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Enhancing soil fertility and maize productivity is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tillage practices, nitrogen management strategies, and acidified hydrochar on soil fertility and maize productivity. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with split-split plot arrangement and four replications. Main plots received shallow tillage and deep tillage. Subplots were treated with nitrogen (120 kg ha−1) from farmyard manure (FYM) and urea, including control, 33% FYM + 67% urea (MU), and 80% FYM + 20% urea (MF). Acidified hydrochar treatments H0 (no hydrochar) and H1 (with hydrochar, 2 t ha−1) were applied to sub-sub plots. Deep tillage significantly increased plant height, biological yield, grain yield, ear length, grains ear−1, thousand-grain weight, and nitrogen content compared to shallow tillage. MU and MF improved growth parameters and yield over the control. Hydrochar effects varied; H1 enhanced yield components and soil properties such as soil organic matter and nitrogen availability compared to H0. Canonical discriminant analysis linked deep tillage and MU/MF nitrogen management with improved yield and soil characteristics. In conclusion, deep tillage combined with integrated nitrogen management enhances maize productivity and soil properties. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate tillage and nitrogen strategies for sustainable maize production along with hydrochar addition. These insights guide policymakers, agronomists, and agricultural extension services in adopting evidence-based strategies for sustainable agriculture, enhancing food production, and mitigating environmental impacts. The implication of this study suggests to undertake long-term application of hydrochar for further clarification and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the supercritical CO2 extraction of oils from capuchin (Tropaeolum majus) seeds (4.34% moisture content) and leaves (5.26% moisture content) and analyzed the effects of varying temperature and pressure conditions. The extraction yields were 3% for the seeds and 2% for the leaves. The seed extracts were rich in oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, whereas the leaf extracts contained a high concentration of octacosanol (73.37%). Kinetic analysis revealed distinct mass transfer mechanisms during extraction, and the Sovová model effectively described the extraction kinetics, showing good agreement with experimental data (ADD% < 4%). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated the impact of temperature and pressure on the yields, with temperature being the most influential factor. The experimental conditions ranged from 22 to 28 MPa and from 313.15 to 333.15 K. This study contributes to the understanding of capuchin oil extraction and its potential applications in various fields, owing to the presence of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Numerous palm oil byproducts are already employed as livestock energetic feed supplements, and the inclusion of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) presents a potential addition to cost-effective feed alternatives. However, the presence of high-fatty-acid diets could alter the ruminal environment, potentially influencing the digestive efficiency. This study aimed to assess the impact of POD on the digestive system of sheep. Twenty sheep were fed different diets containing varying amounts of palm oil deodorizer, and their rumen fluid was analyzed for the microbial composition and digestive efficiency. The microbial community in the rumen was primarily composed of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, with minor changes occurring when the POD was added to the diet. Up to 25 g of POD per kilogram of dry matter negatively affected the ruminal fermentation or apparent digestibility, but not to a high degree, indicating that POD is a viable and cost-effective supplement for sheep diets. However, higher POD levels hindered the breakdown of fibrous material in the rumen and overall dry matter digestibility. These findings suggest that while POD can be a beneficial and economical option for sheep nutrition, carefully considering its dosage is crucial for maintaining optimal digestive function and nutrient utilization, offering valuable insights for sustainable and efficient livestock feeding practices. This study aimed to assess the impact of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) on the ruminal environment, including (i) microbial community, (ii) ruminal degradability, and (iii) apparent digestibility in sheep. The data used were derived from twenty rumen-cannulated sheep fed five isoproteic and isofiber diets based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg−1 POD on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid samples were collected three hours after feeding directly from the ventral sac of the rumen via a cannula and then subjected to DNA extraction, which was subsequently used for 16S rDNA amplification, followed by sequencing and diversity analysis. In this study, the microbial diversity was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, followed by Euryarchaetoa, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes, in the ruminal environment, and was slightly modified when supplemented with the POD up to 100 g/kg (10%), leading to only a slight decrease in the diversity index. The ruminal degradability, ruminal fermentation parameters, and apparent digestibility were slightly compromised by the inclusion of up to 25 g of POD per kg of DM, and larger inclusions interfered with the ruminal degradability of fibrous fractions and the apparent digestibility of dry matter. This lipid supplement showed good results for feeding sheep and is an inexpensive and abundant alternative in the regional market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) have been cultivated for thousands of years and have long been celebrated for their culinary versatility. Beyond their delightful nutty flavor and crunchy texture, sesame seeds have also gained recognition for their remarkable health benefits. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the numerous ways in which sesame seeds contribute to overall well-being. Sesame seeds are a powerhouse of phytochemicals, including lignans derivatives, tocopherol isomers, phytosterols, and phytates, which have been associated with various health benefits, including the preservation of cardiovascular health and the prevention of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain dysfunction. These compounds have also been substantiated for their efficacy in cholesterol management. Their potential as a natural source of beneficial plant compounds is presented in detail. The article further explores the positive impact of sesame seeds on reducing the risk of chronic diseases thanks to their rich polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember the significance of maintaining a well-rounded diet to achieve the proper balance of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a balance lacking in sesame seed oil. The significance of bioactive polypeptides derived from sesame seeds is also discussed, shedding light on their applications as nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional ingredients. Recognizing the pivotal role of processing methods on sesame seeds, this review discusses how these methods can influence bioactive compounds. While roasting the seeds enhances the antioxidant properties of the oil extract, certain processing techniques may reduce phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has recently emerged as a promising technology for converting diverse forms of waste with a high moisture content into value-added products such as biofuel, biochar, and activated carbon. With an increasing demand for sustainable and carbon-neutral energy sources, HTC has attracted considerable attention in the literature. However, a successful transition from laboratory-scale to large-scale industrial applications entails notable challenges. This review critically assesses the upscaling of hydrothermal carbonization processes, emphasizing the challenges, innovations, and environmental implications associated with this transition. The challenges inherent in upscaling HTC are comprehensively discussed, including aspects such as reactor design, process optimization, and the current treatment technology for process water. This review presents recent innovations and technological advancements that address these challenges and explores integrated solutions to enhancing hydrothermal carbonization's scalability. Additionally, this review highlights key companies that have developed and implemented HTC plants for commercial purposes. By overcoming the obstacles and achieving advancements in the upscaling of hydrothermal carbonization, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to realize the full potential of HTC as a sustainable and scalable biomass conversion technology and proposes future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-derived products are a promising way to substitute the necessity for petroleum-derived products, since lignocellulosic material is widely available in our atmosphere and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs), due to zero net emissions of CO2. This study explores the impact of temperature and molarity on the pyrolysis of açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.) activated with KOH and subsequently on the yield of bio-oil, hydrocarbon content of bio-oil, antioxidant activity of bio-oil, and chemical composition of the aqueous phase. The experiments were carried out at 350, 400, and 450 °C and 1.0 atmosphere, with 2.0 M KOH, and at 450 °C and 1.0 atmosphere, with 0.5 M, 1.0 M, and 2.0 M KOH, at laboratory scale. The composition of bio-oils and the aqueous phase were determined by GC-MS, while the acid value, a physicochemical property of fundamental importance in biofuels, was determined by AOCS methods. The antioxidant activity of bio-oils was determined by the TEAC method. The solid phase (biochar) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The diffractograms identified the presence of Kalicinite (KHCO3) in biochar, and those higher temperatures favor the formation peaks of Kalicinite (KHCO3). The pyrolysis of açaí seeds activated with KOH show bio-oil yields from 3.19 to 6.79 (wt.%), aqueous phase yields between 20.34 and 25.57 (wt.%), solid phase yields (coke) between 33.40 and 43.37 (wt.%), and gas yields from 31.85 to 34.45 (wt.%). The yield of bio-oil shows a smooth exponential increase with temperature. The acidity of bio-oil varied between 12.3 and 257.6 mg KOH/g, decreasing exponentially with temperature, while that of the aqueous phase varied between 17.9 and 118.9 mg KOH/g, showing an exponential decay behavior with temperature and demonstrating that higher temperatures favor not only the yield of bio-oil but also bio-oils with lower acidity. For the experiments with KOH activation, the GC-MS of bio-oil identified the presence of hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, and aromatics) and oxygenates (carboxylic acids, phenols, ketones, and esters). The concentration of hydrocarbons varied between 10.19 and 25.71 (area.%), increasing with temperature, while that of oxygenates varied between 52.69 and 72.15 (area.%), decreasing with temperature. For the experiments with constant temperature, the concentrations of hydrocarbons in bio-oil increased exponentially with molarity, while those of oxygenates decreased exponentially, showing that higher molarities favor the formation of hydrocarbons in bio-oil. The antioxidant activity of bio-oils decreases with increasing temperature, as the content of phenolic compounds decreases, and it decreases with increasing KOH molarity, as higher molarities favor the formation of hydrocarbons. Finally, it can be concluded that chemical activation of açaí seeds with KOH favors not only the yield of bio-oil but also the content of hydrocarbons. The study of process variables is of utmost importance in order to clearly assess reaction mechanisms, economic viability, and design goals that could be derived from chemically activated biomass pyrolysis processes. The study of the antioxidant properties of pyrolysis oils provides insight into new products derived from biomass pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]