Potassium Chloride Research Articles

Potential of Biochar-Based Fertilizers for Increasing the Productivity of Okra in Gajuri, Dhading

Sustainable agricultural production depends on increasing crop productivity while preserving soil health and reducing environmental risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of biochar (10 t ha-1) based organic and inorganic fertilizer for increasing okra productivity through a field experiment conducted in Gajuri, Dhading. A 130 m2 area was divided into six treatment groups, each with four replications, using a Randomized Complete Block Design. The following were the treatments: i) inorganic fertilizer (RF); ii) biochar plus inorganic fertilizer (BF); iii) biochar plus vermicompost (BVC); iv) biochar plus poultry manure (BPM); v) biochar (BC); vi) control; neither biochar nor fertilizer (CK). The recommended rates of urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP) were applied to the mineral NPK fertilizers in RF and BF. The rate whereby organic fertilizers were applied was 200 kg N ha-1. Plots treated with biochar and various fertilizer groups were compared in terms of growth and yield efficiency. The BVC treatment was found to exhibit poorer growth performance in terms of plant height, number of leaves, primary branches, and nodes compared to the combination of biochar and poultry manure. Fruit output rose by 170% over CK (7.13 mt ha-1) and by 53.26% over RF (12.58 mt ha-1) after BPM treatment (19.28 mt ha-1). While BF and RF did not significantly differ in terms of growth characteristics, BF outproduced RF by 29% and CK by 126.79% in terms of pod yield. BF and BPM offered greater financial rewards than alternative treatments.

Reversibly Switchable Magnetically Controlled Solid‐Liquid Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using Hierarchical Ecoflex/NdFeB Magnetic Polymer Surface

AbstractDroplet‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with reversible switching capability has been widespread concerned; particularly magnetically controlled solid‐liquid TENG, due to its fast and highly reversible responses. Herein, a hierarchical composite structured magnetic polymer surface (HCSMPS) is developed using template method and magnetic field induction, and construct a HCSMPS‐based TENG (HCSMPS‐TENG). The HCSMPS‐TENG shows different states—fallen, upright, and no magnetic field—when applying different magnetic fields. The wetting properties of HCSMPS under three states vary significantly. The current output of the HCSMPS‐TENG driven by deionized water and potassium chloride (KCl) solution varies across these states due to changes in the droplet contact area. As KCl concentration increases, the current signals of the HCSMPS‐TENG initially rise due to the increased free charges but subsequently decrease due to a screening effect caused by ion adsorption. For practical application, a real‐time monitoring system is developed for KCl concentration based on the HCSMPS‐TENG, integrating a convolutional neural network. This system, equipped with a compact current collection circuit capable of remote data transmission and a user‐friendly interface developed with LabVIEW, achieves 98.64% recognition accuracy. The HCSMPS‐TENG is applied to intravenous potassium supplementation, demonstrating its potential for medical KCl concentration and infusion flow rate monitoring.

Renal tubular acidosis, osteopetrosis, and cerebral calcification – The triad of carbonic anhydrase II deficiency

A 43-year-old Omani lady was admitted with acute-onset mild weakness of all four limbs. She had a history of developmental delay and multiple fractures in the past. She had dysmorphic facies (prominent forehead, micrognathia, and misaligned teeth), low intelligence quotient (48), and grade 4/5 power in all 4 limbs. Biochemical parameters showed renal tubular acidosis (RTA). She also had osteopetrosis and cerebral calcification on evaluation. Carbonic anhydrase II deficiency (CAII deficiency) was diagnosed based on the presence of osteopetrosis, RTA, and cerebral calcification. She was managed with intravenous potassium chloride and was discharged on oral potassium chloride with sodium bicarbonate supplementation. The case highlights the importance of considering CAII deficiency in patients presenting with RTA with other features such as osteopetrosis and cerebral calcification.

Development of a thermal stabilizer formulation optimized by response surface methodology for Senecavirus A antigen

Numerous members of the family Picornaviridae, such as the Senecavirus A (SVA) and foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), exhibit thermal instability, resulting in the dissociation of viral particles, which affects the insufficient potency of the vaccine. Based on this characteristic, this study aimed to maintain the thermal stability of SVA by supplementing it with a stabilizer. Excipients, such as sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), L-arginine (L-Arg), glutamic acid (Glu), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and potassium chloride (KCl) dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer solution, retained the infectivity of SVA in the thermostability assay. Thermal stability formulations were developed by combining different excipients in disaccharide polyol systems and optimizing formulations using the Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). Three significant factors were studied: sucrose 9.9%, sorbitol 9.9%, and L-Arg 0.06 mol/L against virus titer of thermal-resistance of SVA as a response. The formulation improved the stability of SVA, whose viral infectivity titer decreased by 1.0 TCID50/mL at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C, respectively, until it decreased by 1.21 TCID50/mL at 7 d of incubation at 42°C. The combinational thermal stabilizer generated in this study enabled the stabilization of the SVA, which might contribute to storage and transportation when the cold chain is unavailable, especially in rural areas. Therefore, the thermal stabilizer is an efficient candidate stabilizer for picornavirus formulations, which keep picornavirus infectivity at various temperatures. Further optimization of this approach will provide new opportunities for the generation of stabilizer formulation from different stabilizers.

Polyelectrolyte complex membranes for zinc-ion cathode by polymerization of polyaniline

Although lithium batteries dominate the rechargeable battery market, concern over safety and material supply have motivated scientists to develop non-lithium-based alternative such as zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). This work focuses on the development of polyelectrolyte complex-based cathode for ZIBs using a mild aqueous electrolyte such as ZnCl2 instead of KOH and to be further developed into wearable electronics. Composite polyelectrolyte complex electrodes with carbon black and polyaniline (PANI), or manganese oxide (MnO2) as active materials were prepared. The membranes were then further modified by electropolymerization of PANI to enhance the battery performance. Results show that electropolymerization leads to a threefold increase in ZIB performance with increased current density, power density, and specific energy capacity. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2; 1 m) was used as a mild electrolyte instead of potassium chloride (KOH; 6 m) leading to a reduced performance yet allowing for potential use in skin contact and wearable electronics. All the membranes were assembled into ZIB and tested using the battery testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the electropolymerized PANI while attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the chemical nature of PANI.

Electrochemically enzyme-free detection of lactic acid in human sweat using magnesium organic framework@carbon nanofiber composite

Lactic acid is a by-product of glycolysis prevalent in the body fluid and significant in a living cell, it is also an important biomolecule that exists in human sweat. Lactic acid is firmly interlinked with various diseases for the direct detection by the technique of current is challenging. Hence, it is important to develop an enzyme-free electrochemical sensor for it. A monometallic salt magnesium-(3-hydroxypyridine-2-carboxilic acid) metal-organic framework anchored at carbon nanofiber mat in the solvothermal process. As prepared Mg(HPCA)MOF@CNF has a good surface area within high porosity and also possesses hydrophilicity, facilitating interaction between the analyte molecule and the active metal site of the MOF network for the redox process, which facilitates fast electron transfer with low resistance, which results in excellent sensitivity. The catalytic activity of MOF was improved in a basic medium, i.e., in pH 8 buffer solution, with excellent electrochemical sensitivity towards lactic acid. The redox reaction was diffusion-controlled and irreversible between lactic acid and hybrid mat. Mg(HPCA)MOF@CNF/GCE depicted the linear range of 0.1–5 mM, and the result of the lower limit of detection is 2.5 μM. The hybrid mat has good interference properties of some species such as sodium hydroxide, potassium chloride, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, dopamine, and citric acid, bending ability, and good storage capability for up to 35 days. Mg(HPCA)MOF@CNF/GCE demonstrates a significant sensor for the detection of lactic acid in human sweat under natural environments with accuracy and reliability. This work can lead to manufacting innovation in the future.

Biodegradable Shale Inhibitors for Water Based Fluids

Swelling of shale formations is the main challenge may be encountered during the drilling operations. To address this challenge, the potassium chloride (KCl) is traditionally added as an inhibitor to the drilling mud for controlling its chemical reaction with the shale formations. However, environmental concerns surrounding the non-biodegradability and detrimental effects of chloride ions necessitate the exploration of alternative solutions. This study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of biodegradable and environmentally friendly additives in mitigating the shale swelling. Potassium sorbate, potassium citrate, and potassium bicarbonate are the selective additives with different concentrations (1%-7%). Different tests, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, were conducted to characterize the shale type and determine its chemical composition or the major mineral abundances. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure of shale cuttings and identify the small-scale pore features. Furthermore, cation exchange capacity measurements were performed to ascertain the shale samples' ion exchange capabilities. The effectiveness of the additives was evaluated using the Linear Swell Test. The results revealed that potassium sorbate exhibited a remarkable performance in reducing shale swelling, its consistently yielding the lowest swelling percentage compared to other tested materials. A concentration of 4% of potassium sorbate demonstrated the lowest reduction in swelling that reaches to 3.938%. Additionally, potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate exhibited swelling rates close to those observed with KCl. The lowest swelling percentage achieved at different concentrations of potassium citrate (4% and 5%) was 12.019%. In contrast, a 11.819% of swelling percent was observed when 5% concentration of potassium bicarbonate was added to the drilling mud. This research introduces innovation biodegradable materials added to the drilling mud for mitigating the shale swelling.

A simple, rapid, and low-cost approach for colloidal nanoparticle-based surface enhanced Raman Scattering detection of endosulfan pesticide at trace levels

Abstract Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly specific, sensitive, and portable technique with great potential for on-site pesticide detection and monitoring. Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide known for its high toxicity, slow degradation, and bioaccumulation, has poor affinity for metallic SERS substrates. This study presents a label-free SERS detection method for endosulfan, using aggregating agents like potassium chloride (KCl), potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium bromide (KBr), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to modify the behavior of Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) and enhance the SERS signal of endosulfan molecules trapped within formed hot-spots. We analyzed the UV–Vis spectra, the hydrodynamic diameter, and zeta-potential of Ag NPs with the addition of these agents and endosulfan. Successful detection of both α- and ß- endosulfan isomers at μM concentrations in both ethanol and methanol was achieved with KOH-treated Ag NPs. The method was also applied to detect endosulfan in real water samples, along with simultaneous detection of λ-cyhalothrin, showcasing its capability to identify multiple analytes. The selectivity and specificity were confirmed using a mixture of endosulfan and thiabendazole, highlighting the crucial role of selecting the appropriate aggregating agent for each analyte. Overall, the findings emphasize the potential of aggregating agents to mediate the SERS enhancement of endosulfan, facilitating simple and rapid protocols for environmental pollutant detection, while shedding light on the intricate interplay between NP behavior, surface chemistry, and analyte interaction.

Expression and functional study of DNA polymerases from Psychrobacillus sp. BL-248-WT-3 and FJAT-21963.

The properties of DNA polymerases isolated from thermophilic and mesophilic microorganisms, such as the thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Bst) and mesophilic Bacillus subtilis phage (Phi29), have been widely researched. However, DNA polymerases in psychrophilic microorganisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we present for the first time the expression and functional characterization of DNA polymerases PWT-WT and FWT-WT from Psychrobacillus sp. BL-248-WT-3 and FJAT-21963. Enzymatic activity assays revealed that FWT-WT possessed strand displacement but lacked exonuclease activity and high ionic strength tolerance, whereas PWT-WT lacked all these properties. Further protein engineering and biochemical analysis identified D423 and S490 as critical mutation sites for improving strand displacement and tolerance to high ionic strength, specifically in the presence of 0-0.3 M potassium chloride (KCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium acetate (KAc). Three-dimensional structural analysis demonstrated that the size and the electric charge of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) encapsulation entrance were pivotal factors in the binding of the ssDNA template.

Sowing Clean-Release Salt Catalyst for the Synthesis of Contamination-Free Single-walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays.

Horizontal arrays of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have shown immense potential for application in emerging devices due to their excellent electrical and thermal properties. The direct growth of SWCNTarrays using high-activity metal catalysts is one of the promising methods to approach the mass production of dense SWCNT arrays. However, an inevitable obstacle lies in the post-purification of metal residual. Herein, a sowing strategy to prepare size-tunable potassium chloride (KCl) catalysts for the efficient growth of the SWCNT array with a density of 10 tubes per micron is reported. Through a controllable etching process, numerous surface defects (e.g., vacancies and kinks) are uniformly generated on the substrate as seed pit-like sites for the accommodation and anchoring of catalysts. The well-distributed KCl catalysts with a homogeneous size of ≈1.4nm enable the growth of ≈1.3nm SWCNTs through a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism. Importantly, 94 at.% KCl catalysts can be dramatically removed through a simple water-washing process, thus leaving contamination-free SWCNT arrays behind. Interestingly, 85% of nanotubes show metallic properties, which is demonstrated by the combination of electrical characterization and the multi-laser Raman spectroscopy. This sowing strategy contributes to the direct growth of uncontaminated high-density SWCNT arrays.

PREFERENCE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS MINERAL ELEMENTS BY HONEYBEE

The study was conducted to ‎‎investigate honeybee preferences for various micronutrients and their ‎‎concentrations. throughout the summer of 2021 at the Plant Protection Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt, specifically at the apiary of the Bee Research Department. Forager bees showed strong avoidance responses only to high ‎mineral ‎concentrations (2, 1, 0.5%, and 0.25%) for sodium, potassium, ‎calcium, and ‎magnesium chloride‎. On the other hand, Foragers bees recorded a ‎high visitation number in low ‎concentrations (0.1, 0.05, 0.025 %, and 0.0125%) ‎for 4 minerals and tap water.‎ The honeybee ‎prefers dilute sodium chloride and ‎its low concentrations (0.0125%), which ‎recorded a higher visitation number ‎among all mineral concentrations under the ‎study. In contrast, the bees exhibited no discernible preferences for the ‎calcium chloride solutions with ‎a low visitation number of 0.1 and 0.05% ‎compared with tap water. The visitation numbers are ‎similar in magnesium and ‎potassium at 0.05, 0.025, and 0.0125% but higher ‎than tap water.‎ The solution was consumed at a ‎concentration of 0.0125 after 139 ‎minutes, a concentration of 0.025 after 142.5 min., and a ‎concentration of 0.05 after a time had passed 157.5 min. ‎The preference factor ‎for NaCl solution was recorded at a concentration of ‎‎(0.0125) Thus, the bees’ ‎preference for this concentration is higher than their ‎preference for tap water. ‎The lowest preference factor (0.4) was recorded with a ‎CaCl2 solution with a ‎concentration of (0.1). low consumption ‎ratios were recorded for 0.0125% ‎potassium chloride (indicating a preference ‎for the test solution), and higher ‎consumption ratios were reported for 0.1% ‎calcium chloride (indicating ‎avoidance of the test solution).‎

Chitozan-zeolite Composite Fertilizer Formulations for Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency

The experiment was carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, from January to May 2024. Slow release fertilizer formulations (SRF) containing all the major (N, P,K), secondary (Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Zn, B) were prepared using compatible fertilizer materials(urea, diammonium phosphate, muriate of potash, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier materials (zeolite and chitosan) which are mixed in five ratios (1:1,1:2,1:3,2:1,3:1) and prepared by two methods namely solid impregnation and solute impregnation. Ten formulations were prepared with different combinations of fertilizer mix, carrier materials and impregnation methods. These formulations were prepared to meet the specific nutrient needs of solanaceous crops (75:40:25 N:P:K kgha-1) and the soil nutrient status. The formulations were characterized for their physical (hygroscopicity, moisture content and stability) and electro-chemical properties (pH, EC) and observed that they are non hygroscopic, non caking and are highly stable. The moisture content of formulations ranged from 2.57 % to 3.92 %, pH 6.30 to 6.81 and EC 10.06 to 16.29 dS m-1. The nutrient content in these formulations were 10.21 to 12.02 % nitrogen, 3.82 to 4.63 % phosphorus, 2.65 to 5.28 % potassium, 5.58 to 6.58 % calcium, 2.46 to 3.08% magnesium, 2.58 to 3.46% sulphur, 1.06 to 1.23% zinc and 0.15 to 0.24% boron. The highest nutrient content was obtained in formulation containing fertilizer mix + C-Z (1:1) prepared by solid impregnation method.

Nitric Oxide and Small and Intermediate Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels Mediate the Vasodilation Induced by Apigenin in the Resistance Vessels of Hypertensive Rats.

Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid with potential cardiovascular benefits, has unclear mechanisms of action. This study investigates its effects on vascular function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). Mesenteric vascular beds (MVBs) were isolated from SHRs and perfused with increasing doses of apigenin after pre-contraction with phenylephrine. To explore the mechanisms, different MVBs were pre-perfused with antagonists and inhibitors, including indomethacin, L-NAME, and potassium channel blockers (tetraethylammonium, a non-specific potassium channel blocker; glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker; 4-aminopyridine, a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker; charybdotoxin a selective intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker; and apamin, a selective small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker). Apigenin induced a dose-dependent reduction in perfusion pressure in MVBs with intact endothelium, an effect abolished by endothelium removal. L-NAME reduced apigenin-induced vasodilation by approximately 40%. The vasodilatory effect was blocked by potassium chloride and tetraethylammonium. The inhibition of small and intermediate calcium-activated potassium channels with charybdotoxin and apamin reduced apigenin-induced vasodilation by 50%, and a combination of these blockers with L-NAME completely inhibited the effect. Apigenin promotes vasodilation in resistance arteries through endothelial nitric oxide and calcium-activated potassium channels. These findings suggest that apigenin could have therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease, warranting further clinical research.

GABA and glycine synaptic release on axotomized motoneuron cell bodies promotes motor axon regeneration.

Motor axon regeneration after traumatic nerve injuries is a slow process that adversely influences patient outcomes because muscle reinnervation delays result in irreversible muscle atrophy and suboptimal axon regeneration. This advocates for investigating methods to accelerate motor axon growth. Electrical nerve stimulation and exercise both enhance motor axon regeneration in rodents and patients, but these interventions cannot always be easily implemented. A roadblock to uncover novel therapeutic approaches based on the effects of activity is the lack of understanding of the synaptic drives responsible for activity-mediated facilitation of axon regeneration. We hypothesized that the relevant excitatory inputs facilitating axon regrowth originate in GABA/glycine synapses which become depolarizing after downregulation of the potassium chloride cotransporter 2 in motoneurons following axotomy. To test this, we injected tetanus toxin (TeTx) in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of mice to block the release of GABA/glycine specifically on TA motoneurons. Thereafter, we axotomized all sciatic motoneurons by nerve crush and analyzed the time-courses of muscle reinnervation in TeTx- treated (TA) and untreated (lateral gastrocnemius, LG) motoneurons. Muscle reinnervation was slower in TA motoneurons with blocked GABA/glycine synapses, as measured by recovery of M- responses and anatomical reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions. Post-hoc immunohistochemistry confirmed the removal of the vesicular associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 by TeTx activity, specifically from inhibitory synapses. These proteins are necessary for exocytotic release of neurotransmitters. Therefore, we conclude that GABA/glycine neurotransmission on regenerating motoneurons facilitates axon growth and muscle reinnervation and discuss possible interventions to modulate these inputs on regenerating motoneurons.

Interfacial Metal Chlorides as a Tool to Enhance Charge Carrier Dynamics, Electroluminescence, and Overall Efficiency of Organic Optoelectronic Devices.

Interface engineering is the key to optimizing optoelectronic device performance, addressing challenges like reducing potential barriers, passivating interface traps, and controlling recombination of charges. Metal fluorides such as lithium fluoride are employed in interface modification within organic devices due to their strong dipole characteristics but carry health risks, high processing costs, and minimal impact on interface traps in organic electronics. Hence, this study investigates alternative metal chloride (MC) nanocrystals (sodium, cesium, rubidium, and potassium chlorides) that exhibit a strong dipole moment and are readily processable with the aim of reducing the influence of interface traps. Interfacial properties are assessed via various techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance, X-ray/ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, capacitance-voltage measurements, and density functional theory calculations. In organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the influence of MC on charge transfer, trap density, and light emission properties is evaluated. MCs in ZnO:PEIE nanocomposites (NCs) show improved charge transport, accelerated trapping/detrapping in ZnO:PEIE NCs, and a 50% reduction in active traps in NaCl-based devices versus the reference without MCs. RbCl-, CsCl-, and NaCl-based OLEDs exhibit substantial reductions in the potential barrier between the electron injection layer and the metal contact (Al) from 4.43 to 2.93, 3.02, and 4 eV, respectively, accompanied by enhancements of 35, 27, and 25% in electroluminescence intensity.

Exploring the anti-osteoarthritic effect of Hemp Tribe Orthogo granules on monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis rat model

: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the deterioration of joint structures, resulting in pain and reduced joint motion. It results in joint degeneration marked by the gradual deterioration of cartilage, leading to pain and reduced joint motion. It is a debilitating disease with no available treatment, and the discovery of a medication that benefits the joints is a significant area of research.: This study examined the anti-osteoarthritis effects of the OrthoGo formulation on monosodium Iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats by measuring the activity of the standard painkiller Diclofenac Sodium. : Osteoarthritis models were established using the intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate in rats. Following a three-week induction, measurements conducted include Eddy’s hot plate, inclined plane test, staircase ascent, and gait assessment. The impact of the preparation in mitigating the degenerative characteristics of the joints was examined via radiographic and histological analyses.: The results indicated an enhancement in analgesic efficacy in Eddy's hot plate, an increased duration on the inclined plane, enhanced gait performance, and reduced degenerative alterations in animals administered OrthoGo granules. : The OrthoGo formulation comprises hemp seed powder, glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride, and collagen peptides, which limit the progression of osteoarthritis by delaying cartilage deterioration, reducing inflammation, and enhancing locomotor performance. Consequently, OrthoGo granules containing hemp seeds may serve as a viable treatment agent for osteoarthritis, potentially exhibiting fewer adverse effects than standard analgesics such as Diclofenac Sodium.

Enhancing the use of phosphate rock through microbially-mediated compost transformation to improve agronomic and economic profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Soil degradation and limited access to chemical fertilizers partly explain the persistently low crop yields in Sub-Saharan Africa. To provide local farmers with alternative fertilizer options, this study examined the impact of locally sourced fertilizers on sorghum productivity and soil health. Treatments were set up in a completely randomized block design with five replications each. These treatments included Burkina phosphate rock (BPR), calcined BPR (Cal-BPR), triple super phosphate (TSP), four types of phosphocomposts, and an unfertilized phosphate control (Control). The phospho-composts, prepared during 4 months in advance, were as follows: Comp-1 (sorghum straw + BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-2 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-3 (sorghum straw + BPR + chicken manure), and Comp-4 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + chicken manure). They were applied at a rate of 2.5 t ha−1 at sowing, alongside BPR, Cal-BPR, and TSP that provided 23 kg P2O5 ha−1. Urea and potassium chloride were added 15 days after sowing (DAS) to all treatments to standardize nitrogen and potassium levels to 37 kg N ha−1 and 14 kg K2O ha−1. Soil properties were evaluated using the samples collected at 42, 70, and 120 DAS. Rhizosphere soil showed higher bacterial and fungal abundance than bulk soil, particularly in compost treatments. Comp-4 notably improved soil properties, including increased phosphorus-cycling microbial genes, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and pH, and it produced the highest sorghum grain yield. However, Comp-3 offered superior economic benefits, with higher net returns from grain sales. Overall, phosphocomposts improve soil health and boost sorghum yield in Sub-Saharan Africa. Calcined BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost may be used to increase crop yields. However, the study shows that BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost provides a more cost-effective solution for soil revitalization and sustainable food production in infertile soils in the region.

Assessing the impact of tillage practices and nutrient levels on the growth and productivity of Ethopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.) - soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cropping system

BackgroundAn importance of tillage, inorganic and organic nutrient sources in the mustard - soybean cropping system lies in their ability to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, optimize crop growth and yield, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Any cropping system’s sustainability could be increased by implementing better management techniques like zero and reduced tillage with residue retention and better nutrient sources.ResultsA field experiment was conducted for four consecutive seasons (Winter 2019 to Rainy 2021) to compare the two enhanced management practices, zero and reduced tillage to conventional tillage across four levels of nutrient sources: 75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash in a two years experiment. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of nutrient status, profitability and productivity of Mustard-Soybean cropping system. The results show a substantial improvement in yield, nutrient status, and overall yield performance of mustard and soybean when using the full recommended dose of fertilizers combined with reduced tillage and mulching, compared to other treatment methods. The implementation of reduced tillage practices recorded significantly higher yield of mustard and soybean over conventional and zero tillage.ConclusionSystem productivity and profitability i.e. mustard equivalent yield, productivity, gross returns, net returns, profitability and B: C (benefit: cost) was found to be improved with reduced tillage and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer under reduced tillage practices. To enhance cropping system productivity in various sub-humid regions worldwide, farmers can adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with the full recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF).

Inorganic Salt Solution-Based Aerosols for Fabricating Honeycomb-Patterned Porous Membranes.

Porous membranes with uniform pore sizes have shown potential applications. Although the breath figure method is renowned for its simplicity, it requires high humidity conditions, presenting challenges in energy consumption and safety, especially in arid climates. This study introduces an approach that uses inorganic salt-based aerosols to successfully fabricate honeycomb-patterned porous membranes at low humidity levels, where pure water vapor cannot produce such structures. Sodium chloride and ferric chloride solutions were used to successfully prepare membranes with pore sizes of ∼5.0 and 1.0 μm, respectively, at a relative humidity of 30%, which effectively separated microspheres of different sizes. The κ-Köhler theory and theories related to bubble bursting mechanisms and aerosols were used to preliminarily analyze the relation between inorganic salt aerosol generation and pore size, demonstrating that an increased NaCl concentration results in small pores. Additionally, potassium chloride and calcium chloride were found to have varying effects on pore size. These findings suggest that aerosols could enhance the applicability of the breath figure method and optimize membrane structures and functionality, thereby achieving broader applications in different fields.

Publisher Correction: Direct and efficient in situ rubidium extraction from potassium chloride salts

Publisher Correction: Direct and efficient in situ rubidium extraction from potassium chloride salts