Search Results (5,482)

The behavior of phosphorus (P) fertilizers in soil is governed not only by fertilizer solubility, but also by P mobility and vertical redistribution within the soil profile under contrasting water regime. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of water regime, fertilizer type, and soil properties on the vertical redistribution of ammonium acetate–lactate extractable phosphorus (P-AL) in the surface soil layer under controlled pot conditions. Experiments were conducted using three soils with contrasting chemical properties: AC-LO (acidic loam, pH 5.9), NE-CL (neutral clay loam, pH 6.8), and AL-SL (alkaline sandy loam, pH 8.0). Four simulated rainfall regimes were applied at a constant rate of 25 mm day⁻¹, corresponding to cumulative water inputs of 0 mm (W0), 50 mm (W50), 100 mm (W100), and 150 mm (W150). Fertilizer treatments included an unfertilized control (NF), a liquid NP 4–18 fertilizer applied at a low dose (L1), a liquid NP 4–18 fertilizer applied at a high dose (L2), and a solid NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer (S). Water regime exerted the strongest control on P mobility, with P-AL increasing by approximately 40–60% from W0 to W150, depending on soil type. In AC-LO, strong P fixation under low moisture minimized differences among fertilizer treatments, whereas under higher moisture (W100–W150), liquid fertilizers—particularly L2—resulted in P-AL levels approximately 10–30% higher than those of the solid fertilizer. In NE-CL, P mobility was moderate and, under W100–W150, L2 produced P-AL values approximately 10–15% higher than the solid fertilizer, promoting a more uniform P redistribution within the 2–8 cm layer. In AL-SL, the response under wet conditions depended on the water regime: at W100, L2 generated P-AL values comparable to the solid fertilizer, whereas at W150, L2 increased P-AL by approximately 11% relative to the solid form. Overall, the results indicate that soil chemical properties primarily regulate the extent of phosphorus redistribution, while water regime controls its intensity and fertilizer form influences the initial spatial configuration of P within the surface soil layer. The findings provide mechanistic insight into short-range phosphorus transport in soil, without allowing direct inferences regarding agronomic efficiency or crop response. Full article

Medicago sativa is one of the world’s most important forage plants, possessing strong nitrogen-fixing and regrowth capabilities. Promoting its growth not only enhances stress resistance but also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers. The value of Centella asiatica is primarily reflected in its medicinal properties. Currently, endophytic fungal resources of C. asiatica are scarce, and their potential to promote medicinal components and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study employed DNA extraction techniques to isolate and identify endophytic fungi from different parts of C. asiatica. We systematically analyzed the plant growth-promoting traits of endophytic fungi. After screening for the optimal strain and inoculating it into Medicago sativa, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying its growth-promoting effect using metabolomic sequencing. Research findings: A total of 18 endophytic fungal strains were isolated, belonging to 12 genera. Among them, five indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) strains were identified, with strain J4 demonstrating the highest IAA production (17.157 mg·L⁻¹). The J4 strain has iron-transporting carrier activity, while 15 strains exhibit nitrogen-fixing activity. Inoculation with the Plectosphaerella plurivora strain significantly increases M. sativa’s germination rate, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant height. Metabolomic analysis indicates that P. plurivora may promote anthocyanin and jasmonic acid accumulation by regulating pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism, thereby promoting growth. This study reveals the mechanism by which endophytic fungi enhance M. sativa growth at the metabolomic level. This study reveals the growth-promoting mechanism of endophytic fungi in M. sativa from a metabolomic perspective, providing a theoretical basis for increasing forage yield and offering new insights into sustainable agricultural development. Full article

The structural stability of lignocellulosic fibers in crop straw presents a significant challenge to its short-term biodegradation in natural environments, particularly in the cold regions of northern China. To isolate low-temperature straw-degrading bacteria, we selectively enriched microorganisms from straw-amended soils using lignocellulose as the sole carbon source. Three strains were isolated and identified: Stenotrophomonas sp. X24, Flavobacterium sp. X26, and Erwiniaceae bacterium X27. These strains were capable of growth and maize straw degradation within a 4–20 °C range and exhibited key cellulolytic activities (CMCase, FPase, and β-glucosidase). A synthetic three-strain mixture was assembled by combining these isolates in equal proportions. Solid-state fermentation (12 °C, 45 days) was used to assess straw degradation efficacy, while separate enzyme production experiments (12 °C, 3 days) were conducted to evaluate key cellulolytic activities and subsequently optimize culture conditions. The three-strain mixture achieved a net straw degradation rate of 30.93 ± 1.05%. Furthermore, optimization of culture conditions enhanced the carboxymethyl cellulase activity (CMCase) to a maximum of 24.51 ± 0.97 U/mL. The study demonstrates that the three-strain synthetic microbial mixture effectively degrades straw at low temperatures, offering a promising microbial resource to improve straw utilization and soil fertility in cold regions. Full article

The crystallization kinetics of picromerite play a crucial role in optimizing the fertilizer quality. This study developed a crystallization kinetics model of picromerite. Results show that increasing temperature mainly leads to higher supersaturation, which, in turn, enhances both nucleation and growth rates, with significant improvements in crystal size and uniformity. Higher stirring speed was found to have positive effects on crystal nucleation and growth rate. The decrease in supersaturation leads to the diminution of the driving force for crystallization and the gradual decline in crystallization. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between these crystallization conditions and the resultant crystal properties. Full article

Conventional agricultural production systems are increasingly challenged to balance environmental sustainability with economic performance, highlighting the need to systematically evaluate climate-smart agricultural practices as viable alternatives. The primary objective of the present work is to assess the environmental and economic benefits of implementing different Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices in the agricultural sector. For this purpose, four different CSA practices, including intercropping, renewable energy, variable rate fertilizer and no-tillage system, were studied in wheat cultivation in Lithuania. Subsequently, their environmental and economic performance was compared to a conventional wheat producing farm. For the environmental performance, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was performed following the respective ISO recommendations. Based on the results, the incorporation of CSA practices in the agricultural sector can lead not only to substantial improvements in environmental performance but also to notable economic benefits, depending on the selected practice. Regarding their environmental performance, the most prominent studied CSA was renewable energy that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, followed by variable rate fertilization. The economic analysis showed intercropping to be the most profitable option, with the total profit being 792 €/ha, while no-tillage also showed competitive results, with subsidies in each studied system playing a major role in the economic performance. Conversely, variable rate fertilization and renewable energy integration highlighted trade-offs between environmental advantages and short-term economic feasibility. Overall, the adoption of CSA practices represents a promising pathway toward more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Full article

Under drip irrigation conditions, the transport pattern of soil water in the root zone directly affects the water use efficiency of crops. The type of soil matrix, initial moisture content, and irrigation water quality jointly determine the hydrodynamic process of water infiltration. However, as a special type of irrigation water, the water movement mechanism of biogas slurry under drip irrigation in soilless cultivation substrates still lacks systematic investigation. In this study, transparent soil column infiltration experiments were conducted using two types of cultivation substrates—organic (coconut coir) and inorganic (desert sand)—under controlled facility conditions. Three initial moisture contents (10%, 15%, and 20%) and two irrigation water qualities (tap water and diluted biogas slurry) were combined to form twelve treatment groups. Soil moisture sensors and visualization techniques were employed to quantitatively analyze the wetting front morphology, vertical and horizontal infiltration rates, wetting ratio, and soil moisture profile distribution under different treatments. The results showed that the initial moisture content significantly influenced the advancement pattern of the wetting front. Higher initial moisture levels promoted the transformation of the wetting front shape from a “semi-pear” form to a “hemispherical” one and reduced the rate of infiltration decline. The coconut coir substrate exhibited stronger vertical infiltration capacity and a central water aggregation characteristic, whereas the desert sand demonstrated a wider horizontal expansion range. Under low and moderate initial moisture conditions, the application of biogas slurry enhanced horizontal water diffusion and improved the uniformity of the wetted zone, with the wetting ratio increasing by more than 6% compared with high moisture conditions. In addition, the power function model provided an excellent fit for the cumulative infiltration process across all treatments (R² > 0.96), indicating its suitability for describing the water transport process in facility cultivation substrates. This study provides theoretical support for precise water and fertilizer management and the efficient utilization of biogas slurry in soilless cultivation systems. Full article

The application of plant protection products (PPPs) at variable rates has gained prominence as a key strategy in precision agriculture (PA), promoting the rational use of inputs (water, fertilizers, pesticides) while improving crop yields and mitigating the environmental impacts (e.g., drift, evaporation, run-off). Despite the rapid growth of variable-rate application (VRA) systems, large-scale adoption remains fragmented, with strong emphasis on technological development and limited integration of economic, operational, and environmental assessment. To critically assess how research on VRA of PPPs has evolved and where significant knowledge gaps persist, this study conducted a bibliometric and scientometric analysis of the relevant literature aimed at mapping the scientific evolution, identifying trends and analyzing the gaps that limit the consolidation of the VRA domain. By identifying these imbalances, this study provides a critical reference framework to drive future research toward more robust, comparable, and globally relevant VRA solutions in PPP applications. Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were used, encompassing English-language scientific articles published between 2005 and 2025. The search strategy combined two sets of terms related to PPP application and variable-rate systems. The VOSviewer software was utilized for quantitative analysis. The bibliometric analysis assessed the temporal and geographical distribution of publications and identified the most productive authors, while the scientometric analysis visualized keyword co-occurrence networks and citation patterns among authors and countries. The results indicated that research activity culminated in a significant peak during the 2020–2024 period, with an upward trajectory for partial data of 2025. The United States and China emerged as leading contributors to scientific output. The most frequent keywords revealed the advancement of technologies such as pulse width modulation (PWM) technology, sensors, and automation. Although this research area is rapidly expanding, its consolidation still requires greater geographical participation and deeper technical exploration across various research fronts. Full article

Maintaining stable male sterility is fundamental for ensuring the genetic purity and productivity of two-line hybrid wheat. However, unexpected heat events during the fertility-sensitive period can induce fertility restoration in photo-thermo-sensitive male sterile (PTMS) lines, posing a major threat to hybrid seed production. In this study, we identified two BS-type PTMS lines, BS166 and BS192, that consistently maintained sterility under heat stress in a seed-production environment, indicating strong heat-tolerant sterility. To uncover the molecular basis underlying this stability, we compared four BS-type PTMS lines exhibiting contrasting heat responses through field assessments, controlled heat treatments, transcriptome sequencing, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 19,105 differentially expressed genes were identified, with the bisque4 module showing a significant correlation with seed setting rate. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that starch and sucrose metabolism, cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were highly associated with heat-tolerant sterility. Core genes within these pathways displayed transcriptional stability in BS166 and BS192 but were strongly induced in heat-sensitive lines. In situ hybridization and RT-qPCR further confirmed tapetum-specific expression of TaBGLU32 and TaLACS1. Based on these findings, we propose a regulatory model explaining how PTMS lines maintain sterility stability under heat stress. Full article

Electrochemotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment based on the principle of reversible electroporation of target cells in pathologic tissues in order to increase the local effect of chemotherapeutic agents. The mechanism of action relies on temporarily increasing cell permeability to increase the uptake of cytotoxic drugs in the intracellular space. Originally developed for the treatment of cutaneous malignancies, electrochemotherapy has significantly evolved over the past few decades, thanks to advancements in electrode design and image guidance, finding fertile ground in musculoskeletal oncological pathologies, such as bone and soft tissue tumors and different kinds of vascular malformations. Moreover, initial experiences have reported on the treatment of other soft tissue tumors such as desmoid fibromatosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature on the role of electrochemotherapy across a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, starting from established oncologic indications, such as metastatic bone or soft tissue tumors, to emerging evidence on primary musculoskeletal pathology, with particular attention paid to the results of the leading studies relating to the efficacy, complications, and recurrence rate. Full article

Declining fertility rates are decreasing college-aged populations and placing sustained pressure on higher education systems worldwide. This study examines how long-term demographic contraction brings recurring system-level challenges, using Germany, the United States, South Korea, and Japan as illustrative examples. Drawing on secondary data from official demographic and higher education statistics, the study applies a data-informed analytical approach and a structured analytical framework to identify key pressures related to financial and operational viability, educational quality assurance, structural and regional imbalances, and governance constraints. The analysis indicates that higher education systems have responded with strategic and operational measures, including international student recruitment, lifelong and recurrent education, institutional consolidation, and enrollment and retention management. While these responses can partially mitigate demographic pressures in the short to medium term, they face structural limits under sustained population decline. Long-term sustainability, therefore, requires coordinated system-level adaptation through diversified learner populations, institutional differentiation, and policy frameworks aligned with evolving labor market and societal demands, in order to maintain educational quality and equitable access. Full article

To address the issues of narrow row spacing, complex terrain, and low fertilization efficiency in trenching and fertilizing operations for mountainous tea gardens, a dual-spiral integrated trenching and fertilizing machine was designed, and its key parameters were optimized using the discrete element method (DEM). The research aimed to improve the stability of trenching depth, uniformity of trench width, and fertilization accuracy to meet the needs of precision agriculture in tea gardens. A soil–tool interaction model was established using Extended Discrete Element Method (EDEM) simulation software, and the forward speed, spiral blade rotation speed, and spiral angle were optimized via the Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology. Simulation results showed that the optimal parameter combination was a forward speed of 0.37 m·s⁻¹, spiral blade rotation speed of 202.31 r·min⁻¹, and spiral angle of 23.13°, achieving a trenching depth stability coefficient of 98.12%, width uniformity coefficient of 97.44%, and soil coverage rate of 75.32%. After optimizing the fertilization device parameters, the coefficient of variation for fertilization uniformity decreased to 5.80%, the bilateral symmetry index approached 0, the target layer trenching rate reached 89.86%, and the fertilizer drift loss rate was only 3.00%. Prototype tests in tea gardens verified that the machine achieved a trenching depth stability coefficient of over 94.28% and fertilization uniformity of 94.29%, meeting the design requirements. This study provides an efficient trenching and fertilizing solution for hilly and mountainous tea gardens, promoting the transformation of trenching and fertilizing machinery from experience-driven to model-driven design. Full article

In arid northwest China, water scarcity is the primary constraint on agricultural sustainability. Accurate prediction of soil moisture under vegetation is essential for optimizing water use and enabling precision irrigation. Furthermore, water and nitrogen management are often studied in isolation, and their spatiotemporal synergy in regulating soil moisture remains unclear, which hinders the development of optimized coupled strategies. To address this, this study integrated UAV hyperspectral (450–950 nm), multispectral remote sensing, and ground sensor networks to systematically conduct field experiments covering three irrigation levels: full irrigation (W1) at 100% of maintaining soil moisture content; mild deficit irrigation (W2), with soil moisture content set at three-quarters of W1; and severe deficit irrigation (W3), with soil moisture content set at half of W1 and three nitrogen application rates (N1: 350, N2: 250, and N3: 150 kg/ha) in a field experiment. Through sensitive band extraction and spectral index optimization, triple-band indices (RES: Reflectance Extraction Index, MSR: Moisture Sensitive Ratio Index, two novel triple-band spectral indices developed based on Kubelka–Munk and Hapke models) were innovatively developed to enhance signals and suppress noise. Random Forest algorithms were employed to construct soil moisture inversion models for different soil layers. Rigorous comparative analysis comprehensively evaluated performance differences between hyperspectral and multispectral technologies in the indirect retrieval of soil moisture based on crop physiological response and detecting soil moisture at varying depths (10–100 cm). The results indicate that the 450–760 nm visible band represents the optimal spectral region for soil moisture detection. The two indices (MSR and RES) constructed within this range demonstrated prediction correlations 18–32% higher than traditional indices. Hyperspectral technology exhibited comprehensive advantages, particularly in monitoring deep soil layers (>80 cm) (R² = 0.49 vs. 0.18 for multispectral). The spatiotemporal dynamics of soil moisture are primarily governed by irrigation intensity, while nitrogen fertilizers indirectly influence water redistribution through physiological processes such as root architecture regulation, rather than directly altering soil water-holding capacity. This study demonstrates the efficacy of a UAV-based hyperspectral system for precision soil moisture monitoring in vegetated farmland, and it provides a critical scientific basis for optimizing water–nitrogen management and enhancing water use efficiency in arid agriculture. Full article

In the context of China’s pursuit of high-quality economic development, enhancing agricultural productivity is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting common prosperity. This paper constructs a systematic IV-LP-ACF-SAR econometric framework to analyze agricultural Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth using panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning 2014 to 2023 (n = 341 observations). The framework employs the instrumental variable (IV)-based Levinsohn–Petrin (LP) proxy variable method under the Ackerberg–Caves–Frazer (ACF) system to estimate a Translog production function while addressing endogeneity using multiple spatial weight matrices. TFP growth is decomposed into technical change (TC), technical efficiency (EC), and scale efficiency (SC). A Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) model with Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE) explores spatial spillover effects and regional heterogeneity. Results show that China’s agricultural TFP remained largely stagnant from 2014 to 2023 with an average annual growth rate of −0.18%, where technical efficiency decline (−0.33% annually) was the main constraint. Technical change remained neutral, while scale efficiency contributed positively (+0.15% annually). Mechanization showed the highest output elasticity (0.99), while fertilizers, pesticides, and labor exhibited negative marginal returns. Spatial analysis revealed significant negative scale efficiency spillovers with regional patterns of “scale synergy in the Northeast/Northwest” and “efficiency synergy in East/North China.” These findings suggest that productivity policy should shift toward a dual-driver model combining efficiency enhancement and optimal scaling, with differentiated regional policies and inter-provincial coordination mechanisms necessary to mitigate negative spillovers and enhance sustainable agricultural growth quality. Full article

Dryland farming on the Loess Plateau faces significant challenges due to water scarcity and low nitrogen use efficiency. Although conventional urea sustains crop yields, it is associated with elevated greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen losses. Despite growing interest in both slow-release fertilizers and plastic mulching, their environmental footprints remain insufficiently evaluated. This study, therefore, aimed to identify a management strategy that maximizes productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Using a life-cycle assessment (LCA) framework, we compared four cultivation strategies, flat cultivation with urea (NU), flat cultivation with slow-release fertilizer (NS), mulching with urea (PU), and mulching with slow-release fertilizer (PS), each at nitrogen rates of 125, 225, and 325 kg ha⁻¹. The results demonstrated that PS reduced the carbon footprint per unit of net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) by 3.74–27.86% and the nitrogen footprint per unit of NEEB by 10.48–47.41%. At 225 kg ha⁻¹, PS increased grain yield and NEEB by 7.40% and 9.87%, respectively, compared to 125 kg ha⁻¹. Compared to 325 kg ha⁻¹, the 225 kg ha⁻¹ rate improved energy use efficiency by 19.81% while reducing carbon emissions, carbon, and nitrogen footprint per unit of NEEB by 10.29%, 14.36%, and 24.47%, respectively. In conclusion, mulching combined with slow-release fertilizer at 225 kg ha⁻¹ represents a balanced and regionally appropriate strategy, achieving strong agronomic performance alongside reduced environmental costs and improved economic returns. Full article

The CSN2 gene encoding β-casein has gained increasing attention in dairy cattle breeding due to the global adoption of A2-oriented selection strategies. However, robust large-scale evidence assessing potential unintended effects on functional traits, particularly fertility, under intensive commercial conditions remains limited. This study evaluated whether selection for the CSN2 A2 β-casein variant is associated with biologically relevant differences in fertility traits in Holstein cows. Reproductive and genomic data from 7826 lactation records of 2773 Holstein cows collected between 2022 and 2025 in a large commercial dairy herd were analyzed. Fertility indicators included days open, number of services per conception, calving interval, first-service conception rate, and pregnancy by 100 days in milk. Mixed-effects models accounting for repeated lactations and cow- and sire-level clustering were applied, and predefined equivalence margins were used to distinguish statistical non-significance from biological irrelevance. Across all evaluated fertility traits, differences among CSN2 genotypes (A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2) were consistently small, biologically negligible, and well within predefined equivalence margins. Differences in days open were within ±2 days, and effect sizes for count and binary traits were close to unity. Parity and calving year significantly influenced reproductive performance, whereas no CSN2 genotype × parity interactions were detected. These findings indicate that selection for the CSN2 A2 β-casein variant does not compromise reproductive performance under intensive commercial management conditions. From a breeding and industry perspective, the results support the implementation of A2-oriented selection strategies without biologically meaningful adverse effects on fertility. Full article