Bean Residue Research Articles

Three nonconventional starch: Comparison of physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility.

Extraction of starch from waste is also an effective way to recover resources and provide new sources of starch. In this study, starch was isolated from white kidney bean residue, chickpea residue, and tiger nut meal after protein or oil extraction, and the morphology of starch particles was observed to determine their physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility. All these isolated starches had unique properties, among which white kidney bean starch (KBS) had a high amylose content (43.48%), and its structure was better ordered. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct granular morphologies for the three starches. KBS and chickpea starch (CHS) were medium-granular starches, whereas tiger nut starch was a small granular starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in functional groups and chemical bonds among the three starch molecules. In vitro digestibility studies showed that CHS is more resistant to enzymatic degradation. Overall, these results will facilitate the development of products based on the separation of nonconventional starches from waste.

Enchytraeid-stimulation of nitrogen mineralization from green plant residues in an organic soil

Faunal-mediated nutrient cycling, especially N mineralization, has the potential to make a significant contribution to nutrient supply to crop plants in production systems involving e.g. green manure cover crops. We investigated the effects of enchytraeids on N mineralization from mung bean residues in microcosm experiments using an organically-farmed soil with an inherently large population of enchytraeids. Enchytraeids promoted N mineralization by 23% after a distinct lag of between four and 12 weeks, concomitant with a substantial increase in population size followed by an almost complete collapse. Nitrogen release from the necromass would have contributed a small but significant fraction of the N mineralized, and the result suggested the presence of other mechanisms. Enchytraeids suppressed nematode populations, while did not affect the mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, although mung bean residues increased MWD. We conclude that enchytraeids have potential to play significant roles in mediating N supply to crops but matching supply-and-demand periods may be challenging.

Novel use of agro-industrial waste and residues for bioencapsulation and its application in petroleum hydrocarbons bioremediation

The use of agro-industrial waste from Haden mango (Mangifera indica L.) and red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residues was explored for bioencapsulation with bioremediation purposes. Pectin and protein were extracted from mango and red bean, respectively, and used in addition to sodium alginate as materials for the formulation, through an augmented mixture design experiment with a variable process (pH), of a soluble ternary biopolymer system for encapsulation of microorganisms. The capsules were physically and thermally characterized and evaluated with a bacteria consortium for hydrocarbon bioremediation. The bioremediation assays, one with hexadecane and the other with diesel resulted in a hydrocarbon uptake increase (5% for hexadecane, 10% for diesel) and shorter consumption times (4 days less for hexadecane and 3 days less for diesel) compared to their respective control without encapsulation. The novelty of this work lies in the interdisciplinary approach to the utilization of materials from cheap sources for bioencapsulation with applications in different areas. Insights into the mass transfer of the capsules were also obtained as the first step into further studies.

Effect of short-term growth of mung bean and its incorporation with nitrogen fertiliser on the density of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in soil

Summary Soybean is attacked by multiple plant-parasitic nematodes and the major ones are soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and root-knot nematodes. Our previous study reported that 2 weeks growth of mung bean and its soil incorporation markedly reduced SCN density in soil via hatching stimulation by mung bean residue. This study aimed: i) to evaluate whether incorporation of mung bean in combination with N fertiliser decreased the density of Meloidogyne incognita, which attacks both soybean and mung bean; and ii) to determine the direct effect of ammonium solutions on M. incognita J2 and hatching. The results showed that after the growth period of mung bean for 2 weeks and 4 weeks of its incorporation, the density of M. incognita was significantly reduced by 54 and 72% in the mung bean treatment with and without N fertiliser (140 mg N (kg soil)−1), respectively, compared with the control. Soil urease activity was significantly higher in the mung bean with N fertiliser than in the control. Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles were less mobile in NH4Cl solutions with 100-250 mg N l−1 than in 0 mg N l−1. Moreover, NH4Cl solutions with 140 mg N l−1 and 250 mg N l−1 significantly inhibited the hatching of M. incognita. This study demonstrated that 2 weeks growth of mung bean may be a potential trap crop for M. incognita and N metabolism might be involved to a certain extent in the suppression of M. incognita.

ALLELOPATIC COMPATIBILITY OF COMMON BEAN AND COMPANION CROPS

Purpose. To investigate the allelopathic compatibility of common bean seeds and companion crops, to establish interaction patterns using water extracts from seeds and other plant parts of common bean and companion crops. Methods. Laboratory, statistical. Results. Biotest: interaction of germinating seeds of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Biologically active substances from winter and spring triticale seeds (the bean seeds/seeds of companion crops ratio was 1:10) negatively affected bean seedlings, which was seen from all parameters under investigation: hypocotyl length (with the root included), length of the longest adventitious root, the adventitious root number, and true leaf length (with epicotyl included). At a ratio of 1:5, winter triticale-induced inhibition of hypocotyl growth was enhanced up to 38 %, while, on the contrary, spring triticale had a neutral effect on this parameter. A stimulating effect (106 %) of spring triticale seeds on the true bean leaf length (with epicotyl) was noted. For winter and spring triticale in a ratio of 1:1 (compared to the control – without seeds of companion crops), inhibition of the growth of the hypocotyl with the root by 21 % and the true leaf with the epicotyl by 10–9 %, respectively, is observed. Biotest: germination of bean seeds in a water extract from whole seeds of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Water extract from spring triticale seeds in a ratio of 1:2 had the greatest stimulating effect on the tap root and the first leaf lengths; winter triticale extract in a ratio of 1:4 had the greatest effect on the adventitious root an epicotyl lengths; bean extract in a ratio of 1:2 had the greatest effect on the epicotyl length. Biotest: germination of bean seeds in a water extract from vegetative mass, roots and post-harvest residues of bean and companion crops in Petri dishes. Water extracts from roots of bean, winter and spring triticale weakly inhibited the main bean root elongation. A neutral allelopathic effect on the bean seed germination was exerted by extract from post-harvest residues of spring triticale. A water extract from top parts of bean had a negative allelopathic effect on germinating bean seeds, indicating self-incompatibility of this crop. Conclusions. The laboratory tests showed that biologically active substances from seeds of both winter triticale and spring triticale at a ratio of 1:10 were toxic for bean ssedlings. Combined germination of bean and spring triticale seeds at a ratio of 1:5 had a more positive effect compared to other ratios of seeds of companion crops, and combined germination of bean seeds with spring and winter triticale seeds at a ratio of 1:1 demonstrated very similar parameters of germinating bean seeds. It was found that water extracts from bean and spring triticale in a ratio of 1:2 and from bean and winter triticale (1:4) had a clear allelopathic effect on the bean parameters. Water extracts from winter triticale (1:1) and spring triticale (1:4) were more toxic to bean seedlings. Water extracts from roots of bean, winter and spring triticale weakly inhibited the main bean root elongation. A water extract from the aboveground parts of bean had a negative allelopathic effect on the germinating seeds of bean, indicating self-incompatibility of this crop. A neutral allelopathic effect on the germination of bean seeds was exerted by extract from post-harvest residues of spring triticale. Combined germination of seeds of bean and companion crops in the laboratory allows for assessments of peculiarities of seed germination and mutual influence of components as early as at the initial stage, for selection of crops for growing in heterogeneous fields aimed at forming a highly productive agrophytocenosis.

Organic Carbon, Nitrogen Accumulation and Nitrogen Leaching as Affected by Legume Crop Residues on Sandy Loam in the Eastern Baltic Region.

Legumes have a wide range of positive effects on soil properties, including nitrogen and carbon storage, soil structure and the phytosanitary condition of crops. From an agronomic point of view, legumes are most valued for their ability to take up atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of legume residues (peas, fodder beans, narrow-leaved lupins) on the N (Ntotal) and organic carbon (Corg) accumulation in soil and N leaching under temperate climate conditions. The experiment was carried out in lysimetric equipment in 2016-2023. The effect of legumes on Corg and Ntotal accumulation in soil and N leaching were studied in a Fabaceae-Cereals sequence. Three species of legumes-peas, fodder beans and narrow-leaved lupines-were tested; spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was grown as a control treatment. The lysimeter surface area was 1.75 m2 and the experimental soil layer was 0.60 m (sand loam Haplic Luvisol). It was found that after harvesting, more residues were incorporated into the soil with lupines (p < 0.05), which, compared to pea and bean residues, increased Ntotal and Corg concentrations in the soil. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.95) between the Ntotal concentration in the soil and the N amount incorporated with residues. Mineral N released during residue decomposition was leached from the humic horizon under conditions of excess moisture in the autumn-winter period and increased the nitrate concentration in the lysimeter water. The increase in concentration was recorded within 5 to 6 months after the application of the residues. As a result, the N leaching losses increased on average by 24.7-33.2% (p < 0.05) during the year of legume cultivation. In the following year, after legume residue incorporation, the effect of residues on nitrate concentration and N leaching decreased and did not differ significantly from that of barley residues.

Evaluation of bean residues in the production of agglomerated panels

Evaluation of bean residues in the production of agglomerated panels

Sustainable Materials from Waste Paper: Thermal and Acoustical Characterization

A growing research interest currently exists in the use of paper as a building material. This work aims to present the results of a measurement campaign developed on innovative waste paper-based building components. The research was carried out in Southern Italy and used some local by-product aggregates. Three different mixture designs were developed in the laboratory by adding three kinds of biomass to a pulp paper blend: fava bean residues (FB), sawdust powder (SP) and coffee grains (CG) extracted from exhausted chaffs. A physical characterization was carried out measuring the bulk density and bulk porosity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the single aggregates was followed by a microstructure analysis of the final components. Bulk density evaluation showed a range between 200 and 348 kg·m−3. Furthermore, thermal performances were measured; the thermal conductivity of the experimented samples ranged from 0.071 to 0.093 W·m−1·K−1, thus it is possible to classify the tested materials as thermal insulators. Moreover, the acoustic properties were evaluated and tested. The normal incidence sound absorption coefficient was measured by the impedance tube on cylindrical specimens. In general, a different behavior was observed between the upper and lower base of each specimen due to the manufacturing process and the shrinkage caused by the different interactions occurring between the aggregates and the pulp paper waste; for example, the presence of sawdust reduced shrinkage in the final specimens, with consequent smaller physical variations among the two faces. The correlation existing between the manufacturing process and the microstructural properties was also investigated by the estimation of the non-acoustical parameters using the inverse method and taking into account the JCA (Johnson, Champoux and Allard) model as a reference.

In Vitro Degradability and Methane Production from By-Products Fed to Ruminants

The feasibility of unconventional feed for ruminants must be analyzed for appropriate use as sources of energy or protein that contribute to a sustainable production system addressing concerns about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and food security. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of by-products including bean residue (BR), bean straw (BS), cassava bagasse (CB), corn straw (CS), orange bagasse (OB), peanut shell (PS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), soybean hull (SH), and sugarcane straw (SS). Chemical composition, in vitro degradability, and fermentative parameters were analyzed and subjected to multivariate and principal component analyses. Crude protein content was highly variable among by-products with BR and SH presenting the highest values (p &lt; 0.001). These values did not differ between BR and SH, while the lowest values were observed in OB, PS, SB, SS, CS, and CB. Neutral detergent fiber content was higher in SB, PS, CS, and SS (p &lt; 0.001), while greater in vitro degradability was found for CB, BR, OB, BS, and SH (p &lt; 0.001). However, the in vitro gas production (p &lt; 0.001) and total short-chain fatty acid concentration (p &lt; 0.001) were higher in CB, BR, BS, and OB. Multivariate cluster analysis showed three distinct groups with the most degradable in group 1 followed by group 2. These results demonstrate that the by-products used in this study did not impair in vitro fermentation, and thus have the potential to be used in the diets of ruminants and to improve the sustainability of the livestock production sector.

Effect of various chemical processing on nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residues determined via in vitro, in situ, and X-ray powder diffraction techniques

Context Utilising crop residues is an effective strategy to compensate for the shortage of common feed resources. Different processing methods can improve the nutritional value of these by-products. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 50 g/kg dry matter (DM)), calcium oxide (CaO, 160 g/kg DM), hydrobromic acid (HBr, 60 mL/kg DM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 57 mL/kg DM) processing on the nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) residues (CBR). Methods The chemical composition of the samples was determined using standard methods. In addition, a degradability trial was conducted using the nylon-bag technique. Furthermore, in vitro digestibility of the samples was determined by the batch-culture method. Moreover, the X-ray powder diffraction technique was used to calculate the crystallinity degree of the samples. Key results Chemical processing was effective on the chemical composition of the residues (P &lt; 0.05). Treatments of CaO, H2O2, and NaOH increased the ash content. Chemicals reduced the neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre. Other treatments, excluding CaO, increased total digestible nutrients, net energy for lactation, and net energy for gain. NaOH, H2O2 and HBr treatments increased the effective ruminal degradability of DM at ruminal outflow rates of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.08/h (P &lt; 0.0001). Chemical processing caused a decrease in gas production (GP) and estimated parameters of CBR (P &lt; 0.0001). The decrease in GP, short-chain fatty acids, metabolisable energy, and organic-matter digestibility in the NaOH and CaO treatments was more than in HBr and H2O2 treatments. After 24 h of incubation, all treatments except CaO increased the partitioning factor and decreased the gas yield (P &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, processing with NaOH and H2O2 increased the microbial biomass (P = 0.0128) and its efficiency (P &lt; 0.0001) at the end of a 24 h incubation period. Moreover, different treatments reduced the crystallinity degree of CBR compared with the control. Notably, the lowest crystallinity percentage was observed in HBr-treated samples. Conclusions This study shows that chemical treatments (except for CaO) improve CBR nutritional value under in vitro and in situ conditions. Implications In vivo tests are required to validate the results.

Effects of Mung Bean Residues on the Growth of Broiler Chickens

Background: Broiler Chickens are a contributor to protein for humans. In the maintenance of broilers, the cost of feed can reach to 50-60% of the total production expenses. Thus, alternative feeds which are cheap, easy to obtain, and contain good nutrition are needed. Mung bean and its residue are important factors of the broiler chickens feed. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the addition of mung bean and its residue as a feed to increase the growth of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: The study conducted over 84 broiler chickens of one-day old during 35 days based on the record of their daily behaviors. The record of the chickens has been divided into four groups and each group divided into three replications. Each replication of a group consisted of seven chickens. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were the only factors involved for measurement. Findings: We found that there was no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) in the weight gain of chicks during 1-2 weeks of mung bean residue percentage groups compared to the control; however, during the 3-5 weeks, the weight gain of the mung bean residue groups increased and there was a noticeable change between third and fifth weeks. In the fifth week, 2.5% of mung bean residue weighed more than all other groups, which was due to better consumption of feeding and lack of disease. Conclusion: The study emphasized that by adding 2.5% of mung bean residue to the diet, chickens increase weight by less consumed feed as well as health, and resistance of chickens will be higher. Based on this study, we recommended that 2.5% mung bean residue should be added to the chicken diet after the third week, to gain more weight by consuming a small amount of diet.

Transmissible Effects of a Biochar Amendment to an Upper Soil Zone Upon an Associated Lower Zone, Including Attenuation of Soybean Cyst Nematode (Heterodera glycines)

Mung bean residues stimulate the hatching of soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In our previous study, combined incorporation of mung bean residues and biochar into soil can be effective in suppression of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, in the upper layer soil. However, there are no data available as to whether such effects are transmissible, and could for example be manifest in subsoil zones where such incorporation is confined to topsoils, via water-based pathways. We evaluated the effects of leachate passage from a biochar-amended soil in an upper soil zone to a lower zone in a microcosm-based system, upon a range of physicochemical properties and density of SCN. Disturbed soil was filled in a total of 9 cylindrical cores with two layers. The upper layer (0–15 cm) was amended with biochar at rates equivalent to 0, 0.3% or 1.8%, with bulk density set at of 1.1 g cm−3. The lower layer (15–25 cm) without biochar amendment was compacted to 1.2 g cm−3. Mung beans were grown for two weeks and incorporated into the upper layer. Water was surface-applied to the cores 4, 6, and 8 weeks after mung bean incorporation. After 16 weeks, the upper and lower layer soils were separately collected and assayed. The presence of biochar in the upper layer reduced the abundance of free-living nematodes, mainly bacterivorous, but increased that of a predator genus Ecumenicus in this zone. In the lower layer of soil under a biochar-amended upper layer, available P and soluble cations were increased as were abundances of total nematodes including Ecumenicus, resulting in greater maturity index, basal and structure indices. Notably, SCN density was decreased in lower zones by more than 90% compared to zero-biochar controls. This demonstrates that the effects of biochar upon soil properties, including impacts on biota and plant pathogens, are transmissible.

Potensi Limbah Kulit Biji Kopi dan Pemanfaatannya sebagai Produk Sabun Cair yang memiliki Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Antibakteri

Numerous coffee plantation workers are members of the Neglasari village farmer group, located in Sukawangi village, Bogor district. The problem frequently raised is coffee bean residue, which is typically discarded and provides an idea for the group to consider using it. This issue can be remedied by providing knowledge and direction regarding possible coffee bean husk residues. According to earlier studies, coffee bean skin includes polyphenols with potential antibacterial and antioxidant properties, allowing it to be formulated into skin-safe liquid soap solutions. Participants are productive-age men and female farmers with a constant motivation for entrepreneurship. Participants were provided with a direct explanation of the possibilities of coffee bean husk residue, followed by a short training on manufacturing liquid soap. Comparing the outcomes of the pre-test and post-test provided to participants is an indication of the activity's efficacy. Based on the collected results, it can conclude that the participant's comprehension of the presented material increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). It anticipated that the outcomes of this product development education and training would enable Farmer Group members to become home-based entrepreneurs.

Evaluation of the quality of whole bean tofu prepared from high-speed homogenized soy flour

In this study, whole bean tofu (WBT) was manufactured by high-speed crushing with calcium sulfate as the coagulant. Then the features of whole bean tofu were compared with commercially available calcium sulfate and lactone tofu in terms of color, water-holding capacity, textural properties, gel structure, aroma composition, moisture distribution, and sensory evaluation. The results revealed that whole bean tofu possessed a greater variety and complexity of aroma components than the two types of tofu produced via the traditional process. Meanwhile, water holding capacity did not significantly differ between the two types of commercially available tofu (p > 0.05). In addition, the gel structure was marginally weaker than traditional tofu, and the color of the product was closer to that of soybean, primarily attributed to the absence of bean residue. The sensory evaluation confirmed from the consumer's perspective that WBT had delicate color and flavor as well as elastic characteristics. Collectively, these findings demonstrated whole bean tofu production using high-speed crushing could enhance the nutritional value of tofu and minimize resource waste.

Partial Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Organic Supplements Increased Wheat Productivity and Profitability under Limited and Assured Irrigation Regimes

Crop wastes could be applied in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers to satisfy crop nutritional needs and enhance soil fertility. A field experiment was carried out during winter 2019–2020 at the AMK Research Farm (Palatoo) Mardan, KPK (Pakistan) to investigate the combined effect of phosphorous (PS) and organic sources (OSs) on wheat productivity under different irrigation regimes. The experimental factors were: two irrigation regimes (limited and full irrigation), three inorganic sources of phosphorus (triple super phosphate (TSP), single super phosphate (SSP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)) applied at 90 kg ha−1, and three organic amendments (farmyard manure (FYM), mung bean residue (MBR), and canola residue (CR)) applied at a rate of 10 t ha−1. A control plot (no phosphorus or organic supply) was included. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was adopted. Among the fertilization strategies, SSP + FYM outperformed all other P fertilizers combined with legume or nonlegume residues in terms of grains per spike−1 (52), thousand-grain weight (41.6 g), biological yield (9.7 t ha−1), and grain yield (4 t ha−1). Under full irrigation, improved yield, yield components, and profits were obtained compared to the limited irrigation regime. Three clusters were obtained after applying an Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) conferred the positive effects of inorganic P with FYM on the wheat yield and its related parameters. This study indicated that the productivity of wheat under the SSP + FYM fertilization strategy was found to be more economical with respect to the benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The combined application of SSP + FYM was more profitable in terms of a higher BCR (3.25) than other treatments under the full irrigation regime.

Ternary (N, B, F)-Doped Biocarbon Derived from Bean Residues as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions

Development of efficient metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are of great significance for Zn-air batteries. Herein, a porous biocarbon bifunctional catalyst (C-NBF-G) was directly synthesized via simple alkali activation and carbonization from bean residues. C-NBF-G exhibited hierarchical porous structures, ternary heteroatom (N, B, and F) doping, a large specific surface area, and a relatively high degree of graphitization. The synergistic action of these characteristics contributed to the outstanding catalytic properties of C-NBF-G for ORR and OER. The catalyst demonstrated an onset potential of 0.94 V, half-wave potential of 0.824 V, and a limiting current density of 5.92 mA cm−2, comparable to those of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalysts. C-NBF-G also exhibited an OER overpotential of 333 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 114 mV dec−1, lower than those of the commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. These results proved the promising performance of C-NBF-G as a bifunctional catalyst for the ORR and OER.

Evaluation of the influence of the addition of bean residue in gypsum matrices

Evaluation of the influence of the addition of bean residue in gypsum matrices

MICROBIAL METABOLIC ACTIVITY AS LEGACY OF AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT IN MAIZE AGROECOSYSTEMS FROM MEXICO HIGHLANDS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;. Soil ecological functions such as C mineralization, enzyme activity, and microbial biomass determine the maintenance of soil fertility in the short and long term. Microbial activity is a sensitive indicator of changes in soils under agricultural management. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;. Evaluate the metabolic response of soil microbial communities in two temperate maize agroecosystems with different management intensities. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;. This study evaluated total soil nutrient concentrations, C mineralization, and microbial metabolic activity by comparing two agricultural regimes. The first one is an intensive regime (IR) characterized by the exclusive use of synthetic fertilizers in a maize monoculture. The second one is a traditional regime (TR) characterized by the use of mixtures of organic matter (maize and bean residues and manure) with synthetic fertilizers in a rotation system of maize and beans. Physical, chemical, and biological properties were tested in the laboratory, and the specific enzyme activity (SEA) and metabolic quotient (qCO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) were calculated. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; Total soil C concentration was 19% higher in TR (26.6 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) than in IR (5.1 mg g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;); total C biomass was 30% higher in TR (279 mg C g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) versus IR (83.9 mg C g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;), and potential C mineralization was 40% higher in TR (356 µg C g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; d&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) than IR (214 µg C g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; d&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;); in contrast, SEA and qCO2 were lower in TR versus IR. These results support the hypothesis that the microbial community is more efficient under TR than IR because it produces extracellular and intracellular enzymes while growing in biomass. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;. The present study provides new information about the effect of agricultural management on microbial activity, which is important for farmers not only in Mexico Highlands but also in any agricultural scenario exposed to changes in management practices. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;. Assessment of biological soil properties is a sensitive indicator of changes in soil properties induced by management. Metabolic indices are suitable for the evaluation of ecological functions in cultivated soils.&lt;/p&gt;

Time between two partial rewetting events influences the respiration flush and microbial growth after the final rewetting

The effect of rapid rewetting of dry soil to a water content optimal for microbial activity on soil respiration and nutrient cycling has been extensively studied. However, with smaller rainfall events, dry soil may also rewet more slowly with an interval between partial rewetting events. In this experiment, soil unamended or amended with faba bean residue (C/N 9) was incubated at 50% water-holding capacity (WHC) for 2 weeks, then the soil of the rewet treatments was air-dried and incubated dry for 2 weeks. Then, the air-dried soil was exposed to six rewetting treatments: rewet rapidly to 50% WHC once on day 0 (RR50), rewet partially to 25% WHC once on day 0 (PR25), or rewet slowly by two applications of 25% WHC each with the first rewetting on day 0 and the second after 6 h (SR6), 12 h (SR12), 36 h (SR36), or 60 h (SR60). Constantly moist (CM) soil was kept at 50% WHC throughout the experiment. The flush of respiration after the final rewetting followed the order SR6 > RR50 > SR12 > SR36 > PR25, SR60. Microbial biomass C on the first day after the final rewetting decreased in the order RR50 > PR25 > SR6 > SR12 > SR 36 > SR60, CM. We conclude that slow rewetting can increase the flush of respiration compared to rapid rewetting, but only if the second partial rewetting occurs 6 h after the first. The size of the flush decreased with increasing time between the two rewetting events.

Influence of Residue Type and Method of Placement on Dynamics of Decomposition and Nitrogen Release in Maize-Wheat-Mungbean Cropping on Permanent Raised Beds: A Litterbag Study

Decomposition influences carbon and nutrient cycling from crop residues. The nylon-mesh-bag technique was implied to study the decomposition and N-release dynamics from different crop residues under field conditions. The four types of residues were: maize (lower than 50% below the cob), wheat (lower than 25% of wheat stubbles), a whole mung bean residue, and a mixture of wheat + mung bean residue (1:1 ratio) put on the soil surface and in below the sub-surface. Decomposition and N release from both at-surface- and below-surface-placed residues were accurately described by a single-pool first-order exponential decay function as a function of thermal time (based on the accumulative daily mean temperature). The simple first-order exponential model met the criteria of goodness of fit. Throughout the decomposition cycle (one thermal year), the rate of decomposition as measured by a decrease in residue mass and the release of total N were statistically higher from the sub-surface compared to the surface-placed residue, irrespective of the residue type. At the end of the 150-day decomposition cycle, the release of total N was highest in mung bean (32.0 kg N ha−1), followed by maize (31.5 kg N ha−1) &gt; wheat + mung bean (16.1 kg N ha−1), and the minimum (6.54 kg N ha−1) in wheat residue. Crop residues with a wider C/N ratio such as maize and wheat, when applied on the soil surface in conservation agriculture, caused the decomposition to occur at slower rates, thereby providing long-term beneficial effects on the soil thermal regime, soil moisture conservation, and C sequestration in North-West India.