Plant Fresh Biomass Research Articles

Characterizing ecosystem-driven chemical composition differences in natural and drained Finnish bogs using pyrolysis-GC/MS

Aerobic decomposition increases in drained peatlands; releasing stored organic matter (OM) and shifting greenhouse gas fluxes from sink to source. This study explored how drainage influenced peat OM chemical composition by investigating paired sites from a Sphagnum-dominated ombrotrophic Finnish bog undergoing contrasting hydrological management (natural and drained). Peat OM was investigated in replicate cores using analytical pyrolysis, compared with observed vegetation, elemental analysis (O:C, N:C), stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N), and fraction radiocarbon. Principal component analysis of quantified pyrolysis products separated four primary components: vascular plants vs Sphagnum, aerobic degradation of fresh plant biomass, anaerobic processes in water-saturated depths, and pine vs Eriophorum. The largest influence of drainage on peat chemistry was via aerobic decomposition (decreased abundance of Sphagnum phenols and simple polysaccharides; accumulation of macromolecular polysaccharides) (p < 0.05, 0–2 cm). Drainage-induced shifts in vegetation (from Sphagnum to Pinus sylvestris (p < 0.01, 0–2 cm) were reflected by increased abundance in lignin, N-compounds, and lipids, and decreased abundance in phenols and polysaccharides. Anaerobic processes also differentiated the natural and drained sites and primarily affected polysaccharides (p < 0.05, 0–2, 8–10 cm). Vegetation shifts and aerobic decomposition similarly affected many of the same compounds upon drainage– demonstrating the simultaneous influence of different processes on the same OM. Pre-drainage inter-core variation illustrated the importance of replicate cores in disentangling anthropogenic changes from natural biodiversity. These findings suggest that even short-term and moderate alterations in peatland hydrology strongly influence the chemical composition of peat OM, and that its chemistry serves as an effective indicator to assess decomposition status.

Seed priming with ZnO nanoparticles promotes early growth and bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera

Nanotechnology has gained importance in agricultural production systems, with various applications such as pesticides or fertilizers. The application of nanomaterials (NMs) as a pretreatment to seeds (seed priming) has positively affected plant growth and development. On the other hand, Moringa oleifera is a plant appreciated for its multiple nutraceutical properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment of M. oleifera seeds with ZnO nanoparticles (NZnO) (0, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg L-1). The study was divided into two experimental phases: the first phase consisted of evaluating germination under laboratory conditions (25 °C) at 15 DAS, while in the second phase, vegetative growth and bioactive compounds were evaluated at 45 DAS under greenhouse conditions. For phase one, the percentage of germination, length, and dry weight of the plumule and radicle were considered, and the vigor indices of seeds were determined. In phase two, we measured the plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry biomass of aerial and root parts, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamin C, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH), such as the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL). The results showed an increase in some variables related to seed germination, with an increase of between 30 and 25% in the vigor of the seeds subjected to 2.5 and 10 mg L-1 NZnO. The photosynthetic pigments resulted in increases of between 23 and 49% for the 7.5-10 mg L-1 NZnO treatments. Regarding bioactive compounds, the increase in phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C stands out, mainly at the levels of 7.5-10 mg L-1 NZnO, where increases of up to 543% were observed with respect to the control. The enzymatic activity showed different responses to the application of NZnO, where a biphasic response (hormesis) was observed on the activity of APX and CAT activities as the levels of NZnO increased. The results show that it is possible to promote the initial growth and bioactive compounds of M. oleifera by pretreatment of seeds mainly with 10 mg L-1 NZnO.

Insights Into Manganese Solubilizing Bacillus spp. for Improving Plant Growth and Manganese Uptake in Maize.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth that is involved in the structure of photosynthetic proteins and enzymes. Mn deficiency is widespread mainly in dry, calcareous, and sandy soil, which leads to a significant decrease in crop yield. Mn-reducing bacteria promote the solubilization of Mn minerals, thus increasing Mn availability in soil. The present study aimed to assess the Mn solubilizing ability and plant growth-promoting potential of Bacillus spp. strains for maize plants with insoluble Mn compounds. Several Mn-solubilizing bacterial (MSB) strains were isolated from the maize rhizosphere using nutrient agar media amended with 50 mM MnO2. These strains were screened based on qualitative and quantitative solubilization of Mn, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc and production of ammonia. The majority of MSB strains were positive for catalase, protease, amylase, and oxidase activity, while more than 60% of tested strains were positive for lipase activity, and the production of indole-3-acetic acid and siderophores. Forty-five percent of the tested strains also showed solubilization of potassium. All the MSB strains were evaluated for their ability to promote plant growth and Mn uptake in the presence of MnO2 under axenic sand culture conditions. The results revealed that inoculation with MSB strains under sand culture significantly improved the growth of maize seedlings except for strains ASH7, ASH10, and ASH12. Comparatively, strains ASH6, ASH11, ASH19, ASH20, and ASH22 demonstrated a better increase in plant growth, fresh and dry biomass, and Mn uptake in roots and shoots than the other strains tested. All of these strains were identified as Bacillus spp. through 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing. Maize inoculation with these selected identified MSB strains also resulted in an increase in maize growth and nutrient uptake in maize roots and shoots under soil culture conditions in the presence of native soil Mn. The current study highlights the importance of MSB strain inoculation which could be a potential bioinoculants to promote plant growth under Mn deficiency.

Screening Field Grown Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) Genotypes For Salinity Tolerance in the North of Tunisia

The focus of this study is to compare salt stress response among pearl millet genotypes, based on agronomical traits. A field experimental complete randomized design (CRD) was conducted during the summer-winter season (July-December) of 2010, at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Nabeul. Nine pearl millet Pennisetum Glaucum L genotypes (IP 22269; IP 13151; MC 94C2; IP 19612; SVDANPOL III; ICMV 1550; IP 7704; HHVBCTAB2; IP 19586) were irrigated with saline water (8.57 dS.m-1 EC). Plant height, biomass accumulation and morphological measures of clusters (weight, length, diameter) were determined. Based on plant height and fresh biomass accumulation, we could classify the genotype IP22269 as more tolerant to salinity, while MC94C2 as sensitive genotype. MC94C2 was once more identified as sensitive genotype, based on less clusters weight. Highest values of clusters weight and diameter were recorded for IP19586 and IP19612. Thus, a noticeable variability in salt tolerance was observed among studied genotypes.

High-resolution unmanned aircraft systems imagery for stay-green characterization in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L]. Moench) is a crucial crop to the world’s semiarid regions, as it can produce grain and biomass yields in precipitation-limited environments. Many genotypes have a characterized form of drought resistance known as the stay-green (SG) trait, enabling sorghum plants to resist postflowering drought stress that can severely reduce yields. Breeding for SG sorghum lines is considered vital for sorghum breeders around the world, but selecting for SG traits currently relies on methods that are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Using unmanned aerial systems capable of capturing high-resolution imagery offers a solution for reducing the time and energy required to select for these traits. A field study was conducted in Manhattan, Kansas, where 20 Pioneer® sorghum hybrids were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications per hybrid. Imagery was collected with a DJI® Matrice 200™ equipped with a MicaSense® RedEdge-MX™ multispectral camera. Flight altitude was 30 m, and flights were collected under clear, sunny skies within ±2.5 h of solar noon. Ground-measured data included visual senescence ratings, fresh and dry plant biomass, leaf area index, and final grain yield. After correlation and regression analysis, results indicated significant relationships with the near-infrared spectral band with fresh and dry plant biomass samples, the green normalized difference vegetation index scores at flowering were the most related to final grain yield, and the visible atmospherically resistant index was the most related to visual senescence scores. Significant spectral band/vegetative indices were clustered into groups, and significant differences were found between various traits. We have developed a methodology for SG sorghum growers to collect, process, and extract data for more efficient identification of traits of interest.

Effects of kinetin on arsenic speciation and antioxidative enzymes in fronds of the arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris cretica var. nervosa and non-hyperaccumulator Pteris ensiformis

Cytokinins (CTKs) enhance plant tolerance to heavy metals, but the associated mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the effects of kinetin (KT, a type of CTKs) on arsenic (As) speciation and antioxidative enzymes in plant fronds, by comparing Pteris cretica var. nervosa (As hyperaccumulator) and Pteris ensiformis (non-hyperaccumulator). A hydroponic test was carried out and the two plant species were treated with 2 mg L−1 arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)] or dimethylarsinate (DMA), and then 0–1.0 mg L−1 KT was exogenously applied for 14 days. The maximum As uptake of the two experimental plants was 0.5 mg L−1 KT. Fresh plant biomass was also significantly increased, except in P. cretica var. nervosa under DMA stress. The frond superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the two plant species was significantly increased by 0.5 mg L−1 KT. Additionally, a significant decline in frond peroxidase (POD) activity was observed in P. ensiformis at 1.0 mg L−1 KT under As(III) stress. However, POD activity was significantly increased in P. cretica var. nervosa, at 0.1 mg L−1 KT, under As(III) or DMA stress, and at 1.0 mg L−1 KT, under As(V) stress. Therefore, KT promoted As transport and increased frond POD activity in P. cretica var. nervosa, which contributed to its As tolerance under stress from different As species.

Evaluation of Capsicum annum L. genotypes against salinity induced by NaCl

Soil salinity harmfully effect bell pepper production being salt sensitive crop. The aim of this study was to compare capsicum (bell-pepper) cultivars for their ability to tolerate salt stress. Electrical conductivity of different levels i.e., control (no sodium chloride), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1, was developed by using NaCl, after 30 days of seedling emergence of six cultivars (Yolo Wonder, California Wonder, Cop-amber Hybrid, F1 Pangs No. 206, Sweet Pepper F1, Kaka F1). These cultivars were evaluated based on morphological (shoot and root length, plant fresh and dry biomass), physiological (chlorophyll content) and biochemical attributes (nitrogen concentration, and protein contents). Minimum chlorophyll contents (SPAD units) in Kaka F1 (16.77 SPAD units) at 1.5 dSm-1. However, maximum value of chlorophyll contents was observed in Sweet Pepper F1 (49.23 SPAD units) at control followed by “Yolo Wonder” (41.53 SPAD units) at control. Maximum dry biomass was found in California Wonder (0.468 g) at 1.5 dSm-1, while minimum value of dry biomass (g) was observed in Kaka F1 (0.095 g) at 4.5 dSm-1. Six cultivars of capsicum were categorized into three groups. Salt tolerant cultivars included “California Wonder” followed by “Yolo Wonder”. “Kaka F1” was proved most salt sensitive and all others were moderately salt tolerant.

Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Mulching for Weed Suppression in Wheat under Rain-Fed Conditions of Haripur, Pakistan

Weeds pose a great threat to crop production subsequently distressing the equilibrium of agro-ecological systems globally. Instead of relying on chemical weed control, there is a dire need to explore alternative eco-friendly agricultural practices for weed suppression and sustainable wheat production. Mulching being eco-friendly could potentially serve the purpose towards weed suppression organically. To check the usefulness of mulching, two-year studies were conducted under field conditions in Haripur, Pakistan, during 2014 and 2015 to elucidate the response of various mulching materials for weed control in wheat. Six mulch material treatments were used along with Buctril super (used as check) at the rate of 1.235 L ha−1 to control the most problematic weed species of wheat in Pakistan. Experiments were designed under randomized complete block design with four repeats. The analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in weed density, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) where Buctril super at 1.235 L ha−1 and mulch of black plastic were used followed by sugarcane bagasse and dry leaves of mulberry, as compared with control (untreated). Higher density of weed, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass were observed in test weed species of wheat where lentil was applied with wheat and dry leaves of mulberry were incorporated. Net economic benefits in the form of benefit cost ratio (2.55) were higher where grass clippings were applied followed by sugarcane bagasse (2.43), mulberry leaves (2.49), while the lowest net economic benefits (1.72) were obtained when lentil (grown as live mulch crop) with wheat was intercropped. It was concluded from the study that sugarcane bagasse and grass clippings could be a source to control weeds in the wheat with a minimum cost of production at Haripur, Pakistan, and similar agro-climatic environment.

Fertilizing behavior of extract of organomineral-activated biochar: low-dose foliar application for promoting lettuce growth

BackgroundFostering plant growth and improving agricultural yields by adding “macro”-sized biochar to soil has been extensively explored. However, the impact and mechanism of action of aqueous extracts of biochar applied as foliar fertilizer on plant growth and physiology is poorly understood, and was the objective of this study. Extracts were produced from biochars derived from pine wood:clay:sand (PCS-BC; 70:15:15) and wheat straw:bird manure (WB-BC; 50:50) and tested at two dilutions each. The plant influence of the biochar extracts and dilutions were compared with chemical fertilizer made up to the same minor trace element compositions as the applied extracts and a control treatment consisting of only deionized water.ResultsThe WB-BC extract was more alkaline than the PCS-BC extract and exhibited higher electrical conductivity values. Similar to the biochars from which they were derived, the WB-BC extract had higher concentrations of dissolved mineral elements and organic matter than the PCS-BC extract. Despite major differences in chemical composition between the PCS-BC and WB-BC extracts, there was virtually no difference in plant performance between them at any chosen dilution. Foliar application of PCS25, WB50, and WB100 led to a significant increase in the plant fresh biomass in comparison to their corresponding chemical fertilizer and to deionized water. Plant growth parameters including number of leaves and chlorophyll contents in plants treated with biochar extract foliar sprays were significantly higher than in all the other treatments. Electron microscopy and spectroscopy studies showed the deposition of macro- and nanoscale organomineral particles and agglomerates on leaf surfaces of the examined PCS25-treated plant. Detailed study suggests that carbon nanomaterials and TiO2 or Si-rich nanoscale organomineral complexes or aluminosilicate compounds from biochar extract were main contributors to increased plant growth and improved plant performance.ConclusionThese results suggest that biochar extracts have the potential to be used as nanofertilizer foliar sprays for enhancing plant growth and yield.

Plant biomass and fruit quality response of greenhouse tomato under varying irrigation level and water quality

The impact of water quality with varying deficit irrigation level on the plant biomass and fruit quality parameters of greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv Izmir) was investigated. A pot-based experiment was carried out over two growing seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). Three water qualities: groundwater, recycled wastewater and an equal mix of both were applied in four irrigation scenarios which aimed to maintain soil moisture levels at 60%, 70%, 80% and 100% of field capacity. A surface drip irrigation system was designed maintaining irrigation frequency of two days. Results showed that both water quality and deficit irrigation significantly affected plant biomass. The fresh fruit weight was rather uniform, ranged from 53.2 to 85.4 gram and found highest in full irrigation. Most of the fruit quality parameters were not significantly affected by water quality.The significantly higher values of total soluble solid (7.87 degree brix), fruit firmness (9.28 kg/cm2), fruit pH (4.24) and vitamin C content (68.33 mg/kg) were measured in treatments maintaining soil moisture content at 60% of field capacity (most water-stressed conditions). Based on these findings, it recommended that by adopting deficit irrigation and maintaining soil moisture at 60% of field capacity, fruit quality parameters can be significantly improved. In contrast, fresh fruit weight and plant biomass were reduced.

The Effect of Sowing Date and Harvest Time on Leafy Greens of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Yield and Selected Nutritional Parameters

In 2015–2017, field experiments were conducted, in two facilities of the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences: at the Research and Didactic Station in Psary (51°19′08” N, 17°03′37” E) and in the plots of the Department of Crop Production in Pawlowice (51°17′32” N, 17°11′72” E). The research aimed to evaluate fresh biomass yield and selected quality parameters of quinoa grown as a green leafy vegetable. The study was conducted on two soils: medium (clay soil texture) and light (sand soil texture), sowing quinoa in spring and summer periods. On both soils, quinoa was harvested 5 times at each sowing date. The yields of fresh plant biomass, basic morphological characteristics and certain quality traits were compared. All experimental factors had a significant effect on quinoa fresh biomass yield. On light soil, quinoa yielded 4 times lower than on medium soil, and its cultivation posed a high risk, especially at the summer sowing date. The experimental factors used had the greatest effect on macronutrient content. Growing quinoa on medium soil yielded biomass with higher K, Mg, Ca and N-NO3 concentration, while spring sown plants had higher K and N-NO3 concentration. Harvesting date had the greatest effect on the change in nutritional values. Potassium content decreased as the harvest date was delayed, and N-NO3 content decreased gradually until the fourth harvest date. The results showed that quinoa should be harvested as a green leafy vegetable when it reaches a height of 20–30 cm; biomass production is then at 500–1000 g per m2, potassium content is less than 10 g per 100 g dry matter and N-NO3 content is less than 100 mg 100−1 f.m.

Enterobacter hormaechei (MF957335) enhanced yield, disease and salinity tolerance in tomato.

Soil salinity is one of the major limiting factors for poor crop yield in the world. Increasing salinity in the soil is a challenge for agriculture. In the recent past, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are being used to enhance plant growth in various conditions. However, the saline-tolerant PGPR are of great use for plant growth under saline condition. In the present study, saline-tolerant E. hormaechei (MF957335) was isolated from saline water. E. hormaechei (MF957335) was tested for its potassium and calcium solubilizing efficiency using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX). E. hormaechei (MF957335) and K-Feldspar treatments significantly increased plant growth as compared to untreated plants (negative control). E. hormaechei (MF957335) significantly increased fresh biomass, shoot and root length of tomato plants. Among all the NaCl treatments, maximum fruits (9.66) were achieved in 250mM NaCl + E. hormaechei treatment. Similar results with increased fruit numbers were obtained in K-Feldspar-treated plants. Apart from the plant growth, fresh biomass and fruit numbers, tomatoes from K-Feldspar-treated plants were large, fleshy and deep red colored. The study could demonstrate bioavailability of potassium from K-feldspar for tomato cultivation. Control plants tomato were small, non-fleshy, yellowish red, and infected with calcium deficiency disease blossom-end rot. The present study demonstrates the role of E. hormaechei (MF957335) in plant growth, yield promotion and disease tolerance by potassium and calcium solubilization, respectively. The study showed that E. hormaechei (MF957335) could be applied to saline and non-saline soils to enhance tomato yield.

Impact of the low and high concentrations of fly ash amended soil on growth, physiological response, and yield of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poiret L.).

Fly ash, a result of coal burning in thermal power plants, is sustainably used in agriculture and has been regarded as a problematic solid waste worldwide. The presence of some desired nutrients (macro and micro) and its porosity makes it a marvelous soil amendment for plant growth and development. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of different fly ash levels on pumpkin crop (Cucurbita moschata). Pot experiment in randomized block design was conducted with different fly ash supplement treatments to analyze the impact of fly ash on growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, biochemical parameters, and pumpkin crop yield. The results show variation in soil's physical and chemical properties after the application of fly ash (30 and 50%). Also, the lower levels (10-30%) of fly ash amended soil significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced the growth (plant height, plant fresh and dry biomass, no. of leaves, and average area of the leaf), chlorophyll content, and biochemical contents (protein, carbohydrate, mineral, and leaf water content) in pumpkin crop. The proline content was also observed to enhance by the increasing levels of fly ash to soil. The yield parameters in terms of a number of flowers and fruits, fruits' length and diameter, and fresh and dry weight of fruits were also significantly increased in amended soil with 10-30% fly ash. On the other hand, the higher doses, i.e., 40% and 50% of fly ash showed a negative effect and reduced the growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, biochemical content, proline, and yield in pumpkin crop. We concluded that the lower level of fly ash (up to 30%) could be used as fertilizer in agricultural fields for the improvement of vegetable as well as other food crops in a sustainable manner but the higher level of fly ash (40 and 50%) is toxic to the plant.

Effect of cadmium stress on seed germination, plant growth and hydrolyzing enzymes activities in mungbean seedlings

Abstract: Both protein and starch hydrolysis contribute to the effective mobilization of seed reserves to trigger seed germination. We studied the activities of hydrolytic enzymes in germinating seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata) exposed to cadmium stress at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg.L-1. Exposure to Cd stress decreased the seed germination rate and early seedling growth traits, including root and shoot length and plant fresh and dry biomass compared to control. The adverse effects of Cd were more prominent in terms of shoot length than root length. Seedling α-amylase and protease activities exhibited significant reductions with increasing Cd dose. We also recorded Cd-induced reduction in total soluble proteins and sugars while the concentration of free amino acids exhibited an increase. Above all, a decrease in the hydrolysis process of reserve carbohydrates, proteins and impaired reserve translocation contributed to the inhibition of seedlings’ germination and early growth traits.

Enhanced Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Soil Amended with Biochar and Fulvic acid

Biochar (BC) and fulvic acid (FA) have raised wide interest because of their multiple benefits in soil improvement. However, the difference between individual and co-application of biochar and fulvic acid on okra growth in salt-affected soils is unknown. In this study, a woody waste derived BC and a commercial FA were applied into a coastal salt-affected soil collected from the Yellow River Delta to investigate their effects on a commercial crop, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedling growth following the individual and combined applications using a pot experiment. The results showed the individual and co-application of BC and FA increased the plant height, stem diameter and fresh biomass by 9.4–11.5%, 10.3–41.7% and 31.6– 40.0%, respectively, and individual application posed a better performance than co-application. Moreover, BC and FA individual and combined application could effectively improve the root growth of okra, whereas the individual application posed a greater effect. These findings would provide theoretical basis and technical support for developing green technologies for remediating degraded coastal wetland soils, thus ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

Organic Ginger (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Zingiber officinale&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Rosc.) Development in a Short Temperate Growing Season: Effect of Seedling Transplant Type and Mycorrhiza Application

Global warming and consumer demand for medicinal plants present an opportunity to introduce ginger growth to the US Delmarva Peninsula. High tunnel and field studies were conducted to assess the development of organic ginger (Zingiber officinalis, Rosc) seedling transplants in mycorrhiza-amended soil. Transplant types were tissue culture derived with less than three tillers (TCS1), three or more tillers (TCS2), and nontissue culture derived (NTCS1). Transplants were grown with or without mycorrhiza (2.8 g per plant) in a split plot design with soil amendments as main plot and transplant type as subplot. Data were collected for air temperatures, plant height, tiller number, leaf chlorophyll index (LCI), rhizome fresh weight, plant biomass, rhizome nutrients, and levels of As and Pb. TCS2 transplants produced significantly higher, or trended to higher rhizome yield than transplants with less than three tillers, except for year two field study. The maximum rhizome fresh weight per plant was 648.3 g for TCS2 in high tunnel in year one. Generally, TCS2 had most tillers throughout the growing season ranging from 6.9 to 25.7 tillers per plant over three studies. Mycorrhiza had no effect on ginger height, tiller number, LCI or rhizome yield. Sustained high temperatures above 37°C, plus high light in the field caused dieback and stunted shoot growth in year two. There were no consistent effects of mycorrhiza or transplant type on rhizome nutrient content. Content of total Pb, As and other elements were at safe threshold levels for rhizome consumption. These results suggest that gingers grown from TCS2 transplants with at least three tillers yielded more rhizome than those grown from S1 transplants with fewer tillers. Introduction of ginger to a short season region such as the Delmarva may require consideration of environmental condition such as high temperature and light to which seedling transplants may be exposed in summer.

Application of Multi-Component Conditioner with Clinoptilolite and Ascophyllum nodosum Extract for Improving Soil Properties and Zea mays L. Growth and Yield

The application of various conditioners in agriculture is one of the management practices used to improve soil quality and plant growth and development. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a multi-component conditioner on the selected soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield. The effect of a conditioner on a set of soil properties and maize growth and yield was studied in one-year experiments carried out at three study sites, which were under a conventional tillage system. All of the study sites were located on farms in three geographic mezoregions in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region (Midwestern Poland). The studied soils were Haplic Luvisol (Janocin and Kobylnica) and Albic Luvisols (Krukówko) that were composed of sandy loam. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of a conditioner Solactiv on the soil and plant properties. The conditioner significantly affected the soil enzyme activities such as dehydrogenase (DHA), fluorescein sodium salt hydrolysis level (FDAH) and carboxymethylcellulose cellulase (CMC—cellulase); wherein the last one increased by about 16–20%. The application of Solactiv also increased the available K content (about 11%) but not the content of the microbial biomass C and N. Total porosity (TP), which was significantly higher in the soil treated with conditioner than in the control soils, increased the available water capacity (AWC) (about 2.2%). The higher AWC in the treated soil indicated the greater contribution of the mesopores in the TP (about 4%). A significantly higher readily available water capacity (RAWC) and small pores available water capacity (SAWC) was determined in the treated soils compared to the controls. Of the plant properties, only plant height, fresh cob biomass (BBCH 87–89) and fresh plant biomass (BBCH 84–85) were significantly increased by the conditioner. The application of Solactiv is considered to be a promising approach for developing sustainable agriculture by improving the soil’s biological activity and water-related properties.

UAV Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Estimation of Soybean Yield Based on Physiological and Ecological Parameter and Meteorological Factor in China

Accurate soybean yield estimates are important for establishing effective agricultural and soybean trade policies aimed at ensuring food security in China. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been used to collect hyperspectral remote sensing data for soybean yield inversion owing to the flexibility, efficiency, and low cost of the technology. Traditional yield inversion algorithms are based on physiological and ecological parameters. However, meteorological factors also influence crop growth and yield and can even eliminate differences caused by physiological and ecological parameters at certain growth stages. The paper proposed a new yield estimation parameter index of effective accumulated temperature, incorporating the influence of meteorological factors into yield inversion models, which can improve the accuracy and universality of crop yield estimation. In the current study, soybean yield inversion models were developed for leaf area index (LAI), fresh biomass, and in-season estimated yield (INSEY) at different growth stages. The accuracies of the various models were evaluated by comparing yield estimates with ground-based sampling data. The analyses revealed that plant parameters, including plant height, LAI, dry biomass, and fresh biomass, correlated significantly with soybean yields, and that LAI and fresh biomass demonstrated the highest correlations with soybean yields. The results of soybean yield estimation at the single growth stage showed that the R2 value of the model and validation increased by 50.00, 26.60, and 34.40%, and 47.20, 12.50, and 31.90%, respectively, at the flowering stage, pod stage, and seed filling stage, indicating the highest accuracy of yield estimation at the beginning seed stage. The analysis of yield estimation results of soybean at multiple growth stages showed that R2 values of model and validation of soybean yield estimation models at three different growth stages increased by 4.50, 7.20, and 15.80%, and 4.00, 5.30, and 8.90%, respectively, compared with the beginning seed stage with the highest yield estimation accuracy. Compared with the yield estimation model of the single growth stage, the yield estimation accuracy of multiple growth stages is higher.

Techno-economic study of a small scale gasifier applied to an indoor hemp farm: From energy savings to biochar effects on productivity

The hemp market is fast growing due to demand for cannabidiol, nutraceutical and hemp fiber products. This work demonstrates the economical advantage of biomass gasification application to indoor hemp production. Gasifiers provide electrical energy, heat and biochar: these are highly valuable products for indoor growers where lights and thermal management are key costs of the business. Energy produced in an autonomous and renewable way increases the sustainability and in the facility. In this paper a small scale gasifier is fueled with certified “A1 plus” wood pellets to test its behavior and its biochar production rate. Biochar is used for hemp growing tests in an indoor hemp production facility. Results show how a 22 kW power plant is sufficient to guarantee almost complete sustainability in a 80 m2 facility. In the best case scenario where energy saving, biochar and thermal energy selling are considered, the gasifier investment has a payback time of about 3.5 years. At the end of the gasifier lifespan, the Net Present Value reaches 249 k€ considering a discount rate of 6%. Consequential results were also obtained from biochar application to pot growing substrates: there was a 7.7% increase in dry flower production and a 33.9% increase in total plant fresh biomass. Cannabinoids profiles resulted not affected by biochar application.

Growth Response of Hydroponic Lactuca sativa L. to Application of Fertilizer Organic VIUSID Agro®

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production is a valuable crop for supporting family farms in the Brazilian semiarid region. The cultivation of this vegetable in a hydroponic system with foliar application of organic fertilizer can help in mitigating the challenges imposed by the region&amp;rsquo;s edaphoclimatic conditions. Therefore, it is important to increase the lettuce production using new technologies. VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; is an example of such technology that has the potential to increase lettuce yields. VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; is a natural compound that actives molecular processes without affecting the environment adversely. This product acts as a natural bioregulator and is basically composed of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The experiment&amp;rsquo;s objective was to analyze the impact of VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; organic fertilizer on the growth of hydroponic lettuce. The research was conducted on a family farm in Bom Jesus, Para&amp;iacute;ba state, Brazil. The experimental was a completely randomized design with 5 VIUSID VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; concentrations (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 mL L-1) and 15 replications. Among the indicators evaluated were the plant length, leaf number, stem diameter, root length, and fresh and dry biomass. The results showed that the 0.4 mL L-1 VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; concentration produced greater growth than the control (0.0 mL L-1) for variables analyzed plant length, fresh and dry biomass of aerial portion, root length, fresh and dry biomass of root. The foliar application of VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; improved the performance of the lettuce morphological characteristics in a hydroponic cultivation system. Although this is the first Brazil research evaluating VIUSID Agro&amp;reg; as an organic fertilizer in hydroponic lettuce, results have shown promise.