Concentrations Of Nutrient Elements Research Articles

Characterization of olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars; colour properties, biochemical contents, antioxidant activity and nutrient contents

AbstractThe olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea L., is an evergreen xerophytic tree that defines the natural flora, historical background, and cultural essence of the Mediterranean Basin. This study aimed to establish relationships using multivariate analysis methods between the nutrient content of soil conditions in which olive cultivars grown in Türkiye are cultivated and the nutrient element content, phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, total chlorophyll amount, and leaf colors of these cultivars. All data sets used in the study were analyzed in 2022 and 2023, and average values were used in the research. According to Tukey's comparison result, it was determined that the soil structure of the garden was homogeneous in terms of nutrients it contained. In nutrient analysis conducted on leaves, in the ‘Çelebi’ cultivar, Al (59.25 mg kg−1), B (6.53 mg kg−1), Cu (48.36 mg kg−1), Fe (69.34 mg kg−1), K (1438.11 mg kg−1), Na (197.12 mg kg−1) nutrients are the highest; in the ‘Gemlik-21’ cultivar, Ca (5485.03 mg kg−1) nutrient is the highest; in the ‘Sarı Haşebi’ cultivar, Mg (928.11 mg kg−1), Mn (19.71 mg kg−1), S (632.77 mg kg−1) nutrients are the highest; and in the ‘Tavşan Yüreği’ cultivar, Ni (1.71 mg kg−1), Zn (9.76 mg kg−1) nutrients are the highest. The L* (49.19), b* (29.43) color values are highest in the ‘Sarı Yaprak’ cultivar, while the a* (28.84) value is highest in the ‘Girit Zeytini’ cultivar. The highest leaf chlorophyll content was determined in the ‘Girit Zeytini’ cultivar (95.57). Total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity were determined to be highest in the ‘Manzanilla’ (151.49 mg GAE/100 g), ‘Edincik Su’ (39.01 mg QE/100 g), ‘Nizip Yağlık’ (91.18%) cultivars, respectively. According to the principal component analysis, the first three principal components accounted for 82% of the total variation. The correlation matrix analysis revealed that high levels of certain minerals in the soil led to an increase in the leaves, resulting in positive correlation, while the opposite was true for negative correlation. According to heat map analysis, mineral elements in the leaf were in the same group, while other data sets were in different groups. The data obtained will shed light on future research on similar topics.

Response strategies of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) to cadmium stress and the gain effects of inoculation with Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 in alleviating phytotoxicity and enhancing accumulation of cadmium.

Phytoremediation using fast-growing woody plants assisted by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated sites is considered a promising technique; however, its remediation efficiency is still affected by multiple factors. In this study, the mining areas' soil conditions were simulated with different Cd addition levels (0, 3, 6, 9mgkg-1) in order to investigate the response strategy to Cd stress of fast-growing economic tree species, slash pine (Pinus elliottii), and the effects of inoculation with the PGPB strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 on the physiological activity and Cd accumulation of plants. The main results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in contents of chlorophyll and nutrient elements (P, K, Ca, and Mg) at low Cd addition level (3mgkg-1) compared to non-Cd addition treatment. When the additive amount of Cd increased, the growth of plants was severely inhibited and the content of proline was increased, as well as Cd in plants. Besides, the ratios of K:P, Ca:P, and Mg:P in plants were negatively correlated with the contents of Cd in plants and soils. Inoculation of P. elliottii with the PGPB strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 improved the physiological functions of the plants under Cd stress and activated the antioxidant system, reduced the accumulation of proline, and decreased the ratios of K:P, Ca:P, and Mg:P in plant. More importantly, planting P. elliottii in Cd-contaminated soil could significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the Cd content in the rhizosphere soil, and furthermore, inoculation treatment could promote the reduction of soil Cd content and increased the accumulation of Cd by root. The results of the present study emphasized the Cd response mechanism of P. elliottii based on multifaceted regulation, as well as the feasibility of strain Herbaspirillum sp. YTG72 assisted P. elliottii for the remediation on Cd-contaminated sites.

Monitoring of the Fluctuation of the Pollutant Load of Leachate Rejected in Environment. Study in the Northeast of Algeria

In order to model the environmental impact of leachate produced at the engineered landfill center (ELC) of Bouguerguer, Guelma located in the north east of Algeria. A physico-chemical characterization during 2020, was carried out in order to estimate this impact. For this purpose fourteen parameters have been studied which are, In vivo: pH, conductivity, Salinity. In vitro: Organic element contents (BOD5, COD); Heavy metal contents (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr); The contents of nutrient elements (Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium and Suspended matter). The results obtained show that the leachates studied, have the following characteristics: A basic pH of 8,85 , Suspended matter a fairly large load with 5397,92 mg/L. The organic load interpreted by a COD that reaches an average 1603, 75 mg O2/L and a BOD5 that reaches an average of 778,54 mg O2/L, which strongly justifies the presence of organic pollution. The mineral pollution is also present, translated by a high electrical conductivity which reaches an average value of 33,38 mS/cm, Nitrates and nitrites average 15,68 and 17,93 mg/l respectively. The leachates are also characterized by a high content of Fr, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr with an average of (42,70 ; 10,44 ; 8,27 ; 4,37 and 5,97 mg/l) respectively. Noting that the results obtained constitute the first characterization of leachates in this landfill and thus provide a database for future research.

A Study on the Dust Retention Effect of the Vegetation Community in Typical Urban Road Green Spaces—In the Case of Ying Tian Street in Nanjing City

This study aimed to investigate the association between the plant community structure, leaf surface microstructure, nutrient element content, and the dust-retention capacity of garden plants in urban road green spaces. The plant community located along Ying Tian Street in Nanjing City was selected as the focal point of the investigation. Random sampling was performed on the urban road green spaces, determining the amount of dust trapped in plant leaves. Subsequently, the microstructure of the leaf surface was observed, and the content of nutrient elements in the plant leaves was determined. The study also entailed an analysis of the interrelationships between the leaf surface microstructure, plant nutrient element content, and the dust-retention ability of the plants. The findings of this study revealed notable variations in the dust-retention capacity of garden plants and the community structure observed along Ying Tian Street. Among the tree species, Cedrus deodara and Ginkgo biloba exhibited a remarkable dust-retention ability per unit leaf area. Among the shrub species, Abelia × grandiflora and Loropetalum chinense displayed a strong dust-retention capacity per unit leaf area. Similarly, Ophiopogon japonicus and Cynodon dactylon exhibited a robust dust-retention ability per unit leaf area among the herbaceous plants. Furthermore, the dust-retention ability of the plants exhibited a strong positive correlation with the dimensions of leaf stomata, specifically the length and width, while displaying a moderate positive correlation with the width of grooves on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. Conversely, the thickness of the leaves did not exhibit a significant correlation. Additionally, the nitrogen content of the leaves exerted a significant influence on the dust-retention ability of the plants (p &lt; 0.05), although the phosphorus and potassium content factors did not exhibit a significant influence (p &gt; 0.05). Based on the findings, it is recommended to prioritize the utilization of plants with robust dust-retention abilities, such as C. deodara, A. grandiflora, O. japonicus, and C. dactylon, and implement a mixed planting approach encompassing a combination of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants within urban road green spaces.

Effects of rainfall patterns in dry and rainy seasons on the biomass, ecostoichiometric characteristics, and NSC content of Fraxinus malacophylla seedlings.

With global climate change and rising temperatures, rainfall will change. The impact of global rainfall changes on ecosystems has prompted people to delve deeper into how changes in rainfall affect plant growth; Plant biomass, nutrient element content, and non-structural carbohydrate content are very sensitive to changes in precipitation. Therefore, understanding the impact of rainfall changes on seedlings is crucial. However, it is currently unclear how the seedlings of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl in rocky desertification areas respond to changes in rainfall. In this study, the response of biomass, nutrient accumulation, and NSC content of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings to different rainfall intervals and rainfall during the dry and rainy seasons was studied. Use natural rainfall duration of 5 days (T) and extended rainfall duration of 10 days(T+) as rainfall intervals; average monthly rainfall was used as the control (W), with a corresponding 40% increase in rainfall (W+) and a 40% decrease in rainfall (W-) as rainfall treatments. The research results indicate that the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the accumulation of C, N, and P in Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings increase with the increase of rainfall, while the soluble sugar and starch content show a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing. The biomass and nutrient accumulation of each organ showed root>leaf>stem. Except for the beginning of the dry season, prolonging the duration of rainfall in other periods inhibits the biomass accumulation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, and promotes the accumulation of C, N, and P nutrients and an increase in soluble sugar and starch content. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between the nutrient contents of C, N, and P in various organs, as well as between soluble sugar and starch content; And N: P>16, plant growth is limited by P element. These results indicate that changes in rainfall can affect the growth and development of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, increasing rainfall can promote biomass and nutrient accumulation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, and prolonging rainfall intervals and reducing rainfall have inhibitory effects on them. The exploration of the adaptation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings to rainfall patterns has promoted a basic understanding of the impact of rainfall changes on the growth of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl. This provides a theoretical basis for understanding how Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl can grow better under rainfall changes and for future management of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl artificial forests in rocky desertification areas.

Determination of the Nutrient and Toxic Element Content of Wild-Collected and Cultivated Seaweeds from Hawai'i.

For centuries, Hawaiians have gathered seaweed for food, medicine, and ceremonial purposes. Seaweed contains nutrients, but some varieties can accumulate toxic elements. We measured target macrominerals (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca), microminerals (B, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo), and nonessential/toxic elements (As, Sr, Cd, Sn, Hg, Pb, and U) in a sample of wild-collected and cultivated seaweeds from Hawai'i. The samples consisted of brown (Sargassum aquifolium, Sargassum echinocarpum), red (Gracilaria parvispora, Halymenia formosa, Halymenia hawaiiana), and green (Ulva ohnoi) seaweed. Elemental composition was determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-atomic emission spectroscopy and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS). Speciation of As was conducted by using liquid chromatography-ICP-MS. S. echinocarpum per 80 g serving was high in Ca (~37% daily value [DV]), U. ohnoi was high in Mg (~40%DV), H. formosa was high in Fe (~40%DV), and G. parvispora was high in Mn (~128%DV). In this study, the highest amounts of toxic elements were observed in S. aquifolium and S. echinocarpum (27.6 mg inorganic As/kg fdw), G. parvispora (43.3 mg Pb/kg fdw) and H. formosa (46.6 mg Pb/kg fdw). These results indicate that although seaweeds from Hawai'i contain a variety of nutrients, some species can accumulate high amounts of toxic elements.

Influence of Irrigation Water Acidity, Chemical Fertilizer and Propagation Method on the Contents of Nutrient Elements of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Festival

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of the reproduction method and acidity of irrigation water and chemical fertilization plus their interactions on the strawberry fruit of the cv. Festival indicators. The percentage of total soluble solids, total acidity, total sugars, ascorbic acid content, and nitrate content were estimated. Results showed the superiority of the method of propagation using the plant tissue culture technique. The ascorbic acid content was 32.73 mg.100 g-1 fresh mass for the method of propagation by runners. Also, the water treatment with pH 5.5 was superior for the total sugars content in fruits 6.72% and the content of ascorbic acid 32.71 to 73 mg.100 g-1 fresh mass compared to the control treatment. As for the triple interaction, the method of propagation with runners and pH water 5.5 and the fertilizer recommendation of macro-elements outperformed in the percentage of T.S.S and carbohydrate content in the strawberry fruits reached 11.70% and 10.41%, respectively, but the total acidity decreased to 2.37 mg.g-1 for the same combination. In contrast, the highest content of ascorbic acid in fruits 44.81 mg.100 g -1 of fresh mass was recorded by using the propagation method of tissue culture technique. Moreover, the lowest nitrate content was 11.19 mg. 100 g -1 dry mass when using the propagation method of runners and pH of irrigation water at 6.5 plus the fertilizer recommendation of macro-elements.

Role of root plasma membrane H+-ATPase in enhancing Cucumis sativus adaptation to microcystins.

Microcystins (MCs) are the most widespread and hazardous cyanotoxins posing a huge threat to agro-ecosystem by irrigation. Some adaptive metabolisms can be initiated at the cellular and molecular levels of plant to survive environmental change. To find ways to improve plant tolerance to MCs after recognizing adaptive mechanism in plant, we studied effects of MCs on root morphology, mineral element contents, root activity, H+-ATPase activity, and its gene expression level in cucumber during exposure and recovery (without MCs) periods. After being exposed to MCs (1, 10, 100 and 1000μg L-1) for 7days, we found 1μg L-1 MCs did not affect growth and mineral elements in cucumber. MCs at 10μg ·L-1 increased root activity and H+-ATPase activity partly from upregulation of genes (CsHA2, CsHA3, CsHA8, and CsHA9) expression, to promote nutrient uptake. Then, the increase in NO3-, Fe, Zn, and Mn contents could contribute to maintaining root growth and morphology. Higher concentration MCs (100 or 1000µg L-1) inhibited root activity and H+-ATPase activity by downregulating expression of genes (CsHA2, CsHA3, CsHA4, CsHA8, CsHA9, and CsHA10), decreased contents of nutrient elements except Ca largely, and caused root growing worse. After a recovery, the absorption activity and H+-ATPase activity in cucumber treated with10 μg L-1 MCs were closed to the control whereas all parameters in cucumber treated 1000μg L-1 MCs were even worse. All results indicate that the increase in H+-ATPase activity can enhance cucumber tolerance to MC stress by regulating nutrient uptake, especially when the MCs occur at low concentrations.

Obtaining an important component of humate-enriched organomineral fertiliser based on oxidised lignite from Kyrgyzstan

The study of methods for the production and processing of humateenriched organomineral fertilisers based on oxidised lignite represents a key aspect for modern agriculture, due to the need to improve resource efficiency, soil quality, and sustainability of production. The purpose of this study was to determine the best methods of obtaining and processing humate-enriched organomineral fertilisers based on oxidised lignite. To fulfil this purpose, experimental research was carried out in the laboratory of the Institute of Natural Resources of the Southern Branch of the National Academy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the educational and scientific laboratory of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Osh Technological University named after M.M. Adyshev. The findings of the study indicate significant changes in soil characteristics after application of vermicompost and glauconite. Analyses of vermicompost revealed that it has a significant content of nutrient elements and organic compounds. The potassium content of vermicompost increased by 40%, while silicon and phosphorus content increased by 39% and 28.5%, respectively. As a result of vermicomposting, there is an improvement in soil characteristics: pH increases to 7-7.5, organic matter content increases to 35-45%, while C/N-ratio decreases to 10-12, which creates more favourable conditions for plant growth and increases nitrogen use efficiency. After addition of glauconite, an increase in potassium oxide by 0.6%, iron (III) oxide by 2.34%, and aluminium oxide by 0.41% was observed. Silicon oxide content increased by 4.9%, while the content of humic substances – by 1.1%. These changes in soil characteristics contribute to higher yields and better soil quality. The results of the study have practical significance for agriculture in improving soil characteristics, increasing yields and soil quality, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers

Effects of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) Expansion on the Stock and Nutrient Characteristics of the Litter Layer in Subtropical Coniferous and Broad-Leaved Mixed Forests, China

To reveal the changes on the stock of the litter layer and its nutrient storage capacity during Moso bamboo expansion in subtropical coniferous and broad-leaved forests, permanent plots were set up in the transitional zone in Wuxie National Park, Zhuji, Zhejiang, China. The plots contained conifer and broad-leaved forests (CFs), transition forests (TFs), and Moso bamboo forests (MFs), which represented three stages of the expansion of Moso bamboo to the surrounding forests. Litter samples were collected and analyzed by un-decomposed, semi-decomposed, and decomposed layers. The stock of the litter layer, the content and storage of the main nutrient elements, and their release rate were measured. It was revealed that the stock of the litter layer and each decomposition layer decreased as the bamboo expands. However, the litter decomposition rate exhibited a positive correlation with the expansion of Moso bamboo, which might be due to the change in the physical properties of the litter. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the un-decomposed and semi-decomposed layers of the litter contents of C, N, and P between the three forests, but the contents of C, N, and P in the decomposed layer gradually decreased with the expansion of Moso bamboo. There were no remarkable differences in the N content, C/N, C/P, and lignin/N values of the un-decomposed layer of the three forests, indicating that the litter quality was not the principal reason affecting the decomposition rate. The total nutrient storage in the litter layer decreased significantly with the bamboo expansion, and the release rate of nutrient elements increased, which was adverse to the accumulation and storage of the nutrients. The material cycle of the original forest ecosystem is likely to deteriorate gradually with the bamboo expansion.

Effects of kitchen waste compost and chemical fertilizer application on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) c.v. Matador plant growth and nitrate accumulation

In this study, the effects of organic and chemical fertilizer sources on some essential nutrient elements content, nitrate (NO3 −-N) accumulation, and the growth of spinach plant (Spinacia oleracea L.) were investigated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized plot design under greenhouse conditions, with two levels. 1st level; applications with chemical fertilizer. 2nd level; applications without chemical fertilizer. One compost material (kitchen waste compost = KWC), five different doses (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%), and three replications. For chemical fertilization, nitrogen (N) dose of 150 kg ha−1 was applied by using 15-15-15 NPK (N:P2O5:K2O) fertilizer. Overall, KWC applications increased plant growth and nutrient content. However, the most significant increases occurred in the trial subjects where chemical fertilizer and KWC were applied together. The use of KWC together with chemical fertilization increased the leaf width, leaf and stem length, fresh weight, and dry weight, as well as nitrate accumulation, N, potassium (K), and iron (Fe) content of the plant. The highest values of these parameters were obtained at 0.8% dose of KWC + NPK medium. As a result, compost applications were effectively uptake of nutrients and nitrate accumulation remained at acceptable values.

Tree canopy area-dependent changes in soil properties: a comparative study in the southern limit of boreal forest distribution

The forest distribution in relation to mountain slope position and the relationships between forest canopy area and soil physical and chemical properties in Mongolia attract the attention of scientists. In this study, we aimed to determine (1) how the slope aspect affects the forest soil physical and chemical properties, (2) how the soil variables correlate with projected canopy area. For comparative study, we established a total of 18 (20 × 25 m2 sized) sample plots in upper forest edge (UFE), upper slope of the forest (USF), lower slope of the forest (LSF), lower forest edge (LFE), sparse forest (SF), and degraded forest area (DFA) stand types with three replications. We measured the tree height, diameter and crown projection area of each growing tree in the sample plots, and collected soil samples for further soil physical and chemical analyses in the laboratory. Our results showed a high variation in growing stock (p < 0.0001), stand density and projected canopy area (p < 0.0001) in relation to mountain slope position and land-use management. We found that the slight changes in stand canopy area projection cause a high variation in soil physical and chemical properties. Among studied stand types higher means of soil temperature and bulk density and lower moisture content were observed on SF and DFA stand types. Contrary, relatively higher content of soil moisture and nutrient elements were recorded in USF, LSF, LFE. We conclude that tree canopy area becomes key determinant factor that positively influences forest soil moisture and fertility by increasing organic matter content in Mongolia.

Oilseed flax as a forage crop

The article presents the results of research for the year 2022. The objects of the research were 6 varieties of oilseed flax. Percentages of raw protein, fiber, ash elements and raw fat were evaluated in the crops. The content of nutrient elements was estimated by infrared spectrometry. In flax the content of the studied elements in seeds was estimated. Among all varieties oilseed flax samples, the highest raw protein yield was provided by VNIIMK 620 PN variety (4.24 c/ha), it also provided the highest ash element yield among flax samples (0.62 c/ha), in addition, this variety is also provided the highest fiber yield (2.65 c/ha). Such high rates in this variety are associated with the highest yield (17.33 c/ha). Because if you look at the percentage of raw fat of all 6 varieties, then Fliz variety was the most oilseed (42.57%), and most proteinous was Svetlyachok variety (25.64%)

Oilseed flax and alfalfa as sources of nutrient elements in the Central region of non-chernozem zone of Russia

The article presents the results of research for the year 2022. The objects of the research were oilseed flax and alfalfa. Percentages of crude protein, fiber and ash elements were evaluated in the crops. The content of nutrient elements was estimated by infrared spectrometry. In flax the content of the studied elements in seeds was estimated, in alfalfa the content of nutrient elements in green mass after the second cutting was estimated. Among oilseed flax samples, the highest raw protein yield was provided by Raduga variety (3.40 c/ha), it also provided the highest ash element yield among flax samples (0.92 c/ha), and Nilin variety provided the highest fiber yield (2.24 c/ha). Among alfalfa samples, sample Taisia (152.15 c/ha and 154.44 c/ha, respectively) showed the highest values for raw protein and fiber collection, while sample Agnia (54.90 c/ha) was the leader in ash elements collection.

Multi-elemental stoichiometric ratios of atmospheric wet deposition in Chinese terrestrial ecosystems

Intense human activities have significantly altered the concentrations of atmospheric components that enter ecosystems through wet and dry deposition, thereby affecting elemental cycles. However, atmospheric wet deposition multi-elemental stoichiometric ratios are poorly understood, hindering systematic exploration of atmospheric deposition effects on ecosystems. Monthly precipitation concentrations of six elements—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)—were measured from 2013 to 2021 by the China Wet Deposition Observation Network (ChinaWD). The multi-elemental stoichiometric ratio of atmospheric wet deposition in Chinese terrestrial ecosystems was N: K: Ca: Mg: S: P = 31: 11: 67: 5.5: 28: 1, and there were differences between vegetation zones. Wet deposition N: S and N: Ca ratios exhibited initially increasing then decreasing inter-annual trends, whereas N: P ratios did not exhibit significant trends, with strong interannual variability. Wet deposition of multi-elements was significantly spatially negatively correlated with soil nutrient elements content (except for N), which indicates that wet deposition could facilitate soil nutrient replenishment, especially for nutrient-poor areas. Wet N deposition and N: P ratios were spatially negatively correlated with ecosystem and soil P densities. Meanwhile, wet deposition N: P ratios were all higher than those of ecosystem components (vegetation, soil, litter, and microorganisms) in different vegetation zones. High input of N deposition may reinforce P limitations in part of the ecosystem. The findings of this study establish a foundation for designing multi-elemental control experiments and exploring the ecological effects of atmospheric deposition.

The Effect of the Increasing Doses of Vermicompost Applications to Soil on Some Nutrient Concentrations in Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaves

This research was conducted on young olive (Olea europaea L.) trees in a private cultivation land located in Bozkoy closed to Geyikli District of Çanakkale Province, Türkiye in the year 2018. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of vermicompost [(control) 0, 2, 4, 6 kg tree-1] on macro and micro nutrient elements of olive trees. Randomized complete block design was established applying four doses with 5 replications. Vermicompost was applied to the soil in a depth of 15-20cm under the crown projection area. During the fruit maturity stage, the leaf samples were collected from annual shoot tip leaves. Macro nutrient element concentrations namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) stayed inside the limit values upon applications of increasing doses of vermicompost. While the changes were statistically non-significant. Even though, this research was an annual study comprised on a single year, where N was in an increasing trend and 2 kg tree-1 was found to be the most effective dose of vermicompost on N values (17.13 g kg-1). Among the leaf micro nutrient elements, statistically significant increases were obtained by 2 kg tree-1 on copper (Cu) (31.32 mg kg-1), on manganese (Mn) (50.77 mg kg-1), and 6 kg tree-1, on zinc (Zn) (21 mg kg-1); while a decrease was ob-served on iron (Fe) concentration by 6 kg tree-1 (100.88 mg kg-1). Micro nutrient elements remained under the limit of toxic effect upon all the applications. The dose 2 kg tree-1 was determined to be the most suitable one in terms of both macro and micro element concentrations under such trial circumstances.

Uptake of toxic and nutrient elements by foraged edible and medicinal mushrooms (sporocarps) throughout Connecticut River Valley, New England, USA.

Foraging for edible and medicinal mushrooms is a cultural and social practice both globally and in the United States. Determining the toxic and nutrient element concentrations of edible and medicinal mushrooms is needed to ensure the safe consumption of this food source. Our research examined wild, foraged mushrooms in New England, USA to assess nutrient (Ca, K, Mg, P) and toxic (As, Hg, Pb, Cd) element relationships between mushrooms, substrates, and soils. We examined a gradient in nutrient and toxic elements from more rural Mountain and Hill Zones in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire to more developed and urban Valley and Coastal Zones in Connecticut. Substrates and mineral soils were moderate to weak predictors of mushroom tissue concentrations. We found significant differences in nutrient and toxic element concentration among the five common genera: Ganoderma, Megacollybia, Pluteus, Pleurotus, and Russula. In particular, Pluteus had consistently higher toxic element concentrations while Pleurotus and Russula had the highest Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs). We found that the urban areas of the Valley and Coastal zones of Connecticut had Cd Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values and ΣTHQ values > 1.0, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health hazard. However, the trend was largely driven by the > 2.0 Cd THQ for Pluteus. Our results suggest that foraging in more urban areas can still yield mushrooms with safe concentrations of toxic elements and abundant nutrients. Further research of this kind needs to be conducted within this region and globally to ensure humans are consuming safe, foraged mushrooms.

Potential impact of iron oxide conjugated nano-fertilizer on growth, flowering and isozyme expression in Gardenia jasminoides

Nano-fertilizers protect the soil from the excessive addition of traditional fertilizers, enhancing the efficiency of the elements and diminishing the number of additive fertilizers. The effect of Fe2O3NPs-Boron (Fe2O3NPs-B), and Fe2O3 NP-Humic Acid (Fe2O3NPs-HA) at 100, 150 and 250 ppm, Fe2O3, and control (without any iron fertilizers) on the vegetative growth, flowering, photosynthetic pigments, nutrient element content and isozymes activity (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxide) of Gardenia jasminoides plants was investigated. Gamma-rays at 25 kGy were conducted for the promising synthesis of Fe2O3NPs-B, and Fe2O3NPs-HA. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions during two successive seasons. The results stated that Fe2O3NPs-B and Fe2O3NPs-HA at the highest concentration (250 ppm) had a significant positive effect in all vegetative characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, nutrient element content and isozymes activity. Fe2O3NPs-HA showed the optimal result in all morphological and biochemical characteristics. The highest activity of enzymes appeared in the treated plants with Fe2O3 NPs-B followed by Fe2O3 NPs-HA at 250 ppm. The advantage nano-fertilizer usage may be summarized as saving the soil from the unreasonable accumulation of classic fertilizers, improving the use efficiency of parts and reducing the number of different fertilizers as a consequence of their increased surface area and their nano-size.

Predicting Cd accumulation in rice and identifying nonlinear effects of soil nutrient elements based on machine learning methods

The spatial mismatch of Cd content in soil and rice causes difficulties in environmental management for paddy soil. To investigate the influence of soil environment on the accumulation of Cd in rice grain, we conducted a paired field sampling in the middle of the Xiangjiang River basin, examining the relationships between soil properties, soil nutrient elements, Cd content, plant uptake factor (PUFCd), and translocation factors in different rice organs (root, shoot, and grain). The total soil Cd (CdT) and available Cd (CdA) contents and PUFCd showed large spatial variability with ranges of 0.31–6.19 mg/kg, 0.03–3.07 mg/kg, and 0.02–3.51, respectively. Soil pH, CdT, CdA, and the contents of soil nutrient elements (Mg, Mn, Ca, P, Si, and B) were linearly correlated with grain Cd content (Cdg) and PUFCd. The decision tree analysis identified nonlinear effects of Si, Zn and Fe on rice Cd accumulation, which suggested that low Si and high Zn led to high Cdg, and low Si and Fe caused high PUFCd. Using the soil nutrient elements as predictor variables, random forest models successfully predicted the Cdg and PUFCd and performed better than multiple linear regressions. It suggested the impacts of soil nutrient elements on rice Cd accumulation should receive more attention.

The Soils of Natural (In Situ) Coenopopulations of Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin in Kazakhstan

This article studies the morphological and physicochemical properties of soils in the natural habitat of dandelion kok-saghyz (Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin) (TKS)—a source of high-quality rubber. The purpose of the work is to study the natural soil habitat of dandelion TKS in comparison with the nearby area where TKS is absent. The methods of soil research are comparative, geographical, morphological, and analytical. Soil sections were laid down and georeferenced, and relief, vegetation, and morphological structures of soil profiles by genetic horizons were described. A database of the physical and chemical properties of soils by horizon was created. Landscapes and soil conditions of in situ populations have been studied in the Kegen District of the Almaty region in the territory of the Kegen River floodplain, in the areas of the Jalauly and Kegen villages, and in the zone of groundwater inclination north of Saryzhas village. The natural soil habitat of TKS was studied. It was found that TKS grows in conditions of moisture floodplains of intermountain valleys on saline floodplain meadowy soils of a sulfate–sodium composition with a high content of total humus and nutrient elements in an alkaline environment.