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Background and Aims Root system architecture (RSA) plays a key role in plant adaptation to drought, because deep rooting enables better water uptake than shallow rooting under terminal drought. Understanding RSA during early plant development is essential for improving crop yields, because early drought can affect subsequent shoot growth. Herein, we demonstrate that root distribution in the topsoil significantly impacts shoot growth during the early stages of rice (Oryza sativa) development under drought, as assessed through three-dimensional image analysis. Methods We used 109 F12 recombinant inbred lines obtained from a cross between shallow-rooting lowland rice and deep-rooting upland rice, representing a population with diverse RSA. We applied a moderate drought during the early development of rice grown in a plant pot (25 cm in height) by stopping irrigation 14 days after sowing. Time-series RSA at 14, 21 and 28 days after sowing was visualized by X-ray computed tomography and, subsequently, compared between drought and well-watered conditions. After this analysis, we investigated drought-avoidant RSA further by testing 20 randomly selected recombinant inbred lines in drought conditions. Key Results We inferred the root location that most influences shoot growth using a hierarchical Bayes approach: the root segment depth that impacted shoot growth positively ranged between 1.7 and 3.4 cm in drought conditions and between 0.0 and 1.7 cm in well-watered conditions. Drought-avoidant recombinant inbred lines had a higher root density in the lower layers of the topsoil compared with the others. Conclusions Fine classification of soil layers using three-dimensional image analysis revealed that increasing root density in the lower layers of the topsoil, rather than in the subsoil, is advantageous for drought avoidance during the early growth stage of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopores formed by the actions of decaying roots of plants and soil fauna are essential for providing preferential growth pathways into deeper soil when the subsoil is compacted. Biopores help with rapid transportation of oxygen which increases microbial activity. These positive impacts help to increase the yield of crops even in adverse environmental conditions. However, the impact of biopores depends on various climatic and soil conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of different factors controlling the influences of biopores on the growth and development of plant roots is essential for getting more benefits in crop production. While several reviews have explored biopore-root interactions in crop production, there remains a lack of systematic studies on the factors influencing these interactions. In this review, we discussed different factors affecting the impacts of biopores on various crops in different situations based on current literature. It is also explained how we can maximize these impacts for getting benefits in sustainable crop production. Biopore improves the soil structure which has vital role on the growth of crops. On the other hand, clumping of roots within the biopores was also observed which may negatively affect crop growth. Similarly, biopores increase water infiltration as well as the leaching of nutrients. The influences of biopores depend on pore characteristics, abundance of biopores, moisture content, management practices, edaphic conditions, plant species etc. Understanding the factors influencing biopore-root interaction can contribute to improve root accessing into the deeper soil, enhancing their adaptation in stressful soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an ash pond for the High Concentrated Slurry Disposal (HCSD) in hilly terrains poses a unique set of challenges. In such regions, the availability of barren land adjacent to the project sites is limited, making it difficult to locate suitable sites for ash pond construction. Furthermore, the hilly terrain and complex topography demand careful planning and design to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the ash pond and associated infrastructure. This paper discusses the design considerations for the construction of ash pond dykes in a hilly region of Vietnam for the HCSD disposal. The case study highlights detailed geotechnical design investigations, such as soil type, slope stability and groundwater conditions. In addition, geotechnical instrumentation to monitor the performance of ash pond dykes and the subsoil supporting it during and after construction is also discussed. The paper also examines the environmental and hydrological design aspects of the ash pond, including the development of drainage and channelization concept along the hilly terrain to manage storm water and prevent the mixing of rain water with ash slurry. Such mixing could otherwise create an environmental hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A settlement analysis of a new high-rise building, the Nivy Tower, in Bratislava, Slovakia, is presented in this paper. A 3D finite element model was prepared. A non-linear elasto-plastic material model with double hardening and increased stiffness in a small-to-very-small strain range was adopted for the Tertiary (Neogene) subsoils. Due to the lack of an appropriate in-situ test, the results from a 1D compression test were used for the calibration of the soil input parameters. However, the results from these tests, especially in the primary loading, are often biased due to the effects of soil disturbance during the preparation of the sample. Therefore, a different procedure has been proposed, in which the stiffness parameters were obtained from unloading-reloading branches of 1D compression tests. It could be concluded that the predicted and measured settlements are in a reasonable match for all the points measured. The computed distributions of the vertical displacements and those measured by sliding micrometres show greater differences from a depth of twenty meters beneath the foundation slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the effects of soil penetration resistance, tillage depth, and operating speeds on the deformation and fatigue of the subsoiling shovel based on the real-time measurement of tractor-operating conditions data. Various types of sensors, such as force, displacement, and angle, were integrated. The software and hardware architectures of the monitoring system were designed to develop a field operation condition parameter monitoring system, which can measure the tractor's traction force of the lower tie-bar, the real-time speed, the latitude and longitude, tillage depth, and the strain of the subsoiling shovel and other condition parameters in real-time. The time domain extrapolation method was used to process the measured data to obtain the load spectrum. The linear damage accumulation theory was used to calculate the load damage of the subsoiling shovel. The magnitude of the damage value was used to characterize the severity of the operation. The signal acquisition test and typical parameter test were conducted for the monitoring system, and the test results showed that the reliability and accuracy of the monitoring system met the requirements. The subsoiling operation test of the system was carried out, which mainly included two kinds of soil penetration resistances (1750 kPa and 2750 kPa), three kinds of tillage depth (250 mm, 300 mm, and 350 mm), and three kinds of operation speed (4 km/h low speed, 6 km/h medium speed, and 8 km/h high speed), totaling 18 kinds of test conditions. Eventually, the effects of changes in working condition parameters of the subsoiling operation on the overall damage of subsoiling shovels and the differences in damage occurring between the front and rear rows of subsoiling shovels under the same test conditions were analyzed. The test results show that under the same soil penetration resistance, the overall damage sustained by the subsoiling shovels increases regardless of the increase in the tillage depth or operating speed. In particular, the increase in the tillage depth increased the severity of subsoiling shovel damage by 19.73%, which was higher than the 17.48% increase due to soil penetration resistance and the 13.07% increase due to the operating speed. It should be noted that the front subsoiling shovels consistently sustained more damage than the rear, and the difference was able to reach 16.86%. This paper may provide useful information for subsoiling operations, i.e., the operational efficiency and the damage level of subsoiling shovels should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Load transfer platform (LTP) plays an important role in load transfer between piles and subsoil in pile-supported embankments over soft soils. This study conducted spring-based trapdoor tests to investigate the load transfer mechanisms of LTPs with unreinforced and geosynthetic-reinforced river sand and lightweight aggregate (LWA) subjected to differential movement. Spring-based trapdoor tests were used to simulate the differential movement below the LTP under fill placement and surface footing loading to investigate the mobilization and degradation of soil arching and tensioned membrane effects above the trapdoor (simulating the subsoil settlement). To evaluate the trapdoor rigidity effect, both rigid (one-segment) and flexible (three-segment) trapdoors were utilized. Test results revealed that LWA, when utilized as an LTP material, could effectively improve the mobilization of soil arching, hinder the degradation of soil arching, and reduce the trapdoor settlement. LWA was proven to be a good alternative LTP fill material in pile-supported embankments. Geosynthetic reinforcement was beneficial to minimize degradation of soil arching. In the rigid trapdoor tests, the tensioned membrane effect was progressively mobilized with the applied footing pressure. However, the flexible trapdoor tests showed rapid mobilization of the tensioned membrane effect, followed by a sustained mobilization, and then a rapid arching degradation after a certain applied pressure was reached and continued. Under surface footing loading, the embankment with the LWA as the LTP fill material showed an inverted tower-shape deformation pattern, whereas that with the river sand as the LTP material exhibited a rectangular deformation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Water clarity on the inshore Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is greatly influenced by terrestrial runoff of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Catchment sediment tracing studies often do not extend into the marine environment, preventing the analysis of preferential marine transport. This study employs novel collection and sediment tracing techniques to examine the transport of the terrigenous ‘mineral’ component of plume SPM within the GBR lagoon for two flood events. Utilising geochemical, radionuclide and clay mineral analysis, we trace terrigenous mineral sediments > 100 km from the river mouth. We show that the SPM geochemistry is highly influenced by particle-size fractionation, desorption, and dilution within the plume, rendering traditional tracing methods unviable. However, the ratios of rare earth elements (REE) to thorium (Th) provide stable tracers of mineral SPM transported across the catchment to marine continuum and allow the identification of discrete catchment sources for each flood event. Plume sediment radionuclides are also stable and consistent with sub-surface erosion sources.

Biogas slurry is increasingly adopted as a substitute for chemical fertilizer to improve soil fertility and control soil degradation. But little is known about its long-term effects on different soil layers. This study aims to test if biogas slurry substitution alters soil nutrients and aggregates differently in different layers and how the effects are influenced by straw return. A five-year field trial of a winter wheat–summer maize rotation was established to evaluate the effects of biogas slurry substitution [treatments: control without fertilizer (CK); chemical fertilizer (CF); 50% biogas slurry substitution (BSCF); 100% biogas slurry substitution (BS)] on two soil layers (0–20 and 20–40 cm) under equal N, P, and K fertilization in a Fluvisol. The result showed that compared with CK, fertilization was necessary to maintain soil available nitrogen (AN) and available potassium (AK) in the 0–20 cm layer. Also, fertilization had positive effects on soil EC, TN, and AP, especially in the topsoil. In terms of increasing the degree of water-stable macroaggregation, improving aggregate stability and reducing their crushing rates, CF was superior to biogas slurry substitution because of the greater accumulations of soil N, the most important physicochemical factor regulating soil macroaggregation and stability. The effects of biogas slurry substitution changed with soil layers. In surface soil, BD, water-stable macroaggregates, and aggregate stability significantly increased due to the positive regulatory effects of straw, AP, and EC; whereas in subsoil, they decreased. Inorganic fertilization with straw return functions well in soil structural degradation control and N fertility improvement, especially in the topsoil. Whereas in fields without straw return, biogas slurry substitution may be a feasible and economical choice to improve topsoil structure and also an excellent supplement to provide P and K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problem of large tractive resistance in traditional subsoiling methods, this paper designed a pulse-type gas explosion subsoiler, as well as an air-blown double-ended chisel type subsoiling shovel and a conduit. The mathematical equation of the influence of the structural parameters of the subsoiler on the groove profile is established. The EDEM 2022 software was used to simulate the subsoiling operation process. The soil disturbance law of the chisel subsoiler was analyzed by the change of soil particle velocity. The optimum value interval of quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination test factors was determined by using the steepest climb test, with specific tillage resistance and filling power as evaluation indicators. Based on the Box–Behnken design test, a second-order regression model of response value and significance parameter was obtained, and an optimal combination was found by optimizing the significance parameter. The effects of subsoiling air pressure, pulse width and pulse interval on evaluation indicators were analyzed by the response surface method; the test results show that when the air pressure was 0.8 MPa, the pulse width was 0.17 s and the pulse interval was 0.12 s, and the specific tillage resistance was 0.4421 N/mm2 and the filling power was 18.5%; a comparative test between the pulse-type gas explosion subsoiler and a continuous gas explosion subsoiler was carried out, and the specific tillage resistance was reduced by 12.2% and the filling power was reduced by 10.5%; the comparative test shows that the pulse-type gas explosion subsoiler has smaller tractive resistance per unit area and smaller disturbance to soil. The research results provide a theoretical basis and reference for the optimization and improvement of gas explosion subsoilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve high maize (Zea mays L.) yields and quality grain, it is necessary to develop stress-resistant cultivars and related cultivation practices, aiming to maximize efficiency. Thus, our objectives were (i) to investigate the impact of tillage practices and maize hybrids (which have improved over time) on yield and its components, and (ii) to characterize the response pattern of maize hybrid grain nutrient quality components to subsoiling. To achieve this, we conducted field trials with five maize hybrids from different eras under two tillage practices: rotary tillage and subsoiling. We compared grain yield, nutritional quality, and other indicators across different tillage conditions from the 1970s to the 2010s. The main results of this study are as follows: under rotary tillage conditions, the 2010s hybrid (DH618) significantly increased yields (9.37–55.89%) compared to hybrids from the 1970s–2000s. After subsoiling, the physiologically mature grains of all hybrids exhibited minimal changes in crude protein and fat content, while there was a significant reduction in the total soluble sugar content of the grains. After subsoiling, there was a substantial 8.14 to 12.79 percent increase in total starch accumulation in the grain for all hybrids during the period of 47–75 days post-anthesis. Furthermore, during the period of 47–75 days after anthesis, the consumption of grain crude protein significantly contributed to the accumulation of total starch in the grains. Ultimately, subsoiling significantly increased the yield of each hybrid and enhanced the total grain starch content at physiological maturity of all hybrids, with the 2010s hybrid (DH618) performing exceptionally well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water clarity on the inshore Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is greatly influenced by terrestrial runoff of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Catchment sediment tracing studies often do not extend into the marine environment, preventing the analysis of preferential marine transport. This study employs novel collection and sediment tracing techniques to examine the transport of the terrigenous ‘mineral’ component of plume SPM within the GBR lagoon for two flood events. Utilising geochemical, radionuclide and clay mineral analysis, we trace terrigenous mineral sediments > 100 km from the river mouth. We show that the SPM geochemistry is highly influenced by particle-size fractionation, desorption, and dilution within the plume, rendering traditional tracing methods unviable. However, the ratios of rare earth elements (REE) to thorium (Th) provide stable tracers of mineral SPM transported across the catchment to marine continuum and allow the identification of discrete catchment sources for each flood event. Plume sediment radionuclides are also stable and consistent with sub-surface erosion sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To address issues related to shallow soil tillage, low soil nutrient content, and single tillage method in maize production in the Western Inner Mongolia Region, this study implemented various tillage and straw return techniques, including strip cultivation, subsoiling, deep tillage, no-tillage, straw incorporation with strip cultivation, straw incorporation with subsoiling, straw incorporation with deep tillage, and straw incorporation with no tillage, while using conventional shallow spinning by farmers as the control. Methods: We employed Xianyu 696 (XY696) and Ximeng 6 (XM6) as experimental materials to assess maize 100-grains weight, grain filling rate parameters, and grain nutrient quality. This investigation aimed to elucidate how tillage and straw return influence the accumulation of grain material in different maize varieties. Results and discussion: The results indicated that proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the 100-grains weight of both varieties. In comparison to CK (farmer's rotary rotation), the most notable rise in 100-grains weight was observed under the DPR treatment (straw incorporation with deep tillage), with a maximum increase of 4.84% for XY696 and 6.28% for XM6. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return in the field resulted in discernible differences in the stages of improving the grain filling rates of different maize varieties. Specifically, XY696 showed a predominant increase in the filling rate during the early stage (V1), while XM6 exhibited an increase in the filling rates during the middle and late stages (V2 and V3). In comparison to CK, V1 increased by 1.54% to 27.56% in XY696, and V2 and V3 increased by 0.41% to 10.42% in XM6 under various tillage and straw return practices. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the nutritional quality of the grains in each variety. In comparison to CK, the DPR treatment resulted in the most pronounced decrease in the soluble sugar content of grains by 25.43% and the greatest increase in the crude fat content of grains by 9.67%. Conclusion: Ultimately, the proper implementation of soil tillage and straw return facilitated an increase in grain crude fat content and significantly boosted grain weight by improving the grouting rate parameters at all stages for various maize varieties. Additionally, the utilization of DPR treatment proved to be more effective. Overall, DPR is the most promising strategy to improve maize yield and the nutritional quality of grain in the long term in the Western Inner Mongolia Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research conducted in the north Steppe of Ukraine throughout 2020-2022 studied such elements of corn growing technique as the basic tillage method and mineral fertilization for corn hybrids of different ripeness groups. It was found that the highest yield among all hybrids under experiment was achieved as a result of using turning plowing method. The LG 31377 hybrid showed itself as the most productive with the result of 8.91 t/ha. Change from turning plowing to subsoiling led to insignificant yield reduction, which constituted 1.7% and 1.9% for middle-early LG 31272 and Adevey hybrids and to minor but essential 3.5% for middle-ripe LG 31330 and LG 31377 hybrids. Growing corn after shallow tillage caused yield losses of 15.5-24.0%. While studying the impact of fertilizers on corn hybrid productivity, it was concluded, that the lowest yield was harvested on plots with no mineral fertilization. Within the range of hybrids under research, in case of no fertilizers used, the lowest productivity 7.33 t/ha was registered for the LG 31377 hybrid, while the highest yield of 7.48 t/ha was formed by the LG 31272. The application of mineral fertilizers in the amount of N30P30K30 contributed to the yield growth by 10.1-17.2% among the hybrids under research, which constituted 0.76 t/ha for the LG 31272, 1.04 t/ha for the Adevey, 1.08 t/ha for the LG 31330 and 1.26 t/ha for the LG 31377 hybrid. The increase of mineral fertilizers amount to N60P60K60 resulted in further yield growth of 0.6-2.2% only. In case of application of N30P30K30 and N60P60K60 the LG 31377 had the highest yield among other hybrids -- 8.59 and 8.78 t/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article is devoted to the study of the problems of the institute of reclamation of lands that were violated due to the extraction of minerals and geological study of the subsoil. The article analyzes the legal regulation of land reclamation in Ukraine and the reclamation of lands that have been violated as a result of mineral extraction and geological exploration of the subsoil, the ways of improving the legal regulation of the said institute are established. The article states that mining activity has significantly changed the surrounding natural environment, including some natural regions of Ukraine. It was established that mining and geological exploration of the subsoil caused significant changes in the geological environment of the country. It was found that one of the main factors of negative impact on the environment is the extremely high concentration of mining enterprises and the consequences of mineral extraction. It has been established that one of the necessary steps contributing to the improvement of the condition of lands that have been disturbed as a result of mining is land reclamation. The choice of the method and methods of reclamation of disturbed lands depends on the type of mineral, the method of its extraction, and the soil conditions of the region. It was found that the processes of reclamation of disturbed lands in the field of subsoil use are divided into: mining and biological stages. It is noted that the legal definition of reclamation of disturbed lands does not fully reflect the content of the said institution and its legal nature. The article defines the reclamation of lands disturbed as a result of mining operations and geological study of the subsoil and substantiates the expediency of supplementing the legislation with the specified concept. The article proposes: to supplement Chapter VI of the Law of Ukraine «On Land Protection» with the provision «land protection during the geological study of the subsoil and mining operations», to adopt the Law of Ukraine «On Land Reclamation», one of the sections of which should be a section devoted to «land reclamation during geological study of the subsoil and mining operations». It was concluded that the institute of reclamation of damaged lands is important for improving the condition of soils, as one of the important means of land protection. It has been proven that the reclaimed territories should constitute an optimally formed and ecologically balanced landscape area with mandatory landscape mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high number of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown world-wide are described and identified according to detailed morphological and morphometric descriptor lists. The grapevine leaf is of utmost importance in characterization, despite its traits being very sensitive to environmental factors. In this study, the effect of irrigation/drought stress on the individual leaf morphology and morphometry of the 'Hárslevelű' grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar was examined. To verify the effect of the applied irrigation methods (drip and subsoil irrigation) on the plant's water status, water potential measurements were carried out during the 2022 season. The effect of the applied treatments on the vegetative growth was evaluated according to point quadrat and a multichannel LiDAR analysis in order to describe the width of the canopy area, row volume, and area coverage index. The individual leaf morphology was assessed via traditional morphometry and colorimetry. Our results showed that rainfed plants had a significantly lower stem ψ compared to the drip- and subsoil-irrigated plants at all examined dates. The point quadrat results indicate that the leaf layer number was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the position, while the treatment showed no effect on the leaf layer number. The leaf colorimetry showed a difference among the samples, as significant alterations were found in 28 out of the 32 examined color properties. Within the traditional morphometric analysis, 54 traits were evaluated, and 14 of the traits were significantly altered due to the different water management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) persistence is predominantly governed by mineral protection, consequently, soil mineral-associated (MAOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) turnovers have different impacts on the vulnerability of SOC to climate change. Here, we generate the global MAOC and POC maps using 8341 observations and then infer the turnover times of MAOC and POC by a data-model integration approach. Global MAOC and POC storages are 975 964 987 Pg C (mean with 5% and 95% quantiles) and 330 323 337 Pg C, while global mean MAOC and POC turnover times are 129 45 383 yr and 23 5 82 yr in the top meter, respectively. Climate warming-induced acceleration of MAOC and POC decomposition is greater in subsoil than that in topsoil. Overall, the global atlas of MAOC and POC turnover, together with the global distributions of MAOC and POC stocks, provide a benchmark for Earth system models to diagnose SOC-climate change feedback. Separating soil organic carbon into mineral-associated and particulate organic carbon enables a more accurate prediction of soil vulnerability to climate change. The authors generate the global atlas of stocks and turnover times of these two fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study unveils the intricate functional association between cyclic di-3',5'-adenylic acid (c-di-AMP) signaling, cellular bioenergetics, and the regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) profile in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative obligate anaerobe considered as a keystone pathogen involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. Previous research has identified variations in P. gingivalis LPS profile as a major virulence factor, yet the underlying mechanism of its modulation has remained elusive. Methods: We employed a comprehensive methodological approach, combining two mutants exhibiting varying levels of c-di-AMP compared to the wild type, alongside an optimized analytical methodology that combines conventional mass spectrometry techniques with a novel approach known as FLATn. Results: We demonstrate that c-di-AMP acts as a metabolic nexus, connecting bioenergetic status to nuanced shifts in fatty acid and glycosyl profiles within P. gingivalis LPS. Notably, the predicted regulator gene cdaR, serving as a potent regulator of c-di-AMP synthesis, was found essential for producing Nacetylgalactosamine and an unidentified glycolipid class associated with the LPS profile. Conclusion: The multifaceted roles of c-di-AMP in bacterial physiology are underscored, emphasizing its significance in orchestrating adaptive responses to stimuli. Furthermore, our findings illuminate the significance of LPS variations and c-di-AMP signaling in determining the biological activities and immunostimulatory potential of P. gingivalis LPS, promoting a pathoadaptive strategy. The study expands the understanding of c-di-AMP pathways in Gramnegative species, laying a foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms governing variations in LPS structure at the molecular level and their implications for host-pathogen interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection inflicted substantial economic losses upon the global pig-breeding industry. This pathogen can infect all pigs and poses a particularly high fatality risk for suckling piglets. The S1 subunit of spike protein is a crucial target protein for inducing the particularly neutralizing antibodies that can intercept the virus-host interaction and neutralize virus infectivity. In the present study, the HEK293F eukaryotic expression system was successfully utilized to express and produce recombinant S1 protein. Through quantitative analysis, five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically targeting the recombinant S1 protein of PEDV were developed and subsequently evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and flow cytometry assay (FCA). The results indicate that all five mAbs belong to the IgG1 isotype, and their half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values measured at 84.77, 7.42, 0.89, 14.64, and 7.86 pM. All these five mAbs can be utilized in ELISA, FCA, and IFA for the detection of PEDV infection. MAb 5-F9 exhibits the highest sensitivity to detect as low as 0.3125 ng/mL of recombinant PEDV-S1 protein in ELISA, while only 0.096 ng/mL of mAb 5-F9 is required to detect PEDV in FCA. The results from antigen epitope analysis indicated that mAb 8-G2 is the sole antibody capable of recognizing linear epitopes. In conclusion, this study has yielded a highly immunogenic S1 protein and five high-affinity mAbs specifically targeting the S1 protein. These findings have significant implications for early detection of PEDV infection and provide a solid foundation for further investigation into studying virus-host interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, Hessdalen lights (HLs) are misunderstood; nevertheless, these phenomena are surprisingly ignored by most of the scientific community. However, a few researchers, such as Erling Strand and Massimo Teodorani, have paved the right path by showing that experimental methods of physics can be applied to study HLs. Additionally, we believe that matter cannot simply be brushed aside and that it deserves a serious examination. Recently, we proposed a possible origin of HLs (Pascoli, 2021). The basic idea--a micrometric wormhole manifestation--is promoted here, and we suggest that the Hessdalen-type lights, seen pretty much everywhere in the world, may eventually be interpreted as a symptom of an unsuspected phenomenon deep in the subsoil of the considered site. The idea of a geological origin for the Hessdalen lights has already been proposed (Teodorani, 2004, 2014); however, this interesting suggestion is being reconsidered from an entirely new perspective. The present paper has to be seen as a working hypothesis, in which the main interests are to foster thinking on underlying physics and to suggest a full series of experiments that can be performed on these very enigmatic Hessdalen lights. Regardless of the strength of a hypothesis, the experiment is the final arbiter in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No-tillage of summer maize after the harvest of winter wheat is the primary agricultural practice on the North China Plain. However, prolonged no-tillage without deep tillage practices negatively impacts soil properties, which is detrimental to the growth and yield of summer maize. In this study, Xianyu 688 and Jifeng 2 were used as test maize materials, no-tillage and surface fertilizing with normal nitrogen (N) (BC240), no-tillage and surface fertilizing with N reduction (BC180), subsoiling layered fertilization with normal N (FC240) and subsoiling layered fertilization with N reduction (FC180)were designed, in order to assess root distribution, N utilization and grain yield of summer maize. In the two maize cultivars, the FC240 and FC180 treatments significantly reduced soil bulk density in the 10–50 cm depth soil layer compared to the other two treatments, and also increased total N content in the 20–50 cm depth soil layer. Compare BC 240 treatment, the FC240 treatment significantly increased root length in the 20–40 cm soil layer and root rap bleeding. Additionally, the FC240 and FC180 treatments enhanced dry matter and N accumulation, grain yield, N uptake efficiency and N fertilizer partial factor productivity. In various treatment, Xianyu 688 exhibited increased grain yield, N uptake efficiency and N fertilizer partial factor productivity compare with Jifeng 2. When employing a total N application level of 180–240 kg N/hm2, the synergistic improvement of summer maize grain yield and N efficiency can be achieved by incorporating subsoiling combined with layered nitrogen application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before beginning construction on any civil structure, it is imperative to conduct a soil investigation to determine the soil's parameters and to learn about the subsoil's behavior. A thorough analysis must be performed, taking into account the foundation's cost-effectiveness and any potential overdesign. In the early stages of a soil investigation, geophysical testing is used to find out about the subsurface. This is because geophysical tests are fast, easy to do, do not cause damage, and are cost-effective. In this study, subsurface profiling is performed using the inverse slope approach after resistivity tests are performed at numerous sites on varying terrain types. We generate a subsurface profile using inverse slope electrical resistivity testing and compare it with bore log data to identify any discrepancies. The results of the inverse slope method and the bore log data are comparable at different depths; further, the range of agreement of both results is determined by Bland–Altman analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil–structure interaction (SSI) refers to the dynamic interaction between a structure and the surrounding soil on which it rests. The behavior of the soil can significantly affect the response of the building structure. In the context of civil engineering and structural analysis, SSI becomes particularly important when considering the response of structures to dynamic loads such as earthquakes or so-called paraseismic loads, e.g., mining tremors. Several factors contribute to SSI. Soil and building structure material properties, foundation type, and loading conditions are the most important parameters. The article concerns SSI in the case of mining rock bursts in Poland. The influence of changes in site material conditions and building material properties on the SSI phenomenon was investigated. A few variants of different properties of typical construction materials (brick, reinforced concrete, and cellular concrete) in the case of selected representative building structure were considered. The subsoil material properties from the wide range were also taken into account. Numerical three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) analysis was applied. The adopted models of the soil-structure system were verified by data from in situ experimental vibration measurements. A significant influence of the subgrade material and the building structure material on the SSI was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a soil health indicator and understanding dynamics changing SOC stocks will help achieving net zero goals. Here we present four datasets featuring 11,750 data points covering co-located aboveground and below-ground metrics for exploring ecosystem SOC dynamics. Five sites across England with an established land use contrast, grassland and woodland next to each other, were rigorously sampled for aboveground (n = 109), surface (n = 33 soil water release curves), topsoil, and subsoil metrics. Commonly measured soil metrics were analysed in five soil increments for 0–1 metre (n = 4550). Less commonly measured soil metrics which were assumed to change across the soil profile were measured on a subset of samples only (n = 3762). Additionally, we developed a simple method for soil organic matter fractionation using density fractionation which is part of the less common metrics. Finally, soil metrics which may impact SOC dynamics, but with less confidence as to their importance across the soil profile were only measured on topsoil (~5–15 cm = mineral soil) and subsoil (below 50 cm) samples (n = 2567). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are insect pests that suck phloem sap and introduce salivary proteins into plant tissues through saliva secretion. The effector of salivary proteins plays a key role in the modulation of host plant defense responses and enhancing aphid host adaptation. Based on previous transcriptome sequencing results, a candidate effector cyclin-dependent kinase-like (CDK) was identified from the grain aphid Sitobion avenae. In this study, the function of SaCDK in wheat defense response and the adaptation of S. avenae was investigated. Our results showed that the transient overexpression of SaCDK in tobacco Nicotiana benthamiana suppressed cell death triggered by mouse pro-apoptotic protein-BAX or Phytophthora infestans PAMP-INF1. SaCDK, delivered into wheat cells through a Pseudomonas fluorescens-mediated bacterial type III secretion system, suppressed callose deposition in wheat seedlings, and the overexpression of SaCDK in wheat significantly decreased the expression levels of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathway-related genes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), pathogenesis-related 1 protein (PR1), lipoxygenase (LOX) and Ω-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD). In addition, aphid bioassay results showed that the survival and fecundity of S. avenae were significantly increased while feeding on the wheat plants carrying SaCDK. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the salivary protein SaCDK is involved in inhibiting host defense response and improving its host adaptation, which lays the foundation to uncover the mechanism of the interaction of cereal aphids and host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of subsoil corrosivity was conducted within the University of Cross River State, Calabar, Calabar Campus, Southern Nigeria. The study employed electrical resistivity methods. The results from vertical electrical sounding revealed that the topsoil of VES1 and VES3 was slightly corrosive at depths of 2.20m and 0.70m while that of VES2 and VES4 were practically non-corrosive at depths 0.60m and 1.00m. The electrical resistivity tomography across the VES2 and VES4 showed a low resistivity at horizontal distances between 5.0m and 10.0m at a depth of 3.75m, indicating very strongly corrosive. Other areas of the profile with resistivity from 19.0 Ώm to 38.0 Ώm at a depth of between 6.38m and 19.8m indicate moderately corrosive and 75.0 Ώm which is slightly corrosive. A resistivity of 148.0Ώm to >580Ώm at the top layer indicates practically non-corrosive at depths 6.38m and 19.4m. Hence, metallic pipes should be buried at depth 3.0m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community grasslands, inhabited by Imperata cylindrica, in northeast India contribute culturally to the rural landscape in the region. A study carried out to examine the fine root biomass and soil properties of these grasslands. Using iron cores, dry matter of fine roots and some soil parameters were determined sequentially across different depths. The results revealed that fine root biomass dynamics followed unimodal growth curve with one peak during the study period. In burnt plot, fine root biomass varied from 95.8 - 199.8 gm/m², 47.9 - 94.2 gm/m² and 27.0 - 58.7 gm/m² in 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm depths, respectively. The corresponding values for unburnt plot were 99.9 - 206.7, 51.6 - 94.63 and 27.0 - 58.9 gm/m². Fine roots were concentrated in the surface soil layer and decreased down the soil profile. In terms of the temporal variations, the maximum accumulation of dry matter was reported during the winter months. High content of soil organic carbon (%) and nitrogen (%) were recorded in the topsoil in contrast to the subsoil over two plots. The data indicated that the soil organic carbon and fine root biomass were significantly correlated at p < 0.001. The carbon stocks of topsoil were recorded as 10.79 and 9.52 t C/ha for burnt and unburnt plots, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor radon survey in Zázrivá was conducted within the framework of the project “Multidisciplinary research of geophysical and structural parameters, and environmental impacts of faults of the Western Carpathians”. Monitoring was carried out in selected houses and kindergarten using RamaRn detectors. Annual average of indoor radon varied between 45 and 260 Bq/m³, with median of 90 Bq/m³. Seasonal variation with minimum in summer was observed in the majority of monitored rooms. Radon concentration higher than 200 Bq/m³ was measured only in rooms with direct contact with the subsoil. A possible relation between the position of a monitored building close to an assumed fault line and elevated indoor radon levels was not proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the theoretical foundations of innovation management in the sphere of subsoil use. It is noted that managerial innovations are still fuzzy and insufficiently studied in management theory and practice. As innovative management components emerged, people began to better understand that management is an important integrated factor that affects the expected performance of an economic entity. Without management, the creation and implementation of effective technologies, as well as a reasonable combination of social, informational, accounting, financial, economic and commercial factors are impossible. It is noted that, taking into account the specifics of the sphere of subsoil use, the generalization of approaches to innovation management allowed to identify that the most important is the organizational approach, which enables management to plan its activities, make effective managerial decisions on the basis of innovation. The author’s own definition of «subsoil use» is presented, which should be understood as the economic, managerial activity of State institutions, local governments, business entities, society and its individual groups, households regarding the use of subsoil for their own or commercial needs within the framework of geological exploration, mining, underground works that are not related to the extraction of minerals, protection of subsoil in scientific, geological, cultural, aesthetic, sanitary and hygienic spheres, collection of materials and samples for various purposes of scientific and practical activities. It is determined that innovation management in the sphere of subsoil use is the process of managing significant changes in labor products, means of production, services and other innovative activity, which is one of the main directions of development of social production. It is concluded that innovative management of subsoil use helps to achieve synergistic results in the industry. This includes the achievement of socioeconomic and business values and is important for the development of policies that determine how to effectively implement innovative technologies in the management system of economic entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the development of modern technologies for managing innovation activities in the sphere of subsoil use (SSU). It is noted that economic activity in the sphere of subsoil use is quite specific, which requires the use of methods of effective management of natural resources, which will ensure their preservation for future generations. In turn, an effective innovation management system can become a useful instrument in modern competition and an incentive for the development of the subsoil use sector in Ukraine. It is noted that today, for the development of modern technologies for managing innovation activities in the sphere of subsoil use, it is necessary to improve the organizational components of the management system and introduce new technologies and decision-making instruments. The general sequence of the innovation process and the principal conditions for the organization of innovation activity in the sphere of subsoil use are defined. Definitions of the principal conditions for the organization of management of innovation activity and its main characteristics in the SSU have proved that in the process of its implementation, all processes have certain features, as well as certain restrictions that are associated with the specifics of this area. The priority directions of management of innovation activity in the sphere of subsoil use in accordance with their programs of innovative development are determined. A system of management of innovation activity in the SSU has been proposed. It is determined that the management of innovation activity in the SSU is determined by the formation of the infrastructure of research and innovation-investment activities; introduction of generation, selection and use of innovations; identification and implementation of new market opportunities for the formation of innovative management projects in the SSU. It is concluded that modern technologies for managing innovation activities in the sphere of subsoil use should be aimed at finding innovations in the management system of SSU, which in the future will provide an opportunity to combine all types of innovations and achieve a synergistic effect in this sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and chemical soil properties are affected by wildfires. Post-wildfire runoff may contain nutrient loads and particulate matter that negatively impact soil, surface water, and groundwater. According to data from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, devastating wildfires on Northern Euboea Island, Greece, in August 2021 destroyed more than 50,910 ha. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests mostly covered the affected area, according to CORINE. Topsoil and subsoil samples were collected from burned areas and analyzed for physicochemical parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon. After digestion with aqua regia, the Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, and As 'pseudo total' contents were determined. Leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate the levels of potentially toxic elements leaching from soils and the impact of environmental conditions. The leachates were analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Ca, Mg, Na, and K. Overall, most of the concentrations of the studied elements were higher in fire-affected soils than in unburned ones. Similar findings for element concentrations have been confirmed between topsoils and subsoils, with the latter exhibiting lower values. The increased 'pseudo total' values of Cr, Ni, Fe, Co, and Mn in all the soil samples, along with the medium to high positive correlations between them, indicate that geogenic factors play a major role in controlling element enrichment. High concentrations of Mn, Ni, and As in soil leachates exceeded the EU maximum permissible limits, indicating a potential ecological risk to natural water quality and, subsequently, to human health. The correlation coefficients between elements in fire-affected and unburned soils suggested that their geogenic origins were mainly associated with the ultramafic rocks and related ores of the study area. The elements' concentrations in the leachates were significantly lower than their 'pseudo total' contents in soil, with no correlation between them. The reducing order of elements leachability did not coincide with the decreasing order of elements 'pseudo total' median values in soils. The decreasing order of element abundance in soil leachates coincides with their relative extractability and differs from the decreasing order of their 'pseudo total' median values in soils. Neutral to alkaline, soil pH conditions and organic carbon content, which substantially influence the retention and mobility of elements, presented different patterns among the studied elements, with only Mn, Cr, and Co showing correlations. The increased content of organic matter in fire-affected soils suggests that the combustion of vegetation was incomplete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulk-density (ρ) of soil is an important indicator of soil compaction and type. A knowledge of the spatial variability of in situ soil density is important in geotechnical engineering, hydrology and agriculture. Surface geophysical methods have so far shown limited success in providing an accurate and high-resolution image of 3-D soil-density distribution. In this pursuit, 3-D seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) is promising, provided the robustness and accuracy of density inversion via this approach can be established in the near-surface scale. However, simultaneous reconstruction of ρ and seismic wave velocities through multiparameter FWI remains a challenging task. Near-surface seismic data are commonly dominated by dispersive surface waves whose velocities are controlled by the value and distribution of shear-wave velocity (VS). One major difficulty in estimating reliably ρ from near-surface seismic data is due to the relatively low sensitivity of the seismic wavefield to ρ compared to seismic velocities. Additionally, the accuracy of the estimated ρ decreases due to error in VS —an issue known as parameter coupling. Parameter coupling makes it difficult to estimate accurately ρ within the framework of conventional gradient-based FWI. More sophisticated optimization approaches (e.g. truncated Newton) can reduce the effect of parameter coupling, but these approaches are commonly not affordable in near-surface applications due to heavy computational burden. In this research, we have investigated how choosing correctly the force direction of the seismic source can contribute to a higher accuracy of ρ estimates through 3-D FWI. Using scattered wavefields, the Hessian, and inversion tests, an in-depth and systematic investigation of data sets corresponding to different force directions has been carried out. A comparison of the scattered wavefields due to a point-localized ρ perturbation for different force directions shows the robustness of the horizontal-force data set to noise compared to the vertical-force data set. Furthermore, for a point-scatterer model, an analysis of the gradients of the misfit function using the Hessian shows that utilizing a horizontal-force source enables one to reconstruct the high-resolution gradient with relatively small parameter coupling. Finally, inversion tests for two different subsoil models demonstrate that 3-D FWI on a horizontal-force-source seismic data set is capable of providing a more accurate 3-D ρ distribution in soil compared to a vertical-force-source data set. Our results show that the use of a horizontal-force source might allow avoiding computationally demanding, costly optimization approaches in 3-D FWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of vertical vibrational loads on the bearing capacity of a foundation resting on salt-encrusted flat soil improved by cement addition was experimentally examined by conducting a physical model. The vibration foundation model resting on the finite dimensions of cemented sabkha was first subjected to incremental vertical monotonic loads to evaluate the bearing capacity for different subsoil conditions; the bearing capacity was calculated from the load–settlement curves. The cemented sabkha overlies the saturated sabkha soil. The influence of the vertical vibrational load for each increment in the vertical monotonic load on the settlement was studied, and a modified load–settlement curve was introduced. For a foundation with no large deformation or liquefaction due to vibrational loads, the vibrational loads insignificantly influence the bearing capacity of the foundation. With increasing frequency, the initial stiffness decreases, resulting in an increase in the settlement. The influence of the cement content and thickness of cemented sabkha on decreasing the foundation's settlement decrease with increasing monotonic loads and operating frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the deformation trend of silt subsoil under long-term aircraft loading by conventional numerical methods based on finite elements is challenging and poses several limitations. In this study, a boundary surface model for remolded saturated silt considering the influence of the soil dry density was developed, and an explicit integral algorithm with error control was used to incorporate the model into a user-defined material subroutine that the finite element software (ABAQUS 6.14) could call. In this way, the consolidated undrained dynamic triaxial test of a soil unit was established for simulation and model validation, which corroborated that the model could describe the dynamic properties of the saturated silt. Then, a numerical model of the runway with layered compaction and different compaction degrees was also developed to numerically analyze the deformation of the subsoil under cyclic aircraft loading. The results showed that the subsoil deformation increased continuously with the increase of cycle number. However, the deformation rate decreased gradually, and the silt subsoil deformation remained stable after 50 loading cycles. After the same number of loading cycles, the cumulative plastic deformation of the subsoil model with the overall compaction degree of 94% was smaller than that of the model with layered compaction. It was also shown that different aircraft speeds have minimal effect on the cumulative plastic deformation of the subsoil. Nevertheless, the ultimate cumulative plastic deformation is larger, as the loading duration is longer at low aircraft speeds. It indicates that strictly controlling of the compaction degree within a certain range of load influence is imperative in practical engineering, as it reduces the associated costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northern Campania (Southern Italy), the historic center of many towns is characterized by the widespread presence of cavities in the subsoil, excavated over the centuries for quarrying tuff blocks for buildings, along with cathedrals, churches and chapels. A singular feature of these places of worship is, in fact, the presence of a wide and frequently connected network of underground cavities and tunnels, which were used for hydraulic, religious or connecting purposes. The cavity network is often unknown, abandoned or even buried, thus representing a risk for their susceptibility to sinkholes. Such elements are important as cultural heritage of inestimable value and as attractors for tourism; for this reason, the multidisciplinary study conducted on a place of worship in the Caserta area is illustrated herein: the Cloister of Sant'Agostino, in Caserta (XVI century CE). A geological and geotechnical characterization of the subsoil was performed at first. A laser scanner survey of the accessible cavities and the external churchyard was carried out. The resulting 3D model of the underground sector allowed for a clear understanding of the room size, their location, the levels and the path of the corridors. To understand the extension and layout of the crypts, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys were undertaken in the surrounding areas. The analysis of the ERT measurements revealed some anomalies that could be ascribed to unknown structures (crypts). Finally, numerical methods were applied to estimate the stress state of the soft rocks and the potential areas of crisis, with preliminary assessments of the influence of the presence of cavities on the stability of the subsoil. The results allowed us to improve the knowledge of the study site and provide useful data for the planning of future targeted investigations, underlining how integrated research between applied disciplines can provide indispensable support both in the management and mitigation of geological risks in urban areas and in the sustainable reuse of hypogea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work proves the feasibility and effectiveness of upcutting belt motion to reduce the draught resistance of subsoilers, which is also a reference and experience for the optimization and modification of other soil-engaging components. Conventional subsoiling has the problem of excessive draught resistance, which has long been a major concern. A great reduction in draught is urgently required to make better use of the subsoiling technique with many agronomic benefits. In this study, an attempt was made to test the draught reduction performance of a series of tools with continuous belt motions. Comparative simulations between regular tools and belt tools were carried out using the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the effects of belt motion on tool force, soil disturbance characteristics, particle velocity distribution, and soil deformation and movement patterns. The results indicated that the belt motion reduced the draught force by 13.18%, 25.21%, 37.98%, and 44.64% for the rake angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°, respectively, and caused acceptable increases in downward vertical force. The changes in soil disturbance, particle velocity distribution, and soil deformation and movement patterns contributed to the reduction in draught force. Negative effects on soil disturbance were acceptable considering the 13.18% to 44.64% reductions in draught force. The present study suggests that the belt motion has a great application potential for draught reduction in subsoiling. Also, this can serve as a theoretical foundation for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pile foundations are used to support superstructures and play an important role in the safety of these structures. The performance of pile foundations generally depends on the conditions of the pile itself and the material under the pile tip(i.e., bottom), especially for end-bearing piles installed in soft soil volumes. Therefore, to assess the performance of existing pile foundations, it is crucial not only to evaluate the structural integrity of the pile itself, but also to assess the ground conditions, such as subsoil stiffness beneath the pile foundation tip. Accessing the subsoil beneath the pile foundation tip is highly challenging in the field. Hence, there is a need for the development of non-destructive pile evaluation methods that allow the assessment of subsoil stiffness beneath the pile tip without direct access to the subsoil. Various non-destructive methods have been developed for pile performance assessment. However, these conventional non-destructive methods are primarily designed for assessing the structural integrity of the pile itself, and there are no existing non-destructive pile integrity testing methods applicable to evaluate the subsoil stiffness beneath the pile tip. In this study, a non-destructive method is developed to evaluate the subsurface soil stiffness beneath pile tip without direct access. The proposed method involves applying impact loading to the easily accessible pile head and measuring the elastic waves propagated within the pile foundation due to the impact loading. These wave signals are then recorded at the pile head. The measured time–history signals are decomposed using harmonic wavelet transform. This allows the obtainment of well-defined magnitude and phase information over time for various individual frequency components composing the wave. In this study, a method is proposed to assess the stiffness of the subsoil beneath the pile tip by simultaneously utilizing the magnitude and phase information of the measured signals obtained through harmonic wavelet transform. To facilitate this, a step-by-step data analysis procedure for evaluating the subsoil stiffness beneath the pile tip is introduced. To validate the proposed method, numerical simulations were conducted using ABAQUS. The experimental data obtained from the numerical simulations were processed using the proposed method to assess the subsoil stiffness beneath the pile. The determined subsoil stiffness was then compared with the exact soil stiffness used in the numerical simulation to evaluate the validity of the proposed method. Through this analysis, the proposed method demonstrated its effectiveness in assessing the subsoil stiffness beneath piles tip installed in weak soil volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest terrestrial carbon pool, but it is still uncertain how it will respond to climate change. Especially the fate of SOC due to concurrent changes in soil temperature and moisture is uncertain. It is generally accepted that microbially driven SOC decomposition will increase with warming, provided that sufficient soil moisture, and hence enough C substrate, is available for microbial decomposition. We use a mechanistic, microbially explicit SOC decomposition model, the Jena Soil Model (JSM), and focus on the depolymerisation of litter and microbial residues by microbes at different soil depths, and its sensitivities to soil warming and different drought intensities. In a series of model experiments we test the effects of soil warming and droughts on SOC stocks, in combination with different temperature sensitivities (10 values) for the half-saturation constant associated with the breakdown of litter or microbial residues. Microbial depolymerisation rates of litter and residues are proportional to microbial biomass (reverse kinetics), so that at low microbial biomass, the temperature sensitivity of plays a more prominent role. We find that soil warming leads long-term SOC losses, but depending on SOC composition and its associated values, these losses can be either reduced or further accelerated, especially in the subsoil where microbial biomass is low. Droughts can alleviate the effects of soil warming and reduce SOC losses, and even lead to SOC gains, provided unchanged litter inputs. Furthermore, a combination of drought and different values associated with the breakdown of litter or microbial residues can have counteracting effects on the overall decomposition rates. In this study, we show that while absolute SOC changes driven by soil warming and drought are highest in the topsoil, SOC in the subsoil is more sensitive to the (sometimes counteracting) interplay between temperature and soil moisture changes, and mineral-associated SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being the highest value fruit crop in Australia, little is known about the types and condition or "health" of Australia's apple growing soils. This study is unique in being the first to report the condition and characteristics of Australia's apple growing soils; it provides essential baseline data for future monitoring of soil health in apple production systems, as well as soil physical and chemical data required for the development of perennial soil-tree-climate models. Soil chemical and physical properties were measured at 34 orchards, across five states. Soils were assessed for water retention, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, macroporosity, organic carbon, CEC, ESP, pH, and EC. Despite high to very high levels of organic carbon, most topsoils were moderately to poorly structured. Around one-third to half of all sites showed evidence of poor aeration or impeded drainage, whilst 10 of the 34 sites were prone to nutrient leaching. Plant available soil water (PAWC) varied greatly between sites from 31 mm to 170 mm from 0 to 60 cm depth and between sites within the same soil order. Whilst topsoils had high to very high levels of organic carbon (average: 2.46%), they were otherwise poorly structured, with higher than expected bulk density (average: 1.32 g/cm3) and lower than expected air capacity (average: 9.97%) and macroporosity (average: 1.75%). Subsoils were also found to have little soil water availability (average: 15.39 mm/100 mm), low air capacity (average: 5.28%), and low CEC (average: 8.12 cmol (+) kg−1). Notably, 10 of the 34 sites had less than 6 cmol (+) kg−1 CEC throughout the entire soil profile, indicating potential risk of nutrient leaching. This study indicates that apple growing soils require careful management to improve topsoil structure, and to maintain or increase soil carbon, as well as use of soil moisture sensors to schedule irrigation. In addition, some sites also require improved subsoil drainage and care to ensure fertigation and irrigation do not result in leaching of nutrients beneath the root zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pelargonic acid is a non-selective herbicide derived from natural sources with a range of potential applications in areas where synthetic herbicides may be less acceptable. One such use area is weed control on railway tracks. To assess the potential leaching of pelargonic acid to groundwater for this specific use, we conducted degradation and sorption studies with soils from railway tracks and, for comparison, with a range of topsoils. Results: Degradation of pelargonic acid was very rapid in subsoils from railway tracks with half-lives (DT50) of < 1 day (geom. mean DT50, 5.8 h), and even faster in the selected agricultural topsoils (1.5 h). The starting concentration had a strong influence with much slower degradation at higher spike levels. Adsorption to the railway soils (alkaline soils with low organic matter content) was expectedly weak (Freundlich adsorption coefficients KF of 0.06–0.31 mL/g) and clearly stronger in the topsoils (0.2–40 mL/g). Organic carbon normalized adsorption coefficients (KFoc) ranged from 11 to 371 mL/g (all soils) and were pH dependent, consistent with the behaviour of weak acids. Computer modelling using the software PELMO and a set of scenarios for herbicide use on railway tracks developed for the authorisation in Germany yielded predicted environmental concentrations in groundwater of < 0.001 µg/L when parameterised with the adsorption and degradation endpoints from subsoils. Conclusions: The leaching potential of pelargonic acid may be considered low even in application scenarios with sandy soils with low organic matter content such as those found below railway tracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for sustainable urban growth management and preventive conservation of built elements constitute the key factors in today's increasing demand for the better understanding of subsoil. This information, mainly available from geotechnical surveys, can be integrated into spatial databases to produce operational models. Aiming to generate strategies that enable the visualisation of underground properties in highly anthropised environments, the following four-phase methodology has been proposed: (a) Gathering of geotechnical data; (b) Spatial and statistical analysis; (c) Database design; (d) Generation of 2D and 3D models. Following the aforementioned criteria and using open sources, a spatial dataset of 650 points located within the historical centre of Seville (Spain) has been developed. This urban area is characterised by the heterogeneous distribution of its soil layers and their geotechnical properties. The results show that the application of this method enables a prompt and efficient display of the distribution of geotechnical layers in urban and metropolitan environments, by considering the variations in their mechanical properties. This simplified approach therefore establishes a new starting point for the development of predictive strategies based on approaches of a more complex nature that facilitate the analysis of the interactions between subsoil, buildings, and infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsoiling practice is an essential tillage practice in modern agriculture. Tillage forces and energy consumption during subsoiling are extremely high, which reduces the economic benefits of subsoiling technology. In this paper, a cicada-inspired biomimetic subsoiling tool (CIST) was designed to reduce the draught force during subsoiling. A soil–tool interaction model was developed using EDEM and validated using lab soil bin tests with sandy loam soil. The validated model was used to optimize the CIST and evaluate its performance by comparing it with a conventional chisel subsoiling tool (CCST) at various working depths (250–350 mm) and speeds (0.5–2.5 ms−1). Results showed that both simulated draught force and soil disturbance behaviors agreed well with those from lab soil bin tests, as indicated by relative errors of <6.1%. Compared with the CCST, the draught forces of the CIST can be reduced by 17.7% at various working depths and speeds; the design of the CIST obviously outperforms some previous biomimetic designs with largest draught force reduction of 7.29–12.8%. Soil surface flatness after subsoiling using the CIST was smoother at various depths than using the CCST. Soil loosening efficiencies of the CIST can be raised by 17.37% at various working speeds. Results from this study implied that the developed cicada-inspired subsoiling tool outperforms the conventional chisel subsoiling tool on aspects of soil disturbance behaviors, draught forces, and soil loosening efficiencies. This study can have implications for designing high-performance subsoiling tools with reduced draught forces and energy requirements, especially for the subsoiling tools working under sandy loam soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper puts forward an interpretation of three decisive dreams that shook Descartes taking as a starting point what Heidegger called another beginning of philosophy in horror (das Erschrecken). On the one hand, it will be shown how Descartes's nightmares opened the possibility of an initial way of thinking. On the other hand, it will be discussed how Descartes recoils from this possibility. By linking the hidden dimension of being to the demonic realm, Descartes seeked refuge in a calculating thought based on a truthful God who guarantees the availability of being. The analysis of dreams proposed here seeks to draw attention to a background that will help explain what Descartes is seeking refuge from when he builds his scientific structure and what avenues remain open in the subsoil of his thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors present an extension of the scope of the previously conducted research to the full three-dimensional computer simulation (using the finite element method), which takes into account the interaction between: heavy caterpillar tracks system - working platform - weak subsoil. The article presents a computer model considering two caterpillars, resting on elastic-plastic sub-soil, with standard Mohr-Coulomb yield conditions, allowing for computer simulation of the behavior of the system up to achievement of ultimate limit state. The results of the above model are treated as the reference for a simplified Analytical Models of estimating the limit state, which might be used in design procedures. In turn, these Analytical Models are enhancements of previously presented one. The most important results concluding form the Analytical Model are simple interaction formulas, in the space of moments acting on the machine-subsoil system, limiting a domain of safety in given soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant subsoil deformation and additional loads from the new denitrification unit caused a major problem with the load-bearing capacity of the coal power plant. It was necessary to perform an advanced assessment of the technical condition of the structure. Laser scanning (LiDAR) were used to obtain detailed data upon structure. Based on the analysis of the point cloud, the location of the column axes was determined, which allowed to determine the global and local displacements of the structure. Spatial models of the structure were created. Non-linear analyses of the structure were carried out using two types of models: 1) global beam-shell 3D models of the boiler room used to calculate the magnitude of internal forces and deformations of the structure; 2) local beam-shell detailed models of selected structural elements. Based on the results of the calculations, necessary reinforcement of the structure was designed and successfully implemented. Advanced analysis of the structure using laser scanning, subsoil monitoring and complex numerical models made it possible to perform only local reinforcements of the entire complex structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilled displacement columns, constructed in the form of unreinforced or reinforced concrete elements, are currently a very commonly used method of improving soft subsoil, creating an alternative to more expensive pile foundations. A frequently used solution for improving soft soils of road or railway embankments is to design a regular pattern of columns of relatively small diameter. Columns along the perimeter of the improved area are reinforced with rigid steel profiles, while the internal ones are made as concrete elements. Column heads are usually covered with a load transfer platform (layer of compacted granular fill) which is additionally reinforced with geosynthetics. The application of soil improvement with displacement columns is not always successful. It is due to the errors and shortcomings occurring at the design stage, including simplifications in modelling, to construction faults, which may include insufficient experience of contractors and/or improper supervision. Referring to the real object that failed, the article provides the results of numerical parametric analyses taking into account the influence of the key design parameters such as: the stiffness of the load transfer layers, the amount and stiffness of the geosynthetic reinforcement as well as the column spacing. The article presents comparisons of numerical results obtained with the finite element analyses for various approaches to geometry modelling (axisymmetric, 2D and 3D). The simulations indicate that the use of the axisymmetric model of a single column in routine design may lead to the deformations exceeding the serviceability limit states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analytical method which takes into account the beneficial effects of the sheet piling located around the foundation in the calculations of ULS and SLS of shallow foundations. The analytical method proposed by the author was described in detail on the example of a “theoretical bridge” with the assumed geometry and loads as well as with the assumed subsoil and water conditions under the bridge. The stresses in the subsoil under the foundation and the settlement were determined. The author’s method was also used to calculate the foundation settlement of an “existing bridge” located in Gdańsk (Poland). In both cases, the results were compared with the results obtained using PLAXIS 3D Advanced 2023.1 and additionally with geodetic measurements for “existing bridge”. The author’s proposal was based on the EN 1997-1: Eurocode 7 standard applicable in the European Union. It has original elements that are not included in the cited standard. The proposed method is not the only one that could be used to assess the limit states of shallow foundations with sheet piling cover. However, it is based on the applicable regulations, gives similar results to the results obtained with FEM and geodetic measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term excessive application of mineral fertilizer leads to phosphorus (P) accumulation, increasing the risk of P migration and loss from the soil profile. The colloids in the soil profile are important carriers for P migration due to their high P adsorption and transport capacity. It is not clearly understood how colloidal P (CP) is distributed in subsoils (<1.2 m) of a Vertisol, contributing to subsurface P loss. Understanding the depth sequence distribution and speciation of colloidal P in the soil profile is critical for a comprehensive assessment of P loss. In this study, water-extractable colloids (WECs) with the size of 0.35–2 µ m were obtained from a 0–120 cm soil profile by a sedimentation and centrifugation scheme. The dissolved reactive P (DRP) and dissolved total P (DTP) in soil supernatant with particle sizes <0.35 µ m were measured by molybdate blue colorimetry. Solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and P K-edge XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) were used to characterize the species and distribution of CP in the soil profile of fertilized farmland. Total and available P in bulk soil and colloids decreased with soil depth. The organic P (OP) contained 97–344 mg kg -1 per bulk soil and 110–630 mg kg -1 per WEC. The OP in soil profile consists of orthophosphate mono-esters and diesters primarily according to NMR results. It suggested that OP in WECs from subsoils might be affected by the translocation of CP from surface soils, probably due to soil acidification and preferential flow caused by swelling–shrinkage clays, including montmorillonite and nontronite detected by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) results. Additionally, the more negative zeta potential of surface soil colloids suggests the high mobility of colloidal P towards the subsoils. The CP concentration for <2 µ m was about 38–93 mg P kg -1 per bulk soil, which is 6–37 times that of DRP, suggesting that CP plays a dominant role in P transport within the soil profile. The relatively small fraction of orthophosphate diesters suggests limited P assimilation by microorganisms for the accumulation of WECs containing organically bound P in subsoils. The P K-edge XANES results indicated that the proportions of Al-P, Fe-P, and inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP) of WECs decreased, but hydroxyapatite (HAP) increased with soil depth. This study showed that inorganic and organic P migrated from the surface to deeper layers along the soil profile, with soil colloids having a significant effect on P migration from both surface and subsurface layers. The findings have an important significance for soil P migration evaluation and agricultural non-point source pollution control in Vertisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the quantity of soil organic carbon (SOC) requires understanding how different factors control the amount of SOC. Land use has a major influence on the function of the soil as a carbon sink, as shown by substantial organic carbon (OC) losses from the soil upon deforestation. However, predicting the degree to which land use change affects the OC content in soils and the depth down to which this occurs requires context-specific information related to, for example, climate, geochemistry, and land use history. In this study, 266 samples from forests and agricultural fields were collected from 94 soil profiles down to 300 cm depth in a subtropical region (Arvorezinha, southern Brazil) to study the impact of land use on the amount of stabilized OC along the soil profile. We found that the stabilized OC content was not affected by land use below a depth of 90 cm. Along the soil profile, the amount of stabilized OC was predominantly controlled by land use and depth in addition to the silt and clay content and aluminium ion concentrations. Below 100 cm , none of the soil profiles reached a concentration of stabilized OC above 50 % of the stabilized OC saturation point (i.e. the maximum OC concentration that can physically be stabilized in these soils). Based on these results, we argue that it is unlikely that deeper soil layers can serve as an OC sink over a timescale relevant to global climate change due to the limited OC input in these deeper layers. Furthermore, we found that the soil weathering degree was not a relevant control on the amount of stabilized OC in our profiles because of the high weathering degree of the studied soils. It is therefore suggested that, while the soil weathering degree might be an effective controlling factor of OC stabilization over a large spatial scale, it is not an informative measure for this process at regional and local scales (with similar climate, bedrock, and weathering history) in highly weathered soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]