Improved Water Retention Research Articles

Increased serum C‐reactive protein and decreased urinary aquaporin 2 levels are predictive of the efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis

Water retention, hepatic ascites, and peripheral edema are significant problems in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Although furosemide and spironolactone are commonly used as treatment, they are often insufficient to treat hyponatremia and renal insufficiency in patients with LC. Tolvaptan (TVP) could provide an effective treatment alternative. However, predictive factors of a therapeutic response to TVP are unclear. Our aim was to examine clinical predictors of the response to TVP in patients with LC and water retention. Fifty-two patients were treated with TVP, with therapeutic effects judged by a decrease in body weight (≥2kg) and increase in urinary volume (≥500mL) within 7days. Blood biochemical tests were carried out at baseline and post-treatment, including serum soluble CD14 (sCD14) and urinary aquaporin 2 (AQP2) levels. Clinical and laboratory predictive factors of a TVP response were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The overall response to TVP was 55.8%. On univariate analyses, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, urinary blood urea nitrogen, and urinary AQP2 were predictors of the TVP response, with only serum CRP retained on multivariate analysis. A higher serum sCD14 level was strongly associated with a non-response to TVP. A decrease in urinary AQP2 to undetectable level was associated with a response. Tolvaptan provides a rapid and strong effect to improve water retention in patients with LC. Baseline serum sCD14 and CRP levels are useful predictors of a response to TVP, with a decrease in urinary AQP2 during treatment indicating an early response.

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances improve water retention in dryland biological soil crusts

Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) represent an important part of the living cover in drylands worldwide. BCSs change soil hydrology due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-excreting species of cyanobacteria, dominant members of dryland-BSCs. The presence of EPS allowed matric potential (Ψm) to remain unchanged down to 20% water content, whereas, without EPS, Ψm started decreasing at 80% water content. The EPS matrix improved the water retaining capacity of soil, suggesting that BSCs would delay onset of restrictive matric potential values due to its larger water holding capacity.

Effect of Nano-Carbon on Water Holding Capacity in a Sandy Soil of the Loess Plateau

The poor water retention capacity of sandy soils commonly aggregate soil erosion and ecological environment on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Due to its strong capacity for absorption and large specific surface area, the use of nanocarbon made of coconut shell as a soil amendment that could improve water retention was investigated. Soil column experiments were conducted in which a layer of nanocarbon mixed well with the soil was formed at a depth of 20 cm below the soil surface. Four different nanocarbon contents by weight (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) and five thicknesses of the nanocarbon- soil mixture layer ranging from 1 to 5 cm were considered. Cumulative infiltration and soil water content distributions were determined when water was added to soil columns. Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) were obtained using the centrifuge method. The principal results showed that the infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration increased with the increases of nanocarbon contents, to the thicknesses of the nano carbon-soil mixture layer. Soil water contents that below the soil-nano carbon layer decreased sharply. Both the Brooks-Corey and van Genuchten models could describe well the SWCC of the disturbed sandy soil with various nano carbon contents. Both the saturated water content (θs), residual water content (θr) and empirical parameter (α) increased with increasing nano carbon content, while the pore-size distribution parameter (n) decreased. The available soil water contents were efficiently increased with the increase in nanocarbon contents.

This issue of Earth Science Research Journal

We at the Earth Sciences Research Journal hope all our readers have a happy and productive 2018. Our last issue of ESRJ in 2017 presents a number of papers on different topics within the Earth Sciences. In Alvarez-Ysabel et al. a 150+ year database of tropical cyclone activity is analyzed for the Dominican Republic (DR). A total of 112 events have tracks at most 300 km from the DR are studied in terms of their seasonal distribution and long-term distribution, their frequency and landfall probability. The authors also present a review of trocial cyclone activity in the region. Ogly Gahramanov uses a combination of geological and geochemical information to model the formation of hydrocarbon deposits in the South Caspian Basin, in particular for the South Caspian Depression. The authors argue that large pressures and tectonic history have a large effect on the appropriate selection of potential drilling sites. Using high-resolution aeromagnetic survey data in combination with other geological-geophysical thematic maps, XXXX.et al. take advantage of GIS tools for identifying different tectonic regimes in the Sabinas Basin, northeastern Mexico. Regions where the basin is deepest and the delineation of faults allows for the determination of block boundaries as well. He et al. use a modified direct shear test apparatus to determine shear strength parameters of unsaturated soils under various conditions. The paper proposes that the direct shear test analysis is an efficient way to analysis soil samples. Zhuo and Chen explore the improved water retention capacity of sandy soils by adding nanocarbon made from coconut shells. Different amounts and thicknesses of nanocarbon were added to the soil, increasing water content with increased nanocarbon. Loess deposits can have very large thicknesses, and for engineering purposes it is important to better understand the geotechnical response of the loess deposits. Wang et al. investigate the collapsibility of loess deposits in the Xixian New Region using compressions tests under different pressure and water content conditions. Results presented may have important application in future geotechnical studies in the region.

A comparative study of functional properties of normal and wooden breast broiler chicken meat with NaCl addition

The selection of broilers for augmented growth rate and breast has brought about wooden-breast (WB) muscle abnormalities, which caused substantial economic losses. The objective of this study was to compare water holding capacity, water mobility and distribution, salt-soluble protein (SSP) content, and protein profiles of normal and WB chicken meat with different additions of NaCl. Thirty WB and 30 normal chicken breasts were selected from a deboning line of a major Chinese processing plant at 2 to 3 h post mortem. Two different meat batters were formulated to 150 mg/g meat protein and different NaCl contents (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%). Results indicated that as NaCl contents increased, the cooking loss of meat batters decreased (P < 0.05). Increasing the NaCl content to 3% or more increased the solubility of myofibrillar protein and the extraction of SSPs, which resulted in the improving of cooking yield. Over a range of salt concentrations, normal and WB meat showed different protein profiles, with myosin heavy chain exhibiting a higher intensity at ≥3% salt level. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR)revealed an increased T22 and higher P22 in raw WB meat compared to normal meat (P < 0.05). Regarding the meat batters, WB meat batters had reduced T21 and lower immobilized water proportions at low NaCl contents (<2%). After heating, T2 shifted towards higher relaxation times with increasing NaCl contents in meat gels. Meat gels prepared from WB had a lower proportion of water within the myofibrillar protein matrix and a greater proportion of exuded bulk water at NaCl contents <3% (P < 0.05), while at higher NaCl contents the difference was eliminated, thus improving water retention capacity. In conclusion, for raw meat, meat batters and gels, water distribution and mobility of WB exhibited significant differences compared to normal meat. The addition of NaCl affected water mobility and distributions in meat batters, with a level of 3% NaCl eliminating the differences between processed normal and WB meat products.

Biogas digestates based on lignin-rich feedstock – potential as fertilizer and soil amendment

ABSTRACTWith advances in biogas technology, lignocellulosic material may be increasingly included in feedstock due to the abundance of raw materials. The main goal of this study was to evaluate fertilizing and soil amendment effects of digestates based on lignin-rich feedstock. The digestates originated from reactors fed with manure co-digested with Salix, wheat straw or sugarcane bagasse, respectively. In pot experiments with three different soils, Italian ryegrass and reed canary grass were grown with 120 kg ha−1 total nitrogen or 150 kg ha−1 available nitrogen, respectively, given as either mineral fertilizer or digestate. Soil chemical and physical characteristics were determined after ended experiments. Additionally, an incubation study was carried out to estimate N mineralization from one digestate over time. Digestate addition resulted in similar yields compared to mineral fertilizer, varying from 0.5 (loam) to 1 kg dry matter m−2 (silt) for Italian ryegrass and 1.2 (loam) to 2.3 kg m−2 (silt) for reed canary grass. Digestates contributed to a favourable pH for plant growth, reduced bulk density in the loam and improved water retention characteristics in the sand. Biogas digestates based on lignin-rich feedstock appear promising as fertilizers and for soil amelioration but results have to be verified in field experiments.

Synthesis and nutrient release patterns of a biochar-based N–P–K slow-release fertilizer

Biochar has excellent solute adsorption capacity, yet few studies have investigated its application as a nutrient carrier in the development of slow-release fertilizers. The current study developed a biochar-based N–P–K fertilizer (BSRF) and evaluated its nutrient release patterns relative to a conventional fertilizer. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the coarse and highly porous microstructure of the biochar (SBC) that enabled it to effectively sorb NO3 −, PO4 3−, and K+ and form a nutrient-impregnated BSRF. BSRF had lower NO3 −, PO4 3−, and K+ release than the conventional chemical fertilizer, demonstrating its low release behavior. BSRF-amended sandy soil had higher water retention capacity than that amended with a conventional chemical fertilizer. BSRF has potential to reduce nutrient leaching, improve water retention, and hence increase crop nutrient and water use efficiencies. Future research should focus on understanding nutrient release mechanisms, synchronization of nutrient release with plant uptake, and applications of the BSRF in environmental remediation.

Herbal products on cellulosic fabric with controlled release: comparison of in situ encapsulation and UV curing of the prepared nanocapsules

The application method of essential oils and plant extracts in micro/nanocapsules on textiles can affect the properties of the fabric due to evaporation. This paper presents a comparative study on different applications of encapsulated herbal products on cotton fabric. UV curing of nanocapsules and simultaneous encapsulation/stabilization were used to prepare a controllable release essential oils on cotton fabric. FESEM images indicated well stabilized nanocapsules on the cotton fabric in both methods. FT-IR and UV–Vis analysis confirmed the presence of the encapsulated peppermint oil on the cotton fabric. There was longer controlled release and increased stiffness found in the samples prepared with UV curing, while there was lower weight and thickness, improved water retention, and ameliorated water absorbency in the sample produced with simultaneous encapsulation/stabilization. Further, better durability and prolonged release of antimicrobial, fragrance, and insect repellent agents can be obtained by UV curing method of the textiles, while the simultaneous encapsulation/stabilization method is more suitable for disposable applications such as wound dressings or medical textiles.

Effects of Peach (Prunus persica)-Derived Glucosylceramide on the Human Skin

Background: Plant-derived ceramides are functional natural products with vari-ous physiological effects that improve water retention and skin permeability functions.Objective: Herein, we isolated peach (Prunus persica)-derived glucosylceramide with high purity and evaluated its effects on moisture and permeability of skin.Methods: Three separate experiments were performed: evaluations of the effect of peach-derived glucosylceramide application on the ceramide content in a three-dimensional hu-man cultured skin model, water retention effect of the oral administration of the peach-derived glucosylceramide on human skin functionality, and safety of the long-term admin-istration of the peach-derived glucosylceramide in human subjects.Results: Treatments of three-dimensional cultures of human skin with peach-derived gluco-sylceramide led to dose-dependent increases in human ceramide contents. Additionally, af-ter oral administration of ceramide to humans, dose-dependent improvements in water re-tention functions of skin, suppression of trans-epidermal water loss and improvements in skin texture were observed. Furthermore, no significant changes in subjective/objective symptoms, physical characteristics, or laboratory test values were observed in human sub-jects following long term oral administration of ceramide at doses that were 4.5-9-times greater than recommended. Taken together, the present data indicate the positive effects of peach ceramide on skin function and no adverse effects.

Characterization of biochar and its effects on the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil: Comparison of hemlock biochar and switchblade grass biochar characteristics

Two of the most important resources in agriculture are soil and water. The quality of the soil determines the health and output of crops. Biochar has been recognized as being a useful soil amendment due to its perceived benefits of increasing water and nutrient retention. However, limited research has been conducted to compare the characteristics of biochar created from different feedstocks to determine which are the most effective at raising water holding capacity. This study compared the water holding capacity and chemical composition of biochar created from two different materials: eastern hemlock and switchblade grass. Results showed that both the hemlock char and switchblade grass char were able to significantly raise the water holding capacity of loamy sand. The switchblade grass increased the water holding capacity more than the hemlock biochar. For example, at a mixture rate of 10% biochar by weight, switchblade grass increased loamy sand's water holding capacity by 228%, compared with 133% for hemlock. The water holding capacity of the switchblade grass biochar alone was 448.69% of its weight and the hemlock biochar held 268.34% of its weight. These results suggest that switchblade grass may be better suited for improving water retention in sandy soils. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1474–1479, 2017

Multifunctional Semi-interpenetrating Superabsorbents from Graft Polymerization of Acrylic Acid on Cellulose in Presence of Fulvic Acid as Potential Slow Release Devices of Soil Nutrients

Grafting polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) was undertaken onto cellulose powder (Cell) in presence of potassium fulvate (KF) to produce semi-interpenetrating network structures. The grafting efficiency (GE) and grafting yield (GY) were studied as and indicated that the grafting process was not influenced in presence of KF. KF was expected to be incorporated into the cellulose backbone in the same course of the graft polymerization via polycondensation with groups from cellulose and monomer. The simultaneous graft polymerization of acrylic acid and polycondensation processes of all components allows formation of a more chemically active semi-interpenetrating network structure. Successful incorporation of KF to the network structure was predicted from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) while enhanced Cu2+ uptake confirmed the better chemical activity with respect to the same network prepared in absence of KF. Furthermore, the wide variation of the swelling potential as a function of the pH further corroborates the insertion of KF to the network structure. Imaging with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated morphological alteration on the surface which might be related to the KF anchoring to the cellulose backbone. The developed superabsorbents showed increment in the water absorption both in distilled water and salted solutions as well. The newly developed superabsorbent was applied as a support for soil nutrients and their controlled release in soil was studied. The results proved efficiency of the superabsorbent to warrant appropriate release of the nutrients according to the time regulations set by European Committee of Normalization (ECN). Improved water retention was also an additional advantage.

Filled myofibrillar protein gels: Improving cooking loss and texture with model filler particles

Abstract The influence of incorporating filler particles of varying size and hydrophilic strength in a model myofibrillar protein gel was investigated. Two particle sizes (7–10 μm and 30–50 μm) having differing surface chemistry (uncoated, or amino-coated) were incorporated into a comminuted meat system at varying volume fractions (ϕ f ). Both particle sizes were able to reduce and arrest cooking loss during gelation, as well as improve large deformation mechanical attributes such as Hardness and Resilience. The smaller particles were found to increase these parameters at lower ϕ f , reaching a plateau as the filler content increased (at ϕ f ≥ 0.03). The use of amino-coated particles resulted in a greater increase in liquid retention and large deformation properties; however, not significantly so. The larger particles produced a continuous decrease in cooking loss during gelation, but there was an associated lag in the improvement in large deformation properties. At the highest ϕ f tested (ϕ f = 0.12), the large deformation mechanical properties of the composites containing the 30–50 μm particles either reached a plateau (uncoated) or exhibited a slight decrease (amino-coated). This was attributed to the clustering of particles at higher ϕ f , which would weaken the gel network, as the glass particles only weakly interacted with the protein network, as suggested by SEM images. Pulsed NMR relaxometry indicated the presence of the glass particles stabilized the aqueous phase prior to gelation, resulting in the improved water retention which was associated with the observed increase in mechanical properties. However, despite the stronger dipole moment associated with the amino functional groups bound to the surface of the coated glass beads, these particles did not provide an improvement in the stability or large deformation mechanical properties of the composite gels. This work corroborates with previous studies suggesting that micron-sized, insoluble, hydrophilic filler could be used to improve the mechanical attributes and water retention of comminuted meat products.

Advanced nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell applications: a comprehensive review

Combination of inorganic fillers into organic polymer membranes (organic–inorganic hybrid membranes) has drawn a significant deal of attention over the last few decades. This is because of the incorporated influence of the organic and inorganic phases towards proton conductivity and membrane stability, in addition to cost decline, improved water retention property, and also suppressing fuel crossover by increasing the transport pathway tortuousness. The preparation methods of the composite membranes and the intrinsic characteristics of the used particles as filler, such as size, type, surface acidity, shape, and their interactions with the polymer matrix can significantly affect the properties of the resultant matrix. The membranes currently used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are perfluorinated polymers containing sulfonic acid, such as Nafion®. Although these membranes possess superior properties, such as high proton conductivity and acceptable chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability, they suffer from several disadvantages such as water management, CO poisoning, and fuel crossover. Organic-inorganic nanocomposite PEMs offer excellent potentials for overcoming these shortcomings in order to achieve improved FC performance. Various inorganic fillers for the fabrication of composite membranes have been comprehensively reviewed in the present article. Moreover, the properties of polymer composites containing different nanoparticles have been thoroughly discussed.

Effect of gelatinized flour fraction on thermal and rheological properties of wheat-based dough and bread.

This work considered gelatinized wheat flour fraction with properties similar to hydrocolloid to enhance the strength of dough network by improving water retention and rheological characteristics. The gelatinized (90 °C) fraction of the wheat flour was incorporated in the dough formulation at different levels (5, 10, and 20% w/w). The effects of the gelatinized flour (GF) fraction on the dough rheology and thermal properties were studied. The incorporation of GF induced a moderate increase of dough viscoelasticity and reduced the freezing and melting enthalpies. On the other hand, the changes in bread textural properties brought by incorporation of GF were insignificant, indicating that the gelatinized fraction acted as a binder that enhanced water trapping in the structure. SEM images showed a more heterogeneous crumb microstructure (e.g., gas cells, porous, etc.) bread prepared using GF. Drying kinetics obtained from TGA indicated that the water diffusivity decreased with the incorporation of GF, which suggested that the bread had a compact microstructure.

Effect of Phosphate Compounds on Water Retention Capacity of Round Scad Surimi during Frozen Storage

This study reports a study of the influence of phosphate compounds on the cooking loss of round scad surimi during the frozen storage. Further more, water retention property of round scad surimi optimized by phosphate compounds through combination design of ternary quadratic form and center of rotation and the regression model was established to predict the cooking loss effect. Results show that the best water retention capacity when composite phosphate contains 50% sodium tripolyphosphate, 20% trisodium phosphate and 30% sodium hexametaphosphate. Under this operational condition, the cooking loss ratio of frozen surimi is only 24.60%, which is 10.24% less than that of frozen surimi without any phosphate compounds. These results generally indicate that the presence of phosphate compounds improve water retention capacity of round scad surimi during frozen storage obviously.

Comparing the potentials of clay and biochar in improving water retention and mechanical resilience of sandy soil

Abstract Changing climate is threatening rainfall regularity particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions; therefore, strategies to conserve water within their coarse-grained soils and to improve water use efficiency of crops are critical. This study compared the effectiveness of biochar and two types of clay materials in augmenting water retention and improving mechanical resilience of fine sand. The amendment of fine sand with woodchip-biochar and kaolinite (non-swelling clay) and Na-bentonite (swelling clay) improved the water retention capacity and interparticle bonding of the substrate depending of the rate of amendment and water content of the substrates. Na-bentonite was more effective at increasing water retention capacity at more negative matric potentials. Biochar was more effective at saturation due to the increased porosity, while kaolinite responds similarly to biochar. It is, however, shown that most of the water retained by the Na-betonite may not be available to plants, particularly at high amendment rate. Furthermore, the clay and biochar materials improved particle bonding in the fine sand with the Na-bentonite being more effective than biochar and kaolinite (in that order) in strengthening interparticle bonds and improving the resilience of fine sand, if the rate of amendment is kept at ≤50 g kg-1.

Stress-Inducible Expression of an F-box Gene TaFBA1 from Wheat Enhanced the Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco Plants without Impacting Growth and Development.

E3 ligase plays an important role in the response to many environment stresses in plants. In our previous study, constitutive overexpression of an F-box protein gene TaFBA1 driven by 35S promoter improved the drought tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants, but the growth and development in transgenic plants was altered in normal conditions. In this study, we used stress-inducible promoter RD29A instead of 35S promoter, as a results, the stress-inducible transgenic tobacco plants exhibit a similar phenotype with wild type (WT) plants. However, the drought tolerance of the transgenic plants with stress-inducible expressed TaFBA1 was enhanced. The improved drought tolerance of transgenic plants was indicated by their higher seed germination rate and survival rate, greater biomass and photosynthesis than those of WT under water stress, which may be related to their greater water retention capability and osmotic adjustment. Moreover, the transgenic plants accumulated less reactive oxygen species, kept lower MDA content and membrane leakage under water stress, which may be related to their higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and upregulated gene expression of some antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that stress induced expression of TaFBA1 confers drought tolerance via the improved water retention and antioxidative compete ability. Meanwhile, this stress-inducible expression strategy by RD29A promoter can minimize the unexpectable effects by 35S constitutive promoter on phenotypes of the transgenic plants.

Is the fate of glucose-derived carbon more strongly driven by nutrient availability, soil texture, or microbial biomass size?

Increasing organic matter (OM) in soil promotes the delivery of vital ecosystem services, such as improving water retention, decreasing erosion, increasing plant productivity, and mitigating climate change through terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration. The formation of organo-mineral associations through microbial turnover of labile (i.e. easily decomposed) C is a potential pathway of soil C stabilization. However, association of added C with mineral surfaces may be impacted by soil clay content and/or by nutrient availability (due to higher microbial C use efficiency). We added 14C labeled glucose as a model labile substrate together with either ion exchange resin beads (to induce nutrient limitation), water (no additional nutrients), or four increasing concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in constant stoichiometric ratios to nine agricultural soils under the same climate and management but along a texture gradient from 3 to 40% clay. The soils with 14C-glucose and a nutrient treatment were incubated for 4 weeks during which the 14C was traced into CO2, microbial biomass, dissolved organic C (DOC), and soil organic C (SOC). Induced nutrient limitation (available C:N ratio around 300:1) reduced mineralization of glucose-derived C, particularly in soils with <15% clay. However, in soils with ≥15% clay, higher microbial biomass allowed for glucose-derived C mineralization despite nutrient limitation. Alleviating the nutrient limitation (available C:N < 50:1) allowed for greater transformation of added C into microbial biomass-C and SOC, particularly in soils with ≥21% clay, although further additions (down to C:N of 11:1) did not result in greater SOC or microbial biomass formation. Except under conditions of nutrient limitation (where C:N > 50:1), soil texture and starting microbial biomass size, not nutrient availability, were the drivers of SOC and microbial biomass formation during the incubation.

Gas Diffusion Media for Open-Cathode Fuel Cells in Atmospheric Flight

Operating a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in a planar, open cathode configuration can enable significant reductions in overall device weight and system complexity compared to a conventional fuel cell stack. This decrease in device weight makes an array of open-cathode, planar fuel cells a compelling candidate power source for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can utilize the flow of ambient air over the vehicle-mounted cells to improve oxygen transport, waste heat rejection, and ultimately, water transport in the open-cathode. The effectiveness of each of these processes is largely influenced by the thickness and porosity of the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL). We relate these cathode GDL properties to open-cathode fuel cell polarization behavior in a broad range of atmospheric conditions in active air flow and in passive, air-breathing mode to study the effect of gas diffusion layer thickness and porosity on cell performance through polarization and AC impedance measurements. Reducing cathode GDL porosity leads to a decrease in cell temperature and ohmic resistance, which improves water retention. Reducing cathode GDL thickness facilitates O2 and H2O transport, increasing oxygen availability to the electrocatalyst at the expense of improved water retention. After observing open-cathode fuel cell performance in a broad range of environmental conditions including ambient temperature, relative humidity, altitude, and in active and stagnant air flows, we find that application of a thicker cathode GDL (315 μm) with lower porosity (75%) yields the highest open-cathode fuel cell voltages and power generation; the open-cathode fuel cell achieves a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 1.44 kW kg-1.

Transformation of ex-arable land to permanent grassland promotes pore rigidity and mechanical soil resilience

The conversion of degraded arable land to permanent grassland is widely presumed to be amendatory and is therefore proposed as a climate-smart agriculture strategy, which may rapidly restore soil quality. However, the rate and extent of soil repair will largely depend, on the management practices, deployed in the permanent grassland. In this study, our objective was to assess the effects of no-till and no-renovation management, on aggregation, internal soil strength parameters and pore system dynamics of permanent grassland, established from degraded arable land. Also, we analysed the time dependence of these changes on the some functions of the soil. Undisturbed samples were collected at 3 depths: 0–10cm, 10–25cm and 25–40cm, from permanent grassland, aged 1, 8 and 19-years, and were used to determine water retention and saturated hydraulic conductivity for each sward age. Moreover, compression properties and shear stress parameters at these depths and sward-ages were determined. The results indicated remarkable improvement in pore structure in relation to the age of each sward, which resulted in improved water retention, air and water fluxes with the age of the grassland. The shear parameters and precompression stress data showed differences in the structural recovery timeline at the various depths, highlighting the difference in ecological engineering processes as a function of the time since the grassland was established and the depth considered. Our results indicate that permanent grassland management will contribute to a substantial recovery of pore functions, coinciding with enhanced pore rigidity and increased soil strength which may also influence sequestration potential in the grassland.