Leaf Biomass Research Articles

Modification of activated carbon through chemical-physical activation method with KOH and 60Co gamma irradiation from banana leaf waste

Abstract Until now waste is still a problem in many big cities in Indonesia. In addition, the amount of waste increases as the population increases. Banana leaf waste is no exception, which is included in other types of waste, which accounts for 6.33% of the total waste in Indonesia in 2022. Utilization of banana leaf waste as a raw material for activated carbon production can also be an alternative to reducing the amount of wasted banana leaf waste because they contain various kinds of organic compounds. Activated carbon is widely used as an adsorbent in various sectors, especially in the industrial sector. Production of activated carbon must go through an activation process to enlarge the surface pores either chemically or physically, or even both. This study aims to compare the results of activated carbon surface area and functional groups using the chemical-physical activation method from banana leaf biomass raw materials with KOH and gamma irradiation at various doses. The research method used is an experimental method consisting of 4 stages: dehydration, carbonization, activation, and characterization. The research was started by dehydrating the leaves and continued with the carbonization stage at 350°C for 30 minutes. Carbon was divided into four samples that consisted of 1 blank and 3 test materials that activated with 30% (w/v) KOH solution for 24 hours and gamma-irradiated with a dose of 10, 30, and 50 kGy. Results were characterized using FTIR and BET. The effect of gamma 60Co irradiation on the activated carbon material from banana leaf waste can increase the peak transmittance value of the activated carbon functional group due to the formation and reaction of free radicals on its surface. Increase in the surface area (from 6.504 to 24.04 m2/g) is also associated with an increase in the absorbed dose due to the formation of more free radicals. However, the surface area obtained is not as expected due to the possibility of pore blockage and excessive activation time, which causes the surface area of the material to be small.

Influence of composted manures and co-composted biochar on growth performance of saffron and soil nutrients under varying electrical conductivity soil conditions: A two-year field study

The stigmas of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are known as “red gold” for being the most expensive spice of the world. This medicinal crop grows well in the regions with cold winter Mediterranean climate. However, salinity can be one of the limiting factors for its cultivation in these regions. Composted manures and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar as fertilizers in saline soil can reduce the salinity stress on saffron. In this study, the composted manures from dairy farms (FYM), sheep and goats (SG) and poultry (PM) and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar (FYM-B, SG-B and PM-B) were amended in non-saline (EC1:2 0.25 dS m−1, SOM; 9.9 g kg−1) and soil with natural slight salinity (EC1:2; 1.95 dS m−1, SOM; 30.9 g kg−1) soil for two consecutive years with the total amendment rate of 65 t ha−1 for each fertilizer. The saline soil was transported from an agricultural farm (30 km away from research field); whereas, the non-saline soil was not transported and was not cultivated before. The amendment of fertilizers and sowing of corms were conducted at the same time in the mid of August. The stigma yield in saline control soil was significantly lower than non-saline control in both cropping years. In non-saline soil, all fertilizers reduced stigma yield of first-year crop by 14–60 % (P < 0.05). No differences between treatments for the stigma yield of second year crop in non-saline and of first year crop in saline soil were observed. In saline soil, FYM and PM fertilizers increased stigma yield of second year crop by 44 % and 41 %, respectively (P < 0.05). The two-year cumulative agronomic efficiencies for nitrogen and phosphorus and the nitrogen use efficiency for leaf biomass were lower under fertilizer treatments than control in non-saline and saline soil. In non-saline soil the PM-B; whereas, in saline soil all fertilizers (except SG) increased the phosphorus use efficiency of leaves (P < 0.05). The two-year amendment of composted manures and FYM-B in non-saline soil resulted in high uptake of sodium in leaves (P < 0.05); whereas, such effect was not observed for saline soil. Almost all fertilizers increased ∼2–5 fold the concentration of bioavailable phosphorus and ∼2–3 fold the concentration of potassium in non-saline and saline soil (P < 0.05). The positive influence of fertilizers on stigma yield and PUE of leaves of second year crop was observed only for saline soil. Furthermore, contrary to the results for non-saline soil, these fertilizers did not cause an increased uptake of Na in leaves in saline soil. We attribute this effect to the high concentration of SOM and gradual decline in EC (0.94–1.71 dS m−1) over time in saline soil. The gradual improvement in yield (from negative to neutral in non-saline and from neutral to positive in saline soil) was observed over time. Amendment of fertilizers and sowing of corms at same time may be the reason for their negative influence on stigma yield in low SOM-containing non-saline soil.

Performance of the edible halophyte Cakile maritima under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds

In their natural biotope, plants are challenged with low nutrient availability which is one of the most important limiting factors for plant production. Nutrient limitation causes disruption in several metabolic pathways resulting in a decrease in plant growth and establishment. Such responses were mostly studied in glycophytes while in halophytes the data remained scare. In the present investigation, using Cakile maritima as a plant model for halophytes, we attempt to elucidate the behavior of this species under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds. Our data showed that low K or Mg supply (0.01 mM) reduced leaf number and biomass production in leaves, stems and roots while both parameters were improved at 0.05 mM Mg and K concentration before reaching an optimum at 0.25 mM Mg and 1 mM K, respectively. Several indices of K and Mg stress tolerance were reduced upon deficiency in both elements and were significantly improved by moderate K and Mg supply. Photosynthetic pigment content was reduced upon both deficiencies with the highest reductions recorded in plants suffering from severe Mg and K starvation. Increasing Mg and K supply resulted in better chlorophyll synthesis as reflected by the increase in chlorophyll stability index parameter (CSI). Furthermore, both deficiencies triggered oxidative damages as malondialdehyde content (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased while membrane stability index (MSI) decreased under both deficiencies. Such results suggested that the cell redox homeostasis was altered when Mg and K were omitted from the nutrient solution. Interestingly, moderate and high Mg and K concentrations promoted C. maritima growth and reduced the oxidative damage caused by the lack of both elements in the external medium. Overall, C. maritima exhibited a typical halophytic behaviour, requiring less macroelements to express its growth performance when cultivated under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds.

Functional characterisation of BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α involved in true leaf biomass accumulation in Brassica napus L.

Leaves, as primary photosynthetic organs essential for high crop yield and quality, have attracted significant attention. The functions of DNA topoisomerase 1α (TOP1α) in various biological processes, including leaf development, in Brassica napus remain unknown. Here, four paralogs of BnaTOP1α, namely BnaA01.TOP1α, BnaA02.TOP1α, BnaC01.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α, were identified and cloned in the B. napus inbred line 'K407'. Expression pattern analysis revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α, but not BnaA01.TOP1α and BnaC01.TOP1α, were persistently and highly expressed in B. napus true leaves. Preliminary analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α paralogs, but not BnaA01.TOP1α and BnaC01.TOP1α, performed biological functions. Targeted mutations of four BnaTOP1α paralogs in B. napus using the CRISPR-Cas9 system revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α served as functional paralogs and redundantly promoted true leaf number and size, thereby promoting true leaf biomass accumulation. Moreover, BnaA02.TOP1α modulated the levels of endogenous gibberellins, cytokinins and auxins by indirectly regulating several genes related to their metabolism processes. BnaA02.TOP1α directly activated BnaA03.CCS52A2 and BnaC09.AN3 by facilitating the recruitment of RNA polymerase II and modulating H3K27me3, H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 levels at these loci and indirectly activated the BnaA08.PARL1 expression, thereby positively controlling the true leaf size in B. napus. Additionally, BnaA02.TOP1α indirectly activated the BnaA07.PIN1 expression to positively regulate the true leaf number. These results reveal the important functions of BnaTOP1α and provide insights into the regulatory network controlling true leaf biomass accumulation in B. napus.

Ontogenetic shifts in leaf biomass allocation in crop plants.

Ontogenetic shifts in leaf biomass allocation in crop plants.

Calibration and evaluation of a CROPGRO Perennial Forage Model for Brachiaria humidicola yield simulation under future climate in subhumid environments of Ethiopia

Crop simulation models can be employed to assess the impacts of climate change and aid in strategic planning and decision making regarding forage strategies. This study focused on calibrating and assessing the performance of the CROPGRO Perennial Forage Model in simulating Brachiaria humidicola yield under projected future climates for high and moderate representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios in the central and western subhumid regions of Ethiopia. The model was calibrated to accurately represent rainfed growth and biomass yield, using field data from the Debre Zeit and Bako Agricultural Research Centers. Climatic data, including rainfall, temperature and solar radiation, were sourced from weather stations, whereas future climate scenarios for the near future, mid-century and end-of-century periods were derived from the CORDEX Africa outputs under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The calibration process refined species parameters related to vegetative partitioning, and enhanced the d-statistic and reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) for herbage, leaf, stem and total biomass accumulation. Despite projected decreases in leaf biomass, stem biomass is projected to increase. In addition, there are projected increases in herbage and total biomass accumulation under elevated greenhouse gas concentrations and warmer temperatures. Ultimately, the projected climate under both RCPs had no significant effect on Brachiaria humidicola grass production in Ethiopia.

Enhanced Estimation of Crown-Level Leaf Dry Biomass of Ginkgo Saplings Based on Multi-Height UAV Imagery and Digital Aerial Photogrammetry Point Cloud Data

Ginkgo is a multi-purpose economic tree species that plays a significant role in human production and daily life. The dry biomass of leaves serves as an accurate key indicator of the growth status of Ginkgo saplings and represents a direct source of economic yield. Given the characteristics of flexibility and high operational efficiency, affordable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been utilized for estimating aboveground biomass in plantations, but not specifically for estimating leaf biomass at the individual sapling level. Furthermore, previous studies have primarily focused on image metrics while neglecting the potential of digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) point cloud metrics. This study aims to investigate the estimation of crown-level leaf biomass in 3-year-old Ginkgo saplings subjected to different nitrogen treatments, using a synergistic approach that combines both image metrics and DAP metrics derived from UAV RGB images captured at varying flight heights (30 m, 60 m, and 90 m). In this study, image metrics (including the color and texture feature parameters) and DAP point cloud metrics (encompassing crown-level structural parameters, height-related and density-related metrics) were extracted and evaluated for modeling leaf biomass. The results indicated that models that utilized both image metrics and point cloud metrics generally outperformed those relying solely on image metrics. Notably, the combination of image metrics obtained from the 60 m flight height with DAP metrics derived from the 30 m height significantly enhanced the overall modeling performance, especially when optimal metrics were selected through a backward elimination approach. Among the regression methods employed, Gaussian process regression (GPR) models exhibited superior performance (CV-R2 = 0.79, rRMSE = 25.22% for the best model), compared to Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models. The common critical image metrics for both GPR and PLSR models were found to be related to chlorophyll (including G, B, and their normalized indices such as NGI and NBI), while key common structural parameters from the DAP metrics included height-related and crown-related features (specifically, tree height and crown width). This approach of integrating optimal image metrics with DAP metrics derived from multi-height UAV imagery shows great promise for estimating crown-level leaf biomass in Ginkgo saplings and potentially other tree crops.

Variation in Leaf Functional Traits of Populus laurifolia Ldb and Ulmus pumila L. Across Five Contrasting Urban Sites in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Amid urbanization, studying leaf functional traits of woody plants in urban environments is essential for understanding how urban green spaces function and how they can be effectively managed sustainably. In this study, we investigated the effects of different growing conditions on the morpho-physiological traits of Populus laurifolia and Ulmus pumila across five contrasting urban sites. The leaf area (LA), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), leaf biomass (LB), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf chlorophyll concentration, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, leaf water potential at predawn (Ψpd) and midday (Ψmd), leaf performance index (PIabs), and phenotypic plasticity index (PPI) were compared across five contrasting urban sites. The soil chemical and physical properties were also compared between sites. There were significant differences in soil physicochemical characteristics between sites. We found significant effects of site on most of the morpho-physiological traits measured, except for Ψmd. The leaf chlorophyll concentration of P. laurifolia and U. pumila varied significantly between sites. The Ψpd was significantly different between years and sites. In U. pumila, the mean PPI for morphological traits (0.20) was lower than that for physiological traits (0.21). In conclusion, we revealed significant variations in the morpho-physiological traits of P. laurifolia and U. pumila across the five urban sites. Hence, long-term, large-scale studies are recommended to examine how diverse species respond to different urban growing conditions and to include other ecologically important plant traits for a better understanding of urban trees in a changing environment.

Short‐statured maize achieved similar growth and nitrogen uptake but greater nitrogen efficiencies than conventional tall maize

AbstractDespite a historical favoring of robust tall plants in maize (Zea mays L.) production systems as a potential indicator of increased total and/or grain biomass yields, short‐statured maize is receiving renewed commercial attention in North America. Little is known of the relative N efficiencies resulting from potential inter‐stature differences in dry matter formation and N processes during pre‐ and post‐silking stages. To investigate this, two field rainfed experiments were conducted in West Lafayette, IN. The experiments included factorial combinations of two tall‐ and two short‐statured maize hybrids subjected to three N rates: 0 (unfertilized), 168 (moderate), and 224 kg N ha−1 (elevated) applied at planting. Short hybrids with a 25% reduced stature showed no statistically significant differences in seasonal biomass accumulation and N uptake, or in biomass partitioning to grain (harvest index) versus stover at maturity relative to conventional tall hybrids. Increased leaf biomass and ear growth at silking, plus comparable quantities of N remobilization from stems during grain filling, with short‐stature maize contributed to its grain yield parity with tall‐stature maize. Additionally, our research revealed other noteworthy findings: short‐statured maize had higher N harvest index and N recovery efficiency than the tall maize, implying more N status resiliency at moderate N rates. The lack of interactions between N × stature in most studied traits suggests that short hybrids can perform at least as well as conventional tall hybrids across a range of N rates. Our findings provide insights for fine‐tuning of breeding and management programs.

Assessment of yield loss due to fall armyworm in maize using high-resolution multispectral spaceborne remote sensing

ABSTRACT The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), invasion endangered the maize production worldwide, including India. The objective of this study was to quantify the FAW damage severity and its impact on leaf area index (LAI), biomass and grain yield of maize and to detect the field damage using high-resolution multispectral spaceborne remote sensing data. Maize growing fields in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh and the Gadwal District of Telangana, India, were randomly surveyed to collect detailed ground-truth information. Foliar damage due to FAW was recorded, and the fields were categorized into various severity grades (healthy, low, medium and severe). FAW infestation caused significant change in LAI between the severity grades, which formed the basis for its damage detection using multispectral spaceborne remote sensing. Severe FAW infestation caused significant reduction in LAI, biomass and grain yield ranging between 36.9 and 39.9% compared to healthy grade. The infestation at the leaf collar (LC) stage caused significant yield loss of up to 26.5% compared to the tassel initiation (TI) and tasselling and silking (TS) stages. Canopy spectral reflectance from healthy and FAW-infested plants showed significant differences in the visible and near infrared (NIR) regions. A reflectance peak was observed in the NIR region of healthy plants compared to infested plants. Among various spaceborne vegetation indices, the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) performed better in identifying the FAW infestation (R2 = 0.61**), biomass (R2 = 0.70**) and yield loss (R2 = 0.82**). These findings indicate the feasibility of utilizing multispectral remote sensing data for monitoring FAW infestation on a spatial scale, thus enabling the site-specific management.

GhPME36 aggravates susceptibility to Liriomyza sativae by affecting cell wall biosynthesis in cotton leaves

BackgroundCotton is an important economic crop and a host of Liriomyza sativae. Pectin methylesterase (PME)-mediated pectin metabolism plays an indispensable role in multiple biological processes in planta. However, the pleiotropic functions of PME often lead to unpredictable effects on crop resistance to pests. Additionally, whether and how PME affects susceptibility to Liriomyza sativae remain unclear.ResultsHere, we isolated GhPME36, which is located in the cell wall, from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Interestingly, the overexpression of GhPME36 in cotton caused severe susceptibility to Liriomyza sativae but increased leaf biomass in Arabidopsis. Cytological observations revealed that the cell wall was thinner with more demethylesterified pectins in GhPME36-OE cotton leaves than in WT leaves, whereas the soluble sugar content of GhPME36-OE cotton leaf cell walls was accordingly higher; both factors attracted Liriomyza sativae to feed on GhPME36-OE cotton leaves. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that glucose was significantly differentially accumulated. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed DEGs enriched in glucose metabolic pathways when GhPME36 was overexpressed, suggesting that GhPME36 aggravates susceptibility to Liriomyza sativae by affecting both the structure and components of cell wall biosynthesis. Moreover, GhPME36 interacts with another pectin-modifying enzyme, GhC/VIF1, to maintain the dynamic stability of pectin methyl esterification.ConclusionsTaken together, our results reveal the cytological and molecular mechanisms by which GhPME36 aggravates susceptibility to Liriomyza sativae. This study broadens the knowledge of PME function and provides new insights into plant resistance to pests and the safety of genetically modified plants.

Excessive boron fertilization-induced toxicity is related to boron transport in field-grown pomelo trees.

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development; however, the process of B toxicity in citrus production is still poorly understood. We proposed a hypothesis that B toxicity in citrus trees is related to the characteristics of B transport from soil to leaf or fruit. For this, a field experiment was conducted for two treatments, control (B free or without B) and B fertilizer treatment (100 g Na2B4O7·10H2O plant-1), to investigate the effects on plant growth, nutrient uptake, fruit yield and quality, and B transport in 10-year-old pomelo trees [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck cv. Guanximiyou]. Our results showed that excess B fertilization directly led to B toxicity in pomelo trees by dramatically increasing soil total B and water-soluble B contents. B toxicity induced interveinal chlorosis in leaves and decreased leaf biomass and function, resulting in a decreased 45.3% fruit yield by reducing 30.6% fruit load and 21.4% single fruit weight. Also, B toxicity induced changes in mineral elements between leaf positions and fruit parts, in which the concentrations of B, potassium, and magnesium were increased while those of nitrogen and iron were decreased. Under B toxicity conditions, fruit quality parameters of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/titratable acidity (TA), total soluble sugar, sucrose, pH, vitamin C, and total phenol contents decreased, which were regulated by the lower carbohydrate production in new leaves and the lower transport capacity in old leaves. Moreover, B toxicity significantly increased the transfer factor and bio-concentration factor of B in pomelo plants, with higher levels in leaf organs than in fruit organs. Taken together, excess B fertilization-induced B toxicity in pomelo trees, with induced growth inhibition and nutrient disorder, results in reduced fruit yield and quality, which are related to B transport from soil to organs. The findings of this study highlight the understanding of B toxicity in citrus plants and strengthen B management in pomelo production for high yield and high quality.

Effects of Different Straw Return Modes on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Semiarid Maize Field.

Returning straw to the field is a crucial practice for enhancing soil quality and increasing efficient use of secondary crop products. However, maize straw has a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio compared to other crops. This can result in crop nitrogen loss when the straw is returned to the field. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how different methods of straw return affect maize (Zea mays L.) farmland. In this study, a field experiment was performed with three treatments (I, no straw returned, CK; II, direct straw return, SR; and III, straw returned in deep furrows, ISR) to explore the effects of the different straw return modes on soil carbon and nitrogen content and greenhouse gas emissions. The results indicated that the SR and ISR treatments increased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in the topsoil (0-15 cm). Additionally, the ISR treatment boosted the contents of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and DOC in the subsurface soil (15-30 cm) compared with CK. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the ISR treatment led to an increase in CO2 emissions. However, SR and ISR reduced N2O emissions, with ISR showing a more pronounced reduction. The ISR treatment significantly increased leaf and grain biomass compared to CK and SR. The correlation analyses showed that the yield was positively correlated with soil DOC, and soil greenhouse gas emission was correlated with soil NO3--N. The ISR technology has great potential in sequestering soil organic matter, improving soil fertility, and realizing sustainable agricultural development.

Plant growth and physiological responses of the invasive plant Acmella radicans to contrasting light and soil water conditions

Acmella radicans (Jacquin) R.K. Jansen is a new invasive species record for Yunnan Province, China, as of 2017 and little is known about its invasion mechanisms. To better understand its invasive strategies, we investigated the growth, physiological and soil nutrient use parameters of the invader under combined conditions of light (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of light availability) and soil water content (full, high, medium, and low soil water content) in the glasshouse. The results showed that light level, soil water content and their interaction had a significant effect on all plant morphological, physiological and soil nutrient parameters for A. radicans (P < 0.05). For the most part, plant height, total branch length, leafstalk length, leaf area, inflorescence number, seed number, leaf biomass, stem biomass, aboveground biomass, and total biomass of A. radicans were significantly increased with increased shading rate and soil water content and were generally greater at intermediate light levels and intermediate to high soil water levels. Under high-irradiance conditions, the chlorophyll content was greatly reduced compared to other treatments. We also observed that leafstalk length, leaf area, Pn, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b of A. radicans were markedly increased with increased shading rate and soil water content, and were generally highest under intermediate irradiance and soil water conditions, but many plant physiological parameters also exhibited relatively high values under waterlogging conditions. The concentrations of organic matter, available N and available K of A. radicans soils at high-irradiance and full-high soil water content treatments and medium-irradiance and high-medium soil water content treatments were often less than those of other treatments indicated that hypothetically soil absorption was increased by moderate shading and high soil water. This was the first study demonstrating that A. radicans thrives best under moderate light conditions in combination with high soil water. Furthermore, we surmised that its higher phenotypic and physiological plasticity contributes to its invasion success.

The root strategy of the C4 grasses tends to be ‘do-it-yourself’

Root resource acquisition strategies play a crucial role in understanding plant water uptake and drought adaptation. However, the interrelationships among mycorrhizal associations, root hair development, and fine root strategies, as well as the disparities between C3 and C4 grasses, remain largely unknown. A pot experiment was conducted to determine leaf gas exchange, root morphology, root hair, mycorrhizal fungi, and biomass allocation of three C4 grasses and four C3 grasses, common species of grasslands in Northeast China, under the control and drought conditions. Compared to the C3 grasses, the C4 grasses increased specific surface area by decreasing tissue density, yet exhibited root hair factor at only 21 % of the C3 grasses. Under the drought conditions, the C4 grasses exhibited more intense and extensive adjustments in root traits, characterized by shifts toward a more conservative morphology with increased root diameter and tissue density, as well as reduced mycorrhizal colonization rates. These adaptations led to a decrease in root absorptive function, which was compensated in the C4 grasses by greater root biomass partitioning and root hair factor. Variances in root strategies between plants functional groups were closely related to leaf photosynthetic rate, water and nitrogen use efficiency. We observed that the C4 grasses prefer direct acquisition of soil resources through the fine root pathway over the root hair or mycorrhizal pathway, suggesting a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach. These findings provide valuable insights into how plant communities of different photosynthetic types might respond to future climate change.

Effects of plant nutrient acquisition strategies on biomass allocation patterns in wetlands along successional sequences in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin.

The ecological environment of wetlands in semi-arid regions has deteriorated, and vegetation succession has accelerated due to climate warming-induced aridification and human interference. The nutrient acquisition strategies and biomass allocation patterns reflect plant growth strategies in response to environmental changes. However, the impact of nutrient acquisition strategies on biomass allocation in successional vegetation remains unclear. We investigated 87 plant communities from 13 wetland sites in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin. These communities were divided into three successional sequences: the herbaceous community (HC), the herbaceous-shrub mixed community (HSC), and the shrub community (SC). The nutrient composition of stems and leaves, as well as the biomass distribution above and belowground, were investigated. Results revealed that aboveground biomass increased with succession while belowground biomass decreased. Specifically, SC exhibited the highest stem biomass of 1,194.53 g m-2, while HC had the highest belowground biomass of 2,054.37 g m-2. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between leaf and stem biomasses in both HC and SC. The nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents within aboveground parts displayed an evident upward trend along the succession sequence. The highest N and P contents were found in SC, followed by HSC, and the lowest in HC. Stem N was negatively correlated with stem, leaf, and belowground biomass but positively correlated with root-shoot ratio. Leaf P displayed positive correlations with aboveground biomass while showing negative correlations with belowground biomass and root-shoot ratio. The ratios of C:N, C:P, and N:P in stem and leaf exhibited positive correlations with belowground biomass. The random forest model further demonstrated that stem N and leaf P exerted significant effects on aboveground biomass, while leaf P, stem N and P, and leaf C:P ratio had significant effects on belowground components. Additionally, the root-shoot ratio was significantly influenced by leaf P, leaf C:P ratio, and stem N, P, and C:P ratio. Therefore, the aboveground and belowground biomasses exhibited asynchronism across successional sequences, while plant nutrient acquisition strategies, involving nutrient levels and stoichiometric ratios, determined the biomass allocation pattern. This study offers valuable insights for assessing vegetation adaptability and formulating restoration plans in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin.

RICE HUSK ASH (RHA) - A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR IMPROVING PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION IN POTATO (S. tuberosum L.)

Use of alternative sources of nutrients such organic manures, residues and by-products to chemical fertilizers may enhance not only the yield but cut down the fertilizers use. Therefore, present investigation was carried out to explore the possibility of using rice husk ash (RHA) as a source of phosphorus in potato crop. Two pot experiments were conducted on Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Girdhari to determine the effect of rice husk ash on phosphorus nutrition of the crop during 2020-21. Application of rice husk ash (RHA) significantly increased the plant height, haulms (leaf plus stem) biomass, root weight, chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and P content. In Kufri Jyoti, application of 20g RHA per pot significantly increased haulms biomass, tuber yield, relative leaf chlorophyll content and P content in haulms by 17.8 per cent over control. In Kufri Girdhari, application of 40g RHA/ pot also increased the P content by (14.6 %) in haulms over control besides significant increase in haulm yield, root mass and relative leaf chlorophyll content. It was observed that subjecting the crop to moisture stress by withholding the irrigation towards harvest, senescence was delayed in plants fertilized with rice husk ash. RHA application showed a significant and positive correlation with root length and tuber yield (r=0.70). The results of the present study revealed that RHA can be used as a source of phosphorus for potato crop and has potential to improve water relations and nitrogen nutrition as indicated by improved relative leaf chlorophyll content in plants fertilized with RHA.

Comparison of Agronomic and Physiological Characteristics for Rice Varieties Differing in Water Use Efficiency under Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as one of the most critical staple crops globally, with its yield and water use efficiency (WUE) being pivotal for food security. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic and physiological traits and WUE of six rice varieties under two irrigation regimes: alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and conventional irrigation (CI). The results showed the significant improvements in grain yield and WUE with variety improvement under both irrigation treatments. Under AWD, high water use efficiency varieties (HWVs) demonstrated pronounced enhancements, including tillers and spikelet production, filled grain rate, 1000-grain weight, harvest index, leaf area index, non-structural carbohydrate remobilization, photosynthesis and catalase and peroxidase activities of leaf, root and shoot biomass, and root activity. AWD was observed to synchronize and amplify grain yield (2–14%) and WUE, including both leaf-level (13.94–20.72%) and yield-level (23.20–30.87%) water use efficiencies (WUEL and WUEY). The water use potential for HWVs was substantially enhanced under AWD. The integration of variety improvement with AWD irrigation strategies effectively achieves the dual objectives of high yield and WUE, offering a promising approach for sustainable rice production.

Field assessment of Lake Erie dredged sediment for specialty crops cultivation

AbstractAnnually, approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sediment are dredged from federal navigational channels in Lake Erie. Recognizing the potential influence of Lake sediments on soil compaction, structure, water retention capacity, and aeration, this research assessed the agronomic performance of selected specialty crops under varying sediment ratios in an open‐field production system. The experimental design involved three sediment application rates: 0 tonne (100% farm soil), 0.7 tonne (90% farm soil and 10% sediment), and 7 tonnes per bed (100% sediment). Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) were harvested 35 days after planting, with assessments including fresh and dry weights of leaves root biomass and root length measurements. Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) were evaluated for root length, leaf fresh weight, root fresh weight, and diameter. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were monitored for plant height and stem diameter. Fruit harvest occurred at days 70 and 75 post‐transplant. Metrics such as total number of marketable fruits, total fruit weight, number of US grade‐1 fruits, and polar and equatorial diameters were recorded. The results revealed significant positive effects of the 7‐tonne sediment treatment on lettuce, including increased dry leaf and root biomass, root lengths, and fresh weight. Similarly, radishes exhibited enhanced weight and length when grown in beds with 7 tonnes of sediment. Tomatoes from the 7‐tonne sediment treatment displayed higher values in plant measurements and harvested fruits. Overall, the findings indicate that soils treated with Lake Erie sediment positively influence the development and production of lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes compared to untreated soils.

Fodder trees: Identification, leaf biomass yield, nutritional quality and socioeconomic importance in Essera district, Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia

The scarcity of feed in terms of quantity and quality tremendously impacts livestock productivity in Ethiopia. Using fodder trees (FTs) as livestock feed could partially overcome this gap. Thus, the present study aimed to identify species, estimate leaf biomass yield (LBY), evaluate nutritional quality and assess the socioeconomic importance of FTs in the Essera district. The study sites and households (HHs) were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data on the socioeconomic importance of FTs were collected from 134 randomly selected HHs. Ten FT species were evaluated for LBY determination, and 15 FTs (including nine FT species) were evaluated for nutritional quality across three agroecologies (AEs). In total, 34 FTs were identified at the species level. The overall mean of LBY of the FTs ranged from 14.32 to 370.94 kg/tree, with the lowest and highest values of 10.85 and 430.27 kg/tree at mid- and low-altitudes, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of the selected FTs was observed between AEs. The overall mean of dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the FTs ranged from 90.03 to 93.55 %, 6.26–16.52 %, 13.05–25.50 %, 33.06–50.42 %, 25.58–34.52 %, and 4.19–8.38 %, respectively. Moreover, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the FTs ranged from 37.80 to 67.89 %. The results indicated that the overall mean tannin, phytate, and oxalate contents were 2.84 ± 0.12 %, 0.60 ± 0.05 %, and 1.66 ± 0.21 %, respectively. Antinutritional factors (ANFs) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FT species. In addition to feed sources, FTs were used for air pollution reduction (52.2 %), income generation (44.0 %), and soil erosion prevention (34.3 %) in the studied areas. In conclusion, due to the high CP content, high digestibility potential, low to moderate fibre and lignin contents, and tolerable levels of ANFs in FTs, the use of FTs as supplementary feed to livestock in the study area is recommended. Further experimental studies should be conducted on the impact of FTs on livestock performance.