Fresh Matter Research Articles

Inoculação com bactérias promotoras de crescimento e fungos micorrízicos arbusculares reduzem a demanda de fertilizantes em alface

ABSTRACT The use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms is an alternative to reduce costs with mineral fertilizers and increase sustainability in agriculture. This study aimed to investigate the effect of co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and yield of lettuce under reduced NPK fertilization and greenhouse conditions, using five treatments (100 % of fertilization; 50 % of fertilization; 50 % of fertilization + Azospirillum brasilense inoculation; 50 % of fertilization + Rhizophagus clarus inoculation; 50 % of fertilization + co-inoculation), with eight replications. The inoculation with R. clarus increased plant height by 79.5 %, while, for A. brasilense, this increase reached 68 %, as compared to NPK fertilization. The single inoculation of both microorganisms increased the stem mass, but only A. brasilense was associated to the higher number of leaves, although it was not accompanied by an increase in the fresh and dry leaf matter. The co-inoculation increased the leaf fresh matter by 24.6 % and the number of leaves by 25.3 %.

Dynamics of Soil Fertility Indicators in Protective Forest Plantations

The purpose of the work is to analyze the dynamics of soil fertility indicators under forest belts in comparison with the inter-belt space in the agricultural landscape due to soil transformation under the influence of adaptive landscape farming systems. A comparative analysis of the variability of soil fertility indicators in forest belts and agrocenoses revealed similar trends in its direction and intensity, which indicates the uniform nature of the soil-forming process. However, some features have been identified. The humus content in the soils of forest belts is on average slightly higher than in the space between the belts. This is caused by higher (2 times) rates of humus accumulation in them in the first period after the development of landscape farming systems. It is during this period that the weedy and rhizomatous stages of restorative succession of the herbaceous flora of forest belts are confined, characterized by a powerful vegetative mass of vegetation and, consequently, an equally significant supply of fresh organic matter, rich in nutrients, into the soil.

Heterozigosidade, adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica de genótipos de sorgo sacarino

ABSTRACT Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a promising energy crop for bioethanol production. This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic structure on the adaptability and phenotypic stability of sweet sorghum lines and hybrids regarding the main agro-industrial traits, as well as selecting hybrids that associate high ethanol yield and yield stability in different growing environments. A total of 45 genotypes were evaluated in experiments conducted in a 5×9 triple alpha lattice design in three locations in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The following traits were measured: fresh matter production, juice extraction percentage, total soluble solids content, tons of Brix per hectare, and ethanol production. Adaptability and phenotypic stability were assessed by the Wricke and Annicchiarico methods. Sweet sorghum adaptability and phenotypic stability depend on genotype genetic structure, with hybrids being more stable than parental lines. Additionally, H2x9 and H3x8 were the most promising hybrids.

Fermentation profile and chemical composition of Mombasa grass silage treated with chitosan and microbial inoculant

Context The ensiling process presents losses that are associated with the fermentative profile, resulting in lower nutritional value, and lower aerobic stability of silages. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan and microbial inoculants addition in Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage (MGS) fermentation profile and losses, chemical composition, in situ degradation, and aerobic stability. Methods Forty experimental silos (PVC tubing with 28-cm inner diameter and 25-cm height) were used in a randomised block (n = 5) design to evaluate the following treatments: (1) MGS without additives (control, CON); (2) MGS treated with 5.0 × 104 colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus buchneri (NCIM 40788) per gram of fresh matter (LBB); (3) MGS treated with 1.6 × 105 CFU of L. plantarum and 1.6 × 105 CFU of Pediococcus acidilactici per gram of fresh matter (LPP); and (4) MGS treated with 6 g/kg DM of chitosan (CHI). Key results The treatments did not alter the pH, ammonia-N, butyric, and lactic acid concentrations in the silage. The use of LPP reduced the ethanol content, while CHI increased propionic and branched-chain fatty acids compared with other treatments. Fermentation losses and dry-matter recovery were not affected by treatments. Chitosan reduced the organic matter of the MGS in relation to the other treatments, without having an impact on the other variables of chemical composition. The treatments did not influence the in vitro degradation, nor the pH and temperature after aerobic exposure of the silage. Conclusions Chitosan increases ethanol compared with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation and does not affect ammonia-N of Mombasa grass silage. In addition, chitosan and microbial inoculants have limited effects on Mombasa grass silage fermentation losses, nutritional value, and aerobic stability. Implications Chitosan does not reduce fermentation losses or improve the nutritional value of grass silage.

Desempenho agronômico do amaranto no semiárido em função do arranjo espacial

ABSTRACT The potential effects of climate change on agricultural yields require a greater understanding of cropping systems that include underutilized agricultural crops with greater adaptive capacity to water and thermal stresses, such as grain amaranth (Amaranthus sp.). The aim of this work was to evaluate how the planting arrangement affects the agronomic performance of grain amaranth BRS Alegria (Amaranthus cruentus L.) grown under semi-arid conditions. One experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design with five repetitions in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (two row spacings - 30 and 40 cm; three plant spacings - 20; 30 and 40 cm); in two crop years, 2019 and 2020 in the municipality of Pentecoste, CE, Brazil. The evaluated characteristics were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh matter yield, aboveground biomass yield (dry weight), grain yield, thousand-grain weight, lipid content, and harvest and lodging indexes. The evaluated planting arrangements did not affect plant height and number of leaves, but did affect stem diameter and lodging index, as the 40 cm plant spacing resulted in greater stem diameter and lower lodging index. Narrow spacing (30 x 20 cm) resulted in a higher lodging index but also resulted in a higher fresh matter yield, aboveground biomass, grain yield, harvest index and lipid content. Thousand-grain weight was greater at 30 x 40 cm spacing. The 30 x 20 cm arrangement can be recommended for the cultivation of grain amaranth in the study area.

Características agronômicas, fisiológicas e bromatológicas do trigo forrageiro em diferentes manejos de adubação e densidades

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the wheat crop as a forage potential subjected to different fertilization and sowing densities in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The design used was randomized blocks in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme with 3 replications, with 3 fertilization managements (without fertilization, organomineral fertilization and mineral fertilization) and 4 sowing densities (200, 350, 500 and 650 seeds m2). The chosen wheat cultivar was MGS Brilhante. For agronomic characteristics, a greater plant height was observed in the fertilized treatments, with an average of 111.28 cm, regardless of the type of fertilizer. For fresh matter and dry matter production, the mineral fertilization treatment showed a 19.76% and 18.99% higher production, respectively, compared to the others. Regarding the leaf percentage variable, there was an average reduction of 25.65% in the treatment without fertilization compared to those with fertilization. Concerning the bromatological composition, there was only a difference in neutral detergent fiber, with an average increase of 6.32% with organomineral fertilization compared to the other treatments. The use of broadcast mineral fertilizer promotes superior results in terms of dry matter yield (5.55 t ha-1 compared to organomineral fertilizer (4.63 t ha-1). Increasing sowing density does not affect crop yield.

EXPLORING THE SUITABILITY OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASTES FOR BIOMETHANE AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION

The exploration of sustainable energy sources, such as biomethane, has become essential due to the increasing global population and demand for food and energy. This study aims to investigate the potential production of biomethane and electricity generation from fruit and vegetable waste. The fruit and vegetable waste used in this research was collected from student hostels at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Sahaf Restaurant, Mima Restaurant, Mama Ojo Restaurant, Dan Sadi Restaurant, and IBC Restaurant in Malumfashi. The research involves laboratory analysis of the fruit and vegetable waste samples, focusing on their nutrient composition, biomethane potential, and electrical potential. Proximate analysis was used to determine the nutrient characterization, while the Baserga model was used to predict the biomethane potential. Proximate analysis revealed a total solid content of 95.92%, a volatile solid content of 86.5%, a crude protein content of 0.14%, a nitrogen-free extract of 76.96%, a crude fiber of 6.1%, and a crude fat of 3.3%. According to the Baserga model, a significant biomethane yield of 864.4 L/kg volatile solids, with a methane content of 57%, can be expected. The findings also indicate that complete degradation of fresh organic matter from fruit and vegetable waste can generate 748m3/ton of gas. Furthermore, the study predicts an electricity potential of 1601 kWh/ton of fresh fruit and vegetable waste. Based on these findings, the study recommends the use of fruit and vegetable waste as biomass for energy production to address landfilling issues and promote a more sustainable waste management approach.

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) with Biochar and Superabsorber Polymer Amendments.

In agriculture, soil amendments are applied to improve soil quality by increasing the water retention capacity and regulating the pH and ion exchange. Our study was carried out to investigate the impact of a commercial biochar (Bc) and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on the physiological and biochemical processes and the growth performance of Chenopodium quinoa (variety ICBA-5) when exposed to high salinity. Plants were grown for 25 days under controlled greenhouse conditions in pots filled with a soil mixture with or without 3% Bc or 0.2% SAP by volume before the initiation of 27 days of growth in hypersaline conditions, following the addition of 300 mM NaCl. Without the Bc or soil amendments, multiple negative effects of hypersalinity were detected on photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (Anet minus 70%) and on the production of fresh matter from the whole plant, leaves, stems and roots (respectively, 55, 46, 64 and 66%). Moreover, increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was indicated by higher levels of MDA (plus 142%), antioxidant activities and high proline levels (plus 311%). In the pots treated with 300 mM NaCl, the amendments Bc or SAP improved the plant growth parameters, including fresh matter production (by 10 and 17%), an increased chlorophyll content by 9 and 13% and Anet in plants (by 98 and 115%). Both amendments (Bc and SAP) resulted in significant salinity mitigation effects, decreasing proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels whilst increasing both the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants that reduce the levels of ROS. This study confirms how soil amendments can help to improve plant performance and expand the productive range into saline areas.

Controls and significance of priming effects in lake sediments

AbstractWarming and eutrophication influence carbon (C) processing in sediments, with implications for the global greenhouse‐gas budget. Temperature effects on sedimentary C loss are well understood, but the mechanism of change in turnover through priming with labile organic matter (OM) is not. Evaluating changes in the magnitude of priming as a function of warming, eutrophication, and OM stoichiometry, we incubated sediments with 13C‐labeled fresh organic matter (FOM, algal/cyanobacterial) and simulated future climate scenarios (+4°C and +8°C). We investigated FOM‐induced production of CH4 and microbial community changes. C loss was primed by up to 17% in dominantly allochthonous sediments (ranging from 5% to 17%), compared to up to 6% in autochthonous sediments (−9% to 6%), suggesting that refractory OM is more susceptible to priming. The magnitude of priming was dependent on sediment OM stoichiometry (C/N ratio), the ratio of fresh labile OM to microbial biomass (FOM/MB), and temperature. Priming was strongest at 4°C when FOM/MB was below 50%. Addition of FOM was associated with activation and growth of bacterial decomposers, including for example, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, or Fibrobacteres, known for their potential to degrade insoluble and complex structural biopolymers. Using sedimentary C/N > 15 as a threshold, we show that in up to 35% of global lakes, sedimentation is dominated by allochthonous rather than autochthonous material. We then provide first‐order estimates showing that, upon increase in phytoplankton biomass in these lakes, priming‐enabled degradation of recalcitrant OM will release up to 2.1 Tg C annually, which would otherwise be buried for geological times.

OPTIMIZATION OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION FOR AGRICULTURAL CROPS UPON ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF FRESH ORGANIC MATTER TO THE SOIL

Objective. Using biological testing, determine the environmental appropriate rates of mineralnitrogen, applied in the background of effect and aftereffect of straw and biomass of intermediatelupine green manure, in the fertilization system of potatoes and spring barley. Methods. Field experiment (growing crops in crop rotation in the conditions of a long-term (since 2009) stationaryexperiment on leached chornozem); gas chromatographic (to determine the potential nitrogenfixing (nitrogenase) and potential denitrifying activities in the rhizosphere soil of plants dependingon the fertilizer); statistical. Results. With the systematic application of fresh organic matter to thesoil in the form of 5.0 t/ha of straw and 5.3 t/ha of dry biomass of intermediate lupine green manure, the excess of nitrogen mineral compounds is metabolically bound (immobilized) by microorganisms, the process of nitrogen fixation is restored, the emission of N2O decreases, and the ratesof mineral fertilizers not exceeding N80P80K80 become environmentally appropriate when growingpotatoes. At the same time, the introduction of straw does not require additional provision of mineral nitrogen to optimize the C/N ratio. The highest rate of mineral fertilizers N120P120K120 in theexperiment, even when combined with organic matter for a long time is environmentally inappropriate — only at the end of the growing season, the studied indicators demonstrate its acceptability.When growing spring barley on leached chornozem, the optimization of the processes of biologicaltransformation of nitrogen compounds is achieved if mineral fertilizers are applied on the background of aftereffect of organic matter in a rate not exceeding N60P60K60. Systemic application ofN90P90K90 suppresses the activity of nitrogen fixation and ensures significant losses of nitrous oxide.This rate of fertilizers should be applied only on the condition that it is applied against the background of the aftereffect of straw and green manure mass, which contributes to the mitigation ofenvironmental consequences. Conclusion. The use of mineral fertilizers against the backgroundof systematic application of winter wheat straw and intermediate lupine green manure biomass tothe soil contributes to the optimization of the biological state of the leached chornozem. The improvement of environmental indicators contributes to the growth of the yield of agricultural crops.

Biomass yield and chemical composition of the cassava plant over two vegetative growth cycles

The objective of this work was to study the biomass production and chemical composition of the different parts of the cassava plant during the first and second vegetative cycles, with the aim of providing data that can contribute to the understanding of the response of cassava cultivars to different harvest ages. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in split plot scheme. Plots were represented by cultivars IAC 90 and IAC 118-95 and subplots by crop age (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 months after planting). Our results showed that the ‘IAC 90’ allocated a higher proportion of assimilates to the leaves, stem and planted cutting than the ‘IAC 118-95’, which was more efficient in allocating dry matter to the storage roots. Storage roots showed an increase of more than 50% in starch content 14 months after planting. The cultivar IAC 118-95 is distinguished by the higher harvest index, allowing earlier harvesting, with possible valorisation of the leaves as industrial raw material. Variables showed different degrees of inter-relationships amongst themselves. Total plant fresh matter and dry matter yields were positively correlated with growth parameters and root starch for both cultivars. Harvest time and cultivar are key factors that should be considered to increase profits in the cassava agro-industrial chain.

Ten-Year Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Organic Matter Quantity and Quality in Semi-Arid Vineyards

Soil organic matter depletion is a significant concern in agricultural soils, impacting crucial aspects of ecosystem health, especially soil properties such as fertility and soil moisture retention. Adopting sustainable soil management practices, such as cover crops, can mitigate this issue. In this study, we analyzed the soil organic carbon (SOC) content and quality in vineyards using two distinct management methods: permanent spontaneous cover crops and conventional tillage. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was quantified and chemically characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy. Our results showed an increase of 4.7 Mg C/ha in the carbon stock (50 cm depth) after 10 years of implementing vegetation covers compared with tilled soil. Additionally, cover crop management increased less humified soluble carbon in surface soil layers, while tillage transformed the solubilized carbon. This finding is important because tilled soil becomes more accessible to microbial degradation and leaching, which, in the long term, leads to a SOM content decrease. In conclusion, an increase in carbon stock was observed when using cover crops due to the incorporation of fresh organic matter, whereas tilled soils showed a depletion of carbon stock, including the mobilization of more stable carbon.

INTERAKCJA POMIĘDZY INTENSYWNOŚCIĄ ŚWIATŁA A STRESEM SUSZY I ICH WPŁYW NA WZROST SIEWEK PSZENICY

In this paper, wheat seedlings were exposed to different levels of photon flux density (PFD) and drought stress. Seedlings of the wheat cv. Goplana were cultivated in controlled conditions in a miniphytotrone and exposed to three different photosynthetic photon flux densities (400, 800, and 1200 μmol⋅m−2⋅s−1) and drought stress (a water potential of −0.6 MPa). The Hoagland’s solution-treat- ed seedlings served as a control. The fresh and dry matter of the overground parts and roots, rela- tive chlorophyll concentration, electrical conductivity and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured. Drought stress decreased the biomass of wheat seedlings, cv. Goplana. Higher intensities of photosynthetically active irradiation stimulated biomass growth both under control conditions and under drought stress. Drought and higher PFD intensity resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll content. Only the highest light intensity, together with drought stress, negatively affected the structure of cell membranes, increasing their permeability. Both of the applied stress factors did not cause significant changes in the values of the determined parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in the leaves of wheat seedlings. These results suggest that the increase in light intensity has a mobilising effect on the plant, stimulating the development of biomass both under control conditions and under drought stress. No changes in the values of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under the influence of different light intensities and drought stress may indicate that there were no significant disturbances in the course of the light phase of photosynthesis in the leaves of the tested seedlings.

Vermiculite in the initial development of coffee seedlings in different containers

Coffea arabica L. is responsible for 81% of the coffee cultivation area in Brazil and has great economic and social importance in the regions it is cultivated. Producing vigorous seedlings in a short period of time has become an increasing challenge in coffee growing. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the initial development of seedlings produced in bags and polyethylene tubes with different levels of vermiculite. A 2x5 factorial scheme was used; the factors were: two containers: polyethylene bags (containing standard substrate, subsoil and manure (7:3) and tubes (commercial substrate based on pine bark) and addition of vermiculite, at levels 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. In each type of substrate, the respective amounts of vermiculite were added. The variables analyzed were shoot height, root length, stem diameter, number of leaf pairs, shoot and root fresh and dry matter. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the seedlings produced in polyethylene bags showed higher significant averages for all evaluated parameters, showing greater vigor and initial development than seedlings produced in tubes. The seedlings produced in bags responded positively to the increase in vermiculite for all analyzed parameters, whereas those produced in tubes show the opposite behavior.

Viscoelastic response of gray matter and white matter brain tissues under creep and relaxation

Accurate measurement of the mechanical properties of brain tissue is of paramount importance for understanding its mechanics-biology relationship. Most published studies on brain viscoelasticity have been conducted using a single relaxation test, without validating the validity of linear viscoelasticity, which is insufficient to establish an accurate constitutive equation for brain tissue. We obtained the creep and relaxation profiles of fresh adult porcine white matter (N = 120) and gray matter (N = 56) under finite step-and-hold uniaxial compression, using a mechanical testing machine, with 16.67 mm/s loading rate and 80 s hold time. These curves were employed to determine viscoelastic properties and demonstrated an excellent fit with a concise power-law function. The average initial modulus for gray matter (GM) was 6.619 kPa, higher than that for white matter under transverse loading (WM-2D) at 5.579 kPa (p < 0.01), yet lower than that for white matter under axial loading (WM-1D) at 6.759 kPa (p = 0.0121). Notably, WM-2D exhibited the highest degree of fluidity (β = 0.216). Our findings reveal that gray matter behaves as a linear viscoelastic material with power-law creep compliance and relaxation modulus. Conversely, the creep and relaxation behavior of white matter deviates from the verification relationship derived from linear viscoelastic theory, indicating its nonlinearity. This fact underscores the inaccuracy of assuming a linear constitutive relationship to characterize the viscoelastic properties of white matter. By combining the power-law function with the experimentally obtained creep compliance and relaxation modulus, we offer a unique approach to determining the viscoelastic characteristics of brain tissue.

Evaluation of the Growth and Yield of Organic Corn Fodder under Various Watering Times and Concentrations of Rabbit Urine Fertilizers

Organic Fodder System is a planting system without using soil as its main medium. The use of fertilizers can be regulated in quantities and concentrations that correspond to the needs of plants during the plant growth season to obtain optimal results with good quality. The study was conducted to determine corn fodder's growth productivity and nutrient content under the treatment of differences in watering time and rabbit urine fertilizer concentration. The treatment was carried out on the difference in the soaking solution of corn kernels and the difference in the watering time of corn seedlings. Soaking was carried out by 5 solutions namely L0: water, L1: AB mix (commercial fertilizer) 1%, L2: rabbit urine fertilizer 1%, L3: rabbit urine fertilizer 2.5%, L4: rabbit urine fertilizer 5%, as treatment, and 5 (five) replication groups. Watering was carried out at three different time intervals (W1: 6 hours/day, W2: 9 hours/day, W3: 12 hours/day) with five replication groups. The variables observed were germination percentage, normal sprout percentage, corn fodder height, fresh fodder production, fodder dry matter production, fodder protein content, fodder crude fiber content, fodder crude fat content, Non-Nitrogen Free Extract (NNFE), and corn fodder ash content. The experimental design used in this study was a Completely Randomized Design of factorial patterns. Differences in rabbit urine fertilizer concentration and watering time impact germination percentage, normal germination percentage, plant height, fresh matter production, dry matter production, protein content, and crude fiber.

A comprehensive evaluation of cheese whey to produce biogas in the Canary Islands

Cheese whey (CW) is a by-product of the cheese industry with pollution potential if not properly managed. This study evaluates biogas potential from CW samples from the Canary Islands. Empirical data were used to evaluate biogas potential at cheese factory, municipality, insular and regional level. 24 samples of CW were collected from 17 different farms across the Canaries, including different industries (artisan/industrial), different milk types (cow, goat, sheep, cow + goat, goat + sheep, cow + goat + sheep) and different post-treatments (cottage cheese production, filtering and skimming, inverse osmosis) to study their physical and chemical composition and biogas potential through Biochemical Methane Potential assays. Composition showed significant differences between industrial and artisan manufacturers, showing higher organic matter concentration in artisan CW. Methane potential varied from 450.6 ± 0.2 L kg−1 to 861.2 ± 28.8 L kg−1 (on basis of volatile solids). Artisan CW showed a higher methane potential (m3 t−1 of fresh matter) than industrial CW, whereas no differences were observed depending on the milk type. Post-treatments, further processing at factories and degradation at environmental conditions changed CW properties and biogas potential. Results showed that CW should be fed fast into digesters to avoid acidification and the loss of biogas potential. In the Canary Islands 81.95 million litres of CW are produced annually, which could be converted into 4.5 million m3 of biogas with the potential to contribute 108 TJ y−1 of renewable energy into the energy matrix. Valorisation of CW is a promising alternative for small and medium farms/industries in the Canary Islands, which could replace fossil energy with biogas.

Sensorial, physicochemical and microbial quality evaluations of sun-dried marine fishes available in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh

The present study aimed to assess the sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological quality of five sun-dried marine fish (White sardine- WS, Longjaw thryssa- LT, Doublespotted queenfish- DQ, Chinese pomfret- CP, and Indian threadfin- IT) species (500 gm of each species) collected from Nazirartak fish drying center of Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh at the month of April 2023. Physical (pH and water reconstitution), biochemical (proximate composition, peroxide value, acid value, conjugated diene and total volatile basic nitrogen), microbiological (total plate count, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Vibrio sp.) and sensory properties and score revealed that WS showed comparatively better quality than LT, DQ, CP, and IT. pH value and water reconstitution ability of sun-dried WS showed comparatively more acceptable. Significantly (p<0.05) the moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of those dried fish products were varied from 18.57±0.41% (WS) to 20.38±0.41% (DQ), 59.38±1.05% (DQ) to 61.51±0.53% (WS), 7.61±0.37% (DQ) to 9.68±0.31% (WS), and 9.96±0.27% (LT) to 11.98±0.65% (DQ), respectively. On fresh matter basis, the highest total volatile basic nitrogen value was observed in CP (54.22 mg/100g), while the lowest value was found in WS (29.77 mg/100g). Moreover, sun-dried WS had the lowest peroxide value, acid value, and conjugated diene considered good acceptance. Only WS was deemed more safer and more suitable for human consumption based on total plate count and total Vibrio sp. count. All of the sun-dried fishes were free of the pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella sp., with the exception of CP and IT, where the total E. coli and Salmonella sp. count values were found 2.84 log CFU/g and 3.06 log CFU/g for both species, respectively. Taken together, White sardine (Escualosa thoracata) was found highly acceptable for human consumption based on sensory, physicochemical, and microbial analysis. It has been recommended that elevated focus on processing, handling, hygiene, and storage is crucial to meet consumer expectations of these dried fishery products.

Reduction of nitrous oxide emission by using stearic acid combined zinc coated urea in silty clay and sandy loam soils under bare and planted conditions

Overuse of chemical fertilizers in agroecosystems leads to the increased economic burden, low crop production in terms of input and environmental pollution. Due to its improved nutrient management and degrading properties, synthetic slow release fertilizers have become a significant advancement in the fertilizer sector. In this study we evaluated the effect of slow release urea on nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, crop growth and crop nutrient contents. Measurements were carried out in two different texture soils (sandy loam and silty clay) under two different conditions (bare soil and planted). The N2O emission was measured for 15 days from bare soils and 48 days from planted soil. Plant fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll contents, N and Zn were measured in the end of the experiment. The results showed that N2O emission was reduced 33–39 % from coated urea as compared to conventional urea in bare soil. In planted soil, the coated urea reduced the N2O emission 29–33 %. The deep placement of urea in silty clay soil reduced the N2O emission up to 22.8 % as compared to surface placement. Plant fresh matter, dry matter, N and Zn contents were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher with coated urea as compared to conventional urea. It is concluded that the coating of urea with hydrophobic materials like stearic acid, along with Zn sources i.e. Zn fortified nano-bentonite or the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) presents opportunities to overcome the environmental pollution and increasing the crop production and quality.

Effect of the Ozone Application in the Nutrient Solution and the Yield and Oxidative Stress of Hydroponic Baby Red Chard

Novel ozone (O3) sanitizing treatments can be used to decrease the microbial load during cultivation, but they would affect the composition of the nutrient solution. Variations in the nutrient composition decrease crop yields, especially if a strong oxidizing agent such as ozone is used. In this study, O3 was applied throughout the culture every two days at doses of 0.0 (control); 0.5; 1.0; and 2.0 mg·L−1 for 3 min on baby red chard (Beta vulgaris L. cv. SCR 107) grown in a floating hydroponic system. Macronutrients and micronutrients in the nutrient solution, yield, antioxidant compounds, and oxidative stress enzymes were evaluated in plants. Macronutrients in the nutrient solution were not affected by O3, whereas micronutrients, such as Fe and Mn, decreased by 88.2 and 39.6%, respectively, at the 0.5 mg·L−1 dose. The dose of 0.5 mg·L−1 produced more fresh matter and leaf area than the control. Antioxidant capacity and total phenols were not significantly affected by O3 treatments; however, higher SOD, CAT, and APX activity after O3 applications were found. It is concluded that ozone applications to the nutrient solution affect the availability of some micronutrients and increase oxidative stress and yield in baby red chard plants.