Soil Resources Research Articles

Assessing and Quantifying the Carbon, Nitrogen, and Enzyme Dynamics Effects of Inter-row Cover Cropping on Soils and Apple Tree Development in Orchards

Cover crops between rows in orchards can improve the development of soil resources and increase agricultural productivity. However, there have been few reports of cover crops that can act as a “green manure” in apple orchards across arid and semiarid zones. This study investigated the effects of planting interrow vegetation on soil properties and apple tree performance during a 32-month experiment. There were six treatments: clean cultivation as a control; natural grass planting; planting with ryegrass; planting with alfalfa; planting with tall fescue; and planting with villous wild pea cover crops. The treatments primarily affected the 0- to 20-cm surface soil layer. Soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme levels initially decreased (during the first 12–24 months); then, they increased (24–32 months). The cover crops significantly increased nutrient contents (soluble organic carbon, microbial carbon and nitrogen, alkaline dissolved nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen) in the 0- to 20-cm soil layer by more than 19.6% and increased the related enzyme activities by more than 25.2%. The alfalfa and wild pea alleys had a stronger effect on the soil environment than the control, natural grass, ryegrass, and tall fescue alley treatments; however, after 32 months, the alfalfa treatment inhibited fruit tree growth and development. This was unexpected because alfalfa seemed to have a positive effect on soil fertility characteristics. Under local ecological conditions, villous wild pea had the greatest effect on apple orchard productivity and significantly increased short branching by 15.9%, fruit weight per fruit by 12.6%, yield per plant by 8.6%, and soluble sugar content by 10.5% compared with clean cultivation. The correlation analysis showed that there were significant or highly significant positive correlations between fruit tree performance and soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activity levels as the soil layer depth increased. Therefore, under local ecological conditions, cover crops have a greater effect on orchard surface soil fertility than on deeper soils, and intercropping with villous wild pea potentially produces the greatest improvement in apple orchard productivity.

Linkage between soil stoichiometric imbalance and microbial carbon use efficiency in desert steppe under different grazing intensities.

Long-term grazing alters soil resource availability and microbial biomass stoichiometry in grassland ecosystems. Exploring the relationship between soil stoichiometric imbalance and microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in grazed desert steppe can help understand soil carbon dynamics from a microbial perspective. Based on a long-term grazing platform in Stipa breviflora desert steppe of Inner Mongolia established in 2004, taking heavy, moderate and light grazing intensities, using no grazing as a control, we measured soil available nutrients, microbial biomass and associated enzyme activities for their acquisition, and calculated soil microbial CUE using ecological stoichiometry. The results showed that grazing inhibited soil microbial CUE by 1.0%-10.3%. Soil C:N imbalance was significantly increased by 20.6% in the moderate grazing treatment, while both C:P imbalance and N:P imba-lance were significantly increased by 20.7% and 25.2% in the heavy grazing treatment, indicating that soil microbial communities were more susceptible to N and P limitation. Soil microbial communities maintained their stoichiometric balance by regulating the threshold of elemental stoichiometry ratios and the production of extracellular enzymes. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results indicated that stoichiometric imbalance indirectly affected microbial CUE by altering the threshold of elemental stoichiometry ratios, microbial biomass stoichiometry, and enzyme stoichiometry.

Spatial assessment of soil resources on different land uses and slope gradient as a planning tool, in Ferenjua watershed, Ethiopia

Soil erosion, land degradation and climate change are the major environmental threats attributed to low agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. To reduce soil erosion and restore degraded lands, integrated soil and water conservation interventions have been implemented. However, the impacts of the intervention measures were not sufficiently studied due to the lack of baseline information. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate and understand the current conditions of biophysical resources in Ferenjua watershed, which is located in Gondar zuria district. In this study, more emphasis was given to the levels of total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (P), organic matter (OM), bulk density (BD), pH, moisture, texture and soil erosion. To collect the biophysical data, the watershed was divided into 144 grid-based sampling points with a resolution of 250 m by 250 m. In addition, the data were collected in 8 representative profile pits. Three primary land uses were identified from supervised land use and land cover classification and described as cultivated land (55.08 %), forestland (30.80 %), and grassland (14.12 %). Erosion hotspot map shows that >40 % of the watershed is moderately and highly susceptible to soil erosion. The highest BD (1.36 gm cm−3) was observed at Vertisols-dominated cultivated lands located in the flatlands, whereas, the lowest BD (1.28 gm cm−3) was observed under forestland. Regarding the results of TN, P, and OM, >60 % of the watershed was classified as having low to very low soil nutrient levels. Consequently, development interventions should be considered to restore degraded lands for the sustained use of resources in the watershed.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Effect of extracting solvents on physicochemical properties of vegetable seed oils and their suitability for industrial applications

The effects of extracting solvents on the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils extracted from four oil seed plants, namely Dennettia tripetala, Dacryodes edulis, Cola rostrata, and Persea americana, were studied. Vegetable oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method. The oils were used for determining % yield, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The results revealed that the range of the mean % yield of oils extracted using hexane, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol, respectively, were 7.5-12.0, 9.0-22.0, 7.5-27.5 and 12.0-37.5 for the four oil Seeds respectively. Mean AVs of oils in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 3.1-3.7, 3.1-3.8, 2.5-3.9 and 2.4-2.8 for Cola rostrata, Dacryodes edulis, Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana respectively. Mean IVs of oils in gI2/100 g across the solvents were 33.25-33.97, 33.06-33.35, 32.06-33.76 and 33.00-34.00 for the four oil seeds, respectively. Mean SVs in mg KOH/g across the solvents were 191.00-197.44, 190.74-198.31, 194.11-202.52, and 182.23-199.44, respectively. Mean EC values ranged 0.31-0.32, 0.30-0.33, 0.30-0.33, and 0.31-0.32 μS/cm across the solvents, respectively. Mean pH values ranged from 6.1-6.4, 4.6-6.3, 6.2-6.4, and 6.1-6.3 across the solvents for the oils, respectively. The AVs of the oils suggest that they are edible oils, the IVs classify the oils as non-drying oils suitable for paint making, and SVs reveal that the oils are good for soap making. Hexane, petroleum ether, and CCl4 are suitable for oil extraction industrially, while D. edulis, D. tripetala, and P. Americana oils are economically viable oil resources due to their high percentage yield, SV and IV.

Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Tadong Low Uplift, Tarim Basin

AbstractCambrian shales in China and elsewhere contain abundant oil and gas resources. However, due to its deep burial and limited outcrop, there has been relatively little research conducted on it. The Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift in the Tarim Basin of western China, specifically the Xidashan–Xishanbulake Formation (Fm.) and overlying Moheershan Fm. provide a case study through the use of organic petrology, mineralogy, organic and elemental geochemistry, with the aim of analyzing and exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential (PG) and organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanisms within these shale formations. The results indicate that: (1) the Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift exhibits relatively dispersed OM that consists of vitrinite‐like macerals and solid bitumen. These formations have a higher content of quartz and are primarily composed of silica‐based lithology; (2) shale samples from the Xidashan–Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations demonstrate high total organic carbon (TOC) and low S2 content. The OM is predominantly type I and type II kerogens, indicating a high level of maturation in the wet gas period. These shales have undergone extensive hydrocarbon generation, showing characteristics of relatively poor PG; (3) the sedimentary environments of the Xidashan–Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations in the Tadong low uplift are similar. They were deposited in warm and humid climatic conditions, in oxygen‐deficient environments, with stable terrigenous inputs, high paleoproductivity, high paleosalinity, weak water‐holding capacity, and no significant hydrothermal activity; and (4) the relationship between TOC and the paleoproductivity parameter (P/Ti) is most significant in the Lower Cambrian Xidashan–Xishanbulake Fm., whereas correlation with other indicators is not evident. This suggests a productivity‐driven OM enrichment model, where input of land‐derived material was relatively small during the Middle Cambrian, and the ancient water exhibited lower salinity. A comprehensive pattern was formed under the combined control of paleoproductivity and preservation conditions. This study provides valuable guidance for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

Biomass response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to different textured soils and irrigation levels

Irrigation is required to supplement rainfall to enhance the productivity of chickpea in South Africa (SA). However, the dependence on irrigation can be problematic for SA and other countries with limited natural water resources and variable rainfall. Even though access to irrigation water has been identified as one of the challenges faced when planting chickpea in the winter season in SA, irrigation management strategies for chickpea grown on soils differing in texture have not gained considerable research attention. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effects of irrigation levels on dry matter production of chickpea grown on two soils differing in soil texture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized design, with 3 irrigation levels (25%, 50% and 75% of the water-holding capacity of soil (WHC)) and 2 soils differing in soil textural class (Loamy sand (LS) soil and sandy loam (SL) soil), replicated thrice. Irrigation level, soil texture and their interaction significantly affected shoot biomass (SBM) and total plant biomass (TBM). Generally, SBM, TBM and root biomass decreased correspondingly with the reduction in irrigation. The 25% WHC significantly reduced the SBM by up to 60% and TBM by up to 56% compared to the 50% and 75% WHC. The SBM and TBM were higher in SL soil than in LS soil. A significantly higher root/shoot ratio (0.45) in the LS soil than in the SL soil (0.16) indicated that the conditions of LS soil encouraged plants to allocate higher proportions of biomass into roots, possibly due to increased competition for soil resources. In conclusion, maintaining soil moisture at 50% WHC ensures better chickpea dry matter production in SL soil.

Assessment of potential human health, radiological and ecological risks around mining areas in northeastern Brazil.

Mining is responsible for the release of metallic pollutants and radioactive materials into the environment, which have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and pose significant risks to human health. Significant mining activity is concentrated in the municipality of Caetité (northeastern Brazil), where Latin America's only active uranium mine and significant iron ore deposits are located. Although previous studies have shown that the regional soil and water resources are highly contaminated by various toxic elements and that exposure to these elements is known to have adverse effects on human health, the health risks in this mining region have never been assessed. The aim of this unprecedented comprehensive investigation was to assess the health, radiological and ecological risks in this mining region, which is home to nearly 100,000 people. To achieve our goal, soil and water samples were collected in the vicinity of the mines and in the main settlements in the region. Fifteen metallic toxic elements were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The HERisk code, which follows the main methodological guidelines for risk assessment, was used to quantify human health, radiological and ecological indices. The average values of the total risk and cancer risk indices indicated that region falls into the moderate risk category (1.0 ≤ HItot < 4.0). However, 63% of the sites had high risk values, with Fe, Co and As being the metals contributing most to total and cancer risk, respectively. Near the mining areas, the potential ecological risk can be considered extreme (PERI ≥ 600). The values of the calculated radiological indices correspond to typical values ​​in natural uranium areas. However, in the communities near the mine, the dose values are slightly above the permissible limit (1 mSv y-1), so they must be continuously monitored, and risk mitigation measures must be taken.

Balancing Submarine Landslides and the Marine Economy for Sustainable Development: A Review and Future Prospects

To proactively respond to the national fourteenth Five-Year Plan policy, we will adhere to a comprehensive land and sea planning approach, working together to promote marine ecological protection, optimize geological space, and integrate the marine economy. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the sustainable development of marine geological hazards (MGHs), with a particular focus on submarine landslides, the marine environment, as well as the marine economy. First, the novelty of this study lies in its review and summary of the temporal and spatial distribution, systematic classification, inducible factors, and realistic characteristics of submarine landslides to enrich the theoretical concept. Moreover, the costs, risks, and impacts on the marine environment and economy of submarine engineering activities such as oil and gas fields, as well as metal ores, were systematically discussed. Combined with the current marine policy, an analysis was conducted on the environmental pollution and economic losses caused by submarine landslides. Herein, the key finding is that China and Mexico are viable candidates for the future large-scale offshore exploitation of oil, gas, nickel, cobalt, cuprum, manganese, and other mineral resources. Compared to land-based mining, deep-sea mining offers superior economic and environmental advantages. Finally, it is suggested that physical model tests and numerical simulation techniques are effective means for investigating the triggering mechanism of submarine landslides, their evolutionary movement process, and the impact on the submarine infrastructure. In the future, the establishment of a multi-level and multi-dimensional monitoring chain for submarine landslide disasters, as well as joint risk assessment, prediction, and early warning systems, can effectively mitigate the occurrence of submarine landslide disasters and promote the sustainable development of the marine environment and economy.

Selenium spatial distribution and bioavailability of soil-plant systems in China: a comprehensive review.

Selenium (Se) has a dual nature, with beneficial and harmful effects on plants, essential for both humans and animals, playing a crucial role in ecosystem regulation. Insufficient Se in specific terrestrial environments raises concerns due to its potential to cause diseases, while excess Se can lead to severe toxicity. Thus, maintaining an optimal Se level is essential for living organisms. This review focuses first on Se transformation, speciation, and geochemical properties in soil, and then provides a concise overview of Se distribution in Chinese soil and crops, with a focus on the relationship between soil Se levels and parent materials. Additionally, this paper explores Se bioavailability, considering parent materials and soil physicochemical properties, using partial least squares path modeling for analysis. This paper aimed to be a valuable resource for effectively managing Se-enriched soil resources, contributing to a better understanding of Se role in ecosystems.

Geological Modeling of Shale Oil in Member 7 of the Yanchang Formation, Heshui South Area, Ordos Basin

In recent years, the Chang 7 member of the Mesozoic Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin has emerged as a significant repository of abundant and distinctive unconventional oil resources. The Heshui area boasts substantial shale oil reserves, with reported third-level reserves surpassing 600 million tons. However, the region in the southern part of Heshui is marked by pronounced variability in reservoir quality, intricate oil–water dynamics, low formation energy, and suboptimal fluid properties, leading to divergent development outcomes for horizontal wells. There is an imperative need to devise and refine new geological models to underpin the efficient exploitation of shale oil in the southern Heshui area. This study focuses on the shale oil reservoir of the Chang 7 member in the southern Heshui area of the Ordos Basin, conducting detailed stratigraphic correlation and establishing a refined isochronous stratigraphic framework. Utilizing PetrelTM modeling software (version 2018), we integrate deterministic and stochastic modeling approaches, adhering to the principles of isochronous and phased modeling. By assessing the thickness of sand and mudstone layers and the overall stratigraphic sequence, we derive a geological probability surface. Subsequently, this surface is harnessed to constrain the lithofacies, yielding a constrained lithofacies model. Employing sequential indicator simulation and sequential Gaussian stochastic simulation, we develop a reservoir attribute model that is anchored in the lithofacies model and its controls, culminating in a robust and dependable static model. Employing the geological probability surface constraint method, we meticulously construct the reservoir matrix model, amalgamating individual well data with the inherent certainty and randomness of reservoir plane thickness. This approach further enhances the model’s accuracy and mitigates the uncertainty and randomness associated with inter-well interpolation to a significant degree.

Application of the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for the prediction of sediment yield in Agewmariam experimental watershed, Tekeze River basin, Northern Ethiopia

The study utilized the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) to predict sediment loss and evaluate the model's performance in the Agewmariam experimental watershed in order to support the planning, management, and appropriate use of the soil and water resources in the watershed. The natural resources conservation service (NRCS) curve number method was used to model runoff energy factor. By overlaying maps of runoff energy, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover management, and support practice factors with assigned values, the cumulative effect of these parameters for the suspended sediment yield was calculated using the ArcGIS raster calculator. The runoff energy factor was the most sensitive parameter, followed by slope length and steepness factor. To improve the model's fit to the local conditions, the initial abstraction to storage ratio (λ) of the runoff energy factor was reduced to 0.023, and the MUSLE model coefficient and exponent were adjusted to 1 and 0.59, respectively. During calibration, the mean observed and estimated suspended sediment yields were 0.2 and 0.23 ton/ha, respectively, while during validation, they were 0.7 and 0.53 ton/ha, respectively. The model evaluation showed that the MUSLE model, without calibration, was not appropriate for estimating runoff and sediment yield. However, with appropriate calibration, the model showed good performance with a coefficient of determination (R2), coefficient of efficiency (E), and index of agreement (d) of 0.85, 0.85, and 0.96 respectively, during calibration and 0.84, 0.65, and 0.83 respectively, during validation. Based on these findings, this study suggests that the calibrated MUSLE model can be used to prioritize soil and water conservation interventions within the watershed or can be extrapolated to neighboring similar watersheds. Further refinement of model input parameters using more data from the watershed is recommended to increase the prediction accuracy of the model.

In Situ High-Precision Measurement of Deep-Sea Dissolved Methane by Quartz-Enhanced Photoacoustic and Light-Induced Thermoelastic Spectroscopy.

Rapid and accurate realization of in situ analysis of deep-sea dissolved gases imperative to the study of ecological geology, oil and gas resource exploration, and global climate change. Herein, we report for the first time the deep-sea dissolved methane (CH4) in situ sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic and light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy. The developed sensor system has a volume of φ120 mm × 430 mm and a power consumption of 7.6 W. The sensor, in the manner of frequency division multiplexing, is able to simultaneously measure the photoacoustic signals and light-induced thermoelastic signals, which can accurately correct laser-intensity induced influence on concentration. The spectral response of CH4 concentration varying from 0.01 to 5% is calibrated in detail based on the pressure and temperature in the application environment. The trend of the photoacoustic signal of CH4 at different water molecule (H2O) concentrations is investigated. An Allan variance analysis of several hours demonstrates a minimum detection limit of 0.21 ppm for the CH4 spectrometer. The sensor combined with the gas-liquid separation and enrichment unit is integrated into a compact marine standalone system. Since the specifically designed photoacoustic cell has a volume of only 1.2 mL, the time response for dissolved CH4 detection is reduced to 4 min. Furthermore, the sensor is successfully deployed in the vicinity of the "HaiMa" cold seeps at 1380 m underwater in the South China Sea, completing three consecutive days of measurements of dissolved CH4.

Mechanisms of Crustal-Mantle Material and Energy Exchanges: Impacts on Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Resources.

The exchange of matter and energy between crust and mantle significantly influences the formation and development of oil, gas, and geothermal resources. Understanding how these exchanges impact these resources is crucial in geological science. In many oil-rich basins in China, significant accumulations of H2, CO2, geothermal energy, and other associated resources linked to deep mantle materials or geological processes have been discovered. Therefore, investigating the effects of crust-mantle material and energy exchanges on these resources is of utmost importance. This paper aims to systematically analyze the effects of mantle materials (e.g., H2, CO2, catalytic elements) and energy upwelling into basins. It synthesizes the impacts of various organic-inorganic interactions on hydrocarbon generation, evolution of organic source rocks, reservoir development, and the formation and accumulation of oil and gas. Finally, it proposes a mechanism detailing how interactions between mantle matter and energy influence specific resources. Simultaneously, this study employs numerical simulations to uncover the specific impact of magma intrusions on the geothermal field of surrounding rock formations. It demonstrates that magma chambers, continuously supplied with mantle energy, create regional thermal anomalies and facilitate the development of high-temperature geothermal resources. This underscores that mantle materials and energy not only significantly influence the generation of oil and gas but also govern the formation of geothermal resources and the evolution of thermal reservoirs. This research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the subsequent formation of oil and gas resources under the influence of deep geological processes. Moreover, it furnishes a scientific basis for evaluating and exploring the symbiotic relationship between oil and gas resources and geothermal reservoirs.

Distribution and soil threshold of selenium in the cropland of southwest mountainous areas in China

To investigate the distribution characteristics of selenium (Se) in mountainous soil-crop systems and examine the threshold value of Se-rich soil, 275 soil samples and 153 associated crop samples (rice, maize, tea, nuts, konjac, mushrooms, buckwheat, and coffee) were collected in Ximeng County, a typical mountainous area in southwest China. The total Se, available Se, organic matter, pH, sampling point elevation, and crop Se content were analyzed to examine the distribution characteristics of soil Se and the ability of primary crops to enrich Se in Ximeng County. Random forest and multiple regression models were established to identify the factors influencing the available soil Se and the crop Se enrichment coefficient. Finally, the Se-rich soil threshold was examined based on the total Se, available Se, and Se content in primary crops (rice, maize, and tea). The results showed soil Se resource abundance in the study region, with high Se soil accounting for 64.72% of the entire area. The soil Se content displayed significant spatial autocorrelation. The average Se enrichment coefficient of the main cultivated crops included mushrooms > nuts > rice > coffee > tea > maize > buckwheat > konjac. The total Se content in the soil had the highest impact on the available Se content in the soil and the Se enrichment coefficient of crops. A Se-rich soil threshold of 0.3 mg·kg−1 was used for rice and maize, while that of tea was 0.4 mg·kg−1. This result provided a theoretical basis for developing and utilizing Se resources in mountainous soil in southwestern China and dividing the Se-rich soil threshold.

A Decoupled Buckling Failure Analysis of Buried Steel Pipeline Subjected to the Strike-Slip Fault

Over the past few years, there has been an increased focus on offshore pipeline safety due to the development of offshore oil and gas resources. Both onshore and offshore pipelines may face significant geological hazards resulting from active faults. Pre-excavated soil can be used as backfill for trenches to prevent major pipeline deformations. Since these backfill materials have been heavily remolded, they are softer than the native soil. Therefore, the difference in shear strength between the backfill and native ground may have an effect on the interaction between the pipeline and the backfill. In this paper, the pipeline–backfill–trench interaction is investigated using a hybrid beam–spring model. The P-Y curves obtained from CEL analysis are incorporated into a 3D beam–spring model to analyze the pipeline’s response to lateral strike-slip faults. Additionally, the nonlinearity of pipeline materials is considered to study pipeline failure modes under strike-slip fault movements. A series of parametric studies were conducted to explore the effects of fault intersection angle, pipe diameter, buried depth of the pipe, and soil conditions on the failure modes of buckling pipelines. The developed method can be used to analyze and assess pipeline–backfill–trench interaction when subjected to strike-slip fault displacements.

Nutrient regime and balance of nutrients in soil under forage crops under application of different types of fertilizers (on the example of Kyzylorda region)

Modern agriculture is facing a number of challenges, among which the efficient use of fertilisers to provide plants with the necessary nutrients is of particular importance. In particular, the growing focus on sustainable agriculture and the need to preserve soil resources underline the relevance of research into optimising fertiliser use. The purpose of the study was to identify effective methods of fertiliser use to provide plants with nutrients. To achieve this goal, the effectiveness of green manure, organic (manure) and mineral fertilisers under Sorghum and perennial grasses (Medicago sativa, Elytrigia, Agropyron) on saline soil was investigated. The study founded that organic fertilisers, such as manure and green manure, contribute to a more even supply of nutrients to plants compared to mineral fertilisers. This is particularly important in the context of nitrogen and phosphorus balance, where Medicago sativa has a positive nitrogen balance due to its ability to symbiotically fix nitrogen. Other crops studied, such as Elytrigia, Agropyron and Sorghum, showed a negative nitrogen balance on the control variant, but the application of N100P50K110 mineral fertiliser resulted in a positive nitrogen balance. The replacement of mineral fertilisers with organic fertilisers such as manure and green manure increased nitrogen inputs but also increased nitrogen removal from the soil due to the increase in phytomass yields. The results of the study confirmed the importance of transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of production in agriculture, which will ensure the development of the industry and increase its competitiveness in the international market. The practical significance of the study is to provide farmers with the opportunity to increase the yield of their crops and at the same time preserve soil fertility through the optimal use of nutrients contained in fertilisers

Shifts in plant functional trait dynamics in relation to soil microbiome in modern and wild barley

Societal Impact StatementUnderstanding domestication's impact on crop root traits and interactions with soil microbiomes is vital for improving crop resilience and agricultural sustainability. Using this knowledge to enhance root systems, reduce chemical inputs, and adapt crops to environmental stress will help to increase global food production, promote eco‐friendly farming, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, identifying microorganisms specific to plant species may help in biodiversity conservation. Advancing scientific understanding and educating future generations on the intricate relationships between plants, soil, and microorganisms is integral to developing innovative, sustainable agricultural practices and improved food security.Summary Domestication and intensive management practices have significantly shaped characteristics of modern crops. However, our understanding of domestication's impact had mainly focused on aboveground plant traits, neglecting root and rhizospheric traits, as well as trait–trait interactions and root‐microbial interactions. To address this knowledge gap, we grew modern (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Barke) and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum K. Koch var. spontaneum) in large rhizoboxes. We manipulated the soil microbiome by comparing disturbed (sterilized soil inoculum, DSM) versus non‐disturbed (non‐sterilized inoculum, NSM) microbiome. Results showed that modern barley grew faster and increased organic‐carbon exudation (OCEXU) compared to wild barley. Both barley species exhibited accelerated root growth and enhanced OCEXU under DSM, indicating their ability to partially compensate and exploit the soil resources independently of microbes if need be. Plant trait network analysis revealed that modern barley had a denser, larger, and less modular network of microbes than wild barley indicating domestication's impact on trait–trait coordination. In addition, the relative abundance of bacteria did not vary between wild and modern barley rhizospheres; however, species‐specific unique bacteria were identified, with stronger effects under DSM. Overall, our findings highlight domestication‐driven shifts in root traits, trait coordination, and their modulation by the soil microbiome.

Exploring the Evolutionary Characteristics of Food Security in China and the United States from a Multidimensional Perspective.

Against the backdrop of global warming, intensifying regional conflicts, deglobalization, and the spread of diseases, global food security is facing severe challenges. Studying the food security situation in China and the United States in depth can provide practical experience for formulating food security policies for countries around the world and promoting global food security governance. On the basis of a meticulous review of the evolving connotations of food security, this study adopts six dimensions-quantity security, quality security, circulation security, economic security, ecological resource security, and policy security-as breakthrough points to construct a framework consisting of food security evaluation indicator system comprising 29 specific indicators. The CRITIC-MEREC-MARCOS model is applied to evaluate the status of food security in China and the United States from 2000 to 2022, while the obstacle degree model (ODM) model is utilized to identify factors impeding food security between the two countries. The results indicate that the level of food security in China has shown slight fluctuations initially, followed by a steady upward trend. The gap with the United States is continuously narrowing. However, significant differences between China and the United States still exist in terms of economic security, ecological resource security, and policy security. Furthermore, due to the limited productivity of agricultural labor, scarcity of water and soil resources, and low efficiency in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, China's food security is subject to economic and environmental constraints. The restrictions imposed by economic security and ecological resource security on China's food security are showing an increasing trend year by year. For the United States, with the obstruction of grain exports and the increasing frequency of drought disasters, the impact of circulation security and ecological resource security on food security is becoming increasingly prominent. In the future, China and the United States should join hands to address challenges, actively promote international cooperation in food security, and drive sustainable development for humanity.

Experimental investigation of hydrocarbon generation, retention, and expulsion of saline lacustrine shale: Insights from improved semi-open pyrolysis experiments of Lucaogou Shale, eastern Junggar Basin, China

The organic-rich shale deposited in a saline lacustrine setting contributes massive conventional and unconventional petroleum reserves. However, the hydrocarbon generation, retention, and expulsion of saline lacustrine shale with increasing thermal maturity were rarely reported. Predicting the quality and quantity of generated, retained, and expelled hydrocarbons under various maturity stages for a given shale before drilling persists as a vital issue in exploration. Here, this study conducted two improved semi-open pyrolysis experiments to investigate the characteristics of the hydrocarbon generation, retention, and expulsion of Lucaogou Shale. Solid residues, adsorbed oil, free oil, expelled oil, and hydrocarbon gases were carefully quantified during the pyrolysis experiments. The results reveal that the composition and quantity of generated hydrocarbons are determined by the maturity and degree of openness of the shale system. The Tasmanites of Lucaogou Shale rapidly were converted to abundant oil in the main oil stage, promoting oil retention and expulsion. Meanwhile, the yield of adsorbed and free oil reached its peak at the VRo of 1.01 %. In the late oil window, the previously retained oil was further expelled from the shale as thermal stress increased. High oil retention significantly promoted the generation of extensive wet gas due to secondary cracking within the gas window. However, in a more open system, most of the generated oil was expelled within the oil window. The Lucaogou Shale generates relatively small amounts of hydrocarbon gas through kerogen cracking within the gas window. Hence, the extent of oil transformation into gas is controlled by the residence time and quantity of retained oil in shale. In addition, the maturity range of the oil saturation index greater than 100 mg oil/g TOC in Lucaogou Shale is relatively wide (VRo of 0.9 %-1.5 %), consistent with the renowned Woodford Shale. Expanded geochemical data of natural shale and artificial maturation experiments indicate the distribution of potential hydrocarbon resources. These valuable insights enhance the possibility of searching for commercial shale oil and conventional hydrocarbon resources. Collectively, these findings provide critical new insights into the hydrocarbon generation, retention, and expulsion of saline lacustrine shale, and the results could be a valuable analog for other saline lacustrine petroleum systems worldwide.