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The present work explored the coupled hydrothermal pretreatment and cellulase hydrolysis (HPCH) for production of bacillomycin D from sorghum straws by Bacillus subtilis NS-174. The results indicated that HPCH treated sorghum straws had weaker absorption, heavier mass loss and higher crystallinity, and displayed loose and destructive fiber structures. Degradation of hemicellulose and lignin contributhed to yielding glucose and 68.94 g/L of glucose was obtained in HPCH treated hydrolysate. High level of glucose in pretreated sorghum straw hydrolysate was helpful for improving bacillomycin D production. When performed by 3rd round (feeding at 144 h) fed-batch fermentation, bacillomycin D production and production rate were obtained to be 2351.07 mg/L and 113.36 mg/L.h in B. subtilis NS-174, respectively. [Display omitted] • Green sorghum staw utilization process was explored for bacillomycin D production. • Degradation of hemicellulose and lignin contributed to yielding glucose. • Feeding HPCH treated hydrolysate boosted bacillomycin D production. • 68.94 g/L of glucose and 2351.07 mg/L of bacillomycin D were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate particulate matter (PM) emission characteristics from the combustion of commercial biomass pellet, a fixed-bed reactor was used to conduct combustion experiments of wood dust, cotton stalk and bamboo dust. The particle size distributions and main element composition of PM were analyzed. And the influence of element content on PM emission was discussed. It was found that the yields of PM10 from high to low was cotton stalk, wood dust and bamboo dust, and the yields were 27. 76, 20. 83 and 9. 65 mg/ m3, respectively. The PMs were mainly composed of submicron particles (PM1 ), and the proportion of PM1 to PM10 was more than 90%. PM1 was mainly composed of alkali metal chloride and sulfide, while PM1-10 was mainly composed of compounds formed by calcium magnesium silicate. Correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlated between biomass ash content and PM1 yield, while the content of Mg+Ca and n (Mg+Ca) / n (Si) were linearly correlated with PM1-10 yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a bast fiber plant known for its long fibers, making it an excellent source of pulp for paper production. In Ethiopia, flax is primarily cultivated for oil, with the residual straw utilized for papermaking. This study focuses on pulping flax straw using the Kraft process and investigates its chemical composition, proximate analysis, and morphological properties. The proximate analysis revealed an ash content of 4.13% and moisture content of 11%. Chemical composition analysis showed cellulose at 51.34%, hemicellulose at 25.20%, lignin at 14.12%, ash at 4.13%, and extractives at 5.21%. The morphological properties included a fiber length of 1.41 mm, diameter of 16.78 μm, lumen width of 9.45 μm, and cell wall thickness of 3.77 μm. Flax straw exhibited an acceptable Runkel ratio (0.8) and flexibility coefficient (56.32), placing it within the range of non-wood fibers. SEM analysis of the pulp's morphology was conducted to assess fiber structure, including the presence of cracks. Pulp quality and length are directly linked to paper strength. Various pulping conditions were studied using a full-factorial design, with optimum conditions being 10% alkaline, 131.74°C, and 120 min of cooking time, yielding a pulp with a Kappa number of 10.45 and a yield of 40.56%. The resulting paper demonstrated standard tensile, tearing, and burst strengths, indicating that flax straw is a promising raw material for paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Agricultural organic waste recycling can supply nutrients for crop production and partially replace chemical nitrogen fertilizers, which is beneficial for waste management and environmental protection. Nevertheless, comprehensive evaluation of the effects of different organic materials applications on crop yield and the environment is limited. Methods: Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive investigation of the synergistic effects of straw, pig manure, and biogas residue recycling on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) systems was carried out in the North China Plain. Field experiments were conducted from 2019 to 2021, comprising five treatments: straw (ST), pig manure (PM), and biogas residue (BR) partially replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer, sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer (CF), and a control with no nitrogen application (WN). Results and discussion: The results showed that organic materials significantly increased soil total nitrogen (3.04%-9.10%) and N recovery efficiency (REN; 42.21%-44.99%), but pig manure was more beneficial in increasing crop yields (3.50%), especially wheat yields (8.72%), and REN was significantly higher than that of the other treatments. Organic materials performed differently in wheat and maize seasons, and wheat yield could be improved by organic materials return. Organic materials stimulated N2O emission in wheat season (4.28%-32.20%), while biogas residue inhibited the N2O emission in maize season (47.47%). The negative effect of straw and biogas residue on yield decreased with increasing years of return, and pig manure continued to contribute to yield. In conclusion, pig manure is the optimal alternative that can increase crop yield, soil N content, and REN without stimulating N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of cardiac phases on cognitive and sensorimotor functions is noteworthy. Specifically, during systole, as opposed to diastole, there is an observed enhancement in tasks demanding the suppression of instructed responses. This suggests that systole contributes to inhibitory control in motor functions. However, the extent to which systolic inhibition is significant in volitional free‐choice actions, such as choosing to execute or refrain from a cue‐initiated response, remains to be clarified. To fill this gap in the current literature, the purpose of this study was to test whether during the systole phase, compared with the diastole phase, the tendency to enact volitional actions decreased due to the systolic inhibitory effect. We used a modified version of the Go/No‐Go task with an added condition for volitional free‐choice actions, where participants could decide whether to respond or not, to test whether systolic inhibition could affect the volitional decision to act. The results showed that participants' responses were less frequent in systole than in diastole in the volitional action condition. Then, to test the robustness of the cardiac effect on volitional actions, we used two established manipulations: the Straw Breathing Manipulation and the Cold Pressor Test, which were able to induce anxiety and increase the heart rate, respectively. Results showed that the systole/diastole difference in the number of volitional action trials in which participants decided to respond tended to remain the same despite all manipulations. Overall, our results provide convergent evidence for the effect of the heart on the decision to act, an effect that appears independent of manipulations of both the physiological and psychological state of the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption and transport of selenium (Se) in rice depend on the shared transport proteins and channels with other elements. However, the interactions between Se and other elements within the soil--rice system and their relationship with Se-enriched rice are still not well understood. Hence, we conducted pot experiments to investigate the transformation of Se forms in soil and the absorption and enrichment of Se in rice, which varied with other elements influenced by straw and straw biochar returning in Se-rich red paddy soil. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis was carried out to reveal the interaction between Se and other elements and the crucial processes in Se enrichment in rice grains. The results showed that the incorporation of straw and straw biochar into the fields increased the content of soil-soluble Se (SOL-Se) but significantly decreased the content of iron-manganese oxide-bound Se (FMO-Se) and organic matter-bound Se (OM-Se). Moreover, the rise in the soil-bioavailable Se was mainly attributed to the activation of FMO-Se and OM-Se. Compared with the NPK treatment, the contents of Se in rice grain were increased by 69.22% and 38.09%, under straw and biochar returning, respectively. However, the contents of Se in the leaves decreased. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) indicated that the migration of Se in rice plants was significantly influenced by differences in rice tissues and their interactions with other nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and Se], explaining 51.5% and 35.3% of the variations in Se content in different rice parts, respectively. The PLS-PM analysis demonstrated that the absorption of Se by rice roots and its transportation from the leaves to grains were crucial processes affecting Se enrichment in rice. However, these processes were modulated by the interaction between soil properties and root nutrients (N, P, and Se) induced by straw and straw biochar incorporation. The present study provides further understanding of the main factors and key processes in regulating Se absorption and transformation in the soil--rice system to more efficiently utilize Se-rich paddy fields through agricultural management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How different fertilization practices modify soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is still unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the changes in SOC stocks and their physical fractions after 10 years of organic and inorganic fertilization. Five treatments were established under a wheat-maize system in Northern China: control (CK), chemical fertilizer (F), straw plus chemical fertilizer (SF), manure plus chemical fertilizer (MF), and straw and manure plus chemical fertilizer (SMF). The results showed that the SOC sequestration rate at 0–20 cm depth decreased in the following order: SMF (1.36 Mg C/ha/yr) > MF (1.13 Mg C/ha/yr) > SF (0.72 C/ha/yr) > F (0.15 Mg C/ha/yr) > CK (−0.25 Mg C/ha/yr). The values indicated that straw returning and manure application were important measures to achieve the "4 per 1000" target, and the application of manure was a more effective strategy. The high input of chemical fertilizer only maintained the initial SOC level and was not a powerful C-farming practice. A minimum input of 4.93 Mg C/ha/yr was required to keep the initial SOC storage. The SOC associated with small macroaggregate (0.25–2 mm) was the most sensitive indicator for the changes of bulk SOC. In addition, the accumulation of SOC under SMF, MF, and SF treatments mainly occurred in the occluded particulate organic C (oPOC) in small macroaggregates, indicating that the physical protection of macroaggregates played a predominant role in SOC sequestration. The SMF, MF, and SF treatments also displayed higher mineral organic C (mSOC) in soil aggregates than the CK and F treatments. A transformation of oPOC towards the mSOC fraction indicated that exogenous C further shifted into stable C pools under the physical protection of soil aggregates. In conclusion, these findings confirmed the important role of straw returning and manure application in SOC accumulation and stabilization, highlighting that a combination strategy of straw + manure + chemical fertilizer had the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Straw fiber (SF) is a natural and environmentally friendly material, which has great potential in improving the hydro-mechanical behavior of cemented dredge sediment. However, the treatment mechanisms and optimum application dosage of SF in cemented sediment at high water content are unclear. This study investigates the effect of SF on the shear strength and permeability of cemented sediment at high water content (3 times the liquid limit). Methods: Various SF contents (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% and 12% by mass) and curing ages (3, 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, 180 days) were considered to improve cemented dredged sediment. The effectiveness of the improvement was evaluated through unconfined compression and permeability tests. Results: The test results show that there is an optimum SF content of 0.5%, below which the unconfined compression strength (qu) of SF-reinforced cemented sediment (SFCS) increased with SF content. Beyond this point, qu decreased with SF content. The brittleness index (Ib), which indicates the ductility behavior, increased with SF content across the entire SF range (0–12%). When SF addition was relatively low (< 0.5%), pore filling and bridge effects increased the interface force between SF and sediment particles, resulting in positive effects on the improvement of SFCS strength. However, when SF content exceeded 0.5%, the higher organic matter from SF could suppress pozzolanic reaction, leading to weaker cemented bonding between sediment particles and hence lower sediment strength. Conclusion: This study suggests that 0.5% SF should be applied in cemented dredged sediment at high water content to optimize its strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization is closely related to the terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle and global climate change. Reasonable tillage and nutrient management can be adopted to improve the carbon accumulation and sequestration potential in soil. It is urgent to explore the relationship between tillage-nutrient management and SOC stability in the process of soil biochemistry, within the context of carbon sequestration and emission reduction. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the effects of tillage and nutrient management on SOC mineralization in fluvo-aquic soil of North China. A 15-year long-term positioning experiment was carried out on the tillage and nutrient management (2007-2022). Two main treatments were set: rotate plow without straw return (RP-S), and deep plow with straw return (DP+S). Three secondary treatments were set: controlled fertilization (CK), Conventional fertilization (CON), and Optimized fertilization (OPT), with a total of six treatments. Soil samples were collected at 0-20 cm depth in October 2022. Some parameters were measured, including the contents of SOC and activated carbon components, as well as the carbon pool management index. SOC mineralization rate was determined by the incubation method. A first-order kinetic model was used to calculate the potential mineralization and turnover rates. The structural equation model was fitted to reveal the turnover and sequestration of SOC under different tillage and nutrient management. The experimental results show that the C/N (SOC and TN ratio) generally shared a decreasing trend under the condition of RP-S, while the C/N generally shared an increasing first and then decreased trend under the condition of DP+S. Compared with the RP-S, DP+S treatments increased the contents of activated carbon components in soil, and the carbon pool management index (CPMI) increased significantly. Compared with CON, OPT significantly increased the content of SOC, with incremental rates of 12.35%. OPT significantly increased the readily oxidizable carbon (ROC) and CPMI with the condition of DP+S. SOC mineralization rates were the highest in the 1 d and then decreased rapidly. After 10 d incubation, SOC mineralization rates decreased slowdown until it stabilized. The SOC mineralization rate was in agreement with the logarithmic function. Nutrient management enhanced the mineralization rates of SOC in the fluvo-aquic soils in the following order: OPT>CON>CK. SOC mineralization rates in all treatments were consistent with the first-order kinetic model. DP+S significantly increased the cumulative mineralization rate (value of C0/SOC) by 23.59%, while the OPT significantly reduced the value of C0/SOC by 22.12%. The accumulative mineralization of SOC (Ct) was significantly and positively correlated with the SOC, activated carbon components, and soil carbon pool management index (P<0.01), both of which were significantly and positively correlated with Potential mineralizable of SOC (C0) in the fluvo-aquic soils (P<0.05). Tillage management, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and ROC were the direct factors of SOC mineralization and sequestration potential in soil. Tillage and fertilization management dominated the SOC mineralization by the contents of SOC and activated carbon components, then impacting soil carbon sequestration potential. According to the SOC accumulation content, the direct positive impact of long-term deep plow with straw return treatment on soil carbon sequestration potential can be fully counteracted by the indirect negative effect of the increase in SOC and activated carbon components on soil carbon sequestration potential. In conclusion, Long-term DP+S with OPT significantly improved the stability of soil structure and the SOC sequestration potential. Optimal fertilization reduced the cumulative SOC mineralization rate of soil and then enhanced the SOC accumulation and sustainable utilization of farmland resources. The finding can also provide ideal farmland management to optimize the combination of tillage and fertilization in fluvo-aquic soil of North China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an innovative approach that promotes sustainable farming while enhancing soil health. However, residue management challenges often hinder its adoption, causing farmers to burn crop leftovers in fields. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various furrow openers under simulated soil bin conditions. Three types of furrow openers were examined: single disk (SD), Inverted T-type furrow opener with a plain rolling coulter (ITRC), and double disc (DD) furrow opener. Tests were conducted at different forward speeds (1.5, 2, and 2.5 km h−1) and with three straw densities (1, 2, and 3 t ha−1) at a consistent working depth of 5 cm. Draft measurements were obtained using load cells connected to an Arduino-based data-logging system. Results indicated that draft requirements increased with forward speed and straw density, while straw-cutting efficiency decreased with these factors. Average draft values for SD, ITRC, and DD were 290.3 N, 420 N, and 368.5 N, respectively, and straw-cutting efficiencies were 53.62%, 59.47%, and 74.89%, respectively. The DD furrow opener showed the highest straw-cutting efficiency (81.36%) at a working speed of 1.5 km h−1 and a straw density of 1 t ha−1, demonstrating optimal performance compared to other furrow openers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Cobalt (Co) contamination in soils potentially affects human health through the food chain. Although rice (Oryza sativa) as a staple food is a major dietary source of human Co intake, it is poorly understood how Co is taken up by the roots and accumulated in rice grain. In this study, we physiologically characterized Co accumulation and identified the transporter for Co2+ uptake in rice. A dose‐dependent experiment showed that Co mainly accumulated in rice roots. Further analysis with LA‐ICP‐MS showed Co deposited in most tissue of the roots, including exodermis, endodermis and stele region. Co accumulation analysis using mutants defective in divalent cation uptake showed that Co2+ uptake in rice is mediated by the Mn2+/Cd2+/Pb2+ transporter OsNramp5, rather than OsIRT1 for Fe2+ and OsZIP9 for Zn2+. Knockout of OsNramp5 enhanced tolerance to Co toxicity. Heterologous expression of OsNramp5 showed transport activity for Co2+ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Co2+ uptake was inhibited by either Mn2+ or Cd2+ supply. At the reproductive stage, the Co concentration in the straw and grains of the OsNramp5 knockout lines was decreased by 41%–48% and 28%–36%, respectively, compared with that of the wild‐type rice. The expression level of OsNramp5 in the roots was not affected by Co2+. Taken together, our results indicate that OsNramp5 is a major transporter for Co2+ uptake in rice, which ultimately mediates Co accumulation in the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backround: Buffaloes contributes heavily to the livestock sector of India and buffaloes are preferred for milk production in India due to their efficiency and better nutrients in milk. Major part of their diet constitute roughage which is usually wheat straw in north-western region of India. WB 2 is a biofortified wheat variety with high zinc and iron levels in its grain, has been developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research in Karnal, Haryana. This study aimed at comparing the benefits of substituting conventional straw with WB 2 straw. Methods: The present experiment was conducted on 12 Murrah buffaloes, divided into two groups i.e., Control (T0) and Treatment (T1) based on body weight, parity and previous milk record. Feeding continued for a period of 90 days as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard. The wheat straw, oats fodder and concentrate mixture was fed in the ratio 50:15:35 (on DM basis) in both the groups. However, in control group, conventional wheat straw was used and in the treatment group, biofortified wheat variety straw was utilized. Result: Non-significant differences (P>0.05) were observed when both the groups were compared for body weight and dry matter intake on fortnightly basis. Similarly, haematology was carried out on monthly basis and there were non-significant differences (P>0.05) between the two groups. Non-significant difference for plasma IgG1 was also recorded. The study reveals that the feeding of biofortified wheat variety (WB 2) straw had no impact on immunity of lactating Murrah buffaloes compared to conventional straw-based diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return is an effective measure to increase soil sustainability. However, few studies have examined the effects of different straw return methods on soil structure, soil organic carbon content and maize yield or the potential relationships between those variables. Therefore, we developed a field orientation experiment to study the effects of different straw return methods on soil porosity, soil aggregate stability, the soil organic carbon content and maize yield. Four treatments were established: flat no-tillage with full straw mulching (FM), ridge no-tillage with full straw mulching (LM), rotary tillage with full straw incorporation (LX), and conventional tillage without straw (CK) as the control treatment. Compared with those of the CK treatment, the soil porosities (f) in the FM, LM and LX treatments significantly increased by 6.7%, 8.8% and 7.9%, respectively; the soil aggregate destruction rates (PAD) decreased by 17.3%, 34.3% and 16.9%, respectively. In addition, the FM, LM and LX treatments effectively increased the mean mass diameters (MWDs) of the soil aggregates and the soil organic carbon content. Compared with those in the CK treatment, the three-year average yields in the FM, LM and LX treatments significantly increased by 5.2%, 7.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Moreover, the f, MWD, soil organic carbon content and corn yield were positively correlated. Our study indicates that the LM treatment was most effective in improving soil structure and increasing soil organic carbon content with corn yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application has received much attention because biochar can be used as an organic amendment. The nutrient release patterns and interactions in straw biochar produced at different temperatures are not well understood. In this study, we observed the release patterns of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and the interaction between released C, N, P, and K from straw biochar prepared from 225 to 600 °C through a 180-day degradation experiment. The results showed that the degradation rate of the two kinds of straw biochar was faster in the first 30 days at different temperatures, and that of the straw biochar prepared before 300 °C was more rapid, indicating that 300 °C is an important turning point. The rule of nutrient release in the straw biochar showed that the K release rate was the highest and most rapid and was more than 60% in the first 30 days. The nutrient release rates for the two kinds of straw biochar were in the order K > N > P > C. The release of nutrients accompanied the decomposition of the straw biochar, and there was an exponential relationship between the amount of nutrients released from straw biochar and its degradation mass. There were collaborative or similar release processes indicated by significant positive correlations between the released C and N (R2 = 0.96) and P and K (R2 = 0.94) in the tobacco straw biochar and an obvious correlation between the released C and N (R2 = 0.76) in the rice straw biochar. These results indicated that the released C and N, P, and K in tobacco straw biochar, as well as C and N in rice straw biochar, have synergistic effects and the same degradation path. The application of straw biochar can provide a source of P and N in the short term and a source of P and C in the long term. This study suggests that returning straw biochar to the soil could appropriately reduce the input of K fertilizer in the early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is an important renewable resource. Under the circumstance of global resource shortage and energy shortage, it is of great significance to vigorously develop comprehensive utilization of straw. It is not only an important way to realize agricultural circular economy and low-carbon economy, but also involves sustainable development issues such as soil fertility, environmental security and efficient utilization of renewable resources in the entire agricultural ecosystem. Straw fiber ecological blanket has a good function of air permeability and water permeability, and has a significant positive effect on the ecological protection of soil surface microenvironment. Mechanical kneading is the key technology for the dismantling and optimization of agricultural waste straw fiber. In this study, the optimal process input is the spindle speed, hammer tooth clearance and material water content, and the output is the straw silk rate and calibrated unit productivity. An intelligent model was developed using Box-Behnken response surface method (RSM) to determine the functional relationship between input and output parameters. The three evaluation index models all have high reliability, and the determination coefficients are R 2 > 0.95 and R 2 > 0.94, respectively. The variance analysis of RSM regression model clarified that the influence of various factors on straw silk ratio was in the order of spindle speed > water content > hammer tooth clearance, and the linear relationship between spindle speed and straw silk ratio was increasing. The significant influence on the calibrated unit power productivity of the kneading machine is in the order of hammer tooth clearance > spindle speed > moisture content. When the hammer tooth clearance is constant, it decreases first and then increases with the spindle speed and straw moisture content. The results of factor interaction analysis showed that when the water content of straw was 40%, the spindle speed was 2 500 r/min, and the hammer tooth clearance was 13 mm, the silk ratio of rice straw was 96.75%. When the straw moisture content is 60%, the spindle speed is 2 300 r/min, and the hammer tooth clearance is 11.08 mm, the maximum calibrated unit power productivity is 29.96 kg/(kW·h). Mathematical model process parameters optimization: straw moisture content is 41.2%, spindle speed is 2 498 r/min, hammer tooth clearance is 12.84 mm. Under the combination of these parameters, the rice straw silk ratio is 96.93%, and the calibrated unit power productivity is 29.33 kg/(kW·h). Under optimized conditions, the proportion of fibers with length of 40～70 mm and > 70 mm showed an increasing trend, especially the fiber with length of > 70 mm increased by 120.55%. The proportion of fiber length-to-width ratio > 50～80 and > 80 increased from 17.39% and 6.52% to 38.64% and 16.01%, respectively. Ultra depth of field microscopy showed that the self-interweaving formability of kneaded straw fiber was significantly improved. The optimized mechanical kneading cost of straw fiber can be reduced by 27.50 yuan/t. The mechanical kneading technology strategy of the RSM model developed in this paper is effective for improving the decomposition rate of biomass straw and reducing the consumption of biomass straw, and can be widely used in the production of high-value agricultural products based on large fiber bundles of straw. The mechanical kneading technique strategy of the RSM model developed in this paper is effective for improving the decomposing silk rate and reducing the consumption of biomass straw, and can be widely used in the production of large-size fiber bundle straw based high-value agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) and recovery with nitrogen (N) fertilization rates in crop rotations need further exploration. The effect of cropping sequence and N fertilization rate were evaluated on spring wheat N concentration and uptake, N harvest index (NHI), N-use efficiency (NUE), and N recovery index (NRI) from 2012 to 2019 in the northern Great Plains, USA. Cropping sequences were conventional till spring wheat-fallow (CTWF), no-till spring wheat-fallow (NTWF), no-till spring wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L.) (NTWP), and no-till continuous spring wheat (NTCW), and N fertilization rates to spring wheat were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1. Straw N concentration and N uptake were greater for CTWF than NTWP and NTCW in 4 out of 8 years and increased with increased N fertilization rate. Grain N concentration and NHI varied with treatments and years. Grain N uptake was greater for CTWF and NTWF than NTWP and NTCW at most N fertilization rates and years. In contrast, NUE was greater for NTCW than CTWF and NTWF at all N fertilization rates in most years. The NRI was greater for NTWP or NTCW than CTWF or NTWF in most years. Increasing N fertilization rate increased grain N uptake for most cropping sequences in all years but had a variable effect on NUE and NRI. Although spring wheat N concentration and N uptake were superior for CTWF and NTWF, and NUE for NTCW, NTWP with 50 to 100 kg N ha−1 can be used to sustain grain yield, N uptake, NUE, and NRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis 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 recent years, biomass utilization has significantly increased, presenting challenges in its incorporation into various systems. Effective handling requires reliable data on biomass flow properties for designing warehouses and processing equipment. This study investigates the physical properties of ground barley grains, ground oak leaves, ground straw, and cut jute. Barley grains, oak leaves, and straw bales were milled, and jute was cut into 2–3 mm lengths and oven-dried. Particle size distribution, bulk density, Hausner ratio, Carr's index, moisture content, static angle of repose, and flowability tests and SEM analysis were conducted. The study found that ground barley, having the smallest particle size and highest bulk density, showed superior flow properties due to its rounded particles and clusters, as reflected by a low Hausner ratio. In contrast, jute fibers had a low bulk density and poor flowability, while ground straw exhibited hindered flow due to its larger, more irregular particles. Additionally, the biomass sliding behavior varied with particle size and surface irregularities, with ground barley adhering well to plywood and ground oak leaves adhering well to aluminum. These findings underscore the pivotal roles of particle shape and interparticle forces in determining the biomass flow properties, pointing towards a future where precise environmental control and advanced analytical methods drive innovations in biomass utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing fertilizer-N rate, applying a nitrification inhibitor (NI), and incorporating straw are widely recommended to improve N use efficiency of crops and decrease N losses. A field 15N tracer study was conducted to compare their effectiveness on fertilizer-N fates during the maize growing season in Northeast China. The following six treatments were used: (1) no N fertilization (control); (2) 200 kg urea-N ha−1 (100%N); (3) 200 kg urea-N ha−1 and straw (100%N + S); (4) 160 kg urea-N ha−1 (80%N); (5) 160 kg urea-N ha−1 and NI (Nitrapyrin in this study) (80%N + NI); and (6) 160 kg urea-N ha−1, NI, and straw (80%N + NI + S). The results showed that the five N fertilization treatments yielded 16–25% more grain and 39–60% more crop N uptake than the control, but the differences among the five treatments were not statistically significant. Compared with the 100%N, 20% fertilizer-N reduction (80%N) decreased the 15N concentration in topsoil and plant pools but increased the proportion of plant 15N recovery at harvesting (NUE15N, 60% vs. 50%). Compared with the 80%N, NI co-application (80%N + NI) delayed soil nitrification and increased soil 15N retention at harvesting (52% vs. 36%), thereby decreasing NUE15N significantly. Straw incorporation decreased fertilizer-N retention in soil compared with NI co-application because it promoted NUE15N significantly. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that NI and straw additions are efficient strategies for stabilizing fertilizer-N in soils and potentially minimizing N loss; however, their effects on NUE15N vary and the related mechanism must be further clarified in long-term trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return has important impacts on black soil protection, food security, and environmental protection. One year of straw return (S1) reduces rice yield and increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the effects of successive years of straw return on rice yield, soil nutrients, and GHG emissions in the northeast rice region are still unclear. Therefore, we conducted four successive years of straw return (S4) in a positional experiment to investigate the effects of different years of straw return on rice yield, soil nutrients, and GHG emissions in the northeast rice region. The experimental treatments included the following: no straw return (S0), a year of straw return (S1), two successive years of straw return (S2), three successive years of straw return (S3), and four successive years of straw return (S4). Compared with S1, the rice yields of S2, S3, and S4 increased by 10.89%, 15.46%, and 16.98%, respectively. But only S4 increased by 4.64% compared to S0, while other treatments were lower than S0. S4 increased panicles per m2 and spikelets per panicle by 9.34% and 8.93%, respectively, compared to S1. Panicles per m2 decreased by 8.06% at S4 compared to S0, while spikelets per panicle increased by 13.23%. Compared with S0, the soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, NH4+-N, NO3−-N, available phosphorus, and available potassium of S4 increased by 11.68%, 10.15%, 24.62%, 21.38%, 12.33%, and 13.35%, respectively. Successive years of rice straw return decreased GHG intensity (GHGI). Compared with S1, the GHGI of S4, S3, and S2 decreased by 16.2%, 11.84%, and 9.36%, respectively. Thus, S4 increased rice yield and soil nutrients, reducing GHGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The bioeconomy relies strongly on the availability of biomass, including biogenic waste, residues and by-products. The cost of supply often represents a significant proportion of the total value of the resource. However, there is limited insight into the current supply costs of wastes, residues and by-products. This includes straw, which is the most important agricultural by-product in Germany. Despite its importance, standardised information on supply costs or market prices, as well as their temporal and spatial variation, is missing. Aim: Therefore, there is an urgent need for the temporal and spatial monitoring of individual cost components within total supply costs. This is essential to identify the most cost-effective options for the utilisation of agricultural by-products. Therefore, this study focuses on the case of straw to develop a model capable of visualising and mapping regional supply costs over time. Method: We use an activity-based costing approach to calculate and monitor regional supply costs, defined as the monetary expenditure required to make straw available at the farm level. Our methodology combines typical technical and operational aspects of straw collection and transport with regional wage statistics, yield data, farm sizes, fuel prices and labour costs. We also consider storage costs and opportunity costs associated with nutrient replacement and conduct sensitivity analyses to measure their impact. To validate our calculations, we compare them with actual straw prices. To establish a reliable cost monitoring system, we propose an approach to assess the quality of input data. Result: In 2011, the regional supply costs for straw varied from 45.72 EUR/Mg[FM] to 92.92 EUR/Mg[FM], showing a wide range. Over the years, the German average supply cost for straw increased from 56.78 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2010 to 58.79 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2020, with a peak of 61.24 EUR/Mg[FM] in 2018. This suggests that the temporal impact on mass-specific costs is relatively moderate compared to the spatial distribution of supply costs. The sensitivity analysis highlights storage time and costs, straw yield and wage levels as the main drivers of supply costs. Doubling the storage period from 3 to 6 months increases total costs by 20%. On average, the costs explain 75% of the straw price across all federal states, depending on annual price and cost levels. The quality assessment of input data shows that currently 68% of the data cannot be automatically extracted for continuous monitoring. Detailed results are available in a corresponding data publication: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8145082. Conclusion: In the absence of standardised market prices, the model presented provides an approach to estimating the supply costs of straw, expressed in terms of the monetary cost to farmers of mobilising straw. This cost information could be a valid database for further techno-economic assessments or models to evaluate the economic feasibility of straw valorisation. Due to the modular structure of the model, the future development of supply costs can be considered if the input data are adapted to future scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the current problems of poor crushing effect, high energy consumption, slow decomposition speed and low degree of decomposition of banana straw after crushing etc., a banana straw crushing and returning machine with rotting agent spraying device was designed. The straight shaped knife was optimized, the arrangement of knife roller was symmetrical single helix arrangement, the crushing knife axle rotational speed range was 1 500~1 860 r·min-1, the spraying device selected 180 L tank and fan nozzle with spray angle of 90°, single nozzle flow rate was 0.8 L·min-1, and 4 nozzles were fixed to the drug pole at 370 mm intervals. A two-factor, three-level field test and a comparative test was conducted with the forward speed of the machine and the rotational speed of the knife roller as independent variables, and the qualified rate of straw crushing and unevenness of spreading as dependent variables. The results showed that the machine forward speed was 1.4 m·s-1 and the knife roller rotational speed was 1 860 r·min-1, and the qualified rate of banana straw crushing was 93.08% and the unevenness of spreading was 12.11%. This device realized the joint operation of banana straw crushing and rotting, which not only improved the crushing effect of straw but also promoted the decomposition of straw organic matter compared with the previous generation of machines, and provided technical references for the research of the subsequent banana straw rotting and field returning machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, biomass utilization has significantly increased, presenting challenges in its incorporation into various systems. Effective handling requires reliable data on biomass flow properties for designing warehouses and processing equipment. This study investigates the physical properties of ground barley grains, ground oak leaves, ground straw, and cut jute. Barley grains, oak leaves, and straw bales were milled, and jute was cut into 2–3 mm lengths and oven-dried. Particle size distribution, bulk density, Hausner ratio, Carr’s index, moisture content, static angle of repose, and flowability tests and SEM analysis were conducted. The study found that ground barley, having the smallest particle size and highest bulk density, showed superior flow properties due to its rounded particles and clusters, as reflected by a low Hausner ratio. In contrast, jute fibers had a low bulk density and poor flowability, while ground straw exhibited hindered flow due to its larger, more irregular particles. Additionally, the biomass sliding behavior varied with particle size and surface irregularities, with ground barley adhering well to plywood and ground oak leaves adhering well to aluminum. These findings underscore the pivotal roles of particle shape and interparticle forces in determining the biomass flow properties, pointing towards a future where precise environmental control and advanced analytical methods drive innovations in biomass utilization.

Given the shortcomings of inadequate vacuum transfer effectiveness, susceptibility to clogging, and environmental impact, i.e., white pollution, associated with standard plastic drainage boards, this paper introduces an innovative solution termed combined vertical drain (CVD). This CVD is composed of biodegradable straw materials and tailings sand. Through controlled indoor model experiments, the drainage and consolidation performance of the CVD is investigated across varying proportions of straw content. The findings indicate that increasing the concentration of straw within the mixture of straw particles and tailings sand (referred to as MST) within the drain distinctly mitigates the diminishment of the vacuum condition during the vertical drainage transfer. Optimal elevation of the straw component in MST can notably reduce the duration required for vacuum preloading and enhance displacement up to a certain value. Nonetheless, an excessive increase in the straw composition not only fails to enhance drainage effectiveness but also raises the organic matter level within the soil. Furthermore, compared with the average water content difference of soil in different model box test units after vacuum preloading, the average divergence in vane shear strength of test soil exhibits a more pronounced variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】 Straw return not only improves soil fertility but also soil structure and soil health. In this paper we systematically analyze the effects of different biotic and abiotic factors on effect of straw return on soil nitrogen. 【Method】 The meta-analysis was based on 42 papers indexed by CNKI, Web of Science and Science of Direct, in where there were 314 pairs of data that compared nitrogen change in soils with and without straw return. Other factors considered include straw types, soil conditions prior to straw return, straw return methods, straw return amount, nitrogen fertilization, years after inception of straw return. 【Result】 Regardless of straw types, straw return increased total soil nitrogen content. Straw return promoted nitrogen accumulation in sandy and loam soil more than in clay soils. In alkaline soils, straw return improved nitrogen fixation. The efficacy of straw return in increasing soil nitrogen decreased with the increase in carbon-nitrogen ratio of organic matter in soil. Compared to soil without straw return, straw return combined with plowing, rotary tillage, and no-tillage increased soil total nitrogen content by 9.11%, 7.84% and 5.34%, respectively. Straw return also increased soil nitrogen accumulation, but the increase was not significantly dependent on straw amount. Applying less than 150 kg/hm2 of straw improved soil nitrogen fixation at the same level as applying 150-250 kg/hm2 of straw. When nitrogen fertilization exceeded 250 kg/hm2, straw return significantly increased soil nitrogen accumulation. The length of period over which straw return was implemented did not affect soil nitrogen significantly, and the effect of long-term straw return application (>10 a) and short-term straw return application (1-4 a) on soil nitrogen change was approximately the same. 【Conclusion】 Coarse alkaline soils with low C/N ratio facilitate straw decomposition and nitrogen mineralization. Our results show that combining straw return with tillage and rational nitrogen fertilization was effective in improving soil nitrogen accumulation in soils where straw return application had been implemented for less than 10 years.

Extended Abstract Background: Soil erosion is one of the global problems that threatens water and soil resources. Protecting and recovering bare and uncovered soils, as well as diverting surface runoff from the soil, are an efficient method for reducing soil erosion in sensitive and erosion-prone areas. Among the activities to prevent soil erosion are to maintain the natural vegetation of the area and stabilize bare and uncovered soils with the help of temporary or permanent methods. The use of erosion control blankets is a soil bio-engineering method that can effectively reduce runoff and sediment and increase slope stability. Therefore, the current research aimed to temporarily stabilize soil using protective covering treatments, such as jute, straw, wood chips, Festuca grass cover, and nano zeolite super absorbent, to reduce the amount of runoff and sediment. Methods: The study area is the Darabkola Forest (the educational-research forest of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources), with an area of about 2612 hectares located in the southeast of Sari City between 52° 14′ E and 36° 28′ N. To measure the amount of runoff and sediment in the Darabkola Forest, plots with dimensions of 70 x 50 cm and a depth of 10 cm were created using galvanized sheets. Then, plots were placed on the ground with a slope of 3%. Erosion control blanket treatments made of jute filled with wood chips, straw, and nanozeolite superabsorbents were prepared and located in the plots, as well as jute cover, jute cover with Festuca grass, and Festuca grass. Rain simulation tests were conducted for each sample (30 minutes with an intensity of 50 mm.h-1) and the amount of runoff from the plots was measured at 5-minute intervals using a graduated cylinder placed at the bottom of the plots. Sediment concentration was measured by weighing the samples after settling the runoff and passing it through filter paper. Sediment concentration was calculated by dividing the amount of sediment by the volume of runoff. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for seven treatments. Duncan's test was used to compare the means. Pearson's correlation analysis was also used to investigate the relationship between runoff and sediment concentration in runoff. Results: The results of statistical analysis showed that the highest amount of runoff (0.77 mm.h-1) belonged to the control treatment, and the lowest amount was recorded in the treatment of straw and the Festuca herbaceous species (0.24 and 0.27 mm.h-1, respectively). Overall, the straw treatment reduced the amount of runoff by 69% and the Festuca herbaceous species treatment reduced it by 64% compared to the control plot. The results of sediment concentration revealed 63% and 52% decreases in the amount of sediment in the samples belonging to the treatment of jute cover and jute cover together with Festuca species, respectively, compared to the control plot. The highest sediment concentration was measured in the control sample (7.13 g/ml). The presence of Festuca in the soil reduced the sediment by 2%, which shows that the presence of a herbaceous species such as Festuca does not considerably reduce the sediment concentration compared to the other treatments such as jute. Examining the coefficients obtained from Pearson's correlation analysis between runoff rate and sediment concentration in runoff for different treatments indicated that the stabilizer addition to the soil reduced sediment and reduced surface runoff in some treatments. A positive and significant correlation was found between runoff and sediment in wood chips, straw, Fesuka, and nanozeolite treatments, while a negative and significant correlation was recorded for Jute + Festuca and the Jute treatment. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that the use of erosion control blankets with combinations of different materials, such as straw and stubble, nanozeolite, and wood chips, along with the Festuca grass cover, can reduce runoff volume and reduce soil erosion and waste, especially in forest road trenches containing soils without vegetation. Moreover, grass cover (such as Festuca) increases water permeability in the soil and prevents soil loss. Therefore, using these erosion blankets can reduce soil erosion around forest roads.

The demand for new products derived from agro-industrial residues has increased recently. Furthermore, vinasse, a wastewater from ethanol production, needs treatment to be reused in the sugarcane industry, reducing industrial water consumption. This study performed vinasse filtration with charcoal from industrial sugarcane residues and used filtered molasses dilution in ethanolic fermentation. There were five treatments in randomized blocks with three repetitions. The treatments included deionized water and natural vinasse as positive and negative controls, respectively, and filtered vinasse from charcoal made from bamboo, sugarcane bagasse, and straw. Hence, fermentation for ethanol production was performed. Compared with natural vinasse, filtered vinasse with all types of charcoal showed lower soluble solids, total residual reducing sugars, higher ethanol concentrations, and greater fermentative efficiency. Filtered vinasse from bagasse and straw charcoals had efficiencies of 81.14% and 77.98%, respectively, in terms of ethanol production, which are close to those of deionized water (81.49%). In a hypothetical industry, vinasse charcoal filtration and charcoal regeneration should prevent 84.12% of water consumption from environmental resources. This process is feasible because it uses a product of sugarcane residue to treat wastewater and reduce industrial water consumption and vinasse disposal. HIGHLIGHTS Charcoal from sugar mill residues can be used for vinasse filtration.; The filtered vinasse should be used in molasses dilution.; Filtered vinasse has a fermentation efficiency close to deionized water in molasses dilution.; Using bagasse and straw charcoal for vinasse filtration in industry is feasible.; Charcoal regeneration is possible, and it may increase porosity.;

Contamination of leachate due to excessive rainwater infiltration into landfill sites presents a significant environmental and public health concern. This study aims to address the adverse impacts of cadmium (Cd) pollution in leachate, specifically its risks to human health and the environment. To address this issue, the research investigates the use of natural adsorbents to mitigate agricultural waste. Straw and cassava peel, abundantly available in Indonesia due to the country's substantial rice and cassava production, were selected as potential adsorbents. The findings of this study are important for guiding pollution control measures and evaluating community activities near pollution sources, particularly focusing on Cd pollution originating from Putri Cempo in Jatirejo Village, Mojosongo, Jebres, Surakarta. The research shows that cassava peel waste is highly effective in adsorbing cadmium metal levels in leachate, with a significant total effectiveness (EF%) rating of 0.3144. Additionally, the study identifies the optimal burning temperature for activated charcoal derived from cassava peel as 600°C, resulting in the highest EF% value of 0.515152.

The implementation of unsuitable tillage practices has the potential to disrupt the structure integrity of the ploughed layer, as well as to influence the physical parameters of the soil. The application of a reasonable tillage method has been demonstrated to result in an improvement in the physical quality of the soil. Three autumn tillage practices have been implemented at the Dongyang Experimental Station of Shanxi Agricultural University since 2016: no-tillage with straw mulch (NTS), autumn rotary tillage with straw incorporation (RTS), and autumn plough tillage with straw incorporation (PTS). The impact of autumn tillage practices on soil physical quality in the 0-30 cm profile of spring corn fields was evaluated following the corn harvest in 2018 and 2019. The results showed that compared to the NTS treatment, the application of RTS was found to have decreased significantly by 9.6%-24.2% in soil bulk density, while it increased significantly by 12.8%-34.0% in total porosity and by 43.5%-146.4% in macroporosity at a depth of 5-10 cm. In comparison to the NTS treatment, the adoption of PTS was found to decrease significantly by 10.7%-30.5% soil bulk density, while it increased significantly by 9.9%-42.7% the total porosity and 23.1%-202.8% the macroporosity at a depth of 0-10 cm. Furthermore, the soil microporosity significantly increase of 7.5%-11.1% under the RTS treatment at the 0-5 cm soil depth and 7.7%-11.2% under the PTS treatment at the 10-20 cm soil depth. Soil physical quality index (SQI) significantly increase under the RTS and PTS treatments, with a 41.26% and 57.57% improvement, respectively, in comparison to the NTS treatment. In summary, the adoption of autumn tillage with straw return (RTS and PTS) demonstrated a reduction in soil bulk density, an increase in soil porosity, macroporosity, and a promotion of capillary porosity, and promoted the improvement of soil physical quality on the Eastern Loess Plateau when compared to no-tillage with straw mulch (NTS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant difference between the simulation effect and the actual effect in the design process of maize straw-breaking equipment due to the lack of accurate simulation model parameters in the breaking and processing of maize straw. This article used a combination of physical experiments, virtual simulation, and machine learning to calibrate the simulation parameters of maize straw. A bimodal-distribution discrete element model of maize straw was established based on the intrinsic and contact parameters measured via physical experiments. The significance analysis of the simulation parameters was conducted via the Plackett–Burman experiment. The Poisson ratio, shear modulus, and normal stiffness of the maize straw significantly impacted the peak compression force of the maize straw and steel plate. The steepest-climb test was carried out for the significance parameter, and the relative error between the peak compression force in the simulation test and the peak compression force in the physical test was used as the evaluation index. It was found that the optimal range intervals for the Poisson ratio, shear modulus, and normal stiffness of the maize straw were 0.32–0.36, 1.24 × 108–1.72 × 108 Pa, and 5.9 × 106–6.7 × 106 N/m3, respectively. Using the experimental data of the central composite design as the dataset, a GA–BP neural network prediction model for the peak compression force of maize straw was established, analyzed, and evaluated. The GA–BP prediction model's accuracy was verified via experiments. It was found that the ideal combination of parameters was a Poisson ratio of 0.357, a shear modulus of 1.511 × 108 Pa, and a normal stiffness of 6.285 × 106 N/m3 for the maize straw. The results provide a basis for analyzing the damage mechanism of maize straw during the grinding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservative ingredients in cosmetic formulations undertake a necessary role in the prevention of microbial contamination. In this field, there is an unmet need for natural, sustainable, and effective preservatives. Thus, the main goal of this work was to evaluate a sugarcane straw extract-based ingredient and investigate its potential as a preservative for cosmetic applications. Different ingredients were developed using several cosmetic solvents to improve the solubility of the extracted compounds. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The 1,2-hexanediol was the solvent that allowed us to achieve the ingredient (20% dry extract dispersed in 25% 1,2-hexanediol in water) with the best antimicrobial performance, showing a minimum inhibitory concentration of between 5% and 3% (I). The 5% (w/v) concentration of this ingredient complied with the USP51 standards for cosmetic preservatives. Real-time (25 °C, 65% RH) and accelerated stability (40 °C, 75% RH) tests were conducted to determine the ingredient stability, and it was found that one month of storage time at room temperature would be ideal for better ingredient stability and performance in terms of composition, pH, color, and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cattle slurry used as fertilizer in crop production is a mix of feces, urine, water, and bedding material from the housing system. Previous studies have shown that slurry nitrogen (N) availability to crops is dependent onC/Nratio. As the bedding material can contribute a significant part of total slurry carbon (C), its characteristics may affect the C/N ratio of the slurry. There is increasing interest in using the solid fraction from mechanical slurry separation as bedding material, and therefore this study investigated the potential effect of this fraction on slurry N availability, compared with more commonly used bedding materials such as straw and sawdust. Methods: In two parallel 28-day laboratory incubations, net mineral N release and Cmineralization fromslurries applied to sandy loam soil weremeasured. The slurries comprised a liquid fraction (LF) from mechanical cattle slurry separation with a screw-press and different added bedding materials. Liquid fraction was mixed with two types of bedding material, solid slurry fraction (SF) and chopped straw, in different proportions, resulting in C/N ratios of 10, 12, and 14 in the slurry. In additional treatments, two other bedding materials, ground straw and sawdust, with slurry C/N ratio 12, were used. Results: For SF and chopped straw, similar negative linear correlations were seen between slurry C/N ratio and net mineral N release after 28 days. Carbon mineralization, expressed as a percentage of total C added, was higher from the mixture containing SF than that containing straw, while no clear relationship with C/N ratio was found. At slurry C/N ratio 12, net release of mineral N was 28-39% of total N and decreased in the order: sawdust>chopped straw=SF=ground straw. Net C mineralization at the same slurry C/N ratio was 33-46% and decreased in the order: SF=ground straw>chopped straw>sawdust. Discussion: For bedding materials with similar fiber composition (i.e., SF and straw), differences in C availability due to particle size or degree of degradation by microorganisms did not influence slurry N availability measurably. For sawdust, with high lignin content, the results indicate that limited C availability may lead to lower slurry N immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Research field of Ugar Khurd, Belangavi, Dharwad, Karnataka, India during rabi season of October, 2022-February, 2023 under irrigated ecosystem on deep clay soil to study the system of wheat intensification for higher productivity of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum L.). The experiment was laid out in split plots design with three replications. The treatments comprised of two genotypes in main plot viz., Gokak local and DDK 1029 with and without seed priming and four planting geometries in Sub-plots viz., 30×15 cm², 45×15 cm², 20×20 cm² and 20 cm² (Recommended Package of Practices). The result indicated that primed seeds recorded significantly higher grain yield (3853 kg ha-1), straw yield (6426 kg ha-1), gross returns (₹ 1,41,915 ha-1), net returns (₹ 92,033 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.88) as compared to un-primed seeds. The sowing of emmer wheat in 30×15 cm² planting geometry recorded significantly higher grain yield (4020 kg ha-1), straw yield (6630 kg ha-1), gross returns (₹ 1,47,989 ha-1), net returns (₹ 1,01,742 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.20) as compared other planting geometries. The combination of primed seeds sown with 30×15 cm² planting geometry recorded significantly higher grain yield (4413 kg ha-1), straw yield (7064 kg ha-1), gross returns (₹ 1,62,240 ha-1), net returns (₹ 1,15,828 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.50) as compared to other treatment combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the agriculture farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Birbhum, West Bengal, India during kharif (rainy) seasons (June-September) of 2016 and 2017 to study effect of zinc application on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rice. The experiment was laid out in split plot design replicated thrice, consisting two main plot treatments i.e. crop establishment methods (CEMs) and seven sub-plot treatments (levels of zinc and methods of application). Two CEMs were direct seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted puddled rice (TPR) and seven levels of zinc and methods of application were namely control (Zn0), Seed coating of Zn @ 1250 mg kg-1 (Zn1), Seed coating of Zn @ 2500 mg kg-1 (Zn-2), Seed coating of Zn @ 3750 mg kg-1 (Zn3), two foliar sprays @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn4), three foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn5), 2500 mg kg-1 seed coating+2-foliar spray @ 1050 mg kg-1 (Zn6). In respect of yield attribute and yield, Zn6 resulted significantly highest number of Panicle m-2 as well as number of filled grains panicle-1. Zn3 though recorded 5.7% more grain yield than Zn6 but later Zn6 resulted highest zinc concentration and uptake. Zn1 recorded highest zinc use indices. Zn1 resulted much highest Zn use efficiency than foliar application and combined application of seed coating and foliar spray. Correlation between Zn levels and Zn concentration in both grain and straw of rice was highly positive; very highly positive correlation was recorded with the Zn levels and Zn uptake by both grain and straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feed utilization rate of straw resources in China is low, because of the low crude protein content and high lignocellulose content of straw, which hinder the degradation of nutrients of straw by rumen microorganisms, so direct feeding cannot meet the nutritional needs of beef cattle. According to the content of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber in different harvest periods of straw in different regions, the optimal combination technology can effectively improve the palatability and nutrient structure of straw, and increase the utilization rate of straw feed, which is of great significance to solve the shortage of high-quality roughage and feed utilization of straw resources in China. This paper introduced the effects of optimized combination technology on gas content, microbial protein, fermentation parameters, and nutrient level of straw in vitro fermentation, and expounded the principle of optimized combination technology and its effects on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation, microflora, and breeding efficiency of beef cattle, in order to improve the rational utilization of straw resources for feed. It provides reference for the development and utilization of straw optimization combination technology in beef cattle production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the screening, identification, and degradation efficiency of efficient lignindegrading strain in rape straw. A highly efficient lignin degrading strain MS25 was screened from the returned soil of rapeseed straw and identified as a Penicillium fungus. Based on single factor experiments and response surface methodology, the enzyme production characteristics was invstigated and the conditions of MS25 strain was optimized, and the lignin degradation ability was tested. The results showed that the optimal time for the strain to produce laccase (Lac) was 5 days, and the time to produce peroxidase (Lip) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) was 7 days. The best temperature was 50 ℃, the shaking table speed was 140 r/min, the carbon to nitrogen ratio was 15, and the most suitable pH value for producing MnP was 5, while the most suitable pH values for producing Lip and Lac were 6. The optimal enzyme production conditions after optimization were temperature of 50.22 ℃, carbon to nitrogen ratio of 12.29, and pH value of 6.21. Under these conditions, the activities of Lip, MnP, and Lac enzymes were 1 984.89, 774.87, and 291.74 U/L, respectively, which were 33.97%, 33.28%, and 40.35% higher than before optimization. Under optimal conditions, the lignin degradation rates of straw and fungal bran of the strains were 44.67% and 43.29%, respectively. The study indicates that strain MS25 can effectively degrade lignin and can be used as a high-quality microorganism for rape straw fermentation, and can be specifically applied in the field of feed production. [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]

In a nine-year field experiment in a wheat-maize-sunflower cropping system in Hetao Irrigation Area, Inner Mongolia, China, organic amendments applied as straw, manure, green manure, and the combination of green manure and straw increased wheat and maize yield, soil aggregate stability, and soil microbial activity in comparison with chemical fertilizer, without changing greenhouse gas emission intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) producers have the choice to retain or remove residue from the cropping system following grain harvest. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest and other regions, wheat residue is often sold to increase operational profitability, especially from higher-yielding systems. But there are several benefits to retaining residue, including recycling of mineral nutrients contained therein, though this is understudied. Therefore, the primary objectives of this research were to collect and analyze a large and diverse dataset on wheat residue nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), develop tools to estimate nutrient amounts in residue, and make economic estimates of the fertilizer replacement value of those nutrients. This was accomplished by conducting replicated variety trials on five classes of wheat across many Pacific Northwest sites over two years, then collecting and analyzing data on wheat residue biomass, residue nutrient concentrations, and grain yield. The results showed that wheat residue contained a significant amount of nutrients, but was particularly concentrated in K. Production environment had the most substantial effect on residue mineral uptake amounts, due to site differences in yield and soil nutrient availability. To enable simple estimation of residue nutrient uptake across a broad range of wheat production levels, two estimation tools are presented herein. Economic analysis showed the substantial monetary value of residual nutrients. For example, in a high-yielding wheat crop (9 Mg ha−1), the average fertilizer replacement value of just residue N, P, K, and S was similar to the entire fertilizer budget to grow the crop (~$211 vs. $205 ha−1), not considering micronutrients in the residue or any nutrients removed through grain harvest. In making residue management decisions, wheat producers should consider the tradeoff between the immediate economic gains of residue sale and the multifaceted benefits of residue retention, including savings on future nutrient costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop straw returning to the field is an effective practice for straw utilization to improve soil fertility and sustain crop productivity. However, little information is available about the long-term effects of paddy straw return on soil properties and rice yield under a double-rice system. The objectives of this study were to test the hypothesis of the effects of different amounts of paddy straw returned to the field on soil physicochemical properties and rice yield, and to clarify the correlation between crop yield and soil physicochemical properties as well as quick-acting nutrients under different straw-returning modes. The experiment, initiated in the 2005 rice season, utilized "Xiang 45" and "Xiang 13" long-grained rice cultivars within a double-season rice cropping system. Three straw-returning treatments were implemented: rotary tillage with full rice straw incorporation (RTS), incorporation of one-third of the rice straw (1/3RTS), and incorporation of two-thirds of the rice straw (2/3RTS). This study found that among the three straw return rates, 2/3RTS had the most significant impact on soil physicochemical properties. Soil nitrogen content was identified as a crucial factor influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation, while pH levels significantly affected rice yield. Straw incorporation effectively increased the content and stocks of SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective recovery of the immobilized enzymes using magnetic carriers has led to growing interest in this technology. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of immobilized laccase on magnetized multiwall carbon nanotubes (m-MWCNTs) in terms of stability and reusability. Laccases were efficiently adsorbed onto magnetized multiwall carbon nanotubes (m-MWCNTs) synthesized using water. The concentration of 7 mg laccase/mL was found to be ideal for immobilization. The optimal activity of both free and immobilized laccases was observed at pH 5, while for the latter, the optimal temperature was shifted from 40 to 50 °C. Compared to the free laccase, the immobilized laccase exhibited a greater range of stability at more extreme temperatures. At the fourth cycle of reactions, the immobilized laccase exhibited more than 60% relative activity in terms of reusability. Based on the fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) peak at 2921 cm−1, saccharification of paddy straw using immobilized laccase verified lignin degradation. The easy recovery of the immobilized laccase on m-MWCNTs lends credence to its potential use in biomass hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composting of sewage sludge (SS) with structure-forming additives is a popular and inexpensive method for the management of biodegradable waste. During this process, a number of transformations of organic matter and nutrients occur. This study presents the rates and directions of quantitative changes in Cu, Zn, and Ni during the composting of various mixtures. The following substances were used for preparing compost mixtures: SS, sawdust, straw, and bark. These substances were mixed together in appropriate proportions as follows: C1: 45% SS + 50% sawdust + 5% straw; C2: 45% SS + 50% bark+ 5% straw; and C3: 45% SS + 35% bark + 15% sawdust + 5% straw. Single (DTPA solution) and sequential extraction methods (BCR protocol) were used for microelement mobility assessment. Compost valorization was performed in each individual composting phase. The chain relative increment analysis was used for such assessment. Additionally, the potential metal pollution in the composts was evaluated by applying the following indices: the pollutant accumulation index (PAI), heavy metal enrichment index (HMEI), and heavy metal pollution load index (HMPLI). During composting, generally, the amounts of Ni, Cu, and Zn increased in the various extracted combinations, which was independent of their susceptibility to decomposition. Despite of this, the tested composts should be considered as a source of slowly available microelements for plants. The most intense quantitative changes in metals occurred in the thermophilic phase, and the weakest changes occurred in the cooling phase. At the same time, the calculated indices indicated a lack of contamination of the composts with the analyzed metals, emphasizing their environmental safety and lack of negative impact. The bulking agents used for composting with SS did not significantly influence the intensity of the quantitative changes in the tested metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the application of a new type of bionic energy-efficient sandwich plate with light weight and high strength in the construction field, a drop hammer impact test was adopted to determine the impact mechanical properties and influencing mechanism of fiber reinforced cement-based energy-efficient honeycomb plates with different core fillers (shredded straw and glass beads). The results show that compared with unfilled honeycomb plates (CHP), the contact force–time curves of energy-efficient plates have an obvious secondary peak, and the size of the damaged area on the back side of the upper skin is significantly reduced. Additionally, the presence of fillers in the energy-efficient plates provide a certain constraint on the deformation of honeycomb walls and skins, and slightly increase the size of the secondary peak. Furthermore, this study qualitatively reveals the influence mechanisms of the flexural stiffness of the sandwich plates, the morphology of damaged skins and fillers, the deformation pattern of the honeycomb core. The results provide a reference for subsequent research on the influence of different fillers on sandwich plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]