Search Results (414)

Improper irrigation and fertilization can easily lead to soil nutrient imbalance, inhibit microbial reproduction, and thereby reduce soil quality and crop yield. This study conducted winter wheat planting experiments in 2023–2025, setting three muddy water (sediment-laden irrigation water) treatments of different sediment concentrations (3, 6 and 9 kg·m⁻³), irrigation levels (0.50–0.65, 0.65–0.80 and 0.80–0.95 FC), and nitrogen application rates (100, 160 and 220 kg·ha⁻¹). An L9(3³) orthogonal experimental design was applied to evaluate the influence of water and nitrogen regulation on soil properties, microbial community structure, and wheat productivity. The results showed the following: Among these treatments, the T5 treatment (6 kg·m⁻³, 0.65–0.80 FC, 160 kg·ha⁻¹) significantly improved the root zone environment, and the total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and soil organic carbon (SOC) content also increased significantly. T5 also enhanced the diversity and network complexity of bacterial and fungal communities. Notably, genera such as Lysobacter, Lasiobolidium, and Ascobolus became central to nitrogen transformation and nutrient cycling. Structural equation modeling revealed the interdependent mechanism between soil quality, microorganisms, and wheat yield: NO₃⁻-N and SOC drive improvements in soil quality, while microbial community structure and network complexity are key to yield increases, with fungal communities making the largest direct contribution to yield (R² = 0.93). The T5 treatment increased two-year yields by 21.34–24.96% compared to conventional irrigation and fertilization (CK2), improved irrigation water use efficiency by 56.40–57.51% and peak nitrogen agronomic efficiency. The synergistic effect of “soil quality optimization–enhanced microbial activity–efficient utilization of water and nitrogen–high wheat yield” has been achieved, providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for scientific water and nitrogen management and sustainable yield increase in winter wheat in the Yellow River Basin and similar areas. Full article

Continuous cropping can often deteriorate soil quality and reduce crop yield. Soil properties and microbial communities usually play a vital role in maintaining rhizosphere micro-ecosystem sustainability, which is yet to be addressed in continuous peony monoculture systems. Herein, variations in soil physiochemical properties were extensively investigated following 1, 4, and 10 years of continuous tree peony cropping, as well as microbial community diversity, composition, and predicted functions. The soil pH and contents of available Mg, Mn, Zn, and B significantly declined after 10 years of continuous monoculture, while the contents of soil organic carbon, nitrate, and available P, K, Fe, and Cu notably increased by more than 100%, implying an imbalance of soil nutrients resulting from long-term continuous cropping. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that the microbial community structure and composition were remarkably altered after either 4 or 10 years of continuous cropping, interfering with diverse microbial metabolic pathways and phenotype functions. In addition, the relative abundances of some beneficial bacteria dramatically increased, especially for Acidobacteriota and Bacillus members. Microbial selections or adaptations in response to soil nutrient changes were expected to remediate negative impacts of continuous cropping on soil quality. Findings in this study provide insights into the establishment of proper management strategies for sustaining soil quality to resist potential obstacles after long-term continuous peony cropping. Full article

The increasing biogeochemical imbalance of nitrogen (N) heightens the importance of studying rhizosphere bacteria, which aid crop nutrient uptake, and their responses to N deficiency. The aim of the study was to assess variety-specific responses of the tomatoes and their associated rhizobacteriome to low N availability. Three determinant varieties of Solanum lycopersicum L. were cultivated in pot-scale experiment during 10 weeks on low-fertility substrate (sod-podzolic soil:peat:clay:sand, 1:1:1:2, v/v), half of which were supplemented with ammonium nitrate (60 mg N kg⁻¹ in total). A comprehensive methodology was employed, including 16S rRNA metagenomic Nanopore sequencing, quantitative assessment of N-cycling bacteria, and analysis of plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, total N in biomass, and fine root architecture. Results demonstrated that N deficiency significantly reduced plant biomass and photosynthetic pigments. The rhizosphere contained a diverse community of N-transforming bacteria (38 identified genera), whose composition and relative abundance were strongly influenced by both tomato variety and N fertilization. Nitrogen application increased the abundance of N-fixers and altered alpha-diversity in a variety-dependent manner. Significant correlations were found between the abundance of key bacterial genera (e.g., Stenotrophomonas, Rhizobium) and N parameters in plants and substrates. The study concludes that the response of the tomato rhizobacteriome to N availability is variety-specific, which is important for the development of microbiome management strategies for enhancing N use efficiency. Full article

The global demand for sustainable food systems requires innovative strategies that reconcile productivity with environmental stewardship, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as the Amazon. This study evaluated the cultivation of Acmella oleracea (jambu) using effluent from Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui) aquaculture as a partial substitute for chemical fertilizer. Five treatments were tested under greenhouse conditions: 100% fertilizer, 75% fertilizer, 50% fertilizer, 25% chemical, and 0% fertilizer. Significant treatment effects were observed for leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, and shoot biomass, while root biomass showed no differences. Treatments with 100%, 75%, and 50% fertilizer exhibited statistically similar performance across several growth parameters, indicating that up to 50% of the chemical fertilizer can be replaced by aquaculture effluent without significant yield reduction. Treatments with 50% fertilizer and 0% fertilizer showed reduced growth and higher tissue accumulation of nitrate and ammonium, reflecting nutritional imbalances. In parallel, tambaqui showed 100% survival and satisfactory growth, confirming the stability of the integrated system. These results highlight that, although exclusive use of effluent is insufficient to match chemical fertilizer, partial substitution represents a viable strategy to reduce input costs and recycle nutrients, reinforcing the bioeconomic potential of aqua-culture–agriculture integration in the Amazon. Full article

Potassium (K) is present in soils mainly in minerals, including feldspar. However, most of it is unavailable to plants. In the in-dyked alluvial soils of the Mekong Delta, available K is typically low despite the abundance of K-bearing feldspar, leading to nutrient imbalances and yield constraints. This study aimed to (i) select potential feldspar-potassium-solubilizing purple nonsulfur bacteria (K-PNSB), (ii) determine their ability to enhance hybrid maize seed vigor (Zea mays L.), and (iii) evaluate their effects on the growth of maize seedlings. Fifty-eight K-PNSB strains were isolated from maize-cultivated in-dyked alluvial soils, with soluble K concentrations ranging from 0.108 to 15.0 mg L⁻¹. Among these, strain M-Sl-03 released the highest K concentration under microaerobic light conditions, whereas strains M-Sl-01 and M-Sl-06 produced best under aerobic dark conditions. In addition, two more strains, M-Sl-02 and M-Wa-06, were also selected for their K solubilization ability. The selected strains were identified as Cereibacter sphaeroides strains M-Sl-01 and M-Sl-02, Rhodopseudomonas palustris strain M-Sl-03, and Rhodoplanes pokkaliisoli strains M-Sl-03 and M-Wa-06, according to their 16S rDNA region. None of them exhibited toxicity to germinating maize seeds. Both individual strains and the five-strain mixture significantly improved seed vigor. At a 1:1000 dilution, individual and mixed inoculants increased the vigor index of maize seeds by 47.5–68.8%. In addition, the selected PNSB strains contributed to improving the growth of maize seedlings, particularly plant height and root dry biomass. These promising strains have potential for application as biofertilizers to support hybrid maize cultivation. Full article

The Tafrata Irrigated Perimeter (TIP) in Taourirt province, located in a semi-arid environment, faces pressures from intensive agriculture and unsustainable resource use, leading to soil degradation, low organic matter, salinity risks, and nutrient imbalances. Despite the need for effective management, limited studies have used spatial and geostatistical tools to assess soil quality in the region. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical quality of TIP soils and to identify management priorities for sustainable agricultural development. To achieve this, 84 soil samples analyzed for particle size, density, electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter, total carbonate content, potassium, and phosphorus. GIS was used to generate thematic maps. Findings show that 55% of the area consists of balanced sandy loam soils, with 76% of samples having slightly alkaline pH. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations average 35.23 (mg∙kg⁻¹) and 166.06 (mg∙kg⁻¹), respectively. While 76% of soils are non-saline, 87% have moderate carbonate content. Organic matter is critically low at 1.46%, raising concerns about soil fertility and water retention. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices to manage soil variability and improve fertility, offering actionable insights to support long-term soil health and resource sustainability in the TIP. Full article

Background: Depression is a significant complication of the peripartum period that can result in profound long-term detrimental implications for the affected woman, her child, and her family. It is possible that micronutrient imbalances could contribute to the development of perinatal depression through their roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and neuroendocrine and neuroimmune pathways. Micronutrient imbalances are more likely during the perinatal period due to the additional physiological demands on the body during this time. The objective of this systematic review was to review and summarise the existing evidence regarding the association between micronutrient levels and perinatal depression. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies examining blood levels of micronutrients and assessment of depression within the peripartum period using validated rating tools. Results: A total of 58 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Of these, 31 studies reported a significant inverse association between perinatal depression and at least one of the following: vitamin D, iron status, vitamin B12, folate, or zinc. Vitamin D was the most frequently investigated nutrient, examined in 28 of the 58 articles. The remaining 27 did not demonstrate a significant association. Conclusion: This review found that vitamin D deficiency has the greatest evidence of an association with perinatal depression. The evidence for other micronutrients is mixed, inconclusive, or limited. Further research is required to determine the significance of these micronutrients in the development of perinatal depression. Full article

Elderly populations often face significant challenges when it comes to dietary intake tracking, often exacerbated by health complications. Unfortunately, conventional diet assessment techniques such as food frequency questionnaires, food diaries, and 24 h recall are subject to substantial bias. Recent advancements in machine learning and computer vision show promise of automated nutrition tracking methods of food, but require a large, high-quality dataset in order to accurately identify the nutrients from the food on the plate. However, manual creation of large-scale datasets with such diversity is time-consuming and hard to scale. On the other hand, synthesized 3D food models enable view augmentation to generate countless photorealistic 2D renderings from any viewpoint, reducing imbalance across camera angles. In this paper, we present a process to collect a large image dataset of food scenes that span diverse viewpoints and highlight its usage in dietary intake estimation. We first collect quality 3D objects of food items (NV-3D) that are used to generate photorealistic synthetic 2D food images (NV-Synth) and then manually collect a validation 2D food image dataset (NV-Real). We benchmark various intake estimation approaches on these datasets and present NutritionVerse3D2D, a collection of datasets that contain 3D objects and 2D images, along with models that estimate intake from the 2D food images. We release all the datasets along with the developed models to accelerate machine learning research on dietary sensing. Full article

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important fruit production in Brazil, but crop productivity is still too low. The ‘Nanica’ cultivar and fertigation have been introduced, but more accurate guidelines are needed to support fertilization decisions at the orchard scale. This study aimed to develop customized nutrient standards for fertigated ‘Nanica’. A commercial ‘Nanica’ orchard provided 129 observations on yield and foliar nutrient concentrations from 2010 to 2017 in eight groves of 3.26 ha each. Plant density averaged 1479 plants ha⁻¹. The diagnostic leaf was analyzed for 13 elements. Concentration values were transformed into centered log ratios (clr), weighted log ratios (wlr), and isometric log ratios (ilr) to account for nutrient interactions and normalize the data. Yield cutoff between low- and high yielders was set at 27 t ha⁻¹ semester⁻¹. The XGBoost classification models relating yield to tissue composition returned an area under curve averaging 0.715 for log ratio expressions. Nutrient standards were expressed as clr, wlr, and raw concentration means and standard deviations of performing specimens. The clr and wlr diagnoses of a low-yielding and imbalanced specimen against a benchmark specimen (Euclidean distance = 2.5) or the performing subpopulation (Mahalanobis distance = 37.6, p < 0.01) indicated Mn shortage and Na excess. Sufficiency concentration ranges may not agree with log ratio diagnoses, especially for Mn. The clr and wlr nutrient standards were site-specific, supporting precision farming. The concept developed in this paper is applicable to endogenous research conducted by stakeholders in orchards worldwide. Full article

The rapid expansion of global aquaculture has led to wastewater enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, antibiotics, and heavy metals, posing serious risks such as eutrophication, ecological imbalance, and public health threats. Conventional physical, chemical, and biological treatments face limitations including high cost, secondary pollution, and insufficient efficiency, limiting sustainable wastewater management. Algal–bacterial symbiotic systems (ABSS) provide a sustainable alternative, coupling the metabolic complementarity of microalgae and bacteria for effective pollutant mitigation and concurrent biomass valorization. Immobilizing microbial consortia within carrier materials enhances system stability, tolerance to environmental changes, and scalability. This review systematically summarizes the pollution characteristics and ecological risks of aquaculture effluents, highlighting the limitations of conventional treatment methods. It focuses on the metabolic cooperation within ABSS, including nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation, the impact of environmental factors, and the role of immobilization carriers in enhancing system performance and biomass resource valorization. Despite their potential, ABSS still face challenges related to mass transfer limitations, complex microbial interactions, and difficulties in scale-up. Future research should focus on improving environmental adaptability, regulating microbial dynamics, designing intelligent and cost-effective carriers, and developing modular engineering systems to enable robust and scalable solutions for sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment. Full article

The gut microbiota of Drosophila melanogaster offers a simplified yet powerful system to study conserved mechanisms of host–microbe interactions. Unlike the highly complex mammalian gut microbiota, which includes hundreds of species, the fly gut harbors a small and defined community dominated by Lactobacillus and Acetobacter. Despite its low diversity, this microbiota exerts profound effects on host physiology. Commensal bacteria modulate nutrient acquisition, regulate insulin/TOR signaling, and buffer dietary imbalances to support metabolic homeostasis and growth. They also influence neural and behavioral traits, including feeding preferences, mating, and aggression, through microbial metabolites and interactions with host signaling pathways. At the immune level, microbial molecules such as peptidoglycan, acetate, uracil, and cyclic dinucleotides activate conserved pathways including Imd, Toll, DUOX, and STING, balancing antimicrobial defense with tolerance to commensals. Dysbiosis disrupts this equilibrium, accelerating aging, impairing tissue repair, and contributing to tumorigenesis. Research in Drosophila demonstrates how a low-diversity microbiota can shape systemic host biology, offering mechanistic insights relevant to human health and disease. Full article

Soil nutrient imbalance and the decline of microbial diversity threaten the long-term sustainability of crop production in intensive agriculture. Organic fertilizers provide a promising means to improve soil–microbe–plant interactions, yet the combined effects of fertilizer type and application rate on soil function and crop productivity remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the agronomic and ecological responses of greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to three organic fertilizers—bone calcium fertilizer (BCF), bone mud fertilizer (BMF), and bio-organic fertilizer (BOF)—each applied at four rates (7500, 15,000, 30,000, and 45,000 kg·ha⁻¹). The highest tested BOF rate (45,000 kg·ha⁻¹) significantly increased net photosynthesis by 29.5%, stomatal conductance by 50.0%, and fruit yield by 40.8% compared with the unfertilized control. It also enhanced soil organic matter by 42.6% and total nitrogen by 82.0%, while increasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, a phylum closely associated with nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion. Network and path modeling revealed that changes in microbial diversity were positively associated with improved soil properties, which were subsequently linked to higher photosynthetic efficiency and yield formation, suggesting a potential microbiome-mediated pathway from fertilization to productivity. These effects were statistically consistent across measured endpoints. Our findings highlight that optimizing both the type and rate of organic fertilizer—particularly bio-organic fertilizer under greenhouse conditions—can enhance soil fertility, microbial function, and crop yield simultaneously. This study provides an evidence-based framework for precision fertilization strategies aimed at improving agroecosystem resilience and advancing sustainable tomato production. Full article

The integration of beneficial microorganisms with sensor technologies represents a transformative advancement toward sustainable smart agriculture. This review synthesizes recent progress in combining microbial bioinoculants with sensor-based monitoring systems to enhance crop productivity, resource-use efficiency, and environmental resilience. Beneficial bacteria and fungi improve nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, and soil fertility thereby reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In parallel, sensor networks—including soil moisture, nutrient, environmental, and remote-sensing platforms—enable real-time, data-driven management of agroecosystems. Integrated microbe–sensor approaches have demonstrated 10–25% yield increases and up to 30% reductions in agrochemical inputs under optimized field conditions. We propose an integrative Microbe–Sensor Closed Loop (MSCL) framework in which microbial activity and sensor feedback interact dynamically to optimize inputs, monitor plant–soil interactions, and sustain productivity. Key applications include precision fertilization, stress diagnostics, and early detection of nutrient or pathogen imbalances. The review also highlights barriers to large-scale adoption, such as variable field performance of inoculants, high sensor costs, and limited interoperability of data systems. Addressing these challenges through standardization, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and farmer training will accelerate the transition toward climate-smart, self-regulating agricultural systems. Collectively, the integration of biological and technological innovations provides a clear pathway toward resilient, resource-efficient, and ecologically sound food production. Full article

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in environmental issues, including loss of soil fertility, eutrophication, increased soil acidity, alterations in soil characteristics, and disrupted plant–microbe symbiosis. Here, we synthesize recent studies available from up to 2025, focusing on engineered biochar and its application in addressing issues of soil nutrient imbalance, soil pollution from inorganic and organic pollutants, soil acidification, salinity, and greenhouse gas emissions from fields. Application of engineered biochar enhanced the removal of Cr (VI), Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Eu³⁺ by 85%, 73%, 57.2%, 12.7%, 99.3%, and 99.2%, respectively, while Cu²⁺ and V⁵⁺ removal increased by 4 and 39.9 times. Adsorption capacities for Sb⁵⁺, Tl⁺, and F⁻ were 237.53, 1123, and 83.05 mg g⁻¹, respectively, and the optimal proportion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) removal was 57%. Herbicides such as imazapyr were reduced by 23% and 78%. Low-temperature pyrolyzed biochar showed high cation exchange capacity (CEC) resulting from improved surface functional groups. Although biochar application led to a yield increase of 43.3%, the biochar–compost mix enhanced it by 155%. The analysis demonstrates the need for future studies on the cost-effectiveness of biochar post-processing, large-scale biochar aging studies, re-application impact, and studies on biochar–compost or biochar–fertilizer mix productivity. Full article

Closed hydroponics (recirculating) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable approach for conserving water and fertilizer resources. However, concerns remain among growers regarding ionic imbalances and yield instability during nutrient–solution recirculation. This study aimed to clarify these issues through continuous ionic monitoring of drainage water and optimization of nutrient compensation intervals in commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation. Two greenhouse systems, an open (non-recirculating) and a closed (recirculating) system, were compared. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and major ions (NO₃⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻, and Na⁺) were analyzed using ion chromatography. Based on ionic fluctuation trends, compensation intervals of 0, 2, and 4 weeks were evaluated in the closed system. Contrary to expectations of growers, open hydroponics exhibited greater ionic imbalance due to uncontrolled leaching. Periodic compensation (every 4 weeks) stabilized ionic ratios, reduced fertilizer input by 67–69%, and decreased water use by 33–36% compared with the open system. These findings demonstrate that drainage-based ionic monitoring and interval-based compensation can improve the environmental and economic performance of closed hydroponics. Full article