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Stubble burning, a prevalent agricultural practice in Punjab and Haryana, poses significant environmental, health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly concerning air pollution and soil degradation. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines research findings, policy interventions and technological innovations aimed at addressing the adverse effects of stubble burning and promoting sustainable crop residue management. This review encompasses studies investigating the extent of stubble burning, its impact on air quality, soil fertility and human health, as well as alternative management strategies like the adoption of Happy Seeder technology and bioenergy utilization. The present article identifies key trends, challenges and opportunities in stubble-burning research and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of household air pollution on pregnant women with GDM, and assessed the modifying effect of a healthy lifestyle on this relationship. Household solid fuel exposure was defined as using solid fuels (coal, crop residue, and wood) for cooking and heating. Four individually modifiable lifestyle factors were assessed in early pregnancy: body mass index, diet, sleep, and vitamin D supplementation. Multifactorial logistic regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between household air pollution and GDM. A stratified analysis and additive interaction tested the effects of healthy lifestyle scores. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that using solid fuels for heating was significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM (adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.18–2.18). GDM risk showed a decreasing trend in the medium versus the high score group when compared to the low score group, with a consistent trend regardless of household fuel type used (adjusted OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.27–0.57) (adjusted OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.05–0.28), respectively. Importantly, when the healthy lifestyle score increased, exposure to household air pollution was no longer associated with a higher GDM risk. There was a negative additive interaction between exposure to household solid fuels exposure and a healthy lifestyle (FERI: −5.10 [−16.48, −2.04]; AP: −1.29 [−2.80, −0.39]; SI: −0.37 [−0.20, −0.67]). We determined that exposure to household air pollution may be an important GDM risk factor. In addition, A healthy lifestyle may have a protective effect on women with GDM exposed to indoor fuel air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-season research trial entitled 'crop residue management effects on yield and water productivity of summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under different irrigation regimes in Indian Punjab' was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station (RRS), Bathinda, during rabi 2020 and 2021. The field experiment was conducted in a split-plot layout with nine treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1 (no wheat residue along with tillage), T2 (leftover wheat residue with zero tillage), and T3 (incorporated wheat residue along with tillage) in main plots and irrigation regimes viz., I1 (vegetative growth and flowering stage), I2 (vegetative growth, flowering, and pod filling stage) and I3 (vegetative growth, flowering, pod formation and pod filling stage) in sub-plots, respectively. The growth and yield attributing characters were significantly higher under T3 than T1 but statistically at par with T2 during both years. An increase of 24.1% and 19.0% in grain yield was found in residue incorporation (T3) and residue retention (T2) over residue removal (T1), respectively. Maximum crop and irrigation water productivity was observed under T3 due to reduced water use and increased yield. Among the irrigation regimes, the I3 recorded significantly higher grain yield (0.70 and 0.79 t ha− 1) than I1. It was at par with I2 during both years due to higher irrigation frequency at the pod formation and pod filling stage. Crop water productivity (CWP) was higher under I3, whereas irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher under I1 during both years. Additional irrigation at the pod-filling stage increased the grain yield by 36.5%, and two additional irrigations at the pod-formation and pod-filling stage further increased yield by 46.2% compared to only two irrigations at the vegetative and flowering stages. The treatment combinations of T2I2 and T3I2 outperformed T1I3 in terms of growth and yield attributing characters viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), pods plant− 1, seeds pod− 1, and 1000-seed weight, which resulted in higher grain yield in these treatment combinations over T1I3. Applying crop residue can help minimize water use and increase crop water productivity. So, retaining crop residue in summer mung bean resulted in saving irrigation water due to lesser evapotranspiration from the soil surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides constitute a major threat to biodiversity, but our understanding of the complex interactions between local and landscape factors influencing their distribution in agroecosystems remains limited. We conducted a pioneering study where we screened spiders, rodents, plants and soils for multiple pesticide residues in perennial crops (orchards and vineyards) managed under organic (N = 8) and integrated pest management (N = 8) systems. We then quantified the proportional representation of major habitat types in surrounding landscapes. Additionally, we conducted interviews with farmers to gain precise insights into pesticide applications. We expected that landscape factors would be more important for mobile entities (i.e. spiders and rodents), while management type would be relatively more important for the sedentary entities (i.e. soils and plants). We detected various pesticides within studied crop types, including several forbidden in the European Union. We found that pesticide distribution in spiders was influenced by the proportion of semi‐natural habitats in the landscape, with pesticide concentration decreasing as the proportion of semi‐natural habitats increased. Additionally, we observed that the spectrum of pesticides in spiders increased with the dominance of web‐building spiders. In contrast, pesticide levels in rodents were not affected by either landscape composition or local management type. For plants, pesticide distribution was affected by the proportion of forests and shrublands and, to some extent, by local management practices. In the case of soil, pesticide distribution was primarily determined by local management. This study marks an effort in demonstrating that both local and landscape factors play crucial roles in shaping pesticide distribution within perennial crops. Importantly, the relative importance of these factors varied across the four matrices investigated. Synthesis and applications: To comprehend the factors that determine pesticide distribution in crops, it is crucial to monitor diverse ecosystem components rather than focusing on a few model species. This approach underscores the necessity for ecologically sensitive management at landscape scale. Such management should involve the preservation and enhancement of (semi)natural habitats around crops. These combined insights can form the foundation for conservation and management initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of pesticides on biodiversity within crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccase, the selectively lignin degrader, vital to the initiation of lignocellulosic deconstruction was immobilized onto activated agarose beads to increase its reuse potential. Laccase cross-linked beads (~ 3.42 mm) recorded a specific activity of 23 Umg− 1, retaining about 80.43% enzyme activity after 45 days of storage. The immobilization yield and efficiency were 89% and 97% respectively. The equilibrium data fitted the Freundlich equation (R2 = 0.9987) demonstrating multilayer adsorption and the presence of Cu, Fe, and S in the elemental analysis of immobilized beads established effective binding between activated agarose beads and the laccase protein. Characterization studies of the immobilized laccase-treated crop residues revealed significant differences in the lignin polymer after each treatment cycle. An increase in digestibility of 26.21% and 7.62% was observed in paddy and finger millet-treated straws respectively, over the controls corroborating efficient lignin depolymerization. The propitious performance of laccase beads authenticated in the batch enzymatic reactor to treat crop residues paves headway as a sustainable green technology in the deconstruction of crop residues for use as ruminant feed, augmenting productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production is one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in primary production and in processing and the logistics chain. The most problematic and risky is the optimization of environmental effects in the stage of primary production. This is due to the significant influence of factors related to climate and soil that are difficult to predict. The scientific literature offers much information on the impact of crop residue management, but the context for assessing the impact of crop residue management in corn production on the carbon footprint is still unclear. The effectiveness of using organic additives like biochar, compost, corn, or straw to maintain soil productivity is well acknowledged. Information about the effects of particular crop residue management strategies on soil carbon sequestration, soil quality, and crop yield in corn cultivation is currently scarce. The research aimed to assess the potential for optimizing corn production through modifications in crop residue management, with a focus on the efficiency indicator being the level of greenhouse gas emissions per functional unit of the product. A 3-year growing experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different corn crop residue management strategies. The modifications of the corn cultivation technology in terms of the crop residue management strategy had a significant impact on the yield of plants and the amount of GHG emissions. The conversion of corn straw to biochar and its introduction into the soil reduced the GHG emissions from corn cultivation per functional unit, despite the energy expenditure related to straw transport and biochar production. From a 3-year time perspective, a beneficial effect of biochar addition on the size of the commercial yield of plants was observed. In variants with biochar and a reduced level of nitrogen fertilization, no reduction in yields was observed. This confirmed the hypothesis that biochar could be a useful material for the production of slow-acting fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor quality of available feed resources is the major limiting factor for livestock production in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the Gera District, southwest Ethiopia. Three representative samples of natural pasture (Cynodon dactylon, Pavonia schimperiana Hochst and Rhynchosia ferruginea), three indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs) (Erythrina abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina and Maytenus undat), two cultivated forages (Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum pedicellatum) and five crop residues (Hordeum vulgare (barley), Zea mays (maize), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Eragrostis tef (Teff)) were randomly and separately collected from the Highland (HL), midland (ML) and lowland (LL) AEZs. The samples were analyzed for ash, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content using standard analytical methods. The results showed that AEZ significant (P < 0.05) affected the chemical composition parameters of most of the feed samples. Regardless of the feed sample and AEZs, the mean DM, CP, ash, EE, NDF, ADF, ADL and CF content varied from 89.17% in Pennisetum purpureum to 92.22 ± 0.51 in Erythrina abyssinica, 2.90 ± 0.22% in Triticum aestivum to 10.70 ± 0.52 in Vernonia amygdalina, 7.24 ± 0.19% in Sorghum bicolor to 13.25 ± 0.51% in Pavonia Schimperiana Hochst, 1.33 ± 0.04% in Triticum aestivum to 2.39 ± 0.15% in Maytenus undata, 57.65 ± 1.19% in Erythrina Abyssinica to 79.16 ± 1.04% in Triticum aestivum, 34.57% in Pennisetum purpureum to 59.41 ± 0.98% in Sorghum bicolor, 8.15 ± 0.62% in Rhynchosia ferruginea to 12.65 ± 0.57% in Triticum aestivum and 37.51% in Pennisetum pedicelatum to 69.93 ± 0.65% DM in Triticum aestivum, respectively. It was observed that IFTSs had the highest CP and the lowest NDF, implying their potential for protein supplement, whereas crop residues had the lowest CP and the highest NDF, indicating the need for their treatment using urea or supplementing animals with protein source feeds, especially during the dry season. In conclusion, AEZ has an influence on the chemical composition traits of feed resources attributed to its effects on the microclimate conditions that affect plant growth and maturation in the study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open biomass burning has significant adverse effects on regional air quality, climate change, and human health. Extensive open biomass burning is detected in most regions of China, and capturing the characteristics of open biomass burning and understanding its influencing factors are important prerequisites for regulating open biomass burning. The characteristics of open biomass burning have been widely investigated at the national scale, with regional studies often focusing on northeast China, but few studies have examined regional discrepancies in spatiotemporal variations over a long timescale in Guangxi province. In this study, we used the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 375 m active fire product (VNP14IMG), combined with land cover data and high-resolution remote sensing images, to extract open biomass burning (crop residue burning and forest fire) fire points in Guangxi province from 2012 to 2023. We explored the spatial density distribution and temporal variation of open biomass burning using spatial analysis methods and statistical methods, respectively. Furthermore, we analyzed the driving forces of open biomass burning in Guangxi province from natural (topography, climate, and plant schedule), policy, and social (crop production and cultural customs) perspectives. The results show that open biomass burning is concentrated in the central, eastern, and southern parts of the study area, where there are frequent agricultural activities and abundant forests. At the city level, the highest numbers of fire points were found in Baise, Yulin, Wuzhou, and Nanning. The open biomass burning fire points exhibited large annual variation, with high levels from 2013 to 2015 and a remarkable decrease from 2016 to 2020 under strict control measures; however, inconsistent enforcement led to a significant rebound in fire points from 2021 to 2023. Forest fires are the predominant type of open biomass burning in the region, with forest fires and crop residue burning accounting for 76.82% and 23.18% of the total, respectively. The peak period for crop residue burning occurs in the winter, influenced mainly by topography, planting schedules, crop production, and policies, while forest fires predominantly occur in the winter and spring, primarily influenced by topography, climate, and cultural customs. The results indicate that identifying the driving forces behind spatiotemporal variations is essential for the effective management of open biomass burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular agriculture is an inevitable trend in the sustainable development of global agriculture. At present, there are issues such as insufficient utilization of resources, serious land pollution, and lack of technical support in circular agricultural ecological parks. This study explores the safe application of organic fertilizer to field crops within circular agricultural ecological parks. A peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) crop rotation system was selected to research safe application methods of biogas residues on the peanut–wheat–maize crop rotation system. In this experiment, we set up different amounts of biogas residues as the base fertilizers, with no fertilizer and only chemical fertilizer treatments serving as controls. We determined the yield, quality, heavy metal content, and nutrient uptake of wheat, maize, and peanuts, as well as soil nutrient content and heavy metal content under different biogas residue application rates. The results of the experiment are as follows: (1) Biogas residue as a base fertilizer increased the yield of peanuts, wheat, and maize. The highest yield for each crop occurred when the biogas residue amount was 67,500 kg hm−2, with yield increases of 36.7%, 26.6%, and 14.1% for peanuts, wheat, and maize, respectively, compared to the no fertilizer treatment. (2) The application of biogas residue improved the seed quality of peanuts, wheat, and maize. The B3 treatment showed strong quality improvement potential, increasing peanut crude protein content by 3.92–7.48%, soluble sugar content by 36.99–49.70%, crude fat content by 0.95–3.27%, wheat crude protein content by 2.22–8.72%, soluble sugar content by 6.21–8.51%, maize crude protein content by 2.87–3.61%, and soluble sugar content by 21.62–28.05% compared to the control. (3) The application of biogas residue enhanced the uptake of nutrients by crops and increased the contents of effective nutrients in the soil. (4) The application of biogas residue did not cause excessive accumulation of heavy metals in crops and soil. In conclusion, the application of biogas residue positively impacts crop growth, quality, and soil health in circular agricultural ecological parks, and has potential in agricultural production systems. Future research should focus on determining the optimal ratio of organic and chemical fertilizers, their efficient use, and the mechanisms by which organic fertilizer application can increase crop yield and quality, as well as improve soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the progress made by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR), the European Union European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs and Food Sanitation Council (PAFSC) on the residues risk assessment of glufosinate-ammonium registration on transgenic crops, focusing on the metabolism of glufosinate-ammonium in transgenic crops, the animal metabolism, the methods of residue analysis, storage stability, supervised residue trials, toxicological evaluation, residue definitions, and maximum residue limit (MRL) setting were summarized and analyzed. Compared with non-genetically modified crops, new metabolic pathways have emerged after the use of glufosinate-ammonium in transgenic crops. The metabolite N-acetyl-glufosinate (NAG) is the main residue of glufosinate-ammonium in transgenic crops, and thus relevant countries and organizations have included it in the residue definition of glufosinate-ammonium. The higher residue levels of glufosinate-ammonium in transgenic crops than in non-genetically modified crops are mainly related to the technical characteristics of glufosinate-ammonium use on transgenic crops and the emergence of new metabolites. Currently, no distinction is made between non-genetically modified crops and transgenic crops on MRLs for glufosinate-ammonium. The authors believe that when carrying out risk assessment of pesticide residues in transgenic crops, corresponding metabolism tests should be carried out first, and residue data should be reasonably selected based on the principle of risk. maximization to formulate uniform MRLs. This paper can provide a reference for improving the technical level of pesticide residue risk assessment and developing MRL standards for pesticide application on transgenic crops in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Household air pollution arising from combustion of unclean fuels during cooking activities causes serious respiratory health effects. This study investigated patterns of household cooking fuel use and its effect on respiratory health status of women and children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural households of Ballabgarh, Haryana during December 2019 to January 2020 among 18–45 years old women and their children having age between 6 and 59 months. A total of 450 households were selected using simple random sampling. Cooking fuel use was categorised as unclean (Wood, dung cakes, crop residues) and clean (LPG and electricity). The classification of mixed fuel use (predominantly unclean or clean) was based upon duration of unclean fuel use ≥ 2.5 h per day. The clinical history and physical examination was done using a semi-structured questionnaire. Assessment of respiratory health status of women participants was done using peak expiratory flow meter and presence of pneumonia in children was evaluated as per Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) guidelines. Results: Overall use of unclean cooking fuels was predominant in 59.6% of households and 71.8% of households had mixed fuel use. Only clean fuel use was in 11.3% of households. Nasal stuffiness, breathing difficulty and cough were observed among 13.1%, 10.5% and 8.5% among women while the common respiratory symptoms in children were cough (27.8%) and runny nose (22.9%). As compared to clean fuels, women using unclean fuels were more likely to have any respiratory symptom (aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5-6.0) and impaired pulmonary functions (adjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9). Cooking fuel use was not associated with respiratory symptoms and presence of pneumonia in children living in the households. Conclusion: Cooking with unclean fuel continues to be prevalent in the households of rural Ballabgarh and adversely affects the respiratory health of women indicating strengthening of initiatives promoting clean fuel use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cover crops and reduced tillage are two key climate smart agricultural practices that can provide agroecosystem services including improved soil health, increased soil carbon sequestration, and reduced fertilizer needs. Crop residue carbon traits (i.e., lignin, holocellulose, non-structural carbohydrates) and nitrogen concentrations largely mediate decomposition rates and amount of plant-available nitrogen accessible to cash crops and determine soil carbon residence time. Non-destructive approaches to quantify these important traits are possible using spectroscopy. Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of spectroscopy instruments to quantify crop residue biochemical traits in cover crop agriculture systems using partial least squares regression models and a combination of (1) the band equivalent reflectance (BER) of the PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) imaging spectroscopy sensor derived from laboratory collected Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) spectra (n = 296) of 11 cover crop species and three cash crop species, and (2) spaceborne PRISMA imagery that coincided with destructive crop residue collections in the spring of 2022 (n = 65). Spectral range was constrained to 1200 to 2400 nm to reduce the likelihood of confounding relationships in wavelengths sensitive to plant pigments or those related to canopy structure for both analytical approaches. Results: Models using laboratory BER of PRISMA all demonstrated high accuracies and low errors for estimation of nitrogen and carbon traits (adj. R2 = 0.86 − 0.98; RMSE = 0.24 − 4.25%) and results indicate that a single model may be used for a given trait across all species. Models using spaceborne imaging spectroscopy demonstrated that crop residue carbon traits can be successfully estimated using PRISMA imagery (adj. R2 = 0.65 − 0.75; RMSE = 2.71 − 4.16%). We found moderate relationships between nitrogen concentration and PRISMA imagery (adj. R2 = 0.52; RMSE = 0.25%), which is partly related to the range of nitrogen in these senesced crop residues (0.38–1.85%). PRISMA imagery models were also influenced by atmospheric absorption, variability in surface moisture content, and some presence of green vegetation. Conclusion: As spaceborne imaging spectroscopy data become more widely available from upcoming missions, crop residue trait estimates could be regularly generated and integrated into decision support tools to calculate decomposition rates and associated nitrogen credits to inform precision field management, as well as to enable measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification of net carbon benefits from climate smart agricultural practice adoption in an emerging carbon marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponic wastewater recovery provides a green alternative to chemical fertilizers by recycling nutrients, yet transitioning to closed systems introduces problems such as pathogen proliferation and high sterilization costs. These challenges, along with the need for regular water analysis to correct nutrient imbalances, can hinder crop growth and increase expenses. However, hydroponic wastewater is also beneficial for capturing harmful emissions like CO2, NOx, and NH3, thanks to its rich mineral content. As it reacts with air pollutants, it produces compounds like Ca(NO3)2 and NH4NO3, turning pollutants into useful fertilizers. This study designed a novel hydroponic wastewater recovery process for CO2, NOx, and NH3 utilization from crop residue burning gas. through the following procedures: (1) ion separation of hydroponic wastewater, (2) NOx capture and utilization using precipitated Ca(OH)2, (3) NH3 capture and utilization using separated NO3− and SO42−, and (4) CO2 capture and utilization using KOH, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2. A process model was developed, and the economic feasibility of the proposed system was determined by calculating the total annualized cost. The result shows that approximately 85% of NOx, 99% of CO2, and 99% of NH3 were captured and utilized. Importantly, the total annualized cost of the system could decrease by 70% compared with that of the base process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the dynamics of soil phosphorus (P) over extended periods of soil and crop management practices is essential for sustainable P management. This study assessed the impact of four crop rotations [maize-wheat (M-W), maize-wheat-mungbean (M-W-Mb), maize-wheat-maize-chickpea (M-W-M-C), and pigeonpea-wheat (P-W)] each with three levels of nutrient management [control (CT), integrated nutrient management (suboptimal fertilizer+ farmyard manure + crop residue + bio-fertilizers; INM), and sole-chemical fertilizers (CF)] on soil inorganic and organic P (Pi and Po) pools and crop–soil relationships at the end of 15-year cropping. Legume-inclusive rotations resulted in higher labile-P pools, being higher with M-W-M-C and P-W. M-W-M-C rotation had higher moderately labile organic P (Po) in both surface (+23%) and subsurface (+18%) depths over M-W. Di-calcium P (Ca2-P) (+6%) and microbial biomass P (MBP) (+46%) increased in M-W-Mb over M-W, while iron-P (Fe-P) was reduced (−12%) in subsurface soil. INM enhanced bioavailable-P [soluble-P (+17%), labile-Pi (+15%) labile-Po (+12%), MBP (+96%), moderately labile-Po (+22%)] over CF in surface soil, while CF had a higher Fe-P (+16%). Legumes in rotation caused notable changes in the surface-to-subsurface ratio (SSBR) of Ca2-P (1.18–1.50) and occluded-P (1.64–2.78). INM had a higher SSBR of labile-P pools but had a lower SSBR of occluded-P facilitating mobilization of the later in the surface. Hence, in tropical soils, legume-inclusive diversification (particularly with chickpea) and INM involving crop residue recycling could be a sustainable option to improve P use efficiency, crop productivity, and save fertilizer resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional tillage over the long term in more intensive-cropping systems is not sustainable as it enhances soil degradation, soil moisture loss, soil erosion, and cost of cultivation and disturbs beneficial micro-organisms. Retaining crop residues as mulch has been recognized as a desirable management practice for conserving soil moisture and lowering soil temperature, which ultimately helps in improving seed emergence. However, no-tillage or reduced tillage with crop residue produced better or non-significant differences in the growth and yield attributes and crop yield than that obtained under conventional tillage. However, zero or reduced tillage combined with crop residue improves biological nitrogen fixation, nitrogenase activity, symbiotic parameters and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Continuous adoption of conservation tillage will have a positive effect on soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties and may also be better for the sustainability of crop production. The novelty of the study is that it examines the integrated effect of conservation tillage and residue retention through mulching on the crop emergence, symbiosis and quality of soybean along with growth, productivity, and profitability of soybean, nutrient uptake by the crop and soil properties together as sustainable agricultural technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biosolids, manure, and slurry onto agricultural soils and the growing use of treated wastewater in agriculture result in the introduction of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals to the environment. Once in the soil environment, pharmaceuticals may be taken up by crops, resulting in consequent human exposure to pharmaceutical residues. The potential side effects of pharmaceuticals administered in human medicine are widely documented; however, far less is known regarding the risks that arise from incidental dietary exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate human exposure to pharmaceutical residues in crops and assess the associated risk to health for a range of pharmaceuticals frequently detected in soils. Estimated concentrations of carbamazepine, oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and tetracycline in soil were used in conjunction with plant uptake and crop consumption data to estimate daily exposures to each compound. Exposure concentrations were compared to Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) to determine the level of risk. Generally, exposure concentrations were lower than ADIs. The exceptions were carbamazepine, and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole under conservative, worst-case scenarios, where a potential risk to human health was predicted. Future research therefore needs to prioritize investigation into the health effects following exposure to these compounds from consumption of contaminated crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐absorbing carbonaceous aerosols that dominate atmospheric aerosol warming over India remain poorly characterized. Here, we delve into UV‐visible‐IR spectral aerosol absorption properties at nine PAN‐India COALESCE network sites (Venkataraman et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1175/bams‐d‐19‐0030.1). Absorption properties were estimated from aerosol‐laden polytetrafluoroethylene filters using a well‐constrained technique incorporating filter‐to‐particle correction factors. The measurements revealed spatiotemporal heterogeneity in spectral intrinsic and extrinsic absorption properties. Absorption analysis at near‐UV wavelengths from carbonaceous aerosols at these regional sites revealed large near‐ultraviolet brown carbon absorption contributions from 21% to 68%—emphasizing the need to include these particles in climate models. Further, satellite‐retrieved column‐integrated absorption was dominated by surface absorption, which opens possibilities of using satellite measurements to model surface‐layer optical properties (limited to specific sites) at a higher spatial resolution. Both the satellite‐modeled and direct in‐situ absorption measurements can aid in validating and constraining climate modeling efforts that suffer from absorption underestimations and high uncertainties in radiative forcing estimates. Plain Language Summary: Particulate pollution in the atmosphere scatter and absorb incoming solar energy, thus cooling or warming Earth's atmosphere. In developing countries and especially in India, one of the most polluted regions of the world, the extent to which particles can absorb solar energy and warm the atmosphere is not well understood. Here, for the first time, we measure particle absorption simultaneously at nine ground sites across India, in diverse geographical regions with different levels and types of particulate pollution. We find that organic carbon particles exert large absorption at near‐ultraviolet wavelengths, which contain significant solar energy. These light absorbing organic carbon particles, called brown carbon, are emitted in large quantities from biomass burning (e.g., burning crop residue and cooking on wood‐fired stoves). Comparing ground measurements of absorption with satellite‐retrieved measurements that are representative of the entire atmospheric column, we find that near‐surface atmospheric particles can exert significant warming. This study highlights the need to improve climate model simulations of particulate pollution's impact on the climate by incorporating spatiotemporal surface‐level absorption measurements, including absorption by brown carbon particles. Key Points: Measurements at nine regional PAN‐India sites reveal several regions with large aerosol absorption strengthBrown carbon contributes significantly (21%–68%) to near‐ultraviolet absorption, indicating its importance in shortwave light absorptionStrong correlations observed between satellite data and surface absorption indicate future potential in modeling surface absorption [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farming is the primary source of livelihood in India. A variety of crops (cereals, fibers, oil seeds, sugarcane, and others) are grown for food and other consumable products. This results in the production of a large amount of agricultural waste, also known as crop residue. The disposal of crop residue is a major problem in India. Farmers often burn it in open fields (in-situ burning) due to a lack of farmer-friendly options. This has led to increased air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains, the loss of beneficial soil microbes and nutrients, and other health risks. This review paper discusses the current status of agricultural residual production in India. It examines waste-to-energy production technologies and assesses the potential for second-generation fuel production in the country. The paper also discusses in-situ management practices (such as happy seeder, rotary mulcher, shrub master, and paddy straw chopper/shredder) and ex-situ energy recovery technologies (such as biogas, biochar, bioethanol plants, and vermicomposting) for sustainable energy production. Highlights: This review focused on Agricultural waste generation. Majorly focused on the current status of agricultural residue production. Discussed waste to energy production technologies. It evaluated the second-generation fuels production possibilities in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach the estimated food demands for 2050 in decreasingly suiting climates, current agricultural techniques have to be complemented by sustainably intensified practices. The current study repurposed wheat crop residues into biochar, and investigated its potential in different plant cultivation systems, including a hydroponic cultivation of wheat. Biochars resulting from varying pyrolysis parameters including feedstock composition (straw and chaff) and temperature (450°C and 600°C), were tested using a fast plant screening method. Biochar WBC450, produced from a combination of chaff and straw at 450°C, was selected for further plant experiments, and used in a static leaching experiment in the Arabidopsis thaliana cultivation medium. Increased pH and EC were observed, together with an increase of most macronutrient (K, Mg, P, S) and a decrease of most micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn) concentrations. Considering plant growth, application of biochar resulted in concentration-dependent effects in both tested plant species (A. thaliana and wheat). It improved the vegetative yield across all tested cultivation systems. Increases in K and S, and concentration-dependent decreases in Fe and Na content in wheatgrass were observed. Biochar influenced the reproduction of hydroponically cultivated wheat by increasing the number of spikes and the number of seeds per spike. The antioxidative capacity of wheat grass, and the seed sugar and starch contents remained unaffected by biochar application. This study contributes to innovation in soilless cultivation approaches of staple crops, within the framework of closing waste loops for a circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large amount of agricultural waste is produced annually in China, and these agricultural wastes include crop residues and the manure generated from poultry and livestock farming. But there is still a considerable portion of agricultural waste that is not recycled and disposed of or directly burned. Therefore, if these agricultural wastes can be reasonably utilized, it will generate significant socio-economic and environmental benefits. Soil salinization has become one of the main threats to soil health, and agricultural waste is considered an effective tool for improving saline alkali land due to its unique properties. Utilizing agricultural waste to improve saline alkali land has advantages such as wide material sources, low cost, and low environmental risks. This article reviews the effectiveness and potential physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of agricultural waste in improving soil health in saline alkali soils. Agricultural waste is mainly used to improve saline alkali land through a direct return to the field, burial of salt barriers, pyrolysis and carbonization into biochar, and composting, which can play a positive role in physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Finally, the problems existing in the improvement of saline alkali land with agricultural waste were discussed, and future research directions and hotspots in this field were proposed. It is believed that the improvement of ecological service functions is the key to its sustainability. This article can provide a theoretical basis for the study of agricultural waste in the improvement of saline alkali land, and help to further explore the resource utilization pathways of agricultural waste in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand potential sources and losses of nitrogen from farming systems in Darusa, Bangladesh, a detailed survey of farming practices was conducted. A total of 100 households were randomly selected using demographic and agricultural information about the farmers in the study area. Data were used to stratify the farmers according to their operational land holding, livestock numbers (tropical livestock unit), use of irrigation, age, and educational level. Four clusters of farm households were identified, and nine households were randomly selected from each cluster for a total of 36 households. These 36 households completed more detailed surveys about their cropping and livestock. The surveys identified local practices of nitrogen management in different crops and types of livestock. Further information on traditional practices for soil fertility management was obtained by interviewing selected farmers. The results show that the major use for organic residues from crops and livestock is to provide fuel. Crop residues were used as fuel by 84% of farmers, with 23% using all of their crop residues as fuel. Some manure was used as fuel by all farmers, with 56% of farmers using most of their manure as fuel. As a result, 23% used no crop residues and 56% used less than half of their manure to improve soil fertility. This suggests that recycling of nitrogen in the study area is low. Soil analysis indicates that the organic matter and nitrogen contents of the soil in the study area were only 1.43% and 0.08%, respectively. Therefore, further recycling of organic residues should be practiced in order to reduce losses of available nitrogen from the system. More research is needed to quantify nitrogen lost by these practices and to draw up a full nitrogen budget for the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in maintaining or enhancing soil fertility and quality of paddy field, but there is still limited information about how SOC mineralization responds to different tillage managements under the double-cropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) system in southern of China. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the changes in SOC content, soil enzyme activities (invertase, cellulose and urease), SOC mineralization at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers and its relationship with 7-years tillage management under the double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment included four tillage managements: rotary tillage with all residues removed as a control (RTO), conventional tillage with residue incorporation (CT), rotary tillage with residue incorporation (RT), and no-tillage with residue retention (NT). The results indicated that SOC and soil labile organic carbon contents at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers in paddy field with CT and RT treatments were significantly higher than the RTO treatment. Compared to the RTO treatment, SOC mineralization and accumulation at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers in paddy field with CT, RT and NT treatments were increased. SOC accumulation and potential mineralization at 0–10 cm layer with NT treatment were significantly higher than the CT, RT and RTO treatments. Soil mineralization constant at 10–20 cm layer with CT treatment was significantly higher than those of RT, NT and RTO treatments. This result indicated SOC mineralization rate and accumulation at 10–20 cm layer of CT, RT, NT and RTO treatments were lower than those of treatments at 0–10 cm layer. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities with CT and RT treatments were significantly increased. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities at 0–20 cm layer of CT treatment increased by 22.6%, 46.2% and 89.0%, respectively. There was significantly positive correlation between SOC accumulation and SOC content, soil invertase, cellulose, urease activities, but SOC accumulation was significantly negative correlated with soil pH, bulk density. Therefore, CT and RT treatments were beneficial managements to improve SOC content and SOC mineralization in the double-cropping rice field of southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the allelopathic effects of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) on the growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Shamamar-Hawler/Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a complete randomized factorial design (CRD) within 3 replications. The roots, shoots, and seeds of wild barley were dried, powdered, and added to the soil at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in 500 g pots. Each pot was planted with 5 seeds, which were later reduced to 3 seedlings. Growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths, dry weights, number of tillers, weight of spikes, seeds number per plant, and biological yield was measured. The results indicated significant effects of wild barley residues on the studied crops. Wheat showed the highest roots, shoots and total lengths were (29.56 cm, 17.05 cm and 46.58 cm, respectively) and the highest shoots and roots dry weights were (0.24 g and 0.30 g). Barley showed the highest number of stems (1.96) but the lowest shoots and dry weights of roots were (0.11 g and 0.23 g). Wild barley had the highest biological weight and harvest index (HI). Among the plant parts, seed extracts significantly enhanced growth parameters, while roots and shoots extract had the greatest inhibitory effects as wild barley residue concentrations increased. Nevertheless, the HI showed a decline as the concentrations increased, suggesting a detrimental effect on growth efficiency. The study shows the potential of wild barley as a bio-herbicide, emphasizing its allelopathic effects. This suggests that agricultural practices should be carefully considered to maximize the efficiency of crops. Incorporating these results into precision agriculture can greatly improve crop management and increase yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Return of crop residues directly as straw, animal manure, or biochar are recommended management options for biowaste recycling and soil organic carbon (SOC) maintenance in agriculture. However, to address the soil health challenges associated with soil degradation and climate change, it is critical to determine if or which of these different forms of crop residues could deliver a synergic improvement in SOC storage, emission reduction, and crop productivity following field application. In this study, maize straw in the form of air‐dried biomass (CS), manure via cattle digestion (CM), and biochar via pyrolysis (CB) was respectively amended once at a dose of 10 t C ha−1, in comparison to no maize straw addition (CK), in a paddy field under rice‐wheat rotation. Changes in soil properties, SOC storage, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and rice/wheat yield were examined over two consecutive rice/wheat rotation cycles following soil amendment. The total rice grain yield considerably increased by 6% under CM and CB, while it reduced by 6% under CS compared to CK. Soil nutrient content persistently increased under CM and CB by 4.2% ~ 17% and 11% ~ 26% for total nitrogen, 26% ~ 61% and 20% ~ 53% for available P, and 2% ~ 82% and 30% ~ 115% for available K, respectively. Topsoil SOC storage increased considerably by 8% under CM and 20% under CB, while remained unchanged under CS, compared to CK. The total methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were considerably increased by 7 folds and 15% under CS and 3.5 folds and 61% under CM, respectively, compared to CK. In contrast, these emissions considerably decreased under CB by 33% for CH4 and 29% for N2O. Consequently, the C emission efficiency considerably reduced under CS and CM but increased under CB over the two rotation cycles monitored. Moreover, the soil quality index (SQI) considerably improved under CM and CB but remained unchanged under CS compared to CK. Among the different forms of straw return, manure, and biochar, straw amendments differed considerably in their effects on C sequestration, GHG emissions, and crop productivity. Only biochar from crop residues synergistically improved these functions in the short‐term following application to paddy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate dryland wheat genotypes' performance under different pre-crop and residue managements under dryland conditions, a split–split plot experiment based on the RCB design, with three replications, was conducted for two years (2017–2018 and 2018–2019). The site of the study has a long-term average precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity of 376 mm, 9 °C, and 50%, respectively. Wheat–wheat and vetch–wheat cropping systems were considered in the main plots, different wheat and vetch residue levels, including 0, 2, and 4 t ha−1, were located in the subplots, and five dryland wheat genotypes, including Sadra, Hashtroud, Baran, Varan, and Ohadi, were allocated in the sub-sub plots. The results indicated that the leaf chlorophyll content index (CCI) and stomatal conductance (gs) were greater in the vetch–wheat cropping system compared to the wheat monoculture system for all genotypes. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the genotypes improved by applying the crop residue. Over two years, the application of crop residues resulted in higher variable fluorescence at the J and I steps, as well as an increase in the photosynthesis performance index (PI). The Varan and Baran genotypes stood out as the superior genotype, exhibiting the highest values in physiological characteristics and grain yield under the application of 4 t ha−1 of vetch residue. The grain-filling rate (GFR) was reduced, while the grain-filling duration (GFD) was increased with increasing the crop residue levels. The enhanced grain yield of the wheat genotypes grown under vetch residue was attributed to factors such as improvement in leave pigments and photosynthetic efficiency, which facilitate longer grain filling duration, with high grain weight. As a result, it is advisable to adopt a vetch–wheat cropping system with a high proportion of crop residue in dryland regions to achieve increased and sustainable wheat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Côte d'Ivoire has substantially neglected crop residues from farms in rural areas, so this study aimed to provide strategies for the sustainable conversion of these products to hydrogen. The use of existing data showed that, in the Côte d'Ivoire, there were up to 16,801,306 tons of crop residues from 11 crop types in 2019, from which 1,296,424.84 tons of hydrogen could potentially be derived via theoretical gasification and dark fermentation approaches. As 907,497.39 tons of hydrogen is expected annually, the following estimations were derived. The three hydrogen-project implementation scenarios developed indicate that Ivorian industries could be supplied with 9,026,635 gigajoules of heat, alongside 17,910 cars and 4732 buses in the transport sector. It was estimated that 817,293.95 tons of green ammonia could be supplied to farmers. According to the study, 5,727,992 households could be expected to have access to 1718.40 gigawatts of electricity. Due to these changes in the transport, energy, industry, and agricultural sectors, a reduction of 1,644,722.08 tons of carbon dioxide per year could theoretically be achieved. With these scenarios, around 263,276.87 tons of hydrogen could be exported to other countries. The conversion of crop residues to hydrogen is a promising opportunity with environmental and socio-economic impacts. Therefore, this study requires further extensive research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production systems are a major area of concern in mitigating climate change. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of crop residue, nutrient management, and soil moisture on methane (CH4) emissions from maize, rice, soybean, and wheat production systems. In this study, incubation experiments were conducted with four residue types (maize, rice, soybean, wheat), seven nutrient management treatments {N0P0K0 (no nutrients), N0PK, N100PK, N150PK, N100PK + manure@ 5 Mg ha−1, N100PK + biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1, N150PK+ biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1}, and two soil moisture levels (80% FC, and 60% FC). The results of this study indicated that interactive effects of residue type, nutrient management, and soil moisture significantly affected methane (CH4) fluxes. After 87 days of incubation, the treatment receiving rice residue with N100PK at 60% FC had the highest cumulative CH4 mitigation of −19.4 µg C kg−1 soil, and the highest emission of CH4 was observed in wheat residue application with N0PK at 80% FC (+12.93 µg C kg−1 soil). Nutrient management had mixed effects on CH4 emissions across residue and soil moisture levels in the following order: N150PK > N0PK > N150PK + biochar > N0P0K0 > N100PK + manure > N100PK + biochar > N100PK. Decreasing soil moisture from 80% FC to 60% FC reduced methane emissions across all residue types and nutrient treatments. Wheat and maize residues exhibited the highest carbon mineralization rates, followed by rice and soybean residues. Nutrient inputs generally decreased residue carbon mineralization. The regression analysis indicated that soil moisture and residue C mineralization were the two dominant predictor variables that estimated 31% of soil methane fluxes in Vertisols. The results of this study show the complexity of methane dynamics and emphasize the importance of integrated crop, nutrient, and soil moisture (irrigation) management strategies that need to be developed to minimize methane emissions from agricultural production systems to mitigate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane produced from paddy fields has a negative impact on global climate change. However, the role of soil bacterial community composition in mediating methane (CH4) emission from waterlogged paddy soil using the column experiment is poorly known. In the present study, various fertilization treatments were adopted to investigate the effects of fertilizer reduction combined with organic materials (CK: control; CF: conventional fertilization; RF: 20% fertilizer reduction; RFWS: RF plus wheat straw amendment; RFRS: RF plus rapeseed shell amendment; RFAS: RF plus astragalus smicus amendment) on CH4 emission and soil bacterial community during an 85-day leaching experiment. We hypothesized that the fertilizer reduction plus the organic materials could enrich the bacterial communities and increase CH4 emission. The average CH4 flux varied from 0.03 μg m−2 h−1 to 76.19 μg m−2 h−1 among all treatments in the nine sampling times, which may account for the experimental conditions such as air temperature, moisture, and anthropogenic factors. In addition, high-throughput sequencing was utilized to investigate the alteration of the soil bacterial community structure. It was revealed that the diversity and composition of the bacterial community in the topsoil amended with organic materials underwent significant shifts after the 85-day leaching experiment. Proteobacteria was identified as the dominant phylum of the soil bacteria, with an average proportion of 35.2%. For Firmicutes, the proportion of RFRS (11%) was higher than that in the CK (8%), RF (8%), RFWS (7%), RFAS (6%), and CF (5%) treatments. Additionally, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobateria were supposed to be the major class bacterial communities, with average proportions of 12.8% and 12.2%, respectively. For the RFWS treatment, the contribution of Alphaproteobateria was the highest among all the bacterial relative abundance. According to the correlation heatmap analysis, the top ten bacterial communities were positively related to soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) (p < 0.01). The findings also indicated that the RFRS treatment was the favorable management to alleviate CH4 emission during an 85-day leaching experiment or possibly in paddy production. Collectively, these results predict that the impacts of different treatments on CH4 production are strongly driven by soil microbial communities and soil properties, with soil bacteria being more prone to the crop residue degradation stage and more sensitive to soil properties. The discoveries presented in this study will be useful for assessing the efficacy and mechanisms of organic material amendments on CH4 emissions in paddy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The handling of the remnants of rice crops in the field is not an easy operation, and farmers prefer burning, which causes air pollution, smog, and disease. This research reports the development of a novel precision crop seeder by handling the remnants of previous crops through mechanization. The precision seeder performed multiple operations in a single path, viz, chop residues, incorporate into soil, make mini trenches, and sow wheat with fertilizer application. The precision seeder has a 2040 mm working width, and specially designed C-type blades are used to shred the crop residue. A multiple-speed gearbox with a gear ratio of 1:0.52 is installed, with a further set of spur gears with 16, 18, and 20 teeth that provide 225, 250, 310, and 350 RPMs to the main rotor. In the middle of the seeder, after the main rotor shaft, 11 V-shaped trencher plates are fixed on the trencher roller for the making of trenches. The trencher roller is powered by star wheels, which showed good results. A zero-tillage-type sharp tip edge novel seeder unit was developed for the precise placement of seed and fertilizer. Seed and fertilizer were placed into the mini trenches through 11 seeder units through a ground wheel calibration system. The field capacity of the precision seeder was 0.408 ha/h and the operational cost was calculated 40.68 USD/ha. The seeder showed good results, with the production of 5028 kg/ha compared to conventional methods. The precision seeder provides a mechanized solution for wheat sowing with minimal operational costs by enhancing organic matter in soil with 13% more yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open burning of sugarcane residue is commonly used as a low-cost and fast method during pre-harvest and post-harvest periods. However, this practice releases various pollutants, including dioxins. This study aims to predict polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs or dioxins) emissions using the grey model (GM (1,1)) and to map the annual flux spatial distribution at the provincial level from 2023 to 2028. An annual emission inventory at the provincial level was developed using the activity rate of dry crop residue from national agencies and literature, following the guidelines set by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Emission distributions from 2016 to 2022 were then mapped. The average PCDD/F emission values show significant variation among the provinces, averaging 309 pg TEQ/year. Spatially, regions with intensive sugarcane production, such as Lampung and East Java consistently show high emissions, often exceeding 400 pg/m2. Emissions calculated using the UNEP emission factor tend to be higher compared to other factors, due to its generic nature and lack of regional specificity. Emission predictions using GM (1,1) indicate that North Sumatra is expected to experience a steady increase in PCDD/Fs emissions, whereas South Sumatra and Lampung are projected are projected to see a slight decline. This forecast assumes no changes in regional intervention strategies. Most regions in Java Island show a gradual increase in emissions, except for East Java, which is predicted to have a slight decline from 416 pg/year in 2023 to 397 pg/year in 2028. Additionally, regions such as Gorontalo and parts of East Java are projected to remain 'hotspots' with consistently high emissions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. To address emission hotspots, this study emphasizes the need for cleaner agricultural practices, enhanced enforcement of environmental regulations, and the integration of advanced monitoring technologies to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of PCDD/F emissions in Indonesia. Future studies should consider developing monthly emissions profiles to better account for local agricultural practices and seasonal conditions. The emission data generated in this study, which include both spatial and temporal distributions, are valuable for air quality modeling studies and can help assess the impact of current and future emissions on ambient air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the impact of cover crops and manure on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial for advancing our understanding of the climate-smart potential of organic management practices. This soil incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effects of manure and cover crop residue decomposition on soil carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) emissions under simulated tillage conditions. Undisturbed soil cores, collected from an organic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field experiment, were incubated for 90 days in a 2 × 4 factorial design for 2 consecutive years. Four combinations of cover crop and poultry litter (PL) residues were the primary treatment factor. The amount of residues added in the incubation study reflected the cover crop biomass produced under field conditions and the amount of PL applied in the field. Residue treatments included PL only at the full application rate (250 kg ha−1), PL with oat (Avena sativa L.), PL with turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa), and half the rate of PL with Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum) (AWP). The residues were either soil incorporated or surface applied to simulate disking and no-till field conditions. On average, 3.5% of applied carbon escaped as CO2 during the 90-day incubation period across treatments. Similarly, on average, 0.75% of applied nitrogen escaped as N2O. The proportion of nitrogen emitted as N2O under simulated no-till was 81.2% higher in 2020 (P < 0.05) compared to conventional tillage. In 2021, N2O emission was 35.8% higher (P < 0.1). When normalized over the amount of carbon added, total CO2 equivalent GHG emissions were the highest in the legume AWP treatment for both years. However, neither residue types nor simulated tillage affected net soil CH4 uptake (P > 0.1). While no-till practices may increase soil total carbon and nitrogen stocks during the cover crops and manure decomposition, the impact on GHG emissions depends on residue type and should be considered in estimating the climate-smart potential of organic management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the C footprint of human activities, there is a growing need for alternative energy sources including the production of bioenergy feedstocks. Miscanthus × giganteus is a high yielding grass with low environmental impact and high potential for feedstock use. Studying the composition of the aboveground tissues of Miscanthus is important for understanding feedstock quality for biofuel conversion and how crop residue quality may affect soil input management. Data on Miscanthus leaf and stem chemistry including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), macronutrient concentrations, and the optical characteristics of the water extractable organic matter (WEOM) was analyzed to identify differences in composition between aboveground tissues and modeled to identify soil variables that may be correlated with tissue chemistry. Leaves and stems were dominated by N, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg), but overall, the leaves contained higher nutrient concentrations compared to the stems. The leaves displayed elevated Si:K (0.0935) and Ca:K (0.445) ratios and lower C:N (36) and C:P (323) ratios compared to the stems (0.0560, 0.145, 150, and 645, respectively). Leaf WEOM contained large, aromatic, and complex structures, while the stem WEOM was dominated by small, recently produced structures. Varying relationships were found between tissue C and the mobile C pool in surface (0–15 cm) and deep (45–60 cm) soils. Overall, Miscanthus leaves had a chemical composition indicative of reduced biofuel quality compared to the stems. The relationships with soil mobile C suggest a dynamic linkage between Miscanthus physiology and this active soil C pool. These results have implications for crop nutrient allocation and nutrient management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of 237 pesticides were assessed in 1063 fruit and vegetable samples from 12 São Paulo markets spanning the period May 2015 to December 2022. The QuEChERS method was employed for extraction, followed by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis. Findings indicated that 30% of the samples contained residues below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), while 6% exceeded these. Additionally, 23% exhibited excessive residues for their respective crops and 40% had no detectable residues. Health risk evaluation focused on tomatoes, cabbage and oranges, revealing exposure within 0.002–0.9% of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), indicating no chronic risks. However, pyraclostrobin in orange presented a potential acute risk for adults (112%). These results underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables to safeguard consumer health, especially considering the significant levels of consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second‐generation biofuel (e.g., ethanol, renewable diesel) can be made from crop residues. However, the availability of residues for biofuel production is uncertain, because farmers have the option to grow different crops and use the residues for alternative purposes, such as livestock bedding and feed, or leave them in the field to improve soil quality. Taking Canadian wheat straw supply as an example, we develop a dynamic programming model to investigate a farmer's wheat straw supply decision in response to different wheat straw and grain prices. Our model considers crop choices between wheat and canola in the context of disease risk, the trade‐off between the immediate payoffs a farmer may receive from bailing and selling wheat straw, and the long‐term adverse effects that removing wheat straw from the soil surface may have on wheat and canola yields. The results from this study provide insights into how farm‐level supply decisions, in response to wheat straw price changes, affect soil quality dynamics and scale up to regional wheat straw supply for biofuel production. This information also has implications for land use change and the sustainability of feedstock supply for biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the Millennium Development Goals is to ensure environmental sustainability. Farm households and rural communities are significant producers of manure, crop residues or mixed solid waste daily. Waste management is an important issue in any society and is still a challenge for local authorities in many parts of the world. For many women involved in agriculture, assessing their role in farm and household waste management is essential. This paper seeks to understand the problem of SWM in rural communities and the role of women in its management using a case-series approach. The women who participated in the research reported several challenges regarding the disposal of waste, lack of awareness and information, burnout and degrading of their status and effects of community attitudes and social norms. Some reported the need for collective community efforts and commitment to manage waste in rural areas. Government agencies should introduce policies/schemes for better management. More than this, people should accept the situation and cooperate with existing institutions. Government should create landfill sites in rural areas, put dustbins in place and run programmes for changes in public behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop residue decomposition is fundamental for ecosystems, influencing carbon cycling, organic matter accumulation, and promoting plant development through nutrient release. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain the rate of decomposition of four commonly cultivated crops (alfalfa, maize, avocado, and eucalyptus) along the northern coast of Lima (Huaral) and in the Ancash Mountain range (Jangas) areas. Decomposition rates were assessed using mass loss from decomposition bags measuring 15 × 10 cm, filled with 10–15 g of material tailored to each species, and buried at a depth of approximately 5 cm. Sampling occurred every three months over a year, totaling four sampling events with three replicates each, resulting in ninety-six experimental units. The findings demonstrate that the decomposition rates and the release of nutrients were markedly greater in Huaral for maize and avocado. In contrast, these rates were notably elevated in Jangas for alfalfa and eucalyptus. The leaf litter of avocado and eucalyptus (tree) had periods of accumulation and release of heavy metals such as Cd. The initial C/N ratio was one of the main factors related to the nutrient decomposition rate; in contrast, there were no significant relationships with soil properties at the study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a common threat to all major cities worldwide for its harmful effects on human health, economy and sustainability. Occasionally, air quality is further degraded by several human activities and events. Particularly, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India, is susceptible to the after-effects of firecrackers bursting during Diwali, the festival of lights. Coincidentally, these effects are further accentuated by the crop residue burning prevalent in the adjoining states. In this study, the combined impacts of Diwali and stubble burning are examined around Delhi area. Spatio-temporal behavior of air pollutants, PM2.5 and PM10 (Particulate Matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m and ≤ 10 μ m, respectively), is investigated on a weekly scale using geostatistical approach for the pre-COVID years of 2018 and 2019 to unravel short term trends, and the cause-effect relationships are explored. For both the years 2018 and 2019, North-West Delhi recorded, on an average, higher weekly mean concentrations of PM2.5 by 10.5 % and 4.25 % , and PM10 by 13.11 % and 4.94 % respectively, compared to other districts. Further statistical analysis reveals that the total number of weekly crop-burning instances is correlated to the weekly mean PM levels. In order to get finer microscopic view, spatio-temporal trends of PM values are thoroughly examined on daily and hourly scale for the Diwali Week in Delhi for both the years by analyzing the effects of firecrackers bursting and stubble burning. Backward trajectory analysis indicates occurrences of pollutants transportation from neighbouring states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) in agricultural soils promises climate change mitigation as well as sustainable ecosystem services. In order to stabilize crop residues as soil carbon (C), addition of mineral nutrients in excess to crop needs is suggested as an inevitable practice. However, the effect of two macronutrients i.e., nitrogen (N) & phosphorus (P), on C cycling has been found contradictory. Mineral N usually decreases whereas mineral P increases the soil organic C (SOC) mineralization and microbial biomass. How the addition of these macronutrients in inorganic form to an organic-matter poor soil affect C cycling remains to be investigated. Methods: To reconcile this contradiction, we tested the effect of mineral N (120 kg N ha−1) and/or P (60 kg N ha−1) in presence or absence of maize litter (1 g C kg−1 soil) on C cycling in an organic-matter poor soil (0.87% SOC) in a laboratory incubation. Soil respiration was measured periodically during the incubation whereas various soil variables were measured at the end of the incubation. Results: Contrary to literature, P addition stimulated soil C mineralization very briefly at start of incubation period and released similar total cumulative CO2-C as in control soil. We attributed this to low organic C content of the soil as P addition could desorb very low amounts of labile C for microbial use. Adding N with litter built up the largest microbial biomass (144% higher) without inducing any further increase in CO2-C release compared to litter only addition. However, adding P with litter did not induce any increase in microbial biomass. Co-application of inorganic N and P significantly increased C mineralization in presence (19% with respect to only litter amended) as well as absence (41% with respect to control soil) of litter. Overall, our study indicates that the combined application of inorganic N and P stabilizes added organic matter while depletes the already unamended soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation endeavors to evaluate the prevalence of stubble burning in India, with a special focus on the state of Punjab. The study emphasizes the enormity of stubble burning by examining farm fire incidents, pollutant emissions, its detrimental impacts. It supports the effective management of crop residue along with proposing alternatives to stubble burning. The article conveys the message that stubble burning can result in deleterious effects on the environment, human health, crop growth, natural ecosystems, visibility, and physical infrastructure. The key solutions lie in education, functional literacy, a heightened awareness of environmental laws, rights and duties, stringent governance, and socially responsible public, promoting adherence to the National Green Tribunal's guidelines for managing crop residue and enlightening farmers about the ill effects of stubble burning on animal, soil, human health, crop biodiversity, and climate change. The available data of districts of Punjab indicates the recent waning trend in stubble burning, thus heralding a positive indication of environmental preservation. Decreased stubble burning is the reward of untiring government initiatives, support and subsidies, awareness programs, advanced research and technology, and enforcement of stringent regulations combined with recognition of the deleterious environmental impacts of stubble burning. This research article indicates that there is still a need for efforts to be made to eliminate stubble burning altogether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate fertilizer application for rice crop resulted in the yield and soil fertility issues, then biochar and bioorganic utilization considered as the best solution for this situation. This study aimed to assess the combination of biochar and BOFs on growth and yield of lowland rice. The experiments were conducted at the field in Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam in two crop seasons from 2023-2024. The completely randomized block experimental design involved three replications with five treatment combinations i.e., 100% NPK (control); 80% NPK + 5 t/ha BOF + 2 t/ha biochar; 80% CMOF + 5 t/ha BF + 2 t/ha biochar + 400 kg/ha lime; 70% CMOF + 5 t/ha BOF + 3 t/ha biochar + 400 kg/ha lime; 60% CMOF + 10 t/ha BOF + 3 t/ha biochar + 400 kg/ha lime. The effect of these treatments was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) with a 95% confidence level (α=0.05). We found that the optimal combination is 80% NPK + 5 t/ha BOF + 2 t/ha biochar on rice plant height (98.67 cm), dry matter (12.43 g/plant) and economic yields (6.95 t/ha). The combination is capable of increasing the rice productivity according to rice performance and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbes may play an important role in the sugarcane leaf degradation and nutrient conversion process. Soil bacterial communities are more or less involved in material transformation and nutrient turnover. In order to make better use of the vast sugarcane leaf straw resources and reduce the overuse of chemical fertilizers in the subtropical red soil region of Guangxi, a pot experiment, with three sugarcane leaf return (SLR) amounts [full SLR (FS), 120 g/pot; half SLR (HS), 60 g/pot; and no SLR (NS)] and three fertilizer reduction (FR) levels [full fertilizer (FF), 4.50 g N/pot, 3.00 g P2O5/pot, and 4.50 g K2O/pot; half fertilizer (HF), 2.25 g N/pot, 1.50 g P2O5/pot, and 2.25 g K2O/pot; and no fertilizer (NF)], was conducted to assess the interactions of different SLR amounts and chemical FR levels in the soil bacterial network and the relationship between the soil properties and bacterial network by using Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing technology. According to the results of the soil bacterial community compositions and diversity, the soil bacterial network was changed during maize growth. SLR exerted a stronger effect on soil bacterial function than FR. Returning the sugarcane leaf to the field increased the diversity of the soil bacteria network. The bacterial communities were consistently dominated by Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes across all treatments, among which Actinobacteria was the most abundant bacteria type by almost 50% at the phylum level. The analysis results of the experimental factor on maize growth showed that the effect of SLR was lower than that of FR; however, this was opposite in the soil bacterial community structure and diversity. The soil bacterial network was significantly correlated with the soil total K, available N and organic matter contents, and EC. The soil bacteria community showed different responses to SLR and FR, and the FF in combination with FS partly increased the complexity of the soil bacteria network, which can further benefit crop production and soil health in the red soil region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Laccase, the selectively lignin degrader, vital to the initiation of lignocellulosic deconstruction was immobilized onto activated agarose beads to increase its reuse potential. Laccase cross-linked beads (~ 3.42 mm) recorded a specific activity of 23 Umg− 1, retaining about 80.43% enzyme activity after 45 days of storage. The immobilization yield and efficiency were 89% and 97% respectively. The equilibrium data fitted the Freundlich equation (R2 = 0.9987) demonstrating multilayer adsorption and the presence of Cu, Fe, and S in the elemental analysis of immobilized beads established effective binding between activated agarose beads and the laccase protein. Characterization studies of the immobilized laccase-treated crop residues revealed significant differences in the lignin polymer after each treatment cycle. An increase in digestibility of 26.21% and 7.62% was observed in paddy and finger millet-treated straws respectively, over the controls corroborating efficient lignin depolymerization. The propitious performance of laccase beads authenticated in the batch enzymatic reactor to treat crop residues paves headway as a sustainable green technology in the deconstruction of crop residues for use as ruminant feed, augmenting productivity.

Abstract The poor quality of available feed resources is the major limiting factor for livestock production in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the Gera District, southwest Ethiopia. Three representative samples of natural pasture (Cynodon dactylon, Pavonia schimperiana Hochst and Rhynchosia ferruginea), three indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs) (Erythrina abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina and Maytenus undat), two cultivated forages (Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum pedicellatum) and five crop residues (Hordeum vulgare (barley), Zea mays (maize), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Eragrostis tef (Teff)) were randomly and separately collected from the Highland (HL), midland (ML) and lowland (LL) AEZs. The samples were analyzed for ash, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content using standard analytical methods. The results showed that AEZ significant (P

• Rice straw-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) included four main components. • The presence of goethite significantly promotes the straw decomposition process. • OM's adsorption capacity for Cd increased with the straw decomposition time. • The presence of minerals promoted the OM's adsorption capacity and affinity of Cd. • Surface precipitation and complexation dominant Cd adsorption by OM. Organic matter (OM) derived from the decomposition of crop residues plays a key role as a sorbent for cadmium (Cd) immobilization. Few studies have explored the straw decomposition processes with the presence of minerals, and the effect of newly generated organo-mineral complexes on heavy metal adsorption. In this study, we investigated the variations in structure and composition during the rice straw decomposition with or without minerals (goethite and kaolinite), as well as the adsorption behavior and mechanisms by which straw decomposition affects Cd immobilization. The degree of humification of extracted straw organic matter was assessed using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), while employing FTIR spectroscopy and XPS to characterize the adsorption mechanisms. The spectra analysis revealed the enrichment of highly aromatic and hydrophobic components, indicating that the degree of straw decomposition and humification were further intensified during incubation. Additionally, the existence of goethite (SG) accelerated the humification of OM. Sorption experiments revealed that the straw humification increased Cd adsorption capacity. Notably, SG exhibited significantly higher adsorption performance compared to the organic matter without minerals (RS) and the existence of kaolinite (SK). Further analysis using FT-IR spectroscopy and XPS verified that the primary mechanisms involved in Cd immobilization were complexion with —OH and —COOH, as well as the formation of Cd-π binds with aromatic C=C on the surface of solid OMs. These findings will facilitate understanding the interactions of the rice straw decomposing with soil minerals and its remediation effect on Cd-contaminated farmland. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Côte d’Ivoire has substantially neglected crop residues from farms in rural areas, so this study aimed to provide strategies for the sustainable conversion of these products to hydrogen. The use of existing data showed that, in the Côte d’Ivoire, there were up to 16,801,306 tons of crop residues from 11 crop types in 2019, from which 1,296,424.84 tons of hydrogen could potentially be derived via theoretical gasification and dark fermentation approaches. As 907,497.39 tons of hydrogen is expected annually, the following estimations were derived. The three hydrogen-project implementation scenarios developed indicate that Ivorian industries could be supplied with 9,026,635 gigajoules of heat, alongside 17,910 cars and 4732 buses in the transport sector. It was estimated that 817,293.95 tons of green ammonia could be supplied to farmers. According to the study, 5,727,992 households could be expected to have access to 1718.40 gigawatts of electricity. Due to these changes in the transport, energy, industry, and agricultural sectors, a reduction of 1,644,722.08 tons of carbon dioxide per year could theoretically be achieved. With these scenarios, around 263,276.87 tons of hydrogen could be exported to other countries. The conversion of crop residues to hydrogen is a promising opportunity with environmental and socio-economic impacts. Therefore, this study requires further extensive research.

Forest conversion to agricultural land has been shown to deplete soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) stocks. However, research on how soil properties respond to forest conversion to shifting cultivation has produced conflicting results. The conflicting findings suggest that the agricultural system may influence the response of SOC and STN to forest conversion to agriculture, depending on the presence of vegetative cover throughout the year. Due to the unique characteristics of montane evergreen forests (MEF) and banana plantations (BP), SOC and STN response to MEF conversion to BP may differ from existing models. Nevertheless, research on how soil properties are affected by MEF conversion to BP is scarce globally. In order to fill this research gap, the goal of this study was to evaluate how much deforestation for BP affects SOC, STN, and soil quality by analysing these soil parameters in MEF and BP fields down to 1-m depth, using standard profile-based procedures. Contrary to the specified hypothesis that SOC and STN losses would be restricted to the upper 20-cm soil layer, SOC losses were extended to the 40-cm depth layer and STN losses to the 60-cm depth layer. The soils lost 18.56 Mg ha – 1 (37%) of SOC from the upper 20 cm and 33.15 Mg ha – 1 (37%) from the upper 40 cm, following MEF conversion to BP. In terms of STN, the upper 20, 40, and 60 cm lost 2.98 (43%), 6.62 (47%), and 8.30 Mg ha – 1 (44%), respectively. Following MEF conversion to BP, the SOC stratification ratio decreased by 49%, implying a decline in soil quality. Massive exportation of nutrients, reduced C inputs due to complete removal of the arboreal component and crop residues, the erodibility of the soils on the study area's steep hillslopes, and the potential for banana plantations to increase throughfall kinetic energy, and splash erosion through canopy dripping are thought to be the leading causes of SOC and STN losses. More research is needed to identify the extent to which each cause influences SOC and STN losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite detection of active fires has contributed to advance our understanding of fire ecology, fire and climate dynamics, fire emissions, and how to better manage the use of fires as a tool. In this study, we use active fire data of 12 years (2012-2023) combined with landcover information in the South-Central United States to derive a monthly, open-access dataset of categorized fires. This is done by calculating a fire predominance index used to rank fire-prone landcovers, which are then grouped into four main landscapes: grassland, forest, wildland, and crop fires. County-level aggregated analyses reveal spatial distributions, climatologies, and peak fire months that are particular to each fire type. Using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), it was found that during the climatological fire peak-month, the SPI and fires exhibit an inverse relationship in forests and crops, whereas grassland and wildland fires show less consistent inverse or even direct relationship with the SPI. This varied behavior is discussed in the context of landscapes' responses to anomalies in precipitation and fire management practices, such as prescribed fires and crop residue burning. In a case study of Osage County (OK), we find that large wildfires, known to be closely related to climate anomalies, occur where forest fires are located in the county and absent in areas of grassland fires. Weaker grassland fire response to precipitation anomalies can be attributed to the use of prescribed burning, which is normally planned under environmental conditions that facilitate control and thus avoided during droughts. Crop fires, on the other hand, are set to efficiently burn residue and are practiced more intensely in drier years than in wetter years, explaining the consistently strong inverse correlation between fires and precipitation anomalies. In our increasingly volatile climate, understanding how fires, vegetation, and precipitation interact has become imperative to prevent hazardous fire conflagrations and to better manage ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a close link between the lack of electricity access and poverty indicators such as illiteracy, high infant mortality, lack of access to health care and malnutrition among others. Most rural farming communities in Ghana lack access to electricity due to the high cost of extending the grid to these communities. This lack of access tends to worsen the gap between urban and rural inhabitants regarding access to education, healthcare and development. Methods: This study assessed the technical and theoretical potential of agricultural residues in providing electricity to off-grid communities. The study used crop production figures of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut in the Soma and Goyiri farming communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District to conduct an assessment of the theoretical and technical potential of residues from the crops. The production figures of these crops were obtained from the District Office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Expected electricity demand of households, schools and health centers in the study communities were collected and employed for the projected load demand estimates. Results: The study found that 312.23 MWh/day of electricity could be generated from the combined residues of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut from the two communities. This amount of electricity is capable of providing ~ 202 to 263 times the peak electricity demand of the studied communities. Out of the total electricity demand of the two communities, only about 91 kWh/day is needed for use in a school and Community Health Promotion and Services (CHPS) compound, implying that the electricity from crop residues can also help to improve education and health provision in the rural communities. Conclusion: It is concluded that the potential of crop residues in meeting the electricity demand of off-grid communities is enormous. Hence, it must be considered in Ghana's energy development plans to achieve universal electricity access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop residues and their derived biochar are frequently used for their potential to improve grain yield, soil fertility and carbon (C) sequestration. However, the effects of root are often overlooked, and the effects of chemical fertilizer (NPK) combined with root or its biochar on microbial community structure need further study. This study used 13C-labeled maize root, its biochar and soil with different fertilization for 8 years as materials and substrates. A 112-day incubation experiment was conducted to explore the effects of microbial community on the C processing. During incubation, the root-C (54.9%) mineralized significantly more than biochar-C (12.8%), while NPK addition significantly increased the root-C mineralization. Adding biochar alone did not significantly change the microbial community. Compared to the biochar treatment (BC), the root treatment (R) notably increased the contents of total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), 13C-PLFA and the proportion of fungi and Gram-negative bacteria, but reduced the proportion of actinomycetes. The root mineralization was significantly correlated with the relative content of 13C-Gram-positive bacteria and 13C-fungi, while biochar mineralization was significantly correlated with the relative content of 13C-Gram-positive bacteria and 13C-actinomycetes. Notably, NPK addition significantly increased the contribution of biochar-C to PLFA-C pool, while decreasing the contribution of root-C. In summary, due to microbial adaptation to the lack of bioavailable C in biochar-amended soil, biochar can act as a buffer against the significant disturbance caused by NPK to microbial communities and native soil organic carbon (SOC), which contributes to the steady enhancement in soil C storage. Highlights: The addition of biochar alone for 8 consecutive years did not change the composition of the microbial community structure, but the total PLFA content increased significantly compared to the control. NPK addition reduced the proportion of microbial assimilation of root-C, while increasing the proportion of microbial assimilation of biochar-C. The effect of NPK on microbial biomass is short-lived, but the effect on microbial community structure is long-lasting. Biochar has a stronger buffering effect on the drastic changes in microbial communities and native SOC caused by NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]