Moisture Parameters Research Articles

Sistema inteligente para monitoramento automatizado da umidade do solo

ABSTRACT Water application to cultivated soil is often done without careful consideration in irrigated agriculture, leading to inefficient or suboptimal water usage. In many instances, the intricate relationship between soil, water, and plants, as well as the potential and limitations of irrigation systems, is overlooked. Sustainable irrigated agriculture necessitates the development of a soil moisture monitoring system that curtails water loss and enhances overall efficiency. This study aimed to develop and assess the efficiency of an intelligent system for monitoring soil moisture. The system comprises two stations: the first collects data on apparent soil moisture parameters using sensors, while the second transmits this data to a central processing station. The system precisely determines current soil moisture values, enabling estimation of the required irrigation water volume to meet the crop’s water demand based on field capacity. Results from the calibration curve of the sensors indicate that the system can measure current soil moisture precisely, aiding in irrigation management. For irrigated areas under unsaturated soil conditions, it is recommended to use tensiometers due to their higher reliability between field capacity and permanent wilting point, ensuring more accurate irrigation practices.

Shelters in Alpine Rescue: Can They Create a Comfortable Zone at the Deployment Site?

Lightweight shelters made of water- and windproof polyester are frequently used by mountain rescue, but information on physical and psychological stress during their use is scarce. A prospective observational study was conducted with 48 experienced rescuers who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on a manikin in a shelter in alpine terrain. The objective parameters of air temperature, moisture, and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured inside the shelter. The subjective experience of the rescuers regarding stress, moisture, noise, air draft, convenience, spatial confinement, brightness, room temperature, and air quality was assessed using a questionnaire. During 15 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the median temperature in the shelter rose by >15°C (Δt, 15.9°C; interquartile range, 14.3-16.5°C; P=0.018). Carbon dioxide concentrations increased to 0.97 vol% maximum. Bag valve mask ventilation was established with and without the use of supplemental oxygen, which showed significantly different oxygen shelter concentrations (21.1 vol% with oxygen, 20.6 vol% without oxygen; P<0.001). Most participants rated the physical comfort and spatial conditions inside the shelter as convenient. In this study, the use of shelters in alpine terrain improved physical comfort while carrying out a rescue. Most participants gave high ratings for the working conditions in the shelter.

North Atlantic Extratropical Cyclone Tracks and Lagrangian-Derived Moisture Uptake Dataset

Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are the focus of many open questions, spanning from weather to climate and from local to global scales. The relationship between moisture uptake and precipitation over different mesoscale ETC structures remains poorly understood. The availability of moisture parameters to the scientific community through tracer dispersion models benefits the representation of the processes involving moisture, the dynamics of ETCs and the understanding of the associated meteorological fields. In this study, we present a database for North Atlantic ETC tracks and a Lagrangian-Derived Moisture Uptake Dataset, both of which are derived from dynamically downscaled ERA5 reanalysis data. We provide moisture parameters such as the total moisture uptake and its vertical distribution by layer, and shapefiles of ETC structures, to facilitate further studies in this area. Our data have been thoroughly validated to ensure that the storm tracks and their characteristics are accurately represented in the model without distortion. Additionally, we conduct a series of experiments to demonstrate the rigour and quality of the methods employed to generate the data.

Effects of wheat gluten-soy protein ratios and moisture levels on high-moisture extruded meat analogues for burger patties.

In response to the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives, this study explores the impact of incorporating wheat gluten (WG) into soy protein isolate (SPI) on both the proximate and functional properties of protein blends. The research also examines the effects of high moisture extrusion processing, varying feed moisture levels (60%, 65%, and 70%), and WG-SPI blends on extruder response, as well as the textural, rheological, and solubility characteristics of the resulting extruded meat analogues. Moreover, the prime objective was to gain insights into the impact of using HMMA made at different ratios and feed moisture levels on plant-based burgers. As the WG incorporation level increased in SPI, the RVA viscosity, water absorption, and oil absorption capacities, and foaming stability exhibited a decrease while foaming capacity increased. As feed moisture and WG incorporation levels in SPI increased, the system parameters, rheological, and textural parameters of high moisture extruded meat analogs decreased. WG25-SPI75 showed the highest degree of texturization or sulfide bonds, and its extruded meat analogues at 60% feed moisture level burger patties resemble a similar textural to a chicken burger patty. This study is pivotal in understanding how wheat gluten in SPIs and feeding moisture level influence the textural and rheology properties of HMMA.

Analysis of radiative heat flux using ASTER thermal images: Climatological and volcanological factors on Java Island, Indonesia

This study focuses on analysing natural Radiative Heat Flux (RHF) anomalies to map out the heat distribution across the Java Island. Leveraging remote sensing techniques, we calculated natural RHF anomalies using Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Land Surface Emissivity (LSE) data obtained from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. A key aspect of our approach was distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic heat sources by cross-referencing the LST Map with the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) map of Java Island. The study interprets natural RHF anomalies by examining regional trends in non-volcanic areas and local trends within volcanic regions, considering climatological and volcanological factors. Relation with climatological factors involves assessing soil moisture parameters from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) data, precipitation from monthly Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data, and classifications according to the Köppen-Geiger climate schema. Our regional analysis reveals high natural RHF anomalies in the northern regions of West Java, parts of Central Java, and most of East Java, attributed to low soil moisture and low precipitation in savanna and monsoon climates. On a more localised scale, RHF values are significantly high in volcanic areas, particularly around Central and East Java's volcanoes, such as Mt. Merapi, Mt. Slamet, Mt. Semeru, the Sidoarjo Mud Volcano, and Mt. Ijen. The Natural RHF anomalies at volcanoes in West Java were identified as not being high except at Mt Patuha. These areas exhibit average natural RHF anomalies ranging between 32.22 W/m2 and 115.13 W/m2, indicating strong and intense volcanic activity. The insights obtained from these findings explain the overall thermal characteristics of Java Island and highlight the presence of subsurface thermal zones associated with volcanic activity and geothermal potential.

Adsorption, Adhesion, and Wettability of Commercially Available Cleansers at Dental Polymer (PMMA) Surfaces.

This study aims to evaluate the adsorptive, adhesive, and wetting energetic properties of five commercially available cleansers in contact with model dental polymer (PMMA). It was assumed that the selected parameters allow for determining the optimal concentration and place of key component accumulation for antibacterial activity in the bulk liquid phase and prevention of oral plaque formation at the prosthetic material surface. The adsorptive (Gibbs' excesses ΓLV, critical micellar concentration) and thermal (entropy and enthalpy) surface characteristics originated from surface tension γLV(T) and γLV(C) dependences. The surface wetting properties were quantified upon the contact angle hysteresis formalism on the advancing ΘA, receding ΘR contact angles, and γLV as the input data, which yield a set of wettability parameters: 2D adsorptive film pressure, surface free energy with its dispersive and polar components, work of adhesion, and adhesional tension, considered as interfacial interaction indicators. In particular, molecular partitioning Kp and ΓLV are indicators of the efficiency of particular active substance accumulation in the volume phase, while γSV, a = ΓSL/ΓLV, and WA point to the degree of its accumulation at the immersed polymer surface. Finally, the liquid penetration coefficient PC and the Marangoni temperature gradient-driven liquid flow speed were estimated.

Examining the Impact of Coal Contamination on Soil Structural and Moisture Properties: A Comparative Study of Coal-Free and Coal-Impacted Soils

Soil porosity and moisture are critical indicators of soil quality. In coal–grain intercropping areas, centuries of coal industry activities have resulted in coal particle contamination, which has affected soil properties; however, its impact on soil porosity and moisture remains underexplored. This study compares coal-contaminated soils (CCS) and coal-free soils (CFS) in Jiaozuo, employing computed tomography (CT) scanning and moisture measurements to analyze how coal pollution influences soil porosity and moisture. Our findings indicate that CCS, compared to CFS, exhibit significant reductions in total porosity (TP), CT-measured porosity (CTP), number of pores (CTN), and the proportion and volume of water–air regulating pores (CTNWA/CTN and CTPWA). These results underscore that coal pollution substantially alters soil porosity and pore numbers. Additionally, coal pollution modifies soil pore morphology, leading to reductions in the number and length of pore throats (Nthroat and Lthroat) and causing the pores to become more flattened and rounded, with an increased inclination angle of interconnected pores (IAic). As coal pollution levels increase, interconnected porosity (Pic) and coordination number (CNic) decrease, while isolated porosity (Pisolated) increases. In terms of moisture parameters, coal pollution diminishes the maximum water holding capacity, soil permanent wilting point, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and moisture evaporation rate. In contrast, field water-holding capacity and maximum effective water content are enhanced. Furthermore, with increased coal pollution, maximum water holding capacity, soil permanent wilting point, and saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased, whereas field water-holding capacity and maximum effective water content increased. Correlation analysis reveals that changes in CTN, Nthroat, and Lthroat significantly influence moisture parameter variations, with most pore parameter changes affecting saturated hydraulic conductivity. The observed effects of coal pollution on soil pore parameters are attributed to the filling and clogging actions of coal particles, while its impact on moisture parameters primarily results from these particles filling and clogging soil pores. This study provides a scientific basis for managing soil moisture in areas affected by coal pollution, particularly in coal–grain intercropping regions.

Influence of depth on soil physical and water parameters

Soils are made up of mineral and organic particles from the decomposition of rocks, animals and plants, distributed in surface and sub-surface layers over the years. Among the predominant classes in Brazil are the RED-YELLOW ARGISSOLS. To further understand the physical and hydric characteristics of this soil in the Tocantina Region of Maranhão and how this can affect crop development, the parameters of moisture, volumetric moisture, density, particle density, porosity and infiltration velocity were analysed at different depths (0-5; 5-10; 10-15; and 15-20 cm) at two different points. The experimental design adopted was entirely randomised, with 5 replications. The results indicated differences in most of the parameters, especially at point 2, highlighting the influence of vegetation cover and anthropogenic pressure on soil properties.

Enabling Invar to Ti6Al4V transitions through copper in functionally graded laser powder bed fused components

This study examines the microstructural evolution, elemental distribution, phase composition, and hardness variations in multi-material samples fabricated using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) with Invar and Ti6Al4V with compositional gradients mediated by copper. A range of compositional transitions from Invar to Ti6Al4V with different copper fractions are reported. Defects such as gas and keyhole pores were detected in well-deep keyhole mode areas, while lack of fusion defects were observed in samples with pure Cu interlayers due to poor wettability and processing parameter variations. Crack formation between interlayer gradient zones and Invar regions was linked to FeNi and CuNi intermetallic phases. Intermetallic compounds (e.g., FeNi, CuNi, TiFe, TiNi) significantly influenced the microstructure and mechanical performance. Vickers hardness testing shows varying hardness across different builds, with the highest hardness being observed in the gradient zone enabled by pure copper (approximately 620 HV). This study also underscores the need for tailored component design linking build processing parameters and compositional transitions in multi-material LPBF to achieve desired properties and component structural behaviour.

Incorporating Olive By-Products in Bísaro Pig Diets: Effect on Dry-Cured Product Quality.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of incorporating olive cake into the diet of indigenous Bísaro pigs on the quality of processed meat products. To this end, loins and "cachaços" were processed using a standardized manufacturing flowchart to produce dry-cured products. The two products were manufactured using the same formulation, ingredients, and curing process. Concerning the physicochemical composition, there were significant differences between the two products for the parameters of aw (p < 0.001), moisture (p < 0.001), total fat (p < 0.001), protein (p < 0.001), and haem pigments (p < 0.001). The diet significantly impacted the NaCl content (p < 0.05). However, neither the product nor the diet affected the fractions of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed for n-3 (p < 0.05). Adding olive cake increased these fatty acids, and the diet containing 25% centrifuged olive cake showed the highest levels for both products. Compared with the control, the diets containing olive cake had a higher content of n-3 fatty acids, resulting in a lower PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.01).

Numerical study of the influence of wetting properties on flow characteristics and heat transfer in piston cooling gallery

Being a crucial thermal management component in an internal combustion engine, the wettability of the piston gallery significantly influences heat transfer performance. This study deeply investigates the impact of the piston gallery’s wettability on heat transfer performance through numerical simulation. Adjusting the wettability parameter, specifically the contact angle, resulted in the observation of varied droplet patterns on the surface of gallery. Surface wettability directly influences oil distribution and adhesion on the piston surface, consequently impacting the piston’s cooling effectiveness. Optimizing the wettability of the oil cavity is expected to improve the cooling efficiency of the piston, contributing to an overall performance improvement. The numerical study revealed that a surface with a certain degree of hydrophilicity facilitates uniform droplet distribution on the surface of the gallery, forming a film-like oil droplet. Such a film of oil droplets effectively enhances heat transfer efficiency, with a well-wetted surface promoting effective contact between the oil and piston surface for more efficient heat transfer. Conversely, a highly hydrophobic surface leads to droplet self-aggregation in the gallery, hindering effective heat dissipation from the piston. Poor wettability prevents uniform oil adhesion to the piston surface, resulting in decreased heat transfer efficiency. To summarize, the wettability of the piston gallery significantly influences heat transfer performance. Optimizing surface wettability enhances piston cooling, thereby improving overall internal combustion engine performance.

Comparative study on pore-connectivity and wettability characteristics of the fresh-water and saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales: triggering mechanisms and multi-scale models for differential reservoir-forming patterns

Although particular attention has been paid to responses of hydrocarbon storage and percolation capacity to the devitrification concerning lacustrine tuffaceous shale reservoirs in recent years, there is still a lack of systematical and comparative investigation on differential patterns and potential triggering mechanisms concerning development of the pore-microfracture systems and characteristics of surface wettability between the fresh-water and saline lacustrine settings, which is of considerable importance in fully understanding of genesis and spatial distribution of dessert reservoir intervals of tuffaceous shale reservoirs, and to provide further conceptual basis for deciphering shale-oil movability of saline lacustrine fine-grained mixed sedimentary sequences. In this study, tuffaceous shales from both the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and Middle Permian Jingjingzigou Formation in the Junggar Basin are targeted to unravel the differential behavior of tuff devitrification and potential impacts on reservoir wettability and pore connectivity concerning fresh-water and saline lacustrine settings, and we present new results here from integrated analyses and combined interpretation of FE-SEM, Image Pro Plus (IPP) software image processing, contact angle and spontaneous imbibition experiments. In view of comparative analysis from representative samples, the tuffaceous shales from saline lacustrine environments are characterized by well-developed intergranular-intercrystalline and dissolution pores, and inorganic microfractures, generally yield a higher plane porosity of representative pore-fracture spaces and spontaneous imbibition slopes, a relatively lower average of n-decane contact angles and corresponding wettability parameters. The saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales are thus suspected to have undergone more intense devitrification resulting in a higher amount of devitrification and associated dissolution pores, and a relatively better connectivity between isolated micropore systems with adjacent microfractures. This would significantly facilitate the interface wettability reversal and occurrence of movable hydrocarbon fluid in microscopic reservoir spaces. Finally, a comprehensive and conceptual model is established illustrating the effects of differential devitrification on reservoir-forming patterns concerning tuffaceous shales developed in the fresh-water and saline lacustrine settings, respectively. These findings are of great theoretical and practical significance to enrich theory of high-quality reservoir formation and shale-oil accumulation in saline lacustrine tuffaceous shale reservoirs, and lay the foundation for guiding efficient exploration of continental fine-grained mixed sedimentary sequences.

Analysing the surface morphology of annealed FTO/ZnS bilayer films: stereometric, fractal, and wettability approaches

The surface micromorphology and roughening of the thermal evaporation-coated FTO/ZnS bilayer thin films annealed at 300, 400, 500, and 550∘C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$550\\,^\\circ{\ ext{C}}$$\\end{document} for 1 h have been studied. AFM images of the prepared samples were analysed by the MountainsMap software, and the effects of the annealing temperature on the surface texture of the FTO/ZnS thin film’s surface were investigated. Stereometric and advanced fractal analyses showed that the sample annealed at 500∘C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$500\\,^\\circ{\ ext{C}}$$\\end{document} exhibited greater surface roughness and greater skewness and kurtosis. This film also has the most isotropic surface and exhibits the highest degree of heterogeneity. Also, despite the decrease in surface roughness with increasing temperature from 500 to 550∘C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$550 \\,^\\circ{\ ext{C}}$$\\end{document}, the fractal dimension tends to increase. The static water contact angle measurements indicate that the film annealed at 500∘C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$500 \\,^\\circ{\ ext{C}}$$\\end{document} exhibits higher hydrophobicity, which can be attributed to its greater topographic roughness. Our research indicates that the surface morphology of FTO/ZnS bilayer thin films is influenced by the annealing temperature. Changing factors such as roughness, fractality, and wettability parameters to help improve surface performance make the FTO/ZnS bilayer suitable for application in electronic and solar systems.

Modification of gelcoat based unsaturated polyester resin with functionalized octaspherosilicates to reduce the ice adhesion strength

Many composite structures used in various industries, such as wind turbines, aircraft, watercraft, lifeboats and others face the problem of ice build-up in winter seasons. The mechanical, thermal and chemical methods used so far to remove ice are inefficient, uneconomical and hurt the environment. Recently, surfaces have begun to be designed to eliminate or minimize ice accumulation, namely icephobic surfaces. The key parameter of such surfaces is the lowest possible ice adhesion strength (IA). One of the mechanisms for designing icephobic surfaces is a modification with compounds that direct hydrophobic properties. In this work, unsaturated polyester resin gelcoats modified with compounds from the group of octaspherosilicates with alkyl and methacrylic functional groups proposed as fluorine-free additives were investigated in terms of water repellent and ice adhesion. The surface roughness of the tested materials was measured. The surface zeta potential was also determined, which is new compared to available studies of surfaces for icephobic applications. The work also presents microstructure observations of the surface. Almost all of the modifiers increased the water contact angle (WCA), modifying the reference material from hydrophilic to slightly hydrophobic. The highest WCA was equal to 94°. The most important IA parameter was decreased by 56% compared to the unmodified gelcoat, with a value of 152 kPa. In addition, the study observed that the lowest value of IA correlated with the lowest value of CAH. The highest reduction in CAH was 44% compared to the reference sample. The roughness, wettability and IA parameters were determined before and after UV exposure to investigate modified gelcoats durability.

Exploring soil-root interactions: A comparative study of wheat species and soil types

Soil-plant interactions of different wheat species (e.g., common, synthetic, durum and wild emmer ancestor) have not been studied yet. Therefore, our study was conducted to examine the interactive effect of 39 treatments including four wheat species (twelve varieties) and three soil types (loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam) on soil physical and biophysical quality indicators in a greenhouse pot experiment. The rhizosphere data were compared with the no plant (control) soil as well. The results revealed that the rhizosphere soils had a greater soil organic carbon (SOC) storage compared to the no plant soil, with the synthetic wheat species possessing the highest SOC content (order of SOC: synthetic > durum > emmer > common > control). The highest and the lowest SOC values (0.79 and 0.69 kg 100 kg−1) were observed in the rhizosphere of synthetic wheat S88 and common wheat CK varieties, respectively. The SOC showed a positive correlation with root morphological traits such as root volume and root dry weight. Basal soil respiration (BSR) showed significant variation among the four wheat species, and common and emmer ones had the highest BSR values. The maximum and minimum values of BSR (21.9 and 10.9 mg CO2 kg−1 soil day−1) were observed in the rhizosphere of the common species planted in sandy loam soil and in the loamy sand bulk soil (control), respectively. The presence of plant roots significantly increased BSR compared to the control (bulk soil); on average, the BSR in the rhizosphere was 21% greater than the control. Both the wheat species and soil type significantly affected the soil water repellency index (RI) and wettability parameters, but the interactive effects of treatments (i.e., wheat species and soil type) were not significant. The soils in all of the studied treatments were sub-critically or slightly water repellent (i.e., contact angle lower than 90°). The RI values were measured in the order emmer > durum > common > control ≥ synthetic; however, the difference between the synthetic species and bulk soil was not significant. Plant roots increased the soil hydrophobicity by increasing the SOC storage and significant variations in RI among the wheat species indicated that the emmer, durum and common species with greater RI might have better soil physical quality in the rhizosphere. The wheat plants substantially increased water-stable aggregates and decreased water-dispersible clay in the rhizosphere compared to the bulk soil. These findings showed that wheat roots were able to alter the structural stability of the rhizosphere soil. Correlation analysis indicated that soil structural stability was closely related to the SOC, microbial activity, water repellency and root morphological traits. Principal component analysis was used to enhance visualization, identify interrelationships between soil quality indicators and categorize wheat varieties.

OPTIMIZATION OF DICLOFENAC POTASSIUM TRANSDERMAL PATCH FORMULA USING A COMBINATION OF POLYVYNIL PYRROLIDONE K 30, ETHYL CELLULOSE AND MENTHOL WITH SIMPLEX LATTICE DESIGN METHOD

Diclofenac potassium is one of the NSAID drugs which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to the small intestinal mucosa including erosion and ulceration. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of PVP K 30, ethyl cellulose and menthol on organoleptic, thickness, weight uniformity, moisture and folding resistance of diclofenac potassium transdermal patch.This research is an experimental study that includes an experiment to optimize the formulation of a transdermal patch preparation with the active ingredient potassium diclofenac and a combination of PVP K 30, ethyl cellulose and menthol. The optimization method uses the simplex lattice design method. There are 13 formula designs consisting of a combination of PVP K 30, ethyl cellulose and menthol. Each formula was tested for organoleptic, thickness, weight uniformity, moisture and folding resistance. Then the optimum formula was determined and analyzed using the simplex lattice design method. The combination of PVP K 30, ethyl cellulose and menthol with a simplex lattice design has an effect on the transdermal patch of diclofenac potassium which increases the consistency of the patch surface, reduces the thickness directly proportional to the weight of the patch and increases folding resistance. The proportion of PVP K 30, ethyl cellulose and menthol that can produce the optimum formula for diclofenac potassium transdermal patches with the simplex lattice design on the critical parameters of thickness, moisture, folding resistance and penetration tests, namely PVP K 30 of 14.87%, ethyl cellulose of 10.00% and 5.13% menthol.

Расчет поливной нормы при капельном орошении древесно-плодовых культур в садовых насаждениях

Purpose: to develop the methodology for calculating irrigation rate for drip irrigation of tree-fruit crops, ensuring the formation of moistened soil contours in soil space with the required geometric and moisture parameters. Materials and methods. The empirical basis for the methodology development was the materials of the author's research devoted to determining the geometric dimensions (parameters) of soil moisture contours. The working hypothesis of the study involved determining the water supply rate for one emitter, one tree-fruit plant and a number of crops in the plantation, with further determining drip irrigation rate per unit area of drip-irrigated agricultural land, taking into account the number of drip micro-water outlets located on it. Results and discussion. When determining the geometric parameters of moisture contours and water supply rate, the main soil and technological parameters of drip irrigation and contour formation (physical clay content in soil, its lowest moisture capacity and bulk density, levels of pre-irrigation and after-irrigation soil moisture, specified depth soil profile moistening and dripper consumption) were considered as influence factors. The dependencies obtained by the author make it possible to determine the linear, areal and volumetric dimensions of local moisture contours and water supply rate, which, under appropriate conditions of drip irrigation, ensures the formation of a local, initially formed moisture contour with the required soil wetting depth in the soil layer. A study of the proposed methodology showed a deviation of the predicted parameters from the experimental soil moisture contours within ±10.0 %. Conclusions. A methodology allowing determining the irrigation rate for drip irrigation of agricultural land as the sum of the water supply rates of all drip water outlets irrigating 1 hectare of agricultural land with practical accuracy has been developed.

Расчет поливной нормы при капельном орошении древесно-плодовых культур в садовых насаждениях

Purpose: to develop the methodology for calculating irrigation rate for drip irrigation of tree-fruit crops, ensuring the formation of moistened soil contours in soil space with the required geometric and moisture parameters. Materials and methods. The empirical basis for the methodology development was the materials of the author's research devoted to determining the geometric dimensions (parameters) of soil moisture contours. The working hypothesis of the study involved determining the water supply rate for one emitter, one tree-fruit plant and a number of crops in the plantation, with further determining drip irrigation rate per unit area of drip-irrigated agricultural land, taking into account the number of drip micro-water outlets located on it. Results and discussion. When determining the geometric parameters of moisture contours and water supply rate, the main soil and technological parameters of drip irrigation and contour formation (physical clay content in soil, its lowest moisture capacity and bulk density, levels of pre-irrigation and after-irrigation soil moisture, specified depth soil profile moistening and dripper consumption) were considered as influence factors. The dependencies obtained by the author make it possible to determine the linear, areal and volumetric dimensions of local moisture contours and water supply rate, which, under appropriate conditions of drip irrigation, ensures the formation of a local, initially formed moisture contour with the required soil wetting depth in the soil layer. A study of the proposed methodology showed a deviation of the predicted parameters from the experimental soil moisture contours within ±10.0 %. Conclusions. A methodology allowing determining the irrigation rate for drip irrigation of agricultural land as the sum of the water supply rates of all drip water outlets irrigating 1 hectare of agricultural land with practical accuracy has been developed.

ASSESSMENT OF FOREST VEGETATION POTENTIAL OF RECLAIMED AREAS AFTER ILMENITE MINING USING THE REMOTE EARTH SENSING METHOD

The mining of ilmenite has irreversible negative environmental impacts on the ecosystem of the area where mining companies operate. First of all, it leads to disturbance of the soil and vegetation layer, changes in the natural landscape, formation of depression sinkholes, which causes changes in water flow and water distribution in the mining area, lowering of groundwater levels, pollution of the atmosphere, soil and water bodies, and loss of species diversity of flora and fauna. In general, the mining process lasts for decades, during which time the territory is subject to irreversible changes and disturbances and requires high-quality restoration after the completion of ilmenite mining. The article suggests a methodology for assessing the forest vegetation potential of soils in areas disturbed by ilmenite mining using remote earth sensing (RES). Based on satellite images and spectral characteristics, we determined the parameters of soil type and moisture, as well as the vegetation and moisture index of the forest vegetation layer The results of the remote earth sensing were compared with the results of laboratory analyzes of soil samples from the territory operated by the branch of the Irshansk Mining and Processing Plant of PJSC UMCC. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Moisture Index, soil type and moisture were calculated and identified using QGIS software from data obtained from free-access satellite images. The results showed that a combination of laboratory and remote sensing methods can be quite effective for studying areas disturbed by mining activities and the state of their recovery after reclamation.

A way to mechanically activate a suspension of black truffle spores

True truffles, or fungi of the genus Tuber, are among the most valuable, rare, expensive, and mysterious fungi on the planet. The reproduction of truffle fungi in the wild is a complex process that depends on many factors, for example, the presence of suitable host trees, as well as the optimal parameters of temperature, moisture, soil pH, soil symbionts, and other organisms. Successful production and reproduction of truffles require a large number of conditions to be met, primarily the release of their spores from ascii, germination under favorable conditions, and distribution in the environment. The present study aims to develop a method for mechanically breaking ascii in order to release the spores of black truffle. It is shown that homogenization by means of an immersion blender together with a vibrating chopper is a highly effective way to break ascii. The microscopic examination of the specimens at all stages of the experiment revealed that this method leads to the breakdown of at least 85% of ascii and the release of truffle spores. The use of centrifugation approaches enables the separation of black truffle spores from hyphal debris, fungal symbionts, and various associated organisms. Such spores can form mycelium on growth media. The study results can be used to prepare Tuber sp. inoculum and obtain their axenic cultures. Thus, the introduction of methods for releasing spores from ascii improves the efficiency of black truffle cultivation.