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Chernozem soil is a valuable resource and contains a great diversity of microorganisms that play a global role in the process of soil formation, the species diversity of which has changed over the last five years under the influence of different agrotechnologies. For the first time, under the conditions of the Central Chernozem region, grain and fallow crop rotation, studies using the DNA-metabarcoding method were carried out to study the taxonomic structure of bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria, and microalgae communities in the arable horizon of typical medium loamy chernozem under winter wheat cultivation. A comparative analysis of the composition of the genotypes showed significant differences in the presented level of mineral nutrition of the soil NPK (60) and NPK (100) compared with the control variant. After processing the 16S and 18S rRNA datasets, a similar trend of decreasing numbers of pro- and eukaryotic species was found from 6296 (control without MF) to 5310 with NPK (60) and to 4643 with NPK (100), respectively. The Chao1 index indicated that the expected diversity within the prokaryotic group was higher in the control without MF at 211, but decreased to 182 and 193 with NPK (60) and NPK (100) fertilizers, respectively. Analysis of the eukaryotic group revealed a 2.6- and 2.9-fold decrease in diversity by class and genus, respectively, depending on the nutritional levels in agrotechnologies, owing to the use of MF. In the prokaryotic community, Alphaproteobacteria microorganisms predominated at an amount of 14.20–14.46%, with Cyanophyceae accounting for 5.2–9.9%. The diversity of eukaryotes was smaller than the number of classes of prokaryotes; the main dominant were Zygnematophyceae 19.5–41%, Chlorophyceae occupied 10.4–15.8%. On the other hand, the doses of fertilizers used contributed to the emergence of dominant species adapted to high doses of mineral nutrients for plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural Chernozem and Fluvisol soils from the Czech Republic planted with radishes, onions, and carrots was studied. Only the total biomass yield of carrots was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when compared to the control biomass yield. All tested PCBs, especially congener PCB 28, were able to accumulate in slightly higher amounts in the radish surface than in the onion one. The highest PCB content was observed in the surface layer of carrots, which could be related to the agrochemical properties of soil, vegetation period, and more intensive contact of carrot roots with PCBs in a bulk soil. The translocation factors of PCBs were lower than 1, indicating a poor ability for PCB uptake from soil. The highest relative PCB removal from soil was observed in acidic Fluvisol, accounting for 27.2%, with a maximum of 2% plant contribution to soil PCB dissipation. The low relative removal of PCBs by plants indicates that in vegetable-planted soil, the removal of PCBs could be due to autochthonous soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere of vegetables. The bioaccumulation factors for PCBs derived from the cultivation of examined root vegetables in Chernozem and Fluvisol soils contaminated with PCBs at nearly 1500 µg/kg dry weight can be considered low and negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological assessment of the contents of Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As in arable soils and crops grown in the central chernozemic region of Russia was carried out by the example of Belgorod oblast. It was found that average bulk contents of Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in leached arable chernozem were 19.8, 10.0, 4.15, 0.22, and 0.021 mg/kg; in typical arable chernozems, 20.0, 10.3, 4.18, 0.23, and 0.022 mg/kg; and in ordinary chernozems 20.9, 11.2, 5.48, 0.35, and 0.023 mg/kg, respectively. The average contents of mobile forms of Pb, Cr, and Cd were 0.52, 0.14, and 0.06 mg/kg in leached arable chernozems; 0.46, 0.13, and 0.05 mg/ka in typical arable chernozems; and 0.55, 0.13, and 0.04 mg/kg in ordinary chernozems, respectively. These elements did not exceed the established maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) and tentative permissible concentrations (TPCs) for the studied soils. Organic fertilizers were found to be the main source of heavy metals in the arable soils of Belgorod oblast. Average concentrations of Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in cattle manure were 0.90, 0.78, 0.277, 0.060, and 0.0084 mg/kg, respectively. Among studied crops, sunflower seeds had the highest concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr, while winter wheat grains had the highest concentrations of Hg and As. Soybeans contained the lowest average contents of Pb, Hg, and As, and the corn grain had the lowest average contents of Cr, Cd, and As. In the grains of winter wheat, corn, soybeans, and sunflower seeds, the contents of Pb, Cd, Hg, and As did not exceed MPCs established for products intended for food purposes, and the concentration of Cr did not exceed the MPC established for feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work there are studied the peculiarities of formation of the reserves of productive moisture in a meter--thick layer of chernozem in a long--term dimension using various methods of soil cultivation and agroclimatic indicators under the conditions of the left bank part of the central Forest--Steppe of Ukraine. In the work there used generally accepted research methods: the field, laboratory, mathematical statistics, comparative calculations. Based on the conducted research, the following results were obtained. In the period from 1977-1982 to 2020-2024 the amount of precipitation during the cold period of the year (November-February) increased by 71 mm, and for the period November-March -- by 64 mm. In the months of the cold period of the year the amount of precipitation increased most of all: in November (+15 mm), December (+28 mm), February (+38 mm) relative to the norm. The average monthly air temperature in the period November-February in 2020-2024 was above 0 °C, while according to the norm of observations the average monthly air temperature was -1.3 °C. In the period from 1977 to 2024 the increase in average daily air temperature occurred according to trustworthy trends. A direct correlation was established between the amount of precipitation during the cold period of the year (November-February) and the average monthly air temperature at the level of R = 0.73-0.75, and with precipitation for the period November-March the correlation weakened to an average level of R = 0.63-0.70. During the shallow non-moldboard cultivation in 2020-2024 the accumulated moisture was by 16 mm less, in contrast to the deep non--moldboard cultivation. A direct correlation was found between the moisture reserves in the 0--50 cm layer and the average daily air temperature for the periods November-February and November-March: R = 0.74-0.76 ± 0.02, R² = 0.54-0.58 (ploughing), R = 0.70-0.71 ± 0.02, R² = 0.49-0.50 (moldboardless tillage) and R = 0.49-0.52 ± 0.02, R² = 0.24-0.27 (small mouldboardless tillage). The relationship between the amount of atmospheric precipitation and the reserves of productive moisture in a meter--thick layer, regardless of the processing method, was at the level of direct correlation of the average level, and the formation of spring reserves of productive moisture in a meter-thick layer, regardless of the processing method, over 46 years of observations took place according a downward trend. For ploughing the intensity of the decrease in the moisture reserve was 2.1 times higher compared to the non--moldboard cultiation, which made it possible to form a higher moisture reserve by 8-10 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper analysis of the dynamics of the moisture content of the soil layer of chernozem and the accumulation of productive moisture reserves in its thickness was carried out, based on a set of data from 1947 to 2022. The change in the moisture regime within the periodically leaching water regime of the central part of the Left Bank Forest- Steppe of Ukraine has been analyzed. The analysis was performed under the crops: winter wheat, spring barley, corn for grain and silage, sugar beet, sunflower in crop rotations of various types to a depth of 0-100 cm to 0-300 cm. The purpose of the research was to establish the features of the formation of reserves of productive moisture in the chernozem thickness in a seasonal dimension upon the dynamics of climatic parameters against the background of their intracentury climatic variability for the conditions of the left bank part of the central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The generally accepted research methods were used: field, laboratory, mathematical, statistical and comparative calculation. Based on the conducted research, the following results were obtained. In order to form a non-flushing humidification regime, it is necessary to accumulate 117-135 mm in the thickness of 0-100 cm, which will correspond to a reserve in the thickness of 0-200 cm - 117-167 mm. For periodic flushing water regime 160-165 mm of moisture should be accumulated in the 0-100 cm thickness, which will provide a moisture reserve of 300 mm in the 0-200 cm thickness. The flushing water regime is formed with a moisture reserve in the thickness of 0-100 cm in the amount of 175 mm, which provides a moisture reserve in the thicknesses of 0-150 cm and 0-200 cm - 250 mm and 315 mm, which corresponds to the reserve of NV-VRK, and the thickness of 0-300 cm is saturated with moisture in an amount of more than 400 mm (HB-VK). Calculation of the paired correlation coefficients showed that an inverse strong correlation (R > -0.70) was found between the amount of precipitation for November - March and the supply of moisture to the meter layer of soil (R > -0.70), and the consumption of moisture from the soil for April - July correlated with the precipitation for November - March at the level of direct strong correlation (R ≥ 0.70). The relationship with the moisture consumption from the moisture potential for April - August was at the level of an inverse strong correlation (R < 0.70), i.e. the higher the amount of precipitation during the autumn-winter-spring period (cold period), the less moisture is recorded in a meter-thick layer, the greater its consumption in April-July from the soil and the smaller consumption of moisture potential in April-August. The zone of the central Forest-Steppe is characterized by a periodically leaching water regime, when an average of 165 mm of moisture accumulates in a meter-thick chernozem, and therefore gravitates towards the values of the moisture reserve in the non-flushing water regime, which exceeds its value by 25 mm, which is a stable trend of aridization of soil conditions in spring period. The conditions of moistening chernozems, formed in a long-term time interval under the present climatic conditions of the central part of the Left Bank Forest- Steppe, cannot be shifted under the influence of agrotechnical influences beyond the parameters of the non-leaching or periodically leaching water conditions in the agrocenosis. There is manifested the process of the self-regulation stability of the Forest-Steppe zone against active aridization and the "attack" of the Steppe on the Forest-Steppe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is an environmentally friendly process, turning animal waste into fertilizer. Chicken litter compost (CLC) improves soil properties, increasing crop yields. However, the CLC effect on the soil microbiome is understudied. This study aimed to compare bacteriobiome diversity in fallow arable Chernozem with and without CLC addition in a field experiment in the Novosibirsk region, Russia, using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota and Acidobacteriota were the most OTU-rich phyla, together accounting for >50% of the total number of sequence reads. CLC-related shifts in the bacteriobiome structure occurred at all taxonomic levels: the Bacillota abundance was 10-fold increased due to increased Bacilli, both being indicator taxa for the CLC-soil. The main Actinomycetota classes were the indicators for the CLC-soil (Actinobacteria) and no-CLC soil (Thermoleophilia, represented Gaiella). Both Bacillota and Actinomycetota phyla were the ultimate constituents of the CLC added, persisting in the soil for five months of fallowing. The no-CLC soil indicator phyla were Acidobacteriota (represented by Acidobacteria_Group3) and Verrucomicrobiota. Future metabarcoding studies of chicken litter application in agricultural soils, including cropped studies, should address the soil microbiome at the species/strain levels in more detail, as well as how it is affected by specific crops, preferably accompanied by a direct methodology revealing the microbiota functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This study was performed under the state agroecological monitoring program. The purpose of this work is to conduct an environmental assessment of the contents of chromium and nickel in the agroecosystems of the southwestern part of the Central Chernozem region (CChR) from the example of Belgorod oblast. All analytical studies were carried out in the accredited testing laboratory by generally accepted methods. During this study, it was established that the average total Cr and Ni contents in the arable layer in leached chernozems are 19.8 and 24.5; in typical chernozems, 20.0 and 24.9; and in ordinary chernozems, 20.9 and 26.6 mg/kg, respectively. The average contents of mobile forms of chromium and nickel in the studied soils range within 0.13–0.14 and 0.37–0.41 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of the approximate permissible concentration of nickel and the maximum permissible concentration of mobile forms of these heavy metals in soils are not exceeded. In the agroecosystems of Belgorod oblast, Cr and Ni are mainly supplied with organic fertilizers, but this does not pose a risk for soil contamination and crop products. The highest average chromium content (0.45 mg/kg) is observed in sunflower seeds, and the lowest (0.22 mg/kg) is in corn grain. Soybeans are characterized by an anomalously high nickel content (4.81 mg/kg), and the lowest concentration (0.63 mg/kg) is recorded in corn kernels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous long-term field experiment with maize monoculture was conducted to evaluate the P availability and balance, DM yield, P uptake, and P sorption parameters in chernozem soil after 27 years. A total of 2 doses of nitrogen (120 and 240 kg ha−1) were applied as mineral nitrogen (N120 and N240) and sewage sludge (SS120 and SS240) and compared with unfertilized control (Con). The aboveground biomass (DM) yields significantly increased in the order of Con < SS120 < SS240 < N120 < N240 treatments and the maximum P uptake was recorded for both N240 and SS240 (25.1 kg P ha−1) according to the nutrient application gradient. The N120 and N240 treatments positively influenced the DM yield but negatively influenced the P balance (−648 and −678 kg P ha−1 27 years−1), gradually bringing a risk of P deficiency in the soil. On the other hand, applications of SS120 and SS240 positively influenced the P availability and pseudototal (PAR) content in the soil, which resulted in a buildup of legacy P or an increase in P saturation greater than the environmental threshold value. Aluminum was found to be a major controlling sorption factor for P in our chernozem soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil & Water Conservation (1009-2242) is the property of Institute of Soil & Water Conservation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The search for active cellulolytic consortia among soil microorganisms is of significant applied interest, but the dynamics of the formation of such communities remain insufficiently studied. To gain insight into the formation of an active cellulolytic community, the experiment was designed to examine the colonization of a sterile substrate (cellulose) by microorganisms from two soil types: sod-podzolic and chernozem. To achieve this, the substrate was placed in the soil and incubated for six months. To assess microbiome dynamics, the experiment employed sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragment and ITS2 amplicon libraries at four time points. It was demonstrated that, from the second month of the experiment, the prokaryotic component of the communities reached a state of stability, with a community composition specific to each soil type. The results demonstrated no relationship between changes in community diversity and soil respiration. There also was no significant shift in the community diversity throughout the chronosequence. Furthermore, the taxonomic composition of the community shifted towards a decrease in the proportion of Pseudomonadota and an increase in representatives of the Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Verrucomicrobiota phyla. The network analysis of the community demonstrated that, in contrast to sod-podzolic soil, chernozem is distinguished by a higher modularity, with the formation of taxon-specific groups of microorganisms at each stage of the chronoseries. These differences are attributed to the alterations in the eukaryotic component of the community, particularly in the prevalence of nematodes and predatory fungi, which in turn influenced the cellulolytic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric changes induced by soil moisture phase changes can lead to pore system redistribution in freezing and thawing soil, which in turn affects soil strength and stability. The prefreezing water content and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) affecting key factors of soil pore changes, and they determine the volumetric change magnitude and frequency during ice–water phase transitions. This study aims to reveal the effect of the prefreezing water content and the number of freeze–thaw cycles on the pore size distribution (PSD) of black soil, meadow soil and chernozem, which account for the largest arable land area in Heilongjiang Province, China. In situ soil samples with different prefreezing water contents were subjected to 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 FTCs, and then nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to quantify the PSD. It was shown that the pore sizes of the three soil types spanned multiple orders of magnitude, ranging from 0.001 to 100 μm overall. The inflection point of the cumulative porosity curves of all three soils occurred near 0.1 μm. For black soil and chernozem with high prefreezing water contents, when the number of FTCs reached 10 or 20, the soil self-weight led to thaw settlement, which reduced the difference in the total porosity of the soils with varying moisture contents. The initial FTC exerts the most significant influence on the pore structure. The impact of the prefreezing water content on soil pore structure diminishes as the number of FTCs increases. The plant root residues rendered meadow soil less sensitive to water content differences after the first FTCs but also limited the development of macropores during the late freeze–thaw period. The prefreezing water content alters the distribution of soil moisture before freezing and has a greater influence on the pore distribution of frozen-thawed soils compared to the cumulative effect of multiple FTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is a resilient crop known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This study examined the agronomic performance and ecological adaptability of quinoa across four distinct altitudes in the northwestern regions of China. Six quinoa genotypes were assessed for agronomic traits, phenology and yield performances, and nutritional quality characteristics in Yining city, Nilka County, Tekes County and Zhaosu County under varied environmental conditions. Our findings demonstrate significant variations in all measured traits, including agronomic and nutritional quality traits, across the various altitudes and genotypes. In Yining city, a warmer and lower altitude area, genotypes exhibit superior traits for fodder production, including increased branches, longer panicles, robust stems, and high seed protein content. Genotypes Jinli 1 and Beijing 2 achieve yields exceeding 3 tons per hectare (t/ha), highlighting the region's productivity. The Nilka and Tekes counties boasted the shortest quinoa crop cycles, with Jinli 1 yielding 4.05 t/ha seeds in Tekes County, exhibiting high protein and fat content alongside low saponins, making it a prime location for yield production. Zhaosu County, with its cooler climate and fertile chernozem soil, elicited high 1000 seed weight and more robust protein response than Nilka and Tekes counties, illustrating the impact of soil fertility on nutritional composition. Correlation analyses further elucidated that the plants characterized by shorter flowering times, crop cycles, compact inflorescence, and taller heights exhibited superior seed yields. Our study contributes significant insights into the ecological adaptability and nutritional dynamics of quinoa, with implications for sustainable crop production and food security in diverse agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of this study stems from the imperative to justify and advance agrobiological foundations aimed at enhancing the cultivation practices of Onobrychis viciifolia. There exists a compelling necessity to refine agronomic methodologies and streamline their comprehensive efficacy within the technological phases of cultivation. This study is aim to provide a critical analysis of scientific problem of substantiation of biological and organic foundations of the technology of Onobrychis viciifolia growing. Innovative technological interventions were formulated by extrapolating discerned patterns of influence pertaining to climatic and meteorological factors. Patterns governing the growth, development, and productivity formation of Onobrychis viciifolia were identified, and both the theoretical and practical principles of contemporary methods for cultivating perennial legumes were established. The chemical compound of aboveground biomass of Onobrychis viciifolia is varied depending on researched factors. Fertilization practically did not increase the productivity of Onobrychis viciifolia. The natural fertility of low-humus chernozem soil ensures the formation of a high, stable yield without fertilizing. This is the evidence that Onobrychis viciifolia compares favorably with other perennial legumes. Due to its biological characteristics, it is much more effective, especially in leveraging natural factors for the yield formation, i.e., it plays a significant role in the biologization of plant production, and in obtaining the most environmentally friendly, high-quality, yet cheap feed. The outcomes derived from the conducted research indicate that, under uniform soil conditions and varying fertilizer levels, the mowing height emerges as the predominant factor. The highest concentrations of nutrients within the overground biomass of Onobrychis viciifolia were noted at a cutting altitude of 11 centimeters. Concurrently, an elevation in crude protein and ash content was observed, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in the index of crude fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests overlap with large parts of the northern hemisphere permafrost area, and representing canopy processes is therefore crucial for simulating thermal and hydrological conditions in these regions. Forests impact permafrost through the modulation of radiative fluxes and exchange of turbulent fluxes, precipitation interception and regulation of transpiration. Forests also feature distinct soil layers of litter and organic matter, which play central roles for the infiltration and evaporation of water, while also providing thermal insulation for deeper ground layers. In this study, we present a new module within the CryoGrid community model to simulate forest ecosystems and their impact on the surface water and energy balance. The module includes a big‐leaf vegetation scheme with adaptations for canopy heat storage and transpiration. Furthermore, we account for the effect of surface litter layers on water and energy transfer. We show that the model is capable of simulating radiation, snow cover and ground temperatures below a deciduous needleleaf forest on a north‐facing slope in the Khentii Mountains in Central Mongolia. A sensitivity analysis of topographic aspect and ecosystem configuration confirms the important role of the litter layers for the energy and water balance of the ground. Furthermore, it suggests that the presence of permafrost is primarily linked to topographic aspect rather than the presence of forest at this site. The presented model scheme can be used to study the development of the ground thermal regime in forests, including the state of permafrost, under different climate, ecosystem, and land use scenarios. Plain Language Summary: Large parts of the permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere are covered by forest, which impact the transfer of water and energy between the atmosphere and the ground. In this study we include single‐layer vegetation scheme in an established permafrost model, and test this for a site in Mongolia at the southern limit of Eurasian permafrost and boreal forest. We find that forest soils have smaller variations in ground temperature than on the nearby steppe, and that surface litter layers provide substantial insulation and soil water retention. Our simulations also suggest that the local distribution of permafrost in our study area is linked to topography rather than forest cover. The vegetation scheme is based on a global land surface model and represents a new modeling tool that readily can be used for further studies of permafrost‐ecosystem interactions. Key Points: Novel developments in the CryoGrid Community Model reproduce how forests dampen the seasonal ground surface temperature signalSurface litter layers are essential for forest ground hydrothermal regime as they provide thermal insulation and retain soil moisturePermafrost in our simulations is confined to north‐facing slopes in the study region regardless of ecosystem setup [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a poem titled "Being Human" by Naima Penniman. The poem explores various aspects of nature and wonders about their thoughts and feelings. It contemplates the sun, sky, clouds, rain, snowflakes, stars, shadows, sunrise, sunset, volcanoes, storms, compost, breath, wind, smoke, rainbows, lightning, rivers, streams, soil, butterflies, rocks, mountains, waves, land, sand, trees, branches, leaves, and the moon. The poem is written by Naima Penniman, who is described as a freedom-forging futurist rooted in her ancestors' brilliance and is involved in various creative and healing practices. [Extracted from the article]

In 2020, HR 6819 was reported to be a triple system containing the closest black hole to Earth. However, these results were contested, with an alternative explanation of a post-interaction binary suggested. Using new integral field spectroscopic and interferometric data, we have been able to determine the true nature of this exotic source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Republic of Bulgaria, water erosion of the soil and the related degradation processes of compaction and reduction of soil organic matter represent a problem of national importance, since the losses they cause to the national agricultural industry, and the sloping agricultural lands, in particular, are significant. For this reason, four soil protection technologies (advanced soil protection technologies for minimal and non-traditional tillage, i.e. vertical mulching, and advanced anti-erosion technologies for contour mulching tillage, i.e. surface mulching, were developed and researched. These technologies limit the degradation processes during the production of the most common cereal crops in our country, i.e. wheat and corn for grain, on sloping terrain. The present article studies the nature and specific features of these new soil protection technologies. It provides an outline of the technological processes and operations involved, as well as a description of the used agricultural machine aggregates. The paper also discusses the results obtained from the agro-technical and erosion research done with various mulching materials, i.e. wheat straw, ready compost and manure, under conditions of carbonate chernozem soil and demonstrates their effectiveness with reference to soil conservation and agricultural technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to determine the molecular properties of humin (HUM) determined by elemental composition, as well as spectroscopic 13C Magic Angle Splitting Cross Polarisation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C MAS CP NMR), Fourier transformed infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance and scanning electron microscope energy‐dispersive x‐ray (SEM–EDX) techniques. Soil samples were isolated from the mollic horizon of Phaeozem and Chernozem arable soils derived from different parent materials in Poland. The HUM was isolated as the fraction that was remined after exhaustive extraction of the humic and fulvic acids by NaOH and was followed by removal of the mineral fraction with HF/HCl treatment. The results obtained indicated that the HUM structures isolated by the adopted method are a chemically heterogeneous conglomerate, composed of a complex of many strongly combined units of organic substances. This fraction indicated a highly condensed structure with a predominance of aromatic components (predominating over chain forms ranging from 7.05% to 10.32%) and hydrophobic reactive moieties. The share of hydrophobic forms ranges from 77.41% to 80.83%. The ash content, ranging from 22.89% to 54.50%, as well as SEM–EDX used indicated that the HUM isolated with the adopted procedure is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil. The aromatic part of HUM is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil, what provides their stability in the environment. These observations confirm the high resistance of HUM to decomposition and indicate the great importance of this fraction in carbon sequestration and preventing soil degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology, especially in the field of photocatalysis, has witnessed rapid advancements, with titanium dioxide being one of the most widely used photocatalysts. As the use of products containing photoactive nanomaterials increases, concerns have arisen regarding their potential release into the environment over time. This release can impact soil, groundwater, and surrounding ecosystems, resulting in nanoparticles being dispersed in water and eventually depleted from the system. This study aimed to investigate how different soil solutions affect the structural, textural properties, and photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide-based, commercial reference Evonik Aeroxide P25. The Regosol soil solution, characterized by acidic pH, low ionic content, and high organic matter content, induced nanoparticle aggregation and bandgap changes. In addition, the acidic pH hindered the adsorption process, potentially affecting the photocatalytic processes. In contrast, the Chernozem soil solution, with slightly alkaline pH, high ionic content, and low organic matter content, did not significantly alter the morphology or structure of the material. However, various organic compounds were absorbed on the surface, reducing the availability of active sites. The study highlights the importance of understanding the influence of soil solutions on nanomaterials, as it impacts their properties and environmental risks. Results show that the material is still activated, i.e., it can exert its photoactive effect on the environment. This sheds light on the challenges posed by nanoparticles in soil, particularly in terms of their toxicity and consequences for the surrounding ecosystems. The study underlines the need for further research in this area to assess potential risks and optimise the use of nanomaterials in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of intensive and reduced tillage, fertilization, and irrigation on soil chemical and microbiological parameters were studied in a long-term field experiment in Hungary. The treatments were plowing tillage, ripper tillage, strip tillage; control (without fertilization), NPK fertilization (N: 160 kg/ha; P: 26 kg/ha; K: 74 kg/ha); and non-irrigation and irrigation. Soil samples were collected through maize monoculture in the fall of 2021 in the 30th year of the experiment. The soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, soil microbial biomass (based on PLFA analysis), and soil enzyme activity were observed to be significantly high in the strip tillage plots, but were lower in the ripper tillage plots, and even lower in the plowing tillage plots. The fungal, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal, and bacterial biomasses were significantly higher in the strip tillage and ripper tillage plots compared to the plowing tillage plots. The strip tillage treatment was found to be the most favorable cultivation method for improving the microbial biomass and activity of Chernozem soil, followed by the ripper tillage and plowing tillage treatments. The long-term use of chemical fertilizers greatly reduced the soil microbial biomass and negatively impacted the soil microbial community, leading to a decrease in fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. The ratio of cyclopropyl PLFA precursors to cyclopropyl PLFAs, as a "stress factor", indicated the most stressful bacterial environment was that found in the fertilized, non-irrigated plowed soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus sylvestris L. is a widely used tree in landscaping, and therefore, its high-quality planting material is most relevant in Kazakhstan. The recent study evaluated the effects of the various biological preparations on the physiological growth of the P. sylvestris L. seedlings in the ordinary chernozem of Northern Kazakhstan. The study used several methods for evaluation, i.e., sowing and planting, measurements, data compilation, formulation, and analysis, and recommended computer software. In 2022, sowing 20 kg seeds of P. sylvestris ensued on a 0.4 ha area. For the agrochemical assessment of the experimental site, soil samples collected underwent a chemical composition analysis. The morphological parameters of the upper and lower parts of the seedlings also reached identification. Concerning the indicators of agrochemical assessment of the soil after using biological preparations, i.e., Agrarka (1.5%) and Agro-MIX (10%), the sum of macronutrients and exchangeable calcium and magnesium was high. The results also showed that the average number of seedlings incurred enhancements using the Agro-MIX (10%). Therefore, Agrarka and Agro-MIX can be helpful in forest nurseries as effective growth stimulators in growing planting material for tree and shrub species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular urea fertilizer applied at planting is prone to nitrogen (N) losses in certain environments. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) are developed to mitigate losses and optimize plant uptake. To determine the benefits of EEFs in grain yield and quality enhancement in Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat, an experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2022 at eight sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. The effects of five N sources [urea; urea + urease inhibitor, N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT); urea + nitrification inhibitor, nitrapyrin; urea + dual-inhibitor, NBPT + dicyandiamide; and polymer-coated urea, ESN® (Environmentally Smart Nitrogen®)] and four N rates (60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1) on CWRS wheat production were examined. Results indicated that N source affected grain yield in Dark Brown Chernozem soils but not in Black Chernozem or Dark Grey Luvisol soils. In Dark Brown Chernozem soils, a dual inhibitor increased grain yield by 3.1% and 3.9% relative to urea and polymer-coated urea, respectively, while all other EEFs attained similar results. The use of a dual inhibitor EEF led to greater net returns compared to urea and polymer-coated urea in the Dark Brown Chernozem soils. Grain protein concentration increased linearly with increasing N rate from 60 to 240 kg N ha−1. Generally, a rate of 120 kg N ha−1 was optimal for CWRS wheat grown in Canadian prairie conditions when coupled with EEFs, particularly a dual inhibitor, and grain yield and protein were often responsive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unstable yield of agricultural crops arises due to insufficient soil moisture supply at crucial moments of plant emergence and growth, complicating agriculture and exposing it to the risk of crop losses. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of the soil tillage system and previous crops on the productivity of spring barley plants. This was a long-term stationary experiment (2021-2023) with the application of statistical data processing. The influence of four previous crops was investigated - grain maize (control), soybeans, winter rapeseed, and sunflower - and three main soil tillage methods. It is established that the highest significant moisture reserves in the 0-100 cm soil layer at the sowing period were formed when spring barley was placed after soybeans, exceeding the control variant (grain maize) by 3.2 mm in 2021, 3.6 mm in 2022, and 3.4 mm in 2023, and after winter rapeseed by 8.5 mm, 6 mm, and 5.7 mm, respectively, over the years. The use of shallow no-till cultivation provided an advantage over the control (ploughing) in all years of observation: by 2.2 mm in 2021, 1.8 mm in 2022, and 8.8 mm in 2023. During the sowing period of the studied crop, the control surpassed only surface no-till cultivation by 2.7 mm in 2022. The optimal option should be considered the combination of soybeans as a previous crop with shallow no-till soil cultivation at 14-16 cm, which ensured moisture reserves during the earing period of the crop in 2021 - 75.1 mm, in 2022 - 93.2 mm, and in 2023 - 92.2 mm, and at the time of harvest, these indicators were 60.7 mm, 67.3 mm, and 60.0 mm, respectively. The grain yield of spring barley under this option was the highest in the experiment, averaging 7.26 t/ha, which is 27.3% higher than the control. The results of the study can be used to realise the genetic potential of spring barley plants to form stable productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, which causes significant structural transformations of ecosystems, is becoming one of the most acute environmental problems of our time. Monitoring observations in protected areas, where anthropogenic impacts are minimal, reflect the effect of climate on natural communities. We have studied the change in the structure of summer phytoplankton in Lake Raifskoe (Volga-Kama Nature Reserve) for more than 20 years, as well as the relationship of these changes with environmental factors. This study has shown an increase in the proportion of dinophyte algae in the total biomass of summer phytoplankton in the lake, which is located in the forest zone. This change is more typical for the structure of lake communities in the forest-steppe zone. The leading role in the change in the structure of phytoplankton is played by climate, the air temperature of the warmest month (July) in particular. No effect of climate humidity (precipitation) on the phytoplankton community has been revealed. Our data show that current climate changes lead to rearrangements of phytoplankton communities, as a result of which the biomass structure of summer phytoplankton in the studied lake located in the forest zone of the Middle Volga region can acquire features of the structure of lake communities of the forest-steppe zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Optimization of mineral nutrition for grain crops is based on the constructive and prompt use of mineral fertilizers in accordance with the need and economic efficiency. Given the spatial extent of Kazakhstan's agricultural resources, the use of remote tools for diagnosing the content of basic plant nutrition elements is the most optimal solution. In a scientific study conducted on southern chernozems in Northern Kazakhstan, remote sensing data analysis methods were used to predict the content of NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our research is to evaluate the agroecological condition of soils under long-term irrigation (over 50 years) and to improve existing measures to slow down degradation processes by introducing phosphogypsum. The possibility of simultaneously addressing the ecological issue of using large amounts of phosphogypsum waste and the agronomic characteristics of slowing or eliminating salinisation processes in irrigated soils has been studied and justified. The research methodology was based on the comparison of different meliorative doses of phosphogypsum under the following conditions: by the amount of exchangeable sodium that should displace calcium in the calculated soil layer; by the coagulation limit; and by the absorption norm and the corresponding amount of sodium coming with irrigation water. To determine water-soluble salts (anions, cations) and pH level, a water extract was utilized. Multi-year studies to determine the impact of phosphogypsum on irrigation-salinised soils with and without irrigation showed positive changes in the anion–cation composition of water extraction, resulting in a reduction in the degree of the salinity of these soils. It was established that in chernozem soils under irrigation, the sodium adsorption ratio decreases by 74.5% compared to the control indicators, and without irrigation, by 23%. The best results in the displacement of exchangeable sodium were observed when phosphogypsum was applied at a dose calculated by the coagulation limit without irrigation and with irrigation—by the absorption norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to assess the fertilizing value of sewage sludge. Materials and methods. The material used for research was sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants in Novocherkassk with a three-year stay period on the sludge map. The research was carried out as a part of a vegetation experiment on soils selected from agricultural lands in Aksai district Rostov region. According to the analysis, the soils are non-degraded, non-saline with a low humus content and an average nutrient content. The granulometric composition of soils is dominated by coarse silt fractions. Sewage sludge, on the contrary, is characterized by a high content of organic matter and nutrients; sand fractions predominate in the granulometric composition. Radish and watercress were used as test plants as they were the most sensitive to the presence of contaminants. Soil bioproductivity was assessed by seed germination, total biomass, and average biomass per plant. Results and discussions. The best germination of plant seeds was noted in variants with the application of sewage sludge to soils in comparison with both the control and the variant of using fertilizers in similar doses of the active substance. Under the influence of sewage sludge, changes in the qualitative composition of soils were noted: the amount of nitrates, phosphates, calcium ions and sulfates increased, and the content of organic matter increased. Conclusions. The positive effect of sewage sludge on plants has been determined: the radish yield increased by 55 % with the use of sewage sludge, and by only 10 % with the use of azofoska (nitrogen-phosphorus potassium fertilizer); the watercress yield increased by 29 % against the background of the use of sewage sludge and by 2 % against the background of the use of azofoska. In variants with the application of sewage sludge, an increase in the content of organic matter by an average of 30 % is observed. In soil samples with sewage sludge, an increase in the nitrogen content by 30–59 %, phosphorus by 67–78 % compared to the control was noted, and when azofoska was added, in comparison with control samples, the amount of nitrogen increased by 5–23 %, and phosphorus by on average by 50 %.

This extensive 10-year study conducted in Northern Kazakhstan investigates the intricate relationship between soil management techniques, crop rotations, and soil organic matter (SOM) content in Chernozem soils, an essential agricultural resource in the region. The experiments were established at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, characterized by a arid continental climate. The study systematically examined the impact of two primary soil management techniques, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), in combination with various crop rotations. The crop rotations tested included grain-fallow rotations, fruit-exchange crop rotations, and an eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of Chernozem soils in arid conditions, underscoring the role of crop rotation strategies in preserving SOM content. The findings reveal that among the crop rotations tested, the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation exhibited the most favorable outcomes for SOM preservation. This rotation helped maintain relatively stable SOM levels over the 10-year study period, contributing to soil health and fertility. In the context of the region's arid climate, the choice of soil management technique (CT or NT) had a limited impact on SOM content. The stability of SOM levels across diverse crop rotations and years highlights the dominant influence of crop management practices in this distinctive agricultural environment. This research serves as a valuable reference for tailored approaches to ensure soil health and organic matter preservation in the unique conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. It promotes the adoption of diversified crop rotations, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation, as a powerful strategy to mitigate organic matter loss, enhance soil quality, and optimize soil fertility in arid agricultural landscapes. The insights gained from this study are vital for sustainable land management in the region and underscore the importance of region-specific, holistic investigations to guide effective agricultural practices. The findings offer a solid foundation for the development of strategies that address soil health and safeguard the integrity of essential soil resources in these unique environments. The study conducted at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station in Northern Kazakhstan between 2011 and 2021 provides critical insights into the relationship between soil management techniques, crop rotations, and SOM content in Chernozem soils. The research suggests that diversified crop rotations, particularly the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation, represent a promising approach for mitigating organic matter loss and enhancing soil quality in arid regions.

The paper aims at reflecting on ways of teaching/learning international relations (IR) critical theories. It does so by analyzing the results of a teaching/learning exercise based on Netflix's series "Black Earth Rising" and put into practice with undergraduate students of a course on IR theory taught at the Argentinian Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Assuming that series of mass consumption work as cultural devices that inform power relations through the production of truths and subjectivities, the exercise had two main objectives: on the one hand, to develop and illustrate otherwise difficult-to-grasp concepts of IR theory and, on the other hand, to make the students aware of how widespread TV series participate in the constitution of both international politics and their own subjectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclaiming derelict mine land is good for the environment, good for public health, and good for agricultural production. Technologies to optimise soil fertility and crop yields with the least time, cost and damage to the environment have been developed in the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovs'k region which has been extensively strip-mined for manganese and, in some places, restored by replacement of the overburden. Perennial legume-grass mixtures recreate fertile soil, not only in reconstituted chernozem but, also, in raw overburden materials. Different materials respond at different rates but over the longer term (50 years), legume-grass mixtures continue to improve soil physical, chemical and biological attributes. The lessons learned are equally applicable to reclamation of war-torn land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the International Journal of Environmental Studies titled "Editorial: Monograph: Rebuilding, Infrastructure & Cultural Heritage of Ukraine." It discusses the devastating impact of the war between Ukraine and Russia on the country's population, culture, infrastructure, and environment. The editorial highlights the destruction of cultural heritage, the loss of lives of Ukrainian writers and cultural leaders, and the need for psychological support to prevent the transmission of trauma to future generations. It also explores the challenges of rebuilding Ukraine's cities, the potential for renewable energy sources, the environmental consequences of the war, and the importance of regenerative agriculture in combating global heating and preserving the water cycle. The document emphasizes the urgent need for international support and investment in Ukraine's recovery efforts. The given text discusses various environmental issues in Ukraine, particularly those related to war and conflict. It highlights the impact of war on nitrogen and sulfur deposition in the Dniester catchment, as well as the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and its effects on water resources. The text also addresses the loss of fisheries and the decrease in soil fertility due to human activities. Additionally, it explores the potential solutions for these issues, such as conservation agriculture and the use of sewage sludge for crop growth. The text concludes by emphasizing the need to address the environmental consequences of war and protect Ukraine's flora and fauna. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine is an untapped asset. It presents opportunities both nationally and for Europe as an engine of foreign policy in a century troubled by climate change and resources scarcity. Its 32 million ha of arable could easily become 40 million ha which would add 25% of new cropland to the European Union – from 160 million to 200 million ha – making Europe the world's largest agricultural producer. And 65% of Ukraine is Chernozem: the best soil in the world for the arable crops that are crucial to water-short economies in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and, moreover, mainstay of the global corporate food regime. 'Wheat is the currency of currencies'. Although most global breadbaskets are closed or constrained by climate change, Ukraine is an empty country endowed with fertile soil. Clever investment in AI-driven, post-human farming could create a new future: in any case, the minefields and war damage offer no alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chernozem soils occupу 65% of Ukraine's cropland. They are the gold standard of soils thanks to their physical, chemical and biological attributes, the thickness of their topsoil, and their legendary fertility. But these qualities have been degraded under the plough; for instance, the content of organic matter is now only about 20% of what it was in Dokuchaev's day. The further destruction of war poses a direct threat to food security at home and abroad. Restoring the fertility of the chernozem is a key to achieving a more sustainable agricultural system and adapting to climate change. We present recommendations and sustainable management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil's sequestration capacity is primarily determined by the fine-dispersed fraction of the soil and strongly influences the properties and fertility level of the soil. To assess the sequestration capacity of C-CO2 humus in soil formation and fertility of typical chornozem (black soil), to identify the causes, rates, existing limits of the sequestration capacity decrease, it is important to study the seasonal dynamics of qualitative and quantitative indicators of humus state in time depending on the method of tillage and fertilization in agrocenoses of short rotation crop rotations in the central part of the Forest-Steppe region of Ukraine. During the research, a stationary field experiment was conducted to study the influence of methods of soil cultivation and fertilizer application on the sequestering capacity of chornozem. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the content of humus and to calculate the seasonal reserves of absorbed carbon and phosphorus and to model the absorption capacity of chernozem. When processing with chisel plows and applying fertilizers, the increase in the C-CO2 reserve during the April-July period was +21 t ha-1 (0-0.2 m) and +36 t ha-1a (0-0.3 m). Under moldboard plowing, the growth tended to increase by 1.52 times (0-0.2 m) and 1.25 times (0-0.3 m), but occurred at a lower quantitative level, and in the period July-September, the change in the humus C-CO2 stock was insignificant, indicating the predominance of C-CO2 sequestration processes in the summer-autumn period with chisel plowing. With chisel plowing, the reserve of labile organic substances (LOS) in April exceeded the stock for plowing in the thickness of 0-0.3 m by 4.34-7.67 times (without fertilizers), 1.5-2.76 times (with fertilizers); in July - by 4.59-8.90 times (without fertilizers) and 1.32-3.16 times (with fertilizers); in September - by 4.52-4.04 times (without fertilizers) and by 1.11-1.93 times (with fertilizers), and the C-CO2 stock of the LOS compared to fallow land under chisel plowing without fertilizers in April, July, and September was 1.59-1.78 times, 2.31-3.29 times, and 1.4-1.78 times higher, and under fertilization - by 1.99-2.0, 1.86-4.50, and 1.7-2.6 times, respectively, depending on the seasons. Under fallow land maintenance, the seasonal dynamics of the C-CO2 stock of the LOS is subject to the seasonal dynamics of Porg(LOS). A direct strong correlation was found at the level of R = +0.89 ± 0.02; R2 = 79. In the period April-July, the decrease of Porg(LOS) stock in the thickness of 0-0.2 m was found to be 1.15 times, and in the thickness of 0-0.3 m - 1.1 times. From summer to autumn, the stock of Porg(LOS) was restored, and the stock in the thickness of 0-0.3 m increased by 1.10 times. Conclusions. Trends in C-CO2 stocks of humus and LOS indicate that in the series plowing-chiseling-fallow land, the cyclicality index under chisel plowing was closer to the value of the seasonal cyclicality of fallow land than the seasonal cyclicality under plowing, which indicates the restoration of the CI. Trends in CCO2 stocks of humus and LOS indicate that in the series plowing-chiseling-fallow, the index of cyclicality under chisel plowing was closer to the value of the seasonal cyclicality of fallow land than the seasonal cyclicality of plowing, which indicates the restoration of the ISC. However, the timing of changes in the Porg(LOS) stock indicates that in the series plowing-chiseling-fallow, chisel plowing is directed to fallow land by its seasonal cyclicality. The general regularity of seasonal cyclicality for all parameters of humus condition lies in the fact that a decrease in the values of ISC, as in fallow land or under moldboardless tillage, indicates the ordering of ISC, and an increase in the index of cyclicality to destruction, as under plowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of three years of research on the effectiveness of the influence of the biological product Phytohelp, mineral fertiliser Drip Fert N15P5K30+ME and bioadhesive Liposam on the structure of the winter garlic yield of the Lyubasha variety under drip irrigation. The relevance of the research is due to the search for new approaches to the development of technological methods for growing winter garlic, taking into account the specific conditions of unstable moisture in the Forest-Steppe. The purpose of the article is to establish the optimal doses and the ratio between them to achieve an increase in the quality and yield of winter garlic. The study was conducted on the experimental field of the Department of Vegetable Growing of the National Assessed Contribution of Ukraine of the Uman National University of Horticulture on podzolised heavy loamy black soil in 2017-2019. As a result, it was proved that in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine on podzolic chernozem under drip irrigation, a higher yield was obtained in plots with the combined use of the biological product Phytohelp at a rate of 1-2 l/ha, mineral fertiliser Drip Fert N15P5K30+МЕ and bioadhesive Liposam at a rate of 1 l/ha. This resulted in an increase of 9.0-10.6 t/ha compared to the control variant, respectively. Using the biopreparation Phytohelp and bioadhesive Liposam at a rate of 2/1 and 1/1 l/ha, a yield of 16.6-17.1 t/ha was obtained, where the increase to the control was 7.7-8.2 t/ha. The effect of foliar fertilisation with Drip Fert N15P5K30+ME (4 g/2 l of water or 0.5 c/ha) on the yield of winter garlic was determined. The increase to the control was 1.6%. The results of this study may be useful for agricultural enterprises and farmers who grow garlic and other crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The saturation of sugar beet rotations under different fertilizer application systems and long-term cultivation induces significant changes in soil properties, leading to decreases in humus content, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The study was conducted in a stationary multifactorial experiment in grain-beet crop rotations: crop rotation, row-crop, and grain-row crop rotations with the application of 40 t/ha of manure under sugar beets + NPK 100:90:90 and a variant without fertilizers. The paper presents the results of monitoring changes in humus content during each rotation, reduction of humus reserves in the plow layer, and physicochemical and agrochemical soil indicators. In the variants without fertilizers, we observed 0.24–0.41% decline in humus content in all crop rotations during 3 rotations of ten-field crop rotations (30 years). Overall, there occurred 0.89–1.00% decrease over 50 years of anthropogenic influence, equivalent to 31.8–35.7 t/ha, or 23.1–26.1% of initial reserves per hectare. Despite application of 40 t/ha of manure + NPK 100:90:90 under sugar beets, humus loss was 27.5 t/ha in the row-crop rotation and 16.8 t/ha in the grain-row crop rotation. Fertilizer application led to increase in exchangeable and hydrolytic soil acidity. With the application of 6.7 t/ha of manure + NPK 53:42:42 per 1 ha of crop rotation area, there was a tendency towards increase in mineral nitrogen content, mobile phosphorus doubled to 280.1–302.8 mg/kg compared to the variant without fertilizers, and exchangeable potassium decreased regardless of the fertilization system, which was associated with its utilization by plants. Sugar-beet yield increased to 44.76 t/ha in the crop-rotation under the organo-mineral-fertilizer application system, exceeding the spring wheat rotation by 4.63 t/ha and the variants without fertilizers by 2.45–2.72 times. Therefore, the modern fertilizer application system under sugar beets did not ensure stabilization of humus content in the soil and increased its acidity. It is necessary to more broadly use cover crops in crop rotations, incorporate crop residues, and apply biological preparations to improve soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilisation with ash from biomass combustion has a positive effect on the quality of nutrients in agrifood raw materials, improving their chemical composition and bioavailability. In the experiments carried out, the protein content and the profile of free amino acids in barley flour were examined from cultivation fertilised with biomass ash at various doses. Barley flour from Haplic Luvisol soil was characterised by a significantly higher (by 13.8% on average) total protein content compared to flour obtained from grains from Gleyic Chernozem soil. The highest protein content but a low content of free amino acids were found in the grains of plants fertilised with the mineral NPK (D1). An increase in the total pool of free amino acids in flour was observed, especially in the case of Haplic Luvisol soil. On average, after fertilising, significantly more ASP, ASN, GLU, GLY, ALA, and CYS were obtained in variant D4 (1.5 t·ha−1), and there were also significantly more TAU and GABA than in the control, up by 30.2% and 23%, respectively. A beneficial effect of fertilisation on the essential amino acid content in barley flour was found, but only up to the dose of D4, when it was significantly higher than in the control and under mineral fertilising (D1), up by 23.7% and 9.2%, respectively. High ash doses reduced the content of free amino acids in the tested barley flour. This study confirmed that using an alternative method of fertilising with plant biomass ash has a beneficial effect on protein quality and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This extensive 10-year study conducted in Northern Kazakhstan investigates the intricate relationship between soil management techniques, crop rotations, and soil organic matter (SOM) content in Chernozem soils, an essential agricultural resource in the region. The experiments were established at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, characterized by a arid continental climate. The study systematically examined the impact of two primary soil management techniques, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), in combination with various crop rotations. The crop rotations tested included grain-fallow rotations, fruit-exchange crop rotations, and an eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation. The results provide valuable insights into the sustainable management of Chernozem soils in arid conditions, underscoring the role of crop rotation strategies in preserving SOM content. The findings reveal that among the crop rotations tested, the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation exhibited the most favorable outcomes for SOM preservation. This rotation helped maintain relatively stable SOM levels over the 10-year study period, contributing to soil health and fertility. In the context of the region's arid climate, the choice of soil management technique (CT or NT) had a limited impact on SOM content. The stability of SOM levels across diverse crop rotations and years highlights the dominant influence of crop management practices in this distinctive agricultural environment. This research serves as a valuable reference for tailored approaches to ensure soil health and organic matter preservation in the unique conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. It promotes the adoption of diversified crop rotations, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation, as a powerful strategy to mitigate organic matter loss, enhance soil quality, and optimize soil fertility in arid agricultural landscapes. The insights gained from this study are vital for sustainable land management in the region and underscore the importance of region-specific, holistic investigations to guide effective agricultural practices. The findings offer a solid foundation for the development of strategies that address soil health and safeguard the integrity of essential soil resources in these unique environments. The study conducted at the Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station in Northern Kazakhstan between 2011 and 2021 provides critical insights into the relationship between soil management techniques, crop rotations, and SOM content in Chernozem soils. The research suggests that diversified crop rotations, particularly the eight-field fruit-exchange crop rotation, represent a promising approach for mitigating organic matter loss and enhancing soil quality in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed three genotypes of industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., under the aspect of fiber productivity indices in relation to plant parameters. The study took place in ARDS Lovrin, Romania. The genotypes Silvana (control), Teodora and Lv-300 were evaluated. The experiment took place under the conditions of a chernozem type soil, non-irrigated system. Several parameters and indexes were analyzed: total plant weight (TPW), stem length (SL), inflorescence length (IL), technical length (TL), middle stem diameter (MSD), dry sample weight (DSW), dry fiber content (DFC), pure fiber weight (PFW), and technical fiber (TF). The DFC index showed positive correlations with SL (r=0.708***), with MSD (r=0.712***), with DSW (r=0.739***), with TPW (r=0.546**), and with TL (r=0.399*). The PFW index showed negative correlations with TPW (r=-0.493**) and with DSW (r=- 0.373*). Technical fiber (TF) showed very strong, positive correlations with PFW (r=0.999***) and negative correlations with other parameters (e.g. with TPW, r=-0.493**, with DSW, r=-0.373*). From the comparative analysis of Teodora in relation to Silvana, average values TFT=31.355 (Teodora) and TFS=28.388 (Silvana) resulted, and the differences showed statistical certainty (t=2.5948, with p=0.013; U=72, p=0.0045; p<0.05). From the comparative analysis of Lv-300 in relation to Silvana (control), mean values TFT=29.357 (Lv-300) and TFS=28.388 (Silvana) resulted, but the differences did not show statistical certainty (t=0.763, with p=0.451; U=117, p=0.158; p>0.05). The regression analysis led to equations and graphic models that described the variation of fiber productivity indices in relation to plant biometric parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study comparatively analyzed the productivity level of 48 commercial sunflower hybrids, under the specific crops conditions of the Western Plain of Romania. The field experiment took place within ARDS Lovrin, agricultural year 2021-2022. 27 hybrids from the Imazamox class (IH; IH1 to IH27) and 21 hybrids from the Tribenuron Methyl class (TMH; TMH1 to TMH21) were cultivated. The cultivation of the 48 hybrids was carried out under the conditions of a chernozem type soil, and non-irrigated system. In the case of Imazamox class hybrids (IH), the production varied between 2012.47 kg ha-1 (IH4) and 3,545.08 kg ha-1 (IH1, and IH23). In the case of hybrids from the Tribenuron Methyl class (TMH), production varied between 2,437.64 kg ha-1 (TMH17) and 3,713.15 kg ha-1 (TMH4, and TMH19). Based on the production data recorded for each hybrid, the average value was calculated for each class of hybrids (IH-Avg=3,038.13 kg ha-1, TMH-Avg=3,287.98 kg ha-1). In order to verify whether there are differences between the two groups IH (N=27) and TMH (N=21) regarding the recorded production, the Null Hypothesis (H0) was defined. The application of the t-test for Equality of Means, led to the value of t=2.302 with p=0.02. Additionally, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was applied. The U=180 value with p=0.03 also indicated significantly different productions between the related series of the two classes of hybrids. The increase in production (kg ha-1, %) was calculated for each class of hybrids (ΔIH, ΔTMH) and a classification was made within each class. The cluster analysis facilitated the clustering of sunflower hybrids in relation to the recorded production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The relevance of the study lies in the need to maintain optimal levels of mobile phosphorus in carbonate soils to support healthy plant growth and development, as it can be converted into less mobile forms in such soils. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of various long- term fertilisation strategies on the content of various forms of phosphorus in the soil to improve this availability. The research was conducted in 2019-2022 as a stationary experiment in a separate division of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine "Agronomic Experimental Station" in Kyiv Oblast on meadow chernozem carbonate low-humus coarse-sawn light loamy soil in a five-field crop rotation, where the influence of different levels of fertiliser saturation (no fertiliser, minimum, average, and optimal) on soil phosphate status and yield of Etana winter wheat variety and Sumiko sunflower hybrid was investigated. Soil samples were taken from the 0-20 and 20-40 cm layers, and the group and fractional composition of phosphates was determined using the Chang-Jackson method and the content of mobile phosphates using the Chirikov and Machigin methods. According to the analysis of the group and fractional composition of soil phosphates, it was found that in meadow chernozem carbonate low-humus coarse-sawn light loamy soil, the content of iron phosphates prevails among all fractions during long-term fertilisation. The results showed an increase in the content of aluminium phosphates in the 0-20 cm surface layer of the soil of two variants with long-term fertilisation, and an increase in the content of the second fraction of soluble calcium phosphates (Ca-PII), with the minimum saturation (N27P18K20) with the highest available phosphate fraction for plants (Ca-PI) is observed The content of mobile phosphates was maximal at optimal fertiliser saturation (N81P54K62) and was 4.8 and 8.5 mg/100 g of soil, the aftereffect of organic fertilisers positively affected the accumulation of mobile phosphates in the soil. The highest yield of winter wheat (7.55 t/ha) and sunflower (4.28 t/ha) was obtained with optimal fertiliser saturation, the lowest - without the use of fertilisers, where it was 4.45 t/ha for winter wheat and 2.23 t/ha for sunflower. The results of the study can be used to develop more sustainable and effective strategies for using phosphorus in soils, which can help preserve soil resources and prevent possible contamination of water sources due to excessive phosphorus intake [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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