Compost Research Articles

Soil-landscape-vegetation relationships in grassland-forest boundaries, and possible applications in ecological restoration

Edaphic influence on plant distribution is essential to community ecology studies, and for vegetation management and restoration in grasslands-forest ecosystems. Pampa biome is a subtropical grassland with high floristic diversity and with an important role in food production in South America, including tree plantations where recent changes in land use soil has been questioned about the impacts on water consumption, soil degradation and potential biodiversity loss. We assessed the relationship of soil physical, chemical and morphological properties with forest and grassland species occurrence, to improve our understanding of soil and landscapes with grasslands-forest mosaics, and contribute to ecological restoration in the biome. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined in different toposequences localized in two forest farms in southern Brazil, both covered with grassland and native forest use. Natural fertility of the studied soils was highest in the lowlands, along with highest moisture and lowest toxic aluminum content. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity was highest in the summit and backslope soils, influenced by coarser fractions in the granulometry. Soil bulk density, total porosity, microporosity, macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water content, influenced by sand, silt and clay contents, varied among soils and landscape and contributed to vegetation diversity. Some of the plant species occupied specific soils and landscapes. The greatest vegetation frequency was of grassland species (Poaceae and Asteraceae) in both study sites. Grassland-forest area has forest individuals in the middle of the grassland and riparian, while in grassland area the riparian vegetation is composed naturally by grassland. Forest fragments expanded in grassland-forest area during the 15 years prior to our study, but in the grassland area there were no changes in the phyto-physiognomy, demonstrating that the vegetation of grassland occurs naturally in the riparian environment. This study highlights that many of sites covered naturally by grassland, in the Pampa biome, should be protected from disruptive activities and/or recovered with species endemic to the ecosystem, without necessarily by forest enrichment as usually recommended for restoration activities.

Effect of inoculum source, electron donors, and substrates on medium-chain fatty acid production from palm oil mill effluent

Selecting an appropriate inoculum source and electron donor for chain elongation is crucial to optimizing medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) production from organic waste. The investigation examined the impact of various factors, including inoculum source, electron donors, and substrate composition, on MCFA production from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The substrate containing a mixture of ethanol, lactic acid, and acetic acid exhibited the highest MCFA production, reaching 0.4–0.5 g-COD/L. Among the cultures tested, the compost (CP)-enriched culture demonstrated the highest MCFA production (0.5 g-COD/L) and was characterized by the dominance of Sporanaerobacter sp., Clostridium sp., and Oscillibacter sp. The mesophilic condition (35 °C) has higher MCFA production than the thermophilic condition (55 °C), with the mesophilic system favoring caproic acid, heptanoic acid, and caprylic acid, while the thermophilic was more suitable for propionic acid production. The highest MCFA yield obtained from POME was 0.2 g-COD/g-COD, with a selectivity of 13.6 % for MCFA production. Lactobacillus sp., Caproiciproducens sp., and Clostridium sp. were dominant microbial species and played important roles in specific MCFA production. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing MCFA production processes from POME and highlight the importance of selecting appropriate conditions and microbial communities to enhance MCFA yields.

BioGeoChemical‐Argo Floats Reveal Stark Latitudinal Gradient in the Southern Ocean Deep Carbon Flux Driven by Phytoplankton Community Composition

AbstractThe gravitational sinking of particles in the mesopelagic layer (∼200–1,000 m) transfers to the deep ocean a part of atmospheric carbon fixed by phytoplankton. This process, called the gravitational pump, exerts an important control on atmospheric CO2 levels but remains poorly characterized given the limited spatio‐temporal coverage of ship‐based flux measurements. Here, we examined the gravitational pump with BioGeoChemical‐Argo floats in the Southern Ocean, a critically under‐sampled area. Using time‐series of bio‐optical measurements, we characterized the concentration of particles in the productive zone, their export and transfer efficiency in the underlying mesopelagic zone, and the magnitude of sinking flux at 1,000 m. We separated float observations into six environments delineated by latitudinal fronts, sea‐ice coverage, and natural iron fertilization. Results show a significant increase in the sinking‐particle flux at 1,000 m with increasing latitude, despite comparable particle concentrations in the productive layer. The variability in deep flux was driven by changes in the transfer efficiency of the flux, related to the composition of the phytoplanktonic community and the size of particles, with intense flux associated with the predominance of micro‐phytoplankton and large particles at the surface. We quantified the relationships between the nature of surface particles and the flux at 1,000 m and used these results to upscale our flux survey across the whole Southern Ocean using surface observations by floats and satellites. We then estimated the basin‐wide Spring‐Summer flux of sinking particles at 1,000 m over the Southern Ocean (0.054 ± 0.021 Pg C).

Streptomyces griseoincarnatus strain RB7AG promotes Oryza sativa (var. swarna) growth under Salt Stress: Mechanisms and Potential Applications".

The plant growth promoters (PGP) are the natural fertilizers that enhance the overall growth of the plant. We defined Streptomyces strain RB7AG as a potential halotolerant growth promoter and assessed its impact on rice plants' performance under salt stress. The organism was able to thrive at concentrations up to 10% of NaCl (w/v), optimal at 6% as measured by their cell growth, viability, and secondary metabolite production. Under salt stress, isolates were viable and generated Indolic chemicals and siderophores. The bacterized plants found to accumulate higher level of proline and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalases (CAT) that are subjected to salt stress, particularly those treated with Streptomyces strain RB7AG which helps the plants to thrive in the adverse condition. The Streptomyces-treated plants was also found to have increased roots and shoots length, implying a systemic tolerance mechanism. The strain's formulations were created utilising five organic and inorganic wastes as the carrier medium, and the shelf life of the propagules was also tracked. Vermicompost and vermiculite formulations were found to have the highest viable bacteria after 3 months of storage period.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ И УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ САХАРНОЙ СВЕКЛЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ БУИНСКОГО МУНИЦИПАЛЬНОГО РАЙОНА РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

The article presents the results of an agroecological assessment of the use of mineral fertilizers on sugar beet crops in the Buinsky municipal district over the past eight years (2015-2022). The scientific novelty lies in considering the issue of statistical processing of actual data on sugar beet yields and the level of application of mineral fertilizers for this crop in relation to a specific municipal district, which certainly has practical significance when making management decisions, determining the structure of the specific composition of mineral fertilizers. As a result of the study, the dependence of sugar beet yield on the amount of the main types of mineral fertilizers applied for the period from 2015 to 2022 was analyzed. Correlation analysis of sugar beet yield and the amount of various types of mineral fertilizers applied to this crop revealed the dependence of yield on the amount of potash fertilizers applied.Next, the formula for regression analysis of the dependence of sugar beet yield on the amount of potassium-containing mineral fertilizers was determined. Regression and correlation analyses of sugar beet cultivation have shown that the level of natural fertility of arable soils in the Buinsky district provides only 20 t/ha of root crops. The application of mineral fertilizers ensures the production of 35,5 t /ha of sugar beet. The increase in yield at the same time will be 15,5 t/ ha. The closest relationship between the increase in yield and nutrition elements was observed in potassium-containing fertilizers (coefficient 0.45). A slight tightness of dependence on the Cheddock scale was noted between an increase in yield and the level of application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (0.08 and 0.11). This causes the fact that the soils under sugar beet are highly fertile and well provided with these nutrients.

Sustainable Integration of Solar Energy, Behavior Change, and Recycling Practices in Educational Institutions: A Holistic Framework for Environmental Conservation and Quality Education

Environmental sustainability in educational institutions is a critical concern for addressing global challenges. This research presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable energy conservation, behavior change, and recycling practices in schools, with the aim of fostering environmental consciousness among students and enhancing overall educational quality. The framework integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, encouraging students’ participation in their maintenance while repurposing collected water for plant irrigation and using organic waste as a natural fertilizer. By creating a micro-ecosystem within schools, the approach cultivates a generation of environmentally aware individuals who actively contribute to environmental stewardship. The framework aligns with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision of improving quality of life and increasing green surfaces. It promotes environmental awareness, facilitates clean energy adoption, and reduces operational costs. The role of municipalities and recycling bodies is crucial for its successful execution, involving waste management support, educational programs, and regulatory compliance. Through collaboration between schools, municipalities, and recycling bodies, the framework aims to create a culture of sustainability. It envisions students as advocates, gaining experiential knowledge in renewable energy technologies and waste management. This research offers a roadmap for schools to integrate solar energy, behavior change, and recycling practices, positioning them as leaders in environmental stewardship. The framework underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, financial support, and awareness campaigns. By embracing this comprehensive approach, schools can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable living, and inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Contamination Using the Groundwater Pollution Index (GPI), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), and GIS

Groundwater is an essential and indispensable resource, meeting dire needs for drinking and irrigation purposes. The aim of this study is to assess the suitability of groundwater quality for drinking purposes. This evaluation will be conducted using the Groundwater Pollution Index (GPI), the nitrate pollution index (NPI), and the geographic information system (GIS) in Sidi Slimane, Morocco. In this study, a comprehensive collection of 20 samples was obtained from various locations for analysis and evaluation. Hadrochemical facies of this study area showed that out of 20 samples, 90% belonged to a type (Na+-K+-Cl−-SO42−), while only 10% fell into a category (Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl−-SO42−). The Groundwater Pollution Index values ranged from 0.7 to 10.8, with an average of 7.03; about 60% of the groundwater samples analyzed in this study area were classified as highly polluted and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Nitrate index values ranged from −0.9 to 10.5. Approximately 80% of the sampled sites require treatment before consumption. According to the Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), it is essential to regularly monitor 16 well sites to prevent nitrate contamination resulting from human activities, including waste disposal in open areas and sewage infiltration. This study recommends raising farmers’ awareness of the use of slow-release natural fertilizers made from nitrogen rather than nitrogen-based fertilizers, reducing waste disposal by residents, and maintaining an appropriate sewage network to minimize sewage flow leakage. This study plays a vital role in identifying the polluted areas and highlighting the need to take appropriate measures to control the sources of pollution in this study area in order to protect water resources and ensure the provision of safe water to the local population.

Exploring the Effects of Enriched Urban Compost and Wastes on Growth and Yield Parameters in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial global crop, vital for food security and diverse applications. Maize cultivation heavily depends on fertilizers, particularly nitrogen-based ones and their widespread use poses risks like nutrient runoff, causing pollution and economic challenges.
 Balancing growth optimization with environmental/economic considerations requires optimizing fertilizer application and sustainable practices. This study aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers by replacing them with microbial-enriched urban compost and wastes in various combinations with inorganic fertilizers to enhance maize yields.
 A treatment incorporating 75% NPK + 7.5 t ha-1 of microbial-enriched urban solid waste compost demonstrated the highest plant height, leaf count, cob length, kernel yield, and stover yield. The combined use of enriched compost and chemical fertilizers resulted in increased nutrient availability, improved soil properties, and a favorable microbial environment, contributing to enhanced overall yield.

Natural ocean iron fertilization and climate variability over geological periods.

Marine primary producers are largely dependent on and shape the Earth's climate, although their relationship with climate varies over space and time. The growth of phytoplankton and associated marine primary productivity in most of the modern global ocean is limited by the supply of nutrients, including the micronutrient iron. The addition of iron via episodic and frequent events drives the biological carbon pump and promotes the sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) into the ocean. However, the dependence between iron and marine primary producers adaptively changes over different geological periods due to the variation in global climate and environment. In this review, we examined the role and importance of iron in modulating marine primary production during some specific geological periods, that is, the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) during the Huronian glaciation, the Snowball Earth Event during the Cryogenian, the glacial-interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene, and the period from the last glacial maximum to the late Holocene. Only the change trend of iron bioavailability and climate in the glacial-interglacial cycles is consistent with the Iron Hypothesis. During the GOE and the Snowball Earth periods, although the bioavailability of iron in the ocean and the climate changed dramatically, the changing trend of many factors contradicted the Iron Hypothesis. By detangling the relationship among marine primary productivity, iron availability and oceanic environments in different geological periods, this review can offer some new insights for evaluating the impact of ocean iron fertilization on removing CO2 from the atmosphere and regulating the climate.

Community composition and physiological plasticity control microbial carbon storage across natural and experimental soil fertility gradients

Many microorganisms synthesise carbon (C)-rich compounds under resource deprivation. Such compounds likely serve as intracellular C-storage pools that sustain the activities of microorganisms growing on stoichiometrically imbalanced substrates, making them potentially vital to the function of ecosystems on infertile soils. We examined the dynamics and drivers of three putative C-storage compounds (neutral lipid fatty acids [NLFAs], polyhydroxybutyrate [PHB], and trehalose) across a natural gradient of soil fertility in eastern Australia. Together, NLFAs, PHB, and trehalose corresponded to 8.5–40% of microbial C and 0.06–0.6% of soil organic C. When scaled to “structural” microbial biomass (indexed by polar lipid fatty acids; PLFAs), NLFA and PHB allocation was 2–3-times greater in infertile soils derived from ironstone and sandstone than in comparatively fertile basalt- and shale-derived soils. PHB allocation was positively correlated with belowground biological phosphorus (P)-demand, while NLFA allocation was positively correlated with fungal PLFA : bacterial PLFA ratios. A complementary incubation revealed positive responses of respiration, storage, and fungal PLFAs to glucose, while bacterial PLFAs responded positively to PO43-. By comparing these results to a model of microbial C-allocation, we reason that NLFA primarily served the “reserve” storage mode for C-limited taxa (i.e., fungi), while the variable portion of PHB likely served as “surplus” C-storage for P-limited bacteria. Thus, our findings reveal a convergence of community-level processes (i.e., changes in taxonomic composition that underpin reserve-mode storage dynamics) and intracellular mechanisms (e.g., physiological plasticity of surplus-mode storage) that drives strong, predictable community-level microbial C-storage dynamics across gradients of soil fertility and substrate stoichiometry.

Quantifying the Influence of Enriched Urban Compost and Wastes on Soil Physico-chemical and Biological Parameters of Bettahalli Village, Bangalore North Taluk: A Quantitative Analysis

Enriched urban compost enhances soil for sustainable agriculture, improving structure, water dynamics, nutrient release, microbial life, and contributing to climate change mitigation. The present study was carried out in 2022 late winter to assess the impact of enriched urban compost and wastes on soil properties. Collected Soil samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological properties pre and post-maize harvest. Enriched urban compost treatments showed a slight reduction in bulk density. Increased Moisture holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and magnesium remained mostly unchanged.
 Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased significantly with enriched compost, promoting sustained nutrient release. Available sulfur rose with compost addition. DTPA-extractable Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and B were significantly higher with enriched compost. Chromium, nickel, lead, and cadmium remained below critical limits. Dehydrogenase and urease activities were significantly higher with enriched compost, indicating enhanced microbial action. Acid phosphatase activity increased, likely due to elevated phosphorus levels in organics, supporting P solubilizers.
 Enriched urban compost enhances soil properties, promoting agricultural sustainability through climate change mitigation, improved structure, and enhanced nutrient release. Advisably, incorporating enriched urban compost into agricultural practices optimizes soil health, fosters sustainable nutrient management, and supports microbial activities, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.

Simulation of dissolved-oxygen distribution in matrix particles during the aerobic composting process of sewage sludge with two-region model

The anaerobic cores of compost particles generate and emit harmful off-gases during composting, and the air-immobile region is a significant factor contributing to an anaerobic environment. However, existing research methods cannot predict the aerobic/anaerobic region distribution of compost particles in air-mobile and air-immobile regions under different flow conditions on the compost pile. Therefore, this study obtained the characteristic parameters of the air-immobile region during composting with different bulking agents using a two-region model (TRM). Furthermore, a fitted equation coupled model was developed to numerically simulate the relationship between the surface oxygen concentration (CO2,S) and aerobic/anaerobic layer thickness (LA/LANA). The results showed that adding peanut shells and wheat straw significantly decreased the proportions of air-immobile regions by 0.02 and 0.07, respectively in the curing phase compared with rice bran treatment (increased by 0.06), although there was no significant change in the early stages of composting. And, the addition of peanut shells and wheat straw enhanced the mass transfer of porous gases between the air-mobile and air-immobile regions of the compost piles during the thermophilic phase (rice bran treatment increased by 0, both peanut shell and wheat straw treatments increased by 0.001); however, there were no observable differences in initial-material, temperature-increasing, and curing phases. The O2 concentrations in the air-mobile and air-immobile regions decreased, and the LANA gradually increased as the composting process progressed and the height of the compost pile increased. The fitted equation coupled model simulates the actual situation well and can support the accurate regulation of harmful gas production in composting systems.

Sapropel as a feeding additive in animal husbandry

The purpose of the research was to identify the benefi cial properties of sapropel as a feed additive in animal husbandry. Sapropel is one of the most promising substances as an environmentally friendly and high-quality organomineral fertilizer. In most practice-oriented works devoted to the use of sapropel, this bio-raw material is considered either as an earth layer in geological research, or as a natural fertilizer in crop production. The benefi cial properties of sapropel make it possible to obtain higher yields, both in large agricultural holdings and on private land. However, the issue of using sapropel as the feed additive in animal husbandry has not been suffi ciently developed by science. That is why the article summarized the data collected in modern Russian and foreign scientifi c sources, namely studies confi rming the benefi cial eff ect of sapropel as a feed additive on the body of animals, including of dairy cows. This chemical composition of sapropel on the example of an organomineral feed additive “Feed Sapropel” has been discussed in the article. The chemical composition of sapropel was studied in accordance with quality standards by the testing laboratory “Elma-test”. The elements contained in the studied feed additive have been described in the article in detail. It was experimentally revealed that the content of all useful mineral substances, except iron and sulfur, in the test sample exceeded the normative indicators. After analyzing the content of toxic substances in the studied material, and revealing their extremely low content, the authors came to the conclusion that this additive, if properly introduced into the diets, will not harm animals. The authors conclude that sapropel contains many substances that animals need for normal growth and development, as well as to maintain high productivity.

Increased homozygosity due to endogamy results in fitness consequences in a human population.

Recessive alleles have been shown to directly affect both human Mendelian disease phenotypes and complex traits. Pedigree studies also suggest that consanguinity results in increased childhood mortality and adverse health phenotypes, presumably through penetrance of recessive mutations. Here, we test whether the accumulation of homozygous, recessive alleles decreases reproductive success in a human population. We address this question among the Namibian Himba, an endogamous agro-pastoralist population, who until very recently practiced natural fertility. Using a sample of 681 individuals, we show that Himba exhibit elevated levels of "inbreeding," calculated as the fraction of the genome in runs of homozygosity (FROH). Many individuals contain multiple long segments of ROH in their genomes, indicating that their parents had high kinship coefficients. However, we do not find evidence that this is explained by first-cousin consanguinity, despite a reported social preference for cross-cousin marriages. Rather, we show that elevated haplotype sharing in the Himba is due to a bottleneck, likely in the past 60 generations. We test whether increased recessive mutation load results in observed fitness consequences by assessing the effect of FROH on completed fertility in a cohort of postreproductive women (n = 69). We find that higher FROH is significantly associated with lower fertility. Our data suggest a multilocus genetic effect on fitness driven by the expression of deleterious recessive alleles, especially those in long ROH. However, these effects are not the result of consanguinity but rather elevated background identity by descent.

Application of UHPLC-MS/MS method to monitor the occurrence of sulfonamides and their transformation products in soil in Silesia, Poland

Sulfonamides circulating in the environment lead to disturbances in food chains and local ecosystems, but most importantly contribute to development of resistance genes, which generate problems with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections treatment. In urban areas, sources of sulfonamide distribution in soils have received comparatively less attention in contrast to rural regions, where animal-derived manure, used as a natural fertilizer, is considered the main source. The aim of this study was to determine eight sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, sulfathiazole, and sulfisoxazole) in environmental soil samples collected from urbanized regions in Silesian Voivodeship with increased animal activity. These soils were grouped according to the organic carbon content. It was necessary to develop versatile and efficient extraction and determination method to analyze selected sulfonamides in various soil types. The developed LC–MS/MS method for sulfonamides analyzing was validated. The obtained recoveries exceeded 45% for soil with medium organic carbon content and 88% for sample with a very low organic carbon content (arenaceous quartz). The obtained results show the high impact of organic matter on analytes adsorption in soil, which influences recovery. All eight sulfa drugs were determined in environmental samples in the concentration range 1.5–10.5 ng g-1. The transformation products of the analytes were also identified, and 29 transformation products were detected in 24 out of 27 extracts from soil samples.

Exploring the effects of B10 biodiesel contamination on Canavalia ensiformis growth and nutrition in artificially contaminated soil

AbstractSoil contamination caused by fossil fuels and biofuels can alter the chemical and physical properties of soil, limiting its use for agricultural, residential, and recreational purposes. Phytoremediation offers a cost‐effective and manageable solution to mitigate these environmental impacts that can be applied to large areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) growth and nutrition during the remediation of B10 biodiesel in artificially contaminated soil. The experimental design was fully randomized, with four replications and three contamination levels with B10, 0%, 1%, and 2% vol/wt, evaluated over 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing. Plant growth was assessed: shoot and root dry biomass, height, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant nutrition: macro‐ and micronutrient vegetable tissue. Dry biomass of shoots and roots, plant height, the number of leaves, and the leaf area decreased significantly in inverse proportion to the level of contamination. Twenty days after sowing, C. ensiformis growing in B10‐contaminated soil reduced the nitrogen and potassium concentrations, while phosphorus and sulfur increased, and calcium and magnesium remained unaffected. However, all except potassium tended to equilibrium after 60 days of sowing. Regarding micronutrients, manganese increased after 20 days of sowing, while iron decreased, and copper and zinc remained unchanged. Despite its growth and nutrition limitations, C. ensiformis is a viable option for phytoremediation in areas contaminated with hydrocarbons. Its nitrogen absorption capacity makes it an ideal natural fertilizer for the remediation of fuel‐contaminated soils.

Influence of Compost and Farmyard Manure on Cassava Growth, Yield and Dry Matter Partitioning at Mvomero and Masasi Districts

Aims: Field experiments were conducted for two seasons: 2019/20 and 2020/21 under rain fed cropping seasons to determine yield response of cassava to compost (CP) and farmyard manure (FYM) application.
 Study Design: The experiments were laid out in a RCBD with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Vianzi village in Mvomero district and Mumbaka village in Masasi district between December 2019 to November 2021.
 Methodology: At each site, Treatments involving CP and FYM tested separately at four different levels; 2.5 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1, 7.5 t ha-1 and a control (0 t ha-1) was included. Both CP and FYM treatment rates were applied by broadcasting method followed by incorporation into the soil prior to cassava planting. Data on cassava plant height and cassava stem girth were collected for assessment of cassava growth and data on number of tubers per plant, cassava root fresh and dry biomass were recorded for assessment of cassava yield.
 Results: At Mvomero site, a maximum significant (P=.01) cassava fresh weight (19.18 t ha-1) were obtained from the plots treated with 5 t ha-1 FYM giving yield advantage of 67.5% above the control in 2020/21. In the CP treated plots, a maximum significant (P =.001) yield (22.2 t ha-1) was obtained giving 69% yield advantage above the control in 2020/21. At Masasi site, a maximum of 24.3 t ha-1 cassava fresh weight were obtained in 2020/21 giving 77.7% yield advantage over the control. In the CP treated plots in 2020/21, 18.7 t ha-1 cassava fresh weight was obtained giving 34.6% yield advantage over control.
 Conclusion: Application of CP and FYM not only improve cassava yields as it is for inorganic fertilizers but also, they have an added advantage of improving soil health conditions in season and over years. For best results application of CP or FYM should be 5.0 t ha-1.

Inoculating exogenous bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus ZR-11 at maturity stage accelerates composting maturation by regulating physicochemical parameters and indigenous bacterial community succession.

Brevibacillus laterosporus ZR-11, a bio-control strain, was innovatively inoculated at maturity stage of composting to clarify its effect on physicochemical parameters and indigenous bacterial community structure in compost pile. Results revealed that ZR-11 inoculum rapidly increased pile temperature to 52 ºC and raised germination index (GI) value to beyond 85% on day 3, thereby achieving higher pile temperature and GI in the inoculated group than the non-inoculated group almost along maturity stage, and also decreased C/N ratio of the inoculated group to below 20 by composting end (day 8). Also, ZR-11 succeeded in colonizing compost pile along maturity stage. These suggested that ZR-11 as inoculum at maturity stage could accelerate compost maturation and have a potential to participate in bio-fertilizer production. High-throughput sequencing indicated that bacterial community structure experienced substantial succession in the inoculated and non-inoculated groups, and Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in the two groups during maturity stage, with their abundances higher in the inoculated group. Saccharomonospora and Ammoniibacillus abundance increased on day 3 while Actinomadura abundance increased on day 6 in the inoculated group. As verified statistically, pile temperature and pH were key factors closely linked to dominant genera abundance, where Saccharomonospora and Ammoniibacillus abundance were positively correlated to pile temperature, while Actinomadura abundance was positively correlated to pile pH. Thus, it was inferred that ZR-11 inoculum could improve parameters such as temperature and pH to modify dominant genera abundance, thus regulating indigenous bacterial community succession, which might in turn promote compost maturation.

SAT640 Maternal Preconception Exposure Leads To The Propagation Of Disease

Abstract Disclosure: D.D. Davis: None. R. Chamorro-Garcia: None. C. Diaz-Castillo: None. Tobacco products harbor a heterogeneous cluster of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can lead to many adverse health effects, including obesity and other metabolic diseases. During critical developmental windows, exposure to EDCs found in tobacco products, including inorganic arsenic (iAs) and nicotine, can increase susceptibility to these diseases. An understudied window of significant influence on the susceptibility to developing adverse health effects in future generations is during maternal preconception (i.e., maternal preconception exposure, MPE). MPE involves essential processes of maternal germline development, such as oogenesis and folliculogenesis. Oogenesis begins at birth with an oogonium and goes through a maturation process that either ends after ovulation as a secondary oocyte or, if fertilized, becomes a zygote. Concurrently, folliculogenesis occurs and is the process by which the oocyte develops within the ovarian follicle into a mature egg. This ovarian follicle consists of many somatic cells that contribute to the maturation of the oocyte via paracrine mechanisms. We found that female offspring of mothers exposed to 200 µg/mL nicotine and male offspring exposed to both nicotine and a combination of 10 µg/L iAs + 200 µg/mL nicotine during MPE had higher weights during early development. Females whose mothers were exposed to 10 µg/L iAs showed an insulin resistance phenotype after intraperitoneal injection of insulin. Interestingly in males from mothers that were exposed to 10 µg/L iAs and 200 µg/mL nicotine we found impaired glucose tolerance after intraperitoneal injection of glucose. These data support the hypothesis that MPE is a critical window of susceptibility to metabolically associated diseases later in life. Future directions involve expanding the previously stated experiment by performing in vitro fertilization and embryonic implantation in mothers not exposed to our chemical treatment. The goal of this will be to investigate if the offsprings have similar health outcomes to the mice born of natural fertilization, which, if they do, would indicate the alterations were occurring before fertilization. We also aim to determine the mechanisms that trigger the phenotypes observed in the F1. We will analyze alterations of the somatic cells of the antral follicle and oocyte before ovulation by performing transcriptomic analyses. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Would It be Possible for a SARS-CoV-2 Infection to Affect the Male Reproductive System?

The male reproductive system may be affected by the systemic infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The precise mechanisms of male reproductive impairment are not well known. There are two possible mechanisms for the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system either directly through the impact of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on testicular tissue or indirectly through the effect of the secondary autoimmune response on testicular functions. The second mechanism is more likely. Extensive studies need to be conducted on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the functional characteristics of sperm and the results of natural fertilization or assisted reproductive technology.