Beta Vulgaris Research Articles

Influence of Certain Ecological Factors on Seasonal Abundance of Key Insect Species existing on Sugar Beet Plants

Influence of Certain Ecological Factors on Seasonal Abundance of Key Insect Species existing on Sugar Beet Plants

Efficacy of neonicotinoid and non-neonicotinoid treatments on virus yellows and sugar beet yields

Myzus persicae (Sulzer), commonly known as the green peach aphid, plays a pivotal role in transmitting a range of yellowing viruses, including beet yellows virus, beet mild yellowing virus, beet chlorosis virus, and beet mosaic virus, to sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris L.). Because of their environmental impacts, three neonicotinoid-based products (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam thiamethoxam, and clothianidine) have faced recent bans in multiple countries and there is thus an increasing need to explore alternative and effective methods for aphid control.In this study, we assess the efficacy of seven conventional aphicides, one neonicotinoid seed treatment, two foliar-applied neonicotinoids, and four companion plants in mitigating the propagation of virus yellows and increasing sugar beet yields. Our analysis is based on data obtained from 64 trials conducted from 2018 to 2022 2023 in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These trials were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models in order to estimate the efficacy of neonicotinoid and non-neonicotinoid treatments on the virus yellows and the sugar-beet yields.Our results revealed that the neonicotinoid seed treatment thiamethoxam exhibited strong efficacy in both reducing virus yellows and enhancing yields compared to alternative treatments. However, the most effective treatment for reducing virus yellows was a composite treatment combining barley companion plant, spirotetramat, and flonicamid, which led to an 87.0% reduction in virus yellows incidence compared to the untreated control group [95% confidence interval = (73.3; 93.6)]. In terms of sugar beet yields, spirotetramat at a dosage of 0.75 l/ha proved to be the most effective treatment, resulting in a 15.7% increase in yields compared to the untreated group [95% confidence interval = (9.1; 22.6)]. While companion plants were able to reduce virus yellows, they did not significantly increase yields compared to the untreated treatment. This outcome may be attributed to the competitive interactions between companion plants and sugar beets, in the context of dry seasons. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that the impact of spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor, flonicamid and thiamethoxam on yields tended to increase with higher aphid pressures.

Long-Term Monitoring of the Traditional Knowledge of Plant Species Used for Culinary Purposes in the Valencia Region, South-Eastern Spain.

The aim of this study is to inventory and study ethnobotanical knowledge of edible plants in the Valencian Community (Spain). In respect to culinary uses, 92 species of plant were reported to be edible, finding the following uses: 58 raw, 52 cooked, 16 fried, 7 dried, 21 in liquors and beverages, 25 in dessert and sweets, 11 as seasoning, 17 in pickles, and 10 to curdle milk. We prepared a database that includes genus, family, scientific, and vernacular names in Spanish and Catalan for each plant. We also created a classification of nine edible uses and plant parts used, being Asteraceae (n = 18), Brassicaceae (n = 7), Chenopodiaceae (n = 6), and Rosaceae (n = 6) the families most characterized for gastronomic purposes. The species with the most elevated cultural importance (CI) values were Foeniculum vulgare (CI = 1.389), Cynara scolymus (CI = 1.374), Papaver rhoeas (CI = 1.211), Beta vulgaris (CI = 1.167), and Juglans regia (CI = 1.155). The most used parts were the leaves (71), flowers (25), and branches (19), while the least used were roots (9) and seeds (8). Traditional knowledge of these plants helps to preserve traditional cuisine, promote the local economy and, in several species, encourage their cultivation.

Fertilizer Management Strategies of Glycine max L. (Soybean) in Northcentral and North-Western North Dakota

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a new cash crop grown in north central and northwestern North Dakota (ND). Soils and climate in these new soybean areas differ from current fertilizer guidelines. A three-year study to evaluate soybean fertility best management practices was initiated in the spring of 2016 and concluded in 2018. Each year had two sites and twelve treatments. One site was acidic (pH < 6.2) and the other was alkaline (pH > 7.2). Both site treatments were: untreated check, inoculated with rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium japonicum L.), broadcast urea (55 kg ha−1), broadcast MAP (110 kg ha−1), In-furrow 10-34-0 (28 L ha−1), in-furrow 6-24-6 (28 L ha−1), foliar 3-18-18 (28 L ha−1) at V5 and R2, and foliar 3-18-18 (28 L ha−1) with sulfate (1.1 kg ha−1) at V5 and R2. The acidic site had two treatments of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) waste lime (4411 kg ha−1 and 8821 kg ha−1). The alkaline site received treatments of iron ortho-ortho-EDDHA (7.1 L ha−1), and naked ortho-ortho-EDDHA (7.1 L ha−1). An in-furrow treatment of cobalt (2.9 kg cobalt-sulfate ha−1) was added in 2018. Fertilizer treatments did not impact soybean yield, protein content and oil content at the 0.05 significance level.

Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic classification of histone acetyltransferase genes, and their expression analysis in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under salt stress

Main conclusionThis study identified seven histone acetyltransferase-encoding genes (HATs) from Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet) genome through bioinformatics tools and analyzed their expression profiles under salt stress. Sugar beet HATs are phylogenetically divided into four families: GNAT, MYST, CBP, and TAFII250. The BvHAT genes were differentially transcribed in leaves, stems, and roots of B. vulgaris salt-resistant (Casino) and -sensitive (Bravo) cultivars under salt stress.Histone acetylation is regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which catalyze ɛ-amino bond formation between lysine residues and acetyl groups with a cofactor, acetyl-CoA. Even though the HATs are known to participate in stress response and development in model plants, little is known about the functions of HATs in crops. In sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), they have not yet been identified and characterized. Here, an in silico analysis of the HAT gene family in sugar beet was performed, and their expression patterns in leaves, stems, and roots of B. vulgaris were analyzed under salt stress. Salt-resistant (Casino) and -sensitive (Bravo) beet cultivars were used for gene expression assays. Seven HATs were identified from sugar beet genome, and named BvHAG1, BvHAG2, BvHAG3, BvHAG4, BvHAC1, BvHAC2, and BvHAF1. The HAT proteins were divided into 4 groups including MYST, GNAT (GCN5, HAT1, ELP3), CBP and TAFII250. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that the BvHAT genes might be involved in hormonal regulation, light response, plant development, and abiotic stress response. The BvHAT genes were differentially expressed in leaves, stems, and roots under control and 300 mM NaCl. In roots of B. vulgaris cv. Bravo, the BvHAG1, BvHAG2, BvHAG4, BvHAF1, and BvHAC1 genes were dramatically expressed after 7 and 14 days of salt stress. Interestingly, the BvHAC2 gene was not expressed under both control and stress conditions. However, the expression of BvHAG2, BvHAG3, BvHAG4, BvHAC1, BvHAC2 genes showed a significant increase in response to salt stress in the roots of cv. Casino. This study provides new insights into the potential roles of histone acetyltransferases in sugar beet.

Efficiency of Betacyanin and Betaxanthin Extraction from Red Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)

Efficiency of Betacyanin and Betaxanthin Extraction from Red Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)

Statistical computing and analysis of apple peel biocarbon and beta vulgaris cellulosic fiber vinyl-based EMI shielding composite

Statistical computing and analysis of apple peel biocarbon and beta vulgaris cellulosic fiber vinyl-based EMI shielding composite

Structural elements of grain yield in triticale (х Triticosecale Wittmack) grown under organic farming conditions

Abstract During the period 2018-2020 in the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute, Shumen, on calcic chernozem soil type, a field experiment with triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) was conducted. The experiment was based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 germinate able seeds/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). In the appropriate periods treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control-untreated variant. 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: Preparation 500 (5% solution) + Fladen preparation (1.5% solution) + preparation 501 (1.5 g for 300 l H2O/ha). 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur (500 ml/ha) + Free N (500 ml/ha). 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations. The following indicators were studied: plant height, number of spikelet’s per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike. After the statistical analysis for the first year of the study, a proven positive difference was found in all indicators in the combined biodynamic + biological method of cultivation, as well as in the stand-alone biological. In the second year of the study, a proven positive difference was obtained in all studied indicators in the variants treated with biodynamic preparations and the combination of biodynamic + biological preparations, with statistical significance for p<0.001. A positive correlation was found between all variants of the observed indicators at p<0.05.

Assessing the toxicity and anti-anemia of Beta Vulgaris L.: in silico, phytochemical and antioxidant analysis

The objective of this investigation was to determine the toxicity, anti-anemia activity, betanin content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of Beta vulgaris L. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was implemented to optimize the extraction procedure. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Furthermore, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was employed to ascertain antioxidant capacity, whereas thin-layer chromatography was used to identify betanin content. The toxicity and anti-anemia properties were assessed in silico. The in-silico methods encompass several steps: ligand and target protein synthesis, docking of betanin compounds with the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) target protein via SwissDock, docking data visualization via USCF Chimera, and toxicity analysis via the pkCSM and Protox online tools. The findings indicated that the beetroot extract contained a total of 34.96 ± 3.97 mg GAE/g sample of phenol. The flavonoid content of beetroot was 4.93 ± 0.33 mg QE/g sample. Qualitative analysis conducted using thin-layer chromatography yielded results indicating the presence of betanin in the extract. The IC50 value for the antioxidant activity was 97.31 μg/ml. The docking study revealed the effective interaction of betanin with several amino acid residues, suggesting a low toxicity potential, supported by toxicity class 4 and an LD50 of 305 mg/kg, and the absence of liver and Ames toxicity. It concluded that betanin is a promising anti-anemia agent. levels.

Comparative analysis of archival data on yields of main field crops from fertilizer experiments on different soil types in Bulgaria

The main aim of the study was to systematize and summarize archival data on yields from main field crops from multiple fertilizer experiments of Nikola Poushkarov ISSAPP on various soil types in Bulgaria. A large set of results from the field fertilizer experiments carried out on four different soil types: Calcareous Chernozem (Trastenik village), Haplic Chernozem (Gorni Dabnik village), Haplic Luvisol (Nikolaevo village) and Planosol (Sekirovo village) in the geographical network of Bulgaria of the Nikola Poushkarov ISSAPP has been accumulated. Eight fertilization variants were tested with annual application of potassium (0, 8, 16 and 32 kg/da K2 O) on two backgrounds of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Crop rotation during the individual years was as follows: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), grown under non-irrigation conditions. Optimum rates of fertilization with the main nutrients, N, P and K have been established for the different soil types. There are complex interactions between the different rates of fertilization with the main macronutrients and this has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of agricultural crop yields. The difference in yields between the two investigated periods (1963-1970 and 1971-1975), at the same levels of fertilization, shows that the level of yields and accordingly, the use of nutrients are also determined to a significant extent by the climatic conditions. With an increase in the fertilizer rate, the yields also increase, and the rates of 16 kg and 32 kg K2 O remain the most effective, regardless of the occurrence of potassium accumulation in these variants. This was also confirmed by the results of the analysis of variance of the yields of cultivated crops. There was a pronounced increase of the effect of potassium fertilization in soils less supplied with this element, i.e. the Haplic Luvisol (Nikolaevo village) and Planosol (Sekirovo village). The effect of the potassium fertilization increases and expands in well supplied with potassium soils, but possessing unfavorable conditions for nutrition with this element, as in the case with the Calcareous Chernozem (Trastenik village). There was also an effect of potassium fertilization, although inconsistent, in soils well supplied with potassium, such as Haplic Chernozem (Gorni Dabnik village).

Nephroprotective and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Beta vulgaris L. Root (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease associated with several complications, including that of kidney disease. Plant-based dietary products have shown promise in mitigating these effects to improve kidney function and prevent tissue damage. This study assessed the possible favorable effects of beetroot extract (BE) in improving kidney function and preventing tissue damage in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced using a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Both control and rats with pre-established T2DM were divided into six groups (each consisting of eight rats). All treatments were given by gavage and continued for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum fasting insulin levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, serum and urinary albumin, and creatinine and urea levels were measured. Apart from this, glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukine-6 in the kidney homogenates of all groups of rats were measured, and the histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also performed. Results: It was observed that treatment with BE increased body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) to be similar to that of control groups. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR levels, and lipid profile in the plasma of the pre-established T2DM rats groups decreased to p ≤ 0.05 in the BE-treated rats as the BE concentration increased. Treatment with BE also improved the renal levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, urinary albumin, and serum creatinine and urea levels. Unlike all other groups, only the kidney tissues of the T2DM + BE (500 mg/kg) rats group showed normal kidney tissue structure, which appears to be similar to those found in the kidney tissues of the control rats groups. Conclusion: we found that streptozotocin administration disturbed markers of kidney dysfunction. However, Beta vulgaris L. root extract reversed these changes through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

The Complete and Gapless Genome Sequence of the Sugarbeet Pathogen Cercospora beticola

Cercospora beticola, causal agent of Cercospora leaf spot of sugarbeet ( Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), is the most economically damaging foliar pathogen inhibiting sugarbeet production. Despite the global importance of C. beticola, significant knowledge gaps exist pertaining to pathogen virulence and adaptation to management practices that include the use of resistant host varieties and the application of different fungicide chemistries. The lack of a high-quality reference genome for C. beticola has hindered research progression addressing these critical knowledge gaps. Here, we report the complete and gapless genome assembly and annotation of the reference C. beticola isolate Cb09-40. We identified misassembled regions in the previous reference genome and annotated previously missing protein-coding genes. This work establishes a high-quality reference genome that can serve as the foundation for future comparative genomic, population genetic, and evolutionary studies into the virulence and evolution of this important plant pathogen. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Agronomic performance of beet as a function of fertilization with boron

Boron (B) is a micronutrient that plays a role in the growth and development of plants. In beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), B allows increased yield and accumulation of dry mass. This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of beetroot fertigated with B in the municipality of Mossoró, RN. To this end, two field experiments were conducted in Mossoró, RN, Brazil, designed in complete randomized blocks. Five doses of B (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kg ha−1 of B) were tested, with four replications. The treatments did not influence the plants’ height, the number of leaves per plant, or the postharvest quality characteristics of the tuberous root. The maximum total and commercial yield of tuberous roots was 22.22 and 21.29 t ha−1, respectively, fertilizing with 4.0 kg ha−1 of B. This dose also promoted the highest accumulation of B in the plant. Using doses above those evaluated can promote greater yield of tuberous beetroot. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the recommended dose of B for beets grown in semi-arid regions.

Variations in rhizosphere soil dominant and pathogenic flora improve boron-efficient Beta vulgaris L. yield under boron deficit

Boron (B)-efficient sugarbeet can potentially adapt better to the B deficient soil environments, however the characteristics of root yield or quality and rhizosphere soil microbial dynamics associated with B-efficient beet roots are extremely understudied. This study aimed to clarify the root yield characteristics and rhizosphere microbial response of B-efficient sugarbeet variety under B deficiency. Pertinently, the findings of this study will contribute to the reduction of B resource consumption and cleaner production in sugarbeet planting management. The study utilized two sugarbeet varieties with different B utilization propensities and subjected them to normal and B deficient field conditions. Results demonstrated a reduction in the yield quality of both varieties under B deficiency, but the B-efficient variety exhibited a smaller reduction. Boron deficiency reduced the species richness and diversity of the rhizospheric microbial community, decreasing the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteria, while increasing that of Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and the pathogenic fungus Fusarium. The proportion of dominant bacterial was severely reduced in B-inefficient varieties (0.86%) compared to B-efficient varieties (0.14%). The efficient variety displayed higher species richness of rhizospheric soil fungi and a higher abundance and proportion of dominant flora, i.e., Bacillus and Actinobacteria, albeit lower abundance of the pathogenic fungi Mortierellomycota and Rhizoctonia. These advantages allowed B-efficient sugarbeet variety to maintain higher yield levels under B deficit. Overall, under B-deficient conditions, B-efficient variety of sugarbeet was less limited than B-inefficient one, and its rhizosphere microbial communities were more conducive to sugarbeet yield in terms of composition and function. Succinctly, this study revealed the advantages of rhizosphere soil microorganisms associated with B-efficient beet under B-deficient environments and provided the theoretical basis for reducing boron fertilizer application to protect the ecosystem and realize green and clean agricultural production, particularly of sugar beet.

Effect of photons of the far red region in the spectrum of LED radiation on the growth and development of sugar beet plants (Beta <i>vulgaris</i> L. ssp. <i>vulgaris</i> var. <i>saccharifera</i> Alef.)

Relevance and methodology. The task of controlling the growth and development of sugar beet plants with the help of lighting devices is of interest from the point of view of identifying biological features of the culture and in breeding practice. The purpose of the research is to determine the response of plants to the effects of low–energy monochrome radiation at the initial stage of ontogenesis (germination of seeds (coplodia) sugar beet). In this regard, the seeds of the hybrid Smena were germinated in the dark (control) and under different variants of continuous illumination with wavelengths of 380 nm, 440 nm, 525 nm, 660 nm and 730 nm.Results. The reaction of sugar beet seeds and sprouts to illumination with monochromatic light depends on the wavelength Germination of seeds when irradiated with monochromatic far-red light leads to a decrease in germination energy by 23%, seed germination by 39%, the height of sprouts and aboveground biomass by 21.8% compared with the control (dark germination). Similar indicators were observed for the negative effect of red light. Exposure to UV-A light (380 nm) led to an increase in germination energy by 4%, but germination, on the contrary, decreased by 12%. The terrestrial biomass of sprouts also decreased (by 9.9%). Irradiation with green and blue light had a positive effect on growth: the terrestrial biomass of sprouts increased by 19.8% with a green spectrum and 7.3% blue. At the same time, there was no decrease in germination energy and germination compared to the control. The germination energy under the influence of blue light even increased by 12%. With dark germination, elongated etiolated plants were formed on the 10th day, whereas in the variants of green, blue and UV-A irradiation, harmoniously developed dark green shoots were formed.

Nitrogen and sulfur-doped biochar supported magnetic CuZnFe2O4 as a sustainable adsorbent for efficient reactive black dye 5 removal from industrial wastewater

AbstractThe shortage of clean and safe water resources, due to the growing pollution and the high cost of water treatment techniques, has become a real threat. Herein, CuZnFe2O4@N,S-doped biochar (CZF@N,S-BC), a novel magnetic, cleaner, and completely green-based composite, was fabricated using the aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris (sugar beet) leaves for the efficient removal of reactive black dye 5 (RB5) from industrial wastewater discharge. With the aid of numerous techniques, including Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and zeta potential analyses, CZF@N,S-BC was well-characterized. The results revealed the successful fabrication of CZF@N,S-BC with good magnetic saturation of 12 emu/g and a highly positively charged surface of 32 mV at pH 2. The removal efficiency of RB5 was reached 96.5% at equilibrium time 60 min, and adsorbent dose of 80 mg. The equilibrium data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model, while the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (PSO), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 276.57 mg/g. The thermodynamics results confirmed the physical interaction between the composite and RB5. Additionally, the composite also demonstrated exceptional reusability, maintaining a removal efficiency of 57.27% even after six consecutive cycles. To evaluate the performance of CZF@N,S-BC composite in a real water matrix, the composite was subjected to remove RB5 from a real wastewater sample obtained from an industrial discharge of a textile dyeing industry. Also, a plausible mechanism of RB5 removal by the composite was intensively discussed using XPS before and after adsorption.

Evaluation of the Content of Minerals, B-Group Vitamins, Tocols, and Carotenoids in Raw and In-House Cooked Wild Edible Plants

Notwithstanding the increased interest in wild edible plants, little is known on how some domestic thermal processes can affect their content. The aim of this study was to investigate the amounts of minerals, B1 and B2 vitamins, tocols, and carotenoids in raw, boiled, and steamed wild edible plants, namely, Sonchus asper (L.) Hill s.l., Sonchus oleraceus L., Cichorium intybus L., and Beta vulgaris L. var cicla. All vegetables were confirmed as high sources of lutein (from 6 to 9 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (from 2 to 5 mg/100 g). Quite high amounts of violaxanthin and neoxanthin were found. Alfa-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were the main tocols, with same contents in raw and processed vegetables (about 2.5 mg/100 g). The most abundant macro element and trace element were, respectively, potassium and iron. B1 and B2 vitamins were found in low amounts in almost all plants, with the exception of thiamine in Beta vulgaris (about 1.6 mg/100 g). Boiling led to a significant loss of minerals (up to 60%) and B-group vitamins (up to 100%), while, among carotenoids, it only affected violaxanthin levels (up to 90%). Steamed vegetables showed only a slight reduction, about 20%, in β-carotene and lutein, with a marked decrease in violaxanthin and neoxanthin. One hundred grams of all fresh and cooked plants can be claimed as a source of vitamin A and E.

Efficiency of sustainable green coagulants to remove turbidity

In wastewater treatment systems, coagulation is important to enhance turbidity removal in terms of physicochemical treatment. In this study, the aim is to use plant leaves and seed as sustainable environment strategy to treat turbid water. Four plant leaves (Alhagi graecorum, Beta vulgaris L., Capparis spinosa, and Medicago sativa), plant stem (Beta vulgaris L.) and two fruit seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L and Prunus armeniaca) are used and all local in Iraq. The experiments were run with different green coagulant concentrations of 0, 1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 mg/L to test turbidity removal of 500 NTU. The best removal results were with 1000 mg/ L green coagulant as Capparis spinosa (45%), Medicago sativa (49%), Beta vulgaris L. (leaves 47%, stem 56%), and Phoenix dactylifera L. (45%). While Alhagi graecorum and Prunus armeniaca with 3000, and 7000 mg/L green coagulant reached to 67, and 62% turbidity removal respectively. This results support the concept of sustainable environment by using green natural coagulants available in ecosystem.

Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

Improving crop growing conditions with water treatment residual and compost co-amendments: Soil-water dynamics.

Land application of water treatment residual (WTR) in combination with phosphate-rich organic wastes, like compost or sewage sludge, in nutrient-poor soils was previously shown to promote crop growth. This WTR diversion from landfill to agriculture supports local and international mandates for waste circularity. Although soil-water dynamics-like saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention, and hydrophobicity-are well-defined for compost and somewhat defined for WTR (except for hydrophobicity), the impacts of co-amending sandy soils with both are not well-defined. In laboratory analyses, co-amendment had an intermediate effect between individual amendments on the hydrophobic sandy soils, increasing water retention by 27% (WTR and compost both increased water retention), decreasing hydrophobicity by increasing hydraulic conductivity twofold (WTR and compost both decreased hydrophobicity), and having no effect on saturated hydraulic conductivity (decreased by WTR and increased by compost). With two positive effects and one "no effect" on soil-water dynamics in laboratory trials, the co-amendment was expected to buffer both crop water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient availability under drought stress, for Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), co-investigated in a multifactorial pot trial. Soil nutrients, particularly phosphate, were shown more critical than soil-water dynamics to improve crop WUE. Thus, co-amended soils have significantly higher crop biomass and WUE than sandy soils. Phosphate-rich organic co-amendment is necessary for crop nutrient sufficiency and thus drought resilience in sandy soils amended with WTR. Thus, pairing wastes to soils for optimum fertility is a critical consideration in waste land application for both biomass and drought resilience.