Search Results (6,648)

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by a waterless synthesis route to generate GO sheets, which were then applied to coat calcined oyster shell with fertilizer (OSF) pellets, resulting in the creation of an OSF-GO particle. The GO sheets (ID/IG = 0.86) were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, which showed that the GO-coated OSF pellet features a compact coating approximately 13.68 μm thick. SEM and AFM analyses revealed that the GO sheets displayed a monolayer configuration with a crinkled topography (about 0.91 nm). The EDS analysis confirmed that the core was primarily composed of Ca, K, P, O, N, and C elements. The hydroponic experiment results showed that a GO concentration of 80 mg/L significantly enhanced plant height, stem thickness, and root length in loose-leaf lettuce, while higher concentrations induced oxidative stress. In pot experiments, the OSF-GO composite effectively raised the soil pH from 5.38 to 6.41 and improved nutrient availability. OSF-GO composite functions effectively as both a soil conditioner and slow-release fertilizer (SRF), simultaneously remediating degraded soils and optimizing nutrient delivery. Full article

Climate has shaped green leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) patterns through its direct physiological effects (Temperature–Plant Physiology hypothesis), indirect pathways involving soil nutrients (Soil Substrate Age hypothesis), or vegetation composition (Species Composition hypothesis). However, the efficiencies of these hypotheses and the relative importance of the factors involved in predicting leaf litter N and P remain unresolved. We evaluated these hypotheses by analyzing 4657 global observations of leaf litter N and P concentrations and N/P ratios, demonstrating that litter stoichiometries diverged in plant functional types, and that litter N and N/P ratios declined with latitude, while P increased. The validity of each hypothesis in predicting latitudinal patterns of leaf litter P was confirmed, with the Species Composition hypothesis being the most effective model; however, all hypotheses failed to predict the litter N. Environmental and biological factors collectively explained over 40% of the variations in litter stoichiometries, with plant functional type, soil pH, and climatic factors being the most important drivers of litter N, P, and N/P ratio, respectively. The fundamentally different control mechanisms of litter stoichiometry patterns compared with those of green leaves challenge the idea that common hypotheses can predict biogeographic patterns across all leaf stages; thus, current litter element biogeochemical models and plant nutrition paradigms require revision. Full article

Although covalently crosslinked gelatin hydrogels have been investigated for use in 3D cell culture due to inherent bioactivity and proliferation within the denatured collagen precursor, the stability of the matrix, and relatively inexpensive synthesis, current systems lack precise control over mechanical properties, including homogeneity, stiffness, and efficient diffusion of nutrients to embedded cells. Difficulties in modifying gel matrix composition and functionalization have limited the use of covalently crosslinked gelatin hydrogels as a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture medium, lacking the ability to tailor the microenvironment for specific cell types. In addition, the currently utilized chain-growth photopolymerization mechanism for crosslinking hydrogels has a potential for side reactions between the matrix backbone and components of the cell surface, requires a high concentration of radicals for initiation, and only cures with long irradiation times, which could lead to cytotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, a superfast curing reaction mechanism, in which a thiol monomer reacts efficiently with non-homopolymerizable alkenes, is suggested. This mechanism reliably produces a well-defined matrix that does not require a high radical concentration for photoinitiation. Mechanical customization of the hydrogel is largely achievable through variation in degree of functionalization of the gelatin backbone, dependent on reaction conditions such as pH, allyl concentration, and time. This work provides a mechanistic framework for GelAGE hydrogel fabrication by elucidating the molecular mechanism of gelatin functionalization with AGE and the thiol-ene crosslinking reactions controlling network stiffness. These insights provide the foundation for engineering hydrogels that mimic the viscoelastic and structural characteristics of cartilage, enabling advanced in vitro models for osteoarthritis research. Full article

Morphological plasticity (MP) is an essential strategy for plants in nutrient acquisition, disturbance alleviation, and community coexistence during environmental and climatic changes. However, to date, there has been little research concerning the MP for alpine–subalpine forests on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. These forests are representative of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) type, and morphological traits of these ECM roots, such as root tip lengths, diameters, and their adherent hyphal lengths and exploration types, have rarely been studied in the context of nutrient and environmental gradients. In this study, we examined the morphological traits of ECM roots for faxon fir (Abies fargesii var. faxoniana), which dominated in subalpine forests across nine elevations on the Eastern Qinghai–Tibet plateau. By quantifying ca. 90,000 root tips, the hyphal lengths of ectomycorrhizal extraradical mycelium (EEM, i.e., short- and long-distance exploration types) reached up to 1.1 × 10⁶ cm/m³ in soil, which decreased significantly due to gradually increasing altitude. In contrast, the variability of ECM root traits (diameter, length, and superficial area) was highly conserved along the altitudinal gradients, yet the root tip lengths were positively associated with soil protease enzyme activity. The increase in diameter and length of ECM root tips was climate-independent yet significantly associated with increasing root N concentration. In the studied forests, a long-distance exploration type of ECM hyphae was controlled by precipitation (p < 0.05), whereas the short-distance one was controlled by precipitation and temperature simultaneously. The EEM lengths of short- and long-distance exploration types were associated with high C concentration and low N concentration in host tree root tissues. Our findings demonstrated that MP expression in nutrient-foraging strategies for the dominant coniferous trees facilitates the adaptation to changing environments by specialized hyphal structures. In conclusion, ECM root tips and hyphal structures are two dimensions of functional traits linked to root N concentration in opposite ways, and their MP collectively ensures the temporal stability and resistance of subalpine forests on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. These results provide new insights into ECM morphological traits and their adaptation in changing environments, which is valuable for understanding responses of subalpine forests to climate change. Full article

Micro and nano-plastics pose a significant threat to the global environment, affecting agricultural systems, food security, and human health. Some studies indicate that microplastics can induce physiological damage in plants, including oxidative stress, reduced germination, stunted biomass growth, and impaired photosynthesis. The extent of the damage varies depending on the type of microplastics, their size, and concentration. Moreover, micro- and nano-plastics can disturb the delicate balance of the soil microbiome. Microbial communities play a significant role in the health and functioning of ecosystems by facilitating nutrient turnover, breaking down organic matter, preserving soil integrity, and controlling diseases caused by soil-dwelling pathogens. This review highlights the role of omics technologies in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to micro- and nanoplastics. The findings can enhance our comprehension of how micro- and nanoplastics affect agricultural systems when they contaminate soil. Full article

While sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are globally recognized for their numerous potential health benefits, yet limited data exist on New Zealand-grown cultivars. This study examined the nutritional and bioactive profiles of six commercial cultivars—Kordia^®, ‘Lapins’, Sweetheart^®, Staccato^®, ‘Bing’, and ‘Rainier’—in both fresh and processed (washed and packaged) forms. All cultivars contained notable levels of minerals, phenolics, and essential nutrients. Fresh cherries had higher mineral content (0.3–0.5 g/100 g) than processed ones (0.2–0.3 g/100 g). Carbohydrates ranged from 16.8 to 18.6 g/100 g in fresh and 15.1–17.5 g/100 g in processed cherries. Dietary fiber was slightly higher in processed samples (0.5–0.6 g/100 g) than fresh (0.2–0.5 g/100 g). Potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were more concentrated in fresh cherries. Major phenolic metabolites included neochlorogenic acid (up to 44.26 mg/100 g), (-)-epicatechin (7.89 mg/100 g), quercetin 3-rutinoside (4.34 mg/100 g), and cyanidin 3-rutinoside (80.42 mg/100 g). Processed ‘Lapins’ and ‘Bing’ retained high levels of neochlorogenic acid (40.98 and 44.26 mg/100 g), indicating minimal loss during processing. This study offers insights into the nutritional and bioactive composition of New Zealand-grown cherries, emphasizing their dietary value and health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols. Full article

Long-term fertilization strategies are crucial for sustainable soil health and crop productivity. However, the synergistic effect of combining straw with lime in long-term fertilization remains underexplored, particularly regarding soil micronutrient availability and tomato yield. This study examined the 10-year effects of chicken manure (M) with straw (S) and/or lime (Ca) on soil properties, micronutrient availability, and tomato yield. The results demonstrated that all of the fertilization treatments significantly altered topsoil (0–20 cm) characteristics, reducing the pH but increasing the EC and nutrient content. The combined MSCa treatment was most effective, achieving the highest levels of total carbon (19 g/kg) and tomato yield (5.6 kg/m²), which was 12–87% higher than that achieved with the other treatments. Fertilization also significantly increased the diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in both bulk soil and aggregate fractions, with availability strongly correlated with the soil total carbon and pH. The straw and lime amendments significantly improved the fruit quality by increasing the vitamin C and soluble sugar content while reducing the nitrate content. Furthermore, these treatments altered the distribution of micronutrients within the tomato organs, increasing their proportion in roots and fruits specifically. This study concludes that the integrated application of chicken manure with straw and lime is a highly effective strategy for improving soil fertility, enhancing micronutrient bioavailability, and boosting both the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes. Full article

This research evaluated the influence of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase, individually or in combination, on the quality of mixed amaranth and sweet potato vine silages. The experiment included four groups: control group with no additives addition (CG), added cellulase group (AS1), added lactic acid bacteria group (AS2) and combined supplementation group (AS3), with five replicates per group. The ensiling period lasted for 60 days. Parameters of silage, including chemical components, fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and in vitro nutrient digestibility, were determined. The results revealed that the quality of amaranth and sweet potato vine mixed silage was improved to a certain degree after addition of two additives individually. Combining these additives observably increased (p < 0.05) the lactic acid and crude protein contents and decreased the pH, ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen and neutral detergent fiber content of mixed silage. Compared with the CG and AS1 groups, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the AS3 group increased significantly (p < 0.05), while aerobic bacteria and mold counts showed the opposite tendency. Also, the in vitro dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility of the AS3 group were higher (p < 0.05) than those of the CG group. Combined inoculation observably reduced (p < 0.05) the ammonia nitrogen concentration and increased (p < 0.05) the propionic and butyric acid concentrations of mixed silage under in vitro incubation. In summary, the inoculation of lactic acid bacteria and cellulase can enhance the fermentation profile and nutritional values of mixed silage made from amaranth and sweet potato vine, and the best improvement effects are obtained by the combined utilization of the two additives. Full article

Rape is one of the most widely cultivated and highest-yielding fruit crops in the world. However, research on its precise nutrient diagnosis and fertilization theory is severely lacking, significantly restricting the development of the grape industry. In this study, an L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal experimental design was applied to determine the effects of varying ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) on the fruit quality of ‘87-1’ grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivated in a facility, aiming to optimize nutrient application rates and improve fruit quality. Among the treatments T5 (N2P1K2Ca3Mg4), T14 (N4P2K3Ca1Mg4), and T9 (N3P1K3Ca4Mg2), treatment T9 had the most significant effect on single fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS) content, fruit firmness (FF), and fruit quality index (FQI) and was conducive to the positive accumulation of the above quality indicators. Based on a comprehensive multi-factor analysis of variance, the optimal fertilization combination for achieving a high FQI was N3P1K2Ca1Mg2, corresponding to application rates of 375.0, 0, 168.8, 0, and 70.5 kg·hm⁻² for N, P₂O₅, K₂O, CaO, and MgO, respectively. Furthermore, to establish standards for multivariate compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) and define the nutrient sufficiency range for ‘87-1’ grape fruit cultivated in a facility, the nutrient concentrations in various plant tissues and the soil and the FQI were measured across 80 treatments over five consecutive years. The nutritional status of the grapes cultivated under these treatments was calculated using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and the CND method. Based on the optimal nutrient ranges for high FQI sub-populations, a precise fertilization model was developed to facilitate economic fertilizer savings, quality improvement, and standardized grape cultivation in a facility. Full article

This study assessed the effects of tetracycline (TC) on growth of Lemna aoukikusa and Spirodela polyrhiza under batch conditions. The duckweeds were exposed to a range of 0.0–5.0 mg L⁻¹ of TC for 7 days in a medium containing 10 mg L⁻¹ total nitrogen (TN) and 1 mg L⁻¹ total phosphorus (TP). The relative growth rate (RGR) of each species was determined from the frond area measurement using image analysis. The EC₅₀ values as the TC concentrations causing a 50% reduction in RGR, were 4.4 mg L⁻¹ for L. aoukikusa and 0.65 mg L⁻¹ for S. polyrhiza. At 5.0 mg L⁻¹ TC, TP removal decreased to 60% in the L. aoukikusa culture and 77% in the S. polyrhiza culture, compared to 85–91% and 96%, respectively, under lower TC exposure. Nevertheless, TN and TP removals were not significantly impaired at TC concentrations found in swine wastewater. The TC removals were 76–94% for the L. aoukikusa culture and 68–91% for the S. polyrhiza culture, which were attributed to adsorption and plant uptake. These findings highlight the feasibility of duckweed-based stabilization ponds for simultaneous antibiotic attenuation and nutrient removal. Full article

To clarify the interactions of rainfall characteristics and sugarcane growth stages on the characteristics of soil erosion and nutrient loss in intensive sugarcane-cultivated lands. Based on the in situ observation experiment, we investigated runoff, sediment yield, and nutrient loss under a total of 97 natural rainfall events from 2019 to 2022. Rainfall pattern A (large R and I₃₀, medium T_R) and B (medium R, T_R, and I₃₀) were the main erosive rainfalls in the study area. Runoff and sediment induced by pattern A contributed 38.3% and 61.0% of total runoff and sediment, while pattern B contributed 37.1% and 31.4%, respectively. The sediment yield and nutrient loss (particularly PP) was mainly concentrated in sugarcane seeding stage (SS), dissolved nutrient loss in the tillering stage (TS), particularly NO₃⁻–N, which accounted for 49.6% of the total dissolved nitrogen loss, and the highest runoff occurred at the elongation stage (ES). In addition, the reduction in sugarcane growth on soil erosion and nutrient loss in pattern A were the most obvious. The positive influences of rainfall characteristics on runoff depth and soil loss were higher than the negative effects of sugarcane coverage. Rainfall amount accounts for 26.1%~61.8% (p < 0.01) of the variation in soil erosion parameters (RD, SL, RNO₃⁻–N, and PP loss). The RDA showed that EI₃₀ (explaining 45.9% of variation), E (explaining 41.2% of variation), and R (explaining 27.9% of variation) were the primary drivers of soil erosion and nutrient loss in the ES, TS, and SS. The combination of a high amount of and intensity rainfall, low sugarcane canopy coverage, and irrational application such as applying fertilizers after rainfall, were the main cause of soil erosion and nutrient loss in sugarcane fields. Thus, increasing sugarcane ground coverage and increasing the fertilization time are strongly recommended for reducing soil and nutrient loss. This may be an important practice to protect the agricultural ecological environment of sugarcane fields and improve their economic benefits. Full article

Biofertilizers are sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilizers in perennial crops, reducing the need for mineral inputs. This five-year field study evaluated three biofertilizers—Mycoshell^® (Glomus spp. + humic/fulvic acids), Kiplant iNmass^® (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus megaterium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and Kiplant All-Grip^® (Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas spp.)—at different dosages alongside two mineral fertilizer regimes, T100 (full recommended dose) and T70 (70% of T100, alone or combined with biofertilizers), in an apple orchard under Mediterranean conditions. Biofertilizers maintained or increased soil nutrient availability by 5–15% and leaf N, P, K, Mg, and Zn concentrations by 5–12% compared with T100. Trees under biofertilizers, particularly Myc2 and Myc4, exhibited greater shoot growth (up to 30.4 m/year), trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA: 11.9 cm² in 2022), and canopy volume (2.21 m³), representing 10–20% increases. Selected biofertilizer treatments produced 6–7.5 kg/tree, 130–145 g average fruit weight, 66–74 mm diameter, 13.9–18.7 °Brix, and 13–18% dry matter, maintaining >90% of yield and fruit size relative to T100, with more balanced medium- and large-sized fruit distribution. Principal Component Analysis explained 66–72% of soil and leaf nutrient variance, confirming their multivariate impact. Overall, biofertilizers applied at recommended doses and timings can partially replace mineral fertilizers, sustaining productivity and quality, enhancing nutrient availability, and supporting long-term orchard sustainability. While climate remains the main driver of annual production, these findings provide evidence for integrating biofertilizers into environmentally friendly fertilization strategies. Full article

River water quality is a direct determinant of both drinking water security and regional economic vitality. However, the hydrochemical trajectories and solute provenance of agricultural streams remain only fragmentarily understood. Here, we examine the Jinqian River—a representative agricultural tributary of the Danjiangkou Reservoir source area for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project—by coupling hydrochemistry with multivariate statistics techniques. The results revealed that the pH values of the river water ranged from 7.55 to 8.30, indicating a weakly alkaline condition. During all three hydrological periods, the concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) exceeded the limits set by the Class Ⅲ surface water quality standards in China, suggesting that the agricultural river has been significantly impacted by human activities. Solute dynamics followed three rainfall-modulated patterns: (i) dilution-driven decreases in the flood season (e.g., Na⁺), (ii) concentration via flushing or evaporative concentration (e.g., SO₄²⁻), and (iii) reservoir-induced damping of seasonal contrasts (e.g., TN), the latter attributable to nitrogen retention behind upstream dams. Geochemical fingerprints reveal that Cl⁻ and Na⁺ originate predominantly from halite dissolution; Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and HCO₃⁻ from coupled carbonate–silicate weathering; and SO₄²⁻ from evaporite dissolution. Principal component analysis distills four dominant quality controlling factors: agricultural fertilizers, halite weathering, evaporite dissolution, and domestic effluent. These findings provide a quantitative basis for managing nutrient and salt fluxes in agricultural rivers and for safeguarding water sustainability within water-diversion source regions. Full article

Three fibrous by-products were evaluated over a 35-day feeding period in 64 weaned piglets, randomly assigned to four groups: a control without by-products (CON) and three others with diets containing 8% carrot pomace (CRT), 8% brewers’ spent grain (BSG), or 8% carob pods (CRB). The growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids were not affected. The jejunal and colonic morphology showed no statistical differences, although small numerical increases in the villus height and villus height-to-crypt ratio were noted with the by-products. Total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were stable, but their profile shifted: acetate increased in CRT and CRB (p < 0.001) mainly at the expense of propionate (p = 0.005). The microbiota composition in the proximal colon showed modest changes, with the highest Bifidobacterium spp. abundance in CRT and lowest in CRB (p = 0.042), reduced Ruminococcaceae UCG 005 with all the by-products (p = 0.008), and greater microbial richness in CRB (p = 0.009). These results suggest that a moderate inclusion of fibrous by-products may influence intestinal microbial ecology and fermentation patterns without negatively affecting performance or nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets, with no source appearing superior, thereby highlighting their potential as sustainable feed ingredients. Full article

Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) is a wetland plant of cultural and ecological importance, traditionally used for handicrafts and habitat conservation in Andean lakes. This study investigates its vegetative growth in two Andean lakes in Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha), which present contrasting chemical and biological conditions (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a). Vegetative growth analysis, using indices, provides tools for understanding Totora growth dynamics within a cultivation cycle. By quantifying biomass accumulation and other parameters, it is possible to infer how the plant responds to its environment and to guide its production and management. Our objective was to evaluate how physiological and morphological traits influence growth under differential nutrient conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted with periodic sampling and analysis of physiological indices, combining classical and functional growth approaches. Key growth indices—relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results show that plants in Yahuarcocha, a hypertrophic lake, exhibited greater biomass production (up to 2380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²), reaching peak growth at 150 days. In contrast, plants in Imbacocha, a eutrophic lake, reached maximum growth at 180 days, with a greater dependence on NAR. Strong correlations among RGR, NAR, and LAR were observed in Yahuarcocha, highlighting the influence of higher nutrient concentrations and harvesting pressure on growth dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering lake trophic status when planning sustainable harvesting and cultivation strategies for Totora in Andean wetlands. Full article