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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. The study reveals the impact of cardiac phases on volitional action, specifically highlighting the enhancement of the systolic inhibitory effect. The study examines whether systolic inhibition affects volitional actions, finding that participants were less likely to act during systole. This suggests a significant cardiac influence 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]

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]

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]

The incorporation of organic amendments is widely acknowledged for its capacity to enhance soil fertility and boost crop productivity. However, whether the addition of organic amendments can improve soil quality and crop production, simultaneously causing methane emissions in paddy fields, deserves further investigation. In this meta-analysis, the effects of different organic amendments on soil nutrient levels, rice yield and CH4 emissions were evaluated in paddy fields based on 328 observations from 77 field trial studies. Our results revealed that the addition of organic amendments significantly increased soil organic carbon (9.47%), microbial biomass carbon (21.13%), microbial biomass nitrogen (28.91%), urease (25.07%) and β-glucosidase (24.41%). Moreover, straw addition significantly increased the CH4 emissions by 152.68% and rice yield by 7.16%; green manure addition significantly increased CH4 emissions by 71.62% and rice yield by 10.09%, respectively. Although both increased the CH4 emissions, green manure had the ability to improve the availability of N, which could improve rice uptake. The regression results showed that the variation in crop yield, soil nutrients and CH4 emissions are influenced through the types and quality of organic amendments. Overall, this study suggests that organic amendments are beneficial in maintaining soil quality and improving rice yield, whereas it also increased the CH4 emissions. These meta-analysis results may provide some references for optimizing organic amendments incorporated into the soil to sustain soil fertility and crop production while mitigating soil constraints and methane emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass energy is a globally recognized renewable energy with zero carbon properties, but its carbon reduction benefits have not been effectively reflected. Based on the whole life cycle evaluation (LCA) method, combined with the economic benefit evaluation method and the environmental impact monetization method, this study built a EGE model for the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefit evaluation (EGE) of straw pyrolysis polygeneration technology. The EGE model took the whole chain of straw collection, off-field storage and transportation, pyrolysis transformation and product utilization as the boundary. The comprehensive economic and environmental benefits of different pyrolysis polygeneration technologies under different production scales was explored. The results showed that the external heating pyrolysis carbon gas co-production technology has the best economic benefits in large-scale application, and at the annual production scale of 0.5×104 ~ 10×104t of straw, each 1t of straw consumption can reduce 1.01−1.07tCO2eq. Greenhouse gas emission reduction could significantly improve the economic benefits of straw pyrolysis polygeneration technology projects, and each 1t of straw consumption could increase the benefit of 57.5−103.1 yuan, which increased the yield rate of straw pyrolysis polygeneration technology projects by 1.6−14.0PP. It is estimated that the utilization potential of straw in 2030 and 2060 would reach 1.24×108 t and 1.67×108 t respectively, and the emission reduction income of straw pyrolysis polygeneration technology can reach 1.0×1010−3.7×1010 yuan. The results of this study provide technical support for the development of biomass energy industry under the background of realizing the dual-carbon goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current straw micro-crusher is often utilized within a circular crushing chamber, leading to the formation of a circulation layer that impacts the efficiency of crushing. This study proposes an airfoil crushing chamber to disrupt the circulation layer and modify particle motion characteristics. Based on CFD-DEM analysis with flow field characteristics, motion trajectory, crushing rate, motion speed, and force magnitude as evaluation indices, the crushing performance and flow field distribution of both chamber types are compared. Test results indicate that the airfoil crushing chamber outperforms the circular one, thereby validating the accuracy of the theoretical and numerical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the allelopathic effects of mulch and aqueous extracts of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw and on growth of 8-weeds: Phalaris minor L., Cynodon dactylon L., Chenopodium album L., Rumex denticulate L., Anagalis arvensis L., Melilotus spp L., Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Cyperus rotundus (L.) was analyzed. Rice straw mulch at 4.0 t/ha and rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray significantly reduced these weeds density (Number/m2) (54, 55, 66, 79, 85, 73, 54 and 39 during 2020-21) respectively, than control. Rice straw mulch 4 t/ha followed by (metsulfuron methyl 4 g a.i./ha + clodinafop propargyl 60 g a.i./ha) and clodinafop propargyl 75 % of 60 g a.i./ha + rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray significantly reduced the density of test weeds. Density of grass weeds decreased in zero-till, but broad leaved weeds decreases in conventional tillage. Wheat growth (dry matter accumulation: g/plant), number of tillers per m, leaf area index (LAI) and yield) significantly increased by rice straw mulch at 4 t/ha followed by rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray than control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the long-term non-degradation and environmental pollution caused by the use of horizontal plastic drainage boards, a new approach is proposed in this study, which involves employing horizontal straw drainage system under vacuum preloading treatment for dredging sludge. Through laboratory model tests, the results show that horizontal straw drainage system exhibited excellent performance in treating dredged sludge, with an optimal spacing design of 40–60 cm. During the vacuum preloading test, the straw drainage system continuously degraded, and the degradation by-products of straw, in turn, enriched elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., in the soil. The two processes of the degradation of straw drainage system and the eco-reinforcement of dredged sludge interacted actively with each other. Finally, a new reinforcement method for on-site dredging sludge was proposed by installing layered straw drainage boards. Therefore, straw drainage system was highly recommended for field application, due to their cost-effective and environmentally friendly characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Most of the biomass of cereal straw is chopped and left on the field as organic fertilizer, but its conversion into fertilizer depends on the quality of chopping, which is influenced by the wear of the chopping blades. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the contamination of the cereal straw on the wear of the combine chopper blades. The study was conducted during the harvest in 2022, when 30 ± 1% of the grain was lodged and contaminated with abrasive soil particles (poor conditions), and in 2023, when the straw was unlodged and clean (excellent conditions). Six sets of blades with different mechanical and geometric properties were selected. The results showed that the wear ranges were very different: 1.47–2.99 g/100 ha in 2022 and 0.72–2.14 g/100 ha in 2023. For micro-abrasive wear, the hardness of the blades (349–568 HV) and the cutting edge angle (20°–29°) were important factors of their wear resistance. When the clean straw was chopped, the influence of the blade hardness and cutting edge angle on wear was not significant, and the wear was less. The wear of the blades had a sinusoidal character, which was related to the position of the blades on the chopping drum. This character depends on the design of the chopper and not on the straw quality. [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]

Characteristics of adolescent female voice change include breathiness, inconsistent pitch, "cracks," abrupt register transitions, vocal range changes, and decreased stamina. Researchers have found that semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (e.g. straw phonation) can assist with such difficulties with other varied populations, facilitating glottal closure, decreasing breathiness, and encouraging easier voicing. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to measure the effects of straw phonation (experimental) compared to "ah" vowel (control) warm-ups on acoustic and self-reported measures of seventh-grade female-identifying singers. We calculated each participant's Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) prior to and after a 4–5-minute straw phonation (n = 6) or unoccluded "ah" vowel (n = 6) warm-up. Results indicated robust improvement in AVQI scores after both warm-ups, with a trend toward more acoustic improvement after straw phonation (5 improved, M = 0.48, compared to 4, M = 0.35). All participants self-reported that their respective voicing helped them to be more warmed up, but the effect was statistically much larger in the straw group (7.23 to 5.00, 10-point scale). Some participants self-reported that straw phonation was more effective than their typical warm-up. These results may indicate more robust benefits from straw phonation, which could facilitate increased motivation during a difficult transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Winter heating in rural areas of northern China requires about 200 million tonnes of standard coal, of which coal is used as the main heat source, causing serious air pollution and exacerbating the greenhouse gas effect. Abundant "zero-carbon" straw in rural areas is a viable strategy for replacing coal-fired heating. The purpose of this paper is to compare the environmental and economic performance of straw heating scenarios. Methods: The environmental impacts and economic costs of four straw heating models across household, village, township, and county scales were compared through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost methods. In this study, the 24-h heat demand of 1 m2 (5.18 MJ) was used as a functional unit. Results: The results showed that the county scale straw cogeneration (CSC) model exhibits the best environmental performance. The global warming potential (GWP) and primary energy demand (PED) of the CSC model are only 11.17% and 10.82% of the household heating model. Straw heating is preferable at the township scale to the village scale from environmental aspects, and direct combustion heating is superior to gasification. For economic aspects, fuel costs are the highest as a percentage of total costs, and the CSC model has the lowest economic costs, with an LCC of 47% of the HSP model. Replacing 20% of coal with straw for heating can reduce annual emissions by 128 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and the energy conservation and emission reduction impact by 0.17 (19.97%) in rural areas of China. Conclusions: Straw heating reduces the environmental impact as scale increases. At the same scale, straw direct combustion for heating has better environmental and economic performance than gasification. The county scale straw heating model has 89% lower carbon emissions than household scale, and has the best overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a system for real-time estimation of the calorific value of mixed straw fuels based on an improved U-Net semantic segmentation model. This system aims to address the uncertainty in heat and power generation per unit time in combined heat and power generation (CHPG) systems caused by fluctuations in the calorific value of straw fuels. The system integrates an industrial camera, moisture detector, and quality sensors to capture images of the multi-fuel straw. It applies the improved U-Net segmentation network for semantic segmentation of the images, accurately calculating the proportion of each type of straw. The improved U-Net network introduces a self-attention mechanism in the skip connections of the final layer of the encoder, replacing traditional convolutions by depthwise separable convolutions, as well as replacing the traditional convolutional bottleneck layers with Transformer encoder. These changes ensure that the model achieves high segmentation accuracy and strong generalization capability while maintaining good real-time performance. The semantic segmentation results of the straw images are used to calculate the proportions of different types of straw and, combined with moisture content and quality data, the calorific value of the mixed fuel is estimated in real time based on the elemental composition of each straw type. Validation using images captured from an actual thermal power plant shows that, under the same conditions, the proposed model has only a 0.2% decrease in accuracy compared to the traditional U-Net segmentation network, while the number of parameters is significantly reduced by 74%, and inference speed is improved 23%. [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 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]

Considering the problems of poor straw mulching performance, low soil crushing rate and poor straw mulching performance of the traditional rotary tiller on saline-alkali soils, a two-axis layered rotary stubble cutter for saline-alkali soils with front-axis positive rotation of the front axle and rear-axis counter-rotation of the rear axle was developed, focusing on the kinetic properties of the straw and soil under positive and counter-rotation. In addition, the most important structural parameters and the arrangement of the front-axis stubble cutting knife and the rear-axis return knife were analyzed and determined. Hertz-Mindlin with bonding was used to create a discrete element model of the agglomerate of implement, straw and soil. The forward speed, horizontal distance and vertical distance were used as test factors, and the straw return rate and soil fragmentation rate were used as test indexes to analyze the straw-soil transport law under different operating parameters from a microscopic point of view, and then Design-Expert was used to conduct the test 1.07 km/h, horizontal distance of 569.55 mm, vertical distance of 176.59 mm. To validate the performance of the two-axis, layered rotary tiller, a field trial was conducted and the results show that the straw return ratio was (91.59±0.41)%, soil fragmentation ratio was (91.90±0.29)% and tillage depth stability was (91.52±0.46)%, which met the requirements for peanut seedbed preparation on saline-alkali land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micronutrient deficiency especially of zinc (Zn) impacts wheat growth and yield under both timely sown and late sown conditions. The study investigated the effect of Zn, cytokinin and gibberellic acid (GA) on growth and yield of wheat crop. The design of experiment was split-split plot having three replications. Methods: The main plots were comprised of two varieties i.e., V1 (PBW 725) and V2 (PBW 752) which were divided into three subplots Zn0 (no Zn), Zn1 (62.5 kg/ha soil application of ZnSO4) and Zn2 (31.25 kg/ha Zn in soil+foliar spray of 0.5% of ZnSO4). The subplots were further divided into four sub-sub plots i.e., H0 (no hormone), H1 (10 ppm GA), H2 (10 ppm cytokinin) and H3 (5 ppm GA+5 ppm of cytokinin). Result: The results indicated that the combination of Zn2+H1 resulted in maximum height of plant, accumulation of dry matter and straw yield for both varieties. The reported increment for all three parameters was 8.3%, 15.4% and 18.9% for V1 and 10.1%, 14.9% and 17.4% for V2, respectively. However, for both V1 and V2 a combination of Zn2+H2 improved tiller count, leaf area index and ultimately grain yield. The increment for V1 was 24.4%, 15.2% and 17.1%, while for V2 was 30.1%, 17.2% and 19.3%, respectively. The maximum harvest index value was recorded for variety V2 under Zn2+H2. The correlation analysis showed that leaf area index, number of tillers and dry matter accumulation are strongly correlated with grain yield. In general, the study emphasized that soil+foliar application of Zn alongside 10 mg/L cytokinin was most prominent in improving growth and yield of both wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial kitchen towels (basis weight 39 to 56 g/m²) made of virgin and recycled fiber, produced by Through-Air-Drying (TAD), and conventional Yankee cylinder drying (with creping) were analyzed. The properties of these commercial tissue products were compared to those of handsheets made from them. Laboratory tissue handsheets were also prepared from northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK), eucalyptus, bamboo, and straw pulp. Fibers were refined with up to 5000 revolutions of a PFI mill. Commercial kitchen towels (kitchen tissue) absorbed 9 to 14 g water per 1 g of fiber, with higher absorption by virgin fibers, and when using TAD. The tensile index (dry) was 3 to 14 Nm/g. Laboratory tissue handsheets made of commercial samples absorbed less water, but the tensile index (dry) was higher in most cases. Higher beating levels (tested at NBSK, eucalyptus, bamboo, straw pulp) increased tensile index. Curl, bulk, softness, absorption capacity, and suction lift were reduced with refining. Best values for absorption capacity (almost 8 g/g), bulk (almost 5 cm³/g), and softness were observed in laboratory bamboo tissue sheets made of non-refined fibers. After refining (2000 revolutions), the tensile index of such tissue sheets made of bamboo increased from 10 to 30 Nm/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of microbial decomposer application were studied relative to in situ decomposition of paddy straw in the rice-wheat system using both paddy straw incorporation (i.e. mechanical mixing of leftover straw and stubble using rotavator) and retention (i.e. leftover straw and stubble without mechanical mixing) methods. An experiment was conducted on paddy straw degradation during 2020-2021 and 2021-22 using microbial consortium (decomposer) at four locations in Punjab, India using three different treatments. Lignin content, C/N ratio, and tensile strength after 30 days of incorporation and retention of paddy straw were recorded. Microbial treatment along with incorporation improved decomposition parameters from 32.0 to 32.6% (C/N ratio) and 47.5 to 36.6% (lignin), whereas a major share -- 28.6 (C/N ratio) and 36.6 (lignin) per cent of decomposition was achieved by soil incorporation as such. Wheat grain yield with and without microbial decomposer was similar across sowing methods (incorporation vs retention) in all locations. Similar observations were recorded in 2021-22 also at the same site of PAU, Ludhiana. Microbial agents responsible for the degradation of straw are present in sufficient quantity in the soil and incorporation of paddy straw in the soil by incorporation using a rotavator can enhance the paddy straw decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the mechanized technical mode of total wheat straw returning to field, there are problems such as large vibration during the operation of the straw returning machine that, in turn, affect the effect of stubble breaking. This study took the Tongtian 1-JHY-220 straw returning machine as the research object to conduct field experiments, with wheat stubble height, forward velocity, and PTO speed as experimental parameters. And the vibration characteristics at different positions of the machine and the final stubble breaking rate were used as evaluation indicators. Combined with the orthogonal experiment and response surface analysis method, this article analyzes and discusses the influence of various parameters on vibration characteristics and operational effectiveness. The results show that PTO speed and wheat stubble height were the main factors affecting the vibration and operation quality of the straw returning machine. Low PTO speed and high stubble height can improve the stubble breaking rate of the straw returning machine and reduce its operation vibration. Furthermore, the multi-objective optimization results show that when the forward velocity in the range of 8.5–9 km/h, the PTO speed is 540 r/min, and the stubble height is in the range of 200–250 mm, the stubble breaking rate of the straw returning machine is greater than 86%. At this time, the total vibration of the straw returning machine and tractor rear axle is relatively small. This study can lay a foundation for further studying the impact of the vibration of the straw returning machine on the stubble breaking effect and provide a reference for the preparation of high-quality seedbed under conservation tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicamba is a post-herbicide, showing some activity in soil, and its dynamics can be influenced by several factors, including the presence of straw. Brazil has more than 50% of its production area in a no-till system; thus, a good amount of the herbicide is intercepted by the straw. This study aimed to evaluate dicamba dynamics in straw and weed control efficacy when sprayed as a PRE herbicide. For this, five different studies were conducted: we utilized different straw amounts (1) and different drought periods (2) for straw sprayed with dicamba and dicamba + glyphosate to evaluate its release from straw, different straw amounts (3), different drought periods (4), and wet and dry straw (5) to evaluate pre-emergence weed control (Bidens pilosa and Ipomoea grandifolia) and dicamba availability in medium-texture soil. Around 80% of dicamba was released from the straw after 100 mm of rainfall. One day after dicamba application, 65–70% of dicamba was released from the straw with 20 mm of rainfall, while for 7 and 14 DAA, 60% was released. Dicamba was efficient in controlling the pre-emergence of both species studied, and the amount of straw did not interfere in weed control; however, dicamba was less available in the soil after rainfall when sprayed in the straw than when sprayed directly in the soil. Up to 80% of dicamba can be released from the straw after 100 mm of rainfall and weed control was efficient for the species studied; however, the carryover effect in sensitive crops might become an issue. [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]

Copyright of Journal of Agro-Environment Science is the property of Journal of Agro-Environment Science Editorial Board 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 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.

【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.

Crop straw resources are abundant in China, but the utilization rate is low. Straw is usually burned, abandoned or landfilled, which not only makes the nutrients in the straw can not be effectively used, but also causes problems such as air pollution. Microbial fermentation of straw can effectively decompose lignocellulose in straw, improve the nutritional value of straw and increase the utilization rate of straw resources. This paper reviewed the technology of microbial fermentation straw and the microorganisms required for fermentation straw, and summarized the effects of fermented straw on the growth performance, digestion and absorption of animals and meat quality, in order to provide reference for the large-scale application of microbial fermentation straw in animal production. [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]