Land Research Articles

Conservation Agriculture and Crop Residue Management

India being a populous country the intensification of the cropping system is mandatory. However, this intensification of the cropping system results in the degradation of soil and other natural resources. Considering this situation, conservation agriculture is the most suitable alternative to achieving sustainable yield and productivity. Conservation agriculture is based on three major principles those are minimum disturbance of soil, crop rotation, and maintenance of crop residue. Crop residue management plays a major role in conservation agriculture as it helps in improving soil productivity, soil organic matter content, soil structure, soil water conservation, air quality, and reduction in soil erosion. India produces 273 Mt of crop residues annually which contain a total of 7.16 Mt of nutrients (N-1.28, P2O5-1.97, K2O-3.91). In modern agriculture, green manure crops like Sesbania and sunhemp increase the quantity and quality of the crop residues in the crop field. Among various residue management practices mulching has been practiced prominently in dry lands as it increases the resource use efficiency. The residue decomposition is affected by various factors like quality of crop residue, edaphic, management, and climatic factors. In modern scientific research crop residues are being used especially for site-specific nutrient management. It is observed in most studies that zero tillage or reduced tillage with crop residue gives comparatively higher net returns, water use efficiency, and resource use efficiency than conventional agriculture. In Indian context. The management of rice residue particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India is challenging, where the rice-wheat cropping system is intensively followed and the farmers are more anxious about timely seeding of wheat in combine harvested paddy fields (Sidhu et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2020).

Significant negative impact of human activities on carbon storage in the Yellow River Delta over the past three decades

With the increasing intensification of human activities, significant changes in land use and land cover (LULC) have posed a severe threat to the carbon storage capacity of wetland ecosystems. A deep understanding of this impact is crucial for protecting regional ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. This study utilized the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model and the human activity intensity (HAI) index to conduct detailed grid analysis and global analysis of carbon storage through creating fishnet system and explored the complex relationship between carbon storage and HAI in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. The results indicated that over the past 30 years, natural wetlands such as meadow wetlands and salt marshes in the study area had undergone significant degradation due to escalating human activities, while artificial wetlands and non-wetland areas expanded. Concurrently, the total regional carbon storage had declined by 2.08 Tg, representing a significant drop of 8.22 % in the YRD from 1990 to 2020. Among them, dry land, as the primary land type, served as the most crucial carbon pool. Additionally, the human activity intensity of land surface (HAILS) increased significantly, with a growth rate of 37.27 %. HAI mapping revealed a continuous expansion of areas with high HAI. In contrast, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve (YRDNNR) maintained relatively low HAI. Correlation analysis further showed the significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) between carbon storage and HAI, with r values of grid analysis ranging from −0.1395 to −0.0344, while that for global analysis was −0.9643, respectively. This reflected the spatial heterogeneity and agglomeration effects of data analysis across different scales. This study provides valuable insights for achieving the “dual carbon” goals and supporting the conservation and management of wetland ecosystems.

Effect of different packaging methods and storage conditions on postharvest quality and shelf-life of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.) var. PKM2

Manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.), is a dry land fruit crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family commonly known Camacchile or Jungle jilebi. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) has the potential to become productive under harsh climatic and edaphic conditions of dry land areas but its pods have a shorter shelf life. The most important objective was to use proper packaging methods to reduce moisture loss, slow down physiological and biochemical changes and prevent spoilage. The study evaluated 8 packaging methods, including different combinations of CFB (Corrugated Fiberboard) lined with 100-gauge polythene film with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, CFB with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, vacuum packing and a control, under cold storage (13-15 °C) and ambient conditions (26 ± 2 °C). On the 15th day of cold storage conditions, vacuum packing showed minimum physiological loss of weight (19.82 %), titratable acidity (0.68 %), ascorbic acid (77.20) and total sugar (8.36 %). Maximum total soluble solids (15.32 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (22.72 mg 100 g-1 m), shelf life (15 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. On the 12th day of ambient storage condition, vacuum packing recorded minimum physiological loss of weight (16.42 %), titratable acidity (0.42 %), ascorbic acid (76.13) and total sugar (8.53 %). Maximum total soluble solids (14.93 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (21.83 mg 100 g-1 m) and shelf life (11.5 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. In this study, the overall results indicated that both vacuum packaging and CFB with 10 % vent at cold storage had synergistic effect in manila tamarind fruit pods, not only in extending the shelf life but also maintained the physiological and biochemical attributes of manila tamarind.

Differentiated growth of the most widely planted conifer in response to extreme droughts across semi-arid regions in Northern China

Global warming is leading to more frequent and intense drought events, exerting unprecedented pressure on forest growth. Although post-drought recovery in plantation growth has been studied enormously, the variation of planted populations across the whole distribution range of a species is not well understood. In this study, the growth suitability of the most widely planted conifer species in dry lands of northern China, Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica), was estimated, based on tree-ring data sampled in 289 plots of afforestation across most of its planting range. According to changes in the hydrothermal condition during the last forty years (1980–2018), the distribution range was divided into three parts: warming, warming-wetting, and non-significant trends (NT) regions. Two severe droughts in 2000 and 2007 were identified using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Then, the resistance (Rt), recovery (Rc), and resilience (Rs) growth indices were calculated and compared among these three parts. The growth of planted Mongolian Scots pine has overall significantly increased from 1980 to 2018 (p < 0.001). The pine plantations in warming regions were sensitive to annual precipitation, while warming-wetting regions were more influenced by the growing season climate. Pines reverted to pre-drought growth levels within 3 years after the drought event in 2000 but failed in 2007, and populations in the warming region showed significantly lower post-drought recovery. Furthermore, high pre-drought growth levels were linked to low Rs in both drought events (p < 0.001). Post-drought precipitation enhanced the Rc of plantations, compensating for the growth reduction caused by droughts. Soil moisture during the drought events enhanced Rt and Rs. The Rt and Rs indices decreased significantly with the age of plantations (p < 0.05). Overall, our results revealed that pre-drought growth and post-drought precipitation were key factors influencing the resilience of planted Mongolian Scots pine. Besides, the plantations experiencing wetting trends revealed favorable drought resilience and stable radial growth, which indicated promising potential for planted Mongolian Scots pine in those areas. Controlling the age of plantations seems to be crucial for maintaining drought resilience in large-scale plantations and maximizing ecological benefits.

Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates for Fertigated Edamame Grown on Low-K Soils

Edamame, a legume consumed fresh as a vegetable, is highly nutritious, particularly protein-rich, and holds significant economic value. However, its cultivation faces challenges, especially on dry land, due to water scarcity and limited nutrient availability, particularly potassium (K). This study, which investigated the impact of potassium fertilization rate on edamame cultivation, underscores the need for further research. The study utilized a single factor, potassium fertilization rate, arranged in a completely randomized block design. Potassium rates consist of 0% X, 50% X, 100% X, 150% X, and 200% X, where X represents the recommended potassium fertilization rate according to the dry soil test device (DSTD) guidelines. Each treatment was replicated five times. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level, and any significant effects were further examined using orthogonal polynomial and regression analysis. The results indicated that potassium fertilizer rates did not significantly affect edamame height, pod weight per plot, and marketable yield. However, the study identified the optimal potassium fertilizer rate, which was between 83%X and 119%X, equivalent to 83–119 kg.ha⁻¹ of KCl (50–72 kg.ha⁻¹ of K₂O). This range positively increased total branch yield, productive branches, number of flowers, pod weight per plant, number of pods per plant, and plant dry weight, producing a quadratic response pattern. The study recommends further research to optimize potassium fertilizer doses based on DSTD recommendations, particularly at a low K nutrient status, to maximize marketable yields through fertigation.

Optimizing Cereal Crop Performance with Nutrient Priming

The fundamental building blocks for the success of stand establishment for any crop plant are better germination and robust seedlings. Pre-treatment of the seeds is one of the best methods that may possibly improve germination and maintain the uniformity and stability of the seedlings. Primed seeds usually exhibit synchronized and early germination and sometimes greater total germination percentage over a range of environmental conditions. This enhancement has been linked to osmotic correction, metabolic repair during imbibition, and the accumulation of chemicals that promote germination. Nutri-priming is a good alternative to meet plant nutritional requirements. Seed priming with macro or micronutrient (nutripriming) application has been recently done on various agronomic crops including rice, maize and wheat; lead to better germination and establishment. It aims to combine the positive effects of hydro priming with the nutritional aspect of fertilizers. Crop seeds can be primed with either micro or macronutrients, which improves the nutrient content and increases the germination, sprouting, and water uptake efficiency. Primed seeds performed better under diverse environments especially under sub optimal conditions at sowing and resulted in higher yield compared to unprimed seeds. Priming requires specific temperature and time, if it is not followed then the seed can be deteriorated due to embryo protrusion. Due to readily available food during germination, primed seed are better able to complete the process of germination in a short time and cope with environmental stresses including low temperatures. In fact, it may be regarded as a useful method for enhancing crop establishment in regions with unfavourable agro-climatic conditions (rainfed, dry farming, and dry land farming) with increased yield, tolerance to stressful situations, resistance to diseases, crop competitiveness against weeds, and water use efficiency.

Effects of land use change on runoff depth in the Songnen Plain, China.

Climate change and human activities both have a considerable impact on runoff depth, which are important parts of a changing ecosystem. Nevertheless, the main focus of hydrological response research has been on investigating the impact of climate change on the depth of runoff. In contrast, there has been limited emphasis on comprehending the precise mechanisms through which changes in land use, in relation to human activities, influence runoff depth. This paper employs the MIKE SHE/MIKE 11 model to simulate surface runoff in the study area from 1980 to 2020, assesses the effects of climate change and land use change on runoff depth using the runoff reduction method, and quantifies the influence of land use change on runoff depth through a spatio-temporal geographically weighted regression model. This study indicates that during the past 40 years, the average runoff depth in the Songnen Plain was 36.26mm, exhibiting a tendency of 'increasing-decreasing-increasing'. The impact of climate change on surface runoff depth is more substantial than that of land use change. During the impact period 1, the runoff depth diminished by 19.07mm, with climate change contributing to a decrease of 15.89mm (83.31% contribution). In the impact period 2, the runoff depth increased by 7.49mm relative to the baseline period, with climate change leading to an increase of 12.73mm (70.84% contribution). Changes in various land types within the watershed can be used to observe the influence of human activities on runoff depth. More precisely, a 10% rise in the rate of change of construction land, dry land, and unoccupied land results in an increase in runoff depth of 6.21mm, 2.45mm, and 1.14mm, respectively. Conversely, a 10% rise in the rate of alteration of marsh, paddy, and forest land leads to a reduction in the depth of runoff by 9.49mm, 6.46mm, and 3.07mm, respectively. This research can contribute to improving the efficiency of water and land resource utilization and optimizing land resource governance.

Effects of aquatic and dry land physiotherapy on the functional capacity in individuals with and without parkinson's disease: a protocol study followed by a randomized clinical trial

Background Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), particularly those with the rigid-akinetic with postural instability (RA) subtype, often experience motor symptoms that impair functionality and postural control. Physiotherapy interventions, including both dry land and aquatic therapies, can help manage PD treatment. This study aimed to develop and assess the effects of two exercise protocols emphasizing the extensor musculature of the vertebral column (dry land and shallow water) on functional capacity in individuals with and without RA-type PD. Methods The study utilized a protocol study followed by a randomized clinical trial, with the registry number NCT04863118, involving ten RA-type PD (intervention group) and ten individuals without PD (reference group). Participants underwent exercise protocols of varying intensity levels, and their pre and post-intervention functional capacity were evaluated using standardized tests. The applicability and safety of these protocols were assessed through a self-perception questionnaire. Results Significant improvements were observed in functional capacity parameters following both dry land and aquatic physiotherapy interventions among PD individuals, including increased repetitions in the Sit-to-Stand test and reduced completion time in the Timed Up and Go test. Similar positive outcomes were observed in individuals without PD, indicating the efficacy of these interventions irrespective of PD status. Conclusion A single session of physiotherapy, whether on dry land or in shallow water, focusing on the extensor musculature of the vertebral column, enhances functional capacity in PD and non-PD individuals alike. Furthermore, the protocols demonstrated safety, comfort, and acceptability, promoting treatment adherence and future recommendations. These findings support the implementation of these protocols in clinical practice, aiding therapists in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes while ensuring individual safety. Registration Name of registry: Acute Effects of Strength Training and High Intensity Training on Functional and Biochemical Measurements of Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease in Different Environments and Depths Registry number: NCT04863118 Registration date:, 09/02/2024 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04863118.

Effects of Botanicals and Synthetic of Insecticides on Field Emergence and Crop Establishment in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilzeck

Mungbean, is a drought-resistant, green manure crop and suitable for dry land as a major pulse crop in India. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, which improve soil properties, provide nutritious fodder and prevent soil erosion. However, pests like bruchids can destroy 60% of production, necessitating the use of eco-friendly seed protectants. Laboratory studies were conducted at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agricultural and Technology, Ayodhya, using mungbean seed cv. IPM-2-3. Seeds were mixed with seed protectants and stored in gunny bags. Field emergence and crop establishment were tested and data were analyzed using a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Seed protectants and insecticides are effective in maintaining field emergence and crop establishment in mungbean. Emamectin benzoate, Sivanto prime and Gorakhmundi powder are the best treatments, with maximum field emergence and minimum establishment influenced by environmental factors. These findings are supported by various studies. Emamectin benzoate and Neemoz gold were found to be effective insecticides for field emergence and crop establishment in mungbean, with the latter recommended for storability and field establishment.

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil and Crops Selenium Content in Eastern Sanjiang Plain

Too identify seleniut（Se） content characteristics and influencing factors in soil and crops of Shengli Farm in eastern Sanjiang Plain, statistical analysis and correlation analysis were comprehensively used to analyze the test results of 83 groups of surface soil samples and 34 groups of crop seed samples. The results showed that the Se content in the study area ranged from 0.12 to 0.95 mg·kg-1, with an average value of 0.37 mg·kg-1, and the enrichment degree was stronger with an enrichment coefficient of 3.18. Oxidizable Se was the main Se fraction, accounting for 81%, 79%, 79%, and 80% of T-Se in marsh soil, white soil, dry land, and paddy field, respectively. The content of reducible Se was the lowest, accounting for less than 5%. The effects of soil physicochemical indexes on Se content differences mainly showed that Se was negatively correlated with pH and total potassium （TK） and significantly positively correlated with cation exchange capacity （CEC）, soil organic matter （SOM）, humus （HS）, total nitrogen （TN）, and total phosphorus （TP）. The average content of Se in different land use types was as follows： dryland &gt; irrigated land &gt; grassland &gt; forest land, as the dryland soil with low pH and high SOM was more likely to enrich Se. Among different soil types, the average Se content in gleysols was the highest at 0.45 mg·kg-1, which was higher than the average value in the study area. The average content of Se in the quaternary alluvial layer was the highest at 0.43 mg·kg-1, and its parent material mainly consisted of lacustrine sediments rich in organic matter, which was one of the important factors in forming Se rich soil. The Se content in crops and root soil showed a negative correlation. Se in low pH or high SOM soil was not easily absorbed by crops, and its Se content was also controlled by the form of soil Se, which was positively correlated with available Se content and negatively correlated with oxidizable Se content. Therefore, it is suggested to reduce the amount of artificial fertilizer used in cultivated land as a means of increasing Se bioavailability to change the current situation of crop Se levels in this area.

Optimizing an Ultisol of marginal land for soybean cultivation through inorganic fertilizer substitution with Tithonia compost and biochar ameliorant

Soybean has a strategic role as a food commodity in Jambi, Indonesia, but until now, it has still not been self-sufficient. There is still an opportunity to increase soybean productivity in Jambi by 35-49.6% by optimizing the use of marginal, dominated by Ultisol, which has low inherent soil fertility. One of the efforts that can be made to improve soil fertility for cultivating soybean plants in Jambi is to utilize compost and biochar as soil ameliorants to substitute for inorganic fertilizer. This study aimed to assess the effect of compost and biochar ameliorant as substitutes for inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of soybean plants grown on an Ultisol of Jambi. The experiment was arranged in a simple randomized block design with the combination of the percentage of inorganic fertilizer with compost and biochar ameliorant (100+0, 75+25, 50+50, 25+75, and 0+100) as the treatment factors. The observed variables were plant height, number of branches, plant nitrogen content, rate of symbiotically fixed nitrogen, weight of 100 seeds, and yield. The results showed that providing compost and biochar ameliorants can replace the role of inorganic fertilizer, and providing 100% compost and biochar ameliorant and a combination of 25% inorganic fertilizer and 75% compost biochar ameliorant can provide the highest growth and yield in soybean plants planted in Ultisol dry land.

Research Progress of Desertification Control in China

Desertification is a change in soil properties, vegetation, or climate that leads to the ongoing loss of ecosystem services essential for sustaining life. Desertification affects large areas of dry land around the world and is a major cause of stress in human societies. Desertification is a serious ecological problem in China. Desertification has seriously affected vegetation growth, food security, and human economy, and has caused certain adverse effects on the natural environment and social environment. Based on the causes of desertification and the present situation of desertification, this paper analyzes various measures to prevent and control desertification and puts forward some useful ideas on desertification in China, which will provide a reference for the research of desertification control in China.

The Effect Addition of Soil Amandments and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) on the Growth and Yield of Cotton Plants Intercropped with Corn Plants in Dry Land of North Lombok Regency of Indonesia

This research investigates the effect of soil amendments in the form of cow, form goat manures and PGPR biofertilizer on cotton plants intercropped with corn in the dry lands of North Lombok Regency. The research aims is to determine the growth and yield response of cotton plants due to the application of soil amendments and PGPR in an intercropped system with corn in dryland areas. The research was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 in Andalan Village, Bayan District, North Lombok Regency. The method used is an experimental method with field trials. The design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD), incorporating two factors: soil amendment treatment (P) as the main plot and PGPR (K) concentration treatments as the subplot. Soil amendments consisted of three levels: P0 (no cow manure and no goat manure), P1 (20 tons/ha cow manure), P2 (20 tons/ha goat manure). PGPR concentration consisted of four levels: K0 (without PGPR), K1 (20 ml/liter PGPR application), K2 (30 ml/liter PGPR application), and K3 (40 ml/liter PGPR application). The research results indicated that the application of 20 tons/ha of goat manure (P2) produced the highest average across all observed parameters (plant height, number of leaves, branch number, stem diameter, and plant yield). Similarly, the application of 40 ml/liter PGPR produced the highest average for these observed parameters. Based on the results of the land equivalent ratio (LER) analysis, this integration system shows highly suitable and relevant to be applied in the dry lands of North Lombok.

A Study of the Cereal Benches Based System for Protection of Soil in Algerian Oued Mellegue Tebessa Dry Lands

The study was intended to mitigate the destructive after-effects of erosion, where runoff water erodes the arable layers through the increased transport of soil particles. The study was conducted in Ain Zerga across 40 plots, covering an area of 405 hectares, during 2023 and 2024, with a focus on the dimensional evaluation of cereal beds. The evaluation mainly focused (a) on the durability of the structure, including the measurement of settlement, which indicates distribution and strength of resistance to climatic hazards, and (b) proportional sustainability and the interbank aspects. The height of benches, at 0.481± 0.086 m, and the length of 82.583 ± 24.203 m were influenced by height differences and the intensity of water flows. The retention of runoff water was influenced by the slope toward the natural spillway. Furthermore, the destructive intensity of the runoff, amplified by the sharp increase in altitude, was confirmed by statistically significant differences in the length, height, and number of cracks between the study sites (p-value = 0.000). The number of cracks per breach at the Gastel site (4.25 units) and Kef Mebdoua (3.917 units) was higher compared to Ain Zerga, Berket Frass, Ouled Mebarek, and Zlassde, where the number ranged from 0.750 to 1.583 units. The statistical significance in the number of cracks (p&lt;0.001) signified that variation in cracks between the locations was due to the topographic steep slopes on site. The non-significant difference in width suggests that the observed differences could be due to the phenomenon of compaction following the annual infiltration of water on the ridges of cereal bench, plus the act of trampling constantly exercised by sheep and cattle herds when passing to the paths. This work proposed in this article is an attempt to structure a chain of impact analysis of risks and vulnerability of intensity via the sustainability of cereal bench carried out in the Tebessa region.

Delineating drought-induced antioxidative traits as potential mechanisms for climate resilience in Argania spinosa

Drought stress ranks among the most critical environmental challenges facing agriculture today, causing significant impairments to plant growth and development. In Morocco, these negative impacts are projected to intensify further under the combined pressures of climate change and the worsening water shortage crisis. The imperative need for sustainable arganiculture (cultivation of Argane trees) in dry lands necessitates the expeditious identification of drought-tolerant elite Argania spinosa trees. In this context, we investigated the drought tolerance of 2-year-old A. spinosa seedlings from two contrasting provenances Lakhssas (LKS) and Aoulouz (ALZ) under severe stress by evaluating their antioxidative defense mechanisms. A total of 24 parameters related to reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense were measured and compared between both provenances. The results showed that the drought-stressed conditions significantly increased the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes, as well as the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA), α-Tocopherols (α-toc), polyphenols, anthocyanins, and group thiols. The ability of A. spinosa trees to greatly enhance their antioxidant system to limit cellular damage caused by ROS production might be an important attribute linked to drought tolerance. Regarding the inter-provenance variation under drought stress conditions, LKS provenance exhibited superior antioxidative capacity through enhanced AsA-GSH cycle activity and elevated levels of AsA-GSH, α-toc, and polyphenols. However, ALZ demonstrated elevated anthocyanin levels and reduced peroxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide and malonyldialdehyde). Significant and positive correlations were recorded between studied ROS and antioxidants. Investigating the multifaceted antioxidative defense system underpinning drought tolerance in A. spinosa can facilitate the identification of drought-tolerant argane trees for the development of a future breeding program allowing sustainable arganiculture in dry lands.

Phenotypic Diversity and Seed Germination of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. in Relation to the Geographical Environment in Gansu Province, China

Elaeagnus angustifolia L. is a highly adaptable urban ornamental plant, playing a key role in dry land and saline-alkali protective forests. The diverse geographical and climatic conditions in Gansu Province have resulted in variations in its distribution and growth. This study assesses the phenotypic diversity of fruits and seeds, and the seed germination characteristics of 82 E. angustifolia plants from nine populations in Gansu Province, exploring their relationship with geographical and climatic factors. We measured 12 phenotypic traits and five germination indices. This study included germination tests under standard conditions, statistical analysis of phenotypic differences, and Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses to examine relationships between traits and geo-climatic factors. Principal component and cluster analyses were also performed to identify key traits and classify populations. The findings were as follows: (1) Significant differences were observed in phenotypic traits and germination characteristics among populations. Single fruit weight showed the highest variation (27.56%), while seed transverse diameter had the lowest (8.76%). The Lanzhou population exhibited the greatest variability (14.27%), while Linze had the lowest (6.29%). (2) A gradient change pattern in traits was observed, primarily influenced by longitude and a combination of geographical and climatic factors. Seed germination was positively correlated with altitude, annual precipitation, and relative humidity, but negatively affected by latitude and traits such as fruit weight. (3) Principal component analysis identified germination rate, germination index, seed shape index, and fruit shape index as primary factors, contributing 27.4%, 20.6%, and 19.9% to the variation, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the 82 plants into four clusters, not strictly based on geographical distance, suggesting influence from factors such as genotype or environmental conditions. In conclusion, this study lays a foundation for understanding the genetic mechanisms behind the phenotypic diversity and germination characteristics of E. angustifolia. It offers insights into how geo-climatic factors influence these traits, providing valuable information for the species’ conservation, cultivation, and management.

Organic carbon and nitrogen mineralization under saline conditions of dry hot arid lands: an incubation experiment

Organic carbon and nitrogen mineralization under saline conditions of dry hot arid lands: an incubation experiment

СТРУКТУРЫ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ПАХОТНЫХ ЗЕМЕЛЬ В ЛЕСОСТЕПНОЙ ЗОНЕ БАШКИРСКОГО ЗАУРАЛЬЯ СО ВТОРОЙ ПОЛОВИНЫ 20 ВЕКА

We analyzed modern use of arable lands of 1985 in forest-steppe zone of Post-Ural of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Climate is temperate continental. An average annual temperature is 1.6℃ and an average annual precipitation of 427.9 mm. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 17.5 and the coldest month is January with an average temperature of -14.8℃. Modern agricultural lands usually are used as a hay (43%). Use can be caused with local cattle breeding as traditional horse breeding. Overgrowth captures by 25% of Pinus silvestris. Scot’s pine is growing better on dry lands because it captures more area of overgrowth.

Water Management Interventions, Organic Fertilization, and Harvest Time in Dry Land in the Biosaline Production of Cactus Pear.

Brackish water can promote physicochemical changes in the soil. Aiming to mitigate the effect of excess salts in the soil, the use of organic matter promotes restructuring. The aim was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear under different brackish water depths (ID) and levels of organic matter (OM). A factorial arrangement of 4 × 4 × 4 with four replications was utilized. Plots consisted of ID (0, 12, 20, and 28% reference evapotranspiration-ETo), and subplots were composed of OM levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 t/ha) and days after planting (DAP; 180, 270, 360, and 450 days). The growth, yield, and chemical composition of cactus pear were affected by ID and OM and/or by their interaction. The regular and increasing application of ID from 192 to 456 mm/year and a rainfall of 110 mm/year in cactus pear crops in biosaline systems improves the growth, freshness, dry matter yields, accumulation capacity per unit area, and chemical composition of cactus pear. The increase in OM up to the range from 30 to 45 Mg/ha linearly increases the agronomic performance of cactus pear. Biosaline systems with cactus pear should be adopted with the combined use of regular supplementary ID and OM, measuring at 304 mm/year and 45 Mg/ha, respectively.

Spatial Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Content Utilizing PlanetScope, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1 Data

The accurate prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) is important for agriculture and land management. Methods using remote sensing data are helpful for estimating SOC in bare soils. To overcome the challenge of predicting SOC under vegetation cover, this study extracted spectral, radar, and topographic variables from multi-temporal optical satellite images (high-resolution PlanetScope and medium-resolution Sentinel-2), synthetic aperture radar satellite images (Sentinel-1), and digital elevation model, respectively, to estimate SOC content in arable soils in the Wuling Mountain region of Southwest China. These variables were modeled at four different spatial resolutions (3 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 80 m) using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm. The results showed that modeling resolution, the combination of multi-source remote sensing data, and temporal phases all influenced SOC prediction performance. The models generally yielded better results at a medium (20 m) modeling resolution than at fine (3 m) and coarse (80 m) resolutions. The combination of PlanetScope, Sentinel-2, and topography factors gave satisfactory predictions for dry land (R2 = 0.673, MAE = 0.107%, RMSE = 0.135%). The addition of Sentinel-1 indicators gave the best predictions for paddy field (R2 = 0.699, MAE = 0.114%, RMSE = 0.148%). The values of R2 of the optimal models for paddy field and dry land improved by 36.0% and 33.4%, respectively, compared to that for the entire study area. The optical images in winter played a dominant role in the prediction of SOC for both paddy field and dry land. This study offers valuable insights into effectively modeling soil properties under vegetation cover at various scales using multi-source and multi-temporal remote sensing data.