Canary Grass Research Articles

Enzyme kinetics, molecular docking, and in silico characterization of canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) peptides with ACE and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity

The bioactivity of canary seed peptides (CSP) towards metabolism-regulating enzymes was evaluated. Peptides with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), and pancreatic lipase activity remained stable (p < 0.05) to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). CSP-SGD were transported efficiently (>10%) through the Caco-2 monolayer, indicating absorption through the intestinal epithelium. Lineweaver-Burk plots demonstrated that CSP-SGD act as mixed-type inhibitors for DPP-IV and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, CSP-SGD were potent as antihypertensive and antiobesity agents. Molecular docking and in silico analyses were targeted to understand CSP-SGD interactions with ACE and pancreatic lipase. ACE-inhibitory peptides (LHPQ, QTPHQ, KPVPR, and ELHPQ) acted as non-competitive inhibitors by destabilization of the transition state and Zn(II) coordination in ACE. The uncompetitive inhibition of pancreatic lipase by peptides (VPPR, LADR, LSPR, and TVGPR) destabilized the open-lid conformation of pancreatic lipase. The results of this study showed that canary seed proteins could serve as a source of biologically active peptides.

Phytotoxic effects of essential oils from Nepeta glocephalata Rech.f. and N. ispahanica Boiss. on se-lected weed species

In the present study the bioherbicidal activity of essential oils hydrodistilled from Nepeta glocephalata Rech.f and N. ispahanica Boiss were investigated on four weed species (barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and canary grass (Phalaris canariensis L.)). A total of 37 components were identified from the essential oils of N. glocephalata and N. ispahanica constituting approximately 98.61 % and 96.1 % of the oils, respectively. In laboratory bioassay different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 μl ml-1) of two Nepeta essential oils on germination, root and shoot length were studied. Results showed by increasing the concentration of oils, all studied traits of the weeds were decreased compared with control. In a glass house bioassay post-emergence application of Nepeta essential oils (1.25 %, 2.5 %, 5 % and 10 %, v/v) on 3-week-old weed plants caused visible injury (7-days after spray) ranging from chlorosis to necrosis of plant weeds. In foliar application under glasshouse conditions, both Nepeta essential oils reduced the seedling dry mass and concentrations of chlorophyll a chlorophyll b. The study concludes that Nepeta essential oils have phytotoxic effects and could be used as bioherbicides but the selectivity of these compounds should be considered also.

Co\u2011cultivation of the anaerobic fungus Caecomyces churrovis with Methanobacterium bryantii enhances transcription of carbohydrate binding modules, dockerins, and pyruvate formate lyases on specific substrates

Anaerobic fungi and methanogenic archaea are two classes of microorganisms found in the rumen microbiome that metabolically interact during lignocellulose breakdown. Here, stable synthetic co-cultures of the anaerobic fungus Caecomyces churrovis and the methanogen Methanobacterium bryantii (not native to the rumen) were formed, demonstrating that microbes from different environments can be paired based on metabolic ties. Transcriptional and metabolic changes induced by methanogen co-culture were evaluated in C. churrovis across a variety of substrates to identify mechanisms that impact biomass breakdown and sugar uptake. A high-quality genome of C. churrovis was obtained and annotated, which is the first sequenced genome of a non-rhizoid-forming anaerobic fungus. C. churrovis possess an abundance of CAZymes and carbohydrate binding modules and, in agreement with previous studies of early-diverging fungal lineages, N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) was associated with transcriptionally active genes. Co-culture with the methanogen increased overall transcription of CAZymes, carbohydrate binding modules, and dockerin domains in co-cultures grown on both lignocellulose and cellulose and caused upregulation of genes coding associated enzymatic machinery including carbohydrate binding modules in family 18 and dockerin domains across multiple growth substrates relative to C. churrovis monoculture. Two other fungal strains grown on a reed canary grass substrate in co-culture with the same methanogen also exhibited high log2-fold change values for upregulation of genes encoding carbohydrate binding modules in families 1 and 18. Transcriptional upregulation indicated that co-culture of the C. churrovis strain with a methanogen may enhance pyruvate formate lyase (PFL) function for growth on xylan and fructose and production of bottleneck enzymes in sugar utilization pathways, further supporting the hypothesis that co-culture with a methanogen may enhance certain fungal metabolic functions. Upregulation of CBM18 may play a role in fungal–methanogen physical associations and fungal cell wall development and remodeling.

Evaluating reed canary grass samples for reclamation of coal dumps

One reliable way to restore eroded soils and technogenic land is to reclaim it by sowing perennial grasses. Samples of reed canary grass suitable for reclamation of coal dumps in the Kemerovo region have been studied and identified. Experimental work was carried out in the Tomsk region (5811 N, 8300 E) during the period of 2017-2020. The research subjects are represented by samples of reed canary grass taken in 2016. A nursery of study samples suitable for reclamation of coal dumps was laid in 2017 with six numbers - KM-1, KM-2, KM-3, KM-4, KM-5 (Tomsk region), the variety Vityaz (Tomsk region) was used as a standard. The soils of the experimental plots were sod-podzolic acidic loamy sandy loam and loamy with a humus content of no more than 2% in the arable horizon. When evaluating the samples, the main attention is paid to studying the traits and properties that limit their cultivation under taiga conditions: grass density, plant height, foliage, winter hardiness, lodging resistance, seed productivity, green mass yield, resistance to the most common diseases. Over a 3-year study of selections of reed canary grass based on a set of the main economically important traits, the KM-5 sample has been identified. This specimen has a complex of valuable features in creating an adaptive variety suitable for reclamation of coal dumps (foliage - 61.4%, green matter yield - 38.5 t/ha, dry matter - 11.9, seeds - 0.21 t/ha). The selected number has annual reliable additions to the standard in terms of green matter yield of 8.5 t/ha, dry matter yield of 3.3, and seed yield of 0.04 t/ha. Samples KM-1, KM-5 showed high resistance to these diseases: helminthosporiosis - 6.0-6.1%, septoriosis - 2.6-4.2%.

A Review of Industrial Crop Yield Performances on Unfavorable Soil Types

Industrial crop cultivation on marginal agricultural land limits indirect land-use change effects that pose a threat to food security. This review compiles results from 91 published crop-specific field trial datasets spanning 12 relevant industrial crops and discusses their suitability for cultivation on unfavorable soil types (USTs). It was shown that the perennial species Miscanthus (Miscanthus Andersson) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) performed well on USTs with both high clay and/or high sand contents. Information on stoniness (particles sizes &gt; 2 mm), where mentioned, was limited. It was found to have only a small impact on biological yield potential, though it was not possible to assess the impact on mechanization as would be used at a commercial scale. For soils with extreme clay or sand contents, half of the crops showed moderate suitability. The large yield variations within and between crops revealed large knowledge gaps in the combined effects of crop type and agronomy on USTs. Therefore, more field trials are needed on diverse USTs in different climates with better equipment and more consistent measurements to improve the accuracy of potential yield predictions spatially and temporally. Additionally, larger trials are needed to optimize cultivation and harvesting.

Seed persistence of three species, Carex stricta, Carex hystericina and Phalaris arundinacea, in a restored wetland

Seed persistence and longevity is poorly documented for wetland plants, despite the value of this knowledge for restoration. Seed persistence is particularly important information for sedge meadows (i.e., seasonally ponded freshwater wetlands dominated by Carex spp.), which often fail to recolonize without planting and are rapidly invaded by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). We conducted a 17-year seed burial study along a hydrological gradient in a Minnesota wetland to assess seed persistence of P. arundinacea and two common species of sedge meadows, bottlebrush sedge (Carex hystericina Muhl. ex Willd.) and upright sedge (Carex stricta Lam.). Seed samples were placed in capsules designed to prevent seed loss while allowing for environmental influences. Six boxes, each containing 126 seed capsules (3 species x 14 exhumation years x 3 replicates), were buried in wetland soils under three hydrological conditions (regularly, seasonally, or never inundated) along two transects. Seeds were exhumed 1-, 5-, 6-, 9-, and 17-years post-burial and tested for germinability and viability. For C. stricta and P. arundinacea, seed persistence (50% survival, P50) was < 1 year under all hydrologic conditions, while for C. hystericina P50 was 6 yrs where never inundated and > 17 years when seasonally or regularly inundated. Seed longevity was < 17 yrs for C. stricta and P. arundinacea in locations never inundated; for other hydrological conditions and for C. hystericina, seed longevity exceeded the duration of the burial experiment. If seed persistence is typically reduced where inundation is brief, sedge meadow wetlands drained and cultivated for many decades are unlikely to have long-buried seed banks to serve as propagule sources for revegetation.

Yield performance of dedicated industrial crops on low‐temperature characterized marginal agricultural land in Europe – a review

AbstractAbout 8.37 Mha of European agricultural land is affected by low temperature and thus considered marginal agricultural land. This land allows for industrial crop cultivation without competing directly with food security or biodiversity conservation. However, little is known regarding the yield performance of industrial crops under low temperature conditions. This study therefore compiles the available data and discusses them in the context of remaining uncertainties. Overall, 12 industrial crops were identified as relevant for Europe: giant reed (Arundo donax L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz), cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.), crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst ex R.E.Fr.), cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.), poplar (Populus L.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and willow (Salix L.). Good or very good growth suitability under low temperature was indicated for camelina, upland switchgrass, reed canary grass, and willow. Nevertheless, it was also found that there are strong variations in yield performance within the selected industrial crops. Little information was found on the effects of marginality constraints on biomass quality. The uncertainty resulting from this fragmentary data situation represents one of the greatest challenges to the large‐scale implementation of industrial crop cultivation across European agricultural land prone to low temperatures, especially in the context of climate change. © 2021 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd.

Status of herbicide resistance in Phalaris minor in wheat in Haryana

Herbicide resistance in little seed canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.) in wheat is the major sustainability issue, which puts the rice-wheat (R-W) system in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) under serious threat. To assess the resistance level, a questionnaires based survey with a systematic approach was conducted during rabi 2017-18 in five districts (Yamuna Nagar, Kaithal, Karnal, Fatehabad and Rohtak) of Haryana. The study revealed that at present, farmers of Haryana are closely back to square one, similar to the situation of herbicide resistance in P. minor like 1990's and currently, no herbicide is satisfactorily effective against resistant P. minor. Farmers are using every possible combination of herbicides in a hit and trial way. In 2017-18, half of the farmers (50%) went for the second spray, 13% applied the third spray, and even 3% of farmers opted for the fourth spray. The same pattern followed in the case of herbicide dose; in 2017-18, 38% of farmers opted for 2-4 X-dose, 16% of farmers for 4-6 X-dose, 3% of farmers for 6-8 X-dose, and even one percent farmers applied 8-10 X-dose. Negative relationship between percent control with higher dose (X) (Chi-Square value 72.560a, DF = 12 and p = &lt;0.001) and multiple sprays (Chi-Square 67.076a, DF = 8 and P = &lt;0.001) recorded during 2017-18 also indicates strong chances/evidences of herbicide resistance development.

Short communication: A predictive model for the time course of seedling emergence of Phalaris brachystachys (short-spiked canary grass) in wheat fields

Aim of study: A predictive model of the seedling emergence pattern of Phalaris brachystachys Link (short-spiked canary grass) was developed, aimed to contribute to support a more efficient management of this troublesome, competitive weed in winter cereal crops around its native Mediterranean range and in different areas of the world where it is introduced.Area of study: Southern (Andalusia) and northern Spain (Navarra).Material and methods: A model describing the emergence pattern of P. brachystachys in cereal fields based on accumulation of hydrothermal time in soil was developed and validated. For model development, cumulative emergence data were obtained in an experimental field, while an independent validation of the model was conducted with data collected in two commercial wheat fields from climatically contrasting regions of Spain.Main results: The relationship between cumulative emergence and cumulative hydrothermal time (CHT) was well described by a Logistic model. According to model predictions, 50% and 95% seedling emergence takes place at 108 and 160 CHT above base water potential for seed germination, respectively. The model accurately predicted the seedling emergence time course of P. brachystachys in the two commercial wheat fields (R2 ≥ 0.92).Research highlights: This model is a new tool that may be useful to improve the timing of control measures to maximize efficiency in reducing P. brachystachys infestations in cereal crops.Phalaris brachystachys Link (short-spiked canary grass) is a competitive weed that affects winter cereal crops around its native Mediterranean basin and in different areas of the world where it is introduced. The development of a predictive model of the seedling emergence pattern may contribute to support a more efficient management of this species. In this work, a model describing the emergence time course of P. brachystachys in cereal fields based on accumulation of hydrothermal time in soil was developed and validated. For model development, cumulative emergence data were obtained in an experimental field, while an independent validation of the model was conducted with data collected in two commercial wheat fields from climatically contrasting regions of Spain. The relationship between cumulative emergence and cumulative hydrothermal time (ΘCHTT) was well described by a Logistic model. According to model predictions, 50% and 95% seedling emergence takes place at 108 and 160 ΘCHTT above base water potential for seed germination, respectively. The model accurately predicted the seedling emergence time course of P. brachystachys in the two commercial wheat fields (R2 ≥ 0.92).Research highlights: This model is a new tool that may be useful for fine-tuning the timing of control measures to maximize efficiency in reducing P. brachystachys infestations in cereal crops.

Potential local adaptation in populations of invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) across an urbanization gradient.

Urban stressors represent strong selective gradients that can elicit evolutionary change, especially in non‐native species that may harbor substantial within‐population variability. To test whether urban stressors drive phenotypic differentiation and influence local adaptation, we compared stress responses of populations of a ubiquitous invader, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Specifically, we quantified responses to salt, copper, and zinc additions by reed canary grass collected from four populations spanning an urbanization gradient (natural, rural, moderate urban, and intense urban). We measured ten phenotypic traits and trait plasticities, because reed canary grass is known to be highly plastic and because plasticity may enhance invasion success. We tested the following hypotheses: (a) Source populations vary systematically in their stress response, with the intense urban population least sensitive and the natural population most sensitive, and (b) plastic responses are adaptive under stressful conditions. We found clear trait variation among populations, with the greatest divergence in traits and trait plasticities between the natural and intense urban populations. The intense urban population showed stress tolerator characteristics for resource acquisition traits including leaf dry matter content and specific root length. Trait plasticity varied among populations for over half the traits measured, highlighting that plasticity differences were as common as trait differences. Plasticity in root mass ratio and specific root length were adaptive in some contexts, suggesting that natural selection by anthropogenic stressors may have contributed to root trait differences. Reed canary grass populations in highly urbanized wetlands may therefore be evolving enhanced tolerance to urban stressors, suggesting a mechanism by which invasive species may proliferate across urban wetland systems generally.

Supply potential of lignocellulosic energy crops grown on marginal land and greenhouse gas footprint of advanced biofuels—A spatially explicit assessment under the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive Recast

AbstractAdvanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic crops grown on marginal lands can become an important part of the European Union (EU) climate change mitigation strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and meet biofuel demand. This study quantifies spatially explicit the availability of marginal land in the EU, its production biomass potentials for eight different crops, and the greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of advanced biofuel supply chains. Available land is mapped based on land marginality and Renewable Energy Directive Recast (REDII) land‐related sustainability criteria. Biomass potentials are assessed with a water‐use‐to‐biomass‐production approach while considering the available land, location‐specific biophysical conditions and crop‐specific phenological characteristics. The GHG balance of advanced biofuels from energy crops produced on marginal lands is assessed considering both land‐related carbon stock changes and supply chain emissions with the carbon footprint approach from the REDII. Available marginal land that meets REDII criteria is projected at 20.5–21 Mha 2030 and 2050, respectively. Due to biophysical limitations, not all available land is suitable for energy crop production. The maximum biomass potential of lignocellulosic energy crops (optimal crop choice with maximum yield for each available location) varies between 1951 PJ year−1 in 2030 and 2265 PJ year−1 in 2050. The GHG emission performance (net emissions) of different advanced biofuel supply chains varies on average between −32 g CO2‐eq MJfuel−1 for poplar/willow diesel to 38 g CO2‐eq for reed canary grass renewable jet fuel. The large variability in GHG performance is strongly determined by the spatial heterogeneity, which dictates the type of feedstock produced under specific local biophysical conditions, the crop characteristics, and the best conversion pathway. Negative GHG emissions are related to increased carbon stocks for the biomass and soil organic carbon pools compared to the land prior to conversion. When for each location, the advanced biofuel supply chain with the highest GHG performance (lowest net GHG emissions) is selected, 618 PJ year−1 of advanced biofuels can be produced by 2030. Under REDII GHG emission criteria, slightly less (552 PJ year−1) is viable. Smart choices on location, crop type and supply chain design are paramount to achieve maximum benefits of bioenergy systems.

Reed Canary Grass for Energy in Sweden: Yields, Land-Use Patterns, and Climatic Profile

Research Highlights: (1) Reed canary grass (RCG) is analysed in Sweden compared to willow and poplar for 2001–2020. (2) Each crop presents a different land-use and climatic profile. (3) Average yield records of RCG are similar to willow and poplar. (4) There are divergences between trial-based and commercial yields. (5) Existing land-use change patterns suggest meadow &gt; RCG and RCG &gt; cereal. (6) RCG land area is very sensitive to policy incentives. Background and objectives: RCG is an alternative crop for biomass-to-energy due to high yield and frost tolerance. We assess the cultivation in Sweden by using an extensive compilation of data, with emphasis on the extent of the cultivation, climatic profile, land-use patterns, and productivity. Material and methods: RCG plantations are analysed for 2001–2020. A geostatistical analysis is performed to characterize where it is cultivated and the land uses associated. Climatic, productivity, and yield profiles are compared to willow and poplar plantations from experiments and from commercial plantations. Results: The results show that the cultivation of RCG expanded after 2005, with a maximum of 800 ha in 2009, to then decrease to the current levels of about 550 ha. It is mainly grown in colder climatic areas, with lower agricultural productivity than willow and poplar. Mean yields from trials are 6 oven dry tonnes (odt) ha−1 year−1; commercial yields are 3.5 odt ha−1 year−1. RCG replaces meadow land and then is replaced by cereals when abandoned. Conclusions: RCG is an interesting alternative with similar yields (commercial and trials) as other energy crops, but its success is more sensitive to policy incentives.

Secondary metabolites released by the rhizosphere bacteria Arthrobacter oxydans and Kocuria rosea enhance plant availability and soil–plant transfer of germanium (Ge) and rare earth elements (REEs)

Here, we explore effects of metallophore-producing rhizobacteria on the plant availability of germanium (Ge) and rare earth elements (REEs). Five isolates of the four species Rhodococcus erythropolis, Arthrobacter oxydans, Kocuria rosea and Chryseobacterium koreense were characterized regarding their production of element-chelators using genome-mining, LC-MS/MS analysis and solid CAS-assay. Additionally, a soil elution experiment was conducted in order to identify isolates that increase solubility of Ge and REEs in soil solution. A. oxydans ATW2 and K. rosea ATW4 released desferrioxamine-, bacillibactin- and surfactin-like compounds that mobilized Ge and REEs as well as P, Fe, Si and Ca in soil. Subsequently, oat, rapeseed and reed canary grass were cultivated on soil and sand and treated with cells and iron depleted culture supernatants of A. oxydans ATW2 and K. rosea ATW4. Inoculation increased plant yield and shoot phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), Ge and REE concentrations. However, effects of the inoculation varied substantially between the growth substrates and plant species. On sand, A. oxydans ATW2 increased accumulation of REEs in all plant species and root–shoot translocation in rapeseed, while K. rosea ATW4 enhanced REE accumulation in rapeseed only, without effects on other plant species. Sand-cultured oat plants showed increased Ge accumulation and root–shoot translocation in presence of A. oxydans ATW2 cells and K. rosea ATW4 supernatant; however, there was no effect on other plant species, irrespective the growth substrate used. In contrast, soil-cultured rapeseed showed enhanced REE accumulation in presence of cells of A. oxydans ATW2 while there were no effects on other plant species and Ge. The processes involved are not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, we demonstrated that chemical microbe–soil–plant relationships influence plant availability of nutrients together with Ge and REEs, which has major implications on our understanding of biogeochemical element cycling and development of sustainable bioremediation and biomining technologies.

Agri-energy Crops for Biogas Production Regimes

The most significant challenges posed to agriculture are connecting multiple segments in a sustainable way that includes resource and energy efficiency as well as environmental protection through the rational use of limited resources. One way is to use field crop biomass as a feedstock for biogas production in the process of anaerobic digestion. Codigestion of manure and energy crops biomass reduces the impact on the environment primarily through reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the entire life cycle of the plant. Energy crops should meet the basic conditions: efficient conversion of solar energy in the process of photosynthesis that allows high yields, low requirements for nutrients and water due to a well-developed root system, low requirements for agronomic measures, low cost of establishing and maintaining plantations. The main factors that determine the biogas yields are the type and variety of crops, harvest time, method of storage and pretreatment before AD conversion and nutrient content. The most used field crops are maize (silage, grain), sorghum (fodder and sveet) due to their high potential for methane production and mature technologies. Lignocellulosic biomass of field residues of field crops or originating from purpose-grown perennial crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, reed canary grass, Napier grass has significant environmental advantages but also technological limitations (pre-treatment is necessary). The success and future potential for the role of biogas technologies in integrated infrastructures providing bioenergy, biomethane for static and mobile applications, bio-CO2, and even play a key role in the circular economy by recycling nutrients back into the land through the use of digestate which is by-product as soil amendment in energy crops production chan.

Biomass Yield of Selected Herbaceous and Woody Industrial Crops across Marginal Agricultural Sites with Shallow Soil

Agricultural land in Europe is affected by low rooting depth (LRD) on 27.9 Mha. This marginal agricultural land can potentially be used to grow industrial crops without directly threatening food security or biodiversity conservation. However, little is known about the yield performance of industrial crops at LRD conditions. This study therefore compiles and discusses the meaningful data available in scientific literature. Twelve relevant industrial crops were identified for Europe. Currently, robust information on good growth suitability for LRD conditions is available for only one industrial crop, namely reed canary grass (RCG). Because this information was taken from field trial results from a single site, it remains unclear what role other growing conditions such as soil quality and climate play on both the yield level and the biomass quality of RCG under LRD conditions. These uncertainties about the quantitative as well as qualitative performance of industrial crop cultivation on marginal agricultural land characterized by LRD represent a major agronomic knowledge gap. Here, more knowledge needs to be compiled through both expanded crop science activities and improved international information exchange to make more optimal use of the large LRD areas available for the transition to a bioeconomy.

Влияние нефтяного загрязнения на рост и развитие Phleum pratense, Festuca pratensis, Phalaris canariensis

Purpose of the study: to study the effect of oil pollution on the morphological parameters of cereal grasses: canary grass, timothy grass and meadow fescue. Tasks: assessment of the impact of oil pollution of soils on seed germination, growth and development of the studied species by morphological parameters; analysis of the species variability of the studied indicators. Oil-contaminated high-moor peat was used as a substrate. Objects of research: seeds of cereal grasses: meadow timothy Phleum pratense L, 1753, meadow fescue Festuca pratensis Huds, canary grass Phalaris canariensis. Evaluation of the effect of oil-contaminated soil was carried out on the basis of changes in seed germination and morphological parameters: plant mass, leaf length, length and number of roots. The experimental results were processed by the method of variation statistics. As a result of studying the effect of oil-contaminated peat on seed germination, it was found that in the variants of the experiment with the minimum oil content, no differences were noted with the control values. The maximum concentration of oil (10,000 mg / kg) reduced seed germination by 924%. With an increase in the oil content in the soil, the morphometric parameters of all the studied species of cereal grasses also decreased. The greatest differences in the studied test functions, in comparison with the control variant, were noted in canary grass, the smallest in meadow fescue.

Effect of process parameters and biomass composition on flat-die pellet production from underexploited forest and agricultural biomass

This study investigates the impact of biomass moisture content, press-channel length, energy input, and die temperature on pellet quality in pilot-scale flat-die pellet production. In addition, observed correlations between pellet quality and the chemical composition of the pelletized biomass assortments are presented. Ten different feedstock assortments: Scots pine bark, Scots pine forest residues, willow, poplar stemwood with bark, beech stemwood with bark, wheat straw, reed canary grass, corn cobs, sunflower shells, and grape seed cakes were pelletized in a flat-die pilot-scale pelletizer with a die-channel diameter of 6 mm. The die-channel length varied within a range of 18–60 mm and biomass moisture content from 10% to 23%. In all, 72 pelletizing experiments were performed.Biomass moisture content was the most important parameter for mechanical durability. The feedstock moisture content required to obtain maximum pellet durability depended on the feedstock and showed correlations with its extractives and galactose content. For all feedstocks, bulk density correlated negatively with moisture content. The mechanical durability and bulk density of pellets increased with energy consumption. Energy consumption increased with press-channel length and was correlated with acetyl-group content.

Cultivation of Gal?ga Orient?lis in the Upper Volga of non-chernozem zone

Field studies were carried out at the Gubino reclamation facility located at the experimental base of VNIIMZ - a branch of the Federal Research Centre V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute in 2015-2019. We studied promising high-yielding varieties of legumes - gal?ga orient?lis, cereal rhizome grasses - awnless brome grass, canary grass and highly productive of loose shrub grass of meadow timothy. Studies have established that in the legume-cereal hay stands, the share of the gal?ga orient?lis was 18-83%. The share gal?ga orient?lis variety Gale ranged from 19 to 75%, variety Yubilyar from 18 to 79% and variety Krivich from 25 to 83%. On average, over the years of research, with two-fold mowing, the productivity of the gal?ga orient?lis and its mixtures with cereal grasses was 5.9-8.0 t / ha dry weight. The cereal grass mixture with two-cut use provided a dry matter yield at the level of 5.4-7.2 t / ha. The highest level of protein nutritional value was noted in the herbage of the gal?ga orient?lis variety Krivich 17-18%. The yield of green mass of legume-cereal hay herbage was 41.5-56.0 t / ha. Analysis of the dynamics of the density of the gal?ga orient?lis showed that the most dense was variety Krivich in single-species sowing - up to 166 pcs / m2. It was found that among the varieties of the legume component, the tallest, on average, over a five-year study were noted above-ground shoots of the gal?ga orient?lis variety Krivich - up to 117 cm. The gal?ga orient?lis had a high leafiness, the percentage of its leaves was 54-55%. In general, according to the options, the percentage of leaf apparatus in clean crops was 52-56%, in mixed crops - 48-57%. The output of fodder units was 4.7-6.8 thousand / ha.

Meta-analysis of leaf area index, canopy height and root depth of three bioenergy crops and their effects on land surface modeling

The expected large-scale expansion of biofuel production in climate change mitigation scenarios calls for improvements in the representation of bioenergy crops in land surface models. Leaf area index (LAI), canopy height (CH) and root depth (RD) are key parameters that regulate exchanges of heat and moisture between land and atmosphere. This study performs a meta-analysis combining unique data from 34 observational studies and 14 countries to estimate monthly variability in LAI, CH, and RD of three main bioenergy crops: miscanthus (MSC), switchgrass (SWG), and reed canary grass (RCG). Using the Community Land Model v.5.0 and the results from the meta-analysis, we also tested the effects that variability in parameterization of LAI and CH have on key components of the surface energy budget, relative to prescribed values. Results from the meta-analysis show a strong seasonality of LAI and CH, with mean (± one standard error) LAI values at the peak summer month of 6.05 ± 0.84, 5.56 ± 0.75, and 5.39 ± 1.15 m2/m2, and maximum CH of 246 ± 23, 147 ± 16, and 156 ± 10 cm, for MSC, SWG, and RCG, respectively. These values are typically larger than the default parameterizations in CLM. Information on RD was limited and average values are 172 ± 56, 165 ±46, and 193 ± 11 cm, for MSC, SWG, and RCG, respectively. The seasonal cycles of latent heat, sensible heat and surface albedo are primarily affected by the range of LAI values, and less sensitive to variability in CH. Relative to the default values, higher LAI values increase latent heat and decrease sensible heat, with the highest absolute changes in summer. They also decrease surface albedo in winter months due to a larger snow masking effect. Our results offer a basis to compare experimental work and modelling studies, improve parameterization in land surface models, and identify the importance of vegetation structure parameters to evaluate key climate processes in response to bioenergy crops.

Sustainable Phytoremediation of Soils Enhanced with Electric Field

The objective of this study is to develop a practical application for the remediation of heavy metal and organic contaminated soil using phytoremediation amended with electricity. The application of electricity near a growing plant may exert negative effects on the physicochemical characteristics of soil and, therefore, in the viability of the plants. This study evaluated the effect of the electricity on the pH and electric conductivity of soil. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of the soil to the electricity to determine the optimum intensity of the electric field to improve the phytoremediation capacity of the plant, avoiding dramatic changes in the physicochemical properties of soil that may compromise the survival of plants. Three plant species were selected to test the influence of electricity in growing plants: Phalaris canariensis, Brassica rapa and Zea mays. The results suggested that a low-to-moderate voltage gradient (0.67–1 VDC/cm) could be used for the development of an electro-phytotechnology application with Brassica rapa for the treatment of a soil contaminated with metals and organics. The soil contained metal and organic contaminants: 50 mg/kg of Cd, 400 mg/kg of Cr, 500 mg/kg of Pb, 200 mg/kg of phenanthrene, and 100 mg/kg of anthracene. The phytoremediation tests with DC electricity were more effective in the phytoextraction of heavy metals from soil whereas the tests with AC electricity showed a special capacity in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These results suggested that the combination of electricity with Brassica rapa could be an effective technology for the remediation of mixed contaminated soils.