Pine Bark Research Articles

PRODUCTION OF Adenium obesum (FORSSK.) ROEM. & SCHULT SEEDLINGS IN DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES

Low-cost substrates can potentially reduce production costs for ornamental plants such as Adenium obesum, popularly known as desert rose. The emergence and initial growth of desert rose in different substrates was evaluated. A randomized block design was used, with seven treatments and five replications. The treatments were sandy soil 100%; clay soil 100%; native vegetation soil 100%; sandy soil 50% + sawdust 50%; sandy soil 50% + fish farm sludge 50%; sandy soil 50% + crushed tobacco 50%; sandy soil 50% + pine bark with charcoal 50%. The fish farm sludge provided the highest emergence rate of 65%. At the end of the 180 DAS period, the SSF substrate had the highest average height, at 14.08 cm. The SSF and SPBC substrates had the highest average caudex diameter, at 32.42 mm. The SAN, NV, SSF, and SPBC substrates had the highest number of leaves parameter averages, with 41.80. Tobacco at a concentration of 50% hinders the emergence of desert rose seedlings. The substrate with a mixture of sandy soil and fish sludge provided the best development for the desert rose plants over the 180 days of evaluation.

A Review on Green Chemistry and Its Applications

Green Chemistry is most investigated subject these days. It is also known as sustainable chemistry. Green Chemistry and sustainable chemistry are equals that helps to save and conserve resources. It decreases the effect of chemical products on human and atmospheric health. Green Chemistry gives 12 principles that reduce and prevent the utilization and manufacture of hazardous substance. These principles of green chemistry inform about the various issues related to production of chemical compound. Green Chemistry concept started approximately three decades ago. Green chemistry concept for the chemical synthesis and application launched in 1990. This review article purpose to study about Green chemistry and its application and how green chemistry connect to the phytochemistry. By establishing Green Aspiration Level (GAL) that is a quantifiable descriptor, process greenness becomes measurable. Green house gases and global warming are the problem that affected the human and environment health. Green chemistry is used in daily life mainly in medicines. Tree bark and Pine bark extracts are mostly used in anti-microbial, antioxidant and anticancer drugs. The matter that present in environment gives applicable things to the researchers and engineers for the changing and developing a sustainable culture. The word “Green chemistry” is given by the IUPAC which means: the invention, design and utilization of chemical product and process to reduce or to eliminate the use and production of unsafe substance.

A Base Layer of Ferrous Sulfate-Amended Pine Bark Reduces Phosphorus Leaching from Nursery Containers

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied to container-grown nursery crops readily leach through pine bark-based substrates and can subsequently runoff and contribute to surface water contamination. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of adding a layer of FeSO4·7H2O-amended pine bark (FSB) to the bottoms of nursery containers on P leaching characteristics. Phosphorus and iron (Fe) leaching in response to FSB layer height (4 or 7.5 cm), FeSO4·7H2O rate (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 kg·m−3 Fe), and form (i.e., granular versus liquid) used to formulate the FSB layer, and the inclusion of dolomite in the FSB layer were also investigated. Greenhouse studies lasting 15 and 19 weeks were conducted, in which 2.5 L nursery containers containing the FSB layer treatments below non-amended pine bark substrate were fertilized with 199 or 117 mg P from a soluble or controlled-release fertilizer, respectively. Leachate resulting from daily irrigation was collected and analyzed for P and Fe weekly. All FSB treatments leached less P than the control (non-amended pine bark only), with P reductions ranging from 22% (4 cm FSB with 0.3 kg·m−3 Fe) to 73% (7.5 cm FSB with 1.2 kg·m−3 Fe). Phosphorus leaching decreased linearly with an increase in Fe rate or layer height. The amount of Fe that leached from containers with FSB was <5% of that applied, regardless of the Fe rate. Granular- and liquid-applied FeSO4·7H2O with or without dolomite were equally effective at reducing P leaching. Adding 0.6 kg·m−3 Fe to the bottom 500 cm3 of pine bark increased P adsorption by 0.053 mg·cm−3 P, which equates to 17.9 mg P adsorbed per gram of FeSO4·7H2O added. Results from this research suggest that including an FSB layer in the bottom of nursery containers is an effective strategy for reducing P runoff from container-based nursery production sites.

Response of Ips bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to prescribed fire in South Carolina

Ips bark beetles (Ips species; Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) play an important role in forest ecosystems by attacking injured, stressed, or dying pine (Pinus) trees. Management of Ips bark beetles has largely focused on prevention by maintaining tree health through silvicultural treatments including thinning to reduce basal area or prescribed fire. However, there is conflicting evidence of whether prescribed fire leads to increased bark beetle populations and, subsequently, increased tree mortality. Recent outbreaks of Ips bark beetles in the southeastern U.S. have caused renewed interest in the interactions between pine management and bark beetle populations. We monitored Ips populations following prescribed fire in intensively managed pine stands and quantified Ips damage. We captured over 361,000 Ips bark beetles with I. avulsus being the most abundant of the three species collected. While we found high variation among Ips populations across study sites and years, there was a significant increase in bark beetle populations after prescribed fire followed by a significant decline the next year. While Ips populations increased up to three-fold after prescribed burns, damage ratings in burned stands were no different than unburned stands which had significantly lower bark beetle populations. Unburned stands had higher basal area and a higher average tree damage rating, but the lowest number of Ips bark beetles. A total of 14,071 facultative (e.g., Monochamus = 9775) and obligate (e.g., Thanasimus dubius = 4296) predators were collected during the study across all sites and the ratio of predators:Ips also significantly increased following prescribed fire. These data suggest that while Ips are ubiquitous and abundant in pine forests being managed with prescribed fire, natural mechanisms such as predator activity mediate their overall damage and impact to southeastern pine stands.

Comparative Evaluation of Various Antioxidants on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Bleached Enamel - An In Vitro Study.

To evaluate and compare the effect of various antioxidants on the shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel. Labial enamel surfaces of 90 extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into five groups based on the antioxidant used as follows: Group I ( n = 20): Bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel for 10 min, without the use of an antioxidant; Group II ( n = 20): Bleaching followed by the use of 10% sodium ascorbate solution; Group III ( n = 20): Bleaching followed by the use of 5% grape seed extract solution; Group IV ( n =20): Bleaching followed by the use of 5% pine bark extract solution; and Group V ( n =20): Control group in which no bleaching was done. Groups I-IV were further subdivided into two subgroups of 10 teeth each, whether the antioxidant application and composite build-up was done immediately (subgroup A) or after 2 weeks of postbleaching (subgroup B). Shear bond strength of the specimens was tested under a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance followed by Mann-Tukey posthoc multiple comparison test was used to analyse the data. The level of significance was established at P < 0.05. Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that the use of antioxidants effectively reversed the compromised bond strength of bleached enamel. Among the antioxidants, 5% pine bark extract application after bleaching showed better bond strength.

Conventional Sphagnum peatlite substrate can be reduced by 50% in stratified substrate systems while growing equivalent size and quality Pentas lanceolata

Floriculture crop production heavily relies on the use of peat-based substrates to quickly mass produce containerized crops. The sustainability of using peat moss has been an increasing concern for both horticultural stakeholders and the community. The concept of stratifying soilless substrates (i.e., vertically layering unique substrates atop of each other within the container) has been shown to reduce peat moss applications by upwards of 50 %. Although, most stratified substrate research has only studied an equal partition in which the substrate is evenly split into two layers. This necessitates further studying modification of the limits and optima for the depth of each layer. This study evaluated adjusting this stratified depth layer for possible further benefits, such as reduced water and peat moss applications. Lucky Star Dark Red Pentas lanceolata ‘PAS1231189’ was grown in one of four substrate treatments, including a (1) non-stratified 100 % peat and perlite blend (peat-lite), (2) 13.4 cm peat-lite placed above 4.4 cm pine bark (PB) horizon with the container consisting of 75 % (by vol.) peat-lite and 25 % (by vol.) PB; (3) 8.9 cm peat-lite placed above 8.9 cm PB layer with the container consisting of 50 % (by vol.) peatlite and 50 % (by vol.) PB; (4) 4.5 cm peat-lite placed above 13.3 cm PB with the container consisting of 25 % (by vol.) peat-lite and 75 % (by vol.) pine bark. Crops were placed on irrigation-actuated lysimetry systems to maintain substrate volumetric water contents between 0.20 and 0.30 cm3 cm−3. This study identified successful production of pentas in stratified profiles when the depth layer is ≥ 50 % peatlite by vol., with equal growth to pentas grown traditionally (i.e., 100 % peat-lite; non-stratified). Crops grown in a 25 % peat-lite : 75 % PB depth layer experienced significantly reduced growth with regards to growth index, quality, and dry biomass. Moreover, crops grown in the 25 % peat-lite by vol. also experienced faster peak inflorescence with a subsequent continuous decline in flower development due to water stress; whereas, plants grown in ≥ 50 % peatlite by vol. continued to develop blooms throughout the study. This study demonstrates that a popular floriculture crop can be grown by stratifying expensive floriculture media above inexpensive PB with little to no differences in growth if the stratified peat layer is equal or greater than 50 % the container vol.

In Vivo Evaluation of Wound Healing Efficacy of Gel-Based Dressings Loaded with Pycnogenol™ and Ceratothoa oestroides Extracts.

Ceratothoa oestroides and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol™) extracts are considered promising therapeutic agents in wound healing. This study explores the healing efficacy of composite dressings containing these extracts, aiming to enhance their stability and effectiveness, utilizing a low-temperature vacuum method for producing Sodium Alginate-Maltodextrin gel dressings. Surgical wounds were inflicted on SKH-hr2 hairless mice. Dressings were loaded with Pycnogenol™ and/or C. oestroides extracts and assessed for their efficacy. Wound healing was primarily evaluated by clinical and histopathological evaluation and secondarily by Antera 3D camera and biophysical measurements. Dressings were stable and did not compromise the therapeutic properties of C. oestroides extract. All interventions were compared to the C. oestroides ointment as a reference product. Most of the wounds treated with the reference formulation and the C. oestrodes dressing had already closed by the 15th day, with histological scores of 7 and 6.5, respectively. In contrast, wounds treated with Pycnogenol™, either alone or in combination with C. oestroides, did not close by the end of the experiment (16th day), with histological scores reaching 15 in both cases. Furthermore, treatment with 5% Pycnogenol™ dressing appeared to induce skin thickening and increase body temperature. The study underscores the wound healing potential of C. oestroides extracts and highlights the need for further research to optimize Pycnogenol™ dosing in topical applications.

Advantages of a novel in situ pH measurement for soilless media.

Rhizosphere pH determines nutrient bioavailability, but this pH is difficult to measure. Standard pH tests require adding water to growth media. This dilutes hydrogen ion activity and increases pH. We used a novel, in situ, pointed-tip electrode to estimate rhizosphere pH without dilution. Measurements from this electrode matched a research-grade pH meter in hydroponic nutrient solutions. We then compared measurements from this electrode to saturated paste and pour-through methods in peat moss, coconut coir, and pine bark. The pointed-tip electrode was unable to accurately measure pH in the highly-porous pine bark media. Adding deionized water to the other media at container capacity using the saturated paste method resulted in a pH that was 0.59 ± 0.30 units higher than the initial in situ measurement at the top of the container. This increase aligns with established solution chemistry principles. Measurements of pH using the pour-through method were 0.38 ± 0.24 pH units higher than in situ measurements at the bottom of the container. We conclude that in situ pH measurements are not subject to dilution and are thus more representative of the rhizosphere pH than the saturated paste and pour-through techniques.

Effect of pine bark extract and its phenolic compounds on selected pathogenic and probiotic bacterial strains.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a heterogeneous group of chronic diseases as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD is the result of a dysregulation of intestinal homeostasis with a host's loss of tolerance toward normal enteric microflora. Plant-based extracts as phenolic compounds can play a role by modulating the intestinal inflammation response. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) and its phenolic constituents has been investigated in this study. Furthermore, the ability of PBE and phenolic compounds (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and taxifolin) to modulate the microbiota has been assessed. Phenolic compounds and PBE showed a great inhibitory effect on the pathogens growth at the highest concentration assessed (1.25 mg/mL). The growth of E. sakazakii and E. faecalis were affected by the effect of caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Taxifolin showed a very strong activity against Listeria sp. (with a reduction ~98%). Gallic acid revealed antibacterial effect on S. aureus at different concentrations. The inhibitory effect of PBE was highly significant on the growth of E. coli O157:H7. PBE, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid seem to provide the greatest beneficial effect on the probiotic bacteria. However, the highest concentrations of taxifolin may have impaired the growth of beneficial microbiota. Present findings could be of interest for considering PBE and/or its phenolic constituents as protectors against gastrointestinal disturbances which lead to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Will stumps from forest thinning and other standing deadwood provide habitat for saproxylic beetles if felling stumps on clearcuts are harvested?

ABSTRACT Increased level of stump harvest on clearcuts is expected due to growing demand for bioenergy. For saproxylic species, this will reduce habitat supply. Negative effects on populations may be buffered by alternative deadwood habitats, especially stumps after forest thinning. We investigated clearcuts and mature forest to see whether such stumps or other standing deadwood could host saproxylic beetles that occur in clear-felling stumps. The study was conducted in boreal Sweden, on clearcuts 3–14 years after harvest and in mature forests. Beetles were sampled from the bark of spruce, pine and birch, from stumps after clear-felling, stumps after thinning, snags within forests and high-stumps on clearcuts. Beta diversity differed significantly between deadwood types, but not tree species. The stumps after thinning had a species poor assemblage compared to other deadwood. Abundance of common species was higher in deadwood on clearcuts compared to forests, and higher in snags than in stumps. We conclude that stumps after thinning and other standing deadwood will not buffer habitat loss from increased stump harvest for species inhabiting stumps on clearcuts, because these communities require sun-exposed habitats. Within mature managed forests, improving the quality and diversity of deadwood will be important for increasing the diversity of saproxylic beetle communities.

A review and analysis of particle size parameters and their relationships to physical properties of growing media

AbstractAn expanded description of particle morphology and the analysis of its relationships with physical properties may help to optimize the selection of raw materials and particle size fractions used as growing media constituents. Previous works have described the outlines of these relations based mostly on sieving procedures to characterize particle size distribution. They have shown limited and sometimes contradictory results due to the different methods used, size fractions selected, and physical properties measured. Also, sieve analysis, which separates particles based on their width, is less accurate for non‐spherical particles, which is the case for most growing media constituents. Recent works have promoted the use of dynamic image analysis (DIA) to precisely analyze both particle length and width. Five raw materials were chosen (white and black peats, coir, pine bark, and wood fiber) and sieved to obtain various particle size fractions. For each particle size fraction and the raw materials, the mean weight diameter (MWD), derived from sieving, was calculated, whereas mean particle length and width were determined using a DIA tool, the QicPic device. Also, physical properties were assessed from water retention curves established using Hyprop systems. The statement that the larger the particle size, the higher the air‐filled porosity (AFP), the lower the water holding capacity (WHC) was more precisely redefined. Large variations in WHC and AFP mainly occurred for finest particle size fractions, whereas changes were conversely very small or non‐existent for larger particle sizes. From data obtained for each particle size fractions, regression models were established to relate mean particle length and width (both determined using DIA) and MWD (determined from sieving) with WHC and AFP. Mean particle length was identified as the most relevant parameter for predicting WHC and AFP of the raw materials tested.

Laccase‐mediated polymerization of tannins from a pine bark extract: Toward an eco‐friendly valorization of forest wastes

AbstractThe valorization of tannins from forest by‐products is a major opportunity for the sustainable development of the forestry industry. Herein we report the laccase‐mediated polymerization of tannins obtained from an aqueous pine bark extract. The reaction was conducted under an oxygen atmosphere at 50°C for 60 min and followed by UV–Vis, fluorescence intensity, phenol content, and viscosity measurements. An insoluble polymer was obtained after 45 min, which was attributed to coupling reactions triggered by phenoxyl radicals within the tannins mixture. The polymer showed a marked increase in thermal stability compared with the precursor pine bark extract, with a total mass loss of less than 12% at temperatures up to 500°C, suggesting potential practical applications in flame retardant materials. Additionally, the polymer showed an 85% DPPH activity and a 60% attenuation of singlet oxygen release upon light irradiation, which supports antioxidant and photoprotective properties for the prepared material. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the formation of an insoluble polymer by direct enzymatic reaction of an aqueous tannin extract. In this case, soluble tannins are the sole reactants used to produce a promising versatile material for forest waste valorization.

Влияние рекреации на радиальный прирост сосны обыкновенной

The article deals with the stages of recreational digression of different biogeocenoses in the Shirokovsky district forestry of the National Park “Buzuluksky Bor” and the peculiarities of radial growth of the common pine as a dominant stand. The aim of the work was to analyze the comparative response of the common pine trees in the zone of active recreation and in undisturbed areas. The presence or absence of undergrowth, understorey, projective cover and dominance of indicator plants were noted. Sub-tree enumeration with averaged data was carried out on temporary sample plots. Using a Flir i7 thermal imager, the presence or absence and localization of stem and root rots of pine from sponges were determined. A decrease in the total projective cover of the living ground cover and the number of forest species was observed, with an increase in the number of cereal species as recreational digression increased. As recreation intensifies, undergrowth and understorey disappears. It was noted that with increasing stages of digression the monotony of undergrowth species composition appears, the density and height of forest litter decreases, the number of trees infected with rots and infested with stem pests (black pine moustache, pine bark beetles, six-toothed bark beetle, apex bark beetle) increases. Changes in all components of biogeocenosis lead to loss of stability of forest phytocenosis as a whole. Even a simple stay of a large number of people in the forest leads to degradation of plant communities.

Physical Properties and Crop Performance of Four Substrate Fibers in Greenhouse Petunia Production

As peat (P) demand increases throughout the horticultural industry, alternative fibers must be evaluated. Sugarcane bagasse (B), wood fiber (W), and coconut coir (C) have received interest as domestically available alternatives to P, with demonstrated success in producing greenhouse crops. However, there is limited research comparing these materials to peat. This research evaluated the substrate properties and productivity of Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista ‘Indigo’ in pine bark substrates amended with C, W, B, or P and fertigated weekly at 100, 200, or 300 parts per million (ppm) nitrogen (N) to account for possible N immobilization. The container capacity was lowest and air-filled porosity was highest in W and B substrates. Substrate pH increased in W and B substrates, and C substrates were fertigated at 100 ppm N. Increasing the N rate increased the growth index in all substrates, especially B and W substrates later in the production period. Higher fertilization increased shoot mass, chlorophyll content, and blooms across all substrates, demonstrating that fertilizer supplementation may offset possible N immobilization. While plant growth and quality parameters were greatest in the P blend, increasing N applications produced similar-quality plants using alternative substrates, demonstrating that modifying fertilizer management practices can make alternative fibers a viable horticultural substrate.

Effects of Environmental and Nutritional Conditions on Mycelium Growth of Three Basidiomycota

In recent decades, an enormous potential of fungal-based products with characteristics equal to, or even outperforming, classic petroleum-derived products has been acknowledged. The production of these new materials uses mycelium, a root-like structure of fungi consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Optimizing the production of mycelium-based materials and fungal growth under technical conditions needs to be further investigated. The main objective of this study was to select fast-growing fungi and identify optimized incubation conditions to obtain a dense mycelium mat in a short time. Further, the influence of the initial substrate characteristics on hyphae expansion was determined. Fungal isolates of Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Trametes versicolor were cultivated for seven days on substrate mixtures consisting of various proportions of pine bark and cotton fibers. Furthermore, the substrates were mixed with 0, 2, and 5 wt.% calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and the incubator was flushed with 0, 5, and 10 vol.% carbon dioxide (CO2). All samples grew in the dark at 26 °C and a relative humidity of 80%. Evaluation of growth rate shows that cotton fiber-rich substrates performed best for all investigated fungi. Although Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor showed comparatively high growth rates of up to 5.4 and 5.3 mm d−1, respectively, mycelium density was thin and transparent. Ganoderma lucidum showed a significantly denser mycelium at a maximum growth rate of 3.3 mm d−1 on a cotton fiber-rich substrate (75 wt.%) without CaCO3 but flushed with 5 vol.% CO2 during incubation.

Effect of herbal antioxidants on the shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel at different time intervals.

Anterior tooth discolorations can be treated conservatively and noninvasively through bleaching to achieve the desired esthetic outcomes. However, bleaching along with composite resin is advisable for certain clinical cases for optimum results. However, shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin to the bleached tooth gets significantly lowered. Before placing the composite restoration, the bleached enamel needs to be treated with antioxidant agents to increase its SBS. The study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of herbal antioxidants on SBS of composite resin to bleached enamel at different time intervals. Sixty extracted single-rooted maxillary incisors postdecoronation, keeping their labial surfaces up were mounted in cold-cure acrylic resin. The samples were randomly divided into: Group I - unbleached; Group II - 10% pine bark extract for 10 min postbleaching; Group III - 10% pine bark extract for 20 min postbleaching; Group IV - application of 10% rosemary extract for 10 min postbleaching, Group V - application of 10% rosemary extract for 20 min postbleaching; Group VI - no application of antioxidant. 35% hydrogen peroxide was used for bleaching all the samples except those which served as negative control. Later composite cylinder 4 mm in diameter and length were built on prepared enamel. The maximum load at failure was recorded using the universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey's t-test with significance level of P < 0.05. Highest load was exhibited by Group I. Group V showed satisfactory shear strength followed by Groups IV, III, II, and VI. Both 10% rosemary and 10% pine bark extracts showed better results when applied for 20 min as compared to 10 min application. Increased duration of antioxidant application increases the SBS.

PROPERTIES OF SORBENTS FROM PINE BARK ACTIVATED BY MECHANOCHEMICAL METHODS

The influence of pine bark pre-activation conditions: 1) in a planetary mill AGO-2, 2) with water vapor under the conditions of explosive autohydrolysis (EAH), on the sorption activity of resulting sorbents with respect to methylene blue and gelatin was studied. It is shown that explosive autohydrolysis is a more efficient method to activate pine bark, and under certain conditions it leads to an increase in the sorption of methylene blue and gelatin at least by a factor of 1.8 and 3.8, respectively, compared with the sorbent from non-activated bark. The activating treatment of pine bark in a planetary mill makes it possible to increase the sorption of methylene blue and gelatin not more than by a factor of 1.3 and 1.2, respectively. A mathematical model is obtained that describes the effect of explosive autohydrolysis conditions (water vapour pressure and duration of pine bark treatment) on the sorption properties of the resulting sorbents. Optimal conditions providing the maximal sorption of methylene blue by the obtained sorbent are determined: temperature 155 °C; water vapour pressure 2.62 MPa; processing time 58.6 s. The sorption properties of the sorbent predicted by the mathematical model have been confirmed experimentally. Sorbents from pine bark, activated by explosive autohydrolysis, surpass the industrial enterosorbent Polifepan from hydrolytic lignin in their ability to absorb methylene blue and gelatin, which indicates the prospects for their use as enterosorbents in medicine and veterinary medicine. The results of the conducted research allow us to consider pine bark as an alternative raw material that can replace hydrolytic lignin in the production of effective enterosorbents.

Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols

Greenhouse tomato production faces multiple challenges, including the excessive use of nonrenewable substrates that are difficult to dispose of after use. Currently, most growers propagate tomatoes in rockwool, but there is an increasing demand for sustainable media. The objective of this research was to evaluate sustainable and organic alternatives for greenhouse propagation of tomato seedlings intended for high-wire production. Different organic and inorganic substrates were evaluated in three experiments, using a nutrient solution composed of a complete water-soluble fertilizer. Germination and growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, foliar chlorophyll levels (SPAD), and shoot fresh and dry weight, were measured. In the first experiment, which employed overhead irrigation, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, medium-grade pine bark, pine bark &lt; 0.64 cm, and pine bark &lt; 0.32 cm were evaluated. Tomato germination was faster and achieved higher percentages with pine bark &lt; 0.64 cm compared to other substrates. However, growth performance was similar or better in coir than in rockwool four weeks after transplantation. For the second experiment with sub-irrigation only, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark &lt; 0.32 cm bark, and peat were evaluated at different container heights. Peat resulted in greater growth across all parameters, followed by wood fiber–coir mix in all container heights, while pine bark had the least growth across all measured parameters. In the third experiment with overhead irrigation, rockwool, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark &lt; 0.32 cm, and a commercial peat-based mixture were evaluated under different fertilizer rates (electrical conductivity of 1.1 and 2.2 mS·cm−1). Wood fiber–coir mix, peat-based mix, and rockwool were the substrates with the highest values for all evaluated parameters. While all the organic substrates showed potential for use in tomato propagation, pine bark &lt; 0.32 cm bark and wood fiber–coir mix provided the best media for germination. Peat and wood fiber–coir mix showed the best media for subsequent seedling growth and demonstrated potential to be used as substitutes for rockwool.

Deodorisation of Ventilated Air from a Fat-Processing Plant Using Different Types of Biofilter Fillings and Membranes

The aim of the research is to assess changes in odour concentration in the ventilated air of a production hall, using different types of biofilter fillings and different types of membranes. Deodorisation was carried out using a mobile combined biofilter at a plant producing lard and liquid oils. Ventilated air from the hall contained organic and inorganic pollutants. Two types of fillings were used for technological tests: stumpwood chips mixed with pine bark and a mix of stumpwood chips with pine bark and green waste compost. Two types of membranes were also used, differing in thickness, permeability, and water resistance. The subjects of the research were the air supplied to the filter, lifted directly from the bed, and the air above the membranes. The deodorisation efficiency—the percentage reduction in the odour concentration value as a result of air flow through the bed and membranes—was calculated. The filtration methods used allowed the selection of the most advantageous technological variant from the point of view of deodorisation effectiveness: a mix of stumpwood chips with pine bark and the Pro Eko Tex UV membrane. It has a total odour reduction efficiency of 99.3–99.9% and has been added to full-scale implementation works.

Biochar N Content, Pools and Aromaticity as Affected by Feedstock and Pyrolysis Temperature

Forms and availability of nitrogen (N) in biochars are influenced by both feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. We conducted an assessment to examine how feedstock composition and pyrolysis temperature impact crucial properties and nitrogen (N) content and distributions within biochars. We subjected feedstocks with 0.2% to 8.9% N to pyrolysis at 300 °C and 750 °C. Biochars derived from different feedstock types (n = 11) were assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total C, water-soluble C (WSC) content, yield, total and available N content, as well as for C and N retention. We examined the aromaticity of the biochars by analyzing the ratio of specific FTIR spectra bands. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, we observed a decrease in yield, total N content, and N in the forms of N-NH4+ and N-NO3−. Concurrently, with the intensification of the charring process, the WSC content experienced a sharp reduction. Most biochars experienced an increase in carbon (C) content along with a notable decrease in total nitrogen (N) content as the pyrolysis process intensified. As charring conditions intensified, available N forms, such as N-NH4+ and N-NO3−, were lost. Biochars obtained from pine bark, eucalyptus sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, and bamboo exhibited high C content, low N content, and C:N ratios exceeding 100:1. The losses of C and N were independent of each other, with N chemical species demonstrating higher volatility compared to C compounds. At a temperature of 300 °C, the extent of N loss during pyrolysis depended on the feedstock, and the N content in the resulting biochar could be predicted based on the N content in the original feedstock. Pyrolysis at 300 °C retained a substantial amount of N in biochars derived from chicken manure, castor oil cake, chitosan, and shrimp carcass. This preserved nitrogen can serve as a valuable nitrogen source for crop applications.Graphical