Organic Levels Research Articles

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the reduction of arsenic accumulation in plants: a meta-analysis.

Arsenic (As) accumulation in plants is a global concern. Although the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been suggested as a potential solution to decrease As concentration in plants, there is currently a gap in a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of the abiotic and biotic factors influencing As accumulation. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively investigate the findings of 76 publications on the impacts of AMF, plant properties, and soil on As accumulation in plants. Results showed a significant dose-dependent As reduction with higher mycorrhizal infection rates, leading to a 19.3% decrease in As concentration. AMF reduced As(V) by 19.4% but increased dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) by 50.8%. AMF significantly decreased grain As concentration by 34.1%. AMF also improved plant P concentration and dry biomass by 33.0% and 62.0%, respectively. The most significant reducing effects of As on AMF properties were seen in single inoculation and experiments with intermediate durations. Additionally, the benefits of AMF were significantly enhanced when soil texture, soil organic carbon (SOC), pH level, Olsen-P, and DTPA-As were sandy soil, 0.8%-1.5%, ≥7.5, ≥9.1 mg/kg, and 30-60 mg/kg, respectively. AMF increased easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) and total glomalin-related soil protein (T-GRSP) by 23.0% and 28.0%, respectively. Overall, the investigated factors had significant implications in developing AMF-based methods for alleviating the negative effects of As stress on plants.

Optimization of watermelon waste as a bulking agent for sustainable co-composting of livestock manures using response surface methodology

Global human population growth has resulted in significant intensive agricultural activity, posing substantial challenges to waste management and environmental conservation. Watermelon waste (WW), chicken manure (CM) and horse manure (HM) are among the main contributors to agricultural waste due to their abundant waste production. This study aims to manage the daily production of these wastes by utilizing WW as a bulking agent in the co-composting of CM and HM. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the effects of four independent factors: HM:CM composition, particle size, composting period, and bulking agent amount. Thirty treatments were developed using central composite design and in-vessel composting reactors were employed to study the relationship between the factors involved and compost physicochemical quality parameters. The results demonstrated significant effects on organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), dry matter, moisture content, bulk density, and pH, while the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) and phosphorus level were not affected. The optimized co-composting conditions obtained from RSM were 75:25 for HM:CM composition (%), 0.5 cm for particle size, 40 days for composting period, and 10% of WW, resulting in a compost with 61% OM, 2.5% N, and 2.5% K. These optimal conditions agreed closely with the predicted values; root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) was less than 0.50, revealing the success of RSM in determining optimal process parameters and developing models for predicting responses. Our study demonstrated that WW as a bulking agent in the co-composting of CM and HM has significantly enhanced the organic matter and nutrient levels of the final compost product.

Morphological variations and demographic responses of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa to heterogeneous aquatic habitats

Human activities affect terrestrial and aquatic habitats leading to changes at both individual and population levels in wild animal species. In this study, we investigated the phenotype and demographics of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in contrasted environments of Southern France: two peri-urban rivers receiving effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and another one without sewage treatment plant. Our findings revealed the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in the three rivers of investigation, the highest diversities and concentrations of pollutants being found in the river subsections impacted by WWTP effluents. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering identified three levels of habitat quality, with different pollutant concentrations, thermal conditions, nutrient, and organic matter levels. The highest turtle densities, growth rates, and body sizes were estimated in the most disturbed habitats, suggesting potential adult benefits derived from harsh environmental conditions induced by pollution and eutrophication. Conversely, juveniles were the most abundant in the least polluted habitats, suggesting adverse effects of pollution on juvenile survival or adult reproduction. This study suggests that turtles living in polluted habitats may benefit from enhanced growth and body size, at the expense of reproductive success.

Effect of chronic cyclic heat stress and supplemented inorganic and organic zinc source levels on grow-finish pig growth performance and estimated body composition.

Zinc (Zn) supplementation has proved to mitigate the effects of heat stress with varying effects evident with Zn source during acute heat events. However, the effects of Zn supplementation during long-term summer weather patterns have yet to be explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the effects of supplementation source and level of Zn to mitigate the negative effects of long-term, cyclic heat stress in finishing swine. Six hundred cross-bred pigs were housed under thermoneutral (TN) or cyclic heat (HS) conditions simulating summer heat with acute 3-d heat waves for a 70-d study. Thermoneutral conditions were 16.7 to 18.9 °C throughout the study. HS pigs were housed at the same temperature as TN from days 0 to 18, then 28 °C/24 °C for 12h/12h on days 18 to 21, followed by 30 °C/26.7 °C for 12h/12h on days 24 to 70, except during acute heat (32 to 33 °C/29 to 30 °C, 12h/12h) on days 21 to 24, 42 to 45, and 63 to 66. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of environment (HS vs. TN) and dietary available Zn supplementation: (1) 50mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), (2) 130mg/kg ZnO, (3) 50mg/kg of organic Zn (Availa Zn), (4) 50mg/kg ZnO + 40mg/kg organic Zn, (5) 50mg/kg ZnO + 60mg/kg organic Zn, and (6) 50mg/kg ZnO + 80mg/kg organic Zn. Pigs (5 pigs/pen) were blocked by initial body weight (72.2kg) and randomly allotted to 1 of 12 temperature and diet treatment combinations across 10 replicates. Body weight and feed intake were determined at the beginning and end of each acute heat event. All pigs were ultrasonically scanned at the 10th rib (TR) to predict loin muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF), and percent lean. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. At day 63, HS pigs were lighter (P < 0.05), had lower overall average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). A diet-by-environment interaction was observed for overall ADG (P < 0.05) with diet 5 HS pigs having a 3.9% reduction in ADG whereas diet 6 had 14.4% reduction in ADG, while under TN temperatures diet 6 had the greatest overall ADG of all treatments. Other diets were intermediate in their ADG under both HS and TN conditions. Pigs under HS had less BF at the TR (P < 0.05) and a smaller LMA (P < 0.05), and a greater calculated percent lean (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that a blend of supplemental Zn sources at 50/60mg/kg may mitigate the reduction in growth performance due to HS. While not directly contrasted, the NRC requirement of 50mg/kg Zn may be too low to optimize finishing pig growth performance under both TN and HS conditions.

Psychopharmacological management in patients with Di George syndrome

IntroductionIt is widely described in the scientific literature that patients who suffer from some type of congenital syndrome such as Di George Syndrome are more likely to present some type of psychopathological alteration during their development that may require intervention and treatment by infant and juvenile mental health teams in coordination with neuropediatrics (1). On this occasion, we will present the clinical case of a patient who regularly attends psychiatry consultations for management of anxious symptoms with impulse control deficits associated with intellectual disability, diagnosed since childhood with tetralogy of Fallot and later with Di George syndrome. In this type of case, treatment is usually considered taking into account possible comorbidities at the organic level (since there may be cardiological involvement, which can be an added difficulty when taking into account the adverse effects of some psychotropic drugs) (2).ObjectivesThis is followed by the presentation of the clinical case, which can serve to exemplify this type of case and clarify any doubts that may arise regarding treatment.MethodsPresentation of the clinical case and review of updated scientific literature on the subject.ResultsPatient who first came to the infantile-junior consultations at the age of 8 years due to delay in the acquisition of verbal language and impulsivity. The patient had a history of pediatric follow-up since birth for different physical symptoms that finally led to the diagnosis of Di George syndrome.Given the difficulties he presented both at home and at school, different psychometric tests were performed and it was determined that it could be beneficial to initiate treatment with extended-release methylphenidate. Prior to treatment, psychomotor restlessness (without aggressiveness) and difficulty in concentration prevailed, which improved significantly after upward adjustment of the dose to a guideline corresponding to his age and weight. It was not necessary in this case to administer other treatments (the possibility of starting Aripiprazole in case of episodes of agitation was considered, but it was not necessary). The patient has continued to be monitored by cardiology to assess the possible side effects of the treatment (since it can increase heart rate and blood pressure (3), but so far no complications have been detected).Thanks to psychotherapeutic and educational intervention, language acquisition was achieved, although to date he still requires support due to the difficulties he still presents.ConclusionsIt is important to take into account the possible side effects of psychopharmacological treatment in patients with an associated congenital syndrome. Intensive and comprehensive follow-up by psychiatry and pediatrics (and later by their primary care physician) should be performed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Salmon farming alters the structure and functioning of Norwegian maerl bed communities

Abstract Effluents resulting from fish farming activities can alter the structure and functioning of benthic ecosystems. In Norway, recent technological advances within the salmon industry have facilitated the expansion of aquaculture into shallower locations, leading to additional pressures upon coastal habitats. Maerl/rhodolith beds are important bioengineers in coastal waters—supporting highly diverse associated macrofaunal communities—and are likely to be particularly at risk. This study aims to investigate the environmental changes induced by fish farms in their vicinity and their impact on the structure and functioning of maerl bed macrofaunal communities. High dissolved nutrients and organic enrichment levels were observed close to the cages, associated with lower live maerl cover. Overall, the most substantial impact of salmon farms on macrofaunal communities was observed within 100 m from the cages. Nevertheless, changes in the structure and functioning of assemblages were evidenced up to 300 m. In the vicinity of the cages, communities were characterized by the dominance of endobenthic subsurface deposit feeders and opportunistic species, notably the polychaetes Chaetozone sp., Capitella sp. and Scoloplos armiger. Conversely, sites situated farther away from the cages exhibited higher abundances of epibenthic taxa, including crawlers, grazers and species sensitive to organic enrichment. Sites unaffected by the presence of fish farms were described by high abundances of the ophiuroid Ophiura robusta, the polychaete Proclea graffi and ostracods, reflecting more favourable environmental conditions. Such changes in macrofaunal communities highlight the vulnerability of maerl beds to the impacts of aquaculture, thus emphasizing the importance of rigorous site selection when establishing new fish farming facilities.

A soil health assessment tool for vegetable cropping systems in tropical soils based on beta-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and soil organic carbon

Vegetable production is characterized by a strong dependence on external inputs and intense tillage, which can harm soil health (SH) by reducing organic matter levels, soil biota diversity, and overall ecosystem functions. Tools to assess SH affected by organic and conventional vegetable production systems are crucial and still scarce. This study aimed to develop a practical and reliable SH assessment tool for vegetable production systems in tropical soils by integrating Cornell's Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) with the four-quadrant model (4QM). Furthermore, the study evaluated the relationship between management practices and SH status. Arylsulfatase (ARYL) and β-glucosidase (GLU) activities, and soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed in 90 soil samples (0 to 10 cm depth) collected from 53 organic and conventional vegetable farms in the Federal District, Brazil. The adoption of practices aimed at improving or maintaining SH was significantly greater on organic farms than on conventionally managed farms, resulting in a SOC content and ARYL activity 27 % and 86 % higher in organic farms than in conventional systems, respectively (P < 0.05). ARYL proved to be more accurate in separating organic and conventional fields than GLU, highlighting its potential for SH evaluation in vegetable production systems. The integration of CASH and the 4QM, along with ARYL, GLU, and SOC measurements, effectively addressed the complexity of both organic and conventional vegetable production systems. This combined approach facilitated differentiation between systems based on varying levels of adoption of best management practices (BMPs). Further research is needed to assess the performance of this approach across different soil types and regions where vegetables are cultivated.

The Role of Serum IL-23 and Volatile Organic Compound Levels to RECIST 1.1 in The Evaluation of Therapeutic Response in Lung Cancer

The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) is the gold standard for the assessment of lung cancer progression. However, the assessment and diagnosis of early treatment failure is challenging due to the limitations of current tools, as well as the long intervals and unavoidable side effects.This study aims to correlate volatile organic compound (VOC) patterns, serum level of interleukin-23 (IL-23), and RECIST 1.1 to assess chemotherapy response in lung cancer patients at Saiful Anwar Hospital. A prospective observational study was performed to 47 lung cancer patients who received three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Using the Breath Analyzer to measure certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the study observed that three of the seven VOCs examined, formaldehyde (CH2O), toluene (C7H8), and hexane (C6H14), showed lower levels after three cycles of chemotherapy. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between RECIST1.1 and acetone (C3H6O) (p=0.023), while RECIST1.1 and methane (CH4) had a positive correlation (p=0.011). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between IL-23 after-chemotherapy and RECIST 1.1 (p=0.000). According to this study, a correlation exists between methane, IL-23, and RECIST 1.1 after three cycles of chemotherapy. The increase in methane and IL-23 aligns with the disease progression determined by RECIST 1.1. Furthermore, The decrease in acetone after chemotherapy showed a negative correlation with RECIST1.1, consistent with disease progression.Keywords: Volatile Organic Compound, Interleukin-23, RECIST 1.1.

Vallisneria spiralis L. adaptive capacity improves pore water chemistry and increases potential nitrification in organic polluted sediments

BackgroundMacrophytes may modify benthic biodiversity and biogeochemistry via radial oxygen loss from roots. This condition contrasts sediments anoxia, allows roots respiration, and facilitates aerobic microbial communities and processes in the rhizosphere. Simultaneously, the rhizosphere can stimulate anaerobic microorganisms and processes via exudates or by favoring the build-up of electron acceptors as nitrate. As eutrophication often results in organic enrichment in sediments and large internal nutrients recycling, an interesting research question is to investigate whether plants maintain the capacity to stimulate aerobic or anaerobic microbial communities and processes also under elevated organic pollution.MethodsA manipulative experiment was carried out under laboratory-controlled conditions. Microcosms containing bare sediments and sediments transplanted with the macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis L. were created. The effect of the plant was investigated on sediments with moderate (8%) and elevated (21%) organic matter content, after an acclimatization period of 30 days. Chemical and physical parameters, microbial community composition and the potential rates of nitrification, denitrification and nitrate ammonification were measured at two different depths (0–1 and 1–5 cm) after the acclimatization period to evaluate the role of roots.ResultsVallisneria spiralis grew and assimilated pore water nutrients at the two organic matter levels and vegetated sediments had always nutrient-depleted porewaters as compared to bare sediments. Nitrifying microbes had a lower relative abundance and diversity compared to denitrifying bacteria. However, regardless of the organic content, in vegetated sediments nitrifiers were detected in deeper horizons as compared to bare sediments, where nitrification was confined near the surface. In contrast, potential denitrification rates were not affected by the presence of roots, but probably regulated by the presence of nitrate and by root-dependent nitrification. Potential nitrate ammonification rates were always much lower (< 3%) than potential denitrification rates.ConclusionsVallisneria spiralis affects N-related microbial diversity and biogeochemistry at moderate and elevated organic matter content, smoothing bottom water–pore water chemical gradients and stimulating nitrification and nitrogen loss via denitrification. These results suggest the possibility to deploy V. spiralis as a nature-based solution to counteract eutrophication in freshwater systems impacted by high loads of organic matter, for example, downstream of wastewater treatment plants.

Characterization of size-resolved aerosol hygroscopicity and liquid water content in Nanjing of the Yangtze River Delta

Aerosol hygroscopicity and liquid water content (ALWC) have important influences on the environmental and climate effect of aerosols. In this study, we measured the hygroscopic growth factors (GF) of particles with dry diameters of 40, 80, 150, and 200 nm during the wintertime in Nanjing. Both the GF-derived hygroscopicity parameter (κgf) and ALWC increased with particle size, but displayed differing diurnal variations, with κgf peaking around the midday, while ALWC peaking in the early morning. Nitrate, ammonium and oxygenated organic aerosols (OOA) were found as the chemical components mostly strongly correlated with ALWC. A closure study suggests that during midday photo-oxidation and nighttime high ALWC periods, the κ of organic aerosols (κorg) was underestimated when using previous parameterizations. Accordingly, we re-constructed parameterizations for κorg and the oxidation level of organics for these periods, which indicates a higher hygroscopicity of photochemically formed OOA than the aqueous OOA, yet both being much higher than the generally assumed OOA hygroscopicity. Additionally, in a typical high ALWC episode, concurrently increased ALWC, nitrate, OOA as well as aerosol surface area and mass concentrations were observed under elevated ambient RH. This strongly indicates a coupled effect that the hygroscopic secondary aerosols, in particular nitrate with strong hygroscopicity, led to large increase in ALWC, which in turn synergistically boosted nitrate and OOA formation by heterogeneous/aqueous reactions. Such interaction may represent an important mechanism contributing to enhanced formation of secondary aerosols and rapid growth of fine particulate matter under relatively high RH conditions.

Role of Different Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Quality Evaluation in Maize (Zea mays L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Intercropping

A field experiment had conducted during Zaid season 2022-2023. The experiment was conducted in split plot design and replicated thrice. The treatment in main plot consisted of three intercropping and in sub plots five different organic manures and different levels of fertilizers. Soil of the experiment field was clayey in texture had soil slightly alkaline, medium organic carbon (0.71%), low in available nitrogen (246.64 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorous (21.6 kg ha-1) and high in available potassium (282 kg ha-1). A keen observation of data revealed that application of organic manures and different levels of fertilizers with intercropping both significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield parameters and yield, economic attributes like gross return, net return and B:C ratio was significantly maximum at IC2 maize + cowpea (2:1) with different organic manures and levels of fertilizers application F5 (50% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1 + 2 t VC ha-1 + 2 t PM ha-1).

Association between volatile organic compounds and serum neurofilament light chain in US adults

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the level of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) in adults. MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 2008 participants aged 20 to 75 years old. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between 28 VOCs and NfL after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to examine the potential non-linear associations. ResultsThe linear regression models showed that higher levels of 2,5-dimethylfuran (β = 0.042, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.001, 0.096), ethyl acetate (β = 0.118, 95 % CI = 0.008, 0.304), and m-/p-xylene (β = 0.043, 95%CI = 0.012, 0.074) were associated with higher NfL levels. These estimates were largely consistent after adjusting for multiple confounders. ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest a potential association between certain volatile organic compounds (2,5-dimethylfuran, ethyl acetate, and m-/p-xylene) and blood NfL levels, implying that they may have a role in revealing neurodegeneration and influencing neurological health.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Yield of Fodder Maize in Chennai

Field experiments were conducted to study the influence of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) by adopting different bulky organic manures and fertilizer levels on the soil fertility status and fodder yield of maize. The study was conducted during rabi season of 2019 and 2020 at the Department of Agronomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. An experiment was laid out in split plot design. Main plots consisted of different organic manure treatments viz., No manure, farm yard manure (25 t ha-1), vermicompost (12 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12 t ha-1). Sub plots consisted of varying level of fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, 125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF. The blanket recommendation of fertilizer to fodder maize is 60 kg N ha-1: 40 kg P2O5 ha-1: 20 kg K2O ha-1. The organic manures were applied as per the N equivalent basis to inorganic nutrient recommendation. The results revealed that all the soil parameters, green and dry fodder yield were significantly affected with the application of organic manures and fertilizer levels. Organic sources of nutrients tended to improve soil physico-chemical properties viz., bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of poultry manure (0.50 %) followed by poultry manure. The post harvest available soil nutrients was high in fodder maize grown with poultry manure along with 125% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer to fodder maize recorded higher soil available nitrogen (109.48 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.46 kg ha-1) and potassium (118.65 kg ha-1). Significantly higher green and dry fodder yield of maize was recorded with application of poultry manure along with 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer. Hence, application of organic manures specifically poultry manure along with low level of fertilizer improved the soil fertility and thus increased the green fodder yield of maize.

Effect of crop pattern and types of manure on the growth of Sappan wood (Caesalpinia Sappan L.) in Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia

Sappan wood plants are one of the medicinal plants in Indonesia. Considering the potential of Sappan wood plants in the health and industrial sectors, special cultivation techniques are required to ensure that Sappan wood plants can grow with a large stem diameter. A large stem diameter can be achieved by using the appropriate planting distance. The right planting distance requires land with sufficient organic content. This research aims to determine the optimum planting distance and the appropriate type of organic material to produce Sappan wood plants with a large diameter. The experimental design used was a Split Plot Design, with planting distance (J) as the main plot and organic fertilizer (P) as the sub-plot. The planting distance factor levels were J1 = 1m x 1m, J2 = 2mx2m cm, J3 = 3m x3m. The organic fertilizer factor levels were P1 = Cow Manure Fertilizer, P2 = Chicken Manure Fertilizer, and P3 = Sheep Manure Fertilizer. The results showed an interaction between the planting distance treatment and the use of manure fertilizer on the parameters of stem diameter and soil pH of Sappan wood plants at 3 MAP (months after planting). The planting distance treatment independently influenced the results, with a 1m x 1m planting distance providing the best results for plant height and stem diameter. In general, the application of different types of manure did not significantly affect the growth of Sappan wood plants.

THE EVALUATION OF COMPOSTED FOOD WASTE EFFECTS IN CONSERVING AND ENHANCING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF AZOLLA PINNATA

Compost has a significant conservation benefit for soils by increasing organic matter levels and enhancing soil fertility, thus positively influencing plant growth. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of utilizing different types of composted food waste to improve the growth performance of Azolla Pinnata. Composting mixed food waste (MFW), vegetable waste (VW), and fruit waste (FW) was conducted using the Takakura Composting Method, incorporating effective microorganisms (EM). Analysis of pH, temperature, moisture content, nutrient content (TN, TP, K), and heavy metal concentrations were done throughout the 30-day composting process. The Germination Index (GI) and Compost Quality Index (CQI) were employed to evaluate compost quality and phytotoxicity levels. Results demonstrated that all composted food waste samples met the criteria for high-quality compost, except for slight residual phytotoxicity observed in FW (GI of 79.3%). Notably, the integration of Azolla Pinnata with composted food waste significantly influenced the growth performance (biomass, relative growth rate and doubling time), with the most substantial enhancements of doubling time achieved using MFW treatments (1.94 days), followed by FW (2.02 days) and VW (2.07 days). This research underscores the potential for Azolla Pinnata integrated with composted food waste as a chemical-free fertilizer, offering promise for conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices.

PH range and substrate organic matter levels modulate the sporulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae under controlled conditions

pH range and substrate organic matter levels modulate the sporulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae under controlled conditions

Effects of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Health in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L.) Cultivation

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a promising environmentally friendly soil enhancer and biostimulant, play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by influencing soil properties and plant growth. This research investigates the chemical properties of three biochar types [bamboo (BB-char), corn cob (CC-char), and coffee grounds (CG-char)] derived from different biomass sources and their impact on soil quality and Chinese kale growth. The results reveal significant differences in chemical properties among different types of biochar. Particularly, CG-char showed the greatest pH value and phosphorus content, with an average of 10.05 and 0.44%, respectively. On the other hand, CC-char had the highest potassium content, with an average of 2.16%. Incorporating biochar into degraded soil enhances soil structure, promoting porosity and improved texture, as evidenced by scanning electron microscope images revealing distinct porous structures. Soil chemistry analyses in treatment T2–T14 after a 42-day cultivation demonstrate the impact of biochar on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and organic carbon levels in comparison to the control treatment (T1). Furthermore, the research assesses the impact of biochar on Chinese kale growth and photosynthetic pigments. Biochar additions, especially 5% BB-char with AMF, positively influence plant growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Notably, lower biochar concentrations (5%) exhibit superior effects compared to higher concentrations (10%), emphasizing the importance of optimal biochar application rates. The study also delves into the total phenolic content in Chinese kale leaves, revealing that the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF enhances phenolic compound accumulation. The combination positively influences plant health, soil quality, and nutrient cycling mechanisms. Overall, the research indicates the multifaceted impact of biochar on soil and plant dynamics, emphasizing the need for tailored application strategies to optimize benefits in sustainable agriculture.

Performance monitoring of the wastewater system of Bharati Station, Antarctica

The untouched condition of Antarctica's environment is a result of its inherent absence of human activity. Nevertheless, with the introduction of scientific research stations and human presence, a considerable volume of wastewater has been produced by these research facilities. The wastewater needs to be treated before discharge and has strict rules and regulations set by the Antarctic Treaty (Annexure III). However, the performance of the wastewater treatment plant and the data on the quality of the effluents being discharged into the sea by different stations are limited. In this study, the performance of the wastewater treatment plant at Bharati research station located at Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica was investigated from 2015 to 2022. Physical and chemical parameters such as pH, EC, NH4–N and COD were determined in effluents from the drinking water plant, blackwater and greywater plant from Bharati station. The pH and EC of the effluents were measured using portable probes, ammonia was measured spectrophotometrically, and COD was measured using the closed reflux digestion method. The monthly data of the effluents from 2015 to 2022 for pH, EC, NH4–N and COD indicate values within the permissible limits except for a few parameters at a certain time frame. It was observed that the pH of black, grey and drinking water varied between pH 6.5 and 9.1. Both grey and blackwater showed a decreasing conductivity trend, suggesting decreased ionic content. The blackwater exhibited an increase in ammonia concentration and COD trend, indicating higher organic pollution levels, while the grey water displayed a decreasing trend in COD, indicating a reduction in organic matter content. The study also investigated the correlation between NH4–N concentration in wastewater and greywater with levels of COD and compared these levels with standard values to assess effluent water quality. The data will provide baseline values to assess any malfunctioning of the wastewater system in treating the contaminants. Effluent data from other Antarctic stations show a high value compared with the effluents from Bharati station. Such variability largely depends on the station size, water usage and number of expedition members during the summer and winter seasons.

Understanding vermicompost and organic manure interactions: impact on toxic elements, nitrification activity, comammox Nitrospira inopinata, and archaea/bacteria.

Vermicompost is a substantial source of nutrients, promotes soil fertility, and maintains or increases soil organic matter levels. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vermicompost impact on nitrification activity. However, it is yet unknown how vermicompost affects nitrifying bacteria and archaea, comammox Nitrospira inopinata (complete ammonia oxidizers), net nitrification rates (NNRs), and PTEs. The effects of vermicompost application on NNRs, potential nitrification rates (NPs), PTEs, and the abundances of comammox N. inopinata bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB)/archaea (AOA) were studied. NNRs and NPs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fresh cow-dung vermicompost (stored for 40days) as compared with other organic manure. The level of PTEs (Cu2+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in vermicompost as compared with compost of waste material with Trichoderma and cow dung. Comammox N. inopinata, NOB, AOB, and AOA were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stored cow-dung vermicompost (more than 1year) as compared with other organic manure. The results of the scatterplot matrix analysis suggested that Fe2+, total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total carbon (TC) were linearly correlated (p < 0.001) with NNRs and NPs in vermicompost and organic manure. Similarly, comammox N. inopinata bacteria, NOB, AOB, and AOA were linearly correlated (p < 0.001) with NNR and NP. These results indicated that vermicompost promoted nitrification activity by increasing microbial diversity and abundance, supplying nutrients and organic matter for microbial growth, and facilitating complex microbial interactions. It may be concluded that the influence of vermicompost, which played a great role in PTE concentration reduction, increased chemical, and biological properties, increased the growth rate of nitrifying bacteria/archaea and the nitrogen cycle.

Performance of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under Spacing and Nutrient Management Practices in Cauvery Command Area

An investigation was carried out at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, spanning from September to December in both 2020 and 2021. The purpose was to analyze how varying spacing and nutrient management practices affect the yield and growth rate of chia plants. The study involved two different spacings (S) and six levels of organic nutrients (N). Employing a 2 × 6 × 3 factorial experiment design within a randomized complete block framework with three replications, the experiment was conducted over a two-year period. The spacing of 60 cm × 15 cm (S2) resulted in notably higher absolute growth rates (1.00 and 1.87 g/day, respectively at 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) and biomass duration (221.84, 893.45 and 2182.73 days, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS). Conversely, for relative growth rate (1.67 and 1.19 g/g/day × 10-2, respectively at 30 – 60 DAS and 60 – 90 DAS) and leaf area ratio (2180.90, 1967.19 and 1522.35 cm2/g × 10-2, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS), higher values were observed with 45 cm × 15 cm spacing (S1). Among the various organic nutrient levels, the highest absolute growth rate (1.09 and 2.01 g/day, respectively at 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) and biomass duration (259.18, 1009.48 and 2403.23 days, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) were recorded with N6, while greater relative growth rate (1.86 and 1.20 g/g/day × 10-2, respectively at 30 – 60 DAS and 60 – 90 DAS) and leaf area ratio (2616.15, 2206.54 and 1723.31 cm2/g × 10-2, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS) were found with N1. The interaction between spacing and organic nutrient levels did not yield any significant differences with respect to absolute growth rate, biomass duration, relative growth rate and leaf area ratio.