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The objective of the study was to estimate the economic cost benefit of funding influenza vaccination to all Australian adults 50–64 years and predict its effect on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) deaths and hospitalisation. We combined SCA hospitalisation data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) with survival, vaccination, and cost parameters from published literature to create a model estimating the cost benefit of universally funded influenza vaccinations to prevent SCA deaths and hospitalisation. Costs were considered from a government perspective and included cost of vaccines and GP consultations, whilst averted deaths were estimated through the age-adjusted value of a statistical life. The target policy was estimated to prevent 278 SCA hospitalisations and 1269 SCA deaths. This would result in cost-savings of almost $4 billion annually, with an incremental benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 59.94. The majority of savings were associate with averted deaths. When a sensitivity analysis was performed by altering statistical life year values and reducing life years left, the cost-saving remained significant with a minimum BCR of 29.97 derived. Reducing SCA through extended vaccination including adults 50–64 years is likely to be a cost beneficial policy from a governmental perspective. SCA deaths account for a significant economic loss due to the high mortality rate, which was far greater than the costs saved through averted hospitalisations. More accurate parameters are needed to improve the reliability of these estimate; however, this model can be used as a basis for further research into the economic impact of SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The binding force between HVAF coating and substrate is good. • WC-Cr 3 C 2 -Ni coating service performance increases after aged treatment. • Substrate hardening can change the location of coating failure. • Aged treatment reduces the cost of roller purchase and maintenance. The thermal shock resistance and high-temperature performance of WC–Cr 3 C 2 –Ni coatings on the surface of the crystallization roll after aged treatment were investigated in this study. The aging treatment at 320 ℃ for 2.5 h facilitated the diffusion of Cu element from the C17200 beryllium copper substrate toward the coating side of WC–Cr 3 C 2 –Ni coating, thereby enhancing the bonding between the coatings and substrates. After the aged treatment, the internal structure of the C17200 substrate changed from a dendritic structure to an equiaxed crystal structure, the hardness increased from 225.71 Hv 0.5 to 406.52 Hv 0.5 (80.4 % increased), and the wear resistance increased. Although the aging treatment reduced the hardness of the coating slightly (from 1257.58 Hv 0.5 to 1155.16 Hv 0.5 , a decrease of 8.1%) and wear resistance (the coefficient of friction, from 0.335 to 0.312, a decrease of 6.9%). However, in the thermal shock test, the thermal shock resistance of the coating after aging treatment was increased from 19 times to 20 times (5.3% increased). However, the thermal shock failure cracks between the coatings and the substrates were transferred from the substrate part to the joint part of the two, which effectively avoided the waste of the crystallization roller substrate in the maintenance process. This research effectively reduces the purchase and maintenance costs of steel mills in actual production and provides theoretical support for cost reduction and efficiency increase in other HVAF (high-velocity air fuel) coating applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power, a promising renewable energy technology, not only offers an alternative to coal-fired power plants but also brings significant economic and environmental benefits. This study employs the hybrid analysis assessment and multi-objective optimization to propose various wind power schemes for Chinese provinces/municipalities under economic and decarbonization priority scenarios. The findings reveal that the plain wind power scheme in Northeast China presents the largest net economic benefit as well as the net emission reduction potential, ranging from 8.33 to 9.10 million CNY/MW and from 28.91 to 30.03 ktCO 2 /MW, respectively. Inner Mongolia is projected to be the leading wind power installer between 2021 and 2030, potentially yielding the net economic benefit of 4.76 billion CNY and the net emission reduction potential of 12.50 million tons per year. For provinces with 0-10 km2 of unexploitable land, such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Henan, the average economic benefit is almost less than 100 million CNY, and the average emission reduction is less than 500,000 tons. This study proposes the geographical multi-objective decision-making of different wind power schemes, which attempts to provide practical implications for the rational deployment of wind power installation within China toward low-carbon transition. • Multi-objective optimization of onshore wind power installation within China is conducted. • Net economic benefits and emission reduction potentials of wind power installation are assessed. • Land use areas, topography, population density, and wind power speed are taken into consideration. • Different wind power schemes by province are proposed through the multi-objective optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The compositional characteristics of typical coal-based solid wastes are presented. • The extent of enrichment of lithium in typical coal-based solid wastes is presented. • This article summarises the steps for lithium extraction from typical coal-based solid wastes. • This article compares the pros and cons of each approach. • The environmental impact and economic benefits are briefly described. The extraction of lithium mainly depends on salt-lake brine and lithium ore. With the rapid growth of the new energy automobile industry, there has been a surge in demand for lithium resources. Coal-based solid wastes, particularly coal gangue (CG) and coal fly ash (CFA) are rich in lithium with significant reserves, thus presenting a new potential source of lithium resources. This paper describes the types of CG and CFA and their main methods of utilization, describes the content of critical elements in CG and CFA, and analyses their respective lithium occurrence modes. Currently, the technology for recovering lithium from CG and CFA mainly focuses on pre-treatment, lithium leaching, and selective extraction of lithium from the leaching solution. Pre-treatment technology can be divided into pre-enrichment and pre-activation. Physical separation methods such as magnetic separation, screening, and flotation can selectively enrich lithium in the mineral phase containing it. Activation technology (mechanical activation or chemical roasting activation) is used to release lithium by destroying the stable structure of its mineral phase. Lithium leaching technology includes extracting valuable elements from CG and CFA with reagents such as acid and base; Subsequently, extraction technology is employed to selectively extract lithium from a composite leaching solution. Moreover, this study deduces the economic feasibility of lithium extraction from coal-based solid wastes through specific case analyses. The primary objective of this study is to enhance awareness regarding the development of novel sources for lithium resources, while also serving as a reference for the high-value utilization of CG and CFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is one of the staple food crops in China. Optimized agronomic management could enhance potato yield, while the economic benefits of farmers depend on both the yield and marketable tuber rate (MTR) of potato. The key meteorological factors to the variation of MTR of potato and the relationship between potato yield and MTR remain unclear. The study aims to explore the key meteorological factors to the variation of MTR of potato and the relationship between potato yield and MTR. A 5-year (2017 2021) rainfed field experiment with 3-planting date and 3-cultivar maturity of potato was conducted to investigate the optimum combination of planting date and cultivar maturity for both high yield and MTR under different year types and the relationship between potato yield and MTR. The meteorological factors during three growth stages including planting to 10 d before the tuberization, the tuber formation period (10 d before the tuberization to 10 d after the tuber bulking), 10 d after the tuber bulking to maturity were used to identify the key meteorological factors to yield and MTR of potato. Throughout the experimental period, there were large variations in the fresh tuber yield and MTR of potato ranging between 4.8 27 t ha−1 and 0 61 %, respectively. Early- to middle planting of middle maturing cultivars under warm-wet years resulted in higher MTR, yield, and economic benefit compared to other combinations. Under warm-dry years, while early planting of early- to middle-maturing cultivars could achieve higher yield and MTR, farmers still suffer economic losses under most combinations of planting date and cultivar maturity. On the whole, there was a synergistical enhancement between yield and MTR of potato (R2=0.86, P<0.01). The precipitation and growing degree day (GDD) during tuber formation period (TF), precipitation before TF, and the interaction of precipitation and mean air temperature after TF could account for 77 % of the variations in total tuber yield while marketable tuber rate could be determined by the precipitation from planting to 10 d after the tuber bulking, the HDD during TF, and the interaction of precipitation and mean air temperature before TF (R2=0.79). Total tuber yield and MTR of potato could be synergistically enhanced by optimizing planting date and cultivar maturity. Compared with total tuber yield, MTR influences economic benefit of potato more significantly. These findings could serve as a valuable reference for determining the optimal planting date and cultivar maturity of potato under different hydrothermal year types to enhance the MTR, yield, and economic benefit of rainfed potato planting and provide an important implication on potato model improvement. [Display omitted] • Middle planting of middle maturing potato cultivar suits for warm-wet years. • Yield and marketable tuber rate (MTR) of potato could be synergistically enhanced. • High temperature during tuber formation period has a negative effect on potato MTR [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverting food waste (FW) from waste to resource is of great importance to the sustainable development of food and agriculture systems. The field applications of FW aerobic compost (FWAC) and digestate residue (FWDR) are poorly reported in China. We performed a 2-year field experiment applying FWAC and FWDR partially substituting chemical N fertilizer (FWAF and FWDF) in subtropical China to investigate their effects on vegetable yield, nitrogen use efficiency, soil organic carbon, and soil N 2 O/CH 4 emissions, and further estimated their environmental-economic effects from a life cycle perspective. With a reduction of 20 % N fertilizer, FWAF and FWDF achieved yearly reduction rates of 55.9 % and 32.9 % on net global warming potentials, 57.2 % and 43.8 % on greenhouse gas intensities, and 59.9 % and 47.8 % on carbon costs without yield loss, compared to conventional chicken manure-added treatment. Recycling FW disposal products as organic fertilizers took synergistic effects on economic benefit improvement and low-carbon agricultural development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy savings and economic performance study of the air-source heat pump (ASHP) and wall-hanging gas boiler (WGB) heating systems in hot-summer and cold-winter (HSCW) zones of China is beneficial to the development and implementation of relevant policies under the carbon neutrality background. This research presented a comprehensive analysis of the heat load, primary energy consumption, carbon dioxide and other emissions, and running costs of both heating systems in HSCW zones. Theoretical mathematical models of the energy consumption, emission, and economic performance of the ASHP and WGB heating systems were developed. The calculation results showed that the ASHP system consumed 12.3 % less primary energy than the WGB system, emitted 36.9 % more carbon dioxide, and reduced running costs by 26.0 %, where the increase in carbon dioxide emissions was mainly due to the limited heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency of grid systems. The experimental results showed the excellent energy consumption saving and economic benefits of the ASHP system compared to the WGB system, which promoted the applications of ASHP on a larger scale in HSCW zones of China. The comprehensive research results on the energy-saving and carbon dioxide emission performance of ASHP and WGB can contribute to evaluating the necessity of replacing WGB with ASHP and provide references for relevant policy planning in HSCW zones in China. The replacement of WGB with ASHP for spacing heating systems is promising coupled with the power system reformation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and accomplish China's carbon neutrality target. • Primary energy consumption models of ASHP and WGB heating systems were developed. • Carbon dioxide emission and running costs models of both heating systems were proposed. • Experimental energy & economic comparisons of both heating systems were conducted. • Experimental analysis demonstrated the large application feasibility of ASHP in HSCW zones in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inappropriate use of fertilizers in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) production is widespread worldwide; however, there are few easily implementable methods of fertilizer application rates suitable for smallholders. We established a nutrient expert system for cabbage (NEc) using data collected in China's cabbage-growing regions from 2000 to 2023. The NEc addressed issues related to nutrient-application imbalances and excessive fertilization by optimizing N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O usage based on yield responses, agronomic efficiency, and nutrient uptake. Additionally, field experiments were conducted to assess the utility of NEc in terms of yields, economic benefits, and nutrient-recovery efficiency compared to farmers' practices (FP). The resulting database revealed a significant quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) between the yield response and agronomic efficiency. Quantitative evaluation of the fertility of tropical soils model, used to simulate optimal nutrient demands, reveals that the simulated nutrient requirements for N, P, and K increase linearly as the yield increases when the target yield is within 70 % of potential yield. In other words, to produce 1 Mg of cabbage, it requires 2.46 kg of N, 0.33 kg of P and 2.26 kg of K. The statistical results of collected data showed that optimal fertilization significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced cabbage yield, nutrient utilization efficiency, and net benefit. It was observed that fertilizer application rate exerted a direct and positive impact on these parameters. Field verification experiment demonstrated that NEc led to co-benefits, including a 7 % increase in yield, a 15.2 % increase in net profit, and improved agronomic efficiency (14.7 %∼101.2 %) compared to FP. The NEc approach enabled optimization of fertilizer applications based on specific production conditions, thereby enhancing cabbage yield, economic benefits, and nutrient-recovery efficiency. Thus, the NEc approach developed in this study was superior over traditional fertilization methods and is highly suitable for small-scale cabbage farming. • We established a nutrient expert fertilizer-recommendation system for cabbage. • Optimized fertilizer management increased yields by 8.8 % over farmer's practices. • NEc achieved simultaneous increase of yield, income and fertilizer use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term chemical fertilizer use poses sustainability challenges for achieving optimal crop yields and may even diminish yields and fertilizer use efficiency. Sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices must address these challenges by reducing fertilizer application. Biochar emerges as a promising solution, with significant potential for enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. However, its efficacy in sustaining or increasing crop yields under reduced nitrogen (N) fertilizer application remains unclear. This three-year summer maize field study (2019–2021) aimed to elucidate the impact of biochar application on crop productivity, soil characteristics, and economic benefits under varying N fertilizer regimes. Four biochar application rates (0, 8, 16, and 24 t ha−1) were evaluated alongside three N fertilizer rates: conventional N application (200 kg N ha−1), 20 % reduction in N application (160 kg N ha−1), and 40 % reduction in N application (120 kg N ha−1). Biochar was incorporated once at the start of the experiment, while N fertilizer was applied annually. The comprehensive analysis of the three-year data revealed consistent improvements in maize growth, N uptake, grain yield, and economic returns with biochar, even amidst N fertilizer reductions. While the initial year displayed indistinct biochar effects on maize productivity, its impact was more pronounced in the second year than third year. Path analysis underscored the pivotal role of increased soil organic carbon (SOC), total N content, and cation exchange capacity in enhancing maize yield and its components. Moreover, combinations of 40 % N fertilizer reduction with 16 t ha–1 biochar maintained higher maize yields in 2020 and 2021, suggesting the suitability of biochar rates for sustained efficacy over 2–3 years. On average, maize grain yields increased by 8.5–18.4 % with biochar addition from 2019 to 2021, while economic benefits increased by 15.1–18.4 % in 2020 and 2021. These findings highlight the enduring effects of biochar on crop productivity over at least three years, indicating its potential to consistently enhance maize yield and net income while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. • Biochar combined with 20–40 % N fertilizer reduction maintained higher maize yield. • Biochar's fertility-enhancing effect was most pronounced in the second year. • Biochar's enduring effects can be sustained for at least three years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manure substitution shows promise for nitrogen (N) management, food security, energy balance and environmental costs reduction. However, there is limited research on this practice in the Huanghuaihai Plain. This study aimed to investigate the energy use efficiency, economic benefits, carbon and nitrogen footprint under two types of N fertilizer (U, urea and M, organic manure), two application rates of N (180 kg N ha−1, U1 for 100 % urea and M1 for 100 % organic manure; 90 kg N ha−1, U2 for 50 % urea and M2 for 50 % organic manure) and no fertilizer application treatment (CK) for winter wheat from 2017 to 2019. Results showed that grain yield and agricultural input cost under N application rate of 90 kg N ha−1 was 15.5 % and 7.8 % lower than that of 180 kg N ha−1, respectively, leading to a significant decrease in economic benefit. Under the same N rate, M1 obtained higher grain yield than U1, grain yield of M2 did no differ in that of U2. Total energy inputs and agricultural input costs of M were 9.5 % and 3.6 % lower than U, resulting in higher energy use efficiency and economic benefit. The reduced agricultural input for M was primarily due to a decrease in the application of inorganic fertilizer. Compared with other treatments, U2+M2 obtained higher grain yield, energy use efficiency, and economic benefit. The carbon and nitrogen footprint on unit grain yield of U1 was increased by 13.7 %-24.1 % and 3.9 %-19.6 %, which was attributed to the increase in direct N 2 O emissions, indirect carbon emission and losses of reactive N from agricultural inputs. Overall, U2+M2 sustained high productivity and reduced the environmental impact. Substituting inorganic fertilizer with organic manure was a promising strategy to improve agricultural production with less agricultural inputs and environmental footprints in the Huanghuaihai Plain. • Energy balance, environmental impact and economic benefit are evaluated. • Manure substitution benefits energy use efficiency, crop productivity and economic profits. • Carbon and nitrogen reduction can be achieved in manure substitution. • Manure substitution minimizes environmental impact due to the reduced agricultural inputs • U2+M2 achieves high resource use efficiency, better economic performance, and less environment impact [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring measures for low-energy consumption, low-CO 2 emission, and high-economic benefit in the iron and steel industry is gaining increasing attention. This study innovatively establishes a holistic approach that integrates energy consumption, CO 2 emission and economic benefit to optimize a typical steel mill. After optimization, the energy-benefit indicator has increased from 2.07 CNY/kgce to 2.83 CNY/kgce, with economic benefit improving by 97.58 CNY/t, energy consumption decreasing by 108.61 kgce/t, and CO 2 emission reducing by 539.03 kg/t. Furthermore, this study scrutinizes the influence of energy structure, material structure, process parameter, and price on the energy-benefit indicator. Taking energy structure as an example, each additional 50 kg of pulverized coal injection will correspondingly improve the system's energy-benefit indicator by 0.02 CNY/kgce. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing sustainability in the iron and steel industry, offering practical strategies for optimizing energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and achieving economic benefits. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) into building structures offers a pathway for passive energy storage, enabling adaptable indoor temperature control and alleviating energy consumption. Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of PCM in building structures faces challenges due to extended payback periods. In this study, a novel and cost-effective salt hydrate PCM composite, comprised of calcium chloride hexahydrate–potassium chloride (CCH–KCl), was developed. Melamine foam (MF) and strontium chloride hexahydrate (SCH) were synergistically utilized to address phase separation and supercooling issues. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the performance of the developed salt hydrate PCM composite in building partition walls. Specifically, incorporating a 20 mm-thick composite resulted in peak temperature reductions of 0.72 °C during normal operation and 1.01 °C during power outages compared to structures without PCM, accompanied by a substantial reduction in energy consumption by 5376.68 kWh/year. Moreover, the cost of the developed salt hydrate PCM is 89.33 % lower than industrial paraffin, and it reduces CO2 emissions by 1.40 kg/year/m2 compared to paraffin's 1.11 kg/year/m2. In summary, the developed salt hydrate PCM composite exhibits commendable thermal regulation and economic advantages in building applications, serving as a pivotal contributor to emission reduction efforts. [Display omitted] • Phase separation and supercooling issues of salt hydrate PCM were addressed. • Melting temperature of salt hydrate PCM was tailored for passive solar buildings. • Thermo-regulated performance of the salt hydrate PCM was evaluated. • The cost of the developed PCM is 89.33 % lower than that of industrial paraffin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of rapid population growth, scarce water resources, and changing climate conditions, smallholders confront significant challenges in maintaining the productivity of their agroecosystems. Traditional irrigation methods are often expensive and inefficient, limiting the potential for increasing crop yields. To address these issues, this study designed a subsurface irrigation system with ceramic emitters (SICE). SICE adjusted the discharge of emitters through the difference between the working head and soil water potential to provide a continuous water supply and maintain stable soil moisture. A four-year field study and economic analysis under two irrigation systems were conducted for wolfberry cultivation in Northwest China. Results showed that SICE created soil water content at 60 %-90 % field capacity, increased the photosynthetic rate of wolfberry leaves by 67.17 % and reduced malondialdehyde content by 13.61 % compared with surface drip irrigation (SDI). In comparison, SICE was better than SDI with the average increase in yield by 29.46 %, WUE by 9.97 % and IWUE by 31.71 % in four years. Furthermore, applying the SICE system reduced the total cost by 11.13 % while increasing the total return by 20.90 % compared with SDI. Therefore, the SICE system is an effective irrigation method that provides a suitable soil moisture environment for wolfberry cultivation of smallholders in northwest China, resulting in improved yield and reduced costs. [Display omitted] • Subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitter (SICE) was designed for smallholder. • Discharge of SICE was determined by working head and soil water potential. • SICE system increased yield by enhancing photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme. • SICE system reduced total cost by 11.13 % and increased total income by 20.90 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled loss urea (CLU) as a new type of nitrogen fertilizer has attracted much attention due to its significant advantages in saving labor costs, increasing crop yield, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and protecting ecological environment of farmland. However, there have still been few reports on mechanism of successive controlled loss urea application affecting crop yield, NUE and economic benefits. A six-year field located experiment at the same nitrogen (N) level with 240 kg ha−1 per season from 2015 to 2021 was conducted to systematically study the effect of CLU application on grain yield, soil nutrients, accumulation of soil NO 3 - and economic benefits in wheat and maize rotation farmland in Northern China. The six N treatments have been carried out in the trial including controlled loss urea as once-time basal fertilizer during cultivation, common urea (U) as once-time basal fertilizer during cultivation, 60 % controlled loss urea as basal fertilizer plus 40 % common urea as topdressing fertilizer at jointing stage (CLTU), 60 % common urea as basal fertilizer plus 40 % controlled loss urea as topdressing fertilizer at jointing stage (UTCL), 60 % common urea as basal fertilizer plus 40 % common urea as topdressing fertilizer at jointing stage (i.e. traditional fertilization, UTU), and no N applied as a control (CK). The results showed that, compared with CK, N application across 6 consecutive years markedly increased grain yield of wheat, maize and annual; compared with UTU, the CLU treatment increased grain yield of wheat, maize and annual by 4.7 %-13.7 %, 4.7 %-13.7 % and 2.3 %-11.4 %, respectively. Furthermore, compared with CK, during 8 consecutive years of fertilizer positioning test, each N application treatment increased the content of total N (TN), soil organic matter (SOM) and inorganic nitrogen in 0–20 cm topsoil by 2.44 %-48.14 %, 0.43 %-42.27 % and 0.82 %-79.80 %, respectively, especially in the CLU, UTU and CLTU treatment, UTU treatment performs better than other treatment in 2021–2021 and 2022–2023. In addition, the study also found that soil NO 3 - was mainly accumulated in the 0–120 cm soil layer, and peak value appeared at the 80–100 cm, and the CLU treatment was significantly lower than other treatment. Meanwhile, after 6 years of wheat and maize rotation planting, N agronomic efficiency, N partial factor productivity and economic benefit in the CLU treatment were significantly higher than those of the other N treatment, and the ratio of benefit and cost (B/C) reached 2.50. Therefore, in the current context of traditional N application level and labor shortages in the research area, the CLU application as once-time basal fertilization can not only increase grain yield of wheat and maize, economic benefit and NUE that reduces the carbon footprint in agricultural production, but also improve the soil environment, reduce NO 3 - accumulation in deep soil layer and prevent NO 3 - pollution in groundwater. • Control loss urea (CLU) significantly enhanced Nitrogen use efficiency. • Long-term appropriate CLU application could increase yield and economic benefits. • CLU mainly affected number of wheat spike and maize kernel to improve yield. • CLU reduced carbon footprint and soil NO 3 - leaching to deeper soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization depth adjustment is a well-known strategy for increasing crop yields. However, the precise mechanism associated with this strategy remains unclear, particularly regarding increased nutrient absorption and utilization, and maize seed production. Thus, we examined the effects of different nitrogen fertilization depths [0 cm (L0), 5 cm (L5), 15 cm (L15), and 25 cm (L25)] on maize crop growth, nutrient uptake and distribution, fertilizer use efficiency, grain yield, and economic benefits in a field study conducted for two years (2021–2022) in Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area, northwest China. The optimal nitrogen fertilization depth was crucial for enhancing growth, dry matter production, and the grain yield. In particular, compared with L15 and L5, L25 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the average plant height by 5.00 % and 10.36 %, respectively, and dry matter accumulation by 2.65 % and 3.39 %. Furthermore, compared with L5 and L15, the total nutrient uptake was 19.17 % (P < 0.05) and 7.11 % higher under L25, respectively, and the average grain nutrient uptake was 23.33 % higher (P < 0.05). Moreover, L25 significantly increased the N, P, and K fertilizer utilization efficiency compared with L5 and L15, and the highest dry matter to grain translocation occurred under L25. Structural equation modeling confirmed that deep nitrogen fertilization promoted growth, dry matter translocation to grain, and the uptake and distribution of nutrients in maize plants to significantly improve the fertilizer use efficiency and yield. These findings are important for guiding fertilization management practices to increase maize seed production in regions with similar climate conditions. [Display omitted] • Deep nitrogen fertilization promoted dry matter translocation to maize grain. • Deep nitrogen fertilization improved nutrient uptake and fertilizer utilization efficiency. • Optimal fertilization depth increased maize yield and economic benefits. • Optimal fertilization depth is 21 cm for maize seed production in Hexi Corridor region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mechanisms by which UGS's economic benefit affects social equity are further demonstrated. • Analyzing the economic benefit of UGS in the housing price market. • Examining the perceptual evaluation of UGS by different social stratification groups. • Revealing the green residential segregation under the UGS housing price divergence effect. • Testing the green space paradox in developing country. Urban green space (UGS) plays a crucial role in socio-ecological systems and has been recognized as an important factor in promoting sustainable cities and communities. Although a few studies have proposed a paradox of the incompatibility of economic benefit and social equity in UGS, the mechanisms through which the economic benefits of UGS interact with social equity have not been adequately demonstrated in developing countries. Here, we employ multi-source geographic information and 1559 residents survey data to investigate not only the economic benefit of UGS in the housing prices market from a macro perspective, but also the social inequity issues resulting from the housing choices of different social classes under "UGS economic benefit" from a micro perspective. Results reveal that the economic value premium of UGS in the housing market triggered a differentiation effect in housing prices, subsequently influencing housing preferences among various social classes, thus intensifying social residential segregation. This phenomenon underscores the emergence of the green space paradox. Moreover, the phenomenon of the UGS paradox has emerged in megacities of developing countries, where UGS is gradually being occupied by social elites, while vulnerable groups remain marginalized. These findings provide valuable insights into the planning layout of UGS in global high-density built-up areas that a small and decentralized UGS layout will be more economically efficient and socially equitable than a large and centralized UGS layout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electric and hybrid ELV-cars have the major potential to be sold in parts (reused). • Electric ELV-car has the major potential to contribute to CO 2 emission savings. • Annual benefit of reuse of car parts would be a saving of 236,512 t CO 2 emissions. Reuse, recovery, and recycling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are encouraged owing to various economic and environmental benefits. Automotive remanufacturing serves as a specific circular marketing system for the reuse of recovered parts that can bring economic benefits for both dismantling companies and consumers. This study aimed to reveal the economic and environmental benefits of the end-of-life treatment of electric, hybrid, and conventional passenger cars. This research presents an economic assessment of the reuse of ELV parts based on a material flow analysis (MFA) and a practical analysis of the prices of these parts in the Lithuanian market. The environmental assessment of the reuse of ELV parts was performed using an MFA, the CO 2 equivalents for the production of different materials, and a life cycle assessment methodology. The results showed that 38% of all electric and hybrid ELV parts, and 27% and 28% of diesel- and petrol-powered ELV parts, respectively, can be sold (reused). The economic benefit across all four types of ELVs could amount to savings of up to 12,739 Eur and 51,281 Eur for the dismantlers and passenger car consumers, respectively. The greatest CO 2 savings result from reusing the parts of electric ELVs, whilst the lowest savings come from petrol ELVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korshinsk peashrub branches (Korpb) are agroforestry byproducts that accumulate in millions of tons per year and need to be reasonably utilized. To maximate the utilization value of Korpb, an integrated process was proposed and conducted by using Korpb as the main substrate ingredient for Pleurotus tuoliensis cultivation and also performing anaerobic digestion (AD) of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) for biogas production. The results indicated that the cultivation substrate including Korpb could obtain higher mushroom yields than a conventional substrate, and AD of SMS added the value of Korpb. Preliminary calculation suggested that, for every t of P. tuoliensis production, 1.65 t Korpb was consumed and 314 m3 biogas was produced from corresponding amount of SMS, bringing a total economic profit of $906.1. In addition, this integrated strategy has positive ecological and social benefits. The maximization of Korpb value can not only promote the biological conversion of Korpb to circle economy, but also be beneficial for the development of environment, energy conservation and edible fungus industry. • Korpb is a lignocellulose biomass resource with great potential. • Integration of P. tuoliensis cultivation and AD of SMS maximized the value of Korpb. • The economic profit achieved $906.1 for every t of P. tuoliensis production. • The integrated strategy has positive ecological and social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are now focusing on using the circular economy model to manufacture nanocellulose composites due to growing environmental issues related to waste management. The circular economy model offers a sustainable solution to the problem by optimizing resource efficiency and waste management by reducing waste, maintaining value over time, minimizing the use of primary resources, and creating closed loops for goods, components, and materials. With the use of the circular economy model, waste, such as industrial, agricultural, and textile waste, is used again to produce new products, which can solve waste management issues and improve resource efficiency. In order to encourage the use of circular economy ideas with a specific focus on nanocellulose composites, this review examines the concept of using circular economy, and explores ways to make nanocellulose composites from different types of waste, such as industrial, agricultural, and textile waste. Furthermore, this review investigates the application of nanocellulose composites across multiple industries. In addition, this review provides researchers useful insights of how circular economics can be applied to the development of nanocellulose composites, which have the goal of creating a flexible and environmentally friendly material that can address waste management issues and optimize resource efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and water-related soil erosion are severely exacerbated by inappropriate human activities and global climate change. Hence, to find a suitable technology to mitigate drought and soil erosion, three consecutive field experiments were conducted to explore the impact of ridge-furrow cropping with biochar amendment on soil water storage, runoff, sediment yield, soil nutrient losses, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) fodder yield, crop water productivity (WP c), and economic benefit from 2019 to 2021. This experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, taking biochar amendment patterns (no biochar amendment and biochar amendment at a rate of 3× 104 kg ha−1) as a main plot and ridge-furrow technologies (traditional planting, open-ridging, and tied-ridging) as a split-plot. The combination of biochar amendment with ridge-furrow technology, especially tied-ridging technology, increased soil water storage, and captured runoff, sediment, and related soil nutrient losses, consequently increasing alfalfa fodder yield, WP c , and income. During this study, compared to traditional planting, open-ridging depicted an increase in soil water storage by a range of 9.8–39.6 mm, an alfalfa fodder yield boost ranging from 9.8% to 38.6%, and a WP c increase ranging from 0.1 to 16.5 kg ha−1 mm−1. On the other hand, tied-ridging showed greater improvements with soil water storage increasing by 29.1–65.1 mm, alfalfa fodder yield growing by 11.6–44.4%, and WP c advancing by 0.9–17.5 kg ha−1 mm−1. The mean decrease in runoff, sediment, and nutrients (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and organic matter) loss for open-ridging was 17.9%-37.7%, 46.4%-75.5%, and 40.4%-75.3%, respectively, while for tied-ridging, it was 22.3%-55.5%, 62.1%-87.6%, and 49.0%-87.3%, respectively. Compared to no biochar amendment, soil water storage, alfalfa fodder yield, and WP c for biochar amendment increased by 9.1%-20.4%, 5.8%-52.7%, and 4.6–7.8 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively, while runoff, sediment, and nutrients loss for biochar amendment decreased by 32.2%-40.9%, 25.5%-55.5%, and 35.9%-53.3%, respectively. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that the significant direct effect of biochar amendment and ridge-furrow technology on WP c was 0.20 and 0.62, respectively, whereas the significant direct effect of runoff and actual crop evapotranspiration on alfalfa fodder yield was −0.40 and 0.94, respectively. Tied-ridge cropping combined with biochar addition was a highly suggested approach for addressing soil erosion and enhancing alfalfa fodder yields in the Loess Plateau in China. This technology could mitigate soil water scarcity and soil erosion, and give farmers the confidence to invest in this technology in dryland regions. • Ridge-furrow technology with biochar amendment reduced soil erosion. • Ridge-furrow technology with biochar amendment increased crop yield. • Biochar amendment and ridge-furrow technology had a direct effect on water use efficiency. • Runoff and evapotranspiration had a direct effect on alfalfa fodder yield. • Tied-ridge cropping with biochar amendment was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric motorcycle swappable batteries (EMSB) require interoperability standards so that swappable batteries (SB) can be exchanged and operated between brands to minimize investment costs. The stages in standards development have similar characteristics to the open innovation process, namely the involvement of external interested parties: manufacturers, regulators, customers, suppliers, experts, and researchers. For that, in the standards development process, all stakeholders must collaborate to leverage knowledge, expertise, resources, and innovative ideas. This article, therefore, aims to determine the essential parameters that need to be established in interoperability requirements and develop an economic model to estimate the financial impact. The model framework in this research integrated the Framework for Analysis, Comparison, and Testing of Standards (FACTS) and The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Methodology using the dynamic open innovation approach. The sample was 20 respondents representing stakeholders. This research used a semi-open questionnaire developed from the E-Mobility Systems Architecture (EMSA) model on three-layer interoperability (components, communications, and information) and economics benefit standard methodology. This research recommends SB dimensions, SB voltage, connector types, safety, and component compatibility requirements (BMS, sensors, controllers) to be regulated at the component layer. Meanwhile, further consensus is still needed at the communication and information layer. The economic model developed has been successfully applied using hypothetical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of trade-embodied carbon emissions has frequently been a contestation in international climate negotiations. The proposed shared responsibility approach developed by Jakob et al. (2021) is based on economic benefits derived from generating emissions without paying for associated social costs, which are represented by the carbon price. The impacts of the real tariffs on economic benefits were not considered. Here, we improve the proposed approach by introducing the real import and export tariffs and using tariff and elasticity data specified at both country- and sector-level. We re-investigate the responsibility for trade-embodied carbon emissions sharing between 141 economies for 2017. Results show that the improved shared responsibility approach leads to a less extreme distribution of responsibility among countries. The top three emitters, China, the EU27, and the USA, were allocated 939, 761, and 702 million tons of trade-embodied carbon emissions that are 32% below, 39% above, and 50% above production-based emissions and 62% above, 17% below, and 33% below consumption-based emissions, respectively. Furthermore, we investigate the impacts of introducing tariffs and raising carbon prices on responsibility distribution and find that both will increase import-embodied responsibility and decrease export-embodied responsibility and thus favor net exporters of carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the rice-crayfish coculture has shown significant progress as an agricultural technology with significant economic value in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Nonetheless, as the promotion of the technology expands, the unvarying co-culture method poses challenges in adapting to the diverse environmental conditions across different regions. This has resulted in regional disparities dominated by environmental factors, which have emerged as the primary obstacle to the advancement of rice-crayfish coculture. It is uncertain whether the rice-crayfish coculture model can be implemented in tropical regions due to the higher temperature and stronger solar radiation. Therefore, this study analyzes the feasibility of establishing the rice-crayfish coculture model through estimating the rice and crayfish annual production and the economic and ecological benefits in the tropical region. The growth, annual production, and nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) of rice, nitrogen dynamics in the field water, as well as the economic inputs and benefits associated with the rice-crayfish coculture system over two years were evaluated in Hainan province. It was found that: 1) Even with a reduction of 33.3% in nitrogen fertilizer application, the annual production of the rice-crayfish coculture system remains equivalent to that of the rice monoculture system. Furthermore, the rice-crayfish coculture can increase the effective panicle number of rice. 2) The rice-crayfish coculture system can provide nutrients to support rice growth without polluting the water environment. The nitrogen fertilizer partial productivity in the rice-crayfish coculture system is significantly higher than that in the rice monoculture system. Crayfish culture introduced additional nitrogen in rice field at early stage, but it did not gain any form of nitrogen content in the field water at the end of the season. 3) In comparison to the rice monoculture system, the tropical rice-crayfish coculture system increased net profit by 152.82% -745.26%. 4) Comprehensive analyses of the growth, yield, and economic benefits showed that SXHN is better than YXYLS, which indicated that suitable varieties were needed for developing rice-crayfish coculture in the tropics. Rice-crayfish coculture is an economic and ecological agricultural system. However, rice-crayfish coculture encounters extensive technical challenges across various regions, because of the varied culture conditions. These challenges impede the expansion of the rice-crayfish coculture model. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the practicality of the rice-crayfish coculture system in the tropics to facilitate the development of the rice-crayfish coculture model. [Display omitted] • The development of rice-crayfish coculture system in tropical regions is feasible and profitable. • The difference in annual production between the two systems was not significant. • The NPFP of the rice-crayfish coculture system is significantly higher than that of the rice monoculture system. • Compared to the rice monoculture, the net profit of the rice-crayfish coculture system can increase by 152.82% to 745.26%. • SXHN is better suited to rice-crayfish coculture in the tropics, as compared with YXYLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination of yield, quality and economic benefits increase remains an attractive problem in agricultural production. This study investigated how irrigation regimes could synergistically interact with different fertilization to increase irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), yield, quality and output/input ratio in rice. A field experiment was conducted during 2020–2021 with three fertilization management (straw returning, organic fertilizer, conventional fertilizer) and two irrigation regimes (controlled irrigation (CI) and flood irrigation (FI)). This study reveals that CI reduced rice plant height (5.24% ∼ 11.99%), tiller number (9.52% ∼ 26.31%), SPAD (7.98% ∼ 15.83%), yield (9.12% ∼ 9.23%), and protein (4.85% ∼ 5.02%) compared to FI. Conversely, CI improved chalky grain rate (5.83% ∼ 8.52%), chalkiness (11.35% ∼ 14.68%), IWUE (51.01% ∼ 59.91%). CS (controlled irrigation + straw returning) and CM (controlled irrigation + organic fertilizer) significantly boosted rice quality and yield compared to CF (controlled irrigation + conventional fertilizer): setting rate increased by 20.23% (CS) and 18.20% (CM), yield rose by 19.43% (CS) and 19.83% (CM), and positive impacts were observed in polished rice rate, head milled rice rate, and protein content. However, both CS and CM led to reduced amylose content (0.35% and 1.06%) and taste value (0.82% and 3.25%). The study observed consistent interannual changes in straw returning, while variations were noted in organic fertilizer application. This difference was primarily attributed to the significant influence of temperature (with a 5.34 ℃ difference during the two years at the milky ripening stage). The analysis of economic benefits showed that the output/input ratio of CS was the highest, ranging from 2.69% to 2.88%. By employing the TOPSIS method, an integrated multi-index decision analysis approach, CS was identified as the optimal mode for rice in southern China. The study provides an optimal irrigation and fertilization model for the synergistic realization of water saving, high yield, high quality, economic benefits, and further achieves the goal of sustainable agricultural development. • Under controlled irrigation (CI), rice growth, yield, appearance and nutritional quality got worse. • CS (controlled irrigation + straw returning) could increase yield, milling, appearance and nutritional quality. • CM (controlled irrigation + organic fertilizer) can promote rice yield and quality, but unstable under climate influence. • The analysis of economic benefits shows that the output/input ratio of CS was the highest. • Using the TOPSIS method, the optimal management mode was determined as CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ladder hydropower systems can improve hydropower stability by dispatching the load among each station. However, the impact to ecosystem brought by the stations is obvious. In order to study the ecological and economic performance of ladder hydropower systems, this paper conducts an emergy evaluation on the ladder hydropower system of the Lancang River in Yunnan Province, China. Based on the input and output data of each station, the emergy indices under separate and combined operation modes are calculated. The ecological service losses show that the impact of hydropower stations on environment is mainly reflected in the sediment loss, followed by soil erosion and non-endangered biodiversity loss. The results of other emergy indices for the separate operation mode show good sustainability of the hydropower stations. As for the combined operation mode, the sustainability index of the system will finally be 8.88, which means a good utilization efficiency and sustainability. The fair price of the system is 0.205 yuan/kWh when the seven stations are operated, which is higher than the grid connected hydroelectricity price in Yunnan province, demonstrating that the system is unprofitable. Considering the results of economic and emergy analysis, a better economic benefit and sustainability could be achieved when Jinghong and Gongguoqiao hydropower stations are cancelled. • Seven ladder hydropower stations in Lancang River are evaluated by emergy. • Emergy indices of separate and combined operation modes are calculated. • Economic and ecological benefits of the two modes are studied and compared. • The system has better economic and ecological benefits under combined operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-benefit analysis of road investments involves models that generate travel time savings as the main economic benefit. Monitoring of traffic flows after the widening of the section of the M25 London orbital motorway between Junctions 23 and 27 found substantial increases in traffic volumes, of up to 23% two to three years after opening, but no increase in speed of travel beyond the first year. Comparison was made with the forecast traffic flows, made using a variable demand model based on SATURN software. The model projected increased traffic volumes and speeds as a consequence of road widening, but underestimated traffic volumes and overestimated traffic speeds compared to outturn. The forecast of faster traffic speeds was the input to the economic model used to compare investment benefits with costs, yielding a benefit-cost ratio of 2.9, which justified the investment. However, the absence of observed increase in traffic speed raises questions about the applicability of a long-established transport model and of travel time savings as the main economic benefit of road investment, as well as about the value of investment to increase the capacity of strategic roads where these are used extensively for local trips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-objective optimization model is developed to optimize the water allocation equity. • Satisfaction degree is introduced to measure water allocation equity in domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors. • Dynamic constraints are considered to control the imbalance of water volume with seasonal variations. • Three managerial insights for regional water allocation problems are proposed. Raising water demand, insufficient freshwater resources and uneven precipitation are the main causes of water conflicts in the river basin. The main challenges in water resources allocation are the following: first, the uncertainty of water supply caused by climate change; second, the dynamic allocation of water resources is not considered; third, there is a lack of equitable water allocation, which may lead to intensified conflicts among the water user sectors. Based on the above challenges, a multi-objective dynamic programming optimal water resources allocation model under uncertainties is established in this paper, which could be a resolution for water disputes as it addresses simultaneously economic, social and environmental benefits. The proposed model considers maximizing the minimum satisfaction degree of each water sector, maximizing the utilization efficiency of water resources in the basin, and maximizing economic benefits. Satisfaction degree function is introduced to optimize water allocation equality in water use sectors (agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors), and economic efficiency loss acceptance is integrated into the model constraints to control the economic loss corresponding to variations in water availability. In addition, a case study demonstrated the practicality and rationality of the proposed model, and the model results proposed herein show significantly help for a single river basin. Most importantly, the results show that model with dynamic constraint ensures a greater overall economic return for the entire basin, and a larger variation in water resources of sub-area leads to a larger maximum economic efficiency loss. Moreover, the proposed model herein is flexible and can be used in other developing countries/regions only by modifying the parameters according to the actual situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integration of remanufacturing into an original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) value chain can enhance circularity. In order to realize a transition towards circularity, it must be economically beneficial. This paper aims to compare and economically evaluate several remanufacturing scenarios with varied retailer involvement, to identify how an electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) manufacturer can perform remanufacturing profitably. To meet the aim of this paper, data was gathered through more than 50 semi-structured and unstructured interviews, including workshops with a robotic lawn mower manufacturer and eight of its retailers in Sweden, and through a literature review in the fields of remanufacturing, acquisition of cores (used products), and sales of remanufactured products. The scenarios consist of a decentralized, with minor or no involvement of an OEM, and six centralized, where an OEM manages remanufacturing. Here, looking at a case of the centralized scenario, the remanufacturing process is performed at the OEM manufacturing plant in a European low-wage country, while cores are acquired in Sweden. This research concludes that the OEM's economic benefits are greater in remanufacturing scenarios with low involvement of retailers. However, succeeding with acquisition and sales without retailers requires establishing new retail channels, which also leads to uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive rainfall and irrigation amount in the facility herbal medicine production system (FHmPS) in China leading to a severe root rot disease of Panax notoginseng , which endangers root yield and quality, compromise economic profit and waste resources. Therefore, the objective of our research was to seek optimal irrigation and cultivation management strategy for FHmPS to improve Panax notoginseng production and economic benefit. A three-year (2019, 2020 and 2021) field experiment was conducted on Panax notoginseng under two shelter-cultivation [rain-shelter cultivation (Sr) and unrain-shelter cultivation (NSr)] at three deficit irrigation levels [ I 1= 65%W, I 2= 75%W, I 3= 85% W, where W was the irrigation quota when the upper and lower limits of irrigation are (100% ∼ 40%) θ FC under shelter-cultivation] to explore the combined practices effects on yield, quality, economic benefit, water productivity (WP) and nutrients uptake of Panax notoginseng , and to obtain the optimal irrigation and cultivation supply practice by the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results showed that SrI 2 obtained relatively high plant nutrient uptake, net profit, WP, and quality. SrI 2 significantly decreased the root rot incidence by 6–17.5% in comparison to other treatments. However, compared with rain-shelter cultivation, unrain-shelter cultivation weaken these effects in Panax notoginseng. Deficit irrigation promoted Sr to obtain higher WP than NSr. According to the result of TOPSIS, the comprehensive ranking of SrI 2 and SrI 3 were first and second among the practices, regardless of growing seasons and planting years. The SrI 2 significantly decreased the yield of Panax notoginseng by 5.4%− 20.8% in comparison to other treatments. SrI 2 and SrI 3 were highly recommended for facility herbal medicine production system (FHmPS) in the semi-arid area of Southwest China. [Display omitted] • The study proposed rain-shelter (Sr) based on traditional cultivation (NSr). • Deficit irrigation (I 2) and Sr decreased root rot rate of P. notoginseng. • The SrI 2 improved nutrient uptake and yield of P. notoginseng. • The SrI 2 improved PNS, economic benefit and WP of P. notoginseng [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of higher demands on the development of clean energy technologies due to the issue of water shortage in China and the implementation of the 2060 carbon-neutral objective, floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems present novel opportunities for transforming the energy structure through land conservation and enhancement of power generation efficiency compared to conventional solar systems. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive analysis on the potential benefits of FPV. Utilizing reservoir databases and employing a professional FPV system design, a methodology for determining the water footprint recovery period was introduced, which enables the assessment of potential FPV benefits. The water footprint recovery period for constructing FPV on 909 reservoirs in China was found that ranges from 1.86 yr to 10.48 yr. It is found that reservoir evaporation, latitude, and climate are closely related to the water footprint recovery period of FPV. Furthermore, by implementing FPV panels with an optimal tilt angle, covering 30% of the area in each reservoir, the annual electricity generation can amount to 1429.19 TWh, leading to savings of 5.76 billion m3 of water. This achievement corresponds to 19.41% of the national electricity consumption and a 6.86% reduction in the national residential water consumption in 2020. The overall economic benefit is 5.61 myriads RMB, equivalent to 5.76% of the national GDP. These benefits are unevenly distributed and mainly concentrated in areas with more reservoirs. The anticipated enhancement of FPV system benefits is foreseen with the ongoing development and implementation of future reservoir power infrastructure and energy storage technology. These results demonstrate the significant potential of installing FPV systems on the reservoirs in China. This study proposes a method to comprehensively evaluate the comprehensive benefits of constructing FPV in China and conduct a thorough analysis of the feasibility of FPV, which could provide reference for the development of regional industries and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae aid in addressing environmental pollution and climate change by enabling carbon sequestration as part of CCUS, which offers a promising solution to reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate emissions. This study uses the combination of autotrophic and heterotrophic methods to enhance the benefits of biodiesel based on waste treatment. The study demonstrates that by integrating autotrophic and heterotrophic biodiesel production, it is feasible to attain substantial economic advantages while maximizing carbon sequestration and reducing emissions. It shows a 62.73 % cost reduction for 1 ton of biodiesel produced using the coupled heterotrophic method over traditional photobioreactors. Additionally, compared with the corresponding heterotrophic proliferation, the carbon emissions of biodiesel under autotrophic coupled heterotrophic proliferation were reduced by 21.16 % and 24.08 %, respectively. The total economic benefits of biodiesel under autotrophic coupled heterotrophic proliferation increased by 2.12 % and 3.10 % compared to heterotrophic proliferation. However, it should be noted that due to the high carbon emissions caused by the heterotrophic proliferation of microalgae, biodiesel does not achieve negative carbon emissions. This study provides a new development strategy for waste resource utilization and microalgae bioenergy production phase. It will provide a theoretical and practical framework for utilizing microalgae biodiesel to achieve worldwide carbon neutrality. [Display omitted] • Wastewater and exhaust gas are used as nutrients for microalgae biodiesel production. • Biodiesel production under different proliferation methods was explored. • The effect of combining waste treatment and biodiesel production was researched. • It explored the potential for biodiesel production of waste resource treatment. • Carbon footprint model of waste utilization and biodiesel production was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage plays a positive role in restoring degraded cropland in terms of increasing carbon sequestration, improving soil aggregation, and maintaining crop productivity. Assessing the key indicators of environment, energy, and economy under different tillage practices could provide a comprehensive scientific basis to implement low-carbon emission, clean and sustainable agricultural management, especially in the long-term experiment field. Our objectives were: 1) to compare crop production under different long-term tillage practices, 2) to evaluate the carbon footprint (CF), energy budget, and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) of spring maize production under different long-term tillage practices. Three tillage practices consisting of conventional tillage with complete removal of residue (CT), moldboard plowing with residue return (MP) and no-tillage with residue return (NT), had been conducted for eight years. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil were measured, and the inputs of raw materials and outputs of crop production were also recorded. CF, energy budget, and NEEB were evaluated for two consecutive growing seasons based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Compared with CT, NT could reduce N 2 O emissions and absorb more CH 4 , whereas MP significantly increased CO 2 emissions from soil. However, there was no significant difference in maize yield among all treatments. Moreover, NT led to both the lowest GHG emissions from soil (GWP GHG) and agricultural inputs (AIGHG), thus NT decreased CF by approximately 40% compared to CT for maize production. Furthermore, MP and NT decreased 8.4% and 35.7% of the energy inputs owing to lower diesel fuel consumption in comparison with CT, yet there was no significant difference in energy output among different tillage practices. The same was true in NEEB, although MP and NT showed lower investments during maize production. These results indicated NT required the lowest energy and financial investment for the same maize yield. In conclusion, NT could minimize CF and energy inputs while insuring maize production from a long-term perspective. Long-term NT can be implemented in Northeast China and similar agro-eco-regions around the world. The findings of our study provide scientific data on the performance of different long-term tillage practices in the environment, energy budget and economic benefits. Meanwhile, it also helps to clarify the role of agricultural systems in achieving carbon neutrality and saving energy. [Display omitted] • Carbon footprint (CF), energy budget, and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) of different tillage practices were evaluated. • No-tillage with residue return (NT) exerted the lowest CF of 0.18 CO 2 -eq kg−1 (2020) and 0.11 CO 2 -eq kg−1 (2021). • Moldboard plowing with residue return (MP) and NT saved 8.4% and 35.7% of energy inputs due to lower diesel consumption. • Overall, NT could minimize CF and energy inputs while insuring maize production from a long-term perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil surface mulch is an important measure for conserving more moisture and increasing yield in rainfed agroecosystems. Straw strip mulch (SM) is a new mulching technique for clean production, but the regulation mechanisms of SM on soil moisture and potato yield formation is lack of systematic understanding yet. Therefore, a five-year (2018–2022) consecutive field trial on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted in the semiarid rainfed region of Northwest China, using three treatments: full-field black plastic film mulch (PM), SM with 42% of the field area mulched using whole corn stalks, and no mulch as the control (NM). Relative to NM, on average across five growing seasons of potato, SM increased (P < 0.05) the soil moisture in 0–200 cm depth by 6.6%, fresh tuber yield ha−1 by 15.0%, dry tuber yield ha−1 by 23.6%, weight per tuber by 13.3%, net income by 26.3% (8268 ¥ ha−1), and output / input ratio by 10.5%, biomass by 16.5%, water use efficiency 28.5%, but reduced the total water consumption (ET) throughout the potato growth period by 12.9 mm. SM had a similar (P > 0.05) soil moisture in 0–200 cm depth, the total ET, the dry tuber yield and WUE as PM but with a 10.7% (2455 ¥ ha−1) higher net income. Mulching practices not only increased the soil moisture at different growth stages, but also regulated its utilization. Compared with NM, the maximum increase of soil moisture in SM and PM occurred at tuber formation stage. SM and PM decreased water consumptions in early period (sowing to tuber formation) and late period (tuber bulking to maturity), as well as their ratios to total ET, but increased them in middle period (tuber formation to tuber bulking). The increased weight per tuber was the primary yield component that leads to the increased yield in SM and PM. It was concluded that mulching practices improve soil moisture by inhibiting evaporation, increase transpiration ratio to ET, reduce water consumption of early period and its ratio to total ET while increasing them of middle period, resulting in significant increases in biomass and weight per tuber, which were the main mechanisms for yield increases in SM and PM compared to NM. SM is suitable to be popularized in a semiarid rainfed agroecosystem for potato production as an alternative to PM. • Mulch improved yield while reducing water consumption relative to no mulch. • Straw strip mulch is (SM) a new mulching technique for clean production of potato. • SM had similar soil moisture and dry tuber yield as plastic film mulch (PM). • SM had higher net income and output/input ratio than PM. • Mulch increased water consumption ratio in middle period and weight per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnetically treated water (MTW) enhances chlorophyll content and jujube yield. • Excessive CMC application inhibits water and nutrient absorption. • CMC increased soil porosity, water-holding capacity, and aggregate stability. • MTW and CMC enhanced water and fertilizer productivity, jujube yield and quality. • The optimal CMC application rate is around 430 kg/ha. Developing effective regulation strategies for improving the efficiency of irrigation water and fertilizers, and preventing further expansion of desertification in southern Xinjiang, China, is crucial. Magnetically treated water (MTW) has been shown to have a positive effect on plant growth. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) has been widely used as an efficient soil amendment to improve soil aggregation and hydraulic properties. This study aimed to explore the optimal mode of combining MTW drip irrigation and CMC application for high-quality jujube production. Conventional freshwater irrigation was set up in both 2021 and 2022 (control group, CK). CMC treatments under MTW drip irrigation included C0 (0), C150 (150 kg/ha), C250 (250 kg/ha), C350 (350 kg/ha), and C450 (450 kg/ha) in 2021, and C0 (0), C150 (150 kg/ha), C300 (300 kg/ha), C450 (450 kg/ha), and C600 (600 kg/ha) in 2022. The results showed that CMC significantly increased soil porosity, water-holding capacity, and decreased soil bulk density and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity. CMC contributed 2.88 % to 27.96 % of large aggregates (>0.25 mm), significantly improving soil aggregate stability. Water and fertilizer (N, P, K) productivity increased by 4.5 % to 11.0 % and 1.9 % to 11.3 %, respectively. Jujube yield increased by 2.75 % to 15.98 %, and MTW increased jujube yield by 3.10 % compared to the CK. The recommended optimal CMC application rate was approximately 430 kg/ha. This mode provides a reliable theoretical reference for jujube industry development and soil desertification improvement in southern Xinjiang, China. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the introduction and imposition of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) guidelines, more and more attention is being given to CII compliance of ships. A ship's normal operation will be affected when it has a CII rating of D or E. However, pursuing lower energy consumption may reduce economic benefits, which is a major concern for stakeholders. This paper proposes a method to maximum a ship's economic benefits while meeting the CII requirements. An optimization model is established by reallocating the proportions of different speed ranges and adjusting the corresponding average values. A genetic algorithm is adopted to solve the proposed model. The results of a case study based on real ship data demonstrate 5% to 8% improvements in annual full load distance after optimization while maintaining a CII rating of C or better in a given year. The proposed optimization model should be able to provide guidance for operational decision-making under increasingly stringent CII regulations. • Enabling CII compliance for previously non-compliant ships. • Exploring the potential economic benefits of energy-efficient ships. • Simultaneous fulfillment of CII requirements and economic benefits. • A significant improvement as demonstrated by real ship data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecological restoration is not only an important means to ensure the continuous delivery of ecosystem services by marine ecosystems, but also a socioeconomic process of economic investment and value recovery. Identifying the links to the benefits accrued to society from ecological restoration is of significant importance for achieving successful conservation outcomes and guiding financial investments in ecological restoration. This paper aims to analyze the action mechanism of marine ecological restoration on ecological, economic and social benefits in China. The research hypothesis of ecological, economic, and social benefits generated by marine ecological restoration was first proposed from a theoretical research perspective. On this basis, a structural equation model was employed to validate theoretical assumptions and quantitatively analyze the mechanism of ecological, economic, and social benefits generated by marine ecological restoration in China. We find that marine ecological restoration can improve the level of marine ecosystem services and have a significant positive impact on promoting economic and social development. The results indicate that marine ecological restoration has the greatest impact on social benefits, followed by ecological benefits, and finally on economic benefits, and this result is consistent with the original intention of marine ecological restoration, which aims to directly improve the ecosystem services and social welfare level and indirectly drive economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material (PCM)-based cold energy storage systems (CESS) offer a promising solution for improving energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in air conditioning systems. However, their limited heat transfer efficiency hinders widespread adoption. This study focuses on investigating the impact of key factors, including plate size, arrangement, and fin structure, on the charging and discharging processes of a PCM-based CES tank. The findings highlight the significant influence of PCM plate configuration and inlet flow rate on heat transfer performance in the storage tank. Notably, reducing the height of PCM plate from 50 mm to 10 mm while maintaining a consistent volume resulted in a remarkable reduction in charging/discharging time by 84.6 % and 87.9 %, respectively. Response surface models were developed to establish correlations between the number of fins, plate height, and inlet flow rate with the charging/discharging time of PCM plates, enabling the identification of the optimal solution for achieving faster charging/discharging times. Moreover, a case study in a data center retrofit project was conducted to evaluate the thermal performance of different PCM plate configurations. Despite the higher initial investment, the optimized solution demonstrated a higher effective utilization rate of the PCM-based CESS, leading to substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. • The impact of various factors on the charging/discharging time of PCM-based CES tank was revealed. • The fluid-structure interaction function of the independent factors on the charging/discharging time were established. • Thermal performance of an optimized PCM-based CES tank was evaluated through a practical case study. • Economic and environmental aspects of implementing PCM-based CES tank were assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fertilization promotes the proportion of macro-aggregate and mean weight diameter. • C and N are mainly enriched on macro-aggregates, especially the 2–1 mm fraction. • Fertilization promotes C and N distribution and their microbial characteristics. • Enzyme activity explained 34 % of the variance in SOC and TN dynamics. • Reducing N increased C and N sequestration and economic benefit. Long-term fertilization management is not only an important source of nutrients to ensure food productivity, but also significantly affects soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) sequestration in agroecosystems, as well as strongly affects soil aggregate structure and microbiological characteristics. Straw incorporation is expected to promote SOC and TN. However, how long-term fertilization managements change soil aggregate distribution, SOC and TN components, and microbiological characteristics in straw-returned dryland fields are unknown, and how the quantitative analysis of the relationship between SOC and TN and biological factors, as well as their relative importance at an aggregate scale, are equally unknown. In addition, whether fertilization management can achieve higher crop productivity and economic efficiency while achieving higher soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration is a topic of greater concern to farmers. A 10-year in situ field fertilization experiment with five N application rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg·N·ha−1, denoted as N0, N75, N150, 225, and N300, respectively) was conducted on straw-returned dryland. The wet sieving method was used to investigate the soil aggregates distribution in aggregate fractions (>5, 5–2, 2–1, 1–0.5, 0.5–0.25, and < 0.25 mm) at topsoil (0–20 cm) at different N application rates. The results showed that fertilization significantly increased the proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) and mean weight diameter. Then, K 2 CrO 7 -H 2 SO 4 oxidation and Kjeldahl digestion methods were used to determine the SOC and TN contents and calculate the contributing rate of aggregate size fractions in SOC and TN. It was found that most SOC and TN are distributed in macro-aggregate (especially 2–1 mm). N225 significantly increased the SOC and TN in bulk soil and aggregate scale, especially the macro-aggregate contribution rate to SOC and TN. At the same time, chloroform fumigation extraction and the 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid method were adopted for the determination of soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity. It was found that microbial activity characteristics were consistent with SOC and TN dynamics at bulk soil and aggregate scales. Through further variation partitioning analysis demonstrated microbial biomass and enzyme activities accounting for 26 % and 34 % of the variation in SOC and TN. Finally, by calculating economic benefits, N225 maximizes crop yield and economic efficiency. Overall, reduced N application rate (N225) improves the soil's bioactive functioning, promotes carbon and nitrogen sequestration by promoting aggregation and improving the microbial biomass and enzyme activities in macro-aggregates, as well as enhancing crop yields and maximizing economic benefits in straw-returned dryland fields. These results would provide new insights into fertilization management strategies for improving soil conditions in terms of optimizing the interaction of soil aggregate structure–microbial activity characteristics–SOC and TN sequestration, as well as achieving sustainable agricultural development in straw-returned dryland fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three crop rotations were studied in Chongqing over five years. • Reduced fertilizer promoted grain yields and environmental and economic benefit. • The rice-wheat rotation produced the highest grain yield and economic benefit. • The maize-wheat rotation was not suitable for Chongqing. • The rice-flooded fallow rotation is the most suitable system for Chongqing. A suitable crop rotation with optimum fertilizer application can balance the need for high crop yields with minimal environmental risk. This has not yet been achieved in China, and the Chinese Government now requires rotations that include a fallow period with the aim of improving soil quality. As a step towards achieving these aims, a 5-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of different rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in three typical and acceptable crop rotations on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), N balance and economic benefit at Jiangjin, Chongqing, China. The rotations were rice-flooded fallow (RF), rice-wheat (RW) and maize-wheat (MW). Three fertilizer treatments were tested over five years. The RW rotation with reduced fertilizer application had the highest grain yield and generated the highest economic benefit. The MW rotation was not suitable for the region that we studied because high precipitation can cause serious disease problems for the wheat. The RF rotation with reduced fertilizer application proved to be the best system for ensuring food security, increasing economic benefit and reducing environmental risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization, industrialization and their associated water shortage pressures have brought great challenges to agricultural development and water security. Understanding the virtual water flow involved in the grain trade is critical to ensuring water security and agricultural production. However, there are few studies on the comprehensive benefits provided by virtual water flow in the grain trade. This paper proposes a linear optimization model to fill this gap. The model is used to estimate the virtual water flow via interregional grain trade within China in 2015 and corresponding benefits to resources, the economy, and the environment from both outflow and inflow comparative perspectives. Three results characterize the virtual water flow pattern of interprovincial grain trade in China in 2015: (1) In terms of resource benefit, 31. billion cubic meters of water resources were saved, accounting for approximately 39.7% of the total virtual water flow. (2) A positive economic benefit was realized, with an increase of 6.4 trillion yuan in industrial value added. (3) Certain regions with a high crop green water occupation index account for a considerable proportion of the green water of the local agricultural ecosystem. Simultaneously, massive output of virtual water would aggravate the destruction of terrestrial ecosystems. Finally, the results suggest that promoting the marketization of water resources, improving water productivity, exploring regional compensation mechanisms and improving green water conservation capacity should be considered for water security policies. • A linear model to optimize interregional virtual water flow pattern of grain trade in China is built. • 31.4 × 109 m3of water can be saved via improving interprovincial grain trade in China. • Economic benefits is shown as 6.4 × 1012 yuan increase in industrial value added increasing. • Regions with high crop green water occupation index output plenty of virtual water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extend lifetime of near-earth orbit satellites by on-orbit refueling has significant economic benefits, while the orbit deployment strategy of the on-orbit servicing (OOS) system which implements the refueling task directly affects the efficiency of on-orbit refueling mission. Three orbit deployment modes were proposed, including ground deployment, low earth orbit (LEO) deployment and the same orbit deployment. For the client satellites to be refueled on near-earth orbit including LEO, medium earth orbit (MEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GEO), the three deployment modes were compared quantitatively based on two evaluation indicators: the refueling response time and the economic benefits. The comparing results showed that for MEO and GEO client satellites, it is appropriate to adopt the same orbit deployment mode, while for LEO client satellites, ground deployment mode is more suitable. As the maximum economic benefits can be earned to refuel GEO client satellites, the orbit deployment scheme of OOS system for refueling GEO client satellites was further studied. A new architecture of OOS system called "1+N" consist of 1 fuel storage station and N refueling vehicles was proposed. The fuel storage station carries a great deal of fuel, running on orbit steadily. The refueling vehicles maneuver on GEO and implement the refueling operations for GEO client satellites. If the vehicles run out of fuel, they arrive at the station to be refueled. The weight and orbital altitude of fuel storage station, the number, weight, orbital altitude and orbital phase of refueling vehicles are the key parameters of the orbit deployment scheme. The mathematical model for optimizing the scheme was constructed, which takes shorten the refueling response time and lower the cost of OOS system as multi-objective. The calculation process of the optimization was explained. By analyzing the optimization results, the optimal orbit deployment scheme of OOS system containing 1 fuel storage station and 4 to 6 refueling vehicles was proposed. • Orbit deployment strategy of on-orbit service system is studied. • Appropriate orbit deployment mode of refueling vehicle is compared and selected. • A new architecture of on-orbit service system called "1+N" is proposed. • A multi-objective optimization model for orbit deployment scheme is proposed. • A set of multi-objective optimal solutions are derived and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The model allows obtaining realistic ampacity of lines from an hourly point of view. • The weather uncertainty permit to establish probable bands of ampacity in lines. • The model and realistic weather conditions allow reducing congestion in lines. • A decrease on congestions in lines reduces operational cost and emissions of the grid. Abstract The usual practice in operators is to specify conductor thermal limits based on worst-case weather condition scenarios. However, given that environmental conditions change constantly, so does the ampacity of the conductor. This is why line thermal limitation should not be established in a conservative, fixed or invariable way. In the case of Chile, the Independent System Operator (ISO) establishes current-carrying capacity curves. Nevertheless, these are only a function of the ambient temperature in the presence of the sun. Such methodology is insufficient since it does not consider the effect of wind as the main conductor cooling mechanism. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a new approach for a probabilistic current calculation model based on dynamic thermal rating. This approach accounts for the spatial and temporal variation of weather conditions along a line. The approach maximizes the line's current capacity by employing an iterative process based on the span identification that limits the conductor ampacity. Furthermore, the approach includes temperature restrictions to avoid conductor mechanical problems. The model is applied in the Chilean system, particularly to the Maitencillo–Nogales 220 kV transmission path. The new current limitations established by the proposed approach are compared to those set by the Chilean ISO and show significant increases in the current-carrying capacity of the lines and hence a better use of NCRE generation to lower production costs and CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local pre-processing can reduce the treatment cost of e-waste for remote area. • Characteristics of e-waste affects the cost reduction of local pre-processing. • Labor cost and transportation distance are main factors for cost effectiveness. An optimum treatment system for the waste electronic home appliance in remote area by local pre-processing and outsourcing post-processing is proposed. The cost reduction potential of the proposed treatment system is presented for main four types of electronic home appliances by the case study of Kinmen, Taiwan. Implementation of local pre-processing in Kinmen, Taiwan can provide 42, 54, 32, and 41 TWD unit cost reduction for television, washing machine, refrigerator, and air conditioner, respectively, comparing to the current treatment system. The different treatment characteristics according to the type of the appliances are the major factors for the applicability and cost reduction potential of the local pre-processing system. The application of this system to other cases is presented by sensitivity analysis with relative labor cost and transportation distance as the parameters. The results and the analysis process can be applied to the domestic systems with regions without recycling facilities, and also the international systems under the extended producer responsibility concept to take back the products for recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A rapid progress of low-impact development type of best management practices for urban storm water runoff quantity and quality control at a global scale has occurred in the past decade. In-depth research on low-impact development type of best management practices as useful technologies and measures to control stormwater runoff is being conducted worldwide. This paper presents a literature review of the environmental and economic evaluation of low-impact development type of best management practices through life cycle perspective. Research gap and future agenda are also proposed. Results show that life cycle assessment or life cycle cost analysis for low-impact development type of best management practices are widely documented. However, certain challenges still exist. Most works involved only on-site or facility scale or just considered certain environmental effect aspect. In addition, the lack of onsite monitoring data of water quality and quantity affects further research on low-impact development type of best management practices evaluation. In most emerging and developing countries, low-impact development type of best management practices implementation is still in the start-up stage. Quantitative life cycle assessment or life cycle cost analysis studies of low-impact development type of best management practices can provide necessary and useful information for decision-makers in regional scale low-impact development type of best management practices arrangement. Low-impact development type of best management practices database based on specific regions should also be established to support further in-depth research. Finally, low-impact development type of best management practices can offer various benefits to urban eco-systems. Researchers should provide a combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits of low-impact development type of best management practices to fulfill sustainability. Graphical abstract Image 109192 Highlights • Operation stage of LID-BMPs can generate much environmental benefit. • Construction and maintenance generate high environmental and economic burdens. • Most emerging countries lack indigenized research on LID-BMPs. • Regional scale implementation of LID-BMPs is significant for city planning. • LID-BMPs provide economic benefits by reducing cost of water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • RFMS reduced soil diurnal temperature amplitude. • RFMS-stimulated soil wetting-drying alternation is an efficient water use strategy. • RFMS significantly improved maize yields, WUE, and economic benefit. • RFH is a superior technique to overcome simultaneous drought and cold stresses. Abstract Utilizing the ridge- furrow mulching system with plastic film (RFMS) is an effective strategy for improving crop productivity in semiarid areas. However, the key mechanism by which RFMS drives spatiotemporal hydrothermal variation of soil to positively affect crop production is not well-defined, and a better understanding of this mechanism could guide RFMS optimization. A two-year field experiment was conducted with three planting treatments: 1) the RFMS with high coverage ratio, 50 cm mulched ridge:10 cm bare furrow, RFH; 2) the RFMS with low coverage ratio, 60 cm mulched ridge:60 cm bare furrow, RFL; and 3) flat planting without mulching as the control treatment, CK. The results showed that RFMS increased topsoil temperature by 1.0–2.5 °C during the day (08:00–20:00) and 1.6–3.4 °C at night (20:00–08:00), respectively, compared with CK, which led to a decrease of 0.4–1.3 °C in diurnal temperature amplitude, but indicated a strong positive impact on maize growth in the thermally deficient study area. In addition, RFMS drove the spatio-temporal alternation of soil wetting and drying (alternation of high and low SWC) relative to CK, indicating an efficient water use strategy that significantly reduces soil evaporation but promotes the plant transpiration during water sensitive period. These effects in RFH were significantly greater than those in RFL due to its significantly enhanced water infiltration, suppressed evaporation and reduced heat loss, which stimulated vigorous crop growth. This study suggested that, compared to CK, RFH was more efficient than RFL to improve maize production, which increased these amplitudes from 43.1% to 59.2% in grain yield increase, from 38.5% to 57.4% in water use efficiency (WUE) increase and from 71.7% to 95.0% in economic benefit increase, respectively. Therefore RFH can be considered as a superior technique for overcoming simultaneous drought and cold stresses in northwestern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Surface and subsurface drip irrigation practices provided similar fruit yields. • Water productivity improved with mulched surface drip irrigation due to higher yield. • Fruit quality was not changed with irrigation practices. • Water stress affected fruit yield negatively and the quality positively. • Surface drip practice caused higher economic benefit due to lesser system cost. Abstract Management of drought stress with productive irrigation practices can be an essential way to realize rational strawberry production in regions with water deficiency. In this study, different irrigation levels (full irrigation, 25, 50, and 75% deficit irrigation) were applied to strawberry crops with different irrigation practices (SD: surface drip, SSD: sub-surface drip, and MD: surface drip covered with black polyethylene mulch) to determine the yield and quality responses of the crops to drought stress. The experiment was conducted in a high altitude region with semi-arid climate considering a split-plot randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicated that the MD practice was the most effective in water use productivity due to provide higher yields with lower irrigation quantities without creating a decline fruit quality. Although it could not reach to the economic benefit level determined in SD practice, MD practice provided more economic benefit compared to SSD. As considering our findings, it was concluded that MD practice can be used effectively for the aim of saving water in strawberry production due to higher irrigation water use efficiency in water shortage conditions. However, SD practice can be more applicable due to provide higher economic gain while not exceeding 50% water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is considered to be a serious threat to crop production around the globe. In the northern Shanxi Province of China (SXN), foxtail millet (or millet) is the main crop and generally grows under rainfed conditions. Existing literature has confirmed the millet yield reductions due to climate change in the past. However, little is known about the impacts of future climate change on millet production in the SXN. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the future climate change impacts under two emission scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) and the potentials of shifting sowing date combined with supplemental irrigation as an adaptation strategy to climate change for millet production in the SXN using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT). Two supplemental irrigation strategies were tested: one presowing irrigation only (PSI), and two supplementary irrigations (PSGI) adopting one presowing irrigation and one irrigation during the growing season. We found that the air temperature, solar radiation and precipitation during the millet growing season in the future (2021–2060) are higher than those in the baseline (1981–2020). The rainfed millet yield will decrease by 8.6 % (SSP245) and 16.5 % (SSP585) in the future without an adaptation strategy, compared to the baseline yield (2.43 t ha−1) in 1981–2020 under the conventional sowing date. The reduction in rainfed millet yield caused by climate change cannot be reversed by shifting sowing date, but can be slightly mitigated by a suitable advancement of the sowing date. Adopting supplemental irrigation in the future can achieve higher millet yield than the baseline yield, especially PSGI. Compared to PSI, PSGI consumes more irrigation water but has higher irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). There is a synergy between shifting sowing date and supplemental irrigation in coping with climate change, and a later sowing date than the conventional one (30 April) is recommended under supplemental irrigation in the future. In 2021–2060, the best adaptation strategy to climate change for maximizing grain yield, IWUE and economic benefit in the millet production of the SXN is that supplementary irrigation is applied before sowing and on 20 July–30 July combined with the sowing dates of 10 May–20 May. • Future climate change has negative impacts on rainfed millet production in northern Shanxi, China. • Only shifting sowing date does not reverse the rainfed millet yield reduction due to climate change. • Synergy between shifting sowing date and supplemental irrigation in coping with climate change. • Suitably shortening millet growth period enables limited irrigation to obtain higher yield and IWUE. • Delaying sowing date and twice supplemental irrigation are suggested in future millet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]