Significant Increase In Yield Research Articles

The Concurrent Application of Phosphogypsum and Modified Biochar as Soil Amendments Influence Sandy Soil Quality and Wheat Productivity

Sandy soil covers a significant portion of Egypt’s total land area, representing a crucial agricultural resource for future food security and economic growth. This research adopts the hypothesis of maximizing the utilization of secondary products for soil improvement to reduce ecosystem pollution. The study focuses on assessing the impact of combining phosphogypsum and modified biochar as environmentally friendly soil amendments on loamy sand soil quality parameters such as soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, nutrient levels, and wheat yield. The treatments were T1: the recommended NPK fertilizer (control); T2: 2.5 kg phosphogypsum m−2 soil; T3: 2.5 kg rice straw biochar m−2 soil; T4: 2.5 kg cotton stalk biochar m−2 soil; T5: 2.5 kg rice-straw-modified biochar m−2 soil; T6: 2.5 kg cotton-stalk-modified biochar m−2 soil; and T7 to T10: mixed phosphogypsum and biochar treatments. The results revealed that the combined use of phosphogypsum and modified cotton stalk biochar (T10) significantly enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) by 73.66% and 99.46% in both seasons, the soil available N both seasons by 130.12 and 161.45%, the available P by 89.49% and 102.02%, and the available K by 39.84 and 70.45% when compared to the control treatment. Additionally, this treatment led to the highest grain yield of wheat (2.72 and 2.92 Mg ha−1), along with a significant increase in straw yield (52.69% and 59.32%) compared to the control treatment. Overall, the findings suggest that the combined use of phosphogypsum and modified biochar, particularly cotton-stalk biochar, holds promise for improving loamy sand-soil quality and wheat productivity.

Effect of particle size and application rate of steel (Linz-Donawitz, LD) slag on heavy metal built-up in soil and their transfer dynamics in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag is a solid industrial waste generated during the production of steel. In general, the amount of LD slag produced varies from 300 to 400 kg ton-1 of steel. Presently only 25 % of the steel slag, which is also rich in various macro and micro-nutrients, is being reused in India compared to 70–100 % in other countries. The present study deals with the possibility of utilizing LD slagas a nutrient rich low-cost soil conditioner in agriculture. An experiment was thus conducted to determine the effect of LD slag application at rates 0.25, 0.50 and 1 t ha-1 in two particle sizes i.e., <50 and <100 microns (µ) on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Physico-chemical, biological characteristics and heavy metals in soil and latter’s transfer from soil to the foliage was also determined. The results showed that an application of LD slag @1 tha-1 and 100 µ particle size significantly improved the soil microbial count and activity of enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase while at a smaller particle size of LD slag (50 µ) @ 1 tha-1, a significant increase in the foliage yield of spinach was observed. The risk due to heavy metals present in the steel slag as evidence by indicator of heavy metal content in plants i.e. transfer factor (TF), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) was within the permissible range. However long-term effect of steel slag application on ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity levels must be deciphered. In conclusion the application of LD slag in spinach does not negatively impact the soil health and in fact causes an increase in the economic yield of spinach.

The Grain Number Increase 1 alleles GNI‐A1‐105Y and ‐105K increase grain number in spring wheat

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has inflorescences made up of multiple spikelets arranged along a central rachis, with each spikelet producing between one and four grains. The Grain Number Increase 1 (GNI‐A1) gene wheat directly influences grain number per spikelet and grain size. Three naturally occurring alleles have been described previously: GNI‐A1‐105N, 105Y, and 105K. This project's goal was to characterize the impact of these alleles within hard red spring wheat cultivars in Montana, where each of the alleles is common. The 105N allele and the 105K allele were compared through analysis of an F5 Vida by Spring‐Yellowstone recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, and with near isogenic lines (NILs) derived from the same population. The 105N allele and the 105Y allele were compared with NILs derived from an F4 Lanning by Egan RIL population. We analyzed the impact of each of the three alleles and compared their effects on inflorescence architecture, grain size, grain yield, grain quality, and milling quality under Bozeman, MT, field conditions. Data show that either loss‐of‐function alleles (105Y and 105K) increased grain number per spikelet by 5% when compared to the more functional allele (105N) across all years and environments tested. Overall grain size was not significantly reduced and there was also not a significant increase in overall grain yield.

Karenia brevis and Pyrodinium bahamense Utilization of Dissolved Organic Matter in Urban Stormwater Runoff and Rainfall Entering Tampa Bay, Florida

This study investigated how nitrogen and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from stormwater runoff and rainfall support the growth of Karenia brevis and Pyrodinium bahamense. Excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor analysis tracked changes in the optical properties of DOM in each bioassay, revealing greater reactivity of terrestrial humic-like DOM. Significant increases in cell yield and specific growth rates were observed upon additions of runoff for both species, with significant increases in specific growth rates upon the addition of a 2 in simulated rain event for P. bahamense only. By hour 48, 100% of the dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in each treatment was utilized by P. bahamense, and by hour 72, over 50% of the DON was utilized by K. brevis. The percentage of bioavailable dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was greater for P. bahamense compared to K. brevis, suggesting a greater affinity for DOC compounds by P. bahamense. However, the bioavailability of DOM for each species could be owed to distinct chemical characteristics of labile DOM conveyed from each site. This study demonstrates that stormwater runoff and rainfall are both sources of labile DOM and DON for K. brevis and P. bahamense, which has implications for blooms of these species in Tampa Bay waters.

Modeling Nitrogen Fate and Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiencies under Different Greenhouse Vegetable Production Systems Using the WHCNS-Veg Model.

Quantitative evaluation of the effects of diverse greenhouse vegetable production systems (GVPS) on vegetable yield, soil water consumption, and nitrogen (N) fates could provide a scientific basis for identifying optimum water and fertilizer management practices for GVPS. This research was conducted from 2013 to 2015 in a greenhouse vegetable field in Quzhou County, North China. Three production systems were designed: conventional (CON), integrated (INT), and organic (ORG) systems. The WHCNS-Veg model was employed for simulating vegetable growth, water dynamics, and fates of N, as well as water and N use efficiencies (WUE and NUE) for four continuous growing seasons. The simulation results revealed that nitrate leaching and gaseous N emissions constituted the predominant N loss within GVPS, which separately accounted for 11.5-59.4% and 6.0-21.1% of the N outputs. The order of vegetable yield, N uptake, WUE, and NUE under different production systems was ORG > INT > CON, while the order of nitrate leaching and gaseous N loss was CON > INT > ORG. Compared to CON, ORG exhibited a significant increase in yield, N uptake, WUE, and NUE by 24.6%, 24.2%, 26.1%, and 89.7%, respectively, alongside notable reductions in nitrate leaching and gaseous N loss by 67.7% and 63.2%, respectively. The ORG system should be recommended to local farmers.

Noble metal modified copper-exchanged mordenite zeolite (Cu-ex-MOR) catalysts for catalyzing the methane efficient gas-phase synthesis methanol

Copper mordenite catalysts are key for methane oxidation to methanol, yet lack sufficient activity. In this paper, noble metal (Au, Ru, Pt and Pd) modified copper ion-exchanged mordenite catalysts were prepared by the ion-exchange method for further improving the methanol yield in the gas-phase continuous catalytic direct partial oxidation of methane to methanol reaction, and the role of noble metal doping on Cu-ex-MOR catalysts was investigated. Experimental results showed that the doping of Ru resulted in a significant increase in the methanol yield of Ru/Cu-ex-MOR catalyst to 157.36 μmol/gcat/h compared to that of Cu-ex-MOR catalyst (12.89 μmol/gcat/h). SEM, XRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS, NH3-TPD and H2-TPR results showed that Ru/Cu-ex-MOR had uniformly dispersed Ru elements and the largest number of surface acidic and oxidation sites, which facilitated the adsorption and activation of methane. Additionally, it was found by TEM, in situ FT-IR and DFT characterization that Ru played a role in stabilizing the Cu active sites, the adsorptive activation of water on the Ru site and the H-transfer process reduced the energy required for breaking C–H bond of CH4 at the Cu active site, which significantly improved the methane activation capacity of the Ru/Cu-ex-MOR catalysts, resulting in higher methanol yields.

Nutrient-coated urea mitigates deleterious impacts of salinity and supports wheat performance by enhancing antioxidant activities, photosynthetic performance and nitrogen use efficiency

Soil salinization has increased over recent years and is negatively affecting crop productivity. Nutrient application is an effective strategy to improve abiotic stress tolerance in crops. The application of coated fertilizers has emerged as an excellent approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of soil salinity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of zinc and sulfur coated urea on the performance of wheat growing under saline conditions. The study comprised of diverse salinity stress levels; 0, 6 and 12 dS m-1, cross combined with normal urea (NU), zinc coated urea (ZCU) and sulfur coated urea (SCU). Salinity stress reduced wheat yield by impairing leaf water status, reducing photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes accumulation, potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) uptake while increasing sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) uptake and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) accumulation. The application of ZCU increased the wheat yield by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, antioxidant activities, osmolytes accumulation, and reducing H2O2, MDA and EL accumulation. Furthermore, the significant increase in growth and yield of wheat with ZCU and SCU was also linked with improved K and N uptake, higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduced Na and Cl concentration. Thus, the application of ZCU could be an effective approach to improve wheat productivity under saline conditions.

Potential Role of the Yeast Papiliotrema terrestris Strain PT22AV in the Management of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

The nematicidal potential of the yeast Papiliotrema terrestris strain PT22AV (YSY) was investigated against the root nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita in in vitro bioassays on infective juveniles (J2) and experiments on tomatoes in pot and greenhouse conditions. The J2 nematodes were exposed to YSY solutions for 19 days, using abamectin (ABA), fosthiazate (FOS) and distilled water as controls. In the experiments on potted and greenhouse tomatoes, 0.5 and 1 kg ha−1 doses of YSY were tested in comparison to ABA, biocontrol agents Purpureocillium lilacinus strain 251 (PUL) and Bacillus firmus strain 1-1582 (BAF), a plant biostimulant/fertilizer (ERG) and the nematicide Fluopyram (FLU). J2’s viability was affected by YSL after 7 days, decreasing to zero on the 15th exposure day, while ABA and FOS resulted in 83 and 100% J2 mortality within 24 h. Only the 1.0 kg ha−1 dose of YSY was able to significantly reduce the final nematode population in soil and gall formation on tomato roots, without significant differences from PUL and BAF. All treatments in comparison also resulted in a significant increase in tomato growth and crop yield, except for 0.5 kg ha−1 of YSY. Data indicated that YSY could represent an additional tool for organic and integrated RKN management.

Effect of Foliar Spraying of Magnesium and Manganese on Growth and Productivity Vocabulary of Bean Plants (Vicia faba L.)

Objectives: Due to the large number of problems with the readiness of some mineral elements in most of the lands of Iraq due to several factors that limit their movement and readiness, which has a negative impact on the plants, therefore, researchers have turned to using modern methods and methods for the purpose of adopting them in supplying plants with the necessary nutrients for continued growth and achieving productivity. One of these methods is the foliar feeding method, in order to study the effect of foliar spraying of the elements magnesium and manganese on the growth and productivity of the bean plant (Luz De Otono). Methods: A field experiment was implemented during the 2022-2023 season in Al-Muthanna Governorate - Al-Majd district, which is (7 km) north of the governorate, where magnesium was sprayed at four concentrations: 0, 40, 80 and 120 mg Mg liter-1) of manganese in three concentrations (0, 20 and 40 mg Mn liter-1). The experiment was applied using a completely randomized block design (R.C.B.D). Results: The results showed that spraying magnesium at the highest concentration of 120 mg Mg l-1 led to a significant effect on plant height and biological yield, with rates of increases reaching 5.95% and 16.84%, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment, while spraying at a concentration of 80 mg Mg l-1 had a significant effect and gave the highest rate of height. Pod and total seed yield, with averages of 20.37 cm and 2.53 tons ha-1 compared to the comparison treatment, which gave the lowest averages of 19.36 cm and 1.97 tons ha-1 for the traits respectively It was noted from the results that increasing the manganese concentration to 40 mg Mn liter-1 led to a significant increase in plant height, biological yield, and harvest index, as it gave averages of 60.08 cm, 6.62 tons ha-1, and 40.10% for the traits, respectively, compared to the no-spraying treatment. The interaction between magnesium and manganese had a significant effect on plant height, as the combination of the highest concentration of magnesium with manganese (Mg3 x Mn2) gave average of 63.08 cm. Conclusions: Spraying with the highest concentration of magnesium resulted in a significant improvement in physiological traits.

Improving flame retardancy in BADGE epoxy via novel phosphorus‐functionalized epoxy integration

AbstractA novel epoxy resin, DPHP, was synthesized from diphenolic acid, which contains biobased levulinic acid, with triethylphosphite, to improve the flame retardancy of bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) epoxy. Curing experiments were conducted using isophorone diamine as a curing agent for BADGE and DPHP mixtures. Variations in cure kinetics, mechanical properties, and flame retardancy were evaluated across different DPHP contents. The introduction of phosphorus functional groups into DPHP affected the polarization of epoxide CO bonds, resulting in reduced apparent activation energy for epoxy curing reactions. However, the higher epoxy equivalent weight of DPHP compared with that of BADGE led to a decrease in the tensile strength and the glass transition temperature of the cured material with increasing DPHP content. A significant increase in char yield for combustion of the epoxy blend was observed, ranging from 8.3% at 0 wt% DPHP to 20.1% at 50 wt% DPHP. Additionally, cone calorimeter measurements showed significant reductions in heat release rate and total heat release, leading to a decrease in fire spread from 1.07 MJm−2 s−1 at 0 wt% DPHP to 0.43 MJm−2 s−1 at 50 wt% DPHP. These results show that the flame retardancy of the cured material improved significantly as the DPHP content increased.

Environmental effects and their impact on yield in adjacent experimental plots of high-stem and short-stem wheat varieties

BackgroundIn regional wheat trials, when short-stem wheat varieties and high-stem wheat varieties are planted adjacent to each other in small plots, changes in their marginal plot environment can lead to bias in yield evaluation. Currently, there is no relevant research revealing the degree of their mutual influence.ResultsIn a regional wheat experiment, when high-stem wheat varieties and short-stem wheat varieties were planted adjacent to one another, there was no significant change in soil temperature or humidity in the high-stem wheat variety experimental plot from November to May compared to the control plot, while the soil humidity in the short-stem wheat variety experimental plot was greater than that in the control plot. In May, the soil temperature of the short-stem wheat varieties in the experimental plot was lower than that in the control plot. Illumination of the wheat canopy in the high-stem wheat variety experimental plot had a significant positive effect in April and May, while illumination of the wheat canopy in the short-stem wheat variety experimental plot had a negative effect. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of flag leaves in the high-stem wheat variety experimental plots showed an overall increasing trend, while the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of flag leaves in the experimental plots of short-stem wheat varieties showed a decreasing trend. The analysis of the economic yield, biological yield, and yield factors in each experimental plot revealed that the marginal effects of the economic yield and 1000-grain weight were particularly significant and manifested as positive effects in the high-stem wheat variety experimental plot and as negative effects in the short-stem wheat variety experimental plot. The economic yield of the high-stem wheat variety experimental plot was significantly greater than that of the control plot, the economic yield of the short-stem wheat variety experimental plot was significantly lower than that of the control plot, and the economic yield of the high-stem experimental plot was significantly greater than that of the short-stem experimental plot. When the yield of the control plot of the high-stem wheat varieties was compared to that of the control plot of the short-stem wheat varieties, the yield of the control plot of the short-stem wheat varieties was significantly greater than that of the control plot of the high-stem wheat varieties.ConclusionsBased on these findings, it is concluded that plots with high-stem and short-stem wheat varieties are adjacent in regional wheat trials, the plots of high-stem wheat varieties are subject to marginal positive effects, resulting in a significant increase in economic yield; the plots of short-stem wheat varieties are subject to marginal negative effects, resulting in a decrease in economic yield. This study reveals the mutual influence mechanism of environment and yield with adjacent planting of high-stem and short-stem wheat varieties in regional wheat trials, providing a useful reference and guidance for optimizing the layout of regional wheat trials.

RESPONSE OF SWEET CORN VARIETIES TO PLANT DENSITY AND TILLER REMOVAL: PRELIMINARY STUDIES

The sweet corn breeding strategy aims to enhance and sustain a consistent yield over time. The interaction between density and tiller removal is currently being discussed among sweet corn farmers, as well as scientists working in sweet corn. Considering the studies carried out to date and the research directions suggested by them, the present study aimed to determine the impact of plant density, variety, tiller removal and their interactions on the yield and ear prolificacy/weight of sweet corn under the climatic conditions of northeast Romania. The experiments were focused on 3 sweet corn varieties (Deliciosul de Bacău, Deliciul verii and Royalty F1), sown at 3 densities (50k, 60k and 70k plants/ha) and considering 2 variants for tiller removal (tiller removal / without tiller removal). The highest yield of sweet corn was recorded in the Royalty F1 hybrid in the plots in which the tillers were removed (24.27 t/ha). The Royalty F1 hybrid also had the heaviest ears (313.33 g) in plots with tiller removal and 60k plants/ha. Overall, the most favourable plant density in terms of yield was 60k plants/ha. The experimental results showed that in the climatic conditions of northeast Romania, tiller removal led to increased yield, especially in the Deliciosul de Bacău hybrid. Tiller removal in this hybrid resulted in a significant increase in yield (from 18.41 to 23.08 t/ha).

Esterified Conditioner and Repairing Agent for Salinity Affected Agricultural Soil of India

Various bio-conversion reactions given by lipases such as hydrolysis, transesterification, esterification, alcohoysis, acidolysis and aminolysis. The potential esterification process in soil plays important role not only as a fertilizer or nutrient but also act as a modulator to alter the conditions of soil and help in uptake of nutrient and minerals. This potential formulation accumulates micro-nutrients and mineral that promotes growth of plants. The trials of vegetable plants and grains shown significant increase in crop yield per hector area. The bulk density and field capacity of the soil are also significantly change and act as soil conditioner also influence the growth of plants. The micronutrients uptake of plant helps optimize the soil pH and improve the soil conditions. The inventors of present invention tested formulation as plant growth promoters that enhance crop characteristics like panicle length, plant height, grain or fruit yield and add to nutrient value of the crop. Our product is fatty acid composite which play crucial role as plant growth promoter along with reducing seed germination time and increasing plant crop yield, it also beneficial to work under water stress conditions and variant geo-climatic conditions.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Humic Acid on Nutrient Uptake, Grain and Straw Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) under Inceptisols

Black gram is a type of legume that is widely cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the oldest cultivated legumes in the world. The field experiment was carried out to during kharif season of the year 2022 at departmental farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments viz., T1 (RDF), T2 (RDF + Foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2 % at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T3 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 10 kg ha-1), T4 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 15 kg ha-1), T5 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1), T6 (T3 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T7 (T4 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS), T8 (T5 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 &amp; 35 DAS). The field study indicated that the nutrient uptake and content and grain and straw yield of black gram crop were significantly influenced due to soil and foliar application of humic acid and RDF. The uptake of N, P and K were recorded at harvest. Significant and maximum uptake of N, P and K were noticed with application of treatment T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1+ foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS), whereas the T1 (RDF) showed least values. grain and straw yield significantly affected due to T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) and the lowest grain and straw yield were recorded in T1 (RDF). Thus, it can be concluded that the soil and foliar application of humic acid increase the nutrient uptake and grain and straw yield. The significantly superior result recorded by treatment T8 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) next to this treatment T7 (RDF + soil application of humic acid @ 10 kg ha-1 + foliar application of humic acid @ 0.2% at 20 and 35 DAS) was best option. The significant increase in grain and straw yield of black gram was due to application of RDF with soil and foliar application of humic acid which mitigates scarcity, increased absorption effectively and increased photosynthetic activity which leads to higher grain and straw yield.

Biostimulants Improve Bulb Yield, Concomitantly Affecting the Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Onion (Allium cepa)

In the pursuit of maximizing onion (Allium cepa) yield and quality, farmers often face the challenges of unfavorable ecological conditions and inadequate agronomic practices. Therefore, our two-year study investigated the effects of biostimulants (BTs) of plant growth on bulb yield and the bioactive compounds of directly seeded onion. Four treatments were applied: control (C), seaweed extracts (BT1), humic and fulvic acid (BT2), and Trichoderma spp. (BT3). The results demonstrated a significant increase in bulb yield with BT1 (↑ 18.7%), BT2 (↑ 18.0%), and BT3 (↑ 24.3%). Intriguingly, all BTs markedly reduced phenolic content across both years. Additionally, BT1 and BT3 elevated flavonoid levels (↑ 16.8% and ↑ 16.7%, respectively), while BT2 decreased them (↓ 24.2%). Notably, in 2021, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS tests indicated a significant reduction in antioxidant capacity compared to C. Our study underscores the important role of BTs in enhancing yield, influencing secondary metabolites and contributing to environmental sustainability in onion cultivation.

Localized nitrogen supply facilitates rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency by enabling root-zone nitrogen distribution and root growth

IntroductionLocalized nitrogen (N) supply affects rice N uptake by influencing N release, and few studies have examined the effects of root zone N distribution and root growth on rice yield under localized N supply (LNS).MethodsA two-year field experiment was conducted with six treatments: no N application, farmers’ fertilizer practice (FFP), and four LNS treatments, including two types of N fertilizer with urea (U) and controlled release urea (CRU) were mechanically side deep fertilized (SDF) or root zone fertilized (RZF) at 10 cm soil depth (US, UR, CRUS and CRUR treatments, respectively).ResultsCompared with FFP, the dry matter accumulation, N uptake, and yield of LNS increased by 27%, 21%, and 17%, respectively. For N fertilizer type, compared with U, the NH4+-N concentration, total root surface area, volume, average diameter, and root biomass of CRU were significantly increased by 50%, 43%, 53%, and 23%, respectively, which resulted in a significant increase in yield by 12%. Regarding the N application methods, the total surface area, volume, average diameter, and root biomass of SDF were significantly increased by 32%, 24%, 10%, and 25% compared with RZF, respectively. However, the NH4+-N under RZF was more stable and lasted longer, with a significant increase in NH4+-N concentration of 21% compared to the SDF. Moreover, CRUR increased yield, N agronomic use efficiency, and gross return by 3.15%, 5.62%, and 2.81%, respectively, compared to CRUS.ConclusionCRU should be selected as the recommended N fertilizer types, and the combination of CRU and RZF was the most effective choice for rice production.

Ordered Changes in Methane Production Performance and Metabolic Pathway Transition of Methanogenic Archaea under Gradually Increasing Sodium Propionate Stress Intensity

This study examined the impact of sodium propionate concentration (0–40 g/L) on the methanogenic archaea in an inoculum which was cultured in basal nutrient medium, exploring its mechanisms and nonlinear stress intensity. The results indicated that at low concentrations, propionate-maintained homeostasis of the anaerobic digestion (AD) system and enriched Methanosaeta. However, when the concentration exceeded 16 g/L, the stability of the AD system was disrupted. The methanogenic pathway shifted towards a predominantly hydrogenotrophic pathway, resulting in a significant increase in methane yield. Below concentrations of 28 g/L, the AD system gradually enhanced its ability to utilize propionate in an orderly manner. At concentrations of 24–28 g/L, genera (e.g., Advenella and Methanosarcina) were enriched to adapt to the high-VFA environment. This was accompanied by a significant upregulation of genes related to the methylotrophic and hydrogenotrophic pathways, effectively mitigating propionate inhibition and enhancing methanogenesis. Conversely, excess concentrations (&gt;30 g/L) suppressed methanogenesis-related genes and led to methane production arrest despite activating specialized propionate-metabolizing bacteria such as genus Pelotomaculum schinkii. As such, an increase in the stress intensity of propionate promotes a change in the metabolic pathways of methanogens and increases methane production; however, excessive sodium propionate was not conducive to maintaining the steady state of the system.

Role of Hazelnut Husk Compost and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Improving Productivity and Quality Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Their Effects on Some Soil Biological Properties

ABSTRACT Implementing compost can assist in improving soil structure and enable nutrient mobilization to plants that initiate an appropriate soil balance. In a greenhouse experiment, the influence of hazelnut husk compost (HHC), both in single and in combination with the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the wheat yield, yield parameters, and soil biological properties were investigated. A significant increase in yield and its quality parameters was recorded when the soil was treated with different doses of compost and bacteria. It was observed copious improvements in the soil biological properties with these applications. The microbial biomass carbon and total organic carbon ratios (Cmic:Corg) ranged from 1.51 to 2.09, were also remarkable in the organic amended soils. However, in all the treatments, the co-inoculation of bacteria with compost enhanced all the parameters significantly more than their individual applications. The highest yield increase over control (22.12%) was recorded from the integrated application of organic source and bio-fertilizer. This reflects a synergistic relationship between the compost and bacteria that eventually enhanced wheat production. It is therefore concluded that using HHC and PSB in soil can unfold promising possibilities for better soil health, which in the long run can contribute to sustainable food production.

Highly luminescent tin-doped manganese halide perovskite nanocrystals for high-resolution patterning and light-emitting diodes

Lead halide perovskites have been attracting intense interest in optoelectronic fields, which are attributed to their excellent physical properties, such as highly efficient emission, tunable bandgap, high color purity, etc. And yet, the lead toxicity and stability problems seriously restrict the practical application of lead halide perovskites. Herein, the lead-free Sn2+ doped manganese halide (CsMnCl3:Sn2+) perovskite nanocrystals were successfully synthesized and displayed strong red emission under the excitation of ultraviolet light. The introducing of modicum Sn2+ into CsMnCl3 nanocrystals would lead to a significant increase in photoluminescence quantum yield from 12 % to 49 %, ascribing to the efficient energy transfer from [SnCl6]4− to Mn2+ ions emission center. Moreover, the CsMnCl3:Sn2+ nanocrystals exhibit distinguished stability under harsh conditions such as high temperature, ultraviolet irradiation, and long-time storage. Benefiting from the highly efficient luminescent property and excellent stability of CsMnCl3:Sn2+ nanocrystals, the CsMnCl3:Sn2+ based white LED exhibits high luminous efficiency (78.3 lm/W) and outstanding operating stability, demonstrating their great potential in LED applications. And the high-resolution patterning results further demonstrate their potential for next-generation display applications such as micro/mini-LEDs.

Effects of Humic Acids on Calorific Value and Chemical Composition of Maize Biomass in Iron-Contaminated Soil Phytostabilisation

An interesting feedstock for energy purposes is plant biomass due to its renewability, widespread availability and relatively low cost. One plant with a high and versatile use potential is maize. Plants used for energy production can be grown in polluted areas, e.g., with iron. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of humic acids (HAs) on the yield, calorific value and other energy parameters and chemical composition of maize biomass applied as a phytostabiliser on iron-contaminated soil. The soil was contaminated with iron at 0, 250, 500 and 750 mg kg−1. The HAs were added to the soil in the following amounts: 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g kg−1 of soil. Soil contamination with iron had relatively little effect on the heat of combustion and calorific value of biomass and very strongly reduced plant height (42%), dry matter yield (95%) and energy production of maize biomass (90%), the SPAD index at the fifth leaf unfolded stage (44%) (as opposed to the stem elongation stage), sodium, magnesium and phosphorus contents, and increased calcium, potassium and nitrogen contents of maize. The application of HAs to the soil had a positive and very large effect on both the height and biomass parameters studied, resulting in an increase in plant height (22%), dry matter yield (67%) and energy production from maize biomass (62%). Changes in the heat of combustion and calorific value of the biomass were minimal but positive. HAs contributed to a decrease in the value of the SPAD index during the stem elongation phase of maize and in the content of all macronutrients in maize biomass as a result of a reduction in the effect of iron on macronutrient content and to a significant increase in maize dry matter yield in plots with their application. The application of HAs appears to be an effective adjunct in the phytostabilisation of iron-contaminated soils by growing crops for energy purposes.