Distribution Of Micronutrients Research Articles

Site-Specific Online Fertilizer Recommendations in Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton through CardSApp offers fertilizer savings and higher economic returns

The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, Southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The ICH region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Numerous studies have reported that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused soil acidification (lowering of pH) and nutrient imbalances. This has resulted in unsustainable production of cardamom, a high-value spice crop that contributes significantly to India's export earnings. This study aimed to conduct a geo-tagged soil fertility survey in selected cardamom-growing areas within the ICH, assess soil fertility and provide sitespecific fertilizer recommendations to farmers via a mobile- or web-based application. A digital application, CardSApp, designed for the small cardamom sector, offers tailored fertilizer recommendations based on local soil and crop requirements. A representative geo-tagged soil survey was conducted in Udumbanchola taluk, located in Idukki district of Kerala, within the ICH. The surveyed area spanned from 76°59'01.19'' to 77°16'11.55'' East longitude and 9° 38'21.54'' to 10°04'46.60'' North latitude. Spatial interpolation techniques were used to generate maps showing the distribution of primary, secondary and micronutrients in the soil. The study revealed a high availability of NPK nutrients in cardamom soils. The study also revealed deficiencies in secondary nutrients like magnesium and sulfur, as well as micronutrients such as boron. Most of the soils showed signs of acidification. These findings highlight opportunities to optimize fertilizer usage and improve soil health. Specifically, NPK usage can be reduced or phosphatic fertilizers omitted in 58% of the area, potentially savings of ?12.27 crores annually in the surveyed taluk alone. Additionally, addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients can further enhance soil health and crop productivity. To aid farmers in decision-making, the Android- and web-based application CardSApp leverages interpolated soil fertility data. CardSApp offers site-specific recommendations tailored to the soil nutrient profiles identified in the survey. CardSApp enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, correct nutrient imbalances and apply amendments for pH correction. These practices can improve both farm productivity and income. The adoption of this online fertilizer recommendation system by farmers in the ICH is expected to rationalize fertilizer usage in cardamom cultivation, improve both soil and plant health and support sustainable production with higher economic returns.

Non-destructive visualisation and in situ quantification of micronutrient mobilisation in germinating rice grains using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy

Maintaining micronutrient availability in germinating rice tissues is crucial for seedling vigour and agronomic performance. However, current methods for visualising micronutrient dynamics often require destructive sample preparation. Here we report that synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) could enable non-destructive, in situ visualisation and quantification of zinc (Zn) mobilisation in intact, germinating rice grains. Using XFM on whole grains of salt-tolerant Pokkali and salt-sensitive Nipponbare varieties, we generated high-resolution elemental maps revealing the spatiotemporal distribution of Zn and other micronutrients. Direct quantification by seed volume using element association window proved inaccurate due to tissue heterogeneity. However, normalisation by areal density showed Zn accumulation was highest in the embryo, followed by the aleurone layer and shoots. Zn was initially localised in the aleurone layer and embryo, with subsequent mobilisation to developing shoots and roots during germination. Calcium was predominantly detected in the hull, while potassium was enriched in growing roots and shoots. This non-destructive XFM method provides unprecedented insights into real-time micronutrient fluxes during rice germination, offering a powerful tool for studying nutrient dynamics in diverse contexts such as biofortification, stress responses, and varietal differences. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying micronutrient allocation during early seedling development, with potential applications in improving rice nutritional quality and seedling establishment.

Distribution of cereal phytochemicals and micronutrients in whole grains: A review of nutraceutical, industrial, and agricultural implications

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThere is mounting evidence that whole cereal grains are a source of many micronutrients and phytochemicals that confer several health benefits. This work aimed to investigate the distribution patterns and related implications of selected bioactive compounds from various cereal grains and discuss the techniques used to study their distribution.FindingsHand dissection and imaging techniques are the methods used to locate bioactive compounds in whole grains with high accuracy. Pearling and milling are methods of industrial importance. Phenolic compounds are concentrated in cereal bran, whereas the germ is rich in carotenoids and tocols (particularly tocopherols). Knowing the distribution pattern of compounds allows a better understanding of their bioaccessibility and associated bioactivity, as well as developing means to recover them and enhance their occurrence in the aleurone layer.ConclusionsGradient patterns exist in the distribution of phytochemicals and micronutrients derived from cereal grains. This knowledge can be translated into a number of purposeful and practical applications.Significance and NoveltyThis study employed a comparative approach to examine the repartition of various compounds in whole grains of assorted cereals with an emphasis on minor crops. The implications are relatable and applicable in diverse sectors to ultimately improve the well‐being of cereal consumers.

Assessing plasma activated water irrigation effects on tomato seedlings

Introduction: The study investigates the potential of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) as an innovative irrigation medium to enhance growth and defense responses in tomato seedlings. It explores PAW’s utility in both healthy seedlings and those inoculated with Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).Methods: PAW, produced through a dielectric barrier volume discharge, serves as a chemical-free alternative to traditional fertilizers. Tomato seedlings were irrigated with PAW or control solutions. The study employs biometric measurements to assess growth and biochemical analysis to evaluate antioxidant levels and pigments. Gene expression analysis was conducted to evaluate the plant response, while the distribution of macro and micronutrients was assessed through micro X-ray fluorescence.Results and discussion: Results indicate that PAW-irrigated seedlings exhibit significant growth enhancement compared to those receiving conventional fertilization. Increased levels of antioxidant molecules and pigments suggest improved photosynthetic activity and stress tolerance. Gene expression analysis shows up-regulation of defense genes in PAW-treated plants post-viral infection. The up-regulation of defense genes and the restoration of mineral nutrient distribution in PAW-treated, virus-infected plants highlight PAW’s role in enhancing plant resilience against pathogens and mitigating nutrient deficiencies. These findings emphasize PAW’s potential as a sustainable agricultural solution, promoting plant growth, enhancing defense mechanisms, and reducing biotic stress due to virus infections.

Variability of micronutrients status along topographic positions and toxicity potential of soils under rice cultivation in Niger State, Nigeria

Micronutrients are important for good crop performance. There is limited quantitative data on the content and distribution of micronutrients in soils under rice cultivation in Niger state, particularly, on the soils of Baddeggi and Makusidi. To achieve this, soil samples were purposively collected along topographic positions (upper-slope, mid-slope, lower-slope and bottomlands) in the two areas. To assess the distribution of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), a total of sixty-four composite samples were collected at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth and were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the mean values of available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were 182.40, 41.90, 7.90 and 6.50 mg/kg for Baddeggi and 254.30, 275.13, 16.25 and 7.88 mg/kg for Makusidi respectively. The very high Fe and Mn in the study sites may lead to toxicity of these elements. The Cu and Zn were also relatively high, and their deficiencies are unlikely to occur in the study area.

Aligning Santal Tribe Menu Templates with EAT-Lancet Commission's Dietary Guidelines for Sustainable and Healthy Diets: A Comparative Analysis.

In the context of global shifts in food systems, this paper explores the unique dietary practices of the Santal tribe, an indigenous group in eastern India, to understand the health, nutrition, and sustainability aspects of their traditional food systems. This study evaluates the nutritional content of the Santal diet in comparison to the EAT-Lancet Commission's 2019 dietary guidelines for healthy and sustainable diets. The University of East Anglia, in collaboration with the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health in Cambridge, PRADAN; colleagues in India and local Santal youth, conducted nutritional analyses of traditional Santal recipes. Two menu templates, Kanhu Thali and Jhano Thali, were selected for comparative analysis based on their representation of diverse dietary practices within the Santal community. Nutritional data, including energy as well as the distribution of macronutrients and micronutrients, were compiled and compared with the EAT-Lancet guidelines. The Santal menu templates (nutritionally complete meals) demonstrated alignment with EAT-Lancet recommendations in aspects such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, vegetables, plant-based protein sources, unsaturated fats, and limited added sugars. However, notable deviations included the absence of animal-based protein sources and dairy. The Santal diet showed high protein intake, largely from plant-based sources, and emphasised the importance of whole grains. Seasonal variations in nutritional content were observed between the two templates. While the Santal diet aligns with some aspects of global dietary guidelines, there are notable deviations that underscore the complexity of aligning traditional diets with universal recommendations. The findings emphasise the need for culturally sensitive dietary recommendations that respect traditional diets while promoting sustainability. Research needs to support tailored global guidelines enshrining core principles of nutritional adequacy which are inter-culturally operable in order to accommodate cultural diversity, local practices, and seasonal variations, crucial for fostering sustainable and healthy eating habits in diverse sociodemographic contexts.

Biosurfactants: Promising Biomolecules for Agricultural Applications

Population growth and the need for increased agricultural productivity pose a global problem. Therefore, the development of green compounds to ensure agricultural sustainability is an urgent necessity. Surfactant compounds hold significant commercial importance due to their diverse industrial uses. However, the synthetic origin of these agents limits their commercial application due to their toxicity. As a result, extensive research has focused on the production of microbial-originated green surfactants, known as biosurfactants, over the past fifteen years. These biomolecules not only offer a green alternative for agriculture but also exhibit reduced toxicity and excellent stability under specific environmental conditions. Biosurfactants can lower surface tension more effectively than synthetic surfactants. With properties such as detergency and foam formation, biosurfactants are suitable for various agricultural applications, particularly in pesticide and agrochemical formulations. They can function as biopesticides to manage pests, pathogens, phytopathogenic fungi, and weeds due to their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, plants can benefit from biosurfactant molecules and microorganisms as nutrients. They can also aid efficiently in the distribution of micronutrients and metals in the soil. They also stimulate plant immunity and are utilized for soil hydrophilization to ensure proper moisture levels and uniform fertilizer distribution. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the role and properties of biosurfactants as agricultural adjuvants, fostering the development of sustainable formulations to replace the chemical surfactants used in pesticides. For this purpose, the general aspects of global agricultural activity are initially described, followed by a discussion of pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticide products. Next, the properties of chemical surfactants are discussed and the use of green surfactants, with emphasis on microbial biosurfactants, is demonstrated. The application of biosurfactants in the agricultural industry and trends are addressed and prospects for the application of these agents are discussed.

Novel Insights into Ocean Trace Element Cycling from Biogeochemical Models

Ocean biogeochemical models have become critical tools for interpreting trace element and isotope (TEI) distributions observed during the GEOTRACES program and understanding their driving processes. Models stimulate new research questions that cannot be addressed with observations alone, for instance, concerning processes that occur over vast spatial scales and linkages between TEIs and other elemental cycles. A spectrum of modeling approaches has been applied to date, including (1) fully prognostic models that couple TEIs to broader biogeochemical frameworks, (2) simpler element-specific mechanistic models that allow for assimilation of observations, and (3) machine learning models that have no mechanistic underpinning but allow for skillful extrapolation of sparse data. Here, we evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches and review three sets of novel insights they have facilitated. First, models have advanced our understanding of global-scale micronutrient distributions, and their deviations from macronutrients, in terms of a “ventilation-regeneration-scavenging” balance. Second, models have yielded global-scale estimates of TEI inputs to and losses from the ocean, revealing, for instance, a rapid iron (Fe) cycle with an oceanic residence time on the order of decades. Third, models have identified novel links among various TEI cycling processes and the global ocean carbon cycle, such as tracing the supply of hydrothermally sourced Fe to iron-starved microbial communities in the Southern Ocean. We foresee additional important roles for modeling work in the next stages of trace element research, including synthesizing understanding from the GEOTRACES program in the form of TEI state estimates, and projecting the responses of TEI cycles to global climate change.

Understanding the mechanisms of nutrient transfer between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Host Plants

Understanding the mechanisms of nutrient transfer between AMF and host plants is essential for enhancing our knowledge of plant nutrition and improving agricultural practices. Transporters are protein substances that enable the movement of nutritional elements between the host plant and AMF. They ensure even and adequate distribution and uptake of micronutrients, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Apart from transporters, AMF also have a crucial role in the distribution of nutrients within the host plants. These beneficial microbes establish an intricate system of hyphae that spreads in soil, assimilating limited nutrients that would otherwise be inaccessible to the host plant. These fungal networks augment the plant's ability to obtain nourishment, particularly in environments where some elements are limited. The mechanisms underlying the transporter network involved in nutrient exchange between AMF and host plants remain to be fully deciphered. Examining the connections of this network can bring to light the coordination between incongruent transporters and the entire process of nutrient interchange. Future studies should prioritize investigating the particular molecules and genes engaged in nutrient exchange to understand this essential mutual relationship better. Furthermore, assessing the impact of environmental factors on AMF associations can help devise strategies to optimize nutrient absorption in agricultural systems. By manipulating ecological factors such as soil nutrients or pH levels, it may be possible to increase the efficiency of nutrient transfer, thus improving plant growth and productivity.

Spatial Variability of Soil Micronutrient Properties Using Geostatistical Approach and Geographic Information System Technique

The distribution of soil qualities in every given area is essential for the development of management strategies that are appropriate to that site, since this promotes agricultural productivity sustainability and preserves the health of the soil.In spite of this, the current study was carried out in the Madhya Pradesh state of India to measure the spatial distribution of specific soil qualities in the soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea belt. A total 303 geo-referenced composite surface (0-15cm) soil samples were collected across the study area. These samples were analyzed for different soil properties viz: pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) the DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe. The main goals of the study were to: (i) use geo-statistical methods to assess the spatial variability of soil available micronutrients, such as extractable zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and boron (B), at a regional scale; (ii) use ordinary kriging to develop maps of soil micronutrient distribution; and (iii) evaluate the relationships between micronutrient availability and several soil properties. It was revealed that 79.54% and 7.92% of the soil samples had shortages in accessible zinc and iron, respectively, but no soil sample had deficiencies in copper, magnesium, or zinc and sulphur. The concentrations of extractable Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, with the exception of B, exhibited substantial negative relationships with the pH of the soil. The EC had positive and significant relationship with SOC and B, respectively. The significant positive relationship of SOC of soil with available hot water-soluble B respectively. The soil micronutrients were showed significant positive relationship with each other. HWS B was also shown to be positive and statistically significant. In this study, spherical models were best suited for Cu, Mn, and Fe, whereas exponential models were best fitted for Zn and B. The semivariogram models for Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and B's nugget/sill ratios There was a documented moderate regional dependence for extractable Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, and B for Mn.

Vertical Distribution of Major, Micronutrients and Sulfur Nutrients in Kantamal Block of Boudh District Catena

A study was conducted in the Kantamal block to find out the vertical distribution of the nutrients it was observed that nutrients are decreasing with increase in depth but in case of potassium it was positively correlated with the clay in the pedons. In case of micronutrients similar results were found i.e., decreases with increase in depth.

Comparative analysis and visualization of soil profiles at the meter spatial scale utilizing novel matrix and volume rendering techniques

This research introduces a soil characterization technique involving four data visualization tools to help researchers and stakeholders interpret high dimensional soil data at the field scale. This technique involves visualizing a reduced dimensionality representation of elemental concentration and color data gathered via portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer and NixPro color proximal sensors, respectively. Soil cores were collected from sites located in Lubbock and Lamb Counties, West Texas, USA. Thirteen core samples were collected from these sites in a star pattern with readings from proximal sensors at depths ranging between 0 and 100 cm at 10 cm intervals. The dimensionality reduction techniques utilize four visualization tools to represent soil composition data through multiple user-adjustable variables (i.e., mg kg−1 elemental concentrations and soil profiles), offering more insight and control compared to a single-variable approach. Through these tools and techniques, qualitative and quantitative conclusions regarding soil characteristics (e.g., elemental concentration variation, delineation of soil horizons, changes in soil color) can be formulated from the data and used in various applications. Areas where these novel software tools can be utilized potentially include rapid contaminant mapping in soils, characterization of diagnostic soil horizons (e.g., calcic, spodic, gypsic, etc.), micronutrient distribution at a field scale for precision agricultural purposes, and pedometrics.

Micronutrients in coated phosphate fertilizer improve precision distribution and nutrient use efficiency of soybean

AbstractChallenges regarding uniform micronutrient distribution and P‐use efficiency in agricultural soils are common. Micronutrients can be added as coated P fertilizers, creating multi‐nutrient fertilizers for crops to address this issue. The objective of this study was to quantify the diffusion and availability of P, B, Cu, Mn, and Zn in coated P fertilizers. Another objective was to evaluate the nutrient uptake, partitioning, and yield of soybeans. Treatments were monoammonium phosphate and NPS (nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur) fertilizer coated with Maxxi‐Phós and either Wolftrax, Microsol, or MIB Precise. Applied concentrations of B and Cu varied between 0.15% and 0.05%. The Mn and Zn ranged from 0.45% to 0.15%. Nutrient accumulation and recovery were assessed in the greenhouse and field trials. P diffusion ranged from 5.58 to 18.88 mm in 336 h. Micronutrient use efficiencies varied according to the soybean (Glycine max) phenological stages, with emphasis on the V4 stage, which resulted in the following values: B (0.65% to 13.89%), Cu (6.73% to 62.84%), Mn (0.73% to 3.36%), and Zn (0.01% to 2.34%). Nutrient exports were: 55.7 kg of P2O5 ha−1, 209.6 g of B ha−1, 109 g of Mn ha−1, 216.7 g of Zn ha−1, and 64.3 g of Cu ha−1. There was significant absorption (p ≤ 0.05) of B, Mn, and Zn at stages R1–R5.1 in the field trial, whereas it was from V4 to R1 for Cu. As a multi‐nutrient fertilizer for soybeans, micronutrient‐coated P fertilizers could replace exported nutrients.

Assessment and Mapping of Micronutrient Cation Distribution in Agricultural Research Station Soil: A Geospatial Approach

Aim: The objective was to construct fertility maps of the area, specifically focusing on micronutrient cations. The research aims to provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of micronutrients, aiding in the development of targeted agricultural practices and informed decision-making.
 Study Design: Soil sampling, soil analysis and soil mapping.
 Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj-Kota in 2019 and 2020
 Methodology: The study involved the collection of 300 soil samples, with precise coordinate’s locked using GPS technology. Soil variability maps for soil micronutrient Zn,Fe, Mn and Cu were generated by using Arc GIS 10.5 on the basis of latitude and longitude of sample site by using hand GPS device and analyzed sample data. 
 Results: The available-Zn of the soils ranged from 0.03 to 4.39 mg kg-1 with a mean value 0.61 mg kg-1, the soil falls under low (64.67%) to medium (30.33%) in available Zn. The available-Fe of the soils ranged from 1.09 to 12.54 mg kg-1 with a mean value 4.29 mg kg-1, the soils fall under low (58.00%) and medium (31.67%) categories for available Fe. The available-Mn of the soils ranged from 2.27-22.31 mg kg-1 with a mean value 5.74 mg kg-1, the soils of the farm falls under medium (28.33%) to high (69.34%) in available Mn. The available-Cu of the soils ranged from 0.32-2.25 mg kg-1 with a mean value 1.09 mg kg-1, the soil comes under high (57.00%) and very high (30.33%) categories for available Cu.
 Conclusion: Spatial variability map it was found that a high amount of Zn, Mn, Fe present in the soil of field number 14 and 12A compared to other fields. The possible cause behind this may be due to adoption of organic farming practices in field number 14 and execution of integrated farming system modules in field number 12A from some year.

Bioenergy enhancement for isolated microalgae-yeast cocultured residual biomass as a function of inorganic micronutrients’ distribution

This research aims to get the statistical optimization of the higher heating value for residual biomass of a coculture conformed of microalgae and yeast species (CCMY). The CCMY was grown in different culture broths with micronutrient (N, P, and Fe) distributions defined by the Box-Behnken experimental design. Lipids in the cultured biomass were removed by the reactive extraction method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that biomass compounds were susceptible to applying thermogravimetric characterization. A pyrolysis process determines the invested energy and accumulated energy during biomass thermal degradation. The pyrolysis process evaluated the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), yielding the determination of the amount of volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ashes in terms of the nutrient’s distributions. The obtained volatile matter range was 50.57-69.27%, fixed coal from 19.61-22.77% and the ash content was between 7.04 and 19.94%. The optimization problem considers that the accumulated energy is a function of the culture broth micronutrients’ distribution. Applying the response surface method (RSM) over the experimental design data leads to determining the best nutrient combination that produces the higher heating value in the residual biomass (22.04 MJ/kg, dry-basis biomass).

Adaptive physio-anatomical modulations and ionomics of Volkameria inermis L. in response to NaCl

This study illustrates the salinity tolerance mechanisms in Volkameria inermis (a mangrove-associate), making it an ideal candidate for establishment in saline lands. The plant was exposed to 100, 200, 300, and 400 mM NaCl and the TI value indicates that the stress-imparting concentration was 400 mM. There was a decrease in biomass and tissue water, and a gradual increase in osmolytes like soluble sugars, proline, and free amino acids content was observed in plantlets with the increase in NaCl concentrations. Higher number of lignified cells in the vascular region of the plantlet’s leaves treated with NaCl (400 mM) may influence the transport through the conducting tissues. SEM data reveals the presence of thick-walled xylem elements, an increased number of trichomes, and partially/fully closed stomata in the 400 mM NaCl-treated samples of V. inermis. In general, macro and micronutrient distribution tend to be affected in the NaCl-treated plantlets. However, Na content increased remarkably in plantlets treated with NaCl, and the highest accumulation was observed in roots (5.58-fold). Volkameria inermis can be a good option for phytodesalination in salt-affected areas since it is equipped with strong NaCl tolerance strategies and can be exploited for desalinization purpose of salt affected lands.

Modeling and mapping the spatial variability of soil micronutrients in the Tigris basin

BackgroundCrop production is negatively impacted by excess and lack of soil micronutrients. Due to anthropogenic and natural factors, soil micronutrients vary greatly in space, necessitating time- and money-consuming large-scale sampling. Therefore, modeling their spatial distributions and forecasting in non-sampled areas are essential for high crop production. MethodsIn this study, regional variations in soil micronutrient content of the Upper Tigris Basin were modeled to produce local change maps for the development of site-specific nutrient management systems. The concentrations of extractable zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in soil samples taken at 388 different sites between 0 and 20 cm deep were determined. Using variogram and kriging analyses, the spatial distribution of the micro element concentrations was modeled and mapped in a GIS environment. ResultsThe micronutrients demonstrated significant variability with a high coefficient of variation (CV > 35%). It was found that the spatial dependence of the samples ranged from low for Fe and Cu to high for Zn and Mn. The spatial distribution of soil micronutrients was influenced by soil texture in addition to distance. Overall, the results demonstrated that the management of site-specific micronutrients may be aided by the integration of geostatistics and GIS, which is particularly beneficial in terms of effective management of the lands and the optimal use of inputs. ConclusionOverall, the findings showed that the integration of geostatistics and GIS may be helpful in the management of site-specific micronutrients, which is especially advantageous in terms of efficient management of the lands and the best use of inputs.

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy mapping the ionome of a toxic freshwater cyanobacterium

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a major environmental concern across the globe. In abundance, cyanobacteria, or so-called green-blue algae can produce extremely dangerous cyanotoxins that harm humans and animals. This study focused on the mapping and distribution of intracellular macro-and micronutrients of the wide-spread freshwater cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa). Towards a better understanding of trace metal uptake and homeostasis throughout the cell cycle, we quantitatively mapped the spatial distribution of the elements P, K, Fe, Ca, Zn, Mn, and Cu across the ultrastructure of frozen-hydrated single cells using state-of-the-art X-ray nanofluorescence imaging at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Bulk cellular nutrient and trace metal content correlated well with the total intracellular elemental content in individual cells obtained by quantitative synchrotron X-ray fluorescence measurements. Multi-dimensional mappings showed P and K atoms colocalized as discrete semicircular hotspots that were analyzed with respect to their stoichiometry. Elevated Cu and Ca concentrations were detected along division plane of cells. P and K were found to have similar spatial elemental distribution with about 65% and 69% of the total cellular P and K, respectively, located at the hotspots. The P and K colocalization were refined further using nanotomography, showing a K envelope surrounding the P core. Inorganic P and organic P compounds were specified using solution-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy from M. aeruginosa. Of the total extracted P determined by 31P NMR spectroscopy, 47% were found to be nucleotides while only 11% were polyphosphates. Multimodal X-ray imaging provides a better understanding of intracellular biochemical processes in cyanobacteria, helping us monitor and combat an emerging environmental threat.

Vertical Distribution of DTPA Extractable Micronutrients in Two Distinct Soils of Central India under Diverse Land-uses

Crop productivity and health of human and animals are greatly influenced by availability of micronutrients in the soil. Understanding the nature and extent of deficiency problems of these nutrients is useful in improving the fertilizer recommendations by inclusion of micronutrients in the fertilization schedule. This investigation carried out to evaluate the vertical variability in status of DTPA extractable micronutrients in two contrast soil types (medium black and alluvial soils) under different land uses. Soil sample were collected in triplicate from six distinct land use practices (forest, uncultivated, soybean-wheat, rice-wheat, soybean-chickpea and maize-wheat system) from Jabalpur (medium black soil) and Gwalior (alluvial soil) region at four depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm) after harvest of rabi season crops during 2020-21. Statistical analysis of data was done using factorial RBD considering soil type (medium black soil and alluvial soil) as factor A and land use practices as factor B. It was found that contents of DTPA extractable micronutrients (zinc, copper, iron and manganese) were found maximum under forest land in both the soils at 0-15 cm depth and decreased with increase in soil depths. It was also noted that under different land use practices DTPA extractable Zn, Mn and Cu were higher in medium black soil as compared to alluvial soil, however available Fe found higher in alluvial soil across the soil depths. The results clearly indicated that Zn, Fe, Mn was significantly affected by different soil type except Cu are non significant. Zn, Cu, Mn was significantly affected by different land use practices but Fe are non significant.

Evaluation of the mineral profile of wild plant raw materials and products of its processing for the creation of functional food products

Vegetable raw materials and their processed products are a source of necessary biologically active nutrients and are widely used in food production when creating functional and specialized nutrition products. Studies of the mineral profile of wild cranberry berries (Vaccinium oxycoccos) growing in the Republic of Karelia and berry processing products (juice and cake) with different methods of processing raw materials have been carried out. Studies of the mineral composition of fresh cranberry berries and their processed products obtained by various methods showed a high content of essential macro- and microelements in fresh berries, juices and cakes and allowed us to establish the regularity of migration and distribution of micronutrients depending on the method of pre-processing of raw materials. The data obtained during the experiment allow us to judge the high mineral profile of wild cranberry berries and its processed products and the content of certain elements (in particular phosphorus and manganese) in a physiologically significant amount, which explains the prospect of using products of processing wild berry raw materials to enrich food with micronutrients. Studies of the mineral composition of edible packaging films based on concentrated cranberry juice have shown a higher mineral profile of all samples of films with the addition of juice obtained with pretreatment of berry raw materials with steam, regardless of the type of structure-forming matrix, which is due to a higher content of concentrated juice solids. It has been established that the pre-processing of berry raw materials with steam before extracting the juice, as well as its subsequent concentration, allows processing raw materials with maximum preservation of essential components with a high degree of biological activity.)