Search Results (31,209)

Riparian zones, located at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic systems, are among the most dynamic and ecologically valuable landscapes. These transitional areas play a pivotal role in maintaining environmental health by supporting biodiversity, regulating hydrological processes, filtering pollutants, and stabilizing streambanks. At the core of these functions lie the unique characteristics of riparian soils, which result from complex interactions between water dynamics, sedimentation, vegetation, and microbial activity. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the origin, structure, and functioning of riparian soils, with particular attention being paid to their physical, chemical, and biological properties and how these properties are shaped by periodic flooding and vegetation patterns. Special emphasis is placed on Mediterranean riparian environments, where marked seasonality, alternating wet–dry cycles, and increasing climate variability enhance both the importance and fragility of riparian systems. A bibliographic study, covering 25 years (2000–2025), was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science. The results highlight that riparian areas are key for carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and ecosystem connectivity in water-limited regions, yet they are increasingly threatened by land use change, water abstraction, pollution, and biological invasions. Climate change exacerbates these pressures, altering hydrological regimes and reducing soil resilience. Conservation requires integrated strategies that maintain hydrological connectivity, promote native vegetation, and limit anthropogenic impacts. Preserving riparian soils is therefore fundamental to sustain ecosystem services, improve water quality, and enhance landscape resilience in vulnerable Mediterranean contexts. Full article

The green macroalgae Ulva Linnaeus, 1753, also known as sea lettuce, is one of the most ecologically and economically significant algal genera. Its representatives occur in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments worldwide and show high adaptability, rapid growth, and marked biochemical diversity. These traits support their ecological roles in nutrient cycling, primary productivity, and habitat provision, and they also explain their growing relevance to the blue bioeconomy. This review summarizes current knowledge of Ulva biodiversity, taxonomy, and physiology, and evaluates applications in food, feed, bioremediation, biofuel, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. Particular attention is given to molecular approaches that resolve taxonomic difficulties and to biochemical profiles that determine nutritional value and industrial potential. This review also considers risks and limitations. Ulva species can act as hyperaccumulators of heavy metals, microplastics, and organic pollutants, which creates safety concerns for food and feed uses and highlights the necessity of strict monitoring and quality control. Technical and economic barriers restrict large-scale use in energy and material production. By presenting both opportunities and constraints, this review stresses the dual role of Ulva as a promising bioresource and a potential ecological risk. Future research must integrate molecular genetics, physiology, and applied studies to support sustainable utilization and ensure safe contributions of Ulva to biodiversity assessment, environmental management, and bioeconomic development. Full article

Fungi in tropical ecosystems remain an understudied yet critical component of climate change mitigation, particularly within the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This review highlights their dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxides (N₂O) while enhancing long-term carbon sequestration. Mycorrhizal fungi are pivotal in maintaining soil integrity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and amplifying carbon storage capacity through symbiotic mechanisms. We synthesize how fungal symbiotic systems under LULUCF shape ecosystem networks and note that, in pristine ecosystems, these networks are resilient. We introduce the concept of Nature-based Culture (NbC) to describe symbiotic self-cultures sustaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Case studies demonstrate how the NbC concept is applied in reforestation strategies such as AeroHydro Culture (AHC), the Integrated Mangrove Sowing System (IMSS), and the 4N approach (No Plastic, No Burning, No Chemical Fertilizer, Native Species). These approaches leverage mycorrhizal networks to improve restoration outcomes in peatlands, mangroves, and semi-arid regions while minimizing land disturbance and chemical inputs. Therefore, by bridging fungal ecology with LULUCF policy, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in forest management that integrates fungal symbioses to strengthen carbon storage, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. Full article

To explore the coupling between agricultural farming models and surface water environmental in central China’s irrigation districts, this study focuses on the Four Lakes Basin within Jianghan Plain, a key grain-producing and ecological protection area. Integrating remote sensing images, statistical yearbooks, and on-site monitoring data, the study analyzed the phased characteristics of the basin’s agricultural pattern transformation, the changes in non-point source nitrogen and phosphorus loads, and the responses of water quality in main canals and Honghu Lake to agricultural adjustments during the period 2010~2023. The results showed that the basin underwent a significant transformation in agricultural patterns from 2016 to 2023: the area of rice-crayfish increased by 14%, while the areas of dryland crops and freshwater aquaculture decreased by 11% and 4%, respectively. Correspondingly, the non-point source nitrogen and phosphorus loads in the Four Lakes Basin decreased by 11~13%, and the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in main canals decreased slightly by approximately 2 mg/L and 0.04 mg/L, respectively; however, the water quality of Honghu Lake continued to deteriorate, with nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations increasing by approximately 0.46 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L, respectively. This indicated that the adjustment of agricultural farming models was beneficial to improving the water quality of main canals, but it did not bring about a substantial improvement in the sustainable development of Honghu Lake. This may be related to various factors that undermine the sustainability of the lake’s aquatic ecological environment, such as climate change, natural disasters, internal nutrient release from sediments, and the decline in water environment carrying capacity. Therefore, to advance sustainability in this basin and similar irrigation districts, future efforts should continue optimizing agricultural models to reduce nitrogen/phosphorus inputs, while further mitigating internal nutrient release and climate disaster risks, restoring aquatic vegetation, and enhancing water environment carrying capacity. Full article

To address the limitations of traditional cotton leaf nitrogen content estimation methods, which include low efficiency, high cost, poor portability, and challenges in vegetation index acquisition owing to environmental interference, this study focused on emerging non-destructive nutrient estimation technologies. This study proposed an innovative method that integrates multi-color space fusion with deep and machine learning to estimate cotton leaf nitrogen content using smartphone-captured digital images. A dataset comprising smartphone-acquired cotton leaf images was processed through threshold segmentation and preprocessing, then converted into RGB, HSV, and Lab color spaces. The models were developed using deep-learning architectures including AlexNet, VGGNet-11, and ResNet-50. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) The optimal single-color-space nitrogen estimation model achieved a validation set R² of 0.776. (2) Feature-level fusion by concatenation of multidimensional feature vectors extracted from three color spaces using the optimal model, combined with an attention learning mechanism, improved the validation R² to 0.827. (3) Decision-level fusion by concatenating nitrogen estimation values from optimal models of different color spaces into a multi-source decision dataset, followed by machine learning regression modeling, increased the final validation R² to 0.830. The dual fusion method effectively enabled rapid and accurate nitrogen estimation in cotton crops using smartphone images, achieving an accuracy 5–7% higher than that of single-color-space models. The proposed method provides scientific support for efficient cotton production and promotes sustainable development in the cotton industry. Full article

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient that influences plant growth and resistance to pathogens; however, its impact on disease dynamics, particularly downy mildew infection, and the associated physiological responses in cucumber during early growth stages remains poorly understood. To evaluate the combined effects of downy mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis) infection and nitrogen application on cucumber growth and physiological traits during the seedling and vine development stages, two downy mildew treatments— infected (B0) and non-infected(B1)—and three nitrogen levels—T1 (N-50%), T2 (N-100%), and T3 (N-150%)—were applied. Significant differences were observed between all treatments (p < 0.05). Among them, the B1T3 treatment had the most pronounced stimulatory effect, particularly on growth parameters (such as plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area). Without any disease infection (B1), the B1T2 treatment showed an increasing trend in photosynthetic rate and a more notable rise in stomatal conductance. In contrast, with downy mildew infection (B0), photosynthetic rates declined under B0T1 and B0T2. Moreover, with downy mildew infection (B0), the intracellular CO₂ concentration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of cucumber leaves decreased in the B0T1, B0T2, and B0T3 treatments. Plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area responded variably to nitrogen levels and downy mildew infection. The total root length, root surface area, average root diameter, total root volume, and total root tips of cucumber plants were significantly different under different experimental conditions (p < 0.05). Consequently, this study provides a theoretical basis for stress-resistant cucumber cultivation in greenhouses and has practical implications for advancing the sustainable development of the greenhouse cucumber industry. Full article

The growing potassium (K) demand and supply–demand imbalance in intensive agriculture require the development of multi-nutrient K fertilizers. Polyhalite (POLY), a multi-nutrient natural mineral rich in K, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, can enhance soil nutrient diversity and fertility. However, research on its synergistic application with nitrogen (N) fertilizer remains limited. Therefore, this study was designed to apply three different fertilizer composites at four N concentration gradients through field plot experiments to evaluate crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency. Results revealed that the application of both compound fertilizers with N fertilizer increased maize yield, ranging from 1.03% to 11.53%, compared with the PK control. Moreover, 25-7-8 (MOP)(POLY26%) achieved a maximum yield of 9499.88 kg/ha at the N1 (170 kg/ha) level. This represents a significant increase of 11.53% compared with the PK control. Moreover, the application of compound fertilizer containing POLY could significantly increase the N fertilizer utilization rate; improve the quality of maize; and exert a significant effect on soil pH, EC, and nutrient content. This study paves the way for broader application of POLY by establishing its novel role as a sustainable nutrient source. It provides critical strategic guidance for advancing global resource-efficient agriculture. Full article

For nearly two decades, the Yellow Sea has experienced recurrent green tides, which are now considered the largest of their kind globally; the mechanism behind these outbreaks remains highly complex and not fully understood. This study investigates the pre-outbreak distribution, abundance, and species composition of suspended macroalgae in the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS) during 2023–2024, along with environmental parameters. The results indicate that suspended macroalgae were predominantly distributed in the nearshore waters, particularly along the shallow beaches of northern Jiangsu. Furthermore, their abundance in the surface water layer significantly exceeded that in the bottom water. A total of 1353 and 493 algal filament samples were collected in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Dominant species included Ulva prolifera, Ulva linza, Ulva flexuosa, and Blidingia sp. Nutrient levels positively correlated with filament abundance. As a primary means of rapid proliferation for U. prolifera, suspended macroalgae contribute significantly to the initial expansion of green tides. Furthermore, their abundance holds promise as a biological indicator for forecasting the scale and extent of impending blooms, thereby providing a critical foundation for elucidating the underlying outbreak mechanisms. Full article

The Yellow River (YR) has the highest suspended sediment concentration in the world, with its water and sediment exerting a significant influence on nutrient transport and transformation processes. The periodic regulation of water and sediment by the Xiaolangdi Dam, has significantly altered downstream water and sediment transport. This study examined the impact of the Xiaolangdi Dam’s 2023 water-sediment regulation on nitrogen dynamics in the lower Yellow River (LYR). Surface water, suspended sediment, and deposited sediment samples were collected at seven downstream stations to analyze changes in nitrogen concentration, sources, and transformation processes. As the water regulation stage progresses, the (total nitrogen) TN concentration in the water phase decreased, while that of NO₃^--N increased slightly. Concurrently, the inorganic nitrogen concentration in the suspended phase also declined. As the sediment regulation stage progresses, the TN and NO₃⁻-N concentrations in the water phase continued to decrease, while the inorganic nitrogen concentration in the suspended phase showed an initial increase followed by a decrease. As the early stage of sediment regulation progresses, ammonia concentrations decreased, while nitrate concentrations increased and δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻ value decreased indicated nitrification occurred. As the late stage of sediment regulation progresses, nitrate concentrations decreased and the δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ value increased, indicated denitrification occurred. The TN flux during water-sediment regulation reaches 41.5 kt (14.6% of the annual flux). During the water-sediment regulation stage, the main nitrate sources were manure and sewage. This contribution peaked at 54.2% during the sediment regulation stage. The research results provide a scientific basis for the relationship between water and sediment changes and nitrogen output changes in the LYR. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation is often affected by pest infestations, which contaminate the bag by eating nutrients and mycelium. This contamination eventually leads to a decline in the quality and yield of edible mushrooms and affects farmers’ income. Therefore, pesticides are commonly used for pest control. To examine the impact of insecticides on the growth of P. ostreatus, this study quantified the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and phenylalanine deaminase (PAL), in the mushroom under different insecticide treatments. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was performed to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The findings indicated that dinotefuran, diflubenzuron, chlorantraniliprole, and beta-cypermethrin treatments resulted in a significant reduction in catalase and peroxidase activities in P. ostreatus. Conversely, the application of beta-cypermethrin and chlorantraniliprole significantly enhanced PAL and SOD activities in the mycelium. PAL activity was significantly increased in all the mixed substrates, whereas only spray treatments with diflubenzuron resulted in a significant increase in PAL activity. SOD activity in the substrates was reduced by diflubenzuron in the mixed treatment and chlorantraniliprole in the spray treatment. In contrast, all other treatments resulted in a significant increase in SOD activity in the substrates. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differential genes were predominantly enriched in valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation, fatty acid degradation, tyrosine metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and histidine metabolism, among others. These biological processes are hypothesized to be involved in the growth regulatory effects of insecticides on the mycelium and ascospores of P. ostreatus. The reliability of the transcriptomic data was also validated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep is pivotal for recovery, immunity, and energy restoration; however, sleep problems exist in elite athletes. Nutrition and supplementation strategies can play both a positive and negative role in sleep quality and quantity. Elite athletes experience unique psychological and physiological demands above non-elite athletes and may require different nutrition strategies to promote sleep. Nutrient interventions and their effect on sleep in elite athletes is an emerging area, with further research warranted. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews and Joanna Brigg’s Institute Reviewer’s Manual for Scoping Reviews were utilised to assess the available evidence on nutrition strategies used to promote sleep in elite athlete cohorts, and we tried to identify the interventions that could be best researched in the future. NUtrition QUality Evaluation Strengthening Tools (NUQUEST) was used to enhance rigour and assess risk of bias in studies. The Paper to Podium (P2P) Matrix was used to offer practitioners practical recommendations. Results: 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for nutrition interventions or exposures to promote sleep in elite athletes. The median participant group size was 19 and study designs were considered together to ascertain potential sleep promoting strategies. Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice and high dairy intake, limited to females, have demonstrated the highest potential to promote sleep in elite athletes, despite limited sample sizes. A-lactalbumin, carbohydrate pre-bed, casein, tryptophan, probiotic and meeting energy demands showed varying results on sleep quality in elite athletes. Conclusions: Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice and dairy consumption offer potential nutritional interventions to promote sleep in elite athletic populations, while protein-based interventions may have a ceiling effect on sleep quality when elite athletes are already consuming >2.5 g·kg⁻¹ body mass (BM) or are already meeting their sleep duration needs. Full article

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has grown in popularity in the past several decades, yet previous research has largely focused on the dietary habits and body composition of elite HIFT athletes and utilized only quantitative study designs, potentially limiting our understanding of typical HIFT athletes. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the common dietary habits and body composition of HIFT athletes. Data were only analyzed descriptively. Among 62 HIFT athletes (age: 36 ± 11.7 years), we estimated body fat percentage (BF%) using a Siri 3-compartment model, and we assessed dietary habits, dietary supplement (DS) use, and open-response rationales for DS use/disuse via an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from open-response questions were coded and grouped via inductive thematic analysis. Body composition varied among both male (n = 36, BF% = 6.5–27.6%) and female participants (n = 26, BF% = 10.6–37.6%). Most participants reported regular consumption of lean meats and home-cooked meals, yet few participants (~20%) regularly consumed the recommended twice daily servings of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most (77.4%) HIFT athletes reported DS use, with the average HIFT athlete using approximately six DS; dairy protein, creatine, caffeine, and electrolyte drinks were the most reported DS. Improving health, recovery, and nutrient intake were common reasons for using DS, whereas a lack of noticeable results was the most common reason for discontinuation. Some HIFT athletes may rely on DS to address nutrient gaps rather than whole foods. Full article

This study presents a vertically integrated Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Community-Based Learning (CBL) framework that connects postgraduate and undergraduate programs in Applied Chemistry and Agricultural Engineering. Postgraduate students synthesized zeolite-based materials for nutrient recovery, which were subsequently applied by undergraduate students in field trials conducted in collaboration with rural farming communities. The project was evaluated using rubrics, surveys, focus groups, and reflective journals. Results demonstrated substantial development of technical, communication, and critical thinking skills, with students highlighting the value of linking theory to practice. Community feedback confirmed the perceived benefits of the material for soil improvement and fertilizer efficiency, while also underscoring the need for sustained engagement. Despite challenges such as curricular coordination and resource constraints, the model effectively fostered interdisciplinary learning and social impact. These findings highlight the contribution of this sequentially instructional design to STEM education by connecting research, teaching, and outreach within a constructivist, sustainability-oriented approach. Full article

Global food production must meet the dietary requirements of a growing population, which is expected to reach 8–11 billion by 2100, while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. The agricultural sector accounts for 21–37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 70% of freshwater, and contributes considerably to biodiversity loss and challenges that are further intensified by climate change. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) serves as a sustainable strategy to address global food production and promote consistency and resource-efficient crop production. However, nutrient imbalances remain a key challenge in hydroponic CEA systems. To address these nutrient-related challenges, plant sap analysis is being considered as real-time monitoring tool and precise nutrient management in CEA systems. Compared to traditional nutrient tissue analysis, sap analysis shows stronger correlations with crop performance during active growth. For instance, petiole sap nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) and total nitrogen (N) in tomato leaves show correlation coefficients of r = 0.6–0.8 during their rapid vegetative growth stages. Sap analysis shows potential improvements in nutrient efficiency, crop quality, and sustainability within CEA. This review investigates the principles, methodologies, and advancements in plant sap analysis, contrasting it with traditional nutrient testing methods. It also addresses challenges such as variability in sap composition, the lack of standardized protocols, and economic considerations, while emphasizing real-time nutrient management to achieve and sustainability in CEA. Full article

The Inner Mongolian Plateau is a critical region for the development of herbivorous animal husbandry in China. However, its harsh climate and poor soil quality have constrained the sustainable growth of the alfalfa industry. This 3-year field study investigated the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer on the productivity and forage quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. ‘WL168’) in such specific conditions of the region. Five rates of K fertilizer (0 (CK), 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O) were applied in three split applications. Forage harvests occurred three times annually in 2023 and 2024, and yield, yield components, and forage quality were determined. The results showed that the forage yield of alfalfa increased initially and then decreased with the rising K application rates, which paralleled the changes in the plant density, and plant height, especially the mass shoot⁻¹; forage yield was mainly correlated with mass shoot⁻¹. Appropriate K fertilizer improved forage quality, especially in 2024. With increasing application, crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDNs) first rose then declined, whereas neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) decreased steadily, leading to a consistent rise in the relative feeding value (RFV). Comprehensively considering both yield and quality under such condition, a K fertilizer application rate of 273.2 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O is suggested as a reference for this region. Full article