Percent Moisture Research Articles

Designing and manufacturing a solar rotary dryer for drying beef and studying its quality and storage characteristics

An indirect rotary solar dryer for drying beef has been manufactured and designed in the food engineering workshop at the College of Agriculture, Basrah University. The dryer contains a solar collector with a length of 1.70 m, depth of 0.25 m, and width of 0.30 m, a chimney and tubular met at mesh. Also, the solar collector includes a drying tube that has a capacity of 5 kg and is made of galvanized iron. Throughout the study period, there was a significant increase in the solar radiation energy (p < 0.05) with daylight hours passed till 12:00 PM. In addition, the maximum level of solar energy has been 810.55 W/m2, which is after that reduced to 680.10 W/m2 at 4:00 PM. In the rotary solar dryer, the drying efficiency was 65.91 % at 60 oC and decreased with the increase in drying temperature. In the drying tube, the average temperature reached 80 oC at 1:00 PM, while the air temperature was 43 oC. Unsalted and salted beef were dried with the use of a different period of storage (0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70) days and various (60, 70, and 80 °C) to study their qualitative properties. The result indicated that there is a decrease in moisture content with the increase in drying time. Furthermore, the chemical composition related to dried unsalted and salted beef indicated that there is a decrease in moisture percentage. At the same time, there is an increased ash percentage, fat and protein after the process of drying. There is an increase in the moisture percentage throughout the periods of storage different from other percentages of the chemical composition, which have been reduced with the increase in the storage periods. It was shown via the results that there was a decrease in the re-hydration with increasing the drying temperature values for unsalted and salted dried beef. Results have reported that there has been a decrease in microbial content regarding dried unsalted and salted beef. Also, it was shown by the results that the model of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) showed good results of predicted content of the moisture.

Limitation and Potential Effects of Different Levels of Aging Corn on Performance, Antioxidative Capacity, Intestinal Health, and Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryCorn is an important ingredient and staple food in China; thus, corn storage has a certain importance to ensure domestic food resources. Normally, corn has been stored for 3 or more years under the proper storage conditions in national barns before it is used as a feed ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of aging corn (AC) on performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal health, and microbiota in broilers. In the present study, AC grains were stored for 4 years under the proper storage conditions at the national storage facility. The results indicated that a lower level of AC diet showed improved performance and overall bird health than a higher level of AC, and comparable with a normal corn diet. However, antioxidative capacity is reduced by AC diets.Three-hundred and sixty-day-old male broilers underwent three treatments with six replicates of 20 birds per treatment. The experimental diets included NC: normal corn diet; ACL: lower level (39.6–41.24%) of AC; and ACH: a higher level (56.99–59.12%) of AC. During phase 1 (0–21 d), broilers fed on AC showed lower (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared with the NC group. During phase 2 (22–42 d), the NC group and ACL group showed better (p < 0.05) BW, BWG, and FCR than the ACH group. The footpad lesion score (p = 0.05) and litter moisture percentage (p < 0.05) were found to be higher in the ACH group. During phase 1, the ACL group showed a lower level of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05) in serum; moreover, catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (p < 0.05) were found lower in both AC-containing groups. During phase 2, CAT activity in serum was found higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. During phase 1, the NC group showed higher CAT (p = 0.05), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p = 0.03); however, it showed lower MDA (p < 0.05) and total-antioxidative capability (T-AOC) (p < 0.05) in the liver. During phase 1, in breast muscle, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group. During phase 1, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. Similarly, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group than the ACH group. During phase 1, villus height was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. Moreover, the goblet cell (GC) was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group than the ACL group. During phase 2, GC was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In ileal digesta, during phase 1, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (BA) levels were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In cecal digesta, BA was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the NC group.

Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal patch of Methimazole

Transdermal patch is a drug delivery device in which the drugs are incorporated and is design in such a way that it releases the drug in sustained and at predetermined rate to deliver the drug through the skin to the systemic circulation painlessly. The aim of this research study was to formulate a controlled and sustained release transdermal matrix type patch of Methimazole. The matrix patch was prepared by solvent casting method using a various polymer in different concentration, HPMC (hydrophilic), Eudragit RL100 and Ethyl cellulose (hydrophobic) polymer. Total 9 prototype formulation were prepared and it was subjected for various evaluation test; weight uniformity, Folding endurance, thickness, Drug content, percent moisture content, percent Moisture uptake and In-vitro drug release study using Franz diffusion cell. The in-vitro CDR% data was fit into kinetics model to see the release kinetics from the patches. The Formulation F5 was choosen as a best formulation according to in-vitro drug release study. The in-vitro release was found 81.12 % in 12 hours, it followed zero order kinetics. The nature of polymer and concentration ratio of polymers plays a crucial role for obtaining a good transdermal patch design; therefore optimisation is very important step to formulate a desired TDDS. Therefore the result of the study encourages a further study and is hopeful that the present study would contribute to the recent pharmaceutical research for formulation development.

EVALUATION OF ALLANBLACKIA FLORIBUNDA SEED OIL FOR POTENTIAL USE IN SOAP MAKING.

Allanblackia floribunda seed oil was extracted and used for soap production, as an alternative to palm oil and other frequently used vegetable oils in industries. The physico-chemical properties of the oil in terms of density, melting point, saponification value and iodine value were measured using American oil chemists’ society (AOCS) standard methods. Medicated Allanblackia floribunda soap was produced by reaction of the oil produced with caustic soda, water, pine oil, chloroxylenol, colour, fillers of different percentages. The physiochemical parameter measured show that the oil has iodine value of 39, melting point of 37 0C, density of 0.914 g/ml, peroxide value of 0.86 mEq/kg, saponification value of 198 mgKOH/g, moisture content of 0.16 % and percentage free fatty acid of 1.15%. The values of the physico-chemical properties of Allanblackia soap made were: soap weight = 81.8 g, soap texture - soft, foam height = 59.6 ml, percentage moisture content = 8.56 %, percentage free caustic alkali = 0.01 %, percentage alcohol insoluble matter = 4.0 %, percentage water insoluble matter = 1.6 % and percentage total fatty matter = 72.0 %. There were little deviations in the values of the parameters of the soap produced with the Allanblackia floribunda seed oil from that of the commercial medicated soaps (tetmosol and dettol) analysed. The results from the study show that the soap produced from Allanblackia floribunda seed oil is good and can serve as an alternative to palm oil.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF PANTOPRAZOLE SODIUM

Objective: The present study was an attempt to develop an alternative dosage form for the existing conventional oral, parenteral proton pump inhibitor (PPI) as transdermal patches for treating peptic ulcers. Methods: Transdermal patches of PPI were prepared using HPMC E5 with PVP K 30 and HPMC E5 with Eudragit L100 polymers in different ratios by a solvent evaporation method. All the formulated patches were subjected to various evaluation parameters such as thickness, folding endurance, weight uniformity, content uniformity, swelling index, percentage moisture content, moisture uptake, surface pH and in vitro release studies. Results: All patches exhibited satisfactory characteristics regarding integrity, flexibility, dispersion of drug, and other quality control parameters. In the in vitro release studies of transdermal patches, formulation F1 showed the prolonged release of drug (98.99 %) for 24 h, which indicates the maximum availability of the drug, and the in vitro skin permeability studies also showed that 96.26 % of drug Pantoprazole sodium permeated through the rat abdominal skin in 24 h. The kinetic studies were carried out and it was found that all the formulations follow zero-order and the release mechanism of drugs was found to be diffusion rate-limited, Non-Fickian mechanism which was confirmed by Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Conclusion: This suggests the transdermal application of Pantoprazole sodium holds the promised controlled release of the drug for an extended period of time.

Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition of Commercially Important Spiny Lobsters from Visakhapatnam Coast, Andhra Pradesh, India

The research work was carried out to assess the dietary qualities of spiny lobsters collected from Visakhapatnam fishing harbour, situated on the northeast coast of Andhra Pradesh. The species selected were Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758), P. ornatus (Fabricius, 1798), P. versicolor (Latreille, 1804), and P. polyphagus (Herbst, 1793). The species were morphometrically measured, and their tissue was analyzed for the comparative proximate composition (Moisture, Protein, Lipid, and Ash) on a dry weight basis. Protein content was found to be high in all the lobster species. Highest protein content was observed in P. homarus (mg/g), followed by P. ornatus and P. versicolor (mg/g). Moisture percentage was 72.7, 75.7, 76.2, and 74.8% respectively. In addition, four minerals were analysed (Ca, Na, K, and Mg) in the present study. Calcium was observed maximum in all the species, and Magnesium was recorded minimum in all the lobsters.

Anti-Aging Activities of Asparagus Gel Ethanol Extract in Cosmetic Gel Agent for Facial Skin

Asparagus is a vegetable that contains phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties that scavenges aging-triggering free radicals. This study aimed to investigate the components and anti-aging potentials of Ethanol Extract form Asparagus (EEA). The study was performed in February 2020 at the Pharmacy Laboratory, University of North Sumatera. The EEA was obtained through maceration using 96% ethanol. An antioxidant assay was performed and the total phenol and flavodoid content were determined using the spectroscopic method. Three gel formulas with different concentrations of EEA was prepared (F1: 1.5%, F2: 2.5%, and F3: 3.5%), and F0 was used as control. The parameters evaluated were moisture, oil content, texture, collagen, wrinkle, pigment, sensitivity, and pore. The result showed that asparagus had a moderate antioxidant activity (IC50: 118,992) with the total phenol and flavonoid contents of 15,9407 mg GAE/g and 3,2286 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The highest aging activities was seen in F3 (3.5%), followed by F2 (2.5%) and F1 (1.5%). The percentage of moisture, oil, texture, collagen, wrinkle, spot, sensitivity, and pore recovery were found to be 40.15%, 49.73%, 71.76%, 17.70%, 70.93%, 49.34%, 42.56% and 25.31%, respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that the EEA Gel at the highest concentration (3.5%) has a high content of phenol and flavonoid which can improve the skin moisture, oil content, texture, collagen, wrinkles, spots, sensitivity, and pores, which promotes anti-aging activities.

Regeneration of black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marsh.) in hardwood swamps of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Forest Region

An inductive, ordination-based approach was used to explore patterns in the microenvironment and natural regeneration of black ash across a range of representative stands in the central Ontario portion of the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence Forest Region (GLSL) near Lake Nipissing, Ontario, Canada. The objective of this study was to describe patterns of regeneration of black ash and determine the associations between multiple indicators of black ash regeneration success and biotic and abiotic factors. Using a randomized sampling design with specific selection criteria, 12 black ash stands were sampled, each with three 400 m2 circular sample plots that contained three 4 m2 sub-plots. A suite of environmental variables such as elevation, topographic wetness index, slope, and soil characteristics (percent moisture, pH, total nitrogen, exchangeable phosphorus, potassium, magnesium) were determined for each stand. Variables capturing regeneration potential, including density, diameter, and height of all germinants, seedlings, saplings and sprouts were also collected. A sample of 15 dominant or co-dominant trees in each stand, as well as numerous black ash seedlings, saplings and sprouts were examined using dendrochronological methods to estimate ages. Principal component analysis ordinations were performed exploring the variation in environment and black ash regeneration variables among the stands. High soil moisture and the presence of canopy gaps, (as indicated by high standard deviation of canopy closure), were key variables associated with greater abundance of regeneration. Black ash was the dominant species in all stands, which were also generally characterized by a common reverse-J diameter distribution. It was observed that black ash in the sapling layer reached substantial ages (up to 60 years), indicating they are capable of withstanding long periods of suppression below the canopy. Collectively, these findings suggest that black ash-dominated stands in the study area are regenerating in multiple cohorts. Based on these patterns, it appears that regeneration in these stands is occurring through gap-phase mechanisms, suggesting single tree selection as the best management option for black ash in the GLSL.

English

The present study was conducted to probe out the nutritive losses caused by Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Trogoderma granarium (Everts) were quantified in six rice genotypes (KSK-434, KSK-282, Irri-6, Shaheen basmati, Basmati 385 and Chenab basmati). Percent crude protein, ash and moisture content were measured for qualitative losses, while for quantitative losses, frass weight and weight loss were examined after infestation period of 90 days of. Highest weight losses (25.76%) and (15.37%) were observed in KSK-434 by infestation of R. dominica and T. granarium, respectively, compared with un-infested grains after a storage period of 90 days. Highest frass weight (8.57 g) was recorded for KSK-434 while relatively low frass weight (4.16 g) was recorded for Basmati 385 by infestation of R. dominica. Relatively low frass weights of 5.67, 4.46 and 4.01 g were recorded in KSK-434, Chenab basmati and Shaheen basmati, respectively by attack of T. granarium. Highest percentage moisture values (14.03 and 11.24%) were recorded for KSK-434 by infestations of both test insects compared to non-infested (controls). Percent crude protein was decreased (from 6.97% to the 4.92%) due to infestation of R. dominica values by strain were KSK-434 (4.54%), Shaheen basmati (4.89%) and chenab basmati (4.92%). In the case of T. granarium infestation, almost all the varieties sustained the low protein contents except KSK-434 (5.02%) and Basmiti 385 (5.17%) and Shaheen basmati, protein contents loss comparable to non-infested control (7.09%). Ash content was high in genotype KSK- 282 (0.68 %) compared to control. KSK-434 and Chenab basmati had relatively low ash percentage due to high infestation of T. granarium. R. dominica attack produced the highest percent ash content (0.66%) in KSK-282 and the least (0.44%) in KSK- 434. The tested rice genotypes were more susceptible to R. dominica than T. granarium among the different genotypes of selected cereals.

Particularities of High Oxygen Content Biofuels Pyrolysis Process

Generating capacities supplied by solid biomass (renewable waste) gather at the moment less than 4.5% of the total renewable power installed worldwide. Given the two folded implications of such technology development and spreading (i.e. energy production and waste management), researches regarding efficient conversion processes and improved power facilities are of great interest currently. In this context, the paper addresses the particularities of high oxygen content biofuels pyrolysis, proposing innovative solutions to overcome the issues found in experimental investigations. Based on thorough experimental research conducted on agricultural wooden biomass and poultry manure, a number of problems arise. Among them, it is highlighted the heating in the absence of oxidants, an undesirable internal process caused by the high oxygen content, which contravenes the general principles regarding pyrolysis. Furthermore, the high oxygen content is associated with great moisture percentages. The present paper reveals the challenges determined by some negative aspects emerging during the pyrolysis of high oxygen content biofuels. Several solutions are proposed to improve the efficiency of the conversion process through adequate control. For instance, it is pointed out that the temperature level at which the pyrolysis process develops plays a crucial role in the general energy balance. On this matter, investigating poultry manure pyrolysis at low temperatures, a significant decrease of the final coke product is noticed. Poultry manure pyrolysis results as a suitable and simple solution to be employed for waste treatment purposes, as its combustible effects (combustible gases and semicoke / coke) are good candidates for energy production.

Influence of Maternal Carbohydrate Source (Concentrate-Based vs. Forage-Based) on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Progeny.

The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of maternal prepartum dietary carbohydrate source on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring. Angus-based cows were assigned to either a concentrate-based diet or forage-based diet during mid- and late-gestation. A subset of calves was selected for evaluation of progeny performance. Dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed (G:F), and ultrasound measurements (muscle depth, back fat thickness, and intramuscular fat) were assessed during the feeding period. Carcass measurements were recorded, and striploins were collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), trained sensory panel, crude fat determination and fatty acid profile. Maternal dietary treatment did not influence (p > 0.05) offspring BW, DMI, ultrasound measurements, percent moisture, crude fat, WBSF, or consumer sensory responses. The forage treatment tended to have decreased (p = 0.06) 12th rib backfat compared to the concentrate treatment and tended to have lower (p = 0.08) yield grades. The concentrate treatment had increased (p < 0.05) a* and b* values compared to the forage treatment. These data suggest variation in maternal diets applied in this study during mid- and late-gestation has limited influence on progeny performance.

The Effect of Lauric Acid Addition on Characteristics of Biocomposite Edible Film

The biocomposites were prepared from chitosan, carragenan and modified tapioca with lauric acid addition. The biocomposite were used as edible film material thus improving the mechanical characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of lauric acid addition that produced biocomposites with the best characteristics. This study used experimental method. The different concentration of lauric acid used as the treatment was 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% from total solid of hydrocolloids materials (w/w). Data were analyzed statistically using the F test (ANOVA test) with confidence level of 95%. The results showed more than 10% addition of lauric acid decreased the value of moisture content, tensile strenght, percent elongation and water vapor transmission but increase thickness, opacity and transparency value. The addition of 10% lauric acid produced biocomposite with the best characteristics according to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) which had the moisture content of 42.65%, thickness of 0.047 mm, tensile strength of 13.8 MPa, percent elongation of 29.2%, water vapor transmission rate of 8.5 g/m2/day, opacity 8.9% and transparency 7.5. This research used renewable and biodegradable materials that can be applied to produce edible packaging with the best characteristics and eco-friendly.

Transdermal delivery of gatifloxacin carboxymethyl cellulose-based patches: Preparation and characterization

This study modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) via microwave and prepared gatifloxacin patches through solvent evaporation technique. The prepared patches were investigated with regards to the physical appearance, thickness, weight uniformity, folding endurance, drug content, percent moisture loss, percent moisture uptake, water vapour transmission rate, microbial penetration, skin irritancy, stability, in-vitro drug release, release kinetic, ex-vivo permeation, skin drug retention, and ATR-FTIR of skin. The in-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation experiments were conducted via diffusion cell. It was found that CMC viscosity/molecular weight was reduced as the microwave irradiation time prolonged. All the prepared patches were smooth, clear and elastic and possessed good uniformity in weight, thickness, drug content, % moisture uptake and % moisture loss. The drug content was in the range of 85–95%. The drug release was facilitated by the reduction of CMC viscosity following non-Fickian diffusion mechanism as indicated in kinetic studies. Ex-vivo permeation and skin retention of the drug have been intensified when a low-viscosity polymer was introduced. ATR-FTIR results confirmed that the prepared patches mainly influenced the lipids and proteins of the skin which gave rise to the improved permeation and skin retention of the drug.

Tolerance of Ziziphus and Acacia honeys to one year storage conditions and altitude

Objectives: This article investigated the effect of plant origin, storage and altitude on the triglycerides, cholesterol and some physicochemical properties of honey samples. Methods: Nineteen honey samples (9 Ziziphus and 10 Acacia) were involved in this study representing two floral origins and seasons and four altitudes. The plant origin of the honey samples was confirmed microscopically and their quality parameters were analyzed according to the International Honey Commission harmonized methods of honey analysis. The lipid parameters were analyzed using spectrophotometric- enzymatic methods. The SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis of the obtained data. Results: The plant origin significantly affected the honey pH (P = 0.017), moisture (P = 0.009), fructose (P < 0.001) and the total of fructose and glucose (P = 0.001). Honey storage for one year significantly affected the Ziziphus honey pH (P = 0.005), moisture (P = 0.021), conductivity (P = 0.017), fructose (P = 0.036), glucose (P = 0.006) and the total of glucose and fructose (P = 0.013) while all the quality parameters of the stored Acacia honey were insignificantly different than those of the freshly harvested Acacia honey. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) of the freshly harvested honey (Ziziphus of Acacia) was higher than that of the stored honey. The altitude had significant effect on the pH, acidity, moisture, conductivity, fructose, glucose, the total of fructose and glucose and the HMF of the Ziziphus honey while the altitude of the Acacia honey significantly affected the percentages of moisture and fructose only. Conclusions: Acacia honey was tolerant to one year storage at room temperature and to the high altitude climate conditions. Freshly harvested honey samples were with high HMF concentration compared to the stored honey samples.

Electrical Capacitance Tomography to Measure Moisture Distribution of Polymer Foam in a Microwave Drying Process

Moisture distribution information is a critical element in drying processes. The drying of products by employing high-power microwave (MW) technology is widely used in the industry. Although microwaves allow volumetric and selective heating resulting in a significant reduction of processing time and energy consumption, there is always a risk of non-uniform moisture distribution in the final product. This paper investigates the capability of a designed electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor to estimate the moisture distribution of polymer foams in a microwave drying process. The moisture distribution is estimated based on the non-intrusive contactless measurements of the electrical capacitances between the electrodes mounted on a frame around the target polymer foam. The obtained moisture information can be employed as feedback to a controller to adjust the power level of each microwave source in the microwave system to reduce or eliminate the non-homogeneity of the moisture distribution inside the polymer foam. In a series of experiments, we first examine the capability of the ECT sensor in estimating the moisture distribution in a stationary foam. We extend the tests to estimating the moisture distribution in a case where the foam is moving on a conveyor belt. Several study variables are taken, including the sample size, the sample location, the moisture percentage, the conveyor belt speed, and the microwave power. These experiments show that the sensor has a satisfactory accuracy in estimating the moisture distribution of the foam, and the ECT measurements can be further used in a closed-loop control system.

Evaluation of Proximate and Mineral Composition of Mutant Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) Accessions in Kenya

Plant breeding through induced mutation technology is a potent method to creating new variants of food crops with of desirable phenotypic, genetic and biochemical functions. It is a catalyst in developing improved crop varieties where classical hybridization or selection have limitations. It has been used to improve nutrition quality and higher yield in a number of legumes. Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus L) is multipurpose legume that has not been exploited extensively for food nutritional properties through breeding. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to generate awareness that nutritional status of D. Lablab could be improved through mutation induction and be a good source of food components essential for good health. Twenty-four dolichos Lablab germplasms including 20 mutant accessions and 4 commercial genotypes were evaluated for proximate values and mineral contents in Kenya in 2021 based on Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Data analysis was based on least significant difference (P = .05).The revealed percent moisture, ash crude fat, crude fibre, crude proteins and total starch content ranged : 7.35% -11.84%, 1.09 -2.90%, 3.35% - 8.05% , 8.86 - 12.70% , 20.03% - 28.87% and 25.50% - 39.00% .The mineral content of phosphorous (P), potassium(K) and calcium (Ca) ranged from 27mg - 57mg, 132mg -297mg and 7mg - 19mg. A significant positive correlation between ash levels to P and K concentration and on P to K concentration. The result of analysis ranked 9 (WT026, WT018 ,MT110 , BT188 , BT032, BT114, MT076 BT137,GT09) different accessions that positively contributed to the nutritional content of the investigated dolichos lablab accessions. Further research on the superior accessions can be done on yield potential, resistance to biotic and abiotic constrains, sensory preferences or used in bio fortification of existing genotypes.

English

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the common cash crop of the rainfed areas. Appropriate management practices are very important to get better yield of peanut in sandy loam soil. A field study was carried out during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the effect of poultry manure (PM) (37.1 t ha-1), farmyard manure (FYM) (49.4 t ha-1), gypsum (GYP) (2.5 t ha-1), liquid humic acid (HA) (49.4 L ha-1) and co-application of GYP (1.2 t ha-1) and FYM (24.7 t ha-1) on peanut yield, quality and soil physical properties. Application of FYM, PM, HA and GYP (alone or in combination) significantly improved peanut yield, quality and soil physical properties. The combined application of GYP and FYM proved most effective (P ≤ 0.05) in improving the peanut yield (no. of pods per plant, 100 seed weight etc), quality (crude protein and oil content) and soil physical properties (moisture percentage, infiltration rate and bulk density). The combined application of GYP and FYM increased the pods yield by 67 and 65% during 2018 and 2019, respectively than control. Crude proteins (21%) and oil contents (9.0%) were also substantially increased in the combined application. Moreover, the combined application of GYP and FYM significantly retained the soil moisture and reduced bulk density of soil. Present findings suggest that integrated use of FYM and GYP under field conditions could improve the crop productivity, crude protein, oil contents, moisture percentage, and reduce the bulk density of soil thus improving overall soil health. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Influence of arboreal components on the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems in northeastern Peru

Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are presented as an alternative for the protection and recovery of soils; however, the relationship between the tree component and the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil is unknown. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil under four silvopastoral systems (SPS), alder (Alnus acuminata), pine (Pinus patula), cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and pona (Ceroxylon quindiuense), and a treeless system (TS) in the Amazonas region. A completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replicates was used. The experimental units were sampled at two depths, 0–15 and 15–30 cm. The parameters evaluated were pH, electrical conductivity (dS/m), organic matter (%), phosphorus (ppm), potassium (ppm), cation exchange capacity (meq/100 g), porosity (%), mechanical resistance (kg/cm2), bulk density (gr/cm3), moisture (%) and total carbon (t/ha). The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (α = 0.05 %) and Tukey's test of means (p ≤ 0.05). The systems presented strong acidic pH values (4.11–5.61), which resulted in high organic matter contents in all systems (6.74–9.99 %). The highest phosphorus content was in the SPS with alder (12.64 ppm), and the highest potassium content was in the SPS with cypress (382.33 ppm). Porosity in all systems was higher than 60 %. The highest bulk density was between 15 and 30 cm, and the highest percentage of moisture was in the surface layer (0–15 cm). The mechanical strength was higher in the SPS with cypress (2.62 kg/cm2). For all the systems evaluated, the highest carbon stock was found in the first 15 cm. The SPS with pine had the best soil characteristics and carbon sequestration (149.05 t/ha).

Mathematical Model for Describing Corn Grain Dehydration Kinetics after a Nixtamalization Process

In this research, the mathematical model associated with the hydrothermal dehydration process of Nixtamalized Corn Grains (NCG) with different Steeping Time (ST) values, allows the fitting of experimental data with initial moisture and the equilibrium moisture as a function of Isothermal Dehydration Time (IDT). The moisture percentage for any time and dehydration rate (isolines M(t) and isolines respectively) of the NCG is shown by means of matrix graphics as a simultaneous function of IDT and ST. The relationship between initial dehydration rate and initial moisture establishes as a function of ST. Also, the mathematical model associated with the solution of the second Fick’s law allows calculating the diffusivity rate (H2O molecules out of NCG) and verify that the rate of change in moisture and the dynamical proportionality constant has a non-linear dependence on the IDT and that is directly proportional to . The values strongly relate to ST and the calcium ions percentage into NCG according to solubility lime values into cooking water (or nejayote) as a function of decreasing temperature when ST increases.

The Effect of Grazing Intensity on Vegetation Coverage and Nitrogen Mineralization Kinetics of Steppe Rangelands of Iran (Case Study: Nodoushan Rangelands, Yazd, Iran)

Livestock grazing can affect the cycling of nutritional elements in soil by making changes to the vegetation coverage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rangeland exploitation on vegetation coverage and nitrogen kinetics. To this end, three experimental sites of light, moderate, and heavy grazing in Nodoushan rangelands of Yazd province were selected. The vegetation properties were then measured through systematic random sampling method and three to five bases along the transect were sampled from the current year growth of the dominant plants in the region. The soil samples were collected from 0–15 cm depth in five replications and mixed together to obtain a single composite soil sample on each site. In the first stage, nitrogen (N), carbon (C), C/N, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of the sampled plant as well as nitrogen, carbon, lime, soil texture, saturation moisture percentage, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil were measured. As the soil properties did not differ for light and moderate grazing soils, different treatments were conducted on the dominant species of light and heavy grazing sites with 1% organic carbon added to the rangeland soil. Nitrogen mineralization treatments were selected based on vegetation changes that, with increasing livestock grazing intensity, changed the predominance of plant composition from Artemisia sieberi and steppe to percentage Artemisia sieberi and Peganum harmala. The treatments included control, 100% Artemisia sieberi, 75% Artemisia sieberi and 25% Peganum harmala, 50% Artemisia sieberi and 50% Peganum harmala, 25% Artemisia sieberi and 75% Peganum harmala, and 100% Peganum harmala. The soil samples were incubated for pure nitrogen mineralization in three replications of 3 months. The results of nitrogen mineralization revealed that the immobilization of the treated soil with higher Artemisia sieberi and lower Peganum harmala was done at a more rapid rate during the first week. The immobilization was slowly reduced by the third week and then followed a growing rate. Overall, the results show that an increase in grazing intensity was associated with a change in vegetation coverage toward Peganum harmala species, the biochemical characteristics of which elevated the levels of pure nitrogen mineralization in soil.