Mineral Matter Research Articles

Reusing livestock farming wastewater for Tifton 85 irrigation: productivity, morphological, and bromatological indicators

The utilization of wastewater from livestock farming (WLF) represents a common agricultural practice, but the absence of research on its agronomic impacts hinders its sustainable implementation. This study assesses the reutilization of WLF combined with nitrogen fertilization on the morphological, bromatological, and productivity attributes of a Tifton 85 pasture during the winter season. The study involved the application of different types of water via sprinkler: (I) stream water; (II) mixture of WLF and stream water at a 1:1 ratio; and (III) undiluted WLF combined with mineral nitrogen fertilization (0 and 45 kg N ha-1) administered at the commencement of the regrowth period. Irrigation was applied on a weekly basis, totaling 2,440 m3 ha-1. At 106 days post-regrowth, parameters including forage productivity, height, leaf-stem ratio, leaf area index, nitrogen nutrition index, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral matter content were determined. Mineral fertilization at the prescribed dosage (45 kg N ha-1) did not have any discernible impact on the parameters under investigation. On average, the reuse of WLF raised the productivity from 2.50 to 5.12 t ha-1 and the Crude Protein from 12.35% to 14.58% compared to stream water. The reuse of WLF demonstrated superior outcomes (p < 0.01) in terms of pasture productivity, nutritional quality, and nitrogen accumulation compared to irrigation solely with stream water. The reuse of diluted WLF (1:1) without fertilization proved adequate to sustain Tifton 85 pastures during the winter season in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Keywords: Cynodon dactylon, forage, irrigated pasture.

Fermentative profile, nutritional composition, and aerobic stability of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) mixed silages

Objective. Determine the fermentative profile, proximate composition, and aerobic stability of mixed silages of elephant grass combined with levels of forage peanut. Materials and methods. Different levels of forage peanut (0.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0, and 80.0% on FM basis) were added to elephant grass silages. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 3 repetitions, totaling 15 experimental silos that were opened after 30 days of sealing. Fermentative profile, proximate composition, and aerobic stability were evaluated. Results. The increase in the forage peanut levels in the elephant grass silages promoted a increasing on porosity, permeability, density, and pH (p<0.001). A 0.58 reduction in Flieg index for every 1% forage peanut added to the elephant grass silage was observed (p<0.001). The sum of the silage temperature difference compared to the environment (p=0.032) and aerobic stability (p<0.001) showed a quadratic effect. The forage peanut inclusion in elephant grass silages reduced the dry matter, organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose, and total carbohydrates (p<0.05) and increased the mineral matter, crude protein, lignin, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients (p<0.05). Conclusions. Under the experimental conditions, recommend the inclusion of up to 40% forage peanut combined with elephant grass to compose mixed silages, due to the better fermentative dynamic, nutritional profile, and aerobic stability.

Comparative analysis of rheological characteristics for chemically treated and untreated COSL with varying minerals matter at low temperature

Indian coal having ash content of 38.5 % by wt. with particle size below 106 µm underwent treatment with an aqueous solution of HF and HNO3 at ambient conditions, maintaining a coal-to-solvent ratio of 3:20. Following this treatment, the ash content decreased significantly to 0.9 % by weight. However, the calorific value of the coal decreased from 4865 Kcal/kg to 4766 Kcal/kg because of chemical attack on the carbonaceous matrix. Additionally, sulfur content decreased as iron was oxidized when it reacted with HNO3 to form sulfate compounds. To examine the impact of mineral matter available in coal, a slurry was prepared using both untreated and chemically washed coal, mixed with diesel oil (with calorific value of 44,600 kcal/kg). The research was conducted using a rotary-type Anton Parr RheolabQC at three different solid concentration levels (20 %, 30 %, and 40 %) of coal in oil at a temperature of 293 K. The results revealed that mineral content had a fundamental determinant on the viscosity of COSL. The ultra-clean COSL exhibited the highest viscosity across all concentrations, while viscosity decreased as the percentage of treated coal decreased. Furthermore, viscosity reduced with enhanced in shear rate, and all slurries exhibited shear-thinning behavior. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated the presence of nonporous ash materials in untreated coal, which contributed to its lower viscosity.

Technological, Environmental and Economic Impact, of the Mineral Matter Presented in Coal

The analysis of the mineral matter contributes meaningfully to define the quality of coal. In this work we present the results of identification and quantification of mineral phases presented in samples of natural coal, and coal fractions beneficiated with concentration fractions of minerai matter, obtained by different separation methods using Rietveld-based X-ray diffraction (Rietveld based XRD), s'Fe transmission Mössbauer spec- troscopy (MS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-Ray (SEM EDX) analysis, which allows to identité the potential for removal of minerals. Furthermore, it is possible to explore the relationship between the ash obtained, the melting point, the calorific value and the relative proportions of the individual minerals in the samples studied. Similarly, using the information obtained, we evaluate the technological, envi- ronmental and economic impacts associated with minerai matter.

Soil Health and Nutrient Management

Soil health and appropriate nutrient management are critical components of sustainable agriculture, influencing crop yield, environmental sustainability, and overall food security. The ability of soil to function as a living ecosystem is referred to as soil health.  supports plant and animal life while protecting the environment.  It refers to how physical, chemical, and biological activity interact in the soil. Mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air are all critical components of soil health, and each contributes to plant growth. Soil health indicators include physical, chemical, and biological factors that help assess the soil's state. For optimal soil health, these indicators must be balanced.
 However, there are significant issues to address, such as decreased soil organic matter, declining soil fertility due to nutrient deficits, physical soil degradation, and chemical soil degradation caused by excessive chemical use. Practices for sustainable soil management are critical for addressing these concerns. Balanced fertilization, organic matter incorporation, crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and precision nutrient delivery are examples of these. Mitigating issues such as nutrient pollution, soil erosion, and soil deterioration is critical to maintaining agriculture's long-term viability.

The microstructure and the behaviour of low organic clayey soils in Sri Lanka

Numerous studies focus on investigating organic soils with high organic content. However, only a limited amount of literature discusses the properties and behaviour of low organic content soils. Sri Lankan organic soil is an excellent example of a low organic content soil, demonstrating different behaviour from highly organic fibrous soil. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of Sri Lankan organic soil were studied to determine the reasons for these observed variations. Sri Lankan organic soils were observed to consist of highly decomposed organic matter in an amorphous state with higher proportions of mineral matter. The microstructure characteristics observed through SEM images mostly explained the variation of properties and behaviour of the Sri Lankan organic soil in contrast to highly organic fibrous soil. Correlations were also derived between properties of Sri Lankan organic soil and compared with similar relationships derived from other geological conditions. While some correlations derived in this study closely follow the relationships for other organic soils with similar microstructure characteristics, the acidity of the deposit resulted in different behaviour of a few correlations. This study improves the current knowledge of the effect of microstructure characteristics on the properties and behaviour of Sri Lankan low-organic clayey soils, which otherwise primarily depend on theories for highly organic peaty soils. Furthermore, the correlations derived and validated for low organic soils can be utilized in any organic clay deposit with similar microstructure characteristics.

Dynamic population changes during a bioaugmented sewage sludge composting process: Improvement of pharmaceutical active compounds degradation and conversion into an organic soil amendment

Bioaugmentation has resulted in an interesting tool to improve composting technologies. However, the structure and dynamic of native populations might be affected, hence, the whole process performance. Here, we aimed to identify and evaluate the fungal and bacterial dynamic changes produced by the bioaugmentation with an exogenous inoculant: Penicillium oxalicum XD 3.1 and an endogenous natural consortia obtained from enrichment: enriched culture during a sewage sludge composting process (applied and designed for the improvement of pharmaceutical active compounds degradation, under real conditions). To do so, microbial structure of the enriched culture was first described and then, the microbial dynamic population into the composite samples were studied. Microbial DNA was obtained from the enriched culture (before and after the enrichment) and from the compost (at key stages of the process: inoculation, thermophilic and maturation). The amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for bacteria and fungi was then performed using an Illumina Platform. Results showed that fungal and bacterial α-diversity in bioaugmented piles was significantly changed during inoculation and thermophilic stages. The inoculation and the fluctuation of the physicochemical parameters, altered by the bioaugmentation, explained the microbial diversity changes. Temperature, mineral matter, conductivity, dry matter, and total solids were the significant explanatory variables for diversity, dominance and ASVs counts. Redundancy analyses of β-diversity revealed the asynchronous interaction with all physicochemical parameters that varied according to the composting stage. In general, these outcomes lead to a deeper understanding of the promising combined bioaugmentation-composting mechanism.

Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.

Top-down control of climate on long-term interactions between fires, tree-cover and soil erosion in a Mediterranean mountain, Corsica

Fire is a potential significant driver of soil erosion in the Mediterranean area, as it results in the partial removal of vegetation and the alteration of organic matter, affecting soil structure and stability. The erosion of particle sizes is influenced by the intensity and duration of rainfall, regulated by disturbance regimes and vegetation cover. We hypothesize that, during the Holocene, high fire frequency and intensity under precipitation control may have contributed to soil erosion, while plant cover and composition could have mitigated it. This plant cover, in turn, might have been influenced by biomass burning. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a detailed analysis of sediments spanning the last 11,500 years from a small mountain lake, Corsica, situated in the black pine forest belt. The high temporal resolution analysis (∼10 years per sample), used granulometry and loss-on-ignition as proxies for erosion and ecosystem productivity in both the lake and watershed, and fire and plant macroremains as fire and tree cover proxies, respectively. The correlation between particle size and the contents of organic or mineral matter with mean fire return intervals (FRI) revealed significant patterns. Long fire intervals were associated with more fine and coarse sands, whereas short mean FRI positively correlated with clay and, fine and coarse silt, along with higher total mineral and organic matter contents. These findings suggest that fires were more frequent when rain duration was sustained but runoff intensity was lower. Conversely, wildfires were less frequent during intense runoff periods (wetter climate). Unlike fire frequency, fire severity did not correlate with erosion, and tree cover and plant richness had minimal to no effect. The 8.2 kyr event was characterized by runoff transporting primarily coarse sands, i.e. a dry period with very intense rains. This suggests that the system is primarily top-down controlled by climate. Multimillennial erosion trends are influenced by fire frequency and precipitation regimes, whereas vegetation does not seem to have a mitigating effect on this process.

Patterns of the relationship between the Secchi disk depth and the optical characteristics of water in the Neva Estuary (Baltic Sea): the influence of environmental variables

The Secchi disc depth (Dsd) measurement is widely used to monitor eutrophication and the quality of the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Dsd and various factors, including the coefficient of attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation [Kd (PAR)], the depth of the euphotic zone (Deu), PAR at the Secchi disk depth (Esd) and the absorption coefficient of PAR (F) in the Neva Estuary, one of largest estuaries of the Baltic Sea. Environmental variables impacting these indices were identified using data collected from midsummer 2012 to 2020. The Dsd values in the estuary ranged from 0.3 to 4.0 m, with an average value of 1.8 m, while the Deu/Dsd ratio ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 with an average value of 2.8. These values were significantly lower than those observed in the open waters of the Baltic Sea. The highest Deu/Dsd ratio was observed in turbid waters characterized by high Kd(PAR) and low Dsd. Contrary to expectations, Dsd did not exhibit a significant relationship with the concentration of chlorophyll a, raising doubts about the utility of historical Dsd data for reconstructing phytoplankton development in the estuary. Principal component analysis did not identify the primary environmental variables strongly affecting the optical characteristics of water. However, recursive partitioning of the dataset using analysis of variance (CART approach) revealed that the concentration of suspended mineral matter (SMM) was the primary predictor of Deu/Dsd, Kd(PAR), and F. This SMM was associated with the frequent resuspension of bottom sediments during windy weather and construction activities in the estuary. Concentrations of suspended organic matter and the depth of the water area were found to be less significant as environmental variables. Furthermore, the CART approach demonstrated that different combinations of environmental variables in estuarine waters could result in similar optical indicator values. To reliably interpret the data and determine the optical characteristics of water in estuaries from Dsd, more complex models incorporating machine learning and neural connections are required. Additionally, reference determinations of Esd in various regions with specific sets of environmental variables would be valuable for comparative analyses and better understanding of estuarine systems.

Medical Constituents of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) for Human Benefits

Ajwain seed analysis has revealed it to contain fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone and mineral matter (7.1%) containing calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid. Ajwain fruits yield 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%). The non-thymol fraction (thymine) contains para-cymene, γ-terpenine, α- and β-pinenes, diketene, α-terpinene, and carvacrol. Minute amounts of camphene, myrcene, and α-3-carene also have been found in the plant. Alcoholic extracts contain a highly hygroscopic saponin. From the fruits, a yellow, crystalline flavone and a steroid-like substance has been isolated and it also contains 6-O-β-glucopyranosyloxythymol, glucoside and yields 25% oleoresin containing 12% volatile oil (thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and α- and β-pinene). The principal oil constituents of T. Ammi are carvone (46%), limonene (38%), and dillapiole (9%). Ajwain is administered for curing stomach disorders, a paste of crushed fruits is applied externally for relieving colic pains; and a hot and dry fomentation of the fruits is applied on chest for asthma. Therapeutic uses of T. Ammi fruits include; stomachic, carminative and expectorant, antiseptic and amoebiasis, antimicrobial. Seeds soaked in lemon juice with P runs Amygdalus (badan) are given in curing amenorrhea and it is also used as antipyretic, febrifugal and in the treatment of typhoid fever. The antihypertensive effect of T. Ammi administered intravenously in vivo, and the antispasmodic and bronchodilation actions in vitro showed that calcium channel blockade has been found to mediate the spasmolytic effects of plant materials and it is being considered that this mechanism contributed to their observed result and supported the traditional use of T. Ammi in hyperactive disease states of the gut such as colic and diarrhea as well as in hypertension. Ajwain seeds revealed significant reduction of cough number which may be a result of its potent antitussive effect. The bronchodilator effect of decocted extract of Ajwain on the asthmatic patients’ airways was examined in a subsequent trial study. According to the results, the extract has a relatively bronchodilator effect on asthmatic airways compared to the effect of Theophylline at concentrations used. Ajwain was attributed to have diuretic and antilithiatic activity in ethnopharmacological reports. Accordingly, a human study was performed and in which, seeds of Ajwain were decocted in milk and given orally to volunteers suffering from urinary stone for a nine days period. The results were reported satisfactory against pure ca-oxalate stone. Another activity which has been proved for Ajwain is the antihyperlipidemic property. An in vivo study revealed that Ajwain seeds powder is extensively effective on lipid profile and can decrease total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. Moreover, organic extract of seeds reduced atherogenic index and increased the level of HDL-cholesterol in albino rabbits. Ajwain was evaluated for the potentiality of antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity. In the related investigation, the aqueous-methanolic extract of the seeds caused a dose dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized animal models. Furthermore, inhibitory effect on the K+-induced contractions was seen in isolated rabbit aorta and jejunum preparations during the application of Ajwain extract. These findings prove the potential antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity of Ajwain.

PETROGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF OKOBO COAL, NORTHERN ANAMBRA BASIN, NIGERIA

Petrographic studies have been carried out on coal samples from Okobo coal deposit in the northern Anambra Basin of Nigeria. The studies were carried out primarily to determine the petrographic characteristics of the coal based on its composition and vitrinite reflectance. Maceral characterization reveals the presence of the three maceral groups; vitrinite, liptinite and inertinite in all the samples. Generally, the proportion of the vitrinites and inertinites are higher than the liptinites in the samples. On mineral matter-free basis, the coal, on average, contains 65.10 % vitrinite, 11.30 % liptinite and 23.60 % inertinite. With mineral matter counted, on average, it consists of 57.10 % vitrinite, 10.20 % liptinite, 21.50 % inertinite and 11.20 % mineral matter. The coal, on average, also contains 67.30 % reactives (vitrinite + liptinite) and 32.70 % inerts (inertinite + mineral matter). It has mean vitrinite reflectance measurement of 0.54 % Romax on average. These petrographic characteristics suggest that the coal does not possess coking qualities suitable for coke making blends for metallurgical processes such as iron and steel manufacture thereby placing it on low quality and non-coking. However, it is good for electricity generation. The coal is appropriate in heating boilers and ovens in industrial heating process. The cement, glass, ceramics, paper and brick industries can use it for this purpose.

Tropical tropospheric aerosol sources and chemical composition observed at high altitude in the Bolivian Andes

Abstract. The chemical composition of PM10 and non-overlapping PM2.5 was studied at the summit of Mt. Chacaltaya (5380 m a.s.l., lat. −16.346950°, long. −68.128250°) providing a unique long-term record spanning from December 2011 to March 2020. The chemical composition of aerosol at the Chacaltaya Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) site is representative of the regional background, seasonally affected by biomass burning practices and by nearby anthropogenic emissions from the metropolitan area of La Paz–El Alto. Concentration levels are clearly influenced by seasons with minima occurring during the wet season (December to March) and maxima occurring during the dry and transition seasons (April to November). Ions, total carbon (EC + OC), and saccharide interquartile ranges for concentrations are 558–1785, 384–1120, and 4.3–25.5 ng m−3 for bulk PM10 and 917–2308, 519–1175, and 3.9–24.1 ng m−3 for PM2.5, respectively, with most of the aerosol seemingly present in the PM2.5 fraction. Such concentrations are overall lower compared to other high-altitude stations around the globe but higher than Amazonian remote sites (except for OC). For PM10, there is dominance of insoluble mineral matter (33 %–56 % of the mass), organic matter (7 %–34 %), and secondary inorganic aerosol (15 %–26 %). Chemical composition profiles were identified for different origins: EC, NO3-, NH4+, glucose, and C2O42- for the nearby urban and rural areas; OC, EC, NO3-, K+, acetate, formate, levoglucosan, and some F− and Br− for biomass burning; MeSO3-, Na+, Mg2+, K+, and Ca2+ for aged marine emissions from the Pacific Ocean; arabitol, mannitol, and glucose for biogenic emissions; Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ for soil dust; and SO42-, F−, and some Cl− for volcanism. Regional biomass burning practices influence the soluble fraction of the aerosol between June and November. The organic fraction is present all year round and has both anthropogenic (biomass burning and other combustion sources) and natural (primary and secondary biogenic emissions) origins, with the OC/EC mass ratio being practically constant all year round (10.5 ± 5.7, IQR 8.1–13.3). Peruvian volcanism has dominated the SO42- concentration since 2014, though it presents strong temporal variability due to the intermittence of the sources and seasonal changes in the transport patterns. These measurements represent some of the first long-term observations of aerosol chemical composition at a continental high-altitude site in the tropical Southern Hemisphere.

In vitroruminal fermentation, core nutrient, fatty acids and mineral matter of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) herbage at different phenological stages.

In ruminants, fibrous feedstuffs must be included in the ration to ensure normal rumen physiology and to prevent the occurrence of rumen-related metabolic diseases. In addition to being a source of fibrous feedstuffs, they contain energy depending on the level of digestion and protein, minerals, fatty acids, minerals, and secondary compounds. This study aimed to determine the nutrient matter, fatty acid, mineral and in vitro rumen fermentation values of the pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) plant. The pennyroyal plant samples were collected at different phenological stages (vegetative, full flowering, and seed bulking) from the natural meadow. The samples were analysed for core nutrients, condensed tannins, minerals, fatty acids, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters. The calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) contents and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters (total gas production and methane production, organic matter digestion (OMd), and the ammonia-nitrogen) decreased with increasing phenological stage (p < 0.05). The percentages of linoleic, α-linolenic, ω-3, ω-6 and polyunsaturated fatty (PUFA) acids of the pennyroyal plant linearly increased with the phenological stages (p < 0.05). However, butyric acid (BA) concentration in the in vitro ruminal fermentation fluid in the full flowering stage was lower than that of other stages (p < 0.05). Pennyroyal plant is a functional plant in terms of high values of ether extract (EE), α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, ∑ω-3 fatty acids, Ca, Fe and Zn contents. For this plant to be used as animal feed, the stage when it has the highest values for Ca, Mg, S and Zn minerals and in vitro OMd were vegetative and full flowering. The stage with good potential as animal feed for ∑ω-3 and ∑ω-6 fatty acids and core nutrients (CP and EE) is the seed bulking stage.

Direct Liquefaction of South African Vitrinite- and Inertinite-Rich Coal Fines.

In this investigation, coal fines enriched with inertinite were used for direct liquefaction experiments. For comparison, a vitrinite-rich coal typically utilized in coal-to-liquid processes was also employed. To assess the impact of mineral matter content, demineralization was used to remove most of the inorganic constituents. The findings revealed that the inertinite-rich coal exhibited lower liquefaction conversions due to a reduced proportion of reactive macerals and elevated levels of inorganic mineral matter. These conversion values exhibited a strong correlation with the quantity of reactive macerals present in the parent coals. For the inertinite-rich coal, the presence of inorganic mineral matter impeded the liquefaction process but facilitated the CO2 gasification reactions of the derived chars. To evaluate their potential in gasification processes, CO2 gasification experiments were conducted and the reactivities and apparent gasification activation energies of both coal chars, liquefaction residue chars, and preasphaltene and asphaltene (PAA) chars were calculated. These calculations were carried out using the random pore model (RPM) and volumetric reaction model (VRM). The chemistry, reactivity, and kinetics of residue gasification conversion are not thoroughly understood, yet they hold significant importance in optimizing syngas production within gasification processes. The findings from this work highlight significant differences in liquefaction conversion values, product distribution, and composition. These differences are influenced by factors such as maceral composition, inorganic mineral matter content, hydrogen-donor capabilities of the solvent, and liquefaction reaction temperatures. Additionally, these variables affect the CO2 gasification reactivity of liquefaction solid residue chars.

Confirmation that Antevsia zeilleri microsporangiate organs associated with latest Triassic Lepidopteris ottonis (Peltaspermales) leaves produced Cycadopites-Monosulcites-Chasmatosporites- and Ricciisporites-type monosulcate pollen

In reply to the commentary by N. Zavialova (Rev. Palaeobot. Palynol. 322, 105,065), we provide additional data and illustrations reaffirming that the Triassic peltaspermalean ‘seed-fern’ Lepidopteris ottonis produced the abnormal pollen Ricciisporites tuberculatus, solving a long-standing mystery in palaeobotany. The microsporangiate organ Antevsia zeilleri linked to Lepidopteris ottonis foliage produced polymorphic pollen ranging from smooth-walled monads that would normally be attributed to Cycadopites, Monosulcites and Chasmatosporites to strongly ornamented Ricciisporites tuberculatus-type grains occurring in permanent tetrads. Multiple microscopy techniques reveal that these in situ and associated dispersed pollen are represented by a complete continuum in exine ornamentation. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and ultrastructural analyses reveal variation in the wall architecture between these pollen types that can be explained by aberrant developmental pathways within the pollen sac. Finally, the occurrence of Ricciisporites tuberculatus in at least 15 Antevsia zeilleri sacs and their co-occurrence with smooth-walled monosulcate pollen in an additional five pollen sacs, in the absence of any other palynomorphs, plant detritus or mineral matter, demonstrates their co-production by the parent plant and excludes the possibility of taphonomic mixing.

Effect of using hydrogel polymers on morphometric, forage production, and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear

The use of cactus pear has shown poor performance in some areas of semi-arid climate regions, as the species needs a wide gradient between temperatures during the day and night to develop, which does not occur in such zones. To lessen this negative occurrence, moisture availability provides better performance for the species, such as using hydrogel instead of irrigation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using hydrogel polymers on the production of cactus pear (Opuntia stricta cv. Mexican Elephant Ear). Three treatments with six replications were used, totalling 18 experimental units. The treatments were, (1) Conventional fertilization using fertilizer in granulated format; (2) Foliar fertilization with polymer using a dilution dose of 6 grams of polymer L-1 of water associated with the fertilizer in liquid form through the foliar route; (3) Foliar fertilization without polymer using only foliar fertilization in the same formulation as the treatment with polymer. There was no effect of fertilization strategy on plant height, cladode length, cladode width, cladode thickness, cladode area, and biomass. There was an effect of the fertilization strategy on dry matter, in which higher estimates were measured for conventional fertilization and foliar fertilization without polymer. On the other hand, foliar fertilization with polymer promoted increases of 13% in mineral matter and 42% in crude protein in relation to conventional fertilization. The fertilization strategy did not change the other chemical attributes of cactus pear. The use of the hydrogel did not influence the morphometric development of the Mexican Elephant Ear cultivar but promoted increments in the chemical composition.

Use of Cactus Pear Meal in the Feeding of Laying Hens in Semi-Intensive System.

Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used-1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return.

Effect of pineapple peel addition on sorghum ensilage

Silage mixed with forage and byproducts is an alternative nutritional strategy for ruminant production. This study aimed to characterize  chemical–nutritional aspects, fermentative profile, and digestibility of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) silage with different  contents of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) peel inclusion at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% of fresh matter. The experimental design  was completely randomized with five replicates per treatment. Mixed feeds were ensiled in experimental silos for 65 days, subsequently  opened, and samples were analysed. The increase in the proportions of pineapple peel caused a linear increase in dry matter, crude  protein, mineral matter, ether extract, soluble carbohydrate, cellulose, lignin, and in vitro digestibility of dry matter in sorghum silage.  The mean concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) had a negative quadratic relationship with the  inclusion of pineapple peel, reducing from 0% to 40% (-2.56% for NDF and -3.14% for ADF) followed by stabilization at subsequent  contents. Silage pH was not influenced, however, acetic and propionic acids increased linearly, while butyric acid decreased linearly with  pineapple peel inclusion. The highest losses in gases and effluents were obtained in silage with 0% pineapple peel inclusion (1.77% of dry  matter and 4.06 kg t-1 of dry matter), which resulted in lower dry matter recovery (93.56%). Adding pineapple peel to sorghum benefits  composition, fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and decreases silage losses. An inclusion of 40–80% sorghum can be recommended.  

Evaluation of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique for the determination of body composition of Pacu and Nile tilapia in vivo

The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is an alternative to the comparative slaughter technique (CST), allowing the analysis of body chemical composition of fish in vivo. The present work aimed to standardize the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique in fish and determine the body chemical composition of Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during different growth stages in vivo. By the relationship between chemical compositions of fish determined by CST and DXA linear equations were generated, where Y-axis represented the results of CST and X-axis represented the results of DXA. This relationship was determined for each chemical component including water, protein, mineral matter, and fat. The deviation composition (D, g) obtained from the analysis of the multiple linear equations, and the correlation of prediction (R2) for Nile tilapia and Pacu were, total body weight of tilapia: D = 1.12 g, R2 = 0.99; Pacu: D = 1.53 g, R2 = 0.98; protein of tilapia: D = 1.87 g, R2 = 0.96; Pacu: D = 0.61 g, R2 = 0.99; water of tilapia: D = 2.09 g, R2 = 0.95; Pacu: D = 1.35 g, R2 = 0.99; fat of tilapia: D = 1.37 g, R2 = 0.99; Pacu: D = 0.67 g, R2 = 0.99, and mineral matter of tilapia 0.71 g, R2 = 0.98; Pacu: D = 0.37 g, R2 = 0.98. These values show high correlations (R2 > 0.9) and precision in the evaluation of the body components and weight variables. This study provides important information about the substitution of the CST with the DXA which will help to determine the body composition of fish in vivo in a more precise way, with less operational costs and in a short time.