Grass Samples Research Articles

Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.

Fire is rampant throughout subtropical South and Southeast Asian grasslands. However, very little is known about the role of fire and pyric herbivory on the functioning of highly productive subtropical monsoon grasslands lying within the Cwa climatic region. We assessed the temporal effect of fire on postfire regrowth quality and associated pyric‐herbivory in the subtropical monsoon grasslands of Bardia National Park, Nepal. Every year, grasslands are burned as a management intervention in the park, especially between March and May. Within a week after fire, at the end of March 2020, we established 60 m × 60 m plots within patches of burned grassland in the core area of the Park. We collected grass samples from the plots and determined physical and chemical properties of the vegetation at regular 30‐day intervals from April to July 2020, starting from 30 days after fire to assess postfire regrowth forage quality. We counted pellet groups of cervids that are abundant in the area for the same four months from 2 m × 2 m quadrats that were permanently marked with pegs along the diagonal of each 60 m × 60 m plot to estimate intensity of use by deer to the progression of postfire regrowth. We observed strong and significant reductions in crude protein (mean value 9.1 to 4.1 [55% decrease]) and phosphorus (mean value 0.2 to 0.11 [45% decrease]) in forage collected during different time intervals, that is, from 30 days to 120 days after fire. Deer utilized the burned areas extensively for a short period, that is, up to two months after fire when the burned areas contained short grasses with a higher level of crude protein and phosphorus. The level of use of postfire regrowth by chital (Axis axis) differed significantly over time since fire, with higher intensity of use at 30 days after fire. The level of use of postfire regrowth by swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) did not differ significantly until 90 days after fire, however, decreased significantly after 90 days since fire. Large‐scale single event fires, thus, may not fulfil nutritional requirements of all species in the deer assemblage in these subtropical monsoon grasslands. This is likely because the nutritional requirements of herbivores differ due to differences in body size and physiological needs—maintenance, reproduction, and lactation. We recommend a spatiotemporal manipulation of fire to reinforce grazing feedback and to yield forage of high quality for the longest possible period for a sustainable high number of deer to maintain a viable tiger population within the park.

Impact of the biomass precursor composition in the hard carbon properties and performance for application in a Na-ion battery

Biobased hard carbon is gaining attention as anode for Na-ion batteries. However, biomass composition influence on hard carbon properties and performance is rarely addressed. Here a systematic study was led on 25 biomass precursors. Woody and agricultural samples with high lignin contents (>25 weight-moisture-free, wmf%) exhibited promising yields (>20 wmf%). Samples with low to moderate ash content (<5 wmf%) delivered hard carbons with high C purity, the turbostratic structure required, and therefore reversible capacities up to 314 mAh/g. These materials exhibited low N2 (<14 m2/g) and CO2 (<66 m2/g) specific surface area (SSA), thus low irreversible loss, with initial coulombic efficiencies (ICE) up to 87%. Grass samples presented higher polysaccharides (>70 wmf%) and extractives (25 wmf%) contents, leading to lower hard carbon yields, ultramicroporosity formation and the highest CO2 SSA (> 199 m2/g). Most grass samples had high ash contents (6–15 wmf%), rich in Si and Ca. SiC whiskers were observed over hard carbon surface, responsible for high N2 SSA (20–97 m2/g), and consequently, lower ICE (<74%). Localized graphitic domains were identified originating from Ca and Si catalytic effect for graphitization. Limited turbostratic domains and C purity in these samples induced low reversible capacities (<254 mAh/g).

The migration of elements from the processing waste of copper smelting slags into the ombrotrophic peat and plants

Research subject. The processing waste of the slag from the Sredneuralsk copper smelter (“SUMZ technical sand”) is a finely dispersed (particle size less than 0.05 mm) material, mechanically activated by crushing cast slag and containing high concentrations of copper, zinc and other chalcophilic elements. Fayalite and ferrous glass predominate in its phase composition.Materials and methods. An outdoor experiment to study the elemental migration from waste into the soilplant system was conducted on the territory of the Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Ural Branch of RAS (southwestern part of the Ekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk region). The soil substrate was prepared from lime-neutralised ombrotrophic peat (pH 6.6) with the addition of “technical sand” of 5, 10 and 20% by weight. Lawn grass mixture was grown on trial plots (1 m2). The samples of lawn grass (without separation by species), together with the root part and peat, were collected after the growing season by the “envelope” method, dried at room temperature until constant weight, and powdered. The chemical analysis of the samples was performed at the “Geoanalitik” shared research facilities of the Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Ural Branch of RAS. The analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma massspectrometry using the NexION-300S ICP mass-spectrometer.Results. The mobilisation of elements from the “SUMZ technical sand” into ombrotrophic peat during the summer was investigated, the distribution of elements in the underground and aboveground parts of lawn grasses was demonstrated, and accumulation coefficients were calculated. The content of most elements in all soil substrates containing waste decreased by autumn, for example, 2–3 times for Zn, Cu, Co, S, As, Pb, and Mo. The aboveground part of lawn grass had a lower concentration of the elements considered as compared to the roots, the greatest difference was observed for Co, Cd, Cu, and W. The lawn grasses grown on soil substrates with the different ratios of “SUMZ technical sand” had lower coefficients of accumulation of heavy metals compared to plants grown on the peat. The coefficients of Na, Ba, Mo, As, Cd, and Pb decreased with an increase in the proportion of waste, and for Li and Rb increased.Conclusion. The results of the research contribute to the study of the migration of elements from non-ferrous metallurgical waste into soil and plant systems.

Effects of biochar amendments on rice growth and metabolic response to salinity stress in salt-affected soils

Exploring cheaper and sustainable strategies for managing salt-affected soils remains crucial in irrigated areas. Many researchers recommended using gypsum as material for reclamation salt-affected soils, which are costly and unavailable for most farmers. In this study, we used biochar derived from the common materials found in the irrigated areas that are locally available and less utilized as a substitute for gypsum for sustainable reclamation of salt-affected soils. Salt-affected soils (saline, saline-sodic and sodic) and unaffected were collected from the Watari Irrigation project, Kano State Nigeria using farmers' perceptions about the salinity situations of the irrigation scheme and existing legacy map data. The biochar used for this study were made using the Typha grass, rice straw, and rice bran samples collected from the same area. Thirty-six (36) containers (plastic pots) with a diameter of 27.5cm and height of 45cm each were filled with eight-kilogram dried soils, including non-saline, saline, and saline-sodic. We measured plant height, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at interval of 14 days. Number of tillers per plant were also measured during tillering stage at interval of 14 days. Stover dry weight, grain dry weight, electrolytic leakage and proline contents were measured after the end of the experiment. The results revealed a high significant effect (p&lt;0.01) of biochar amendments in remediating different forms of salt affected soils. Saline sodic soil was effectively managed when using Typha biochar with a mean value very close to non-saline soil. Rice straw and rice bran reduces the salinity levels particularly in sodic soil. Therefore, biochar from different source could be used in addressing salt-specific problems rather than using a uniform treatment.

Grass as a high potential by-product: Buffalo grass to biogas and the increase of system performance and stability

Buffalo grass and alkaline-pretreated buffalo grass samples were co-digested with cow manure separately to generate biogas in anaerobic reactors. The study considered a solid content of 20% (10% buffalo grass and 10% cow manure). The methane (CH4) content and CH4 yield of the distinct experiments were compared. For the untreated buffalo grass, the weighed buffalo grass was mixed with cow manure and water. For the alkaline-pretreated buffalo grass, the weighed buffalo grass was soaked in 1% sodium hydroxide for 1 day prior to being mixed with cow manure and water. The untreated and pretreated buffalo grass-manure were fed semi-continuously at the rate of 125 mL/day for five days feeding in a 5 L reactor, with 40 days hydraulic retention time. The experiments were conducted for approximately 100 days. Results were reported when the systems were in steady-state conditions. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) conversion efficiency of co-digestion of the untreated and pretreated buffalo grass-manure were 46.21 and 62.76%, respectively, and for the total volatile solids (TVS) were 68.50 and 71.80%, respectively. The CH4 contents generated from co-digestion of the untreated and pretreated buffalo grass-manure were 48.32% and 50.36%, respectively. The CH4 yields generated from co-digestion of the untreated and pretreated buffalo grass-manure were 328 and 385 L/kgTVS conversion, respectively. It was observed from the experiments that pretreatment of the buffalo grass prior to co-digestion provided system stability during biogas production.

Influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids of feed on metabolic parameters in herd horses of Yakutia

The research of lipid metabolism is especially relevant for the breeds of herd horses in Yakutia, because the energy balance of their body under extreme conditions of the region in winter largely depends on the fat reserves in the body of animals and the efficiency of lipid assimilation in the body of horses, mainly from plant feed. Therefore, the study of the lipid composition of pasture feed of herd horses in Yakutia depending on the seasons of the year, their digestibility in the body of horses, the effect of the lipid composition of feed on the chemical composition of horse meat is very relevant. The purpose of the work was to investigate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids of feed on metabolic parameters in breeds of herd horses in Yakutia and to develop the technology for obtaining a concentrate with polyunsaturated fatty acids from the internal fat of foals. The object of research were: 1) samples of pasture grasses from horsetail and horsetail-free vegetation of the pastures in the Verkhoyansky area; 2) winter-green mass of oats and afterfeed of natural grass; 3) samples of flax press-cake; 4) samples of adipose tissue of young Yakut horses aged 6 months and adult horses; 5) meat samples of meat of types of Yakut breed such as Kolymsky, Yansky and Korennoy and horses of Megezheskaya breed; 6) horses of Yakut breed in OOO “Khoroobut” in the Megino-Kangalassky area, OOO “Sartansky” in the Verkhoyansky area. It has been found by studies that the consumption of dry matter of feed during the breeding of horses on the winter-green mass of oats was 31,3 % significantly higher than during the breeding on the afterfeed of natural grass and amounted to 14,7±0,30 kg (P ≥ 0,95). Differences were also found in the content of metabolic energy in 1 kg of dry matter of consumed feed. Thus, the content of metabolic energy in the winter grazing from the winter-green mass of oats was 16,2 % higher (9,9±0,04 MJ) than in the natural herbage (8,3±0,23 MJ), the difference was statistically significant (P ≥ 0,95). The internal fat of Yakut horses can serve as a highly valuable raw material as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the production of functional food products.

Assessment of PAH content in soil and aboveground parts of Lolium perenne L. next to the communication arteries of the urban agglomeration

The research on the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and grass ( Lolium perenne L.) was carried out on samples collected in the city of Białystok, in north-eastern Poland. The test samples came from green belts in the vicinity of communication routes, differentiated in terms of the surrounding buildings and infrastructure and characterized by a different car traffic intensity. The highest total concentration of all sixteen PAHs in soil and grass samples was found near a large intersection at Nicholas Copernicus Street, one of the most important communication routes connecting two parts of the city. In the aboveground parts of the studied grass samples, benzo[a]pyrene was the most abundant, its content ranging from 53.8 μg/kg DM up to 91.7 μg/kg DM. On the other hand, in soil samples, much higher benzo[a]pyrene content was found, and the dominance of this compound was observed in almost every measurement location. Based on the obtained results, it was found that car traffic is a significant source of PAH emissions to the urban soil environment and urban greenery. The squares and green belts located along communication routes and intersections are the most exposed to pollution.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE COMPOUNDS SALSOLA TRAGUS L. (CHENOPODIACEAE) AS A PROMISING PHARMACOLOGICAL OBJECT OF UKRAINE

Introduction. Evaluation of high-quality composition and content of biologically active compounds of Salsola tragus grass as promising raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Aim. To determine the chemical composition of the above-ground part of the Black Sea species of S. tragus for the purpose of its use in medicine. Materials and Methods. The study of biologically active compounds S. tragus were conducted in the summer of 2020. Grass samples were collected along the field road near the coast of the Tiligul estuary. The above-ground biomass of this species was analysed. The total content of lipids and their fatty acid composition, the content of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds and their derivatives were studied by generally accepted methods. The acidity titre was determined using a solution of oxalic acid. Main results. 11 compounds of phenolic nature, among which 5 phenoloxides (ferulic, cinnamic, caffeic, gallic and chicoric), 1 coumarin (esculetin) and 5 flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, luteolin-7-glucoside, hyperoside, hesperedin) were identified and quantitatively determined. Ferulic and gallic acid prevail among phenolic acids. Among the flavonoids luteoline-7-glucoside and hesperedin prevailed. Grass S. tragus was quite rich on lipid components. In their composition, 8 fatty acids were found. The content was dominated by unsaturated fatty acids with the domination of linoleic and oleic acids – 27.67 and 19.27 % respectively. The largest content among the investigated biologically active compounds of S. tragus belongs to the total carbohydrates (8.31%). The titre of raw material was 1.8%. Conclusions. On the basis of a comprehensive study of biologically active compounds of grass S. Tragus it is possible to conclude that it can be used as a source of phenolic compounds, in particular flavonoids having a significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimony activity, and oleic acid, which positively affects the exchange of cholesterol and essential fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6) for the production of new phytomedications.

Dental fluorosis among people and livestock living on Gihaya Island in Lake Kivu, Rwanda

BackgroundDental fluorosis is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive fluoride during the period of permanent tooth formation and is characterized by tooth discoloration, pitting, and loss of shape. Communities living near Lake Kivu in Western Rwanda exhibit a high prevalence of dental fluorosis; however, data on prevalence and risk factors are scarce.MethodsThis cross sectional, quantitative study used a One Health approach to investigate dental fluorosis prevalence among people and livestock and to measure fluoride content in the environment. In 2018, oral health examinations were conducted to assess the prevalence of fluorosis in children (aged 9 to 15 years), cattle and goats residing on Gihaya Island (Rwanda, East Africa). All children and cattle/goats meeting basic eligibility criteria (e.g., island residence) were invited to participate. Presence and severity of dental fluorosis was categorized according to the Dean’s Fluorosis Index. Samples of local foods, water, soil and grass were collected from communal sources and individual households and analyzed for fluoride content using standard laboratory techniques. Descriptive and binomial analyses (Fisher Exact Test) were used to assess this dataset.ResultsOverall, 186 children and 85 livestock owners (providing data of 125 livestock -23 cattle and 102 goats) participated. Dental fluorosis was recorded in 90.7% of children and 76% of livestock. Moderate to severe fluorosis was observed in 77% children while goats and cattle most often exhibited mild or absent/questionable severity, respectively. Water from Lake Kivu (used primarily for human cooking water and livestock drinking water) contained fluoride levels that were consistently higher than the maximum threshold (1.5 mg/L) recommended by the World Health Organization. Other sources (borehole and rainwater) were within safe limits. All food, soil and grass samples contained fluoride. The highest levels were observed in porridge (0.5 mg/g) and small fishes (1.05 mg/g).ConclusionsAltogether, dental fluorosis was highly prevalent among children and goats on Gihaya Island with various food and water sources contributing a cumulative exposure to fluoride. An immediate and coordinated response across human, animal and water professionals is needed to reduce fluoride exposure within safe limits for island residents.

Evaluating reed canary grass samples for reclamation of coal dumps

One reliable way to restore eroded soils and technogenic land is to reclaim it by sowing perennial grasses. Samples of reed canary grass suitable for reclamation of coal dumps in the Kemerovo region have been studied and identified. Experimental work was carried out in the Tomsk region (5811 N, 8300 E) during the period of 2017-2020. The research subjects are represented by samples of reed canary grass taken in 2016. A nursery of study samples suitable for reclamation of coal dumps was laid in 2017 with six numbers - KM-1, KM-2, KM-3, KM-4, KM-5 (Tomsk region), the variety Vityaz (Tomsk region) was used as a standard. The soils of the experimental plots were sod-podzolic acidic loamy sandy loam and loamy with a humus content of no more than 2% in the arable horizon. When evaluating the samples, the main attention is paid to studying the traits and properties that limit their cultivation under taiga conditions: grass density, plant height, foliage, winter hardiness, lodging resistance, seed productivity, green mass yield, resistance to the most common diseases. Over a 3-year study of selections of reed canary grass based on a set of the main economically important traits, the KM-5 sample has been identified. This specimen has a complex of valuable features in creating an adaptive variety suitable for reclamation of coal dumps (foliage - 61.4%, green matter yield - 38.5 t/ha, dry matter - 11.9, seeds - 0.21 t/ha). The selected number has annual reliable additions to the standard in terms of green matter yield of 8.5 t/ha, dry matter yield of 3.3, and seed yield of 0.04 t/ha. Samples KM-1, KM-5 showed high resistance to these diseases: helminthosporiosis - 6.0-6.1%, septoriosis - 2.6-4.2%.

Seasonal epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in the northern continental climate zone of western Canada as revealed by internal transcribed spacer-2 ribosomal DNA nemabiome barcoding

Background Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) epidemiology is changing in many regions of the world due to factors such as global warming and emerging anthelmintic resistance. However, the dynamics of these changes in northern continental climate zones are poorly understood due to a lack of empirical data.Methods We studied the accumulation on pasture of free-living infective third-stage larvae (L3) of different GIN species from fecal pats deposited by naturally infected grazing cattle. The field study was conducted on three organic farms in Alberta, western Canada. Grass samples adjacent to 24 fecal pats were collected from each of three different pastures on each farm. Internal transcribed spacer-2 nemabiome metabarcoding was used to determine the GIN species composition of the harvested larvae. The rotational grazing patterns of the cattle ensured that each pasture was contaminated only once by fecal pat deposition. This design allowed us to monitor the accumulation of L3 of specific GIN species on pastures under natural climatic conditions without the confounding effects of pasture recontamination or anthelmintic treatments.ResultsIn seven out of the nine pastures, grass L3 counts peaked approximately 9 weeks after fecal deposition and then gradually declined. However, a relatively large number of L3 remained in the fecal pats at the end of the grazing season. Nemabiome metabarcoding revealed that Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi were the two most abundant species on all of the pastures and that the dynamics of larval accumulation on grass were similar for both species. Daily precipitation and temperature across the whole sampling period were similar for most of the pastures, and multiple linear regression showed that accumulated rainfall 1 week prior to sample collection had a significant impact on the pasture L3 population, but accumulated rainfall 3 weeks prior to sample collection did not.Conclusions The results suggest that the pasture L3 population was altered by short-term microclimatic conditions conducive for horizontal migration onto grass. Overall, the results show the importance of the fecal pat as a refuge and reservoir for L3 of cattle GIN on western Canadian pastures, and provide an evidence base for the risk assessment of rotational grazing management in the region.Graphical

Bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of Xaraés palisade grass under grazing in integrated systems

To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes’ syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38% vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.

336 Occurrence of Mycotoxins in 2020 US Pasture Grasses and Harvested Hay Feed Ingredients

Abstract Mycotoxins are harmful secondary fungal metabolites which limit animal health and performance through various negative effects such as reduced feed intake, diarrhea, and compromised immune and reproductive function. These metabolites are found in a variety of feedstuffs worldwide. This study monitored mycotoxin occurrence and contamination levels in fresh pasture grasses and harvested dry hay from across the US. Samples were screened for six major mycotoxin groups: aflatoxins, type A trichothecenes (A-Trich), type B trichothecenes (B-Trich), fumonisins (FUM), zearalenone (ZEN), and ochratoxin A via LC-MS/MS. Samples that were above the limit of detection for each mycotoxin group were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) to test the effect of harvest year on average contamination level. Results are presented in Table 1. Zearalenone and B-Trich contamination prevalence for fresh grass samples was lower in 2020 compared to the previous two years. A-Trich tested positive in 34% of samples which was greater in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019. Mean concentration levels (parts per billion, ppb) for B-Trich, ZEN, A-Trich were not different in 2020 compared to the previous two years. Prevalence of mycotoxin contamination for dry harvested hay samples for B-Trich and ZEN decreased in 2020 compared to the previous two years, but 64 and 28% of samples tested positive, respectively. A-Trich prevalence was greater than the last two years and resulted in 17% of samples testing positive compared to 0 and 6% in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Mean B-Trich levels in 2020 were similar to levels seen in 2018 and lower than 2019 (P = 0.005). Mean ZEN and A-Trich concentration levels averaged 1,612 ppb and 796 ppb, respectively. Mycotoxin analysis of pasture grasses and harvested hay forages is warranted to identify potential sources of mycotoxin contamination in ruminant diets.

Effect of wilting and lactic acid bacteria inoculant on in situ and in vitro determined protein value of grass silages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dry matter (DM) concentration and the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant on the protein value of grass silages. Grass samples containing 170 g DM/kg fresh material were wilted to different DM concentrations (310, 390, 420, 470, 530, 580, 600 g/kg fresh material) before ensiling. Half of the grass material at respective DM was treated with LAB, the other half remained untreated (control, CON). Ruminal degradation of organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) was determined using the in situ technique. For this, silage samples were incubated for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h. Rumen undegraded CP (RUCP) was derived from in situ CP degradation. Microbial CP (MCP) synthesis was assumed to be 181 g per kg fermented OM. Post-ruminal CP (prCP) was defined as the sum of RUCP and MCP. Effective prCP in situ (prCPkin situ) was calculated for passage rates (k) of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06/h. In addition, the modified Hohenheim gas test (modHGT) was used to determine effective prCP in vitro (prCPkin vitro) for the same passage rates. The DM linearly increased prCPk in situ in CON (P < 0.001) and LAB (P < 0.001). This was caused by both increased RUCP in the range of 580–600 g DM (P < 0.001) and increased MCP (P < 0.001) due to higher amount of water-soluble carbohydrates in the more intensively wilted silages. The use of LAB increased RUCP (P < 0.001) but decreased the calculated MCP content (P < 0.001). Therefore, these effects compensated each other leading to only slightly lower prCPk in situ for LAB (P < 0.05). The positive effect of DM on prCPkin situ was confirmed in vitro (P < 0.001) showing no effect of the inoculant. Based on both methods prCPk increased to a small extent with 2.3 – 4.9 g/kg OM (P < 0.001), when DM increases by 100 g/kg fresh material, depending on the assumed passage rate. Therefore, wilting and LAB addition to grass have the potential to improve protein value of grass silage. Both methods delivered similar estimates for effective prCP. But modHGT appeared to be superior to the in situ technique by being more sensitive, not requiring separate estimation of MCP and the assumption of a certain efficiency value, and by having lower operating expenses. The results of this study show the potential of the modHGT, however further studies are required to standardize and validate this technique and to evaluate the effect of wilting grass on animal performance.

The environmental impacts of heavy metals in soil, certain plants and wastewater near industrial area of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh.

At various locations around the world, environments are now becoming greatly polluted by heavy metals, while damage is being done to soil and aquatic life with serious implications for humanity as well. Once heavy metals enter the ecosystem, they persist for a long time, and they are very difficult to eliminate. Discharging of industrial wastes enriched with heavy metals substantially pollutes the soil, water, and air. This study investigated the levels of heavy metals around the industrial area of Brahmanbaria, which is located in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. Samples of soil, wastewater, vegetable, and grass were collected from the industrial area. The heavy metals were quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The heavy metals found in soil were chromium (Cr) 8.2-18.8, lead (Pb) 3.5-18.3, copper (Cu) 4.6-10.8, zinc (Zn) 48.5-273.4, nickel (Ni) 10.06-26.9, and cadmium (Cd) 0.2mg/kg, respectively. The metal contents in the wastewater were Cr 0.03-0.5, Pb 0.01-0.05, Cu 0.01-0.02, Zn 0.6-11.2, Ni 0.03-0.14, and Cd 0.003mg/L, respectively. The metal contents in vegetable and grass were Cr 81.5-247.8, Pb 10.3-34.1, Cu 5.5-6.3, Zn 419.8-435.3, and Ni 8.7-15.5mg/kg, respectively. The amount of metal in the soil, wastewater, and vegetables and grass followed the sequences: Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd, Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd, and Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu, respectively. Compared to the WHO guidelines, the soil in the study area was not polluted with Pb, Cu, and Cd but was moderately polluted with Cr, Zn, and Ni. Continual accumulation of metals in the soil, vegetables and grass could pose a serious risk to the environment as well as many life forms.

Seed productivity and adaptability parameters of the alfalfa samples in the south of the Rostov region

The general climate change in the south of Russia makes the development of new varieties of grain crops, including forage grasses, with high resistance and adaptability to climatic stress factors extremely necessary. The breeding process of forage plant adapted to changing environmental conditions is seen as an effective way to allow crop production to cope with unexpected possible climate changes with the least possible losses. The specific reaction of plants to environmental conditions is of particular interest when studying collection plant samples of different gen[1]otypes, as well as when choosing varieties for cultivation in specific conditions. Studying the stability and adaptability of collection samples of forage grasses can also make it possible to use them in different regions. The purpose of the current study was to estimate alfalfa samples by the parameters of ecological adaptability and stability according to the trait ‘seed productivity’. The objects of study were 30 samples of the VIR collection from the USA, Canada, France and Peru. There has been identified a large group of samples with bi &lt; 1. These samples were important as genotypes with a weak responsiveness of seed productivity to worse conditions. They are to be used in hybrids to obtain an initial material that is adaptive according to the trait ‘seed productivity’ in stressful conditions. The smallest bi coefficient was found in the samples ‘K-42694’ (0.20), ‘K-32783’ (0.22) and ‘K-47804’ (0.29). The stability coefficient σd 2 , which reflects the correlation between the growing conditions and seed productivity of the samples through the years of study and was calculated on the basis of the theoretical productivity and the deviation of the theoretical value from the actual one, varied from 0.01 to 74.70. This range of variation indicates that the set of samples contains such samples whose stability of productivity is genetically determined and significantly exceeds the variability of the average productivity of the entire set. Estimation of differences according to stability of seed productivity, in comparison with the standard variety ‘Rostovskaya 90’, revealed a significant difference in this trait in the samples ‘K-43272’, ‘K-50545’, ‘K-50561’.

Transfer from soil to grass and statistical analysis of naturally occurring radionuclides in soil from phosphate mining and processing sites in Maritime Region of Togo

Natural radionuclides activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K in soil and grass samples, statistical analysis of these radionuclides, and transfer factors (TFs) from soil to the grass were carried out from phosphate mining and processing sites in southern areas of Togo using gamma-ray spectrometry-based high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K were found within the range usually measured worldwide. Statistical analysis was done by investigating the skewness, the kurtosis, and the density distribution of radionuclides in the study areas. Both skewness and kurtosis displayed that the activity concentrations of soil and grass samples in the discharge waste site (Kpémé) and mining site (Hahotoé) exhibited slightly positively skewed, negatively skewed, leptokurtic, and platykurtic distributions. The TFs for 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K from discharge waste soil to grass were evaluated. The average transfer factors of 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K in the phosphate processing area were found to be 0.16, 0.32, and 8.42, respectively. 226Ra and 228Ra TFs values were found to be within the limit of worldwide measure values, while that of 40K was found to be larger than the values measured in other countries. The average TF value of 8.42 for 40K was eight times higher than the average value of unity, showing its large intake by vegetables. The high TFs for 40K could be explained by the extensive application of phosphate fertilizers to soils when growing vegetables.

Mapping and Estimation of Above-ground Grass Biomass using Sentinel 2A Satellite Data

Above-Ground Grass Biomass (AGGB) mapping and estimation is one of the important parameters for environmental ecosystem and grazing-lands management, particularly for livestock farming. However, previous models for estimation of AGGB with satellite imagery has some difficulty in choosing a particular satellite and vegetation index that can build a good estimation model at a higher accuracy. This study explores the potentiality of Sentinel 2A data to derive a satellite-based model for AGGB mapping and estimation. The study area was Skudai, Johor in Malaysia Peninsular. Grass parameters of forty grass sample units were measured in the field and their corresponding AGGB was later measured in the laboratory. The samples were used for modelling and assessment. Four indices were tested for their fitness in modelling AGGB from the satellite data. The result from the grass allometric analysis indicates that grass height and volume demonstrate good relationship with the measured AGGB (R² = 0.852 and 0.837 respectively). Vegetation Index Number (VIN) has the best fit for modeling AGGB (R2 = 0.840) compared to other vegetation indices. The derived satellite AGGB estimate was validated with the assessment field and allometry derived AGGB at RMSE = 15.89g and 44.45g, respectively. This study demonstrate that VIN derived from Sentinel 2A MSI satellite data can be used to model AGGB estimation at a good accuracy. Therefore, it will contribute to providing reliable information on AGGB of grazing lands for sustainable livestock farming.

Mercury resistance and plant growth promoting traits of endophytic bacteria isolated from mercury-contaminated soil

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic trace element that can cause serious environmental problems. The main source of Hg contamination to soil across Indonesia is artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and strategies to manage or remove Hg from soil are needed. This study isolated Hg-resistant endophytic bacteria from indigenous local grasses (Cynodon dactylon and Eleusine indica) growing in Hg-contaminated soils to identify potential inoculants that could increase plant growth and mercury uptake for phytoremediation. Grass samples were collected from an ASGM location on Lombok Island. The grass samples (both, root and shoot) were surface sterilized, aseptically mashed, and serially diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride (v/v) and an aliquot of the extracted bacteria was cultured on Nutrient Agar across a range of HgCl2 concentration from 0 to 1000 mg/L. Thirteen bacterial isolates were tested for their ability to detoxify Hg, Hg bioaccumulation, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, ammonium production, and siderophore production. Five of thirteen isolates were Hg-resistant and survived on a medium containing 250 mg/L HgCl2. One isolate from each of E. indica and C. dactylon showed complete Hg detoxification. The greatest Hg bioaccumulation was 85.04%. The highest expressed IAA and ammonium concentration was 13.17 mg/L and 2.58 mg/L respectively. Based on 16S rDNA sequence similarity, the two isolates with the greatest potential as inoculants (CD6 and EI6) were identified as Jeotgalicoccus huakuii (isolated from C. dactylon) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (isolated from E. indica) and could be used as inoculum for phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soil in future studies.

Study of the occurrence of toxic alkaloids in forage grass by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The toxic alkaloids in forage grass present a serious health hazard to humans and livestock, especially ergot alkaloids (EAs), pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and tropane alkaloids (TAs). Hence, there is a need for a simultaneous method that allows these dangerous plant toxins to be determined. A simple and effective method was developed to determine fifteen toxic alkaloids (EAs, PAs and TAs) in forage grass using the QuEChERS method and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The developed method was validated with average recoveries ranging from 63.10 to 102.10%, and relative standard deviations lower than or equal to 6.39% were obtained. Good linearity over the concentration range of 10-600 µg/kg dry matter (DM) was observed for the target alkaloids. The determination coefficients R2 calculated for each of the matrix calibration curves were greater than 0.99. The limits of detection and quantification were 5 µg/kg DM and 10 µg/kg DM, respectively. The reproducibility of the method was verified in three laboratories: all of the mean recoveries of 15 alkaloids were higher than 60%, and the relative standard deviations in alkaloids between laboratories were all less than 14.24%. The proposed method was applied to analyse 134 forage grass samples from the meadow steppe of Inner Mongolia to monitor toxic alkaloids. A significant difference in the frequency of contamination was found between different herbage species and different regions.