Benefits of tobacco stalk compost in tobacco cultivation: Improving soil health, microbial function, crop yield, and economic viability

Utilization of cellulose in tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) stalks for nitrocellulose production

To use tobacco stalks more economically and to improve their value, variation in fiber size，micro fiber angle （MFA），and the relative degree of crystallinity for fiber cells in tobacco stalk fibers along the height of the stem were studied. These were compared to industrial hemp stalks and castor stalks using an optical microscope and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Results showed that the tobacco fiber cell had a favorable mid-length and good fiber size （The fiber length is 0.76 mm and the cell wall thickness to lumen diameter is 0.50）. Also，there was a marked difference between the variation in fiber size for the tobacco stalk and the industrial hemp and castor stalks along the height of the stem, for example, the fiber length at bottom part of tobacco is longest wihile the fiber length at midoint of castor stalk and industrial hemp stalk is shortest. MFA of the fiber cell wall at its midpoint was samller compared to the bottom and top parts（P= 0.000 1）， and the relative degree of fiber crystallinity decreased （P= 0.000 1） with the height of the tobacco stalk stem. In addition, compared to industrial hemp stalks，castor stalks，and Pinus kesiya，MFA was greater，the relative degree of crystallinity was also smaller，thus，tobacco fiber qualities were excellent and would be conducive to further study in the future.［Ch，2 tab. 9 ref.］

Terrestrial ecosystems are globally under threat of loss or degradation. To compensate for the impacts incurred by loss and/or degradation, efforts to restore ecosystems are being undertaken. These efforts often focus on restoring the aboveground plant community with the expectation that the belowground microbial community will follow suit. This ‘Field of Dreams’ expectation – if you build it, they will come – makes untested assumptions about how microbial communities and their functions will respond to aboveground-focused restoration. To determine if restoration of aboveground plant communities equates to restoration of belowground microbial communities, we assessed the effects of four forest restoration treatments – varying in intensity from unmanaged to interplanting tree species – on microbial (i.e. prokaryotic and fungal) community composition and function (i.e. catabolic profiles and extracellular enzyme activities). Additionally, effects of the restoration treatments were compared to both degraded (i.e. active arable cultivation) and target endpoint communities (i.e. remnant bottomland forest) to determine the trajectory of intensifying aboveground restoration efforts on microbial communities. Approximately 16 years after the initiation of the restoration treatments, prokaryotic and fungal community composition, and microbial function in the four restoration treatments were intermediate to the endpoint communities. Surprisingly, intensification of aboveground restoration efforts led to few differences among the four restoration treatments and increasing intensification did not consistently lead to microbial communities with greater similarity in composition and function to the target remnant forest communities. Together these results suggest that belowground microbial community composition and function will respond little to, or will lag markedly behind, intensifying aboveground restoration efforts. Reliance on a ‘Field of Dreams’ approach, even if you build it better, may still lead to belowground microbial communities that remain uncoupled from aboveground communities. Importantly, our findings suggest that restoring aboveground vegetation may not lead to the intended restoration of belowground microbial communities and the ecosystem processes they mediate.

Inputs of low molecular weight carbon (LMW-C) to soil – primarily via root exudates– are expected to be a major driver of microbial activity and source of stable soil organic carbon. It is expected that variation in the type and composition of LMW-C entering soil will influence microbial community composition and function. If this is the case then short-term changes in LMW-C inputs may alter processes regulated by these communities. To determine if change in the composition of LMW-C inputs influences microbial community function and composition, we conducted a 90 day microcosm experiment whereby soils sourced from three different land covers (meadows, deciduous forests, and white pine stands) were amended, at low concentrations, with one of eight simulated root exudate treatments. Treatments included no addition of LMW-C, and the full factorial combination of glucose, glycine, and oxalic acid. After 90 days, we conducted a functional response assay and determined microbial composition via phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Whereas we noted a statistically significant effect of exudate treatments, this only accounted for ∼3% of the variation observed in function. In comparison, land cover and site explained ∼46 and ∼41% of the variation, respectively. This suggests that exudate composition has little influence on function compared to site/land cover specific factors. Supporting the finding that exudate effects were minor, we found that an absence of LMW-C elicited the greatest difference in function compared to those treatments receiving any LMW-C. Additionally, exudate treatments did not alter microbial community composition and observable differences were instead due to land cover. These results confirm the strong effects of land cover/site legacies on soil microbial communities. In contrast, short-term changes in exudate composition, at meaningful concentrations, may have little impact on microbial function and composition.

The use of inorganic fertilizers combined organic fertilizer is commonly applied by farmers to increase shallot production. Research was conducted to determine the proper dosage of organic fertilizer which can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer. The research was conducted at Tawangargo Village, Karangploso district, Malang. The fertilizers were organic fertilizers, enriched with N-fixing bacteria and P solvent bacteria. The research used RCBD where the treatments were combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The dose of organic fertilizer enriched functional microbes was set at 2 t/ha, while the dose for inorganic fertilizer is a combination of 600 kg/ha NPK+200 kg/ha SP36+400 ZA+100 kg/ha ZK. As comparison, farmers applied organic fertilizer from cow manure and without fertilization as control. The results showed that standard dose 100% inorganic fertilizer (1,300 kg/ha) + 100% standard dose (2,000 kg/ha) microbial-enriched organic fertilizer increased RAE 2% that produced 12.50 t/ha dry shallots in comparison with the farmer control. By dose of 2 t/ha of organic fertilizer enriched with functional microbes, the results will be equivalent to local organic fertilizer of 10,000 kg/ha and it is more effective than local organic fertilizers from cow manure.

Main factors controlling microbial community structure and function after reclamation of a tailing pond with aided phytostabilization

Organic agriculture is widely regarded as an important approach to reducing biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable agricultural development compared to conventional agriculture. Notably, organic farming practices have substantially boosted the diversity of soil microbial communities. However, empirical studies on the functional structure of soil microbial communities in organic agroecosystems and the mechanisms influencing them remain relatively scarce. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, we analyzed soil microbial communities associated with organic (orange lands) and conventional (coffee and maize lands) farming practices in the Gaoligong Mountains (GLGM) region, with the aim of revealing differences in soil properties, microbial community structure, and functional composition across different agricultural management practices. The results revealed that organic farming boosted soil organic carbon and fertility, driving changes in the microbial community composition. Organic farming notably increased the abundance of bacterial functional groups involved in the carbon and nitrogen cycles but decreased the abundance of symbiotic fungi. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the abundance of saprotrophic and pathogenic fungi between the organic and conventional farming systems. The present study demonstrates that organic farming enhances the functional roles of oil microorganisms in nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem processes by enhancing soil’s organic carbon content and soil fertility, thereby modifying the soil’s microbial community structure and functions. Overall, organic farming contributes to improvements in soil health and supports the sustainable development of agriculture in the GLGM region.

This comparative study analyzes the differences between organic and vermicompost fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources such as animal manure and plant remains, while vermicompost is produced through the activity of earthworms on organic matter. The study examines the physical characteristics, and effects on plant growth of both types of compost. It also evaluates the potential benefits of compost. The results suggest that vermicompost has higher levels of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, and can improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. However, organic compost may be more widely available and affordable. The study highlights the importance of considering the specific needs of crops and soil conditions when selecting a compost type. Organic composting is the process of decomposing organic waste materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments through natural means. It examined the benefits and challenges of organic composting and its role in sustainable agriculture whereas, vermicomposting is a type of composting that utilizes earthworms to decomposing the organic waste material into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This inspects the benefits and challenges of composting and its role in sustainable waste management. The findings suggest that vermicomposting can be a sustainable and effective strategy for managing organic waste and improving soil health when implemented correctly. This study overlooks at the effects of compost on plant growth (Amarathus, chilly, Ladies finger) and the possible advantage of using compost as a soil amendment. We were analysed two types of composting process organic compost and vermicomposting. In both techniques we use four parameters such as ring, bin, pit and heap methods. In this, more yield was obtained from ring method and less yield was obtained from heap method. But comparing vermicompost and organic compost, more yield was obtained from vermicompost. To find out whether vermicompost or organic compost is more effective in agricultural crops, the above mentioned composts were used as fertilizers in agricultural crops. From this we understood that agricultural crops grown in vermicompost were much more healthier.

Nitrogen deposition in the middle-aged and mature coniferous forest: Impacts on soil microbial community structure and function

In order to make use of tobacco stalk,activated carbon was prepared from tobacco stalk with carbon dioxide as activator.Effects of CO2 flux,activation time and temperature on the yield and adsorption property of activated carbon were studied with orthogonal experimentation.The proper conditions were: 800℃,30 min,CO2 flux: 3L/min,and the yield was 9.47%.The product's sorption values for iodine and methylene blue were 1079.26mg/g and 67.5mg/g,respectively.The nitrogen adsorption isothermal curve of the activated carbon was determined and its pore structure was characterized with BET method,H-K equation,D-A equation and theory of density function.The results showed that the obtained activated carbon was of micropore type with BET specific surface area of 761m2/g,total pore volume of 0.3521cm3/g.Of the total pore volume,micropores' volume accounted for 95.54%,mesopores' volume 3.85% and macropores' volume 0.61%.The microstructure of the activated carbon was analyzed by electronic microprobe and transmission electronic microscopy,the results were comparable with that determined by nitrogen adsorption.

When the wastewater volume exceeds the sewer pipe capacity during extreme rainfall events, untreated sewage discharges directly into rivers as combined sewer overflow (CSO). To compare the impacts of CSOs and stormwater on urban waterways, we assessed physicochemical water quality, the 16S rRNA gene-based bacterial community structure, and EcoPlate-based microbial functions during rainfall periods in an urban waterway before and after a stormwater storage pipe was commissioned. A temporal variation analysis showed that CSOs have significant impacts on microbial function and bacterial community structure, while their contributions to physicochemical parameters, bacterial abundance, and chlorophyll a were not confirmed. Heat map analysis showed that the impact of CSO on the waterway bacterial community structure was temporal and the bacterial community composition in CSO is distinct from that in sewers. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that the waterway physicochemical water qualities, bacterial community composition, and microbial community function were distinguishable from the upper reach of the river, rather than between CSO and stormwater. Changes in the relative abundance of tetracycline resistance (tet) genes-especially tet(M)-were observed after CSOs but did not coincide with changes in the microbial community composition, suggesting that the parameters affecting the microbial community composition and relative abundance of tet genes differ. After pipe implementation, however, stormwater did not contribute to the abundance of tet genes in the waterway. These results indicate that CSO-induced acute microbial disturbances in the urban waterway were alleviated by the implementation of a stormwater storage pipe and will support the efficiency of storage pipe operation for waterway management in urban areas.

Vermicomposting provides a green alternative to composting, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. As a result of existing waste management practices, greenhouse gases are released into the environment. Still, vermicomposting offers a sustainable solution by recycling organic waste into a soil amendment that improves soil health and increases crop yields. This study provides an in-depth overview of the benefits of vermicomposting, a practice that recycles organic waste materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called vermicompost, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil fertility, and boost crop yields by enhancing soil structure and microbial activity, thereby presenting vermicomposting as a sustainable way to recycle organic waste, while mitigating climate change, protecting soils, and boosting agriculture. This overview examines how vermicomposting organic waste lowers greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, improves crop yields through improved soil structure and fertility, and enriches soils by increasing microbial biodiversity and nutrient availability. Vermicomposting provides degradation and detoxification of organic waste with some nutrient-rich castings. The potential of these castings to improve soil health sparked interest among agricultural researchers. Crops fertilized with vermicompost thrived, producing higher yields and the nutrient density of the plants increased significantly. Emerging research reveals that vermicompost can fight against climate change. As an organic fertilizer, it enhances the ability of plants and soil to sequester carbon, decreasing greenhouse gases and also reducing emissions of methane and nitrous oxide compared to conventional fertilizers. With broader implementation, vermicomposting offers a meaningful path to combat climate change through regenerative agriculture.

Massive microplastics are deposited in the coastal zone. Tire particles (TPs) are an important microplastic source, but little is known about how TPs affect the microbial community composition and function in coastal sediments and the role leachable additives play in TP toxicity. Here, a microcosm experiment was performed using coastal sediments amended with different doses of TPs and with their leachable additives to investigate their effects on the sediment microbial community composition and function. Environmentally relevant concentrations of TPs can change the microbial community structure, decrease community diversity, and inhibit nutrient cycling processes, including carbon fixation and degradation, nitrification, denitrification, and sulfur cycling in sediments. Notably, the raw TP and leachate treatments showed consistent effects. A variety of additives were found in the pore water of sediment, and they could explain over 90% of the variations of the community structure. Further modeling revealed that leachable additives not only directly influenced community function but also indirectly affected community diversity and function by shifting the community structure. In addition, rare taxa could be crucial mediators of ecological functions of sediment microbial community. Combined, this study provides novel insights into the role of TPs' leachable additives in affecting sediment microbial community and function.

Effects of potassium fulvic acid and potassium humate on microbial biodiversity in bulk soil and rhizosphere soil of Panax ginseng

Rapid economic and population growth has led to rising atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating adequate soil and crop management for enhanced CO2 absorption. Plant and soil microorganisms have various effects on atmospheric CO2 capturing. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a leguminous plant, establishes a symbiotic association with rhizobium bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, enabling it to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and sequester more CO2 into the biomass and then to the soil. However, the application type of fertilizers influences this plant’s growth and soil’s capacity to retain carbon (C). In this background, the current research aimed to explore the impact of various organic and inorganic fertilization methods on the growth and nutrient content of chickpea plants and nitrogen content and soil organic carbon. A long-term field trial was started in 1996 at Çukurova University Research Center, with the five treatments such as Control (without fertilizer), Animal manure (25 t ha-1), Mineral fertilizer (NPK), Compost (25 t ha-1), and Mycorrhiza + Compost (10 t ha-1). Chickpeas were planted and harvested in 2020. During harvesting, plant samples at 1 m2 area, and soil samples at 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm depths were taken. The shoot, root and pod fresh biomass and tissue C, P, K, N, and Zn concentrations were determined. Similarly, the soil P, organic C and total N concentrations were determined. The results of the study indicate that mineral fertilizer resulted in a notable enhancement in the shoot, root and seed biomass of chickpea plants. Furthermore, mineral fertilizer resulted in a higher concentration of carbon in the roots, while the treatments involving animal manure, compost +AMF, and compost showed higher concentrations of K in both shoots and seeds. Seed P concentration was higher when animal manure was applied and exhibited similarity to the compost treatment. In terms of soil properties, the application of animal manure led to increased levels of soil organic carbon and P. Moreover, the compost treatment showed an increase in organic carbon in deeper soil depth. At 15-30 cm soil depth, both animal manure and compost treatments contributed to improved levels of total nitrogen. The good effects of organic fertilizers on soil fertility and nutrient levels in sustainable farming practices are highlighted by these findings. When compared to mineral fertilizer, animal dung specifically showed considerable improvements in soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.