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Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)

Simple Summary: In agriculture, plant protection products are used to improve crop yields. They pose a threat to organisms that are not the target of their control. For this purpose, biopesticides have been used, which are supposed to show less toxicity to the environment and non-targeted organisms. On the other hand, natural pesticides can also show toxicity to insects. The honey bee is one of the insects that is still exposed to contact with residues of plant protection products, which poses a threat to this organism. Honey bees use pollen and nectar from flowers to produce food. Because they often forage on crops, they are at risk of being exposed to plant protection products (PPPs), both directly and in stored food. Due to the adverse effects of synthetic PPPs on pollinators, biopesticides may be a viable alternative. Common tansy extract is used as one of the natural substitutes for synthetic pesticides. In our study, the effect of fermented common tansy extract on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity and the concentration of triglycerides (TGs), total protein (TP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glucose in honey bee workers' hemolymph was assessed. These biochemical markers give valuable information about the immunity, detoxification, and nutrition of a bee's body. Caged bees were given tansy extract added at various concentrations in sugar syrup for 24 h. Then, they were provided with only sugar syrup. After 7 days of the experiment, hemolymph was collected and analyzed. We observed changes in the activity of AST, ALT, GGTP enzymes and TG, TP, and glucose levels, but not all changes were statistically significant. In terms of AST activity, statistically significant differences were found. All groups tested, including the negative control group, showed reduced enzyme activity values compared to the positive control group. In TG concentration, differences were observed between the groups receiving 2% extract and 1% ethanol. Glucose levels differed between the groups receiving 1% extract and 2% extract and between the positive control group and 1% extract. Bee body proper functioning is affected by changes in enzyme activity, especially those responsible for immunity and detoxification, such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGTP. Despite the short time of bees' exposure to the agent, the results of study show visible effects. Our results provide a basis for further research on the impact of tansy extract on honey bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Xylan is one of the major hemicelluloses in plant cell walls and its xylosyl backbone is often decorated at O‐2 with glucuronic acid (GlcA) and/or methylglucuronic acid (MeGlcA) residues. The GlcA/MeGlcA side chains may be further substituted with 2‐O‐arabinopyranose (Arap) or 2‐O‐galactopyranose (Gal) residues in some plant species, but the enzymes responsible for these substitutions remain unknown. During our endeavor to investigate the enzymatic activities of Arabidopsis MUR3‐clade members of the GT47 glycosyltransferase family, we found that one of them was able to transfer Arap from UDP‐Arap onto O‐2 of GlcA side chains of xylan, and thus it was named xylan 2‐O‐arabinopyranosyltransferase 1 (AtXAPT1). The function of AtXAPT1 was verified in planta by its T‐DNA knockout mutation showing a loss of the Arap substitution on xylan GlcA side chains. Further biochemical characterization of XAPT close homologs from other plant species demonstrated that while the poplar ones had the same catalytic activity as AtXAPT1, those from Eucalyptus, lemon‐scented gum, sea apple, 'Ohi'a lehua, duckweed and purple yam were capable of catalyzing both 2‐O‐Arap and 2‐O‐Gal substitutions of xylan GlcA side chains albeit with differential activities. Sequential reactions with XAPTs and glucuronoxylan methyltransferase 3 (GXM3) showed that XAPTs acted poorly on MeGlcA side chains, whereas GXM3 could efficiently methylate arabinosylated or galactosylated GlcA side chains of xylan. Furthermore, molecular docking and site‐directed mutagenesis analyses of Eucalyptus XAPT1 revealed critical roles of several amino acid residues at the putative active site in its activity. Together, these findings establish that XAPTs residing in the MUR3 clade of family GT47 are responsible for 2‐O‐arabinopyranosylation and 2‐O‐galactosylation of GlcA side chains of xylan. Significance Statement: Xylan is one of the major hemicelluloses in plant cell walls and its GlcA side chains may be further substituted with 2‐O‐Arap or 2‐O‐Gal residues. We have uncovered the functions of a subgroup of MUR3‐clade GT47 members in catalyzing the transfer of 2‐O‐Arap and/or 2‐O‐Gal onto GlcA side chains of xylan, which expands our understanding of glycosyltransferases involved in xylan substitutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a large, dynamic reservoir composed of a complex mixture of plant- and microbe-derived compounds with a wide distribution of cycling timescales and mechanisms. The distinct residence times of individual carbon components within this reservoir depend on a combination of factors, including compound reactivity, mineral association, and climate conditions. To better constrain SOC dynamics, bulk radiocarbon measurements are commonly used to trace biosphere inputs into soils and to estimate timescales of SOC cycling. However, understanding the mechanisms driving the persistence of organic compounds in bulk soil requires analyses of SOC pools that can be linked to plant sources and microbial transformation processes. Here, we adapt approaches, previously developed for marine sediments, to isolate organic compound classes from soils for radiocarbon (14 C) analysis. We apply these methods to a soil profile from an annual grassland in Hopland, California (USA), to assess changes in SOC persistence with depth (down to 1 m). We measured the radiocarbon values of water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC), total lipid extracts (TLEs), total hydrolyzable amino acids (AAs), and an acid-insoluble (AI) fraction from bulk and physically separated size fractions (< 2 mm, 2 mm–63 µ m, and < 63 µ m). Our results show that Δ14 C values of bulk soil, size fractions, and extracted compound classes became more depleted with depth, and individual SOC components have distinct age–depth distributions that suggest distinguishable cycling rates. We found that AAs and TLEs cycle faster than the bulk soils and the AI fraction. The AI was the most 14 C-depleted fraction, indicating that it is the most chemically inert in this soil. Our approach enables the isolation and measurement of SOC fractions that separate functionally distinct SOC pools that can cycle relatively quickly (e.g., plant and microbial residues) from more passive or inert SOC pools (associated with minerals or petrogenic) from bulk soils and soil physical fractions. With the effort to move beyond SOC bulk analysis, we find that compound class 14 C analysis can improve our understanding of SOC cycling and disentangle the physical and chemical factors driving OC cycling rates and persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OVER 60,000 tons of veterinary antibiotics are used globally annually, with an anticipated increase to 67% by 2030. Florfenicol is a veterinary drug its residues enter the environment through fertilizer (manure) application and waste water in agricultural areas, potentially leading to plant toxicity. In the current study, the veterinary antibiotic florfenicol was tested in two ways: first, in Petri dishes during cultivation, and second, by adding the antibiotic to the soil using germination trays. Various antibiotic concentrations were applied (0.005%, 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% v/v, ml/L). Results from the first experiment exhibited significant decrease in germination rates after 8 days it reached to 18.00, and in shoot, root length to 1.26, 0.92 cm, and fresh,dry seedling weights to 0.47,0.28 mg, with increased concentration compared to the control group. The second experiment demonstrated significant differences in germination rates after 8 days, along with changes in shoot and root length, fresh and dry seedling weights, and leaf count, with most traits decreasing as concentrations increased except for root length, which notably decreased at the 0.04% concentration, it record 4.86 cm. Changes in root structure, including the disappearance of fibrous roots and reduction in root system length, were observed. Germination rates after 4 days showed no significant difference in either experiment. The findings suggest that florfenicol concentrations in the first experiment affected the germination and growth of yellow corn (Zea mays L) plants, starting from the lowest concentration of 0.005%. In the second experiment, using organic-rich soil mitigated the toxic effects of florfenicol at low concentrations, except for the highest concentration of 0.04%. Florfenicol did not cause damage to chloroplasts, as the seedlings recovered their usual appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein, derived from plant and microbial residues, constitutes a significant portion of soil nitrogen or organic carbon pool and plays a crucial role in determining soil nitrogen and carbon sequestration. Though diversifying plant species has been regarded as a promising strategy for promoting soil nitrogen or organic carbon accumulation during vegetation restoration or afforestation, how increasing plant species diversity (PSD) would influence soil protein pool remains unknown. We selected 45 plots covering a natural gradient of PSD, which was reflected by the Shannon index and varied from 0.15 to 3.57, in a subtropical karst forest. The major objective was to investigate the impact of increasing PSD on soil protein abundance, with soil protein depolymerization rate and multiple biotic and abiotic variables being measured to explore the underlying mechanism. The relative abundance of soil protein, that is proportion in soil organic matter varied between 24.1 and 34.0% with an average of 29.2 ± 2.3% across the 45 plots. Soil protein abundance increased on average by 1.56% with each unit of PSD increase. Nevertheless, soil protease activity, protein depolymerization rate and microbial amino acid uptake rate all significantly (p < 0.05) decreased as PSD increased. The mechanism underlying the increase of soil protein abundance in response to higher PSD included three aspects, that is stimulating microbial biomass and subsequent microbial residue input to the soil, promoting mineral protection of soil protein via elevating levels of soil exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and decreasing soil protease activity and protein depolymerization due to aggravated soil microbial phosphorus limitation. Synthesis and application: Our study suggests that increasing PSD is an efficient way to promote soil protein accumulation. Given that protein is a major component of soil nitrogen or organic carbon pool, diversifying plant species during vegetation restoration or afforestation would hence benefit soil nitrogen and organic carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cys is one of the least abundant amino acids in proteins. However, it is often highly conserved and is usually found in important structural and functional regions of proteins. Its unique chemical properties allow it to undergo several post-translational modifications, many of which are mediated by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or carbonyl species. Thus, in addition to their role in catalysis, protein stability, and metal binding, Cys residues are crucial for the redox regulation of metabolism and signal transduction. In this review, we discuss Cys post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their role in plant metabolism and signal transduction. These modifications include the oxidation of the thiol group (S-sulfenylation, S-sulfinylation and S-sulfonylation), the formation of disulfide bridges, S-glutathionylation, persulfidation, S-cyanylation S-nitrosation, S-carbonylation, S-acylation, prenylation, CoAlation, and the formation of thiohemiacetal. For each of these PTMs, we discuss the origin of the modifier, the mechanisms involved in PTM, and their reversibility. Examples of the involvement of Cys PTMs in the modulation of protein structure, function, stability, and localization are presented to highlight their importance in the regulation of plant metabolic and signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in crop yields is attributed to uneven chemical fertilization practices and poor soil fertility. From a sustainability perspective, the application of beneficial microorganisms alongside a blend of inorganic and organic fertilizers significantly influences crop productivity and food security. Concerns within the scientific community arise from the haphazard and negligent use of fertilizers. Farming communities predominantly reliant on chemical fertilizers often overlook the application of organic alternatives, leading to a gradual decline in soil organic matter and native nutrient levels, ultimately resulting in decreased crop yields. In diverse cropping systems, the amalgamation of chemical, biological, and organic sources sustains soil health, replenishes nutrients, and optimizes crop yields. Plant residues enhance soil microbial activity, expedite nutrient cycling and availability, and aid in preserving soil health through carbon sequestration. Regular utilization of plant residues and other organic materials enriches soil organic matter content, enhancing soil health and productivity. Integrating organic and chemical fertilizers presents a potential avenue to enhance maize and soybean yields in maize-wheat cropping systems, subsequently benefiting wheat crop productivity and profitability. The efficacy of specific soil nutrients can be heightened by combining organic sources with various chemical fertilization techniques. Hence, incorporating phosphorus fertilization alongside phosphorus-mobilizing and solubilizing agents (such as Trichoderma & PSB), along with the integrated management of peach waste materials including residues, compost, and biochar, is imperative for promoting crop growth, increasing seed yields, and fostering environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms of plant-derived carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformation and stabilization in soil is fundamental for predicting soil capacity to mitigate climate change and support other soil functions. The decomposition of plant residues and particulate organic matter (POM) contributes to the formation of mineral-associated (on average more stable) organic matter (MAOM) in soil. MAOM is formed from the binding of dissolved organic matter (ex vivo pathway) or microbial necromass and bioproducts (in vivo pathway) to minerals and metal colloids. Which of these two soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization pathways is more important and under which conditions remains an open question. To address this question, we propose a novel diagnostic model to describe C and N dynamics in MAOM as a function of the dynamics of residues and POM decomposition. Focusing on relations among soil compartments (i.e., modeling in phase space) rather than time trajectories allows isolating the fundamental processes underlying stabilization. Using this diagnostic model in combination with a database of 36 studies in which residue C and N were tracked into POM and MAOM, we found that MAOM is predominantly fueled by necromass produced by microbes decomposing residues and POM. The relevance of this in vivo pathway is higher in clayey soils but lower in C-rich soils and with N-poor added residues. Overall, our novel modeling in phase space proved to be a sound diagnostic tool for the mechanistic investigation of soil C dynamics and supported the current understanding of the critical role of both microbial transformation and mineral capacity for the stabilization of C in mineral soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Refinery Engineering is the property of Petroleum Refinery Engineering Editorial Office 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.)

In the current era there are huge quantities of waste organic matter available, creating a big burden to the environment. To address these issues, researchers started to apply effective and microbial induced biotechnological processes that can mitigate these waste matters. In this context, different nature of microbial systems are involved in hydrolysing the waste organic material into fermentable sugar. These can be easily consumed by specific microbial systems like Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 3821 and Clostridium acetobutylicum that produced bioethanol and biobutanol, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured in specific media and incubated at rotary shaker with 150 rpm at 30°C for 72 to 96 hours. Ethanol concentrations from different waste matters were found in the range of 1.2-1.5 g.L-1. Ethanol synthesis was done by shake flask experiment with addition of glucose (50 g.L-1) to waste organic hydrolyzed solution. Non-glucose media produced less than 3 g.L-1 ethanol but glucose media produced 4.5 g.L-1. Next, Clostridium acetobutylicum was grown in culture media containing waste organics as sole carbon substrate with pH 7 and then was incubated in anaerobic conditions at 35°C for 72 hours, produced butanol (0.7 to 1.25 g.L-1). This research work promoted biofuels synthesis by keeping a waste mitigation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelina sativa plant residue was used as feedstock for the production of biogasoline (a mixture of paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbons) by catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (cHTL) process. The experiments were conducted at temperature range 200–375°C and pressure range 10–19 MPa. Molecular hydrogen was added for the hydro-deoxygenation processes. Various experiments were performed to understand the contributions of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, hydrogen, and retention time on reaction conversion and products distribution. This was followed by screening of different catalyst supports – γ-Al2O3, HZSM-5, SiO2-Al2O3, SBA-15, and Al2O3-HZSM-5 to understand their impacts as well as catalytic activities. The Al2O3/HZSM-5 exhibited the best properties and was impregnated with a varying range of cobalt metal for the HTL of Camelina sativa. The 5%Co/γ-Al2O3-HZSM-5 catalyst exhibited highest liquefaction conversion (79%) and biogasoline yield (43%) at optimized reaction conditions due to the presence of strong brønsted acidity on the catalyst were that enhanced both the hydrocarbon cracking and hydrogenation leading to the production of low boiling point and low molecular weight hydrocarbon within the boiling point range of fossil gasoline. Across all the data point used in the work, the average deviation was within ± 3%, these are mostly indicated by the error bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to delve deeper into the alterations in the microbial residual carbon (MRC) accumulation in the Yangtze River's wetland ecosystems as a consequence of afforestation and to evaluate their impact on soil organic carbon (SOC). The hypothesis posited that afforestation could foster soil aggregation by augmenting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) hyphae and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) in deep soil, thereby suppressing the proliferation of genes pivotal to microbial residue decomposition and enhancing MRC accumulation. We collected soil samples at 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80 and 80–100 cm respectively. Metagenomic sequencing, the quantification of soil amino sugars and MRC, soil aggregate distribution profiling and the measurement of AMF mycelium length density alongside GRSP levels were analyzed. Our findings showed that afforestation notably elevated the concentration of soil amino sugars and the levels of total and fungal MRC, with increases ranging from 53%–80% and 82%–135%, respectively, across the five soil depths examined, in stark contrast to the eroded, non-afforested control. The role of MRC in the SOC was observed to escalate with increasing soil depth, with afforestation markedly amplifying this contribution within the 40–60 cm, 60–80 cm and 80–100 cm soil layers. The study concludes that the SOC content in the deeper soil horizons post-afforestation witnessed a significant rise, paralleled by a substantial increase in both total and fungal MRC, which exhibited a robust positive correlation with the SOC levels. This underscores the pivotal role that amino sugar accumulation from microbial residues plays in the retention of SOC in the deeper soil layers of afforested regions, challenging the conventional wisdom that plant residues are recalcitrant to decomposition within forested SOC matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To protect greenhouse crops from pests, millions of liters of toxic solutions are used each year. To ensure food security, it is very important to reduce the consumption of these toxins. Monitoring the pesticide residue in plants and fruits is a vital research topic. In this study, the magnitude and percentage of the contaminated area with the pesticide were evaluated in tomato fruit after treating tomatoes using a High-Voltage Electric Field (HVEF). The parameters related to the HVEF for monitoring pesticide residue changes have been assessed to simulate variable scenarios of the application of pesticides on land. Using an image processing technique, a percentage of pesticide residue reduction was measured in MATLAB. Results: The effect of independent parameters was significantly different, no interaction was significant and it revealed that the penetration of the pesticide does not affect the performance of the HVEF to reduce the residue in tomato samples. Conclusion: The application of HVEF for 10 min is the best performance of the device to reduce pesticide residues. The percentage of pesticide residue reduction, which is an efficient way to monitor pesticide residues in tomatoes utilizing image processing techniques, can also be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era there are huge quantities of waste organic matter available, creating a big burden to the environment. To address these issues, researchers started to apply effective and microbial induced biotechnological processes that can mitigate these waste matters. In this context, different nature of microbial systems are involved in hydrolysing the waste organic material into fermentable sugar. These can be easily consumed by specific microbial systems like Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 3821 and Clostridium acetobutylicum that produced bioethanol and biobutanol, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured in specific media and incubated at rotary shaker with 150 rpm at 30°C for 72 to 96 hours. Ethanol concentrations from different waste matters were found in the range of 1.2-1.5 g.L-1. Ethanol synthesis was done by shake flask experiment with addition of glucose (50 g.L-1) to waste organic hydrolyzed solution. Non-glucose media produced less than 3 g.L-1 ethanol but glucose media produced 4.5 g.L-1. Next, Clostridium acetobutylicum was grown in culture media containing waste organics as sole carbon substrate with pH 7 and then was incubated in anaerobic conditions at 35°C for 72 hours, produced butanol (0.7 to 1.25 g.L-1). This research work promoted biofuels synthesis by keeping a waste mitigation strategy.

This study was conducted in the warehouse of the Department of Biology / College of Education for Pure Sciences for the 2023-2024 season to study the effect of adding levels of hydrogel (0, 2, 4) gm/kg of soil and residues of the vegetative part of soybeans at levels (0, 4, 8) gm/kg soil in the mineral content of yellow corn plants soaked with concentrations of (0,100, 200 ppm) of ascorbic acid. The results were analyzed using a completely randomized design and a factorial experiment with three replications. The results confirmed the existence of a discrepancy in the effect of soybean residues on mineral elements, as they ranged between inhibition and stimulation, as the residues had a stimulating effect on the calcium and nitrogen elements, While its effect was inhibitory to the element sodium and magnesium, and the addition of hydrogel showed a stimulating effect in all the nutritional elements mentioned above. On the other hand, there was a significant superiority in the content of the elements with an increase in the concentration of ascorbic acid compared to the control treatment without addition. The interactions showed a stimulating effect, especially the interaction of hydrogel levels with ascorbic acid concentrations in the studied characteristics

Kombucha is a well-known fermented beverage traditionally made from black tea infusion. Recent studies have focused on finding alternative materials to create novel kombucha beverages with various health benefits. In this study, we prepared and evaluated two novel kombucha beverages using Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza as materials. The effects of fermentation with the residue of these plants on the kombucha were also investigated. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, and concentrations of the bioactive compounds of the kombucha beverages were determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity test, ferric-reducing antioxidant power test, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results revealed that the kombucha beverages made with Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza had strong antioxidant capacities and abundant phenolic contents. Additionally, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had higher FRAP, TEAC and TPC values than that fermented without residue. On the other hand, the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha fermented with residue had similar FRAP and TEAC values but lower TPC values compared to that fermented without residue. The correlation analysis showed that gallic acid, salidroside, and tyrosol were responsible for the antioxidant abilities and total phenolic contents of the Rhodiola rosea kombucha, and salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B contributed to the antioxidant abilities of the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha. Furthermore, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had the highest sensory scores among the kombucha beverages studied. These findings suggest that Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza are suitable for making novel kombucha beverages with strong antioxidant abilities and abundant phenolic contents, which can be used in preventing and managing oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the sorption capacity and field application of activated carbons (ACs) derived from plant residues for the remediation of oil-contaminated soils. ACs were prepared from rice husks, reed stalks, pine sawdust and wheat straw using two-stage pyrolysis and chemical activation with potassium hydroxide. The structural and physicochemical properties of these ACs were analyzed using BET surface area measurements, SEM analysis, Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Sorption experiments at room temperature demonstrated that AC from rice husks (OSL) exhibited the highest sorption capacities for gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel, with values of 9.3 g/g, 9.0 g/g and 10.1 g/g, respectively. These results are attributed to the well-developed microporous and mesoporous structures of OSL, as confirmed by SEM images and a BET surface area of 2790 m2/g. Field tests conducted at the "Zhanatalap" oil deposit showed that the ACs effectively reduced the oil content in contaminated soils from 79.2 g/kg to as low as 2.6 g/kg, achieving a purification degree of up to 67% within 16 days. This study highlights the critical role of structural properties, such as porosity and graphitization degree, in enhancing the sorption efficiency of ACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No-tillage planters need to be equipped with row cleaners to remove post-harvest plant residue from the seedbed. The two-disc row cleaners cannot effectively remove the plant residue at high speed because the working depth is unstable, which leads to poor seeding quality of the seeder. A straw cleaning unit with double air springs was designed to achieve better straw cleaning performance at high speeds. The analysis of the mechanical characteristics of the double air spring system showed that it enabled separate adjustment of force and stiffness. A dynamic model of the straw cleaning unit was established, and the effectiveness of the double air spring system with adjustable stiffness in stabilizing the working depth of the row cleaners was analyzed. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the straw cleaning performance and consistency of downforce against the ground of the straw cleaning unit with double air springs at different high speeds. The results showed that the stiffness of the double air spring system for better straw cleaning performance of the straw cleaning unit was different at different working speed, and the required stiffness increased as the working speed increased; When the working speed was 8- 12 km/h, the coefficient of variation of cleaned strip width was 6.9%-12.1%, the straw cleaning rate was 81.6%-92.2% and the root mean square error of downforce was 19.93-28.63 N; the coefficient of variation of cleaned strip width was moderately positively correlated with the root mean square error of downforce, and the cleaned strip width consistency was better when the root mean square error of downforce was lower than 25.00 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pesticides in agriculture is constantly rising in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Over the past decade, pesticide use per unit area of agricultural land has almost tripled. In 2008, this figure was 0.2 kg/ha, while in 2018, it reached 0.593 kg/ha. In crop production, pesticide application contaminates the soil, water, and plants with toxic residues, negatively affecting human health and the environment. Organic agriculture provides high-quality food and sustainable rural development. However, the development of organic crop production is slow in Kazakhstan. To date, field areas processed using organic production technologies are about 200,000 ha in Kazakhstan, as confirmed by European certifying organizations. In organic agriculture, employing biological agents (manures, straw, siderates, and biofertilizers), according to biological buffering laws, without disturbing the ecological balance, contributes to maintaining soil fertility and enhancing environmentally safe productivity. Plant protection measures require implementation through producing resistant crop genotypes and non-chemical methods like mechanical and biological in organic agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, EFSA has reviewed the maximum residue levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance difenoconazole. To assess the occurrence of difenoconazole residues in plants, processed commodities, rotational crops and livestock, EFSA considered the conclusions derived in the framework of Council Directive 91/414/EEC, the MRLs established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as well as the European authorisations reported by Member States and the UK (including the supporting residues data). Based on the assessment of the available data, MRL proposals were derived, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. Some information required by the regulatory framework was missing and a possible acute risk to consumers was identified. Hence, the consumer risk assessment is considered indicative only, some MRL proposals derived by EFSA still require further consideration by risk managers and measures for reduction of the consumer exposure should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Considering the extensive cultivation of wheat in the drylands of Kermanshah province and farmers' lack of proper management of plant residues, it is necessary to think of a solution for the appropriate management of residues and wheat cultivation. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different tillage systems on soil physical characteristics and quantitative traits of varying wheat cultivars in the drylands of the Dalahoo region. Materials and Methods: A split-plot experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Tillage systems (conventional, reduced, and no-tillage) were investigated as main plots, and 26 wheat genotypes were analyzed as secondary plots. Soil physical characteristics and wheat yield and yield components were also investigated. Results: The results showed significant changes in the physical characteristics of the soil, the change of soil organic matter, and the yield and yield components of wheat. They were affected by tillage systems, genotype, and the interaction effect of tillage in genotype. The results showed that with increasing depth, soil temperature decreased, and soil moisture increased. Conclusion: In no-till cultivation, the change of soil organic matter was less than in other tillage systems. The highest wheat grain yield (6658 kg.ha-1 ) was under the interaction effect of the Mirzabey (Durum) genotype (genotype 24) in the no-tillage system. Conservation tillage proves the importance of residues on the soil surface in maintaining moisture in drylands, and probably in Dalahoo areas, conservation tillage methods are better for improving yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basalt powder (BP) is the residue of a plant that crushes basalt stones. This work deals with the effect of waste BP on the properties of cement mortars and the physical properties of hardened mortars. Modified concrete was prepared by partial replacement of BP in amount of 5, 10, 20% by weight of cement. Physico-mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to examine the corrosion behavior of cement pastes with a partial addition of basalt powder in aggressive solutions of 5% NaCl and 5% MgCl2 for up to 270 days. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also performed to investigate the hydration process and microstructure formation of the basalt blended paste. Results indicate that the addition of basalt powder as a partial replacement of cement influences the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which is denser and stronger than in cement paste without basalt powder. The filler effect of the basalt powder improves the compressive strength of cement paste. Also, comparing BP0 and BP20 in 5% NaCl after 270 days, the partial substitution of cement with BP resulted in a higher compressive strength of 671 and 895 kg/cm2, respectively. The EIS results also showed the highest values of Rp 953 ohms cm2 after 270 days. This high corrosion resistance might indicate the binding by high Al2O3 that reduced the free aggressive chloride ions in the solution. Article Highlights: The addition of basalt powder as a partial replacement of cement, improved the compressive strength of the concrete. The physicochemical and mechanical investigations showed that the basalt addition led to physical densification and more ITZ robust of cement matrix. EIS measurements showed that BP20 sample in 5% NaCl had a high Rp, 953 ohms cm2 after 270 days indicated higher corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of agricultural residues in biogas plants is becoming increasingly important, as they represent an efficient and sustainable substrate alternative. Pelletizing straw can have positive effects on transportation, handling, and biogas production. In this study, different grain straw pellets from mobile and stationary pelleting plants in Germany as well as the corresponding untreated straw were characterized and investigated for their suitability for anaerobic digestion (AD). Therefore, tests on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) and the chemical–physical characterization of unpelletized straw and straw pellets were carried out. The characterization of the pellets and the straw revealed a high average total solid content of 91.8% for the industrially produced straw pellets and of 90.8% for the straw. The particle size distribution within the tested pellet samples varied greatly depending on the pelleting process and the pre-treatment of the straw. In addition, a high C/N ratio of 91:1 on average was determined for the straw pellets, whereas the average higher heating value (HHV) content of the pellets was 17.58 MJ kg−1. In the BMP tests, the methane production yields ranged from 260–319 normal liter (NL) CH4 kg−1 volatile solids (VS) for the straw pellets and between 262 and 289 NL CH4 kg−1 VS for the unpelletized straw. Overall, pelleting increases the methane yield on average from 274 to 286 NL CH4 kg−1 VS, which corresponds to an increase in methane yield of 4.3%. Based on the results, the feasibility of using straw pellets for AD could be confirmed, which can facilitate the possibility of increased biogas production from agricultural residues such as straw pellets and thus make the substrate supply more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for electronics necessitates the development of novel environmentally responsible materials. A potential approach involves incorporating renewable and sustainable materials with mechanical and electrical properties while ensuring environmentally friendly disposal. Herein, this study reports the dielectric properties of chitosan (CS) reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CN) extracted from post‐harvest tomato plant residue. The resulting bionanocomposite material demonstrated remarkable characteristics, including dielectricity, transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical robustness. Additionally, the effect of high‐loading fillers (5 and 10 wt %) on the final properties of the material is investigated, as well as the effect of surface functionality of the CNs. The results showed that both the high‐loading fillers and the surface functionality of the CNs had a significant impact on the properties of the nanocomposite material. The bionanocomposite materials produced in this study hold great potential as an eco‐friendly substitute for conventional electronic materials and beyond. Its dielectric, transparent, thermally stable, and mechanically robust properties render it well‐suited for diverse applications. Highlights: The phosphorylated groups insured high Crl (%) and high interface between the filler and matrix.High interface and crystallinity enhanced the mechanical characteristics.Low crystallinity increases the dielectric constant, case of 5% CNS.Filler' type can tailor and optimize the energy dissipation up to tan δ = 0.5 for 5% CNP.Detection of Warburg impedance proves the interface polarization presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Тhe development of technologies for processing organic resources, including plant residues, into organic and organomineral fertilizers and their application is relevant. Purpose. Studying the effect of hydrogen peroxide oxidation of plant residues in the presence of sulfuric acid on the composition and functional groups of organic substances. Methodology. The study of the influence of hydrogen peroxide oxidation of plant residues in the presence of sulfuric acid on the composition and functional groups of organic substances is carried out by determining the elemental composition of the organic part of the original plant material and oxidation products, determining the functional groups, graphostatic and IR spectroscopic studies of the original plant material and oxidation products. Originality. For the first time, the degree of oxidation and the kinetics of transformation of plant substances into extractive substances extracted by 1% sodium hydroxide solution were studied, the changes in the chemical composition and functional groups of the formed organic acids during the oxidation of plant residues using hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sulfuric acid were determined. Findings. The elemental composition of the original and oxidized plant residues, the extractive substances extracted by 1% sodium hydroxide solution, and the residual plant residue after extraction of the extractive substances, as well as the content of functional groups in them, have been determined. It has been shown that as a result of the oxidation of plant substances in the latter, the content of oxygen and active functional groups increases, both in the shroud itself and in its extractive substances, including extractive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation of varieties and hybrids of grain crops with the use of scientific technologies with elements of biologization helps to preserve biodiversity and reduce the negative impact on the environment, while simultaneously solving the grain-food problem and providing consumers of the world market with high-quality grain products, especially in conditions of climate change. The article examines Ukraine's prospects on the world market of corn grain and outlines ways to increase the efficiency of its production, taking into account the global challenges and threats of today. The purpose of the article is to establish the long-term dynamics of sown areas, production and yield of maize in Ukraine, ways to increase the export potential of Ukrainian maize based on the complex implementation of high-yielding hybrids and scientific technologies with elements of biologization in the conditions of the negative impact of climate change and other stress factors. The methodological approach takes into account the general concepts of the development and features of agrarian production based on the use of data of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United States Department of Agriculture, United Nations, Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and State Statistics Service of Ukraine. Statistical data on the world production and export of maize grain, the dynamics of sown areas, production and yield of maize in Ukraine are demonstrated, which directly focus attention on the competitiveness of Ukrainian maize on the world grain market. These arguments are confirmed by the analytical results, which show that in 2022, despite the negative impact of the climatic factors and a full-scale armed attack by the russian federation, Ukraine entered the top five global producers and the top four global exporters of maize grain. Conceptually identified key problems, the solution of which will ensure further growth of maize productivity in different soil-climatic conditions. For the effective production of grain maize, a number of adaptation measures are proposed to overcome the negative impact of climate change and other stress factors, which consist in the complex application of high-yielding hybrids and environmentally safe technologies, which include: the use of plant residues with the use of modern biodestructors for the maximum use of their natural mass, which along with the implementation of scientifically based crop rotations, the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers and plant protection products, will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the solution of the grain-food problem in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive exposure to imidacloprid residues in food plants, there has been little research on imidacloprid residues in amaranth. The dissipation trend and residue behavior of imidacloprid were evaluated to provide guidelines for imidacloprid application on amaranth under open field and greenhouse. The dissipation rate of imidacloprid in amaranth conformed to the first-order kinetic equation, and the half-lives of imidacloprid in amaranth ranged from 0.29 days in open field to 1.29 days in the greenhouse. After 7 and 14 days from the application of imidacloprid (pesticide dosage, 45 or 67.5 g a.i./ha), the amaranth under the open field and greenhouse growth could be consumed safely with average residues of 0.19 and 0.38 mg/kg, respectively. This result demonstrated that the cultivation has the dominant influence on imidacloprid residue, and the residue of imidacloprid in amaranth planting on open field was much lower than that in the greenhouse, indicating a significant difference in the pesticide residues between the two cultivations with a p-value less than 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants play a crucial role as a removal pathway in constructed wetlands, demonstrating the ability to absorb and tolerate antibiotics from wastewater. However, the specific contribution of plants in this regard has not yet to be sufficiently established. To gain a more comprehensive insight into the associated processes, we selected three common wetland plant species, Canna indica L. (C. indica), Cyperus alternifolius L. (C. alternifolius), and Thalia dealbata Fraser (T. dealbata), to evaluate their capacity for uptake, accumulation, and physiological response in the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) at varying initial concentrations (10, 30, 100, and 300 µg/L) under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that SMX removal was more efficient at lower concentrations (10 and 30 µg/L) than at higher concentrations (100 and 300 µg/L). Moreover, plant systems were found to consistently outperform unplanted systems in SMX removal. Among the assessed species, C. indica was identified as being relatively effective in the removal of SMX, whereas the performance of C. alternifolius was notably less pronounced. A positive correlation was observed between the concentration of SMX in the plant tissues and that in the external aqueous medium. However, plant tissue residues contributed only a minor fraction to the overall removal of SMX. Wetland plants absorb SMX through their roots, and we accordingly detected significantly higher concentrations in submerged plant tissues. Furthermore, we also detected reductions in net photosynthetic rates indicative of potential phytotoxicity, which is associated with the accumulation of antibiotic in the shoot tissues. Accumulation of SMX in the roots and rhizomes was also found to be associated with the development of shorter roots, with this effect becoming more pronounced with an increase in the concentration of exogenous SMX. However, despite these adverse effects, plants can detoxify antibiotics via the glutathione pathway. Of the assessed plant species, C. indica was identified as the most SMX tolerant, as indicated by Km and Vmax values, with C. alternifolius being the least tolerant. Our findings in this study reveal the potential value of wetland plants in the sequestration of antibiotics and provide evidence for the underlying mechanisms of action. These findings could make an important contribution to the implementation of phytoremediation in antibiotic-contaminated water. Three wetland plants with fibrous root systems, namely Canna indica, Cyperus alterniflius, and Thalia dealbata, were selected to investigate the removal efficiencies of sulfamethoxazole in the hydroponic system by different emergent plants, quantify the contribution of uptake and accumulation for sulfamethoxazole in plant tissues, and assess the physiological responses of plants and their effect on the removal of sulfamethoxazole. The knowledge obtained from this study shows the potential use of wetland plants for removing antibiotics and the inherent mechanisms, which will be useful for the application of phytoremediation in antibiotic contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant residue on the soil surface increases the sustainability of food and fiber production in agricultural systems. Automated assessments of residue cover based on imagery have the potential to reduce labor and human bias associated with in-field measurements. We evaluate the capacity of a transfer learning strategy to improve the determination of residue level from high-resolution RGB images. The imagery for the study was collected from 88 field locations in 40 row crop fields in five Missouri counties between mid-April and early July in 2018 and 2019. At each field location, 50 contiguous 0.3 m × 0.2 m region of interest (ROI) images (ground sampling distance of 0.014 cm pixel--1) were extracted from imagery, resulting in a dataset of 4,400 ROI images; 3,000 were used for cross-validation and training (data collected in 2018) and 1,400 were used for testing (data collected in 2019). The percentage residue for each ROI image (ground truth) was determined by a bullseye grid method (n = 100). Features were extracted from ROI images using the VGGNet-16 CNN model, a pre-trained convolutional neural network model. We extracted 1,472 features per ROI using a global averaging and pooling strategy. The optimum feature set was identified using recursive feature elimination using a support vector machine (RFE-SVM). To estimate crop residue percentage using selected features, expert two-class SVMs were trained to separate adjacent levels of residue cover, where the rationale of the ensemble was to allow each of the two-class SVMs to find the hyperplanes that maximize the margin between the corresponding two consecutive classes. Based on the distance of the samples to these hyperplanes, probabilistic estimates of the data-point belonging to the class were computed. With the combined knowledge of probabilistic estimates from each expert classifier, the percentage crop residue cover of each ROI image was calculated. We tested our approach with 3-, 4-, 5-, and 8-class problems, achieving the best results with the 8-class problem with r2 = 0.93 at the ROI level, r2 = 0.97 at the field-location level, and minimal bias in residue estimates in low residue conditions. These results are superior to other reported estimates of percent residue derived from imagery. This research confirms the utility of high-resolution RGB imagery to quantify residue cover in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is regarded amongst the most dominant horticultural crops globally. Yet, due to its elevated water and fertilization needs, its environmental footprint is significantly high. The recent efforts to reduce the footprint of agriculture have rekindled the search for optimized fertilization regimes in tomato. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different urea fertilizers and tomato pomace-based composts on the performance and quality traits of processing tomato. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Larissa region, Central Greece, during 2018–2019. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with five treatments: control, urea (Urea), urea with nitrification and urease inhibitors (Urea + NI + UI), processing tomato pomace with farmyard manure (TP + FM), and processing tomato pomace with compost from plant residues (TP + CM). Measurements included soil total nitrogen (STN), soil organic matter (SOM), root length density (RLD), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonization, dry weight per plant, fruit yield (number per plant, total yield, weight, diameter), fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lycopene content and yield, and fruit surface color (L*, a*, b*, CI). Overall, the best results in soil properties and quality traits were reported in the organic fertilization treatments (STN, SOM, AMF, TSS, TA, lycopene content, L*, a*, b*) and the differences among TP + FM and TP + CM were insignificant in their majority. On the contrary, fruit yield and its components were significantly improved in Urea + NI + UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study showcases a promising approach to sustainably unlocking plant biomass residues by combining biodegradation with artificial intelligence to optimize the process. Specifically, we utilized the definitive screening design (DSD) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to optimize the degradation of common bean biomass by the endophytic fungus Trichoderma asperellum WNZ-21. The optimized process yielded a fungal hydrolysate rich in 12 essential and non-essential amino acids, totaling 18,298.14 μg/g biomass. GC-MS analysis revealed four potential novel components not previously reported in microbial filtrates or plants and seven components exclusive to plant sources but not reported in microbial filtrates. The hydrolysate contained phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds, as confirmed by FT-IR analysis. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy depicted structures resembling amino acid micelles and potential protein aggregates. The hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties and innovatively induced apoptotic modulation in the MCF7 cancer cell line. These findings underscore the potential of ANN-optimized fermentation for various applications, particularly in anticancer medicine due to its unique composition and bioactivities. The integration of the DSD and ANNs presents a novel technique for biomass biodegradation, warranting the valorization of plant biomass and suggesting a further exploration of the new components in the fungal hydrolysate. This approach represents the basic concept for exploring other biomass sources and in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity and drought are major environmental challenges that significantly affect soil functioning and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. Despite their importance, the combined effects of drought and salinity on residue decomposition are not well understood. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the decomposition of maize residue under salinity and drought stresses over a 75-day incubation period at 20 °C under controlled conditions. The experiment included two moisture levels: optimum moisture at 80% water-holding capacity (WHC) and drought conditions at 30% WHC, in both normal (ECe = 1.48 dS m−1) and saline (ECe = 8 dS m−1) soils, with 5 g DM kg−1 soil maize residues mixed in. A control treatment without maize residue addition was also included. The results indicated that salinity stress reduced maize residue decomposition, as evidenced by lower soil respiration, decay constant, metabolic quotient (qCO2), and soil extracellular enzyme activities. While drought did not affect total soil respiration in the presence of maize residue, it significantly decreased soil extracellular enzyme activities and decay constant rates. Combined drought and salinity stress further diminished maize residue decomposition, marked by reduced soil respiration, decay constant, microbial biomass carbon, and soil extracellular enzyme activities, while dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and qCO2 increased significantly. Similarly, extracellular enzyme activities were significantly reduced under abiotic stresses and further diminished under combined stress conditions. In conclusion, the simultaneous occurrence of drought and salinity can have compounded detrimental effects on microbial functioning, particularly in the presence of fresh plant residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Germany, warm water Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are generally integrated with biogas plants. The process sludge produced in aquaculture could be utilized to generate energy. This study investigates the potential of process sludge from commercial African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) warm water RAS, alongside associated plant production residues (whole plants and pruning residues) for energy generation through anaerobic digestion. Biogas tests, including batch, semi-Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR), and Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) were conducted. In batch, methane yields were 229 L(N) / kg VS from the sludge and 173-184 L(N) / kg VS from the various plant substrates (cucumber, paprika, and tomato plants). During CSTR operation, mono-fermentation of sludge produced a methane yield of 265 L(N) / kg VS. Co-fermentation with 25% cucumber residues, based on VS, increased this value to 381 L(N) / kg VS. Mono-fermentation of sludge in the UASB reactor yielded a maximum of 329 L(N)/kg VS. The relatively low TS content and unfavorable C/N ratio in C. gariepinus sludge, along with the low energy density and occasional high sulfur content in the investigated plant substrates, present challenges for CSTR biogas production. These challenges can be partially mitigated through substrate combination. For mono-fermentation of African catfish RAS sludge, the UASB reactor is recommended. Improved solids separation, extraction, and concentration techniques at aquaculture operations are essential for the efficient utilization of aquaculture sludge, especially from African catfish, in biogas plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals exist in the ecosystem both naturally and due to anthropogenic activities and as recalcitrant pollutants; they are non-biodegradable and cause acute and chronic diseases to human beings and many lifeforms. A statistical experimental approach was applied in this current study to optimize the detoxification of mercury [Hg(II)] from mono-component biosorption system by a novel hybrid granular activated carbon (biosorbent) prepared from maize plant residues. The analysis of variance by the application of central composite design shows that all the studied independent factors greatly influence Hg(II) removal efficiency and uptake capacity. The optimum experimental condition of 30 min contact time, 0.5 g/L biosorbent dosage, and 15 mg/L initial Hg(II) concentration were achieved after seeking 20 optimization solutions at 0.903 desirability. The optimum percentage removal and uptake capacity of Hg(II) at the optimal experimental setup was 96.7% and 10.8 mg/g, respectively. To confirm the quadratic models developed for the prediction of the responses as a function of the independent factors, confirmatory laboratory experiments were performed at the optimum condition. The results show that at the established best experimental condition, the optimum Hg(II) removal efficiency of 98.3% and uptake capacity of 11.2 mg/g were attained, which were within the prediction intervals indicating the suitability of the quadratic models in predicting future cases. The TEM and XRD analyses show that the Hg(II) ions were adsorbed by the biosorbent successfully and this suggests the potential and applicability of this novel biosorbent in treating water contaminants, especially heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residues mapping can provide essential information about soil chemical elements' behaviors and contribute to possible interferences in coffee tree development. Thus, the research objective was to monitor plant residue burning effects by analyzing the chemical elements in ash, using soil analysis, and applying vegetative indices obtained by RPA images. The samples were submitted for conventional soil analysis and atomic emission spectrometry (pure ash). The RPA multispectral images were used to form thirty-one vegetative indices. Thus, at the soil and ash collection points, the index performance was evaluated for six months and divided into three collection times. Then, the data were statistically analyzed to evaluate which index best separated the plants in regions with ash and ash-free soil. The pure ash deposits revealed expressive presences of K, Ca, Mg, and Al in addition to pH elevation. In areas with ash, the high temperature at the burning time may have caused elemental chemical transformations in the Al composition, making this element unavailable in soil analysis. The vegetative indices showed a significant difference only in coffee four months after planting. Among the thirty-one evaluated indices, only twenty were satisfactory for ash analysis. The burning of plant residues promoted the neutralization of Al. In addition, ash deposits in the soil added some essential elements for plant development. Negatively, they raised the PH and made micronutrients unavailable. The best vegetative indices for ash monitoring were the Normalized Near Infrared Index (NNIRI) and Normalized Green Index (NGI). Prior ash mapping can contribute to localized application in macro, such as K and limestone, reusing the number of elements already deposited by burning vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides play a crucial role in agricultural production by preventing diseases and pests and ensuring food yield. However, the irrational use of pesticides can lead to numerous issues that compromise crop quality and counteract the original intentions of their application. Therefore, it is necessary to identify more effective methods to counteract pesticide stress. Here we review the impacts of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides on plants and the measures taken to reduce pesticide residues on plants. We have found that despite the substantial differences in the mechanisms of action of the aforementioned three types of pesticides, the adverse effects they inflict on plants are similar, and at certain dosages, they can severely constrain plant growth and disrupt physiological functions. Also, most current research on using exogenous growth regulators to alleviate pesticide stress still focuses on photosynthesis, the antioxidant system, three-stage detoxification, and secondary metabolites, neglecting the search for genes that respond to pesticide stress. We believe that by combining biological protection with post-harvest treatment techniques and exploring potential genes that are responsive to pesticide stress, a better strategy for dealing with pesticide stress can be found, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize cobs are valuable plant residues that can be used for many different purposes, including as a renewable energy source. Despite their value, maize cobs are still underutilized, mainly because people are not aware of their potential and harvesting techniques for their collection are still being developed. Therefore, this research focused on finding the most suitable energy- and time-efficient method for mechanical collection of maize cobs. Upgrading the combine harvester with an additional hopper proved to be the most promising solution, as it allows harvesting and storage of maize grain and maize cobs in one pass, while the harvesting time remains almost the same and the maize cobs are of good quality, as they do not fall on the field. A prototype with enlarged openings in the straw walkers, an additional grab container for maize cobs, a transport auger, a transport cleaning fan with built-in knives, a transport tube and some other assemblies was fabricated and used in practice. The first test results are very encouraging (94.4%-96.0% purity of maize cobs) and the system has been patented as a promising solution, especially in times when the environmental sustainability of the planet and energy independence are becoming increasingly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing invasion of Rugulopteryx okamurae algae along the coast of southeastern Spain has prompted efforts to explore its potential as a resource. Consequently, composting this alga is considered a viable solution for agricultural applications. This study investigates the composting process of mixtures of R. okamurae seaweed with plant residues and characterizes the final compost for its use as a substrate and/or source of nutrients to determine the most effective composition of the mixture. The composting process was conducted using varying proportions of seaweed (100%, 30–35%, and 15%) combined with plant residues (from vegetable plants, fruits, and gardens) and included both washed and unwashed seaweed. The first trials revealed challenges associated with Rugulopteryx okamurae, such as a low C/N ratio and algae washing. Consequently, a second trial was conducted to optimize the mixtures, aiming for a C/N ratio close to 30. Additionally, it was decided not to wash the algae to reduce the electrical conductivity (EC) in the mixtures. The findings indicate that the composting process remains unaffected by high electrical conductivity when algae are unwashed. However, washing the algae before composting did affect the compost quality, as the composts with washed algae with garden waste (SwP 34.0 dS m−1) had a lower electrical conductivity (EC) than did the unwashed composts with garden waste (SP 51.6 dS m−1 and SFP 64.9 dS m−1). On the other hand, the compost-only horticultural and garden waste (FHP 43.7 dS m−1) had a high EC; therefore, the EC was not increased with low proportions of unwashed algae, as was seen with the compost with 15% unwashed algae (SFHP 47.6 dS m−1). The other quality parameters were not affected by the absence of algae washing at the beginning of the composting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques have garnered significant attention as green and sustainable methods for obtaining biologically active substances from a diverse array of plant byproducts. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in obtaining bioactive compounds from various plant residues, including pomace, seeds, skins, and other agricultural byproducts. The main purpose of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the selective isolation and recovery of compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, that have significant health-promoting properties. Using supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) not only eliminates the need for hazardous organic solvents, e.g., ethanol, and methanol, but also protects heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Moreover, this green extraction technique contributes to waste valorisation by converting plant byproducts into value-added extracts with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review highlights the advantages of SFE, including its efficiency, eco-friendliness, and production of residue-free extracts, while discussing potential challenges and future prospects for the utilisation of SFE in obtaining biologically active substances from plant byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disturbances associated with land use and land cover changes negatively influence soil organic C, reducing ecosystem functionality. These adverse effects may be even more pronounced in Brazilian subtropical riparian zones due to recent changes in environmental legislation that reduced the size of these protected areas in small scale farms. This study evaluated how different land uses in riparian zones influence ecosystem services related to soil, litter, and roots C and N stocks. The field experiment was carried out in a drainage area with four land uses and cover: forest fragment (FF), plantation forest (PF), pasture (PA), and agriculture (AG). Soil, root, and litter C and N stocks were analyzed. Monocultures (PF, PA, and AG) had lower soil C and N stocks than FF. The FF and PF did not differ in litter and root C content, but FF had higher N values. Differences in the quality of plant residues were associated with a lower soil C: N ratio in FF. The lowest soil C and N stocks were observed in AG sites, and the conversion from AG to PF and PA seems to increase soil C and N stocks. Our findings indicate that, even in small forest patches, the higher quality of organic residues drives soil C and N storage, highlighting the negative effects of vegetation replacement to monocultures in riparian zones. Hence, the maintenance of riparian forests is essential for providing ecosystem services related to soil C and N cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has gained significant interest in the agroforestry sector, mainly because of its ability to improve soil quality and sequester carbon in the atmosphere. Among the feedstocks of possible use for biochar production is biomass, understood as products and residues of plant origin from agriculture and forestry. The quality of the biomass used for biochar production is important because the physicochemical characteristics of the final product depend on it. This review examines the use of biochar produced from forest wastes and its impact on agriculture, forest ecosystems and the environment in general. This work demonstrates that the use of biochar not only improves agricultural productivity and production, but also that the sustainable management of the environment and forests and contributes to forest fire risk mitigation. The authors, examining the physico-chemical properties of biochar produced by forest waste, noted that the most critical variable is the process (pyrolysis temperature, residence time and heating rate), but the type of biomass used as a raw material and the forest species used also have a significant impact in determining the characteristics of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Education & Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Education & Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Abstract The increase in fertilizer prices was 20% after the pandemic, which increased the cost of crop production in Peru. For this reason, research was conducted on the analysis of the chemical and biological characteristics and their relationship with the yield of radish nourished with compost based on plant residues. The objective was to analyze the chemical and biological characteristics and their relationship with the yield of radish nourished with vegetable waste-based compost. It is based on the methodology applied with an experimental approach; therefore, the statistical model of the Completely Randomized Block Design was used, which consisted of 3 blocks and 5 treatments that were T1 with 0, T2 with 4, T3 with 6, T4 with 8 and T5 with 10 t/ha of compost based on vegetable residues, and the doses were applied 14 days after sowing. Physical characteristics (total plant length, plant weight, bulb equatorial diameter and marketable yield), nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, molybdenum, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, chlorides and sodium) in leaves and stomata density were evaluated. The results determined that T5 stood out in total plant length with 28.07 cm, plant weight with 75 g, bulb equatorial diameter with 4.52 cm and commercial yield with 22.53 t/ha. In the total contribution of nitrogen in relation to yield with 300.44 kg/ha. Profitability with 186.8%. Quantification of stomata per treatment with 598 stomata/mm2 and concentration of nutrients in leaves at T3 with nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. It concludes that T5, which has an adequate concentration of nutrients in leaves such as magnesium, manganese, zinc and stomata density of 598 stomata/mm2 influenced optimal biochemical reactions that resulted in the highest yield with 22.53 t/ha, differing by 31.38% in relation to T1.

A comparative assessment of the processes of the initial stages of decomposition of plant residues (pine needles, spruce needles, leaves of boreal shrubs, moss thalli) in lichen-shrub pine forests and shrub-green-moss spruce forests formed under natural conditions at the northern limit of distribution was carried out. The characteristics of the litterfall initial composition, the rate of decomposition, and changes in the chemical composition of plant residues in the process of destruction caused by the forest type were studied. The higher initial content of Corg in the plant tissues of pine forests is associated with favourable lighting conditions under the forest canopy, while the high content of Mn in the tissues of ground cover plants in spruce forests is due to the direct influence of spruce needle litterfall rich in this nutrient. The results of the study clearly demonstrated that the forest type has a significant impact both on the initial quality of the litterfall of the same plant species and on the rate of decomposition: in the spruce forest, spruce needles and lingonberry leaves with a higher content of nutrients (Mg, Mn, P) and narrow ratios of elements (C:N, C:P) were characterised by more active decomposition processes. However, green moss litter, despite its high quality in spruce forests, decomposed more actively in pine forests, which may be due to a large amount of precipitation in pine forests. Thus, differences in the rate of decomposition of plant residues are influenced by a combination of the plant material quality, temperature conditions, and precipitation amount associated with the forest type.

Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBL) are soil insects important for the soil organic carbon cycle, and PBL frass not only contains a large amount of humic acid but also affects the diversity, novelty, and potential functions of actinomycetes. Here, we characterized and assessed the actinomycete. The operational taxonomic unit (OTU) data showed that 90% of the actinomycetes cannot be annotated to species, and pure culture and genome analysis showed that 35% of the strains had the potential to be new species, indicating the novelty of PBL frass actinomycetes. Additionally, genome annotation showed that many gene clusters related to antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal compound synthesis were identified, and confrontation culture confirmed the antifungal activities of the actinomycetes against soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi. The incubation experiment results showed that all isolates were able to thrive on media composed of straw powder and alkaline lignin. These results indicated that PBL hindgut-enriched actinomycetes could survive in soil by using the residual lignocellulose organic matter from plant residues, and the antibiotics produced not only give them a competitive advantage among soil microflora but also have a certain inhibitory effect on plant diseases and pests. This study suggests that the application of PBL frass can not only supplement soil humic acid but also potentially affect the soil microbiota of cultivated land, which is beneficial for the healthy growth of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]