Iron Production Research Articles

Bloomery iron production in the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) area during the Roman period: conditions during the metallurgical process and their uniformity between locations

The study assessed the uniformity of the metallurgical process carried out during the period of Roman influence in Poland. The age of the investigated material was confirmed based on an analysis of the 12C/14C isotope ratio in the charcoal found in slag. The comparison was based on four Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) locations. The evaluation included smelting temperature, viscosity of the metallurgical melt, oxidation–reduction conditions, and slag cooling rate determined based on geochemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD, SEM, EPMA) analyses. Despite the distance between individual sampling sites, the conditions in which smelting was carried out were similar for all samples. The liquidus temperature of the analyzed slags was in the range of 1150–1200 °C. Oxidation–reduction conditions were determined through thermodynamic calculations using SLAG software. In the temperature range of 1150–1200 °C, the oxygen fugacity had to be below logP O2 = − 13.20 to − 12.53 atm to reduce iron oxides to metallic iron. The viscosity of the metallurgical melt was calculated and ranged from 0.15 to 1.02 Pa s, indicating a low viscosity. The slag cooling rate determined based on olivine morphology was in the range of > 5 to 300 °C/h. Smelting parameters were compared with other locations in Poland, and similar results were obtained for slags from Masovia and Tarchlice. In the case of one site (Opole), despite the higher maximum value of liquidus temperature, it was indicated that the process could have taken place in similar conditions, and the differences resulted from contamination of the slag with material from the furnace/pit walls.

Industrial Ecotechnological Assessment of Lime as a Sustainable Substitute for Desulfurization of Cast Iron

AbstractThis study comprehensively assesses the ecotechnological consideration and perspective of implementing a lime-based desulfurization process in the cast iron industry to replace the utilization of magnesium partially. By adopting an injection process to introduce the lime powder into molten cast iron, this research elucidated that the new alternative concept can successfully be integrated with daily operations without any disparities in cast iron quality, as proved by the production of cast iron products with vermicular graphite. A mixture of lime powder and carbon was utilized, and it was substantiated that the aim of a sulfur content lower than 0.015% can be reliably achieved. Furthermore, an ecological analysis was also conducted to justify the possible environmental advantages. The results indicated that considering the cradle-to-gate approach, the maximum amount of CO2eq connected to the lime-based desulfurization is approximately 43 g for 1 kg of desulfurized cast iron. This amount of calculated emission is still expected to be lower than the minimum calculated emission associated with the magnesium-based process, which can reach an amount of 76 g for a similar functional unit. Graphical Abstract

Archaeological Evidence of Landscape and Environmental Changes Due to Iron and Gunpowder Production in Mauritius

Archaeological Evidence of Landscape and Environmental Changes Due to Iron and Gunpowder Production in Mauritius

Effect of Particle Size and Starch Gelatinization on the Mechanical and Metallurgical Performance of Jarosite Plus Blast Furnace Sludge Self-Reducing Briquettes

AbstractJarosite and blast furnace sludge (BFS) are two of the main wastes from hydrometallurgical zinc production and iron production by blast furnace, respectively. Jarosite is a hazardous material that can, however, be reused in the steel industry after the recovering of the iron contained within it through carbothermal reduction in which BFS is exploited as a reducing agent. Yet, both wastes have a powdery nature that makes it necessary to agglomerate them for industrial use. On the other hand, despite the advantages of producing a self-reducing product, the particle size of the starting powders and the level of gelatinization of the binder could play a crucial role on the mechanical and metallurgical performance and, consequently, on the industrial applicability of the briquettes. Accordingly, two powder particle sizes (very fine sand vs. coarse silt) and three degree of corn starch binder retrogradation (10%, 30% and non-gelatinized starch) were used to produce briquettes, and their influence was studied by experimental and statistical investigation. The results showed that gelatinization plays the main role on the mechanical properties of briquettes, while particle size affects both density and reduction behavior; in particular, although all the mixtures were able to recover iron at 950 °C the most optimal mixture were obtained by using a granulometry of 63–125 µm for jarosite and less than 63 µm for BFS, while the local maximum of mechanical performance was obtained for a 30% starch retrogradation level. Graphical Abstract

A comparative study on the effectiveness of pollutants control measures adopted in the steel industry to reduce workplace and environmental exposure: a case study

Our understanding of the environmental and occupational health implications of pollutants emitted in steel production is still lacking, despite the considerable amount of research devoted to this topic. Given the significance of steel recycling and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many steel factories are adopting electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The use of a technological system designed for the capture of pollutants emitted through EAF steel production is highly ecological because of its utilization of iron scrap and low investment cost. Despite this, the main issue with the EAF is the environmental impact it poses, specifically the release of pollutants into the air, such as dust and organic substances, chlorinated dioxins and furans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated dioxins and furans. As a result, workers in this field have a considerable rate of morbidity. The main challenge for EAFs is to optimize the capture of powders produced during the techno-logical process, both from the EAF and the workplace. A state-of-the art solution for managing pollutants in modern steel manufacturing is highlighted in this paper, featuring a method used in Romania that employs the Best Available Techniques (BAT) reference document for iron and steel production to directly collect pollutants from the EAF. The system included a cylindrical fitting, a heat exchanger to cool the gases and a hood to collect contaminants. In comparison to other ventilation options, this equipment boasts lower investment and lower operational costs because of its effective and minimal air flow. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and progressive strategies, we can move closer toward our objective of a workplace free from injuries in the steel industry.

Long Short-Term Memory Parameter Optimization Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm for Molten Iron Quality Prediction

Blast furnace (BF) ironmaking is a key process in iron and steel production. Because BF ironmaking is a dynamic time series process, it is more appropriate to use a recurrent neural network for modeling. The long short-term memory (LSTM) network is commonly used to model time series data. However, its model performance and generalization ability heavily depend on the parameter configuration. Therefore, it is necessary to study parameter optimization for the LSTM model. The sparrow search algorithm (SSA) holds advantages over traditional optimization algorithms in several aspects, such as no need for prior knowledge, fewer parameters, fast convergence, and high scalability. However, the algorithm still faces some challenges, such as the tendency to become trapped in the local optimum and the imbalance between global search ability and local search ability. Therefore, on the basis of SSA, this study examined the Levy flight strategy, sine search strategy, and step size factor adjustment strategy to improve it. This algorithm, improved by three strategies, is called the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA). Then, the ISSA-LSTM model was established. Furthermore, considering the limitations of SSA in dealing with multi-objective problems, the fast non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGAII) was introduced, and the ISSA-NSGAII model was established. Finally, experimental validation was performed using real blast furnace operation data, which demonstrated the proposed algorithm’s superiority in parameter optimization for the LSTM model and prediction for real industrial data.

Woody biomass waste derivatives in decarbonised blast furnace ironmaking process

Modern ironmaking process relies significantly on fossil-related fuels, which ultimately results in the enormous CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Biomass of plant origin, as a carbon-neutral energy source, has been considered as an alternative to fossil-based reducing agents such as coke. This study aims to investigate the potential of three woody biomass waste derivatives produced from biomass waste pyrolysis and gasification, namely charcoal, bio-oil, and bio-syngas, as the reducing agents in blast furnace. A model based on heat and mass balance and Gibbs free energy minimisation is proposed to simulate an ironmaking process with assistance of these derivatives. The effects of specific composition of biomass waste derivatives on process operation, CO2 emissions, and coke replacement are explored. Also the effects of H2-rich gas produced from biomass waste gasification on the blast furnace operation are estimated. Results indicate that reactions of woody biomass waste derivatives in blast furnace are complex and greatly dependent on composition. When charcoal has a higher carbon content, lower CO2 concentration is found from the top gas. The higher content of hydrogen in bio-oil will inhibit further reduction in CO2 emissions. Bio-syngas with H2/CO ratio of 1.3 proves to have a remarkable potential to reduce CO2 emissions. From the aspects of available biomass waste resources across the world, woody biomass waste derivatives as reducing agents are more suitable for countries with the limited pig iron production. This study provides a reference on the future of moving forward the decarbonised ironmaking by using woody biomass waste derivatives.

Construction Price Index Prediction through ARMA with Inflation Effect: Case of Thailand Construction Industry

Over-budgeting due to inflation is a common phenomenon in the construction industry of both developed and developing countries. Inflation, with time changes, leaves an adverse effect on the project budget. Hence, this study aims to focus on the construction price index (CPI) behavior and inspect its correlation with inflation in Thailand’s construction industry as there has not been much work performed. The prediction of CPI was made from 2024 to 2028, relying on the data set from 2000 to 2023. The relationship between inflation and CPI categories helps in prediction by considering inflation as the independent variable and CPI (All Commodities, Lumber and Wood Products, Cement, and Iron Products) as the dependent variable that was incorporated in EViews to perform automated ARIMA forecasting. The correlation results show that out of four CPI, only Iron Products showed a significant relationship with inflation. For All Commodities, Lumber, and Wood Products, the predicted values were fluctuating, while for Cement and Iron Products, a clear seasonal pattern was observed. This prediction gives a direction to construction industry practitioners to make necessary adjustments to their budget estimation before signing the contract to overcome cost overrun obstruction.

Exploring hydrogen metallurgy to CO2 emissions reduction in China’s iron and steel production: An analysis based on the life cycle CO2 emissions – LEAP model

Previous research has primarily assessed the environmental impact of hydrogen metallurgy from technical or project perspectives, lacking a life cycle perspective. The impact of continued cleanliness of the hydrogen production mix and power generation structure on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the hydrogen metallurgy production process has not been investigated on a medium to long-term scale, which does not provide an adequate and comprehensive view of the contribution of hydrogen metallurgy to China’s emissions reduction, resulting in short-sighted technology choices. To address this lack, we construct a bottom-up energy system model that combines life cycle CO2 emissions with long-range energy alternatives planning (LEAP), including iron and steel (IS) production, power generation, and hydrogen production. Setting development paths of two typical hydrogen metallurgy technologies, including business-as-usual (BAU) and hydrogen metallurgy (HM) scenarios, we carefully evaluate the CO2 emissions impact of hydrogen metallurgy from a whole industry perspective and in each IS production stage. The results suggest that the hydrogen metallurgy transition will help the iron and steel industry (ISI) to achieve peak and deep carbon reduction. Under the HM scenario, CO2 emissions from the ISI would decrease to 816.28 million tons (Mt) in 2050, representing an additional 281.13 Mt reduction over the BAU scenario. Hydrogen metallurgy can accelerate CO2 reduction in raw material acquisition and material processing phases but may increase CO2 emissions in manufacturing and recycling phases. In 2050, hydrogen metallurgy will contribute an additional 12.49 Mt and 300.95 Mt of CO2 reduction to the raw material acquisition and material processing phases, respectively. However, CO2 emissions in the manufacturing and recycling phases would be 32.15 Mt and 0.22 Mt more than in the BAU scenario due to the increased electricity consumption and scrap demand of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, respectively. Over time, the optimization of hydrogen production and power supply mix will gradually reduce CO2 emissions in each IS production process. In 2050, the CO2 intensity of the hydrogen-rich shaft furnace direct reduced iron (H2-DRI)-EAF process will drop to 753.41 kgCO2/t, which is lower than all other processes except the 100 % scrap-based EAF process. Advancing the development of the H2-DRI-EAF process can effectively achieve CO2 emissions reduction while alleviating dependence on scrap resources. The results are expected to inform government policy on the development of hydrogen metallurgy in China and other countries.

Flexible industrial power-to-X production enabling large-scale wind power integration: A case study of future hydrogen direct reduction iron production in Finland

Hydrogen Direct Reduction of Iron (HDRI) combined with renewable electricity is an attractive option for low-carbon steel production. In this paper, we present a novel and computationally efficient techno-economic power-to-x-plant optimization model which is then applied to an HDRI plant located in Finland. Plant dimensioning was carried out in several current and future power market and regulatory scenarios. We predict a production cost of 373 €/t for hot briquetted iron, and 351 €/t for a future scenario of 2025–2030. When the recently introduced EU rules for renewable fuels of non-biological origin are applied, the production costs increased by 30–46 €/t. The rules also have a significant increasing effect on the required hydrogen storage. The flexibility of the direct reduction shaft emerged as an important parameter affecting the required hydrogen storage as well as total production cost. The results of this paper hold significance for the optimal design of future low-carbon steel plants.

Research on Green Production of the Iron and Steel Industry Based on DDF-BML Model

Although the iron and steel industry serves as the pillar industry of national economic development, the negative effects of its high emission and high pollution characteristics on the environment cannot be ignored. In order to achieve the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals at an early time and implement five priority tasks, including cutting overcapacity, reducing excess inventory, deleveraging, lowering costs and strengthening areas of weakness, it is urgent to realize the green production of the iron and steel industry. This paper takes listed iron and steel companies from 2016 to 2019 as research samples, and applies the two-stage Malmquist index based on the directional distance function (DDF) to measure the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of iron and steel enterprises. From macro and micro perspectives, the empirical model is used to explore the main influential factors of gtfp. The empirical results show that the overall gtfp growth rate of iron and steel enterprises is not ideal, falling behind at the end of the manufacturing industry. The promotion effect of R&D investment is limited, and the environmental carrying capacity of the production cluster area is approaching the limit. Based on the above empirical results, this paper proposes the following workable implementation path to the realization of the green production of iron and steel industry: On the one hand, the iron and steel enterprises should pay attention to improve technical efficiency, constantly improve low-carbon production process, optimize industrial layout. On the other hand, the government should guide the digital and intelligent development of the iron and steel industry and strengthen supervision to ensure the safety and stability of the supply of resources in the iron and steel industry.

[Diffuse interstitial lung disease of possible occupational origin treated at the Navarra Health Service. Navarra, Spain, 2017-2022].

Diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) describes a broad group of pulmonary inflammatory and fibrosis disorders. Asbestosis and silicosis are the main causes linked to occupational exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of cases with possible occupational origin and describe their exposure, clinical, and occupational status. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of ILD cases between 2017 - 2022 at the University Hospital of Navarra was conducted. Information was supplemented with interviews of cases with possible occupational origin. The occupational proportion was calculated, labor and clinical characteristics analyzed, by statistical comparison of percentages and means. Out of 1067 ILD cases, 56 had a possible occupational origin 5,2% (95% CI 3,9-6,6%). 36 (64,3%) corresponded to asbestosis, 15 (26,8%) to silicosis, and 5 (8,9%) to unspecified pneumoconiosis. The most frequent activities in silicosis were "stone cutting-carving" and in asbestosis "manufacture of iron products". The average age of asbestosis cases was higher than that of silicosis cases (78,2 vs. 67,3 years), as well as their clinical manifestation. Five cases (8,9%) had been recognized as occupational diseases. The implementation of a computer tool in medical records has made it possible to estimate the magnitude and assess the evolution of occupational ILD treated in the Public Health Service. Economic activities reflect the economic risk structure of the region. However, there is a lack of recognition of these diseases as occupational illnesses and they represent a preventable burden of respiratory disease.

Sustainable production of extracellular polymeric substances and iron or copper complex from glutinous rice processing wastewater

Essential trace minerals play vital roles in maintaining human and animal health. However, an overdose of the existing inorganic trace minerals is prone to induce detrimental effects that outweigh positive benefits. In this study, an extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-producing bacterium, identified as Bacillus licheniformis CCTCC M2020298, was isolated from marine using glutinous rice processing wastewater as enrichment medium. The EPS yield of Bacillus licheniformis CCTCC M2020298 could reach 8.62 g/L by using glutinous rice-processing wastewater containing medium. Furthermore, the potential of the EPS as a carrier for synthesizing EPS-iron (Fe) and EPS-copper (Cu) complex was explored. The results showed that the optimum condition for the synthesis EPS-Fe were the reaction temperature 70°C, pH 8.5–9.0 and mass ratio of EPS to trisodium citrate 2:1. The iron content of EPS-Fe reached 77.4 mg/g. Under the same condition, the copper content of EPS-Cu reached 90.7 mg/g. The elemental composition, functional groups and valence state of the mineral elements of EPS-Fe and EPS-Cu were well characterized. The EPS-Fe and EPS-Cu exhibited antioxidant activity in scavenging ·OH, DPPH and ·O2− free radicals, thereby leading to reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in human colonic epithelial cells in vitro. They also inhibited the proliferation of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma H22 and the growth of intestinal pathogens in vitro. This study provided an effective avenue for EPS production from glutinous rice processing wastewater and proved the potential of EPS-Fe and EPS-Cu complexes as a new-type comprehensive essential trace mineral supplement.

Influence of reduction parameters on, weight loss, crack propagation, iron whisker growth, and morphological characteristics of directly reduced iron produced by non-contact direct reduction process

Non-contact direct reduction (NDR) is an alternative technique in iron and steelmaking. Direct reduced iron production (DRI) uses it. To further harness the metallurgical and operational capabilities of the process for its suitability as an alternative feed in the blast furnace process, there is a need to study the effect of the reduction parameters on the weight loss, crack propagation level, gas porosity, iron whisker growth, and morphological characteristics of the DRI. Thus, this paper attempts to utilize the NDR process using commercially acquired goethite-hematite ore in a carbon-monoxide atmosphere from wood charcoal under specified isothermal conditions, with a reduction temperature range from 570, 800, and 1000 °C. The effect of reduction parameters on weight loss, crack propagation, iron whisker growth, and morphological properties of the DRI was investigated using standardized reduction reaction practices under a nitrogen gas atmosphere with a flow rate of 120 mL. Mineralogical and morphological analyses of the direct reduced iron (DRI) and charcoal were performed using XRF and SEM/ED analysis. Proximate and ultimate analyses of the reductant were performed to ascertain their physical and chemical properties. The results show that reduction parameters tremendously influence the weight loss, crack propagation, gas porosity level, and metallurgical quality of the DRI. The reduction degree and swelling extent of the DRI also increase with crack propagation and iron whisker growth. Thus, the overall reduction mechanism still follows the usual stepwise chronological reduction order (Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe) regardless of temperature, with ash layer control being the reaction rate control. The NDR technique shows no carbon deposition in the DRI metal matrix. It indicates that this approach can serve as a viable alternative for DRI production in the ironmaking process.

Trading oxygen for iron. I. The [O/Fe]-specific star formation rate relation of galaxies

Our current knowledge of the star-forming metallicity of galaxies relies primarily on gas-phase oxygen abundance measurements. However, these do not always allow an accurate description of differences in stellar evolution and feedback, which are driven by variations in iron abundance. alpha -elements (such as oxygen) and iron are produced by sources that operate on different timescales and the link between them is not straightforward. We explore the origin of the O/Fe --specific SFR (sSFR) relation, linking chemical abundances to galaxy formation timescales. This relation is adhered to by star-forming galaxies across redshifts according to cosmological simulations and basic theoretical expectations. Its apparent universality makes it suitable for trading the readily available oxygen for iron abundance. We show that the relation is determined by the relative iron production efficiency of core-collapse and type Ia supernovae and the delay-time distribution of the latter ---uncertain factors that could be constrained empirically with the O/Fe ---sSFR relation. We compile and homogenise a literature sample of star-forming galaxies with observational iron abundance determinations to place first constraints on the O/Fe --sSFR relation over a wide range of sSFR. The relation shows a clear evolution towards lower O/Fe with decreasing sSFR and a flattening above log$_ $(sSFR/yr)>-9. These results are broadly consistent with expectations, but better constraints are needed to inform the models. We independently derive the relation from old Milky Way stars and find remarkable agreement between the two, as long as the recombination-line absolute oxygen abundance scale is used in conjunction with stellar metallicity measurements.

IoT-based framework for digital twins in steel production: A case study of key parameter prediction and optimization for CSR

Cold-rolled strips are a pivotal product of advanced strip rolling technology in iron and steel production with stringent process standards. Over an extended period, the existence of 'information silos' between cold strip rolling (CSR) and its upstream processes, particularly hot strip rolling (HSR), causes a persistent challenge in achieving collaborative optimization throughout the entire process, thereby constraining progress in product quality. To overcome this challenge, a digital twin framework was proposed to consolidate diverse data from HSR and CSR production lines into a centralized data centre, forming a 'data continent.' This approach establishes a comprehensive dataset for model-driven training and prediction in virtual space. An improved Light gradient boosting machine (IlightGBM) is introduced, enabling high-precision rolling force prediction in unsteady-state rolling and providing essential variables for establishing the tension optimization objective function. A control function is implemented to minimize rolling force fluctuations, and three population algorithms (TPA) are devised for its solution. This strategy successfully realizes collaborative tension optimization across multiple stands, with the rolling speed acting as a follower. The proposed approach was implemented in a large-scale steel plant equipped with a complete HSR and CSR production line, effectively mitigating flatness defects and thickness deviation in the strip's head section. Thus, the proposed framework is reliable and can be flexibly applied to strip manufacturing processes.

EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF THE THERMODYNAMIC STATE OF THE "METAL-SLAG" SYSTEM IN REDUCING AND OXIDIZING CONDITIONS

A new approach has been developed to assess the thermodynamic state of the "metal-slag" system in the production of cast iron and steel using the parameters of interatomic interaction. As a result of computational and analytical studies of the indicators of the melting products of the blast-furnace and steelmaking processes, the regularities of the coordinated change in the chemical compositions of the metal and slag melts were revealed. A close relationship has been established between the integral indicators of metal (ZY) and slag (, e), characterizing the chemical and structural state of their melts. As a criterion for evaluating the thermodynamic matching of melts of the "metal-slag" system when it tends to equilibrium, an analytical expression is proposed in the form , which can be implemented in automated process control systems to solve the problems of controlling the thermal and slag modes of iron production and steel of the required composition.

Neo-extractivism and ‘sustainable’ construction: two faces of financialized capitalism

This article investigates how extractivism, operated in colonial territories, enabled the worldwide consolidation and expansion of the capitalist system, the viability of which has continued through to the present day. In order to illustrate our arguments, we have used the example of mining. We then move on to indicate the existing complicity between the construction sector, which involves the practice of architecture, and global capitalism, based on the production of commodities for export. We also demonstrate how belief in the eco-efficiency of 'green' technologies and buildings masks the externalization of socio-environmental impacts generated by hegemonic production processes, such as those that are part of the iron and steel production chain (materials we widely use in civil construction). Lastly, we analyze the emblematic case of the Piquiá de Baixo community (Brazil), through which the problems presented in this work may be better explained.

ACCELERATING ORE SINTERING MATHEMATICAL MODEL USING GPU

The study aims to enhance the efficiency and computational speed of the ore sintering model through the utilization of graphics processing units (GPUs). The purpose of this research is to address the growing demand for faster and more scalable simulations in the field of ore sintering, a crucial process in the production of iron and steel. Methodology involves the integration of parallel computing capabilities offered by GPUs into the existing ore sintering model. By leveraging the parallel processing power of GPUs, the computational workload is distributed across multiple cores, significantly reducing the simulation time. Results demonstrate a substantial acceleration in the ore sintering simulation process. Comparative analyses between CPU and GPU implementations reveal a remarkable reduction in computation time, thereby enabling real-time or near-real-time simulations. The achieved speedup not only enhances the efficiency of ore sintering modeling but also opens avenues for exploring larger and more complex scenarios. This is the successful integration of GPU parallel computing into the ore sintering model, showcasing the adaptability of advanced computational technologies to traditional industrial processes. The study contributes to the field by bridging the gap between computational power and metallurgical simulations, demonstrating the potential for GPU acceleration in other areas of metallurgical processes. Practical significance of this research is underscored by its potential to revolutionize the ore sintering industry. Faster simulations facilitate quicker decision-making in process optimization, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This research sets the stage for the broader adoption of GPU acceleration in metallurgical modeling, signaling a paradigm shift towards more efficient and sustainable industrial practices

Fertilizer regime and cultivar affect barley growth and rhizobiome composition

To combat climate change and environmental pollution, agriculture must reduce mineral fertilizer use and adopt sustainable, low-input, and organic practices. In such systems, plants depend on the soil microbiome for nutrient acquisition and growth. Thus, enhancing plant-microbiome interactions is vital for maintaining or even increasing production sustainably. Modern plant breeding has led to barley cultivars that yield high under substantial mineral fertilizer application. However, this selective breeding may have diminished traits essential for plant-microbiome interactions, making these cultivars less suitable for sustainable agriculture. In contrast, older cultivars might have preserved traits from their common wild ancestor, enabling them to prosper under low nutrient conditions. This study evaluated four modern elite barley cultivars and three older (pre-1980). Grown under various fertilizer regimes, we assessed their root microbiome using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our objectives were: i) to determine the impact of nutrient availability on plant nutrient uptake and biomass production, and ii) to understand how the time since domestication (domestication age), individual cultivar, and fertilizer regime influence the root microbiome. We found that without fertilizer, old cultivars had superior biomass production and higher leaf concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, and copper than modern cultivars. This indicates that older barley cultivars may have retained their wild ancestors' capability to synergize with the soil microbiome, enhancing nutrient acquisition in low-input systems. Notably, the diversity of the rhizo-microbiome was not significantly affected by domestication age but varied with individual cultivar and fertilizer treatment.