Search Results (58)

This study explores the effects of afforestation in infertile mountainous areas on soil microbial communities and functional nutrient cycling genes in young Cyclobalanopsis gilva forests, aiming to provide a scientific basis for promoting C. gilva growth. Employing metagenomic sequencing coupled with integrative analyses of microbial community structure and functional genes, this study took 7-year-old C. gilva forest stands in infertile mountainous areas of Shouchang Forest Farm, Zhejiang Province as the research object, using adjacent 7-year-old C. gilva forest in woodland areas as a control, to analyze the differences in soil microbial community structure and nutrient cycling functional genes in the rhizosphere (SCG) and non-rhizosphere (SNR) of infertile mountainous areas, as well as from the rhizosphere (FCG) and non-rhizosphere (FNR) of control woodland areas, and further explore their relationships with the growth of C. gilva. The results indicated that the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in SNR were significantly lower than those in FNR by 59.50%, 39.57%, 29.32%, and 53.13%, respectively. Bradyrhizobium and Trebonia were the dominant genera in both site conditions; however, the relative abundance of these genera was lower in infertile mountainous areas compared to the control. Notably, the Shannon and Simpson indices of SCG were significantly lower by 0.49 and 0.01 than those of SNR (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, the relative abundances of carbon fixation and nitrogen fixation of SCG were significantly higher than those of SNR. And the relative abundances of functional genes involved in carbon cycling (glyA, fdhA), nitrogen cycling (nasA, narfC, narC, and nirB), and phosphorus cycling (phoB) in infertile mountainous areas were significantly higher than those in the control. The nutrient cycling processes and the expression of functional genes in SCG are coordinately regulated by soil nutrients (SOC and TN) and microbial biomass [MBC (microbial biomass carbon) and MBN]. This work provides a mechanistic foundation for optimizing afforestation strategies and ecological restoration in nutrient-limited mountainous ecosystems, highlighting the critical role of microbial functional plasticity in overcoming edaphic constraints. Full article

Soils in alpine mining areas suffer from severe heavy metal contamination and infertility, yet little is known about the effects of different materials on soil improvement in such regions. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in farmlands contaminated by the Lanping lead–zinc mine in Yunnan, China, to compare the effects of four materials (biochar, organic fertilizer, lime, and sepiolite) on soil properties, heavy metal (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) fractions and their availability, and the growth of Phaseolus coccineus L. Results showed that biochar and organic fertilizer significantly enhanced soil nutrient content and enzyme activities. Lime, biochar, and sepiolite effectively reduced heavy metal bioavailability by promoting their transition to residual fractions. Notably, biochar outperformed other materials by substantially increasing grain yield (by 82%), improving nutritional quality (sugars, protein, and starch contents raised by 20–88%), and reducing heavy metal accumulation in grains (by 36–50%). A comprehensive evaluation based on subordinate function values confirmed biochar as the most effective amendment. Structural equation modeling further revealed that biochar promoted plant growth and grain quality primarily by enhancing soil available nutrients and immobilizing heavy metals. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of biochar for remediating heavy metal-contaminated farmlands in alpine lead–zinc mining regions. Full article

In alpine ecosystems, plant growth is often constrained by multiple environmental factors, especially the infertile soils with lower temperature that decelerate the rate of nutrient turnover, thus leading to a diminished availability of nutrients in the soil, notably nitrogen (N), and its different forms, which is a pivotal factor for limiting plant growth and species coexistence in these alpine areas. Androsace tapete (A. tapete) is an endemic species and the most widely distributed cushion plant on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). Its positive interactions can facilitate other associated plants to deal with severe environmental conditions in the alpine grassland ecosystem. The change in soil nutrient availability is one of the main positive interactions, but little is known about how A. tapete changes soil nutrient availability and affects the N uptake pattern of associated plants. This study investigated the N utilization patterns of three associated plant species —Carex atrofusca (C. atrofusca), Cyananthus incanus (C. incanus), and Potentilla saundersiana (P. saundersiana)— growing inside the cushion area A. tapete (CA) and the ambient grassland without cushion plants (CK), using a ¹⁵N labeling method to clarify the effect of A. tapete on the N uptake strategies with NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, and organic N of its associated species. The results showed the following: (1) compared to CK, the soil total C, total N, and available NH₄⁺ contents under the A. tapete showed a significant 47.82%, 40.96%, and 47.33% increase, respectively; (2) A. tapete showed a stronger preference for NH₄⁺ (>80%), whereas the associated species in CK exhibited a more balanced uptake, deriving 39.29–55.59% of N from NO₃⁻, 25.72–44.00% from NH₄⁺, and 16.15–18.69% from glycine. (3) The three associated plants possessing A. tapete significantly reduced their uptake of glycine by 9.76%, 12.55%, and 7.15%, respectively, while the absorption of NH₄⁺ by C. atrofusca and C. incanus increased by 18.46% and 36.11%; meanwhile, NO₃⁻ uptake decreased by 8.70% in C. atrofusca and 23.55% in C. incanus. These findings indicated that the A. tapete can change the N uptake pattern of the associated plants growing inside the cushion body, such as enhancing the absorption of inorganic N and decreasing the organic N. This adaptive strategy of the associated plants with cushion plant enables them to counteract the N-limited conditions prevalent in alpine environments, and, as a consequence, facilitates their growth and promotes local plant community diversity in the alpine environment. Full article

Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a serious environmental and human health problem. In recent decades, the impact of this substance has been profound and persistent, affecting the balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and leading to significant physical and psychosocial effects among the population. Natural sources (crude oil, natural gas, forest fires, and volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic (road traffic, smoking, pesticide use, oil drilling, underground water leaks, improper oil spills, industrial and mining waste water washing, etc.), the molar weight of the hydrocarbon, and the physicochemical properties are important factors in determining the degree of pollution. The effects of pollution on the environment consist of altering the fundamental structures for sustaining life (infertile lands, climate change, and loss of biodiversity). In terms of human health, diseases of the following systems occur: respiratory (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular (stroke, heart attack), pulmonary (infections, cancer), and premature death. To reduce contamination, sustainable intervention must be carried out in the early stages of the pollution-control process. These include physical techniques (isolation, soil vapor extraction, solvent extraction, soil washing), chemical techniques (dispersants–surfactants, chemical oxidation, solidification/stabilization, thermal desorption), biological techniques (bioremediation, phytoremediation), and indigenous absorbents (peat, straw, wood sawdust, natural zeolites, clays, hemp fibers, granular slag, Adabline II OS). Due to the significant environmental consequences, decisions regarding the treatment of contaminated sites should be made by environmental experts, who must consider factors such as treatment costs, environmental protection regulations, resource recovery, and social implications. Public awareness is also crucial, as citizens need to understand the severity of the issue. They must address the sources of pollution to develop sustainable solutions for ecosystem decontamination. By protecting the environment, we are also safeguarding human nature. Full article

Ecological restoration in arid coal-mining regions faces extreme challenges due to soil infertility, salinization, and water scarcity. This study addresses these limitations in the Santanghu Shitoumei No. 1 open-pit mine (Xinjiang), where gypsum gray-brown desert soil, minimal rainfall (199 mm/yr), high evaporation (1716 mm/yr), and persistent gale-force winds exacerbate revegetation efforts. To overcome the high cost, short lifespan, and poor practicality of commercial water-retaining agents, we developed a novel humic acid (HA) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite water-absorbing resin (HA-CMC). Optimal synthesis parameters—identified as acrylic acid (AA)–carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)–humic acid (HA)–Acrylamide (AM)–N,N’-methylene diacrylamide (MBA)–Ammonium persulphate (APS) = 100%:15%:4.5%:25%:0.6%:0.8%—yielded effective crosslinking, confirmed via FTIR and SEM. Performance benchmarking against existing agents demonstrated superior attributes. Field application in the mine’s demonstration area significantly enhanced surface vegetation and soil fertility, confirming the resin’s potential for large-scale soil remediation and ecological restoration in arid mining environments. Full article

Legumes are among the most important crops globally, serving as a major food source for protein and oil. In tropical regions, the cultivation of legumes has expanded significantly due to the increasing demand for food, plant-based products, and sustainable agriculture practices. However, tropical environments pose unique challenges, including high temperatures, erratic rainfall, soil infertility, and a high incidence of pests and diseases. Indeed, legumes are vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, and nematodes. This review highlights the importance of legumes in tropical farming and discusses major diseases affecting productivity and their impact on the economy, environment, and lives of smallholder legume farmers. We emphasize the use of legume genetic resources and breeding, and biotechnology innovations to foster resistance and address the challenges posed by pathogens in legumes. However, an integrated approach that includes other cultivation techniques (e.g., crop rotation, rational fertilization, deep plowing) remains important for the prevention and control of diseases in legume crops. Finally, we highlight the contributions of plant genetic resources to smallholder resilience and food security. Full article

In ecological restoration of arid/semi-arid sandy lands, micro-topographic variations and artificial shrub arrangement synergistically drive vegetation recovery and soil quality improvement. As a typical fragile ecosystem in northern China, the Mu Us Sandy Land has long suffered wind erosion, desertification, soil infertility, and vegetation degradation, demanding precise vegetation configuration for ecological rehabilitation. This study analyzed soil nutrients, plant diversity, and their correlations under various micro-topographic conditions across different types of artificial shrub plantations in the Mu Us Sandy Land. Employing one-way and two-way ANOVA, we compared the significant differences in soil nutrients and plant diversity indices among different micro-topographic conditions and shrub species. Additionally, redundancy analysis (RDA) was conducted to explore the direct and indirect relationships between micro-topography, shrub species, soil nutrients, and plant diversity. The results show the following: 1. The interdune depressions have the highest plant diversity and optimal soil nutrients, with relatively suitable pH values; the windward slopes and slope tops, due to severe wind erosion, have poor soil nutrients, high pH values, and the lowest plant diversity. Both micro-topography and vegetation can significantly affect soil nutrients and plant diversity (p < 0.05), and vegetation has a greater impact on soil nutrients. 2. The correlation between surface soil nutrients and plant diversity is the strongest, and the correlation weakens with increasing soil depth; under different micro-topographic conditions, the influence of soil nutrients on plant diversity varies. 3. In sandy land ecological restoration, a “vegetation type + terrain matching” strategy should be implemented, combining the characteristics of micro-topography and the ecological functions of shrubs for precise configuration, such as planting Corethrodendron fruticosum on windward slopes and slope tops to rapidly replenish nutrients, promoting Salix psammophila and mixed plantation in interdune depressions and leeward slopes to accumulate organic matter, and prioritizing Amorpha fruticosa in areas requiring soil pH adjustment. This study provides a scientific basis and management insights for the ecological restoration and vegetation configuration of the Mu Us Sandy Land. Full article

Excessive application of a chemical fertilizer during rice cultivation leads to soil infertility and increases production costs. An alternative way to reduce over-fertilization is to partially or fully replace the fertilizer with microbes that promote the growth and production of plants. This study aimed to investigate the Maled Phai rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L.) in a field experiment with two fungi strains. Rhizophagus variabilis KS-02 and Trichoderma zelobreve PBMP16 were selected as inocula and compared with non-R. variabilis KS-02 and non-T. zelobreve PBMP16, acting as controls, one without synthetic fertilizer and one with synthetic NPK fertilizer. The field experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block design with four replications. Growth and yield parameters were determined in the plant tissues and roots, and bioactive compounds were determined in the rice seeds. The results show the presence of T. zelobreve PBMP16 and R. variabilis KS-02 colonization in the plant roots at the harvest stage. A single inoculum of both R. variabilis KS-02 and T. zelobreve PBMP16 significantly increased most of the plant growth performance and yield parameters, as well as the concentrations of bioactive compounds. Remarkably, such effects were more apparent than those observed with the use of a chemical fertilizer. Thus, a single inoculum of R. variabilis KS-02 or T. zelobreve PBMP16 and the co-inoculation of both have the potential to increase the grain yield and bioactive compounds of Maled Phai under field conditions. Full article

Mineral elements are essential for human health. Our previous study identified distinct clusters of health-related mineral elements in surface soil among different regions and demonstrated an association between these clusters and health profiles in the USA. The present study further explores the relationship between these mineral clusters and mortality from detailed specific types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases by using county-level data from 3080 counties across the USA. Utilizing multivariate regression models with adjustment for socio-demographic and geographical factors, our analysis of county-level data revealed that residents in the regions of ‘infertile’ cluster have higher mortality rates for most types of cancers (18/29) and cardiovascular conditions (4/10) compared with people who live elsewhere. Notably, this relationship is pronounced for several specific leading causes of death such as tracheal, bronchus, lung cancer (regression coefficient (99.5% CIs), 6.29 (4.46, 8.13)), prostate cancer (1.06 (0.53, 1.6)), cerebrovascular disease (3.15 (1.74, 4.55)), and hypertensive heart disease (1.23 (0.23, 2.23)). Our findings highlight the critical role of soil minerals in human health and underscore the need for integrating geochemical data in public health strategies and environmental management policies. Full article

Cassava, an essential food crop, is valued for its tolerance to infertile soils. This study explores the role of C-terminally encoded peptides (CEPs) in cassava, mainly focusing on MeCEP6 and its function in nitrate uptake and plant growth. A comprehensive search on the UniProt website identified 12 CEP genes in cassava, predominantly located on chromosomes 12 and 13. Notably, MeCEP6 demonstrated high expression levels in root tips and exhibited a significant response to low nitrate stress. Exogenous MeCEP6 and its overexpression enhanced NRT2 transporter expression while suppressing auxin-related genes, promoting nitrate uptake and inhibiting seedling growth under nitrogen limitation. This growth inhibition likely represents an adaptive mechanism, enhancing cassava’s survival under nitrogen limitation by optimizing nitrogen allocation and use efficiency, albeit at the cost of reduced growth potential in nitrogen-replete conditions. Moreover, it was identified that MeWRKY65 and MeWRKY70 could interact with the promoter of MeCEP6 to modulate the expression of MeCEP6. The dual-luciferase assays further prove that MeWRKY65 and MeWRKY70 can activate the transcription of MeCEP6 under low nitrate stress conditions. The study’s results help explain the underlying mechanism of MeCEP6 that benefits nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen deficiency tolerance in cassava. These findings provide a molecular basis for improving cassava yield in nitrogen-deficient soils and highlight MeCEP6 as a potential target for crop improvement. Full article

The soybean is an important source of protein and is gaining popularity in Ghana due to a rising demand for its use in the poultry industry. However, the grain yield of soybeans is relatively low in the Upper West Region due to infertile soil and climate change. This study evaluated root nodulation and symbiotic effectiveness in 31 rhizobial isolates obtained from the nodules of soybeans planted at Da in the Upper West Region, Ghana, as well as measured photosynthetic activity of the soybean plants grown under glasshouse conditions. This study further assessed the tolerance of the rhizobial isolates to different levels of temperature, drought, salinity, and pH in the laboratory and also measured the ability of the isolates to produce indole-3-acetic acid. An infrared gas analyser and the ¹⁵N and ¹³C natural abundance techniques were used to assess the photosynthetic activity, N₂ fixation, and water-use efficiency, respectively. The results showed that the test isolates that induced greater photosynthetic rates from higher stomatal conductance also stimulated increased water loss via leaf transpiration in soybean plants. Isolates TUTGMGH9 and TUTGMGH19 elicited much higher shoot δ¹³C in the soybean host plant and induced higher shoot biomass, C accumulation, percent relative symbiotic effectiveness, and N₂ fixation relative to Bradyrhizobium strain WB74 and 5 mM of nitrate, which were used as positive controls. Although isolate TUTGMGH9 did not grow at 40 °C, it showed growth at 5% of PEG-6000, NaCl, and a low pH while also producing moderate IAA. However, for better utilisation of these rhizobial isolates as bioinoculants, their growth performance needs to be assessed under field conditions to ascertain their competitiveness and symbiotic efficacy. Full article

Graphene can promote plant growth and improve soil conditions, but its effectiveness in enhancing infertile soils in arid regions remains unclear. This study selected three typical shrubs from the Ulan Buh Desert Nitraria tangutorum, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, and Amygdalus mongolica as research subjects. Five graphene addition levels were set: 0 mg/L (C0), 25 mg/L (C1), 50 mg/L (C2), 100 mg/L (C3), and 200 mg/L (C4).A pot experiment was conducted in June 2023 to investigate the effects of graphene addition on shrub growth and soil nutrients. The results showed that the optimal graphene addition levels for A. mongolica, X. sorbifolium, and N. tangutorum were C2, C2, and C3, respectively. Compared with the control, the total biomass of the different shrubs increased by 185.31%, 50.86%, and 161.10%, respectively. However, when the graphene addition exceeded the optimal level, shrub biomass showed a decreasing trend with increasing graphene concentration. Total shrub biomass was positively correlated with soil available nitrogen and potassium, while redundancy analysis indicated that soil organic matter was the primary factor influencing shrub growth. This suggests that graphene promotes shrub growth by affecting soil organic matter and available nutrients. Therefore, graphene addition can enhance soil fertility in barren lands in arid regions and significantly promote shrub growth. However, due to soil leaching effects, this growth-promoting effect may decrease over time. Full article

Conventional mineral fertilization (CMF) is a common practice in infertile sugarcane-cultivated tropical soils, increasing production costs and environmental concerns. Combining CMF with composted sewage sludge (CSS) could be a sustainable strategy. We aim to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties, macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil surface (A_p1; 0–25 cm) and subsurface (A_p2; 25–50 cm) horizons, after CSS application with or without CMF in sugarcane cultivation (first and second ratoon cane). Eleven treatments, featured by CSS increase rates and mixed with CMF at different concentrations, were tested in the first ratoon; during the second, the CSS residual effect was evaluated. Applying CSS in sugarcane-cultivated soils, improved the following: (i) soil organic matter, pH, the sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, and base saturation; (ii) overall nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, and Zn). The treatments showing the best performances were those with 5.0 Mg ha⁻¹ of CSS. Composted sewage sludge has the potential for use as an organic natural fertilizer reducing the need for CMF. When applied in infertile tropical soils, additional positive effects can be achieved, such as decreasing production costs and providing socio-economic benefits. Full article

The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome’s role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors. Full article

The application of organic fertilizers and biological inputs to soil inevitably affects its quality, agrochemical indicators, and microbiota. Sustainable agriculture is based on continuously learning about how to properly manage available soil, water, and biological resources. The aim of the study was to determine changes in microorganism communities and carbon stocks in infertile soils for fertilization using different organic fertilizers and their combinations with bio-inputs. Genetic analysis of microorganism populations was performed using the NGS approach. Our study showed that the application of organic fertilizers affects the soil microbiota and the taxonomic structure of its communities. Specific groups of bacteria, such as Bacillota, were promoted by organic fertilization, meanwhile the abundance of Pseudomonadota and Ascomycota decreased in most treatments after the application of poultry manure. Metagenomic analysis confirmed that the use of bio-inputs increased the relative abundance of Trichoderma spp. fungi; meanwhile, a significant change was not found in the representatives of Azotobacter compared to the treatments where the bio-inputs were not used. The positive influence of fertilization appeared on all the studied agrochemical indicators. Higher concentrations of C_org and N_min accumulated in the soil when we used granulated poultry manure, and pH_KCl when we used cattle manure. Full article