Nutrient Availability Research Articles

GDF15 Associates with, but is not Responsible for, Exercise-Induced Increases in Corticosterone and Indices of Lipid Utilization in Mice.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-induced cytokine that increases with exercise and is thought to increase corticosterone and lipid utilization. How post-exercise nutrient availability impacts GDF15 and the physiological role that GDF15 plays during and/or in the recovery from exercise has not been elucidated. The purpose of this investigation was to examine how post-exercise nutrient availability impacts GDF15 and to use this as a model to explore associations between GDF15, corticosterone and indices of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, we explored the causality of these relationships using GDF15 deficient mice. Male and female C57BL/6J mice ran for 2 hours on a treadmill and were sacrificed immediately or 3 hours after exercise with or without access to a chow diet. In both sexes, circulating concentrations of GDF15, corticosterone, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were higher immediately post-exercise and remained elevated when food was withheld during the recovery period. While serum GDF15 was positively associated with corticosterone, BHB and NEFA, increases in these factors were similar in wildtype and GDF15-/- mice following exercise. The lack of a genotype effect was not explained by differences in insulin, glucagon or epinephrine after exercise. Our findings provide evidence that while GDF15 is associated with increases in corticosterone and indices of lipid utilization this is not a causal relationship.

Characterization of the Agronomic Properties of Different Vermicompost from the Co-composting of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches and Green Waste

The accumulation of palm oil industries waste is one of the causes of environmental pollution that is becoming an increasingly concern in Côte d'Ivoire. However, this waste, combined with other simple plant substrates, can be used in the vermicomposting process. That is the context in which this study is conducted, with the aim of determining the agronomic properties of different vermicompost made of oil palm empty fruit bunches combined with green waste (Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings). For this purpose, plastic boxes of 1.5 L in volume were first filled with 800 g of soil. Then, 300 g of the different pre-composted substrates and 4 earthworms were added. In total, 4 treatments of 25 repetitions each were carried out. For all the treatments, treatments T3 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Grass cutting + earthworms) and T4 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + Grass cutting + earthworms) presented the best values of the substrate decomposition capacity and physicochemical properties. The same is true for the mineral materials obtained. For these two treatments mentioned, the C/N ratio was around 15 and significantly higher than those of treatments T1 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + earthworms) and T2 (oil palm empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), which were around 12. The pH values being variable at the beginning of vermicomposting were close to neutral at the end, thus indicating the maturity of the different vermicompost produced. Vermicompost resulting from co-composting of empty fruit bunches of oil palms and green waste appears to improve nutrient availability, structure and microbial activity of the vermicompost to promote good development of cultivated plants.

Effects of microbial communities during the cultivation of three salt-tolerant plants in saline-alkali land improvement.

Planting vegetation on saline-alkaline land enhances soil fertility and sustainability by improving salt-alkali tolerance. Different salt-tolerant plant species interact with soil microorganisms, enriching bacterial communities and promoting nutrient availability. In this study, mechanisms affecting microbial communities in severely saline-alkaline soils planted with salt-tolerant plants are investigated. Over 4 years, the potential to cultivate three salt-tolerant plant species (tall wheatgrass Agropyron elongatum, chicory Chicorium intybus, and alfalfa Medicago sativa) in severely saline-alkaline soils is compared with a non-cultivated control. Bacterial and fungal communities were characterized through high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region and the V4 region, respectively. Cultivating these three plant species significantly reduces soil electrical conductivity values. Chicory cultivation notably increased soil nutrients, bacterial alpha richness, and fungal alpha diversity and richness. Microbial community structures vary considerably between the control and treatments, significantly correlating with the soil quality index. This index enables an assessment of soil health and fertility by integrating variables such as nutrient content, microbial diversity, and salinity levels. In each plant treatment, particularly alfalfa, the relative abundances of fungal pathogens like Neocosmospora and Gibellulopsis increase, which may pose risks to subsequent crops such as tomatoes, requiring careful consideration in future planting decisions. Conversely, in alfalfa and tall wheatgrass treatments, there was an increase in the relative abundances of fungal genera (e.g., Alternaria and Podospora) that antagonize fungal pathogens, while Paraphoma increased in the chicory treatment. The strong relationship between microorganisms and the rise in pathogen-resistant fungi across different plant treatments highlights robust and beneficial structural characteristics. According to soil quality index scores, each treatment, but especially that of chicory, improved the severely saline-alkaline soil environment.

Exploring Effects of Nutrient Availability, Species Composition, Stand Age, and Mesofaunal Exclusion on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Northern Hardwood Forests

In northern hardwood forests, litter decomposition might be affected by nutrient availability, species composition, stand age, or access by decomposers. We investigated these factors at the Bartlett Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. Leaf litter of early and late successional species was collected from four stands that had full factorial nitrogen and phosphorus additions to the soil and were deployed in bags of two mesh sizes (63 µm and 2 mm) in two young and two mature stands. Litter bags were collected three times over the next 2 years, and mass loss was described as an exponential function of time represented by a thermal sum. Litter from young stands had higher initial N and P concentrations and decomposed more quickly than litter from mature stands (p = 0.005), regardless of where it was deployed. Litter decomposed more quickly in fine mesh bags that excluded mesofauna (p < 0.001), which might be explained by the greater rigidity of the large mesh material making poor contact with the soil. Neither nutrient addition (p = 0.94 for N, p = 0.26 for P) nor the age of the stand in which bags were deployed (p = 0.36) had a detectable effect on rates of litter decomposition.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein Reduction Levels on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, Blood Parameters, Meat Quality, and Welfare Index of Broilers in Welfare-Friendly Environments.

We investigated the effects of feeding different levels of crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, blood characteristics, meat quality, nutrient and nitrogen (N) availability, stress levels, and welfare indicators in a welfare environment. A total of 625 eight-day-old male broilers were assigned to five dietary CP levels (control (CON) and 1-4% CP reductions) during the grower (8-21 days) and finisher (22-35 days) periods. The CON diet contained 20% CP in the grower phase and 19% in the finisher phase, while all birds received a 22% CP diet during the starter period (1-7 days). Intriguingly, reducing CP levels in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. These results may be due to the adequate supplementation of essential amino acids in the diets of all treatments and the compensatory growth observed in the finisher phase. Low-CP diets reduced CP digestibility, N intake, and N excretion, while N retention efficiency improved (p < 0.001). Serum total protein (TP) levels decreased equally with decreasing CP in the diet, and the crude fat content in meat increased linearly (p < 0.01). The litter moisture content and pH decreased with lower CP levels, and the welfare indices (footpad dermatitis (FPD), serum corticosterone, etc.) improved (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an appropriate reduction in CP levels in their diet can enhance broiler welfare by reducing N excretion and improving litter quality without adversely affecting performance.

Interactive use of biochar and chemical fertilizer for improving nutrient availability and crop growth in rainfed area

Interactive use of biochar and chemical fertilizer for improving nutrient availability and crop growth in rainfed area

Effects of Fire on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in Fwangnin Bokkos District, Nigeria

Background: Vegetation burning, a common agricultural practice, has both positive and negative effects on soil fertility. Soil quality, which is critical for ecosystems, shapes biodiversity and productivity, while increased temperatures from vegetation burning can alter conditions for seed germination by reducing nutrient availability. Objectives: The study aims to assess the impacts of vegetation burning on soil fertility in Fwangnin, Bokkos, Nigeria, through experimental investigation of the effects of burning on both the chemical and physical properties of soil. The results are expected to contribute to the development of adaptive fire management strategies in land use, and the results will also help monitor soil changes in order to maintain long-term soil fertility. Methods: Using purposive sampling, four 500-gram soil samples were taken from 0 – 15 cm depth in burned and unburned areas. The samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Traditional well-proven methods were used for the analysis. Results: It was found that the pH of the burnt soil samples ranged from 6.10 to 5.90, while that of the unburnt samples ranged from 5.73 to 5.81; a significant increase in pH occurs at higher combustion temperatures, which increases the alkalinity of the soil due to the alkaline properties of ash. The electrical conductivity value for the samples in the burnt areas was significantly higher (0.08 mS/cm and 0.10 mS/cm) compared to the healthy soil (0.07 mS/cm and 0.09 mS/cm), which can be explained by the release of mineral ions due to the combustion of organic matter. The study found a decrease in organic carbon content in the burnt soil, a significant deficiency of nitrogen and a decrease in the cation exchange capacity, which contributes to the depletion of the fertile layer and a decrease in the ability of the soil to retain essential nutrients. Increased levels of organic phosphorus were also found in burnt soils, which contributes to improved crop growth and increased yields in the short term. Conclusion: The current study has filled the gap in deep understanding of the impact of vegetation burning on the fertile properties of agricultural soils. Namely, it has been experimentally established and confirmed by the results of similar studies and statistical analysis that while vegetation burning remains a common agricultural practice in Fwangnin, the long-term implications for soil fertility, structure, and ecosystem health are significant. The soil degradation observed in this study suggests that continued reliance on burning as a land-clearing method may undermine agricultural productivity and environmental integrity over time.

Dynamics of major plant nutrients and enzymatic activities in soil influenced by application of biochar and organic waste.

The concentration of salt ions influences the availability and plant nutrients dynamics in the soil. Proper management of these ions can enhance food grain production, helping to feed the growing population. In this experiment, nine fertility combinations were followed to enhance the soil organic carbon and reduce the salt toxicity and monitor the plant nutrient availability. An incubation experiment was conducted for the period of one year with different organic soil amendments in combinations including biochar (BC), pressmud (PM), and farm yard manure (FYM) as follow: T1-control, T2-RDF, T3-FYM (10 t/ha), T4-PM (10 t/ha), T5-BC (10 t/ha), T6-FYM (5 t/ha) + PM (5 t/ha), T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha), T8-PM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha), T9-FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (2.5 t/ha) + PM (2.5 t/ha). Results showed that addition of organic substance (10 t/ha) significantly (p < 0.05) affected soil pH and electric conductivity. Plant nutrient availability (N, K, and S) was also influenced by application of organic substance (10 t/ha). Organic C and available N were recorded the highest in the treatment T7 (FYM-5 t/ha + BC -5 t/ha); whereas, the highest available K and S were observed in treatment T5 (BC-10 t/ha). The microbial soil fertility indicators (alkaline phosphatases, arylsulphatase, dehydrogenase activity and microbial biomass carbon) were measured the highest in FYM (5 t/ha) + BC (5 t/ha) applied treatment. In conclusion, application of organic substance 10 t/ha (biochar alone or with FYM) improved the plant nutrient availability and soil microbial activities in saline soil. It could be a suitable option for enhancing the soil fertility in saline soils.

The Role of Organic Amendments and Their Impact on Soil Restoration: A Review

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a pivotal role in maintaining soil health by enhancing its physical, chemical, and biological properties. It improves soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Organic amendments, including animal manure, compost, biosolids, crop residues, and various organic by-products, are widely used to restore degraded soils by increasing SOM content. These amendments not only supply essential nutrients but also promote biological aggregation, suppress soil-borne pathogens, and improve soil's resistance to environmental stressors such as drought and heavy metal toxicity. The positive impacts of organic amendments on soil properties are well-documented, with key benefits including increased soil organic carbon (SOC), improved nutrient cycling, enhanced microbial diversity, and greater water-holding capacity. Organic materials such as compost and animal manure have been shown to significantly improve soil fertility and restore degraded soils. The application of green manure and crop residues also boosts soil biodiversity, enhances rhizospheric processes, and supports overall ecosystem resilience. This paper emphasizes the importance of adopting holistic soil management practices that include organic amendments, conservation tillage, and sustainable cropping systems to address soil degradation. By focusing on replenishing SOM, improving nutrient availability, and increasing soil biodiversity, these practices can contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems and environmental health. The restoration of soil organic matter is essential for enhancing soil quality and mitigating degradation, ultimately ensuring food security and ecosystem stability for future generations.

The Impact of Beneficial Microorganisms on Soil Vitality: A Review

The paper summarizes the literature on the critical impact of beneficial microorganisms on soil vitality. Common soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses contribute significantly to enhancing soil fertility through processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization and mobilization, sulfur cycle, composting, and heavy metal remediation. Their abundance and biomass vary significantly across taxa within the uppermost 15 cm of soil, with bacteria dominating numerically and fungi contributing substantially to biomass. These microorganisms mediate essential biogeochemical cycles in soil, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, by facilitating the decomposition of organic matter and recycling soil nutrients. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium are prevalent symbionts capable of biologically fixing nitrogen. Additionally, bacteria such as Micrococcus spp., Enterobacter aerogens, Pseudomonas capacia, fungi including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. japonicas, Penicillum spp., and actinomycetes like Streptomyces play crucial roles in phosphorus solubilization, making phosphorus available for plant uptake. This synthesis underscores the critical role of beneficial microorganisms in maintaining soil vitality. These organisms interact with plants through beneficial relationships, influencing soil fertility dynamics by enhancing nutrient availability, promoting plant growth, and controlling pathogens. The use of biofertilizers has emerged as a sustainable strategy to improve crop yields and restore soil fertility, reducing environmental impacts linked to chemical fertilizers. Understanding the intricate dynamics of soil-beneficial microorganism and their interactions with Plants are pivotal for optimizing agricultural practices, ensuring long-term soil health, and enhancing productivity in sustainable farming systems.

Impact of NPS rates on growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) varieties in greenhouse

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has both culinary and medical applications. However, the low and uneven nutrient availability in the soil frequently limits the garlic yield. This study aimed to select adaptable garlic varieties under greenhouse conditions using a pot of soil taken from Awada and Wondo Genet and to identify the optimum rates of the newly introduced mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (NPS) fertilizer on the growth, yield, and yield parameters of the crop. Four garlic varieties; Bishoftu Nech, Tsedey 92, Kuriftu, and local variety were used and treated with four levels of NPS (0-0-0, 78.75-69-12.75, 105-92-17, and 131.25-115-21.25 kg ha−1). The experiment was triplicated and conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Growth characteristics of the four garlic varieties were evaluated, including days to 50 % emergence, plant height, leaf number per plant, leaf length, fresh weight, dry weight, average bulb weight, and total bulb yield. The findings of this study indicated that the growth, yield, and yield parameters of all four garlic varieties from Awada soil rose as the rates of NPS increased. However, all growth and production parameters of the four garlic varieties gradually fell, starting from the blanket recommendation from Wondo Genet soil. According to this research, the usage of NPS at the rate of (131.25-115-21.25 kg ha−1) resulted in improved growth in Awada soil. Similarly, the rate of (78.75-69-12.75 kg ha−1) was optimum at Wondo Genet soil. In conclusion, determining the optimum rates of the NPS is essential to increase garlic productivity.

Glucose deprivation impairs hypoxia-inducible factor-1α synthesis

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are key transcriptional mediators of the hypoxic response and are implicated in oncogenesis. HIFα is regulated by a well-characterized, oxygen-dependent degradation pathway involving the von Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein. However, comparatively little is known about HIFα regulation at the translational level, particularly under cellular stress. There is evidence that HIFα expression not only responds to changes in oxygen tension, but also nutrient availability. In this study, we monitored global translation rates, ATP levels and HIF1α synthesis rates in response to glucose starvation or glycolysis inhibition. We found that both global and HIF1α-specific translation rates decline under glucose deprivation that is concomitant with ATP reduction. These results are in contrast with previous reports showing preferential HIF1α synthesis despite global translation suppression under hypoxia and suggest that a glucose requirement in cellular metabolism is associated with HIF1α translation.

Nutrient limitation shortly before harvest promotes high accumulation of antioxidants in lettuce

AbstractPlants exposed to drought not only have to cope with a shortage of water, but also with a simultaneous decrease in nutrient availability. In this greenhouse experiment, the responses of antioxidants and key metabolites to 2 or 4 days of water limitation immediately prior to harvest were compared to the effect of nutrient limitation with continued water supply in lettuce leaves. Water limitation led to a faster increase in stress intensity than nutrient limitation. While moderate drought stress led to a slight increase in the antioxidant compounds studied, there was a concomitant sharp decrease in starch content. Under nutrient limitation, an increase in the content of ascorbic acid, the proportion of reduced ascorbic acid and the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, soluble sugars and starch was observed in the mild phase of stress. These results suggest that reducing nutrient availability shortly before harvest could be a suitable means of improving the nutritional value of crops through cultivation practices as opposed to breeding.

Ichnotaxonomy of microboring traces in marine aphotic depths

Microboring traces in carbonate skeletal fragments deposited in aphotic depths of the oceans are studied, evaluated, and described with respect to their marine ecology and palaeoecology as well as ichnotaxonomy. Sand-size deep sea sediment particles dredged from depths ranging between 600 and 3266 m of the Bermuda Pedestal, Central Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Escarpment, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean were studied. Following ichnological rules, trace fossils are described as ichnogenera and ichnospecies, defined as products of organismal behaviour. This, in our view, refers to the growth habit of microboring organisms in response to environmental stimuli within the substrate they penetrate. The problem of palaeobathymetry is discussed in conjunction with the distinction between light-dependent and light independent microboring organisms, with the emphasis on the latter. We considered this distinction to be important because only the light-dependent microborers have been recognized as indicators of ancient depositional depths, whereas the light-independent ones are expected to occur at any depth, subject to the availability of organic nutrients. Microboring organisms often leave morphologically similar traces due to convergent evolution. Their responses may change during their life cycle; they may produce different traces when pursuing their vegetative vs. reproductive functions. New ichnotaxa are described. All are regarded as organotrophs given their aphotic zone deep sea origin. This work presents the most complete set of deep sea microbial euendolith traces, to date.

Integration of organic amendments and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improves wheat growth and yield by modulating phosphorus availability and physiological reponses

Saline calcareous soil presents significant challenges for crop production due to its poor nutrient availability and adverse effects on plant growth. Hence this study aimed to investigates the impact of integrating organic amendments—specifically Moringa seed residues, biogas manure, and vermicompost (Ver)—with and without phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), alongside two types of phosphatic fertilizers, ordinary super phosphate (OSP) and rock phosphate (RP), on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of wheat plants in saline calcareous soil conditions. The results indicate that the combined application of Ver + PSB, particularly when paired with OSP, consistently yields superior outcomes across all measured parameters, followed by Ver + PSB with RP. Notably, the Ver + PSB with OSP treatment exhibits the highest values across several key parameters: chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a at 1.8, chlorophyll b at 0.84, and carotenoids at 0.72 mg g−1f wt), proline at 38.5 μg g−1 DW, relative water content at 80.76%, membrane stability index at 67.62%, as well as net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs). Furthermore, this treatment showcases the highest antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide dismutase, SOD at 9.27 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Catalase, CAT at 78.53 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Peroxihdase, POX at 1.86 A564 min−1 g−1 protein), as well as NPK content and uptake in wheat straw and grains. Additionally, it leads to significant increases in wheat growth parameters, including plant height, straw weight, grain weight, 1000 grain weight, and protein content. However, it also results in a notable decrease in other parameters such as total soluble sugars and nonenzymatic antioxidants (Ascorbate, AsA; Total glutathione, GsH; and α-Tocopherol, α-TOC).

Hot viewpoint on how soil texture, soil nutrient availability, and root exudates interact to shape microbial dynamics and plant health

Hot viewpoint on how soil texture, soil nutrient availability, and root exudates interact to shape microbial dynamics and plant health

Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates for Fertigated Edamame Grown on Low-K Soils

Edamame, a legume consumed fresh as a vegetable, is highly nutritious, particularly protein-rich, and holds significant economic value. However, its cultivation faces challenges, especially on dry land, due to water scarcity and limited nutrient availability, particularly potassium (K). This study, which investigated the impact of potassium fertilization rate on edamame cultivation, underscores the need for further research. The study utilized a single factor, potassium fertilization rate, arranged in a completely randomized block design. Potassium rates consist of 0% X, 50% X, 100% X, 150% X, and 200% X, where X represents the recommended potassium fertilization rate according to the dry soil test device (DSTD) guidelines. Each treatment was replicated five times. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level, and any significant effects were further examined using orthogonal polynomial and regression analysis. The results indicated that potassium fertilizer rates did not significantly affect edamame height, pod weight per plot, and marketable yield. However, the study identified the optimal potassium fertilizer rate, which was between 83%X and 119%X, equivalent to 83–119 kg.ha⁻¹ of KCl (50–72 kg.ha⁻¹ of K₂O). This range positively increased total branch yield, productive branches, number of flowers, pod weight per plant, number of pods per plant, and plant dry weight, producing a quadratic response pattern. The study recommends further research to optimize potassium fertilizer doses based on DSTD recommendations, particularly at a low K nutrient status, to maximize marketable yields through fertigation.

Spatial Distribution of Fine Roots in Pinus tabuliformis and Populus tomentosa and Their Competition in Soils Response to Nutrient Availability and Proximity

Developing high-efficiency mixed forests or converting low-efficiency pure forests into near-natural mixed forests with optimal structure and function is a crucial aspect of forest management. In the initial stages of afforestation or stand improvement, fertilization and planting distance significantly influence the formation and development of mixed forests. This study investigated how nutrients and planting distance affect root competition between five-year-old Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) and one-year-old Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa) and identified the factors influencing the competitive ability of these two species. Field planting experiments used three fertilization gradients (63 g·m−2, 125 g·m−2, and 250 g·m−2) of Stanley compound fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 2:1:1 and two planting distances (25 cm and 50 cm). Each experimental group was planted in circular plots with a radius of 0.5 m, yielding a total of nine plots. The effects of different fertilization concentrations and planting distances on root distribution were analyzed both horizontally and vertically. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between roots and soil nutrients, while Levins’ niche overlap formula evaluated the differences in root competition between the species. Furthermore, principal component analysis quantified the relationships between impact factors and the root competitiveness of the two species. Results indicated that both species primarily allocated their fine root biomass to the shallow 0–10 cm layer. Pinus tabuliformis primarily extended to the southwest, while Populus tomentosa predominantly grew to the north. Both species exhibited enhanced root growth at moderate nutrient concentrations of 125 g·m−2. At a planting distance of 50 cm from Pinus tabuliformis, Populus tomentosa seedlings demonstrated superior root growth compared to those planted 25 cm apart. Pinus tabuliformis demonstrated greater competitive ability in the deeper 10–30 cm soil layers compared to Populus tomentosa, which showed the opposite pattern in the shallow 0–10 cm layers. Furthermore, available phosphorus (contribution rate of one impact factor on the competitiveness indexes, CR: −0.998), organic matter (CR: −0.978), total nitrogen (CR: −0.947), and alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen (CR: −0.937) significantly negatively impacted the competitiveness indexes of Pinus tabuliformis. The fine root surface area, volume, and length of Populus tomentosa also significantly negatively affected its competitiveness indexes, with all contribution rates exceeding an absolute value of 0.847. Results indicated that the root distributions of Pinus tabuliformis and Populus tomentosa overlapped spatially, with each species exhibiting advantages in different regions. Therefore, in future plantation reconstruction and forest management, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate root, soil, and fertilizer factors, adjusting planting distances accordingly, to effectively mitigate competition between the two species and successfully establish a mixed forest.

Evaluation of Land Suitability for Organic Horticulture Farming in Support of Sustainable Agrarian Governance

Abstract: Land compatibility can contribute to the optimization of agricultural land use, because this evaluation is used to determine the most appropriate spatial plan for current and future land use. Identifying the suitability of agricultural land is necessary to adapt to increasing food needs caused by expanding population, environmental pollution and climate change. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the suitability of snake fruit plants. Various factors were considered in this research, such as rainfall, temperature, nutrient availability (wa), rainfall density (rc), organic carbon (nr), slope, flood hazard (fh) and erosion hazard (eh). The results of the classification of land suitability classes in the Sleman Regency area, in this case, are that snake fruit plants in most areas fall into the criteria for land suitability class S2 or quite suitable. The results are with an area of??42,150 Ha or with a percentage of 73.4% of the land suitability class S2 or Sufficiently Suitable. (Medium Suitable) is land that has quite heavy barriers to maintain the level of management that must be carried out. In the land suitability class S1 or very suitable in the research area with an area of?? 10625 Ha or with a percentage of 18.5, the land suitability class Very Suitable (Very Suitable) is land that has no boundaries. The results of the land suitability assessment, both actual and potential, can be carried out by improving efforts such as improving drainage, adding organic material, planting according to contours, fertilizing. Keywords: Horticulture, Uniformity, Land Suitability, Organic Farming, Snake Fruit

Biosolids in the Dryland Pacific Northwest Seven Years After Application

AbstractIn dryland region of the inland Pacific Northwest (iPNW), the two‐year winter wheat–fallow rotation is associated with wind erosion and a decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) and overall soil health. The use of biosolids, produced as by‐products of municipal wastewater treatment, in agriculture is gaining traction as an effective way to improve SOC and nutrient availability. While immediate benefits of biosolids application have been studied to some extent, there is still a lack of research‐based information on the persistence and residual effects of biosolids applications in the low‐precipitation region of the iPNW. Therefore, a study was conducted to address that gap by assessing the legacy effects of biosolids, seven years after their application. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil &amp; Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.