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The Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), along with the St. Lawrence Estuary, is the largest estuarine system in North America. It is a biologically productive sea and an important fishing ground in Canada. The objectives of this study are to determine how climate changes will affect primary production in the GSL and on the eastern Scotian Shelf, and to determine the drivers of the changes. We use a regional ocean model forced with downscaled output of the Max-Planck Institute Earth System Model to study the changes in net primary production under the climate change scenario of Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). Results reveal a projected 13.4% decrease in annual primary production across the GSL system over the next 70 years. This decline primarily stems from reduced nutrient concentrations in the upper layer, despite the increase in nutrients supplied by rivers. Enhanced freshwater influx and ocean surface warming contribute to heightened stratification, that in turn reduce the vertical nutrient fluxes from deeper layers. This mechanism affects the upwelling of nutrient-rich water at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary, leading to a 22% reduction in the vertical nitrate flux in the future. Additionally, nutrient concentrations in the water masses entering the GSL at the Strait of Belle Isle and at Cabot Strait are also reduced. Due to declining sea-ice concentration, the phytoplankton bloom is expected to occur between 9 and 23 days earlier under a warmer climate, and last for up to 24 days longer, depending on the GSL subregions, compared to the historical period (2001-2020). Biological productivity at higher trophic levels, and thus fisheries productivity, could be negatively impacted under the RCP8.5 climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to determine internal structure spectral profile of by-products from coffee processing that were affected by added-microorganism fermentation duration in relation to truly absorbed feed nutrient supply in ruminant system. Methods The by-products from coffee processing were fermented using commercial fermentation product, consisting of various microorganisms: for 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. In this study, carbohydrate-related spectral profiles of coffee by-products were correlated with their chemical and nutritional properties (chemical composition, total digestible nutrient, bioenergy values, carbohydrate sub-fractions and predicted degradation and digestion parameters as well as milk value of feed). The vibrational spectra of coffee by-products samples after fermentation for 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were determined using a JASCO FT/IR-4200 spectroscopy coupled with accessory of attenuated total reflectance (ATR). The molecular spectral analyses with univariate approach were conducted with the OMNIC 7.3 software. Results Molecular spectral analysis parameters in fermented and non-fermented by-products from coffee processing included structural carbohydrate, cellulosic compounds, non-structural carbohydrates, lignin compound, CH-bending, structural carbohydrate peak1, structural carbohydrate peak2, structural carbohydrate peak3, hemicellulosic compound, non-structural carbohydrate peak1, non-structural carbohydrate peak2, non-structural carbohydrate peak3. The study results show that added-microorganism fermentation induced chemical and nutritional changes of coffee by-products including carbohydrate chemical composition profiles, bioenergy value, feed milk value, carbohydrate subfractions, estimated degradable and undegradable fractions in the rumen, and intestinal digested nutrient supply in ruminant system. Conclusion In conclusion, carbohydrate nutrition value changes by added-microorganism fermentation duration were in an agreement with the change of their spectral profile in the coffee by-products. The studies show that the vibrational ATR-FT/IR spectroscopic technique could be applied as a rapid analytical tool to evaluate fermented by-products and connect with truly digestible carbohydrate supply in ruminant system.

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Heifer growth and milk production in lactating cows may diminish the nutrient supply to the fetus. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the nutrient supply to the fetus in primiparous and multiparous cows. We investigated maternal, umbilical cord, and calf blood glucose and amino acid levels, as well as placental development in 28 primiparous (PP) and 30 multiparous (MP) Holstein cows. Although the total cotyledonary weight and surface area showed no significant differences, the MP group exhibited larger individual cotyledons (P < 0.01) and fewer medium-sized cotyledons (P < 0.05). Within the PP group, total cotyledonary weight and surface area positively correlated with blood glucose (r = 0.71-0.77; P < 0.01) and total essential amino acid (r = 0.55; P < 0.05) concentrations in the umbilical veins. However, no significant correlation was observed in the MP group. Blood glucose and amino acid concentrations in the umbilical vein, umbilical artery, and calf were significantly lower in the MP group (P < 0.05), although no difference was observed in the dams between the groups. In conclusion, the nutrient status of primiparous cows can alter fetal nutrient supply. Moreover, multiparous cows have larger individual cotyledons as an adaptive response to increased milk production during pregnancy. However, this adaptive response in multiparous cows did not completely restore nutrient supply to the fetus to the same extent as that in primiparous cows. Therefore, the nutritional management of multiparous cows during pregnancy must be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), along with the St. Lawrence Estuary, is the largest estuarine system in North America. It is a biologically productive sea and an important fishing ground in Canada. The objectives of this study are to determine how climate changes will affect primary production in the GSL and on the eastern Scotian Shelf, and to determine the drivers of the changes. We use a regional ocean model forced with downscaled output of the Max-Planck Institute Earth System Model to study the changes in net primary production under the climate change scenario of Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5). Results reveal a projected 13.4% decrease in annual primary production across the GSL system over the next 70 years. This decline primarily stems from reduced nutrient concentrations in the upper layer, despite the increase in nutrients supplied by rivers. Enhanced freshwater influx and ocean surface warming contribute to heightened stratification, that in turn reduce the vertical nutrient fluxes from deeper layers. This mechanism affects the upwelling of nutrient-rich water at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary, leading to a 22% reduction in the vertical nitrate flux in the future. Additionally, nutrient concentrations in the water masses entering the GSL at the Strait of Belle Isle and at Cabot Strait are also reduced. Due to declining sea-ice concentration, the phytoplankton bloom is expected to occur between 9 and 23 days earlier under a warmer climate, and last for up to 24 days longer, depending on the GSL subregions, compared to the historical period (2001-2020). Biological productivity at higher trophic levels, and thus fisheries productivity, could be negatively impacted under the RCP8.5 climate change scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern agriculture, Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) stands out as a contemporary production mode that leverages precise control over environmental conditions such as nutrient, temperature, light, and other factors to achieve efficient and high-quality agricultural production. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of manipulating these environmental factors in the short period before harvest to enhance crop yield and quality in CEA. This comprehensive review aims to provide insight into various pre-harvest practices employed in CEA, including nutrient deprivation, nutrient supply, manipulation of the light environment, and the application of exogenous hormones, with the objective of improving yield and quality in horticultural crops. Additionally, we propose an intelligent pre-harvest management system to cultivate high-quality horticultural crops. This system integrates sensor technology, data analysis, and intelligent control, enabling the customization of specific pre-harvest strategies based on producers' requirements. The envisioned pre-harvest intelligent system holds the potential to enhance crop quality, increase yield, reduce resource wastage, and offer innovative ideas and technical support for the sustainable development of CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect manure or "frass" has emerged as an alternative nutrient source for alleviating the dependence on fossil fuel-based fertilizers, reducing food waste, and promoting food security. Yet, research on insect frass chemical composition is in its infancy. Here, we assessed the chemical properties of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) frass compared with poultry litter (PL). Insect frass was obtained from the National Biological Control Laboratory (NBCL; IF-L) and an insect-rearing company (IF-C). PL was collected from facilities in Arkansas (PL-AR) and North Carolina (PL-NC). Samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, macro- and micronutrients, heavy metals, pathogens, and indicator microorganisms. On average, insect frass had 43% and 47% higher C and N than PL, respectively (P  < 0.05). Considering a 5 mg/ha application rate, IF-C can supply 159 kg N/ha, twice the N supply of PL-AR (78 kg/ha). IF-L had a 53% higher P supply than PL-NC. Mean K, Ca, S, and micronutrient contents were higher in PL than in frass (P  < 0.05), whereas As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were nearly absent in frass. Chemical composition and pathogens in fertilizer sources were largely affected by insect-rearing substrate and supplements used in poultry and insect production. Insect frass utilized in this study had optimum C and N rates relative to PL, suggesting a promising soil amendment for improving soil health and C sequestration, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural intensification and reuse of food waste in circular economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has always been a specific focus on nitrogen fertilization in sugar beet production due to its important effect on sugar beet root yield and quality. For stable sugar beet growth and satisfactory root yield and quality, balanced N fertilization is crucial. Thus, this study aimed to investigate spring N fertilization in two seasons as the following treatments: N0—control, N1—only pre-sowing fertilization, and N2—pre-sowing with topdressing. Four different genotypes were included in the study (Serenada, Colonia, Fred, and Danton). The experiment was set up in a plain area, belonging to the temperate climate zone in Eastern Croatia (Županja and Vrbanja), with the long-term mean (LTM) (March–October) air temperature around 16 °C and the total precipitation of 515 mm. Pre-sowing N fertilization had a smaller impact on root yield in the year with higher precipitation (31% higher than LTM). Therefore, the average yields with pre-sowing fertilization (N1) and pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) were very similar and were only 7% higher than those of the control. In a season with less rainfall (29% less than LTM), pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) had a more pronounced effect on the increase in sugar beet root yield, which was 17% higher compared to that of the control treatment. The sugar beet sucrose content and quality parameters (brei impurities, loss of sugar in molasses, extractable sugar) differed when N fertilization was applied among locations in both seasons. The white sugar yield was the highest at N2 treatment with pre-sowing and topdressing N fertilization. In general, according to the average of all locations and years of research, the Serenada hybrid achieved the highest average root yield (81.1 t ha−1), while Colonia exhibited the highest root sugar content (14.5%) and white sugar yield (9.7 t ha−1).

There has always been a specific focus on nitrogen fertilization in sugar beet production due to its important effect on sugar beet root yield and quality. For stable sugar beet growth and satisfactory root yield and quality, balanced N fertilization is crucial. Thus, this study aimed to investigate spring N fertilization in two seasons as the following treatments: N0—control, N1—only pre-sowing fertilization, and N2—pre-sowing with topdressing. Four different genotypes were included in the study (Serenada, Colonia, Fred, and Danton). The experiment was set up in a plain area, belonging to the temperate climate zone in Eastern Croatia (Županja and Vrbanja), with the long-term mean (LTM) (March–October) air temperature around 16 °C and the total precipitation of 515 mm. Pre-sowing N fertilization had a smaller impact on root yield in the year with higher precipitation (31% higher than LTM). Therefore, the average yields with pre-sowing fertilization (N1) and pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) were very similar and were only 7% higher than those of the control. In a season with less rainfall (29% less than LTM), pre-sowing fertilization with top dressing (N2) had a more pronounced effect on the increase in sugar beet root yield, which was 17% higher compared to that of the control treatment. The sugar beet sucrose content and quality parameters (brei impurities, loss of sugar in molasses, extractable sugar) differed when N fertilization was applied among locations in both seasons. The white sugar yield was the highest at N2 treatment with pre-sowing and topdressing N fertilization. In general, according to the average of all locations and years of research, the Serenada hybrid achieved the highest average root yield (81.1 t ha−1), while Colonia exhibited the highest root sugar content (14.5%) and white sugar yield (9.7 t ha−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine dinitrogen (N2) fixation fuels primary production and thereby influences the Earth's climate. Yet, its geographical distribution and controlling environmental parameters remain debatable. We measured N2 fixation rates from the two spatially and physicochemically contrasting regions of the Arabian Sea during the winter monsoon: (a) the colder and nutrient‐rich waters in the northern region owing to winter convection and (b) the warmer and nutrient‐poor waters in the southern region unaffected by winter convection. We found higher N2 fixation rates at the surface of northern region due to convective mixing driven supply of phosphate (intuitively iron also) from the underlying suboxic waters. N2 fixation was favored by high nutrient concentrations in the euphotic waters, whereas remained unaffected by nutrient availability in the aphotic waters. We conclude that diazotrophs dwelling in the euphotic zone chose phosphate over fixed nitrogen‐poor waters. However, we found that among oligotrophic waters, anticyclonic eddy extremes the barrier of fixed nitrogen supply, and thereby, elevates N2 fixation. While the Arabian Sea loses about 20%–40% of the global ocean fixed nitrogen, we estimate that N2 fixation in the Arabian Sea offsets only up to 42% of its fixed nitrogen‐loss by denitrification, but this offset could be higher if diazotrophic activity is further examined up to the deeper depths of the Arabian Sea. Plain Language Summary: Phytoplankton facilitate the removal of greenhouse carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere. However, phytoplankton's carbon dioxide assimilation ability is largely controlled by the reactive forms of nitrogen (N, such as ammonium, nitrate and nitrite). In contrast, the N‐limited environments often create a suitable niche for diazotrophs—organisms genetically proficient to convert dinitrogen (N2) gas to a reactive form of N. Previous research has hypothesized close spatial coupling between N2 fixation and N‐loss processes because the latter result in an N‐deficit, that is, a conducive condition for diazotrophs. Here, we measured N2 fixation rates in and above the N‐loss dominated waters of the Arabian Sea. The highest N2 fixation occurred near the coast of the Arabian Sea. We found relatively high N2 fixation rates above the waters with the highest N‐loss owing to convective mixing driven supply of nutrients such as phosphate and probably iron. N2 fixation rates below the sunlit layer were consistent but low. Our study showed that physical processes substantially influence N2 fixation by affecting nutrients supply. Key Points: Winter convection elevates N2 fixation through the enhanced supply of nutrients from the suboxic waters to the surface waters of the Arabian SeaDiazotrophy offsets up to 42% of the Arabian Sea's denitrification deficitWinter convective mixing strengthens the long‐held hypothesis of coupling between N‐gain and ‐loss processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhoons can greatly alter the hydrodynamic and nutrient supply in coastal oceans. However, due to the complex conditions of typhoons, such as their intensity, even slight changes may cause substantial changes in hydrodynamics and nutrient supply, which needs to be better understood. In this study, we conducted two cruises before and after Typhoon Talim (2023) to quantitatively investigate changes in hydrodynamics and nutrient supply in Zhanjiang Bay using dual water isotopes. Before the typhoon, strong stratification occurred in the bay. However, the strong external force of the typhoon destroyed the stratification and substantially changed the water mixing in the bay after the typhoon. In the upper bay, massive freshwater input remarkably decreased the salinity during the post-typhoon period (freshwater increased by 18%). In contrast, the salinity variation in the lower bay was minimal, mainly due to massive seawater intrusion from the outer bay induced by the typhoon; the seawater mixed with freshwater columns from the upper bay, forming a strong ocean front. The intensity of ocean fronts induced by typhoons directly depended on the typhoon intensity landing in Zhanjiang Bay, as stronger typhoons will cause more intrusion of high-salinity seawater from the outer bay. Due to the formation of the ocean front, freshwater and terrestrial nutrients from the upper bay are prevented from being transported downwards, resulting in a large amount of accumulated pollutants within the bay. By contrast, due to the impact of high-salinity seawater intrusion, the contribution of seawater from the outer bay has increased, thereby diluting the nutrients in the lower bay. This study provides a new insight into the responses of coastal marine eco-environment systems to typhoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During intrauterine life, external stimuli including maternal nutrition, lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions, anxiety, stress, and air pollution can significantly impact fetal development. The human brain structures begin to form in the early weeks of gestation and continue to grow and mature throughout pregnancy. This review aims to assess, based on the latest research, the impact of environmental factors on fetal and neonatal brain development, showing that oxidative stress and inflammation are implied as a common factor for most of the stressors. Environmental insults can induce a maternal inflammatory state and modify nutrient supply to the fetus, possibly through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to significant consequences for brain morphogenesis and neurological outcomes. These risk factors are often synergic and mutually reinforcing. Fetal growth restriction and preterm birth represent paradigms of intrauterine reduced nutrient supply and inflammation, respectively. These mechanisms can lead to an increase in free radicals and, consequently, oxidative stress, with well-known adverse effects on the offspring's neurodevelopment. Therefore, a healthy intrauterine environment is a critical factor in supporting normal fetal brain development. Hence, healthcare professionals and clinicians should implement effective interventions to prevent and reduce modifiable risk factors associated with an increased inflammatory state and decreased nutrient supply during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lower nutrient supply from Holstein (HOL) dams to beef fetuses than HOL fetuses has been demonstrated, but the underlying factors remain unclear. We investigated maternal, umbilical vein, and calf blood glucose and amino acid concentrations at calving, along with placental development at term, in HOL dams with similar fetuses (HOL‐HOL, n = 12), F1 crosses (HOL × Japanese Black [JB]; HOL‐F1, n = 4), JB fetuses (HOL‐JB, n = 7), and JB dams with similar fetuses (JB‐JB, n = 11). Calf birth weight, total cotyledonary weight, and surface area were greater in HOL‐HOL compared to JB‐JB or HOL‐JB (P < 0.05), whereas those of HOL‐F1 were similar. Blood amino acid concentrations in the umbilical veins and calves were similar among HOL‐HOL, HOL‐F1, and HOL‐JB. Calf blood glucose concentrations were lower in HOL‐F1 than HOL‐HOL (P < 0.05), despite similar maternal blood glucose levels. HOL‐JB exhibited higher maternal, umbilical vein, and calf blood glucose concentrations than JB‐JB (P < 0.05). Therefore, the glucose supply to the fetus may be inhibited in HOL‐F1 due to maternal‐fetal breed differences. Higher maternal blood glucose concentrations in HOL‐JB may result in elevated fetal glucose exposure, potentially affecting postnatal growth and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food production system 'aquaponics' has moved a long way from its inceptions in the 1970s and 1980s. This paper suggests that it is the principle of aquaponics that should define what aquaponics is and then the rest follows according to systems and technologies. This paper supports the Palm et al. (Aquac Int. 2018;26(3):813–42) position of having a nutrient supply threshold (>50%) from the feed via the aquatic organisms to the plants. We test the most recent alternative definitions (e.g. Baganz et al. Rev Aquac. 2021;14:252–64) that overcomplicate existing definitions and nomenclature. Any new definition needs to be referential to existing terms and properly tested. This paper does exactly that, concluding that several recent changes by Baganz et al. (Rev Aquac. 2021;14:252–64) are not needed. We also debate that the key principle behind aquaponics is 'all about coupling'. Whilst coupling is an important aspect, existing technologies and those that will emerge are far more complex. Finally, this paper highlights the idiosyncrasies in the term aquaponics and we suggest an alternative term 'aquaorganoponics', which in essence better describes the principles of aquaponics (s.s.) which transfers natural organic compounds combined with microbes in water from the aquaculture unit to the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate phytoplankton dynamics in response to variable winter weather conditions along the Sea of Japan, we conducted daily sampling in enclosed Maizuru Bay in five winters and found distinctive differences between 2016/2017 and 2018/2019. A clear diatom bloom occurred through the water column in moderately cold/snowy 2016/2017, whereas in exceptionally warm/snow-free 2018/2019 a small peak of dinoflagellates occurred only in the subsurface. Nutrient concentrations changed drastically depending on freshwater discharge and diatom growth in 2016/2017, showing a contrast with constant nutrient concentrations in 2018/2019. Copepod densities were ~10 times higher in 2016/2017 than in 2018/2019, indicating bottom-up effects in 2016/2017. As the absence of a diatom bloom from 2018/2019 can be attributed neither to nutrient limitation nor to grazing pressure, we hypothesize that wind mixing is a key factor triggering a diatom bloom. Within the five winters, clear diatom blooms were found only after strong winds and heavy precipitation including snowfall. Wind mixing would possibly promote the germination/rejuvenation of viable resting stage cells as inocula for a diatom bloom, while the growth and maintenance are supported by nutrient supply through freshwater discharge. In Maizuru Bay, winter production is likely activated by harsh weather conditions characteristic of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice in the journal "Frontiers in Marine Science" addresses an error in Figure 2 of the article "Modelling the bottom-up effects of climate change on primary production in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and eastern Scotian Shelf." The panels in question were meant to show the mean temperature and salinity of the upper 50 m water column in historical and future years, but a coding mistake led to the calculation of a single layer instead. The authors have rectified this error, emphasizing that it does not impact the scientific conclusions of the study. [Extracted from the article]

The variation of nutrient supply not only leads to the differences in the phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity but also induces the long-term phenotypic evolution of phytoplankton. It is widely accepted that marine phytoplankton follows Bergmann's Rule and becomes smaller with climate warming. Compared with the direct effect of increasing temperature, the indirect effect via nutrient supply is considered to be an important and dominant factor in the reduction of phytoplankton cell size. In this paper, a size-dependent nutrient-phytoplankton model is developed to explore the effects of nutrient supply on the evolutionary dynamics of functional traits associated with phytoplankton size. The ecological reproductive index is introduced to investigate the impacts of input nitrogen concentration and vertical mixing rate on the persistence of phytoplankton and the distribution of cell size. In addition, by applying the adaptive dynamics theory, we study the relationship between nutrient input and the evolutionary dynamics of phytoplankton. The results show that input nitrogen concentration and vertical mixing rate have significant effects on the cell size evolution of phytoplankton. Specifically, cell size tends to increase with the input nutrient concentration, as does the diversity of cell sizes. In addition, a single-peaked relationship between vertical mixing rate and cell size is observed. When the vertical mixing rate is too low or too high, only small individuals are dominant in the water column. When the vertical mixing rate is moderate, large individuals can coexist with small individuals, so the diversity of phytoplankton is elevated. We predict that reduced intensity of nutrient input due to climate warming will lead to a trend towards smaller cell size and will reduce the diversity of phytoplankton.

The experiment was conducted within a framework of a two-factor long-term trial at the Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation, in Szarvas, Hungary. This was a special field experiment, in which lysimeters have been installed in the middle of 32 m2 field plots. The main factor was the water supply with 4 levels: i1: non-irrigated control; i2: irrigated with one third of the optimal water supply; i3: irrigated with two thirds of the optimal water supply; i4: optimum irrigated plot, according to the requirement of sweet corn test plant. The amount of released irrigation water was 0, 54, 106 and 158 mm per year on average over 5 years. Within every water supply treatment there were 4 nutrient supply rates (N): N1, N2, N3, N4 = 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser substance in ratio 2:1:1. The number of replications was 4, and the experiment was arranged in split-plot design. In the studied years, the amount of precipitation varied between 92 and 264 mm from sowing to harvesting. The effect of fertiliser was less in the non-irrigated treatments compared to that of the irrigated ones, and the yield was increased only up to 200 kg ha−1 NPK treatment level. The NPK dose of 300 kg ha−1 proved to be optimal in the irrigated treatments in which the utilization of fertilizer doses increased parallel to the improving water supply. In addition, the ratio of first class products (cobs longer than 20 cm) increased to a greater extent than the yield as a result of irrigation and fertilization. Water requirement of sweet corn proved to be between 400–450 mm resulting in an average yield of 20–24 t ha−1, of which 18–20 t ha−1 came from marketable cobs. The amount of evapotranspiration fluctuated between 270–440 mm during the five years, depending on the quantity of water supply, but it changed to a lesser extent than the amount of the yield. Increasing the fertilizer dose practically did not affect ET in non-irrigated plants, but increased it by 20–30 mm in irrigated ones. The change was not significant. The productivity of ET was only 30–45 kg ha−1 mm−1 in the non-irrigated treatment, while it was 50–55 kg ha−1 mm−1 in the irrigated treatments, with higher values at the higher fertiliser rates. The productivity of irrigation water exceeded far over the productivity of ET at adequate nutrient supply. The yield increase per 1 mm of irrigation water was on average 60 kg ha−1 mm−1, which was considerably higher than the productivity of ET of non-irrigated plants (39 kg ha−1 mm−1). There was a positive correlation between the yield and ET, and a negative correlation between the yield and specific water consumption. Irrigation and fertilization increased the average yield to a greater extent than evapotranspiration, so as the average yield increased, the ET per unit of yield decreased, i.e. the productivity of evapotranspirated water increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jehol and Yanliao biotas of northern China, two world‐class Lagerstätten with abundant biomass and biodiversity, provide critical clues to Mesozoic terrestrial ecosystems. Their evolution is a response to the destruction of the North China craton. However, the impetus for the rapid bloom of the biotas remains a mystery. Mesozoic large‐scale volcanic‐sedimentary strata in northern China are rich in terrestrial organisms. Statistical analyses show that volcanic nutrient element delivery, biomass, and biodiversity in these stratigraphic sequences increase synchronously, while harmful elements have the opposite change with them. These observations reveal the coevolutionary relationship between volcanism and terrestrial biotas. The increased nutrient element supply and inhibited harmful element delivery to terrestrial ecosystems from the voluminous volcanic products, produced under the geodynamic regime of paleo‐Pacific subduction and cratonic destruction, could create a conducive environment for the biodiversity and high prosperity of Mesozoic terrestrial biotas. Plain Language Summary: The weathering of volcanic products can quickly provide material supply for ecosystems, including nutrient and harmful elements. The availability of these elements in volcanic‐sedimentary sequences can provide key evidence for the intrinsic relations between volcanism and terrestrial biological evolution. Through statistically‐based big data analyses, we determine the changes in nutrient/harmful element delivery, biomass, and vertebrate and entomic diversity of the Mesozoic fossil‐bearing volcanic‐sedimentary strata in northern China. Excluding the interference of pyroclastic flows on the fossil records, the results reveal the significant contributions of elevated volcanic nutrient supply to the flourishing of the Jehol and Yanliao biotas. Meanwhile, the inhibited release of harmful elements has limited impacts on the biotas. This study opens a new path for multidisciplinary investigations to explore the feedback relationship among regional tectonics, volcanism, and terrestrial biotas. Key Points: Mesozoic terrestrial biotas in northern China coevolved with volcanism during the paleo‐Pacific subduction and cratonic destructionThe increasing supply of volcanic nutrients promoted the flourishing of the Jehol and Yanliao biotasInhibited volcanic toxic delivery facilitated the rapid bloom of the terrestrial biotas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Jehol and Yanliao biotas of northern China, two world‐class Lagerstätten with abundant biomass and biodiversity, provide critical clues to Mesozoic terrestrial ecosystems. Their evolution is a response to the destruction of the North China craton. However, the impetus for the rapid bloom of the biotas remains a mystery. Mesozoic large‐scale volcanic‐sedimentary strata in northern China are rich in terrestrial organisms. Statistical analyses show that volcanic nutrient element delivery, biomass, and biodiversity in these stratigraphic sequences increase synchronously, while harmful elements have the opposite change with them. These observations reveal the coevolutionary relationship between volcanism and terrestrial biotas. The increased nutrient element supply and inhibited harmful element delivery to terrestrial ecosystems from the voluminous volcanic products, produced under the geodynamic regime of paleo‐Pacific subduction and cratonic destruction, could create a conducive environment for the biodiversity and high prosperity of Mesozoic terrestrial biotas.

The East China Sea (ECS) is a marginal sea with high productivity, especially in summer. In the Zhejiang coastal region of ECS, the large phytoplankton biomass in summer is attributed to the nutrients pumped up by Zhejiang coastal upwelling (ZCU), and oceanic nutrients supplied by the Kuroshio intrusion (KI) onto continental ECS. However, the yearly variations in these two processes are not consistent, which complicates coastal nutrient supplies. In this study, to understand the contributions of ZCU and KI to the nutrient supplies, nutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton biomass in ECS as well as their yearly variations, a physical‐biochemical coupled model was applied. According to model results and observations, the years 2013 and 2018 were identified as strong and weak ZCU years during 2010–2018 period, respectively. In 2013, nutrient and chlorophyll‐a concentrations were higher than 2018 in nearshore areas, but nutrient concentrations were lower than 2018 at the bottom of wide offshore areas. Strong wind stress in 2013 induced strong ZCU and shoreward net nutrient flux along the 60‐m isobath, which was seaward in 2018. The fewer nutrient supplies from KI in the spring of 2013 decreased the nutrient concentrations at the bottom of offshore areas, but its influence on nearshore nutrient concentrations was not as obvious as that caused by ZCU. Phytoplankton biomass in the nearshore and offshore areas reflected different mechanisms of nutrient supplies. In conclusion, the intensity of ZCU, rather than KI, is the principal factor influencing the coastal primary productivity of ECS in summer. Plain Language Summary: The Zhejiang coastal region in the East China Sea is one of the most important fishing grounds in China. The highest productivity in this region appears in summer. It is reported that the coastal productivity benefit from the nutrients transported by local upwelling in summer and Kuroshio intrusion (KI) from the open sea in spring. To reveal the contributions of the two processes, we used a numerical model to investigate the nutrient supply and phytoplankton biomass influenced by the upwelling and KI. The results showed that the more intense alongshore wind in summer induced stronger upwelling, and significantly increased nutrient supply in nearshore areas. The KI mainly influenced the nutrient supply from the open sea and the nutrient concentrations in offshore areas at the sea bottom. The nearshore nutrient supply and phytoplankton biomass are primarily determined by the intensity of upwelling and secondarily influenced by that of KI. This study distinguished the effects of local and remote processes, and highlighted the influences of their match and mismatch to the yearly variations in the nutrient supply to the nearshore area of East China Sea. Key Points: A strong upwelling year and a weak upwelling year are identified from 2010 to 2018 based on model results and observationsCoastal upwelling and Kuroshio intrusion mainly control the nutrient supply in nearshore and offshore areas, respectivelyNearshore chlorophyll‐a and offshore subsurface chlorophyll maximum are accordingly determined by Zhejiang coastal upwelling and Kuroshio intrusion intensities, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How crop biodiversity adapts to drought conditions and enhances grain yield became the most important issue facing agronomists and plant breeders at the turn of the century. Variations in genetic response, inadequacy of nutrients in the soil, and insufficient access to nutrients are factors that aggravate drought stressors. The development of screening tools for identifying drought tolerance is important in the deployment of durum wheat varieties suited to drought-prone environments. An experiment was conducted to evaluate durum wheat varieties under a range of nutrient supplies in naturally imposed drought conditions. The treatments consisting of two nitrogen regimes (i.e., control and 60 kg ha−1), four durum wheat varieties, and three types of nutrients (control, sulfur, and zinc) that were arranged in a split-split plot design with three replications. Both foliar-based sulfur and zinc fertilization were employed at the flag leaf stage, at a rate of 4 and 3-L ha−1, respectively. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) genetic variation in chlorophyll concentration, grain protein content, tillering potential, and leaf area index. Varieties that contained better leaf chlorophyll content had improved grain yield by about 8.33% under 60 kg/ha nitrogen. A combined application of nitrogen and zinc at flag leaf stage significantly improved grain yield of Duragold by about 21.3%. Leaf chlorophyll content was found to be a more important trait than spikes per m2 to discriminate durum wheat varieties. Foliar application of sulfur increased the grain yield of drought-stressed plants by about 12.23%. Grain yield and protein content were strongly correlated with late-season SPAD readings. Significant (p < 0.05) correlation coefficients were obtained between normalized difference vegetation index, leaf area index, grain yield, and protein content with late-season chlorophyll content, revealing the importance of chlorophyll content in studying and identifying drought-tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although environmental factors affecting adventitious root (AR) formation have been examined, how nutrient status affects ARs under waterlogging conditions remains unclear. In this study, plants' performance in responding to AR regulation based on nutrient supply was investigated in terms of plant morphology, physiology and AR traits. Results indicated that Cleistocalyx operculatus possesses higher waterlogging tolerance than Syzygium cumini according to the waterlogging tolerance coefficient, mainly because of the higher fresh weight, porosity and length of AR in C. operculatus. Nutrient supply treatment under a waterlogging condition significantly decreased the fresh weight, length, number, porosity, cortex area of AR and the ratio of cortex-to-stele area in both species relative to those in the waterlogging treatment, but significantly increased the activities and stele areas of AR, and leaf nutrient content. This result showed that nutrient supply caused variations in the morphological and anatomical structures of AR that were more beneficial to improve nutrient transportation than oxygen absorption under waterlogging conditions, supporting the nutrient-priority hypothesis. Moreover, nutrient supply under waterlogging conditions induced greater increase in stele area of ARs, fresh weight of the whole plant, total leaf area, leaf nitrogen level, total chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate and maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII in S. cumini than in C. operculatus , suggesting that S. cumini can transport more nutrients and easily adapts to increase in nutrient supply under waterlogging conditions. Thus, S. cumini have better performance in extracting and utilizing nutrients in the water for plant growth. The findings showed that terrestrial arbor plants have physiological and microstructural mechanisms that respond to nutrient supply under waterlogging conditions and provide novel insights into the phytoremediation of eutrophic water bodies in wetland systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a set of nonlinear differential equations to model the dynamic growth of avascular stage tumors, considering nutrient supply from underlying tissue, innate immune response, contact inhibition of cell migration, and interactions with a chemotherapeutic agent. The model has been validated against available experimental data from the literature for tumor growth. We assume that the size of the modeled tumor is already detectable, and it represents all clinically observed existent cell populations; initial conditions are selected accordingly. Numerical results indicate that the tumor size and regression significantly depend on the strength of the host immune system. The effect of chemotherapy is investigated, not only within the malignancy, but also in terms of the responding immune cells and healthy tissue in the vicinity of a tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat is one of the most important crops globally and also in Hungary. Hungary has excellent crop production potential including seed production. The aim of our experiment is to determine the effects of different amounts and proportions of nutrients and those of the seed size of winter wheat in laboratory seed tests on the seed parameters (germination percentage, germination power, seedling health and vigour), as well as in field tests of the seed parameters (emergence percentage and yield of next crop year). Laboratory seed tests of winter wheat variety GK Petur were conducted with seeds that underwent ten nutrient treatments and of three seed size fractions over four crop years, together with field experiments in three growing seasons. Compared to the untreated control group, N treatments significantly decreased the health of the seedlings in the next generation of winter wheat. PK treatments without N increased the germination percentage, vigour value and emergence percentage significantly, but the health of the seedlings decreased. In contrast, NPK treatments with a ratio of 2:1:1 improved all the tested parameters compared to those of the control group. The increase in seed sizes significantly increased the germination power, seedling health, vigour value, emergence percentage and the yield of the next crop year. It can be concluded that the factors of nutrient supply, crop year of the seed production and the seed size significantly influence the quality of the seed (germination percentage, germination power, seedling health, vigour and emergence percentage), thus also the yield of the next generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The study was conducted to investigate the status of land carrying capacity of livestock and poultry manure in Shanwei City, and to provide a theoretical basis for the combination of planting and livestock and poultry breeding and the rational development of breeding scales.【Method】According to the data in the Shanwei Statistical Yearbook, the nutrient supply of livestock and poultry manure, the demand of livestock and poultry manure nutrients for crops and the land carrying capacity of Shanwei City from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed.【Result】From 2017 to 2020, the livestock and poultry stocks in Shanwei City increased from 664 100 to 878 900 pig equivalents, and the breeding scales of Haifeng County and Lufeng City in 2020 increased greatly compared with those in the previous three years. The total nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient demand for crops in Shanwei City converted into livestock and poultry manure has increased from 15 200 t and 3 600 t to 17 600 t and 4 100 t, respectively. During this period, the supply of nitrogen and phosphorus in livestock and poultry manure increased from 4 600 t and 800 t to 6 200 t and 1 100 t, respectively. The land carrying capacity indexes of livestock and poultry manure based on nitrogen and phosphorus in Shanwei were 0.30-0.35 and 0.22-0.26, respectively.【Conclusion】The overall scale of livestock and poultry breeding in Shanwei City still has great development potential. The land carrying capacity could be the basis for the agricultural departments to adjust the planning of the development of livestock and poultry breeding.

Increasing nutrient supply level and eliminating pollution risk are essential to promote farmland soil use. In the soil-plant nutrition cycle, phosphorus is a limiting nutrient, toxic metals such as Cd and Pb are stress threats. Utilizing microorganisms as a bio-amendment could be a viable approach to enhance the cycling of soil phosphorus nutrients and immobilize Cd and Pb in the soil. This study involved the isolation of Aspergillus flavus AF-LRH1, a phosphate solubilizing fungal strain from soil. The strain exhibited the capacity to solubilize calcium phosphate, attaining a phosphorus concentration of 220.73 mg L−1 in the medium. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that AF-LRH1 produced a combination of organic acids (tartaric acid 260.7 mg L−1, fumaric acid 0.8 mg L−1, citric acid 911.9 mg L−1) to dissolve Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 by providing H+ ions. AF-LRH1 also utilizes NH 4 + for the biosynthesis of amino acids and releases protons, which facilitate the dissolution of insoluble Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 and calcium phytate. Through these processes, calcium phosphate is partly converted into hydroxyapatite because of biological solubilization. AF-LRH1 strain showed the capability to recover phosphorus from various types of sludge-based solid residue by increasing the solubility of insoluble phosphate compounds for plant nutrient supply. In addition, the combining addition of AF-LRH1 strain and phosphate-containing amendments (calcium phosphate, sludge ash and biochar) benefited the decontamination of Pb and Cd contaminated soil. This finding confirmed the AF-LRH1 could be a promising environmental-friendly biofertilizer suitable for agricultural applications and bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. [Display omitted] • Aspergillus flavus AF-LRH1 could solubilize inorganic and organic phosphorus. • A possible phosphate solubilization pathway of AF-LRH1 strain was proposed. • Aspergillus flavus AF-LRH1 strain recovered phosphorus from sludge ash and biochar. • Aspergillus flavus AF-LRH1 had the potential to be used as alternate P biofertilizers. • Addition of phosphate solid waste and AF-LRH1 strain favors soil Pb and Pb fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to review and summarize recently obtained information on cereal grains (oat and barley) for livestock regarding grain characteristics affecting digestive behavior and nutrient utilization. The analyses included the determination and evaluation of the physiochemical and nutrient profiles, total digestible nutrients and energy values, protein and carbohydrate subfractions, rumen degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion of nutrients, feed milk value, degraded protein balance, and truly absorbable nutrient supply using the protein evaluation DVE/OEB model to achieve target values for potential high net absorbable protein in the small intestine while holding any N loss in the rumen to a low level. Future research directions and implications are also provided. The information in this article gives better insight into summarized nutrient characteristics of cereal grains, the large difference between oat and barley grain, hulless and hulled barley, and provides information about nutrition evaluation systems that more accurately account for digestive processes in ruminants on a quantitative basis. Future studies are needed to reveal the intrinsic structure features of cereal grains at a molecular level and determine how technological processing induces the change in molecular structure in relation to nutrient metabolism, biofunction, utilization, and availability in livestock. [Display omitted] • Review and summarize recently obtained information on cereal grains for livestock. • Cereal grain characteristics affect digestive behavior and nutrient utilization. • Rumen degradation and intestinal digestion between cereal grains are characterized • Feed milk value and degraded protein balance among cereal grains are provided • Nutrient characteristics during digestive processes on a quantitative basis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key metabolite with high medical values in industrial hemp, cannabidiol (CBD) has been paid increasing attention. However, how nutrient supply affects the CBD content and yield of hemp remains unclear. Therefore, an aeroponic experiment with nine treatments (A1~A9) was conducted to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of nitrogen (N, at 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 mmol L−1), phosphorus (P, at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mmol L−1), and potassium (K, at 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mmol L−1) on the growth, CBD content, and biomass of hemp. Results showed that at A7 (N8P1K5) (N, P, K: 8, 1, 5 mmol L−1) markedly enhanced the dry weight of shoot and inflorescence with an increment of 208.7% and 435.7% respectively; the equivalent number of total CBD content in inflorescence was increased by 41.8%, and the CBD yield was increased by 7.0 times compared with A3 (N4P2K5). Correlation analysis revealed that N was positively related to the CBD yield, while P or K had a negligible effect on CBD yield. In conclusion, nutrient supply would dramatically influence the growth and CBD yield of hemp. Under the experimental conditions, A7 (N8P1K5) is the most suitable choice to cultivate hemp and achieve a higher CBD yield.

Phytoplankton biomass, quantified as the concentration of chlorophyll-a (CHL), is the base of the marine food web that supports fisheries production in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Nutrients from river discharge, the ocean subsurface layer, and the atmosphere have been reported to determine CHL in the BoB. Which source of nutrients mainly determines CHL in different parts of the bay has not been determined. Furthermore, how climate variations influence nutrient inputs from different sources and their impacts on CHL have not been detailed. To address these questions, we used relationships between satellite-derived CHL and in situ river discharge data (a proxy for river-borne nutrients) from 1997 to 2016, physical variables, and modeled dust deposition (DD), a proxy for atmosphere-borne nutrients. Nutrients supplied from the ocean subsurface layer were assessed based on variations in physical parameters (i.e., wind stress curl, sea surface height anomaly, and sea surface temperature). We found that nutrients from the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers were important for CHL along the northern coast of the bay. By increasing rainfall and river discharge, La Niña extended high-CHL waters further southward. Nutrients from the ocean subsurface layer determine CHL variations mainly in the southwestern bay. We suggest that the variations in the supply of nutrients from the subsurface layer are related to the generation of mesoscale cyclonic eddies during La Niña, a negative Indian Ocean Dipole, or both. Climate-driven cyclonic eddies together with cyclones can intensify Ekman divergence and synergistically lead to a pronounced increase in CHL in the southwestern bay. Nutrients from the atmosphere mainly determine CHL in the central/eastern BoB. We further suggest that DD in the central/eastern BoB is influenced by ENSO with a 6–7-month time lag. CHL in the central/eastern bay responds to the ENSO 6–7 months after the ENSO peak because of the 6–7-month lag between ENSO and DD. This report provides valuable information needed to plan necessary actions for climate adaptation in local fisheries activities by elucidating how climate variations influence phytoplankton.

Recently, consuming natural food supplements derived from natural resources has become widespread in many developed societies due to the lack of side effects, low cost, and high antioxidant properties to prevent and treat many diseases. The research and formulation aimed to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible healthy natural nutraceutical with high antioxidant properties and rich mineral elements based on fruits and medicinal plants. Antioxidant, Protein, and inorganic contents of fruits and natural herbal plants were determined to evaluate the contents of active constituents of the meal in milligrams. The results were then used to formulate an edible herbal supplement as a solid oral system. The raw protein content of each ingredient was evaluated through the Kjeldahl method. The contents of the nutrient elements were measured in mg/kg (D.W) by ICP-Mass. All components were mixed thoroughly in some proper percentages, milled, and then dried by heating for 48 hours. The Flowability of the powder was subsequently evaluated using the work index and Hausner ratio. The work index of the sample was 34.3, and because the Flowability was not optimal, aerosol was added to 10 grams of a mixture of 1% by weight of the material. Finally, the working index reached 23, which is desirable. Furthermore, the ingredients were volumetrically encapsulated in OO-sized capsules and subjected to quality control tests. Performing organoleptic assays for controlling the physical and chemical properties of the formulation, the active ingredient was determined in terms of the results of Kjeldahl and inductively coupled plasma Mass spectrometry (ICP-Mass). The results of all control tests, including the weight deviation test, opening time test, and active ingredient dosage test, were conducted for the developed formulation according to credible pharmacopeia. According to the allowable daily dosages, the developed capsule is a proper herbal supplement with very high antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plant-based diet (PBD) can provide numerous health benefits for patients with cardiovascular risk factors. However, an inadequately planned PBD also bear the potential for deficiencies in certain macro- and micronutrients. The present study analyzed nutrient profiles of individuals who adopted a PBD as part of the CardioVeg study. Participants with cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned to either a whole-food PBD intervention (n = 36; eight 90 min group meetings including two 120 min cooking sessions) or a control group asked to maintain an omnivorous diet (n = 34) for eight weeks. Food intake data were collected using three-day weighed food records and analyzed with NutriGuide software, including the German Nutrient Data Base (German: Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel). Nutrient intake was compared before and after eight weeks as well as between the groups. The results for both groups were then contrasted to the current dietary recommendations published by the societies for nutrition in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Moreover, anthropometric/laboratory data and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were determined at baseline and after 8 weeks. Data of a subsample (n = 18 in the PBD group and n = 19 in the control group) were used for the present analyses of the dietary intake data. A PBD yielded several benefits including (but not limited to) a lower energy density, a lower intake of cholesterol and saturated fat, an increased consumption of fiber, and a lower intake of salt. Recommended intakes of most vitamins and minerals were generally met, except for vitamin B12 in the PBD group. A low intake of several other critical nutrients (vitamin D, iodine) was observed in both groups. Compared with the control group, PBD resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose after 8 weeks. Overall, it can be concluded that a PBD had a more favorable nutrient composition for cardiovascular health than the omnivorous dietary pattern of the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edited by James McWilliams, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; received April 19, 2022; accepted September 3, 2022 The expansive gyres of the subtropical ocean account for a significant fraction of global organic carbon export fromthe upper ocean. In the gyre interior, verticalmixing and the heaving of nutrient-rich waters into the euphotic layer sustain local productivity, in turn depleting the layers below. However, the nutrient pathways by which these subeuphotic layers are themselves replenished remain unclear. Using a global, eddy-permitting simulation of ocean physics and biogeochemistry, we quantify nutrient resupplymechanisms along and across density surfaces, including the contribution of eddy-scale motions that are challenging to observe. We find that mesoscale eddies (10 to 100 km) flux nutrients from the shallow flanks of the gyre into the recirculating interior, through time-varying motions along density surfaces. The subeuphotic layers are ultimately replenished in approximately equal contributions by this mesoscale eddy transport and the remineralization of sinking particles.Themesoscale eddy resupply ismost important in the lower thermocline for the whole subtropical region but is dominant at all depths within the gyre interior. Subtropical gyre productivity may therefore be sustained by a nutrient relay, where the lateral transport resupplies nutrients to the thermocline and allows vertical exchanges to maintain surface biological production and carbon export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (M. glyptostroboides) is a unique plant species related to relic flora in China. It plays a positive role in afforestation and its long-term protection with high paleoclimate research value. However, due to the nutrients-supply deficiency, it is a big challenge to cultivate the high-quality seedlings of M. glyptostroboides. In this study, a pot experiment in a greenhouse environment was carried out to identify the effect of N-exponential fertilization on the growth and nutrient distribution of M. glyptostroboides seedling. The M. glyptostroboides rooted seedlings with 12-month growth were chosen. Different N fertilizer levels with conventional fertilization (CF: 5.0 g seedling-1), exponential fertilization including EF1, EF2, EF3 and EF4 were determined. The relevant growth indexes were measured after 210-day growth. The results indicated that non-significant differences in seedlings' height and ground diameter were found among the above treatments (P > 0.05); At the same time, N-exponential fertilization promoted the M. glyptostroboides's biomass in different organs (P < 0.05), with the maximum total biomass under EF3 treatment. The N accumulation in root and stem of the N-exponential fertilization treatments were increased in to some extent (P < 0.05). The maximum N accumulation was also found under EF3 treatment. Therefore, steady-state nutrition and superior growth performance of M. glyptostroboides could be obtained by N-exponential fertilization of 5.0 g cutting-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in soil may be directly or indirectly involved in the reproductive process of sexually reproducing plants (seed plants), and affect their reproductive fitness. However, it is not clear how underground AM symbiosis affects plant reproductive function. Here, we reviewed the studies on the effects of AM symbiosis on plant reproductive fitness including both male function (pollen) and female function (seed). AM symbiosis regulates the development and function of plant sexual organs by affecting the nutrient using strategy and participating in the formation of hormone networks and secondary compounds in host plants. The nutrient supply (especially phosphorus supply) of AM symbiosis may be the main factor affecting plant's reproductive function. Moreover, the changes in hormone levels and secondary metabolite content induced by AM symbiosis can also affect host plants reproductive fitness. These effects can occur in pollen formation and transport, pollen tube growth and seed production, and seedling performance. Finally, we discuss other possible effects of AM symbiosis on the male and female functional fitness, and suggest several additional factors that may be involved in the influence of AM symbiosis on the reproductive fitness of host plants. We believe that it is necessary to accurately identify and verify themechanisms driving the changes of reproductive fitness of host plant in symbiotic networks in the future. A more thorough understanding of the mechanismof AM symbiosis on reproductive function will help to improve our understanding of AM fungus ecological roles and may provide references for improving the productivity of natural and agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water balance influences soil development, and consequently plant communities, by driving weathering of soil minerals and leaching of plant nutrients from the soil. Along gradients in water balance, soils exhibit process domains where chemical properties are relatively stable punctuated by pedogenic thresholds where soil chemical properties change rapidly with little additional change in water balance. We ask if plant macronutrient concentrations in leaves also exhibit non-linear trends along water balance gradients, and if so, how these non-linearities relate to those in soils. We analyze foliar nutrient concentrations and foliar N:P ratios from eight species that span a range of growth forms along three water balance gradients (three of the species are found on multiple gradients). The gradients are located on basaltic substrate of different ages and have previously been characterized by studies on soil development. We find that maximum concentrations of foliar macronutrients occur at an intermediate water balance. As with soil nutrients, time mediates the effect of water balance on foliar nutrients, such that plants on older soils attain maximum nutrient concentrations at a lower water balance. On both a young, 20 ky and an old, 4100 ky water balance gradient, foliar nutrients reach peak concentrations at a water balance greater than the threshold for depletion of rock-derived nutrients in surface soils. Our findings suggest that plant acquisition of essential nutrients is imperfectly predicted by overall soil nutrient availability because the regulation of internal nutrient pools by plants makes nutrient pools within leaves partially independent of soil nutrient availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Pollinators play a key role in human food production by improving the yield and quality of crops. Several studies assessed the economic value of pollination services delivered by animals through yield improvement. However, little is known about the contribution of animal pollinators to nutrient production. This study assessed the contribution of animal pollination to nutrient production in Benin. Food and Agriculture Organization data on crop production and United States Department of Agriculture crop composition data of 37 leading crops were used. These crops were categorized into five classes, depending on their degree of dependence on animal pollinators for fruit production. Results The study showed that more than half of the studied crops (56.75%) relies at different levels on animal pollination for fruit production. Minerals, namely fluoride (83.92%) and selenium (52.62%), were the most delivered by animal-pollinated crops. Roughly 50% of lipids outputs and 24% of proteins outputs were obtained from pollinator-dependent crops. Significant outputs of fat-soluble vitamins up to 65% were also attributed to animal pollination. A low contribution of animal pollination (up to 8%) was reported for water-soluble vitamins. Conclusion Animal-pollinated crops significantly contribute to the supply of nutrients and consequently to nutritional and food security in Benin. Conservation of pollinators should be considered as an important component of food security programs in the country.

Grain corn is the main cereal produced in Portugal. It is grown in intensive monoculture cropping systems that may have negative effects on soil quality, affecting long-term fertility and productivity, and, therefore, the sustainability of the production. A promising management practice to mitigate soil degradation is to grow winter cover crops used as green manure. This study examined the effectiveness of six legume cover crops (LCCs) species in providing agro-ecological services for grain corn systems in the Mediterranean region, specifically in terms of nutrient leaching, nutrient recycling, weed control, and soil fertility. The study was performed in Central Portugal during 2 years, and it assessed legumes/weeds dry biomass yield, their nutrients content, and soil organic matter evolution. Results show that, in general, LCC are well adapted to Mediterranean conditions, yielding large amounts of biomass (up to 8 ton/ha for some clover species). In terms of nutrient leaching mitigation, the overall N–P–K nutrient uptake was 176–20–172 kg/ha. Green manure services enabled a reduction of 35% of N, 50% of P, and 100% of mineral fertilizers for a grain corn production of 12 ton/ha. Weed control by LCC was effective only in the second year of the study and for three clover species (crimson, balansa, and arrowleaf) due to their early establishment and/or high biomass production competing with weeds. Soil fertility was not improved in the short term, LCC incorporation into the soil to a slight depletion of the soil organic matter content.

Die Beziehungen zwischen erhöhtem CO2-Angebot einerseits und Vegetationsentwicklung, Pflanzenwachstum, Ertrag und Qualität verschiedener Fruchtarten andererseits wurden exemplarisch anhand der weltweit vorliegenden Beobachtungen und Experimente (Metastudien) untersucht, wobei die FACE-Methodik (Free-air-CO2-Enrichment-Methode) besondere Beachtung fand, aber auch Satellitenerhebungen und Kammer-Begasungsexperimente einbezogen wurden. Dabei ließ sich folgendes feststellen: (1) Der Anstieg der atmosphärischen CO2-Konzentration um ca. 100 ppm in den letzten 100 Jahren führte weltweit zu einem erhöhten Pflanzenwachstum. Die globale Vegetationsdecke erhöhte sich um ca. 11–14 %, was zu ca. 70 % dem gestiegenen Luft-CO2-Gehalt zugeschrieben wird. Seit 1982 hat der globale Baumbestand um 7,1 % zugenommen. (2) Die experimentell kontrollierte Anhebung des Luft-CO2-Gehaltes (in der Regel von 350 auf 550 ppm) ergab bei ausgewählten Kulturpflanzen Ertragszuwächse von 10 bis über 30 %. (3) In Deutschland stiegen die Erträge von 1990–2015 bei Weizen, Gerste, Mais und Kartoffeln um mehr als 30 % an, was teilweise auf die gestiegenen Luft-CO2-Gehalte zurückzuführen sein dürfte. Über alle Fruchtarten hochgerechnet liegt die jährliche CO2-Nettofestlegung in Deutschland bei 96,3 Mio. t. (4) Die CO2-bedingten Ertragszuwächse beruhen auf einer Steigerung der Photosyntheseleistung. Sie unterlagen in Abhängigkeit von Pflanzenart, Wasserversorgung und Nährstoffangebot (vor allem von N und P) großen Schwankungen. (5) Bei schlechter Nährstoffverfügbarkeit im Boden und unzureichender Düngung kann der durch CO2 verursachte Ertragsanstieg mit einer Verminderung der pflanzlichen Nährstoff- und Proteinkonzentrationen (vornehmlich durch „Verdünnungseffekte“) und damit mit Qualitätsbeeinträchtigung verbunden sein. Dabei nimmt N (in geringerem Maß auch P) offenbar eine Schlüsselstellung ein. Dies lässt sich durch ein angepasstes Düngungsmanagement und durch die Züchtung von trockentoleranten low-input-Sorten mit hoher Nährstoff-Verwertungseffizienz kompensieren. (6) Die CO2-bedingten Ertragserhöhungen könnten zur Sicherung der Nahrungs-und Futtermittelproduktion für die wachsende Weltbevölkerung beitragen.

The flowering time of tree peony is short and concentrated in spring, which limits the development of its industry. We previously achieved tree peony reflowering in autumn. Here, we further shifted its reflowering time ahead through proper gibberellin (GA) treatment plus nutrient supply. GA treatment alone initiated bud differentiation, but it aborted later, whereas GA plus nutrient (G + N) treatment completed the opening process 38 days before the control group. Through microstructural observation of bud differentiation and starch grains, we concluded that GA plays a triggering role in flowering induction, whereas the nutriment supply ensured the continuous developing for final opening, and both are necessary. We further determined the expression of five floral induction pathway genes and found that PsSOC1 and PsLFY probably played key integral roles in flowering induction and nutrient supply, respectively. Considering the GA signaling, PsGA2ox may be mainly involved in GA regulation, whereas PsGAI may regulate further flower formation after nutrient application. Furthermore, G + N treatment, but not GA alone, inhibited the expression of PsTPS1, a key restricting enzyme in sugar signaling, at the early stage, indicating that sugar signaling is also involved in this process; in addition, GA treatment induced high expression of PsSnRK1, a major nutrient insufficiency indicator, and the induction of PsHXK1, a rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of sugar signaling substances, further confirmed the nutrient shortage. In short, besides GA application, exogenous nutrient supply is essential to shift tree peony reflowering ahead in autumn under current forcing culture technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]