High Potassium Concentration Research Articles

Quantitative assessment of soil condition, basic environmental factors and productivity of Linum usitatissimum in the steppe zone of Kazakhstan using the remote sensing method.

The influence of environmental factors, such as lack of water and uneven rainfall, depletion of nutrients in the soil and reduced soil fertility, planting patterns and plant density, uneven growth stages, are the main limiting factors that hinder the growth of agricultural production in arid regions. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of Sentinel-2 to quantify soil conditions, which can improve the understanding of spatiotemporal dynamics in organic agriculture in the steppe zone of Kazakhstan and improve productivity management of Linum usitatissimum. In the course of the research, the influence of individual factors of the general environmental impact, such as the influence of humidity, meteorological conditions, the content of individual nutrient components of the soil on the yield, was studied. The meteorological conditions in this region in 2021 and the data of agrochemical analysis of the soil on which the oilseed crop was grown were evaluated. Sentinel-2 satellite images were used to determine the NDVI and GNDVI indices. A high content of nitrate nitrogen (12.3-16.2 mg/kg), a very low level of available phosphorus (3-10 mg/kg), and a high content of potassium (289-420 mg/kg) were found in the soil. A low content of humus (2.68-3.31%) and sulfur (1.1-4.9 mg/kg) was found. A study of the NDVI growth index showed that the highest value was reached by the period of July 20, 2021. After this period, a decrease in the vegetation index was observed. In conditions of severe drought, this change occurred earlier than under favorable conditions, and correlated with low flax yield (1.6-6.9 c/ha). This study demonstrates the potential of Sentinel-2 for quantifying soil conditions, which not only improves our understanding of spatial-temporal dynamics and environmental components in organic agriculture in the steppe zone of Kazakhstan, but also improves the management of Linum usitatissimum productivity.

Do enhanced efficiency potassium sources increase maize yield in soil with high potassium content?

Enhanced efficiency potassium fertilizers can be a management tool that is crucial to crop sustainability in maize (Zea mays L.). However, there is a need for studies aimed at validating the use of these fertilizers in different production environments. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of maize under sources and rates of K through conventional and enhanced efficiency fertilizers in soil with high available K content. The experiment was carried out for two years in an Oxisol (605 g kg–1 of clay) with high K content (6.7 mmolc dm–3). Three sources were used, one conventional (KCl), one obtained by additives sprayed on the fertilizer surface (KCl-C), and one obtained by compacting KCl powder and adding additives (KCl-CC), associated with three K2O rates as top-dressing (50, 100, 150 kg ha–1) and a control without K2O. In all treatments, 48 kg ha–1 of K2O was applied in the sowing furrow. In the first year, maize yield increased linearly for both the KCl and KCl-C sources. The maximum yield (7,967 kg ha–1) for the KCl-CC was obtained at 88 kg ha–1. In the second year, the maximum yields for the KCl (7,553 kg ha–1) and KCl-C (8,166 kg ha–1) were obtained with 20 and 67 kg ha–1 K2O, respectively, while for the KCl-CC maize yield did not change. Enhanced efficiency K sources promote increases in maize yield ranging from 4.3 % to 7.1 %. Top-dressing K fertilization in high-fertility soils is a viable alternative for producers focused on increasing maize yield, mainly when enhanced efficiency sources are used.

Technological Quality of Potato Tubers: Effect of Potassium Fertilization and Application Time

The effect of potassium fertilization and time of application on yield and tuber quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Agria) was studied in Bekaa region in Lebanon. Potassium was applied in one split at tuber initiation (T1) and at tuber bulking (T2) in four different rates: K0 (0 kg/ha), K1 (100 kg/ha), K2 (200 kg/ha) and K3 (300 kg/ha). Results showed that aerial dry matter decreased and tuber dry matter increased during the growing period. The dry matter accumulation was dependent on potassium fertilization. Potassium concentration gradually decreased in leaves and increased in tubers during the growing period, while the most potassium treatment (K3) has accumulated at harvest, higher potassium concentrations in leaves and tubers, with more emphasis to application time T2 with respect to T1. Moreover, potassium has accelerated significantly (p<0.05) tuber dry matter accumulation. This was revealed by growth rate and harvest index values that were significantly higher (p<0.05) in K3 treatment with comparison to other treatments. Results also showed that fresh tuber yields increased with potassium fertilization and were more pronounced with T2 application whereas K3 had significantly (p<0.05) the highest value of 62.9 t/ha (K3). Yield augmentation was primarily due to an increase in tuber size in the larger (> 60 mm) and the medium (35 – 60 mm) grades. In addition, results showed that tuber dry matter content and specific gravity were statistically dependent on potassium fertilization and application time (p<0.05). The highest potassium treatment K3, regardless of application time, gave the best tuber quality of industrial potato by having the highest dry matter and the lowest reducing sugar contents. Finally, the results of this study suggest that maximum potato yield was obtained with K3 treatment (300 kg/ ha) applied during tuber bulking stage (T2).

Plodnost i sadržaj potencijalno toksičnih elemenata u zemljištu Mačve

By examining the fertility of Mačva soil (fluvisol, humogley, eugley, chernozem, eutric cambisol, pseudogley, luvisol, vertisol), it was found that the soils with a reaction which is favourable for growth of most crops dominate, but about 25% of the samples, mainly on Pseudogley and Luvisol, have an unfavourable, highly acidic reaction. Soil organic matter content is generally medium to high, as are the nitrogen reserves. A low content of phosphorous was found in about half of the samples, while in about 10% of soil samples, a very high phosphorous and potassium content was found, as a result of soil properties as well as inappropriate fertilization. The PTE content and natural background values are around or below the values for Central Serbia. These values are below the maximum allowed limits in domestic regulations, except for Ni, whose content increased in some samples in the alluvium of the Drina and Sava rivers and in the soil in close vicinity. Locations with values above the natural background and limit values in the legal regulations require an additional analysis of the impact on the environment.

Antioxidant activity and nutritional composition of different mushroom extracts grown on different bush encroachers as substrates in Namibia

Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants with a range of health benefits owing to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and nutritional composition of mushrooms cultivated on four different encroaching bushes as substrates. Antioxidant activity was measured using reducing power and DPPH scavenging assays. The IC50 values ranged from 0.380±0.098 mg/ml to 0.7780±0.007 mg/ml. The inhibition of the DPPH radical by PS extracts cultivated on Terminalia sericea (0.380±0.098 mg/ml) showed the highest activity compared to other mushroom extracts. All the mushroom species grown on different bushes showed an appreciable ability to reduce ferricyanide complex to ferrous form at different levels of concentration (0.063–1.00 mg/ml). TPC varied from 3.93 mg GAE/g to 8.016 mg GAE/g. TFC ranged from 0.515 mg QE/g to 12.1 mg QE/g, which showed a significant difference in the bush species at a p-value of less than 0.01. There was a significant difference in the interaction of bush substrates and mushroom species on crude protein and ash content at p-values of 0.01 and 0.015, respectively. In the current study, crude protein content ranged from 28.0% to 39.0%, with PF grown on Terminalia sericea having a high protein content. A significant difference in % NDF on mushroom species was found, where a variation was detected in HK35, while PF, PO, and PS showed a similar performance in % NDF. The study showed that ash content ranged from 5.77% to 17.9%. Percentage moisture ranged from 86.0% to 87.5%. A significant difference in mineral composition, with PO showing a high content of potassium (2.292%), PF showing a high content of sodium (0.059%), and PS showing a high content of phosphorus (0.746%) as compared to other mushroom species. Among the four different bushes, Combretum collinum (potassium 2.256%, sodium 0.05%, and phosphorus 0.74%) had the greatest effect on the mineral composition of the different mushrooms cultivated. In conclusion, mushrooms are accessible natural food rich in antioxidants, which may boost the immune system against oxidative damage and can be used as potential sources of therapeutic agents.

Identifikasi Kandungan dan Pengaruh Lama Fermentasi POC terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sawi dengan Sistem Hidroponik

One of the plants that has the potential and is easy to cultivate is mustard (Brassica juncea L.) especially in hydroponic systems. This study identified the total N, P and K content in liquid organic fertilizer made from moringa, banana weevil, maja fruit, sugar water, and rice washing water. Next, look at the effect of fermentation time on the growth of mustard plants through a hydroponic system. The study used a randomized block design with 3 treatments and three replications and one control was made using AB Mix fertilizer. The research stages include: preparation of tools and materials, preparation of hydropinic buildings, manufacture of liquid organic fertilizer, seeding and planting, measurement of plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf width, as well as identification of liquid organic fertilizer content and data analysis. The results obtained showed that the highest nitrogen content was found in f liquid organic fertilizer with a fermentation period of 21 days, which was 0.72% and the lowest was found in liquid organic fertilizer with a fermentation time of 7 days. Furthermore, the highest phosphorus content was found in liquid organic fertilizer with a fermentation time of 7 days and 21 days, which contained 0.02% phosphorus. Likewise, the highest potassium content was found in liquid organic fertilizer with a fermentation time of 7 days and 21 days with a potassium content of 0.10%. The results of the research on the effect of fermentation time on plant growth showed that the length of fermentation affected the growth of plant height, leaf width, leaf length, and number of leaves. POC with a fermentation time of 21 gave a better effect on plant growth when compared to POC fermented for 7 days and 14 days. POC fermented for 21 days showed no difference in plant growth when compared to the control.

Возделывание клещевины в условиях Ростовской области (обзор)

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is a valuable high-oil technical crop, belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. In the climatic conditions of the Rostov region, it is an annual, thermophilic plant. The castor seed kernel is the most valuable part of the plant, containing on average up to 75 % oil. Since 1926, breeding work has been carried out at the Don experimental station in the direction of develop-ing varieties suitable for cultivation in moderate climates. The main focus of breeding has been the de-velopment of highly productive, early-maturing castor bean varieties with indehiscent boxes suitable for mechanical harvesting. Castor seeds are known for their variety of sexual forms: ambisexual, male, female, as well as semi-female (female plants with a small number of male flowers) and scattered (plants with a mixed arrangement of male and female flowers). Using various methods of increasing the number of female plants, the Don experimental station has received breeding material that contributed to increasing the productivity of the crop. By the method of hybridization, mass, and individual selection, new productive varieties have been developed that fully meet the requirements of the time. Castor is a good forecrop for winter crops, due to the high content of nitrogen and potassium in the stems, when plowed they serve as a good organic fertilizer. When cultivated in crop rotation, castor increases soil fertility and protects the soil from soil pests such as wireworm, may beetle larvae, etc. Currently, castor is cultivated in many countries of the world, including Russia. The Rostov region is one of the northernmost areas of cultivation of this crop. Currently, the Don experi-mental station continues breeding work on the development of new castor varieties that combine re-sistance to stress factors, early maturity, yield, and product quality. The result of many years of work by breeders at the Don experimental station is a new high-yielding, highly productive variety of castor Udacha.

Evaluation of the kinetics of direct aqueous mineral carbonation of wood combustion ash using modified shrinking core models.

The direct aqueous mineral carbonation of wood combustion ash (WCA), which is a representative high-calcium waste from combustion process, was systematically investigated by varying complex operating conditions, including reaction time, liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), CO2 concentration, and particle size. The WCA exhibited high CO2 sequestration characteristics with an optimal carbonation efficiency of 76.4%, corresponding to a CO2 sequestration capacity of 0.314g CO2/g WCA. In addition to solid carbonates, dry residues from liquid products with high potassium contents are potential feedstocks for quality potash fertilizer. Modified shrinking core models based on diffusion-controlled mechanism were proposed to evaluate the carbonation process. The theoretical framework assumes a contracting interface mechanism where active CaO reacts with CO2 to form a product layer. The effective diffusion coefficient of CO2 through the product layer decreases over time, giving deficient carbonation efficiency. The newly proposed models corresponding to different geometrical dimensions provided more perfect fit to the experimental data when compared with the most commonly used kinetic equations. The low apparent activation energy of the carbonation reaction demonstrated the diffusion-controlled mechanism. This work is useful for improving the economics and feasibility of bioenergy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology chain.

THE EFFECT OF STABILIZING ADDITIVES ON THE WATER RESISTANCE AND TRANSITION HUMIC SUBSTANCES IN WATER SOLUTION FROM GRANULATED ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS

The effect of stabilizing additives on the water resistance of granular organomineral fertilizers with a high potassium content has been studied. It is shown that the use of stabilizing additives (NH4)2CO3 and Ca3(PO4)2 in an amount of 2.5–5.0 % and a drying temperature of 120 ºC makes it possible to ensure the water resistance of granules up to 90 %, increases the transition of humic substances into a biologically active water-soluble form and reduces environmental pollution by plant nutrients. These additives contain components of nutrients for plant growth and development in their composition and do not lead to possible contamination of soils in comparison with polymer materials widely used for these purposes.

Seaweed (Gracilariopsis funicularis) biochar incorporation into a goat manure–food waste vermicompost for optimized vermidegradation and nutrient release

Vermicomposts are organic fertilizer sources that are being promoted; however, their concentrations of macronutrients such as NPK are very low. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of amending goat manure–food waste mixture with biochar prepared from seaweed (Gracilariopsis funicularis) at 0% (control), 2, 4, 6, and 8% on vermicompost degradation and macronutrient release. After 10 weeks of vermicomposting, the highest pH of 9.06 was observed within the control, whilst the lowest was 8.7 in the 8% treatment. The electrical conductivity showed a positive relationship with the level of biochar incorporation with the highest of 16.5 mS/cm from the 8% treatment, whilst the lowest was within the control with 6 mS/cm. There were no significant differences between treatments on humification parameters; however, there were significant differences in the changes in a C/N ratio with the final C/N ratio of 14.4, 14.9, 16.7, 15.1, and 14.4 for the control, 2, 4, 6, and 8% treatments, respectively. A higher incorporation rate resulted in the higher concentration of potassium with a value of 32.3 g/kg at week 8. The final percentage change in Olsen P was 19, 14.2, 7.3, 4.1, and 3.0% for the 8%, 6%, control, 4%, and 2% treatments, respectively. An optimized level of 6% to 8% biochar incorporation ratio can be recommended. However, the incorporation of G. funicularis biochar does not seem to influence changes in the vermidegradation efficiency, though it can significantly improve the macronutrients such as P, K, and Mg concentrations as well as the macroelement concentrations.

Семенная продуктивность сортов и селекционных номеров льна-долгунца в условиях Среднего Предуралья

The article presents the results of scientific research for 2020 and 2021 to study the comparative evaluation of varieties and breeding numbers of fiber flax in various soil and meteorological conditions and the selection of the best of them in terms of seed productivity. The soil of the experimental plots in the years of laying the experiments differed in the agrochemical characteristics of the arable layer: low and medium humus content, high and increased content of mobile phosphorus, high and very high content of mobile potassium, the soil solution in both years of research had a medium acid reaction. On soddy-medium podzolic medium loamy soil, the domestic variety Tverskoy stood out in terms of seed yield, providing seed productivity of 103 g/m2 at a plant density before harvesting of 1334 pcs/m2, the number of seeds per plant was 21,6 pcs., their weight 0,08 g. Among the studied fiber flax collection, domestic varieties Alfa (4,0 pcs.) and ER-138 (4,1 pcs.) were distinguished by the number of productive bolls per plant, and the domestic variety Tverskoy by the number of seeds per plant (21,6 pcs.), by weight of 1000 seeds (4,9 g) - Crystall variety from the USA. Keywords: FIBER FLAX, VARIETY, BREEDING NUMBER, SEED PRODUCTIVITY, YIELD

“Direct” sowing of grain crops after potatoes

The effectiveness of the use of “direct” sowing in the cultivation of grain crops in the north-east of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation has been revealed. Field experiments were carried out in 2019-2021 on medium loamy low-humus gray forest soils with a high content of mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium. The weather conditions during the years of the experiments differed both in terms of heat supply and the amount of precipitation. The objects of the study were: winter wheat of the Moskovskaya 39 variety, spring wheat – Arhat, malting barley – Elf, fodder barley – Pamyaty Rodinoy, corn for silage and grain hybrid NK Gitago. “Direct” sowing was carried out using the Primera DMC (Amazone) sowing complex with the simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers for the maximum planned yield of each crop. On average, the maximum (3.43 t/ha) grain yield when using “direct” sowing was formed when cultivating corn, and the minimum (1.86 t/ha) – malting barley. In the production of these crops, the highest (2.42) and the lowest (1.85) energy efficiency coefficient, respectively, was also revealed. An analysis of economic indicators testified to the expediency of using “direct” sowing in the cultivation of winter wheat, which was reflected in obtaining the maximum (73.3%) level of profitability. The minimum (31.5%) level of profitability was noted in the cultivation of malting barley, which is explained by the high degree of material and labor costs and its relatively low yield. The profitability of the production of other types of crop products was 1.18-1.94 times lower. In general, the agronomic, energy and economic assessment showed bright prospects for the cultivation of winter wheat and maize for grain using the “direct” seeding method after potatoes.

Secondary Metabolites and Mineral Elements of Manotes expansa and Aframomum alboviolaceum Leaves Collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background and Aims: Manotes expansa Sol. ex Planch. and Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) Schum. are two plants belonging respectively to the family Connaraceae R.Br. and Zingiberaceae Martino widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of eye diseases, fever, headaches, gastritis as well as asthma. The aim of the present study is the valorization of these two plants collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo by a quantitative and qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites and mineral elements in their leaves.
 Materials and Methods: The determination of secondary metabolites in the leaves of Manotes expansa and Aframomum alboviolaceum was carried out by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry for the identification and quantitative analysis of mineral elements.
 Results: The results showed that the leaves of these two plants are rich in phenolic compounds, i.e. 442.2 mgEqAG/g for the leaves of A. alboviolaceum, 370.64 mgEqAG/g for the red leaves and 282.64 mgEqAG/g green leaves of M. expansa. Although being part of the same plant, the red and green leaves of M. expansa presented a totally different phytochemical profile. The contents of condensed tannins, anthocyanins and flavonoids are respectively 0.3%, 0.68% and 3.29% for the leaves of A. alboviolaceum; 0.58%, 0.36% and 6.89% for the red leaves, and 0.65%, 0.26% and 7.55% for the green leaves of M. expansa. The mineral content in the leaves of both plants remains dominated by the high concentration of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe).
 Conclusion: The high content of phenolic compounds and essential trace elements makes the leaves of M. expansa and A. alboviolaceum potential candidates to alleviate several health problems in Africa in general and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Metabolites, elemental profile and chemical activities of Pinus strobus high temperature-derived pyroligneous acid

BackgroundPyroligneous acid (PA) is an aqueous smoky fraction produced during pyrolysis of biomass. The chemical composition of PA from different plant biomass has been studied, but reports on PA metabolites and elemental profiles are rare. In this study, we examined the metabolites, elemental profiles and the associated chemical activities of PA derived from white pine (Pinus strobus) at 1100 °C compared to similar work done elsewhere using different biomass at lower temperatures.ResultsPA from P. strobus biomass exhibited a lower electrical conductivity (2.05 mS/cm), salinity (1.03 g/L) and total dissolved solids (1.42 g/L) but higher oBrix content (9.35 ± 0.06) compared to PA from other feedstock. The P. strobus PA showed a higher antioxidant activity characterized by enhanced radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free-radical (78.52%) and accumulation of higher total phenolic (95.81 ± 1.45 gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL) and flavonoid content (49.46 µg quercetin/mL). Metabolite profiling by direct injection mass spectrometry with a reverse-phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (DI/LC–MS/MS) identified a total of 156 metabolites. Four (4) main groups including organic acids (90.87%), hexose (8.60%), carnitine (0.3%) and phospholipids (0.24%) were found in the PA. Mineral element analysis revealed that the P. strobus PA contained high concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn), while the content of sodium (Na) and trace/heavy metals were present at levels below the reported limit.ConclusionThis study indicates that P. strobus PA is a valuable product that can be used in agriculture to improve plant growth and productivity under normal and environmentally stressful conditions.Graphical

Selective rubidium recovery from seawater with metal-organic framework incorporated potassium cobalt hexacyanoferrate nanomaterial

Rubidium (Rb) is a highly-priced metal due to its scarcity in ore form. Seawater is a promising alternate source for recovering Rb. Potassium cobalt hexacyanoferrate (KCoFC) ion exchange nanomaterial achieves high selective Rb recovery in seawater; however, its performance is impaired by high potassium concentration in seawater. To address this issue, this study modified the structure of KCoFC by grafting zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIF) with KCoFC to synthesize KCoFC@ZIF. Detailed physicochemical characterization showed the successful synthesis of KCoFC@ZIF. KCoFC@ZIF increased the surface area of the material but reduced its pore diameter, which was influenced by 2-methylimidazole (HMIM) concentration. Reducing HMIM composition to a ratio of KCoFC:HMIM:Zn 1:12:5 (KCoFC@ZIF(d)) achieved a reasonable balance in increasing the material surface area by 63 % to that of KCoFC while reducing the pore diameter by only 30 %. Rb uptake capacity of KCoFC@ZIF(d) (Langmuir qmax 1279.35 mg/g) was 8-folds higher with accelerated kinetics compared to KCoFC (qmax 143.21 mg/g). The capacity of both KCoFC and KCoFC@ZIF(d) was reduced by about 45 % in seawater due to the presence of potassium. Nevertheless, KCoFC@ZIF(d) maintained a relatively high Rb uptake of 236 mg/g in seawater due to its high Rb selective capacity; consequently, demonstrating its potential for Rb extraction from seawater. KCoFC@ZIF(d) demonstrated a similar peak structure after five consecutive operative cycles, thus, establishing its regenerative efficiency. Overall, it can be indicated that KCoFC controls the selective Rb uptake of KCoFC@ZIF. At the same time, the grafted ZIF layer acts as a catalytic layer that increases the surface area and ion dehydration of KCoFC@ZIF to enhance the Rb diffusion into the core structure of KCoFC.

SES1 is vital for seedling establishment and post-germination growth under high-potassium stress conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The potassium ion (K+) plays an important role in maintaining plant growth and development, while excess potassium in the soil can cause stress to plants. The understanding of the molecular mechanism of plant's response to high KCl stress is still limited. At the seed stage, wild type (WT) and SENSITIVE TO SALT1 (SES1) mutants were exposed to different concentrations of potassium treatments. Tolerance was assayed as we compared their performances under stress using seedling establishment rate and root length. Na+content, K+content, and K+/Na+ ratio were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. In addition, the expressions of KCl-responding genes and ER stress-related genes were also detected and analyzed using qRT-PCR. SES1 mutants exhibited seedling establishment defects under high potassium concentration conditions and exogenous calcium partially restored the hypersensitivity phenotype of ses1 mutants. The expression of some K+ transporter/channel genes were higher in ses1-2, and the ratio of potassium to sodium (K+/Na+) in ses1-2 roots decreased after KCl treatment compared with WT. Further analysis showed that the ER stress marker genes were dramatically induced by high K+ treatment and much higher expression levels were detected in ses1-2, indicating ses1-2 suffers a more serious ER stress than WT, and ER stress may influence the seedling establishment of ses1-2 under high KCl conditions. These results strongly indicate that SES1 is a potassium tolerance relevant molecule that may be related to maintaining the seedling K+/Na+ balance under high potassium conditions during seedling establishment and post-germination growth. Our results will provide a basis for further studies on the biological roles of SES1 in modulating potassium uptake, transport, and adaptation to stress conditions.

Recycling of bottom sediment to agriculture: effects on plant growth and soil properties

PurposeThe use of bottom sediments in agriculture reduces the storage of excavated material and allows the nutrients it contains to be applied for soil fertilisation and improvement. However, the direct application of sediments to soil may cause numerous problems. Therefore, the addition of other waste materials may be a promising and useful method in the production of bottom-sediment-based growing media. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growing media prepared on the basis of bottom sediments and various waste materials on the properties of soil as well as on the yield and chemical composition of courgette biomass.MethodsThe growing media were prepared with substrates in the form of mixtures with bottom sediments taken from the Rożnów reservoir. The effect of mixtures on plant growth was determined in a laboratory pot experiment. Air-dry mixtures (M1—bottom sediment with water treatment sludge (BS + SW); M2—bottom sediment with biomass ash (BS + BA); M3—bottom sediment with coffee hulls (BS + CH)) were mixed with soil (S) in the following proportions: combination I—25%, combination II—50%, combination III—75%, and combination IV—100% mixture.ResultsThe media did not have harmful effects on the plant or the soil environment. They had deacidifying properties; high contents of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus; low total trace element content; and posed little risk of metal mobility. Heterocypris incongruens was the organism most sensitive to the substances contained in the studied media. The use of bottom-sediment-based media reduced the biomass of the test plant and, at the same time, limited the accumulation of trace elements in its aboveground parts.ConclusionMost of the analysed media were low-toxic to the test organisms and can potentially be used in agriculture, horticulture, or the reclamation of degraded land.

Spatial Variability of Soil Properties under Different Land Use Systems in Wokha District of Nagaland, India

The shifting cultivation practice is the predominant land use system of Nagaland, India, and Wokha district in particular. In general, there are four different forms of land use: forest, shifting cultivation, cultivated fallow, and wet terrace rice cultivation. In the Wokha district, a study was conducted in the year 2015 to evaluate the variability in soil characteristics among four different land use systems and to map their spatial distribution. A total of 381 soil samples were collected and tested for six soil fertility parameters; clay, pH, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results showed that all of the soils were very acidic in nature; however the mean value of soil pH was substantially higher in the shifting cultivation system. Soil organic carbon concentrations ranged from high to very high across all land use systems. Average soil organic carbon content was highest in the forest, followed by cultivated fallow, shifting, and wet terrace rice cultivation (WTRC) systems, whereas available N content was very low to low. The P concentration of the soil was very low in the WTRC system and low in the other systems. Soil K concentration was high in shifting (361.95 kg/ha), cultivated fallow (312.4 kg/ha), forest (309.73 kg/ha), and low in WTRC (166.975 kg/ha) land use systems. Available N, P and K deficiency was found in 93.8%, 72.2%, and 32.9% of soil samples, respectively. Soil organic carbon correlated positively with K and significantly positively with N. Soil pH correlated negatively with clay content and positively but non-significantly with P. The generated maps might be used to assist farmers in identifying the expected nutrient levels in their areas and encourage them to change their crop management practices to improve crop yield and profitability. Due to soil acidity, higher SOC, lower N and P, and higher potassium content, suitable acid loving crops, higher N and phosphorus fertilization, and some commercially advantageous potassium responsive crops may be encouraged in farming practices.

Momordica balsamina L.: An unexploited vegetable crop rich in medicinal and nutritional properties

African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina L.) is a tendrilled, wild-type vine plant with a wide range of therapeutic and nutritional properties that has been used as a conventional medicament in many countries. Alkaloids, resins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenes are found in the plant's fruits, seeds, leaves and bark, and they have varied medicinal properties viz., anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-plasmodial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activities. 'Momordin,' a therapeutic agent, can stop HIV and other viruses from multiplying. The leaves are also a good source of nutrients because they contain 17 amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, and iron. It also aids in the fight against soil micronutrient deficiencies and high protein and fat content with low fibre content. High potassium content is an excellent source for controlling hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. This plant may be a protein supplement for poor rural people's cereal-based diets. The medicinal and nutritional value of this wild herb for health care management is discussed in this review.

Screening of advanced sugarcane genotypes against rust mite

In the screening trial, among the nineteen sugarcane genotypes screened for the reaction to sugarcane rust mite, Abacarus sacchari, only 2 genotypes (009-64 and 0961-07) harboured >1 mites /2 cm2 leaf area while remaining all the genotypes harboured <2 mites/2 cm2 leaf area for the entire crop duration. Morphological characters of genotypes revealed that interveinal distance, leaf area and trichome density were found to influence the A. sacchari negatively. The genotype with high phenol and lower amount of total sugar, reducing sugar, crude protein was found with the lower level of incidence of mites. The study on the role of leaf nutrient on the mite population revealed that genotype with higher potassium content and lower nitrogen levels were found with the minimum incidence of A. sacchari.