Mean stem girth was higher with application of 60 kgN/ha + 60kgP/ha relative to the control and other combinations levels. Application of 40 kgN/ha + 40 kgP/ha significantly increased maize grain and cob weight yield. Combined application of 40 kgN/ha + 40 kgP/ha is recommended for optimum growth and yield of maize in the study area. Keywords: Nitrogen, phosphorus, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral additives to cattle slurry based on sulfur compounds improve the nitrogen (N) economy of grain maize during the grain filling period (GFP). This hypothesis was validated on the basis of a field experiment with maize, conducted in three consecutive seasons (2017-2019) on soil low in available sulfur and calcium. The field experiment was conducted at Lipie (51°51'34" N, 17°5'5" E, Poland) on soil formed from sandy loam, classified as Albic Luvisols. The two-factor experiment included two forms of sulfur fermented with cattle slurry: elemental sulfur (S-0) and calcium sulfate dihydrate (Ca-S), applied in four doses of S: 0, 22.5, 45 and 90 kg ha-1. The N contained in cattle slurry was 133 kg ha-1. The average grain yield (GY) after applying slurry only (control S) was 9.6, 10.1 and 8.6 t DW ha-1 in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The increase in GY in response to S application was revealed in two of three years of the study, and amounted to 0.75 t DW ha-1 (+10% compared to S control) in 2017 and 1.4 t DW ha-1 (+16%) in 2019. In the latter season, GY depended on both N sources, i.e. on its remobilization from plant resources and uptake from the soil. However, the driver of GY increase in response to the applied S was post-flowering N uptake. The study showed that the application of cattle slurry enriched with sulfur is a simple agronomic solution to increase the productivity of N in maize, especially in years with drought, as in 2019. For this reason, this treatment should be considered as a preventive measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility's significance in agriculture profoundly affects the well-being of farmers. A novel technique is being introduced to gauge soil categorization levels, based on soil chemical data involving elements like "Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, PH value, Organic Carbon, Electrical Conductivity, Sulphur, Zinc, iron", and more. Classification and regression methodologies are employed to predict soil categorization levels like low level, medium, and high level. The dataset for soil categorization analysis was collected from a farm within the Bhandara region of Maharashtra. The ultimate model's efficacy was ascertained through a combination of soil analysis and meticulous refinement of hyper parameters in both random forest classification and regression approaches. In pursuit of an improved model, various alternative strategies for classification and regression were explored. Evaluation metrics, including OOB error rate, AUC accuracy, error rate, recall, precision, and F-score, were applied in the classification analysis. For the regression aspect, metrics such as mean squared error, r2 score, and error rate were employed. After subjecting the experimental dataset to thorough analysis using the random forest algorithm, accurate predictions of soil fertility levels were achieved with 93% accuracy of training and 83% accuracy of testing. This method offers a reliable pathway to enhance crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication and brownification are ongoing environmental problems affecting aquatic ecosystems. Due to anthropogenic changes, increasing amounts of organic and inorganic compounds are entering aquatic systems from surrounding catchment areas, increasing both nutrients, total organic carbon (TOC), and water color with societal, as well as ecological consequences. Several studies have focused on the ability of wetlands to reduce nutrients, whereas data on their potential to reduce TOC and water color are scarce. Here we evaluate wetlands as a potential multifunctional tool for mitigating both eutrophication and brownification. Therefore, we performed a study for 18 months in nine wetlands allowing us to estimate the reduction in concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), TOC and water color. We show that wetland reduction efficiency with respect to these variables was generally higher during summer, but many of the wetlands were also efficient during winter. We also show that some, but not all, wetlands have the potential to reduce TOC, water color and nutrients simultaneously. However, the generalist wetlands that reduced all four parameters were less efficient in reducing each of them than the specialist wetlands that only reduced one or two parameters. In a broader context, generalist wetlands have the potential to function as multifunctional tools to mitigate both eutrophication and brownification of aquatic systems. However, further research is needed to assess the design of the generalist wetlands and to investigate the potential of using several specialist wetlands in the same catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the optical and structural properties of nitrogen-doped Carbon Quantum Dots (NCQDs) on Titanium dioxide (TiO2). We synthesized the NCQDs via direct pyrolysis using varying amount of nitrogen precursor. We used a UV-visible, Fluorescence and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to probe the samples. The introduction of nitrogen enhanced the intrinsic activities and electron dynamics of the CQD films, leading to improved confinement, charge extraction, and light harvesting. The optical response of the NCQDs strongly hinged on the nitrogen doping content. Sensitizing different amounts of NCQDs on TiO2 surface reduced their bandgap energies. XRD analysis confirms the preservation of the TiO2 anatase phase nanoparticle after the introduction of NCQDs, with no substantial changes to the crystal lattice and phase purity of the resulting photoanodes, indicating the presence of NCQDs on the surface. However, the deposition of NCQDs decreased the crystallite size. SEM images show well-dispersed morphologies with non-clustered NCQDs films. NCQDs can serve as promising photosensitizers in photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress caused by defoliation can compromise the physiological quality of soybean seeds. However, there is evidence that the application of nitrogen (N) can be an alternative to reduce the qualitative losses in seeds caused by defoliating insects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topdressing N fertilization in improving the physiological quality of soybean seeds from plants subjected to artificial defoliation. The experimental design was a randomized block arranged in a 2x4 factorial scheme with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two levels of defoliation (33 and 66%) and four doses of N (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1), using urea (45% N), applied two days after defoliation. Artificial defoliation was performed during the R3 stage by removing one (33%) and two leaflets (66%) from each trifoliate leaf under field conditions. At stage R5.1, leaf area was quantified, and after harvesting, germination, emergence, length, total dry mass, electrical conductivity, total protein content, mass of 1000 seeds, and tetrazolium (vigor and viability) tests were carried out. It was concluded that increasing the defoliation from 33 to 66% impaired the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The use of nitrogen fertilization for coverage after defoliation at the beginning of the reproductive phase cannot minimize qualitative losses in seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effect of intensifying dairy systems on the uptake and return of nutrients in pastures. The experiment was conducted using four milk production systems on Mombasa grass pastures in the humid tropics, during the rainy season in 2009. This was a 2 x 2 factorial (two nitrogen fertilization levels and concentrate supplement or not for grazing animals) completely randomized design with four replications (paddocks). Nitrogen levels corresponded to 400 and 800 kg. ha-1.year-1, and supplementation was given to only two out of four groups of animals with milk yield above 11 L. day-1. Pastures fertilized with the highest nitrogen level had higher contents of macronutrients in plant tissues and the litter but resulted in lower concentrations of N and Ca in feces. The uptake of macronutrients per grazing cycle was also higher in these pastures. The supplementation caused a decreasing effect on the content of N in dead pasture material, P in litter, and Ca, Mg, and P in feces. Decomposing litter represents the main source of nutrient return to the pasture, especially calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Objectives: Fuel ethanol produced from corn requires proper yeast nutrition. Corn without supplementation provides inadequate nitrogen at high solids levels. Inorganic nitrogen is typically added; however, organic nitrogen could also be added. To evaluate the impact of supplemental nitrogen and compare it with protease addition, we developed a solids‐free corn media to study and compare fermentations. Findings: Amino acid concentrations showed uptake occurred rapidly as fermentation started and reached near zero levels for most amino acids. After sugar utilization was complete, amino acids were released by the yeast into the media. Protease addition without supplemental nitrogen reached rates and yields equivalent to supplemented media. Conclusions: Free amino acids decrease significantly at the beginning of fermentation but, under some conditions, are released again. Protease addition increased certain amino acids and reached equivalent ethanol yields without the addition of urea. Urea allowed the yeast to produce significantly more amino acids during fermentation that were released into the media after all the available sugar was consumed. Significance and Novelty: Amino acid uptake and release in corn fermentations has not been previously reported with this detail, and the improved understanding could lead to performance benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a field experiment conducted in India to study the influence of nitrogen and iron on the yield and economics of foxtail millet. The experiment found that the treatment with 60 kg/ha nitrogen and 0.6% iron had the highest plant height, dry weight, number of tillers, panicle length, grains per panicle, grain yield, straw yield, gross return, net return, and benefit cost ratio. Foxtail millet is an important crop in East Asia and has a superior nutritional profile compared to rice and wheat. The study concluded that the application of nitrogen and iron at specific levels can enhance the yield and profitability of foxtail millet cultivation. [Extracted from the article]

Blood alcohol concentrations above defined levels are detrimental to cognitive performance. Empirical and published evidence suggest that nitrogen narcosis is analogous to alcohol intoxication with both impairing prefrontal cortex function. Nitrogen narcosis is also known to have been a factor in fatal accidents. To examine the effects of nitrogen narcosis, a recent publication used the Iowa Gambling Task tool, to simulate dynamic real-life risky decision-making behaviour. If the reported outcomes are corroborated in larger rigorously designed studies it is likely to provide further evidence that divers may well experience the negative effects of a 'narcotic agent', even at relatively shallow depths. These deleterious effects may occur regardless of diving experience, aptitude or professional status. In 1872, English law made it an offence to be 'drunk' whilst in charge of horses, carriages, cattle and steam engines. Understanding the danger was easy, establishing who is 'drunk' in the eyes of the court required a legal definition. Driving above a 'legal limit' for alcohol was made illegal in the United Kingdom in 1967. The limit was set at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. It took just short of one hundred years to get from first introducing a restriction to specific activities, whilst under the influence of alcohol, to having a clear and well-defined enforceable law. The question surely is whether our modern society will tolerate another century before legally defining safe parameters for nitrogen narcosis? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quantifying inert gas wash-out is crucial to understanding the pathophysiology of decompression sickness. In this study, we developed a portable closed-circuit device for measuring inert gas wash-out and validated its precision and accuracy both with and without human subjects. Methods: We developed an exhalate monitor with sensors for volume, temperature, water vapor and oxygen. Inert gas volume was extrapolated from these inputs using the ideal gas law. The device's ability to detect volume differences while connected to a breathing machine was analysed by injecting a given gas volume eight times. One hundred and seventy-two coupled before-and-after measurements were then compared with a paired t-test. Drift in measured inert gas volume during unlabored breathing was evaluated in three subjects at rest using multilevel linear regression. A quasi-experimental crossover study with the same subjects was conducted to evaluate the device's ability to detect inert gas changes in relation to diving interventions and simulate power. Results: The difference between the injected volume (1,996 ml) and the device's measured volume (1,986 ml) was -10 ml. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for the measured volume was 1,969 to 2,003 ml. Mean drift during a 43 min period of unlaboured breathing was -19 ml, (95% CI, -37 to -1). Our power simulation, based on a cross-over study design, determined a sample size of two subjects to detect a true mean difference of total inert gas wash-out volume of 100 ml. Conclusions: We present a portable device with acceptable precision and accuracy to measure inert gas wash-out differences that may be physiologically relevant in the pathophysiology of decompression sickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bi nanoparticle wrapped in N-doped C with single-atom Bi embedded are prepared. • The structure of Bi@NC is characterized by 3D tomography reconstruction techniques. • Bi@NC has a high capacity of 347.5 mAh g−1 and the longest life of 400 cycles. • The Mg2+ storage mechanism of Bi@NC is an alloying reaction (from Bi to Bi 2 Mg 3). Bismuth has garnered significant interest as an anode material for magnesium batteries (MBs) because of its high volumetric specific capacity and low working potential. Nonetheless, the limited cycling performance (≤100 cycles) limits the practical application of Bi as anode for MBs. Therefore, the improvement of Bi cycling performance is of great significance to the development of MBs and is also full of challenges. Here, Bi nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon with single-atom Bi embedded (Bi@NC) are prepared and reported as an anode material for MBs. Bi@NC demonstrates impressive performance, with a high discharge capacity of 347.5 mAh g−1 and good rate capability (206.4 mAh g−1@500 mA g−1) in a fluoride alkyl magnesium salt electrolyte. In addition, Bi@NC exhibits exceptional long-term stability, enduring 400 cycles at 500 mA g−1. To the best of our knowledge, among reported Bi and Bi-based compounds for MBs, Bi@NC exhibits the longest cycle life in this work. The magnesium storage mechanism of Bi@NC is deeply studied through X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This work provides some guidance for further improving the cycling performance of other alloy anodes in MBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow nitrogen-doped carbons, a class of metal free electrocatalysts, offer a wide range of modifications due to their tunable diameter and carbon wall thickness. Herein, hollow nitrogen-doped carbon spheres (HNCS-1000) with numerous structural defects, thin carbon wall of about 8 nm, high (sp²-sp³)/sp³ bond ratio of 3.11 and graphitic-N proportion of 71.4% are prepared using a double pyrolysis strategy. When employed as ORR catalyst in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution, HNCS-1000 retains high onset and halfwave potentials of 1.03 V and 0.88 V, respectively. In addition, it also demonstrates excellent stability/durability with 90.25% current density retention after 84000 s continuous chronoamperometric operation and only 33 mV loss in halfwave potential after 7000 CV cycles. Overall, the ORR performance of HNCS-1000 surpasses most of the previously reported nitrogendoped carbon catalysts, and it is among the best catalysts for ORR in alkaline environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article explores the effects of nitrogen on the growth and yield of broccoli in different environments. The study reveals that the combination of environmental conditions and nitrogen doses greatly influences the growth, yield, and quality of broccoli. The most favorable outcomes were observed in a protected environment with a 125% nitrogen application, while the control group had the least favorable results. This information is valuable for researchers and farmers seeking to optimize the growth and yield of broccoli. Additionally, the document highlights the benefits of using a naturally ventilated polyhouse over an open field for the growth and quality of sprouting broccoli. The interaction between nitrogen doses and environmental conditions significantly impacts various aspects of broccoli's growth and production. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the impact of land use change on soil properties in forest and shifting cultivation sites in Northeast India. The study reveals that soil properties significantly decline in shifting cultivation areas compared to forest land, particularly during the dry season. The conversion from forest to shifting cultivation leads to a decrease in soil organic matter stocks. The article highlights the importance of sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry and farm forestry, to address these issues. The study also examines the relationships between different soil parameters in forest and shifting cultivation sites, finding significant differences in moisture content, water holding capacity, and soil texture. Additionally, the study investigates soil chemical and microbial properties in forest and shifting cultivation land, revealing that both have acidic soil pH values, but shifting cultivation land is more acidic. Forest land has higher phosphorus availability, soil organic carbon content, and microbial biomass compared to shifting cultivation land. The authors emphasize the need for further research in the region to gain a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics and consequences. The text expresses gratitude to funding agencies, the Department of Forestry, and the farmers who participated in the study. It also provides a list of references covering various topics related to soil analysis, land use systems, and soil fertility in different regions. [Extracted from the article]

This document explores the impact of foliar application of macro and micronutrients on the growth and quality of small cardamom seedlings. The study found that using a combination of these nutrients resulted in significant improvements in various parameters, such as pseudostem height, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and root parameters. The use of foliar nutrients was found to be more effective than soil application, as it enhanced nutrient absorption and reduced soil chemical contamination. This research is valuable for enhancing the production and productivity of small cardamom, an important spice and medicinal crop in India. Similar findings have been reported in studies on other crops like large cardamom and turmeric. Overall, the combined application of macro and micronutrients is recommended for the growth and development of cardamom seedlings. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Influence of Nitrogen and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Zaid Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)" examines the effects of nitrogen and plant growth regulators on the growth and yield of finger millet. The study, conducted in India during the Zaid season of 2022, found that applying nitrogen at a rate of 80 kg/ha, along with salicylic acid at 40 ppm, significantly improved various growth and yield attributes of the crop. This research offers valuable insights for farmers and researchers seeking to enhance the productivity of finger millet crops. However, further trials are necessary to validate these findings. [Extracted from the article]

This paper investigates the structural, morphological, mechanical and tribological properties of a hard chromium electroplated layer plasma nitrided in a pure nitrogen atmosphere at three different nitrogen pressures: 3.5, 4 and 5 Torr for 90 minutes at 600°C. The results showed that after plasma nitriding at 4 and 5 Torr, a well-defined Cr2N layer with a rough and porous morphology was created and the micro-cracks in the hard chromium electroplated layer were almost filled with chromium nitrides. They also showed that increasing the nitrogen pressure from 3.5 to 4 Torr resulted in a significant increase in wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of N application level on grain-filling and starch accumulation in individual sorghum grains, sorghum variety Fenjiuliang 1 was used as the experimental material in 2019 and 2020. Six N rates of 0, 75, 150, 225, 300, and 450 kg N hm-2 were applied before sowing to experimental plots in Shanxi, China. To analyze sorghum grain-filling and starch accumulation by the Richards' growth equation, the superior and inferior spikelets were sampled at seven days intervals at each sampling from anthesis to maturity. The rational N application level (75 kg N hm-2) showed the maximum grain number per panicle resulting in the maximum yield per hectare. For both superior and inferior spikelets, N had similar effects on grain weight, grain morphology structure, the characteristics of grain-filling, and grain starch accumulation. The grain weight, grain volume, and grain-filling rate increased with the increase of N application rate, whereas the maximum grain weight and grain volume was obtained with the zero N treatment. The grain starch accumulation rate was highly correlated with the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and soluble starch synthase (SSS). Compared to the zero N treatment, N application enhanced grain starch accumulation rate at early grain-filling stage and grain- filling rate, which may be due to the increased AGPase and SSS activity at the early grain-filling stage. Compared with rational N (75 kg N hm-2), excessive N (450 kg N hm-2) promoted grain starch accumulation by enhancing the activity of AGPase and SSS at the early grain filling stage, whereas zero N application enhanced sorghum grain weight and grain starch accumulation by extending the grain-filling duration and enhancing the activity of key enzymes in grain involved in sucrose-to-starch conversion at the late grain-filling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Archeologické Rozhledy is the property of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Archaeology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)