Dry Matter Content Research Articles

Interaction Effects of Phosphorus and Zinc Application on Their Availability and Growth of Rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em>) in an Alfisol of Sri Lanka

This study investigated the interactive effects of phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) application on P and Zn availability, and growth of rice (Oryza sativa) in an Alfisol. In a laboratory incubation experiment, soil samples were supersaturated with treatment solutions with all possible combinations of four P levels (0, 6, 12, and 24 mg kg-1 equivalent to 0, 10, 20, and 40 kg ha-1, respectively) and three Zn levels (0, 1.2, and 2.4 mg kg-1 equivalent to 0, 2, and 4 kg ha-1, respectively), and then allowed to air-dry. Available P and Zn contents in soil increased as the application rates were increased but P×Zn rate interaction effect was not significant. In a pot experiment, rice (var Bg 358) was grown for 10 weeks with all possible combinations of three P levels (0, 5.5, and 16.5 mg kg-1) and three Zn levels (0, 1, and 2 mg kg-1). Initial soil P was higher than the critical level (12 mg kg-1), but available Zn was below the critical level (1.5 mg kg-1). The main effect of P rate did not significantly affect the number of tillers and shoot dry matter content while Zn application decreased them. Root dry matter, and root and shoot P concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by P×Zn rate interaction effect. While, plant P uptake was significantly decreased due to P and Zn application, plant Zn uptake was not affected. Therefore, for a better growth of rice plant, the soils with high available P and low Zn contents should be carefully fertilized with P and Zn fertilizers.

The effect of packaging material and adjunct culture on the biogenic amine content, microbiological and textural properties of Dutch-type cheese

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of the packaging materials applied (shrink foil, copolymer coating and food wax) in combination with Lacticaseibacillus casei CCDM 198 microbial strain on biochemical, microbiological and textural properties of Dutch-type cheese during ripening (at 12 ± 1 °C for 168 days). A multivariate principal component analysis method based on a correlation matrix was employed to evaluate the relationships between basic chemical properties, textural and microbiological parameters, biogenic amine and free amino acid contents in relation to the packaging material used and the length of the ripening time. The use of different packaging materials did not have a significant effect on the salt content, fat content, and pH values, whereas significant differences were observed for dry matter content and textural properties development. The presence of Lacticaseibacillus casei CCDM 198 strain accelerated proteolysis in all samples. Shrink foil and food wax had similar effects on the development of biogenic amine content during ripening, while considerable differences were observed for the samples wrapped in copolymer coating. Copolymer coating in combination with Lacticaseibacillus casei CCDM 198 strain was able to reduce biogenic amine content by up to 28% after 168 days.

Understory plant biodiversity is inversely related to carbon storage in a high carbon ecosystem.

Given that terrestrial ecosystems globally are facing the loss of biodiversity from land use conversion, invasive species, and climate change, effective management requires a better understanding of the drivers and correlates of biodiversity. Increasingly, biodiversity is co-managed with aboveground carbon storage because high biodiversity in animal species is observed to correlate with high aboveground carbon storage. Most previous investigations into the relationship of biodiversity and carbon co-management do not focus on the biodiversity of the species rich plant kingdom, which may have tradeoffs with carbon storage. To examine the relationships of plant species richness with aboveground tree biomass carbon storage, we used a series of generalized linear models with understory plant species richness and diversity data from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis dataset and high-resolution modeled carbon maps for the Tongass National Forest. Functional trait data from the TRY database was used to understand the potential mechanisms that drive the response of understory plants. Understory species richness and community weighted mean leaf dry matter content decreased along an increasing gradient of tree biomass carbon storage, but understory diversity, community weighted mean specific leaf area, and plant height at maturity did not. Leaf dry matter content had little variance at the community level. The decline of understory plant species richness but not diversity to increases in aboveground biomass carbon storage suggests that rare species are excluded in aboveground biomass carbon dense areas. These decreases in understory species richness reflect a tradeoff between the understory plant community and aboveground carbon storage. The mechanisms that are associated with observed plant communities along a gradient of biomass carbon storage in this forest suggest that slower-growing plant strategies are less effective in the presence of high biomass carbon dense trees in the overstory.

Coupling crossflow microfiltration and nanofiltration for the concentration of aroma compounds in a raspberry hydroalcoholic extract

AbstractThis work investigated the coupling of microfiltration (MF) and nanofiltration (NF) to concentrate the volatile compounds in a raspberry hydroalcoholic extract. Enzymatic treatment increased the MF permeate flux by 30%–50%. The highest MF permeate flux was above 50 kg·h−1·m−2 at a mass reduction ratio of 5. MF allowed efficient clarification of the extract without significant retention of aroma compounds. Among the NF membranes tested using the MF permeate as feed, one membrane was clearly more effective in concentrating the extract in terms of flux (19 kg·h−1·m−2 at 35 bar), retention of aroma compounds (average retention of 85%), phenolic compounds (61%) and dry matter (90%). Three other membranes were of interest for the fractionation of volatiles in both permeate and retentate but with a lower permeate flux. Finally, one membrane retained few aroma compounds but showed 70% dry matter retention, making it a promising method for aroma purification versus dry matter content in the permeate.Practical ApplicationsIn this study, we investigated the coupling of crossflow MF and NF with a pectinolytic pretreatment, in order to concentrate the aroma compounds from a raw organic raspberry extract. The aim was to avoid aroma degradation and reduce the operating costs, compared to the conventional concentration thermal technologies. Few authors have studied aroma concentration by NF, which presents an interesting area of research for industrial applications. This work provides keys for flavor manufacturers to add value to their products at a low cost and with limited environmental impact, producing concentrated natural aroma extracts for food. Another originality of this work for industrial companies was to show that thanks to the same process, several fractionations could be achieved simply by modifying the operating conditions. Therefore, this work contributed to propose new applicable processing for the production of natural flavors in a context of high consumer and market demand for organic ingredients.

Effects of a Veterinary Gastrointestinal Low-Fat Diet on Fecal Characteristics, Metabolites, and Microbiota Concentrations of Adult Dogs Treated with Metronidazole.

Antibiotics are known to cause loose stools, disrupt the fecal microbiota, and alter fecal bile acid (BA) profiles of dogs. Recovery may be aided by diet, but little research has been conducted. The objective of this study was to determine how a veterinary low-fat diet affected the fecal characteristics, metabolites, BA, and microbiota of dogs receiving antibiotics. Twenty-four healthy adult dogs [7.38 ± 1.95 yr; 7.67 ± 0.76kg body weight (BW)] were used in an 8-wk completely randomized design study. During a 2-wk baseline, all dogs were fed a leading grocery brand dry kibble diet (GBD). Over the next 2wk, dogs were fed GBD and received metronidazole orally (20mg/kg BW twice daily). At wk 4, dogs were randomly allotted to one of two treatments [GBD or Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Low-Fat (BB)] and fed for 4wk. Fecal scores were recorded daily and fresh fecal samples were collected at wk 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for measurement of pH, dry matter content, and metabolite and BA concentrations. Fecal microbiota populations were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR-based dysbiosis index (DI). All data were analyzed as repeated measures using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, testing for effects of treatment, time, and treatment*time and significance set at P<0.05. Metronidazole increased (P<0.0001) fecal scores (looser stools), reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations, increased primary BA concentrations, and decreased secondary BA concentrations. Metronidazole also reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity, altered the abundance of 58 bacterial genera, and increased DI. During antibiotic recovery, change in fecal pH, dry matter percentage, and metabolite and immunoglobulin A concentrations were altered (P<0.05) by diet. Fecal BA concentrations recovered quickly for all dogs. Change in lithocholic acid was affected (P<0.0001) by diet, but other BA were not. Recovery of over 25 bacterial genera was impacted by diet (P<0.05). While many bacterial taxa returned to baseline levels after 4wk, others did not fully recover. DI and bacterial alpha diversity measures recovered quickly for all dogs, but were not impacted by diet. In conclusion, metronidazole drastically altered the fecal microbiota and metabolites of dogs. While most variables returned to baseline by wk 8, diet may be used to aid in recovery.

Effect of seaweed extract on productivity and quality dynamics of onion cv. Sukhsagar

A study on the effect of seaweed extract on productivity and quality dynamics of onion cv. Sukhsagar was framed and enlarged during November - March, accompanied by two seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, under new alluvial plains of West Bengal. The experiment was headed by Randomized Block Design assimilated with 10 treatments of 3 replications viz., (T1- spray with Seaweed Extract (SWE) (15%) @ 1 ml l-1, T2 - spray with SWE (15%) @ 2 ml l-1, T3 - spray with SWE (15%) @ 3 ml l-1, T4 - soil application of Seaweed Granules (SWG) (5%) @ 3 kg ha-1, T5 - soil application of SWG (5%) @ 4 kg ha-1, T6 - soil application of SWG (5%) @ 5 kg ha-1, T7 - spray with SWE (15%) @ 1 ml l-1 + soil application of SWG (5%) @ 3 kg ha-1, T8 - spray with SWE (15%) @ 2 ml l-1 + soil application of SWG (5%) @ 4 kg ha-1, T9 - spray with SWE (15%) @ 3 ml l-1 + soil application of SWG (5%) @ 5 kg ha-1 and T10 - control (spray with distilled water). Among all the treatments, T9 (spray with SWE (15%) @ 3 ml l-1 + soil application of SWG (5%) showed the best response in terms of mean maximum plant height (59.20 cm), leaf length (57.77 cm), neck thickness (3.12 cm), No. of leaves plant-1 (5.20), bulb yield (4.07 kg plot-1), projected bulb yield (16.96 t ha-1), dry matter content (6.85%), total soluble solids (11.58ºBrix), titratable acidity (0.42 mg 100 g-1), ascorbic acid (7.90 mg 100 g-1), total sugars (9.87%), reducing sugar (4.46%), net profit (Rs. 2,03,042 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (1.98: 1).

Does the Composition of Breast Milk in the First Week Postpartum Differ Due to Maternal Factors or Neonatal Birth Weight and Percent Fat Body Mass?

Background: The composition of breast milk is dependent on numerous factors. However, the precise impact of maternal health conditions on breast milk composition remains to be fully elucidated. Similarly, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the correlation between neonatal body composition and human milk. The objective of the study was to evaluate the macronutrient composition of breast milk collected during the first week postpartum from mothers with gestational diabetes and healthy mothers in terms of selected maternal and neonatal factors. Methods: n = 70 breast milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, carbohydrate, dry matter, true protein, and energy. The results were evaluated in terms of selected maternal factors, as well as neonatal birth weight (BW) and percent fat body mass (%FBM), which was assessed with a bioimpedance method. Results: Energy of breast milk in the study group was as follows: median 55.5 kcal/dL in GDM G1, median 55.5 kcal/dL in GDM G2, and median 65.0 kcal/dL in non-GDM, which differed significantly in Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA. Neonatal %FBM, but not BW, was found to be significantly related to concentrations of protein, true protein and dry matter. Maternal gestational weight gain, history of hypothyroidism, and classification by study group were identified as factors affecting both breast milk and neonatal body composition. Conclusions: The composition of breast milk in the initial week following childbirth is predominantly determined by maternal factors. The relationship between selected macronutrients and neonatal percent fat body mass was found to be weak, yet the significance of this finding is unclear. Further research is required to ascertain the influence of maternal milk composition on early infantile nutritional programming.

The proximate composition of vegetables enriched by incorporation of municipal solid waste into fertilizers and its impacts on environment and human health

The recent over production of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant threat to both the ecosystem and human health. Utilizing MSW for agricultural purposes has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce solid waste disposal while simultaneously increasing soil fertility. To explore this potential solution further, an experiment was designed to assess the impact of varying concentrations of MSW (25%, 50%, and 75%) on the proximate composition of 15 different vegetable species. The experiment, conducted between 2018 and 2019, involved treating soil with different levels of solid waste and analyzing the proximate components, such as crude protein, dry matter, crude fiber, crude fat, and moisture content, in the 15 selected crops. The results indicate that the application of 25% MSW significantly increased the levels of crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter, and fat in Spinacia oleracea, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, and Abelmoschus esculentus. Conversely, the addition of 75% MSW notably elevated the moisture and ash content in Cucumis sativus. Correlation and scatter matrix analyses were conducted to elucidate the relationships between the protein, fiber, dry matter, ash, and fat contents. Principal component analysis and clustering confirmed the substantial impact of Treatment_1 (25% MSW) and Treatment_3 (75% MSW) on the proximate composition of the aforementioned vegetables, leading to their categorization into distinct groups. Our study highlights the efficacy of using 25% MSW to enhance the proximate composition and nutritional value of vegetables. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to investigate the mineral, antioxidant, vitamin, and heavy metal contents in the soil over an extended period of MSW application.

The role of zeolite and mineral fertilizers in enhancing Table Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in dark chestnut soils of Southeast Kazakhstan

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality.

Is Tea Waste A Promising Co-substrate for Optimizing The Cultivation, Growth, and Yield of Charleston Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)?

To address growing concerns about sustainable agriculture and waste management, this study aimed to explore the viability of tea waste as an eco-friendly alternative substrate for cultivating Charleston peppers (Capsicum annuum), with the goal of optimizing plant growth and yield while reducing soil dependence, lowering cultivation costs, and repurposing agro-industrial waste. Six different substrate combinations were evaluated: 1) Tea waste, 2) Tea waste + Manure, 3) Tea waste + Soil, 4) Manure + Soil, 5) Tea waste + Manure + Soil, and 6) Tea waste + Manure + Soil + Perlite. Data were analyzed using both multivariate and univariate analyses to assess significant differences among treatments. Notably, significant differences in stem diameter were observed among plants grown on different substrates (one-way MANOVA, p &amp;lt;.05). However, plant height and chlorophyll content remained unaffected by substrate type. Although leaf structure exhibited considerable variation across treatments, no significant difference in dry matter content was observed. These results demonstrate that tea waste, especially when combined with other materials, is a promising sustainable substrate for Charleston pepper cultivation, potentially reducing soil dependence and agro-industrial waste.

Soil Enzyme Responses and Crop Productivity Indices Assessment in Agricultural Soil Impacted with Heavy Metals

The present study assessed the productivity of cultivated garden vegetable among other ecological assessments in soil samples impacted with heavy metals. Assay of soil enzyme responses showed the activity of: catalase, peroxidase, lipase and ureasewith corresponding OD reading of 0.750, 2.05, 0.22 and 1.704 respectively. There were noticeable increases in the activity of ureaseandperoxidasewhilecatalaseandlipaseactivitywererelativelylowinthesampledsoil. Out of the 321g of the vegetable seedstested for viability, 45% representing 144.45g was used for the planting and further experiment. After three days of cultivation, germination process was recorded faster in the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;T. oleifera &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;potted ridge while &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Amaranthus &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanum &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;sp seed took 3-4 day for break full dormancy. Determination of total chlorophyll a and b in the selected vegetables showed a correlative increase in chlorophyll a and b in soils contaminated with Zn, Cu and Fe in all the cultivated vegetables: T&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;. oleifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Amaranthus &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanum &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;sp, respectively. There are significant increase in total cholorphyl a (0.9mg/g) and b (0.8mg/g) contents from the results when compared with the control experiment as other soil contaminated with heavy metals such as: Pb, and As repressed the selected vegetables cultivated in the soil samples. However total chlorophyll a was seems lightly higher than cholophyl b in all the selected vegetable cultivated in soil. Analysis on the impact of heavy metals on the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables analysed for thirty-one days showed regressive increase in the shootlength of the cultivated vegetables as the period of harvest increases from 0-31 when compared with the control experiment. However Cd and As had the most estimated impact on the vegetables in all the cultivated soils and its impact progresses as the period of harvest increases. Dry matter weight contents of the cultivated vegetables cultivated in the polluted soils were analysed; also the same index was assessed in the vegetables from the unpolluted soils. There was a significant increase in the dry matter contents of the cultivated vegetables in soil polluted with Cu, Fe and Zn respectively. However, dry matter contents were seen progressively low in vegetables cultivated in soils polluted with Cd, As and Pb. When compared with the control experiment. The results from the present study have shown the vulnerability of agricultural soil and cultivated vegetables to effluent from industrial bias sources used for irrigation and its impact on agricultural productivity.

Pre- and postpartum metabolizable protein supply: I. Effects on feed intake, lactation performance, and metabolic markers in transition dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing MP supply in the prepartum, postpartum, or both diets on intake, performance, and metabolic indicators. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 96) were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups at 28 d before expected calving following a randomized block design. Prepartum diets were formulated to contain either a control (C; 85 g of MP/kg DM) or high (H; 113 g of MP/kg DM) level of estimated MP. From calving to 21 DIM, diets were formulated to contain either a control (C; 104 g of MP/kg DM) or high (H; 131 g of MP/kg DM) level of estimated MP. To control the potential confounding effect of Met and Lys supply, diets were formulated to supply an equal amount at 1.24 and 3.84 g/Mcal of ME in both prepartum diets and 1.15 and 3.16 g/Mcal of ME in both postpartum diets, respectively. The combination of a pre- and postpartum diet resulted in 4 treatment groups: 1) CC (n = 23), 2) CH (n = 24), 3) HC (n = 22), and 4) HH (n = 23). A common lactation diet (113 g of MP/kg DM) was fed from 22 DIM to the end of the observation period at 42 DIM. Milk yield and DMI were collected daily, and plasma metabolic indicators (BHB, fatty acids [NEFA], urea nitrogen [PUN], and glucose) were determined twice weekly from -28 to 28 d relative to calving and once weekly from 29 to 42 DIM. Samples with BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L between 3 and 10 DIM were considered hyperketonemia events. Milk composition was determined weekly. Milk yield during 1 to 21 DIM was greater in HH (44.7 ± 1.0 kg/d) compared with CC (39.2 ± 1.0 kg/d) and HC (38.0 ± 1.0 kg/d) and milk yield in CH (42.4 ± 0.9 kg/d) was greater than HC, respectively. From 22 to 42 DIM, milk yield was greater in CH (53.3 ± 1.0 kg/d) and HH (54.1 ± 1.0 kg/d) compared with CC (49.6 ± 1.0 kg/d) and HC (49.3 ± 1.0 kg/d). Dry matter intake (% of BW) and concentrations of milk protein, fat, and total solids were not affected by treatment. Prepartum concentrations of PUN were greater in H compared with C. From 1 to 21 DIM, PUN concentrations were greater in CH and HH compared with CC and HC. From 1 to 21 DIM, glucose concentrations were lower in HH compared with HC and BHB were greater in CH and HH compared with HC. Concentrations of NEFA, as well as the number of hyperketonemia events did not differ by treatment during this time. From 22 to 42 DIM, concentrations of NEFA were greater in HH compared with HC and concentrations of BHB were greater in CH and HH compared with HC. Overall, feeding CH or HH increased lactation performance without altering intake or hyperketonemia events. Results from this study support formulating a fresh diet to reduce the negative MP balance during early lactation.

Grass leaf structural and stomatal trait responses to climate gradients assessed over the 20th century and across the Great Plains, USA.

Abstract. Using herbarium specimens spanning 133 years and field-collected measurements, we assessed intraspecific trait (leaf structural and stomatal) variability from grass species in the Great Plains of North America. We focused on two widespread, closely related grasses from the tribe Paniceae: Dichanthelium oligosanthes subsp. scribnerianum (C3) and Panicum virgatum (C4). Thirty-one specimens per taxon were sampled from local herbaria from the years 1887 to 2013 to assess trait responses across time to changes in atmospheric [CO2] and growing season precipitation and temperature. In 2021 and 2022, the species were measured from eight grasslands sites to explore how traits vary spatially across natural continental precipitation and temperature gradients. Δ13C increased with atmospheric [CO2] for D. oligosanthes but decreased for P. virgatum, likely linked to increases in precipitation in the study region over the past century. Notably, this is the first record of decreasing Δ13C over time for a C4 species illustrating 13C linkages to climate. As atmospheric [CO2] increased, C:N increased and δ15N decreased for both species and %N decreased for D. oligosanthes. Across a large precipitation gradient, D. oligosanthes leaf traits were more responsive to changes in precipitation than those of P. virgatum. In contrast, only two traits of P. virgatum responded to increases in temperature across a gradient: specific leaf area (increase) and leaf dry matter content (decrease). The only shared significant trend between species was increased C:N with precipitation. Our work demonstrates that these closely related grass species with different photosynthetic pathways exhibited various trait responses across temporal and spatial scales, illustrating the key role of scale of inquiry for forecasting leaf trait responses to future environmental change.

Hydraulic, morphological, and anatomical changes over the development of cotton bolls and pedicels leading to boll opening under well-watered and water deficit conditions

The growth, development, and opening of cotton bolls largely determine the yield and quality of cotton plants. However, the hydraulic, morphological and anatomical changes of cotton bolls over this course are unclear. This study investigated the hydraulic properties, xylem structure and function of the cotton boll and the pedicel, and the boll transpiration over the developmental course of bolls under well-watered and water deficit conditions based on hydraulic measurements, dye tracing, boll water uptake, and microscopy. Results revealed that xylem structure and function of the boll and the pedicel were well maintained and bolls had a high transpiration rate during boll dehydration period under both conditions. Water deficit significantly reduced boll number, had no significant effect on the final dry matter content of bolls, and had limited effects on boll transpiration and hydraulic properties of the boll and the pedicel. This study indicates that vascular transport between the parent plant and the boll and boll transpiration were well coupled to ensure dry matter accumulation in the boll and promote boll dehydration.

Precipitation and diameter affect wood decomposition both directly and indirectly via deadwood traits and position

Woody plants are important components of dryland ecosystems. Our understanding of wood decomposition in drylands, an important component of biogeochemical cycling, is poor compared to that in mesic ecosystems. To uncovering the complex interactive effects of the different key drivers, we studied the effects of precipitation, position (aboveground and belowground), wood size and litter quality of plant species (four to five local species and one widespread woody species) on woody litter decomposition rates along a precipitation gradient from 37 to 369 mm, spanning five dryland sites. Wood dry matter content (DMC) was a critical negative predictor of wood decomposition in water-limited ecosystems. Thicker woody litter had lower decomposition rates (k values) directly because of smaller relative surface exposure, and indirectly through higher wood DMC or lower bark mass ratio (bark mass divided by wood mass for a given branch length). Mean annual precipitation (MAP) increased the k values both directly, and indirectly by decreasing the wood DMC and increasing the bark mass ratio due to species turnover. The k values of buried woody litter were mostly two to three times higher than litter on the soil surface, but not different at the extremely arid site. A steeper slope of the relationship between overall woody litter quality (particularly wood DMC) or annual precipitation and k values was observed belowground than aboveground, as related to the higher moisture belowground than aboveground. These findings highlight the complex interactions among climate (precipitation), litter position, size and quality on wood decomposition in drylands, thereby helping to improve our mechanistic understanding of dryland woody litter decomposition. We conclude that wood decomposition at the regional and local scales will influence biogeochemical cycling in drylands under future climate change through both direct effects of moisture and indirect effects of litter quality characteristics.

Comment on ‘An examination of the ability of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to mitigate nitrogen leaching from pasture systems’

ABSTRACT In their review: An examination of the ability of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to mitigate nitrogen leaching from pasture systems, Eady et al. (2024) dispute both the historic estimates of typical urine patch nitrogen (N) load and leaching and the evidence for the N leaching reduction mechanisms of plantain; and question the recommended levels of plantain required to achieve N leaching reduction. We reject the suggestion that the urine patch has little influence on N leaching, and that average annual N leaching from dairy farms is 6 kg N/ha. We agree that the low dry matter content of plantain is the dominant and best documented effect of plantain on urine N dilution. We reject that there is no evidence for the effect of plantain on nitrogen partitioning to urine, and on potential nitrification rate in the urine patch. We point to empirical evidence of statistically significant reductions in nitrate leaching from plantain at paddock scale, at levels as low as 21% plantain of dry matter eaten. Current research will improve understanding of the mechanisms and magnitude of the effect of plantain on N loss, paving the way for recognition of other forage-based N loss reduction options, and ongoing development of mechanistic models that are adaptable to other forages.

Comparative study of mash vs pellet feed on growth performance and feed utilization by goat

This study was conducted in Bharatpur-11, Chitwan, Nepal, to evaluate the effects of two feed forms (mash and pellet) on the growth performance and feed utilization in goats. Twenty Boer cross female goats, averaging five months in age, were assigned to either mash or pellet feed treatments, with 10 goats in each group, for a 90-day period, with two weeks of adaptation. The experimental animals were given concentrate feed at 1% of their body weight daily, along with ad libitum access to Napier grass and clean drinking water. Both feed types had a dry matter content of 90% and a crude protein level of 17%. Key parameters assessed included feed and forage intake, body weight changes, and feed wastage. Goats on pelleted feed showed a significantly higher average daily weight gain of 62.00 g/day compared to 26.11 g/day for those on mash feed. Final body weights were also greater in the pellet-fed group (28.88 kg) compared to the mash-fed group (25.04 kg). Additionally, pelleted feed led to higher intake of concentrate and forages and significantly reduced feed wastage, with pellet feed waste being 1.22 g/day versus 27.65 g/day for mash feed. These findings indicate that pelleted feed enhances growth performance, feed intake, and feed efficiency in goats. Therefore, this study indicated that pelleted feed is a more effective option for enhancing goat productivity and reducing feed wastage.

The effect of industrial and urban dust pollution on the ecophysiology and leaf element concentration of Tilia cordata Mill.

The influences of airborne trace elements in urban dust on element concentrations and functional traits of Tilia cordata were examined. For the present study, the unwashed and washed leaves of T. cordata were collected to assess the concentration of metals in Katowice City, Poland, from sites of different traffic intensity and industry activity. The content of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, C, and N was measured. Additionally, a number of functional traits such as photosynthetic pigment content, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and diseased areas of the leaves were determined to assess the impact of the polluters on the physiology of the trees and their resources acquisition strategy. We hypothesized that the photosynthetic pigments of T. cordata will decrease with the traffic and industry intensity, and the traits related to the resources acquisition and stress resistance will shift into a more conservative strategy.The Principal Component Analysis and the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method helped to identify that the Fe, Zn, Al, and Cr were related mainly to traffic intensification and Pb to industrial activities. The results indicate that Katowice is considerably polluted by Zn (up to 189.6 and 260.2mgkg-1 in washed and unwashed leaves, respectively), Pb (up to 51.7 and 133.6mgkg-1), and Cd (up to 2.27 and 2.43mgkg-1) compared to other cities worldwide. Also, a reduction of approximately 27% in the photosynthetic pigments was observed at the high-traffic and industrial sites. The trees from the mainly affected areas with heavy traffic and industry tend to apply a conservative resources strategy with a decrement in SLA and an increment in LDMC. In contrast, the opposite trend was observed at the less affected sites (high SLA, low LDMC). The study showed that unfavourable urban conditions can trigger a plastic response on multiple levels. Knowledge of the possible paths of adaptation to urban conditions of different plant species is nowadays crucial to appropriate urban greenery planning.

Influence of Heat Treatment and Lactic Acid Fermentation on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Pumpkin Juice.

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious plant, rich in valuable nutrients that benefit human health. Due to the high perishability of this fruit, the production of pumpkin juice is a practical way to use it effectively. Recently, fermented vegetable juices have been used as a dairy alternative due to their nutritional and potential probiotic properties. This study investigated the fermentation of pumpkin juice using different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with and without heat treatment. The effects of fermentation on microbial growth, pH, acidity, extract, sugars, carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The heat-treatment process did not greatly impact the dry matter content, pH, acidity, extract, or sugar content. However, it led to a reduction in carotenoid and polyphenol levels. During fermentation, there was a consistent decrease in pH and an increase in total acidity, with no noticeable differences between bacterial strains regarding their influence on these parameters. The study revealed that there were no distinctions between LAB strains in their effects on pH, acidity, and carotenoid content in fermented pumpkin juice. Nonetheless, both L. sakei and L. plantarum proved to be effective in the fermentation process, with L. sakei demonstrating greater adaptability. The expected pH, acidity, and sugar content changes were consistently observed throughout the fermentation process. Overall, results confirm the efficacy of the used Lactobacillus strains in fermenting pumpkin juice and highlight the potential impact of heat treatment on the nutritional composition of the juice. The purpose of thermal processing of pumpkin juice, which is conducted with lactic acid fermentation, is crucial for the food industry. It extends the product's shelf life, improves its nutritional and taste profiles, and guarantees its microbiological safety.

Comparative Analysis of Water Stress Regimes in Avocado Plants during the Early Development Stage.

The avocado cv. Hass requires a suitable rootstock for optimal development under water stress. This study evaluated the performance of two avocado rootstocks (ANRR88 and ANGI52) grafted onto cv. Hass under four water stress conditions, 50% and 25% deficit, and 50% and 25% excess during the nursery stage. Plant height, leaf area (LA), dry matter (DM), and Carbon (OC) content in the roots, stems, and leaves were measured. Root traits were evaluated using digital imaging, and three vegetation indices (NDVI, CIRE, and MTCI) were used to quantify stress. The results showed that genotype significantly influenced the response to water stress. ANRR88 exhibited adaptation to moderate to high water deficits. ANGI52 adapted better to both water deficit and excess, and showed greater root exploration. LA and DM reductions of up to 60% were observed in ANRR88, suggesting a higher sensitivity to extreme changes in water availability. More than 90% of the total OC accumulation was observed in the stem and roots. The NDVI and the MTCI quantified the presence and levels of stress applied, and the 720 nm band provided high precision and speed for detecting stress. These insights are crucial for selecting rootstocks that ensure optimal performance under varying water availability, enhancing productivity and sustainability.