Medium Texture Research Articles

Fabrication and tribological properties of bionic surface texture self-lubricating 60NiTi alloy via selective laser melting and infiltration

Due to its low elastic modulus, low density, non-magnetic and good lubricity, 60NiTi alloy is considered a novel fourth-generation aerospace bearing material. In this paper, 60NiTi biomimetic surface textured self-lubricating composites were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and high-temperature fusion infiltration (HTFI). The effects of different slit widths (NTD), edge lengths (NTA), and soft metal Sn-Pb-Ag (SPA) infiltration on its tribological properties were studied. The results show that the NTA-SPA structural samples with medium texture density (ρ=16%) promoted the diffusion of the lubricant phase to the friction surface, resulting in a complete lubricant film. The COF stabilized at 0.2, and the wear rate decreased to 0.56×10-3 mm3/Nm, providing a more stable self-lubrication effect compared to the NTD-SPA sample.

A quantitative review of the effects of biochar application on the reduction of Cu concentration in plant: a meta-analysis.

Contamination and toxicity of copper (Cu) in soils are global issues, particularly in regions where Cu-based fungicides are utilized. Elevated Cu concentrations can lead to soil contamination and pose significant risks to the ecosystem, including plant life, wildlife, and human health. The application of biochar has been proposed as a viable strategy to mitigate Cu accumulation in plants. However, there is no quantitative and data-based consensus on the impact of biochar on plant Cu accumulation. In this meta-analysis, 624 data records from 65 published literature were collected and the effects of various factors, including biochar properties, experimental conditions, and soil properties on Cu accumulation in plants, were examined through meta-subgroup analysis and meta-regression models. The results obtained indicate a significant dose-dependent effect of biochar in decreasing Cu concentration in plants by an average of 23.45%. Soils with acidic pH values and medium textures were more conducive for biochar to mitigate Cu accumulation in plant tissues. In addition, manure biochar and green waste biochar were found to be more successful in decreasing Cu concentrations in plants compared to other biochar types. Biochar types with pyrolysis temperatures of > 600°C and pH values of ≥ 10 resulted in greater decreases in plant Cu concentration. Regarding biochar application, biochar minimum range of 1% in potting experiments and 20 t/ha in field experiments have been recommended to effectively decrease Cu concentration in plants. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into Cu transfer mitigation through food chain to human bodies and for policymakers to take preventive measures.

Exploring the toughening mechanisms of PyC interphase in SiCf/SiC composites through molecular dynamics and mesoscale stochastic simulations

The introduction of pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase in SiCf/SiC composites significantly improves their toughness, primarily by deflecting matrix cracks, while the underlying toughening mechanisms toward various PyC microstructures remain mysterious due to the challenges in experimentally observing microscopic deformations within PyC. This paper addresses this gap by constructing distinct PyC models based on orientation angle (OA), a key experimental characteristic, and then conducting Mode I loading simulations on SiCf/PyC/SiC systems by molecular dynamics (MD). Results indicate that as OA increases, the deformation behavior of PyC transits from multilayer sliding to delamination, which correlates to a reduction in the fracture energy of SiCf/PyC/SiC systems. Energy dissipation models are established for two microscopic deformation patterns as multilayer sliding and delamination based on homogenization theory, with results demonstrating that the energy dissipation caused by multilayer sliding within PyC surpasses that of delamination. Furthermore, mesoscale stochastic simulations of crack propagation in PyC with different textures are carried out to obtain crack path configurations and corresponding energy dissipations. The outcomes highlight the superior toughening effect of high texture (HT) PyC over medium texture (MT) and low texture (LT) PyC due to longer crack path within HT PyC, aligning well with experimental findings. This study provides valuable insights into cracking through PyC with varying textures, offering a foundation for optimizing PyC coating processes in SiCf/SiC composites to enhance performance.

Soil Solution Properties of Tropical Soils and Brachiaria Growth as Affected by Humic Acid Concentration

The soil solution is the compartment where plants uptake nutrients and this phase is in equilibrium with the soil solid phase. Changes in nutrient content and availability in the soil solution can vary among soil types in response to humic acid concentrations, thereby affecting Brachiaria growth. However, there are no studies demonstrating these effects of humic acid application on different soil types and how they affect Brachiaria growth. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of humic acid concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, and 60 mg kg−1 carbon-humic acid) on Brachiaria brizantha growth and soil solution properties of contrasting tropical soils. Plants were grown for 35 days in greenhouse conditions in pots containing Sandy Entisol, Clayey (Red Oxisol), and Medium Texture (Red-Yellow Oxisol). Soil solution was assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon, and nutrient content. Shoot and root dry matter, as well as macro and micronutrients accumulation in the shoot, were determined. In a soil type-dependent effect, pH, EC, and concentrations of nutrients in solutions changed in response to carbon-humic acid concentration. In the less-buffered soils, Sandy Entisol and Red-Yellow Oxisol, the addition of 30–40 mg kg−1 carbon-humic acid increased root proliferation by 76–89%, while Brachiaria biomass produced in all soils increased by approximately 30%. Levels of carbon in solution were high (>580 mg L−1) and varied depending on the investigated soil type. Though solution carbon contents did not appear to be a driving factor controlling the positive effects of humic acid concentrations on Brachiaria dry matter, there was a direct relationship between other properties and nutrient content in the soil solution, and Brachiaria dry matter production.

Influence of the addition of carbon nanotube on the physical behavior of a lateritic soil from the southwest Amazon

In this work we evaluate the physical-mechanical behavior of lateritic soil with addition of carbon nanotubes. The soil was collected in a commercial deposit located in Rio Branco – AC and later characterized through particle size tests, X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Dispersion Spectroscopy and Tropical Compressed Miniature essay. The dispersion of nanotubes in solution was carried out and the size of the nanoparticles was verified using Dynamic Light Spreading - DLS, Zeta Potential and PDI. Three percentages of additions (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%) of carbon nanotubes were evaluated and compared with the control group according to the parameters of Atterberg limits, real density, dry density maximum and optimum humidity. The results indicate that the soil has a clayey behavior with a medium texture, with the presence of clay mineral kaolinite in its composition and silicon and iron oxides. The dispersion of carbon nanotubes reached particles with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 68.9 nm and Zeta Potential of -24.87 mV and PDI of 0.231, characterizing a solution as moderately dispersed and kinetically stable. The results of the liquidity limit and plasticity tests showed a reduction of 10 and 13%, respectively, with the addition of carbon nanotubes, while for the parameters of plasticity index, real specific mass, maximum dry density and optimal moisture, they did not show significant variation. Carbon nanotubes interact with soils with lateritic behavior, and further studies are essential to better understand the mechanisms behind this interaction.

Dampak Penggunaan dan Pengolahan Tanah dalam Usahatani Sayuran Terhadap Infiltrasi Tanah Andisol di Kabupaten Kerinci

Andisol is a volcanic soil with a medium texture and a high organic matter content, so it is generally loose. However, the majority of vegetable farmers in Kayu Aro Barat District, Kerinci Regency carry out intensive soil cultivation in intensive land use (planting throughout the year, 2-3 times/year). Unfortunately, the role of tillage in soil and water conservation (SWC) is almost non-existent and even detrimental. One approach in SWC is the application of conservation tillage to control soil compaction so that soil infiltration is maintained. The research aims to determine the rate and capacity of Andisol soil infiltration and several factors that influence it, due to differences in the intensity of land use and cultivation in vegetable farming in Kebun Baru Village, Kayu Aro Barat District. The research used an exploratory-descriptive survey method. Observation and soil sampling points were determined using purposive stratified random sampling covering flat to sloping land, intensive land use and cultivation (planting 2-3 times/year + land cultivation 2 times/year), semi-intensive (planting 1-2 times/year + land cultivation once/year), and non-intensive (planting 1-2 times /year + land cultivation once/2 years), each land is planted with potatoes every year with various planting patterns. Soil infiltration rate was measured using a Double Ring Infiltrometer, and infiltration capacity was estimated using the Horton Equation. Soil infiltration rate and capacity are respectively 26.5 cm/hour (very fast) and 8.12 cm/hour (as is the infiltration capacity of loam-textured soil in general) on flat land with intensive land use and cultivation; much larger than other fields. On the other hand, the infiltration rate and capacity were 6.68 cm/hour (medium) and 2.27 cm/hour respectively (smaller than the infiltration capacity of silty loam soil in general), and the smallest, on sloping land that was used and cultivated not intensively. It is necessary to educate farmers to cultivate the land as necessary according to the characteristics of the soil and plant needs, to maintain the sustainability of soil function and building sustainable vegetable farming in West Kayu Aro District, Kerinci Regency.

Analisis Beberapa Sifat Fisik Tanah Pada Tanaman Kelapa Sawit Di Desa Kuala Behe Kecamatan Kuala Behe Kabupaten Landak

<p><em>This land suitability evaluation is basically used to determine the level of suitability of a plot of land for a particular use. Kuala Behe Village currently has quite good potential in developing large areas of community oil palm plantations. The aim of this research is to analyze several soil physical properties of oil palm plants in Kuala Behe Village, Kuala Behe District, Landak Regency and provide management recommendations. The method used in this research is land surveying and mapping. The research begins with a preliminary survey of the research location, then continues with making a map of observation points determined based on the distribution of land unit maps obtained from the overlay or overlap of administrative maps, slope class maps and soil type maps with reference to the physiographic survey method. The research location has an area of 120 ha consisting of 6 land units, then continued with carrying out activities in the field (observing the physical properties of the soil and taking soil samples according to the coordinate points that have been obtained). The analysis results showed that the dominant texture was clay with a medium texture class, the effective depth of the soil was included in the deep criteria, had good drainage, very deep sulfidic hazards, light erosion and no threat of flooding. The research location has 2 types of soil, namely Typic Dystrudepts and Fluventic Dystrudepts which are classified into 6 land units, namely land units with a total area of approximately 120 ha. Improvement efforts can be made by constructing drainage channels, constructing contour terraces and planting ground cover plants.</em></p>

KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI DAN KIMIA TANAH PADA LAHAN PERTANAMAN PADI LADANG DI KABUPATEN BUTON UTARA

Soil characteristics determine the potential yield of cultivated plants. Soil morphological characteristics generally differ between depths and locations, so different management efforts are required. This study aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the soil in each layer and between sub-districts on upland rice cultivation land in North Buton Regency. The research method is based on free survey observations with an area administration approach to upland rice cultivation. Soil observation is carried out by drilling. Drilling is carried out to a depth of 120 cm or up to a layer of soil parent material. Qualitative soil descriptions have been carried out directly in the field to obtain an overview of soil morphological characteristics between layers and locations. The results showed the morphological characteristics of the soil on upland rice cultivation in North Buton Regency, where soil colors are generally brown (ranging from dark brown to yellowish brown; Hue 7.5-10 YR with low value and chroma respectively). Soil texture generally includes fine to medium texture, ranging from clay, silt to loam, except for the slightly coarse-textured Bonegunu area (sandy loam) in the subsoil layer. Soil consistency generally includes firm in moist conditions, plastic and sticky in wet conditions. Soil organic matter content is generally moderate, except for the Kambowa area which is low. While the soil pH levels, both between depths and locations, are in the slightly acidic category. It is necessary to pay attention to the differences in pedogenesis factors between locations in the management of upland rice cultivation in the North Buton Regency to realize optimal and sustainable productivity.

Different soil textures can interfere with phosphorus availability and acid phosphatase activity in soybean

To achieve sustainable agricultural activity, phosphatase determination is an important practice for improving the efficiency of phosphorus (P) management in tropical agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate acid phosphatase activity in different soil textures and P stress levels affecting the nutritional, chemical, biochemical, and agronomic aspects of soybean. Treatments resulted from factorial combination in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme, consisting of three soil textures (clay, medium, and sandy) and three P stress levels (severe, moderate, and control) with four replications. Three different soil textures were used in the research: Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico (LVd) with clay texture, collected in the native forest, equivalent Oxisol (Soil Taxonomy); Cambissolo Háplico Tb Distrófico (CXbd) with medium texture collected in the natural field equivalent Inceptisols (Soil Taxonomy); and Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico (LAd) with sandy texture collected in the natural field equivalent Oxisol (Soil Taxonomy). Soil electrical conductivity, P available (method Mehlich-1), and acid phosphatase activity (ρ-nitrophenol released) (μg h−1 g−1 soil) were analyzed and the samples were collected at a depth of 0–20 cm. Also evaluated were the height of plants, number of leave and branches, dry mass (root, leave, and stem), P total concentration in leaf, and P translocation (transport from root to shoot) of soybean plants 45 days after sowing. Results showed the clayey textured soil provided the best results for plant growth, root, stem, and leaf dry matter content, P total concentration of P in leaf, P translocation (transport from root to shoot), P available in the soil, and higher acid phosphatase activity of under P stress. Results showed that the Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico (LVd) provided the best results in managing P in different soil textures. However, based on growth and development results, a reduction in phosphate fertilization (P stress moderate) may favor acid phosphatase activity. Acid phosphatase activity can be used as an option in the management of P soluble activity in different soil textures. However, in front of the complexity of soil–plant–P–environment interactions, further research needs to be conducted to investigate better these effects of the da acid phosphatase on different soil textures.

Reactivity of two acidity correctives in a medium texture soil

For crops to have good productivity, it is necessary to adopt agricultural practices that ensure an adequate supply of water and nutrients, and neutralize toxic elements in the soil, especially exchangeable aluminum, both in the arable layer and in the subsurface. One of these agricultural practices usually employed in both small and medium and large rural properties is the correction of soil acidity, which aims, in addition to neutralizing exchangeable aluminum, to provide calcium and magnesium for plants. Several materials have been used to correct soil acidity, with carbonates, oxides, hydroxides or silicates as neutralizing components. In the present work, the reactivity of two acidity correctives was evaluated in a soil of medium texture, with high aluminum saturation: 72.96%. The correctives used were a steel slag (calcium silicate), and a dolomitic limestone, applied in doses equivalent to one, one and a half, two, and two and a half times the analytically predicted amount, to raise the base saturation to 60%, using calcium acetate with H+ + Al3+ extractor. The study also included a control treatment, which did not receive acidity correction. The method used to evaluate the reactivity of the two correctives was soil incubation. The block design was used, with six repetitions per concealer dose. The experimental units were plastic bags with 3.0 kg of soil. After mixing the correctives with the soil, in the doses corresponding to each treatment, they were transferred to plastic bags and incubated at 70% of the maximum water retention capacity for ninety days. After the incubation period, the soil was analyzed for pH in CaCl2, pH in H2O, exchangeable aluminum (Al+3), and base saturation (V %). Steel slag and dolomitic limestone had the same efficiency to neutralize aluminum and increase base saturation. The pH in CaCl2 and pH in H2O were highly correlated, with the average pH in H2O being 0.50 units greater than the pH in CaCl2. The equation to relate pH in CaCl2 to pH in H2O was Y= 1.0273 x + 0.4716, with R2 = 0.9730. Complete neutralization of Al+3 occurred when the soil pH was raised to 5.03 (pH in CaCl2) or pH 5.50 (pH in H2O). The extraction of H+ + Al3+ with calcium acetate resulted in an underestimation of the cation exchange capacity at pH 7.0 (CTC T), and consequently of the corrective dose to be applied. On average, there was a need to double the amount of concealer predicted analytically to reach the desired base saturation. The equation to relate base saturation with corrective doses, in CaCO3 equivalents, was Y= 9.1476x + 3.8439, with R2 of 0.9449.

Eficiencia de diferentes tipos de inoculantes en el cultivo de soja

The inoculation of Bradyrhizobium specific for the soybean crop is an indispensable practice in the cultivation of this leguminous plant. In this study, traditional inoculation via seed was chosen. The experiment was carried out in a soil classified as red oxisol with medium texture in a completely randomized design (DIC), with 4 treatments and 7 repetitions. Each experimental unit was comprised of a 1m² plot, and the treatments analyzed were: Liquid inoculant (T1); Peat inoculant (T2); Liquid + peat inoculant (T3) and no inoculant (T4). The objective proposed in this study was to verify the need to use inoculants in soybean planting in areas where the crop has been cultivated for more than six years. According to the F test, there was a significant difference between the treatments, with T3 standing from among the others for root length, number of nodules and nitrogen concentration on the leaf. T2, although inferior to T3, showed better results than treatments T1 and T4. In the experimental conditions using the Brasmax Bônus8579IPRO cultivar, there was a significant difference in the use of the products, with emphasis on the liquid inoculation + peat (T3), presenting a higher frequency concentration in the plant leaf, obtaining an even greater number of nodules and root length. As the value of the F statistic for the variables average root length, average number of nodes and average leaf transmit nitrogen content exceeds the critical value at the 1% probability level (4.72), they are represented at this level (P < 0 ,01). As the calculated F values were greater than the tabulated F values for the three analyzed variables, we rejected the null hypothesis (H0), and concluded that the determining variables have different effects. Therefore, we can conclude that the most recommended for inoculation would be the use both products.

Postoperative Recovery after TMJ Arthroscopy: Masticatory Improvement and Postoperative Diet

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy has become popular due to its satisfactory long-term results and few surgical complications. However, patients’ postoperative recovery is poorly studied. This study evaluates the postoperative evolution of the masticatory function and the daily activities of patients who have undergone TMJ arthroscopy. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a Portuguese orofacial pain center with patients fulfilling the criteria for TMJ arthroscopy. For the first 30 days (D) after surgery, every 3 days, patients scored: (1) discomfort in the mastication of different food textures (soft, medium, hard); (2) time for a return to normal lifestyle (work, physical activities); and (3) TMJ pain during essential functions (mastication, speech, deglutition, deep breaths). The data were compared with preoperative results using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and the Friedman test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were assessed for eligibility; fifteen did not meet the inclusion criteria, and five declined participation. Twenty-two patients initially started the study, but two canceled on days 6–18, and eleven patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Nine female patients with sixteen operated joints completed the study. A progressive tolerance for scaling food textures was observed. Soft and medium textures were tolerated after D15 and D21, respectively. The hard texture was not well tolerated in the 30 days after surgery. Discomfort returning to work and practicing physical exercise was significantly reduced on D15 and D21, respectively. In addition, significant improvements in TMJ pain during mastication and speech were observed over time. Conclusions: Despite the study’s limitations, namely the small sample size, the non-validated questionnaire, and the non-biomechanical analysis of food texture, it was possible to observe after TMJ arthroscopy an early return to masticatory capacity with the progressive introduction of different food textures. The authors expect these results will help in future postoperative guidelines regarding postoperative recovery from TMJ arthroscopy.

Response of nitrate leaching to no-tillage is dependent on soil, climate, and management factors: A global meta-analysis.

No tillage (NT) has been proposed as a practice to reduce the adverse effects of tillage on contaminant (e.g., sediment and nutrient) losses to waterways. Nonetheless, previous reports on impacts of NT on nitrate ( ) leaching are inconsistent. A global meta-analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that the response of leaching under NT, relative to tillage, is associated with tillage type (inversion vs non-inversion tillage), soil properties (e.g., soil organic carbon [SOC]), climate factors (i.e., water input), and management practices (e.g., NT duration and nitrogen fertilizer inputs). Overall, compared with all forms of tillage combined, NT had 4% and 14% greater area-scaled and yield-scaled leaching losses, respectively. The leaching under NT tended to be 7% greater than that of inversion tillage but comparable to non-inversion tillage. Greater leaching under NT, compared with inversion tillage, was most evident under short-duration NT (<5 years), where water inputs were low (<2 mmday-1 ), in medium texture and low SOC (<1%) soils, and at both higher (>200 kg ha-1 ) and lower (0-100 kg ha-1 ) rates of nitrogen addition. Of these, SOC was the most important factor affecting the risk of NO3 - leaching under NT compared with inversion tillage. Globally, on average, the greater amount of NO3 - leached under NT, compared with inversion tillage, was mainly attributed to corresponding increases in drainage. The percentage of global cropping land with lower risk of NO3 - leaching under NT, relative to inversion tillage, increased with NT duration from 3 years (31%) to 15 years (54%). This study highlighted that the benefits of NT adoption for mitigating leaching are most likely in long-term NT cropping systems on high-SOC soils.

Exploring the canal environment in terms of water, bed sediments and vegetation in a reclaimed floodplain of Northern Italy

The Po plain (Italy) is one of the largest floodplains in Europe that needs environmental restoration. To achieve this goal, the knowledge of the ‘environment’ (water, bed sediments and vegetation) of the canals crossing such floodplain is necessary. The water flow of the canals was kept low for hydraulic safety purposes from October to March (NIR), and high for irrigation purposes from April to September (IR). Within this framework, this study aimed to assess in 9 sites of the east part of Po plain 1) the canals' environment quality in terms of vegetation diversity, and water and bed sediment physicochemical properties; and 2) how these features are influenced by canal managements and landscape properties. Water was monthly sampled both in NIR and IR periods, the bed sediments were sampled in summer and winter periods, while the vegetation was recorded in spring and autumn. The low water flow during NIR worsened the water quality by increasing the concentrations of nutrients and salts. A higher salt and nutrient concentrations were observed both in water and bed sediments of canals crossing areas with fine texture alluvial deposits than in those flowing through medium texture alluvial deposits. Further, higher nutrient and salt concentrations were observed for the canals used as collectors of the water coming from other canals. Despite the differences observed for the bed sediments and water quality, the vegetation type and biodiversity did not show differences among the study sites probably because affected by the land use of the surrounding landscape. Indeed, the canals cross agricultural land which limit the developments of natural vegetation and do not promote plant biodiversity. Overall, the present study found out the key role of landscape properties and canal managements on ‘canal environment’ quality which need to be considered to perform an appropriate reclamation of such environments.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations and behavior in cultivated soils under humid-subhumid environmental condition of the Black Sea region

In present time, contamination of soils with heavy metals has become a serious problem for the ecosystem, which is caused not only by industrial wastes but also by natural reasons such as geological origin and other human impact e.g., agricultural activities. This study discussed the sources of heavy metals, their spatial distribution, and factors affecting mobilization or retention mechanisms in soils. Soil pH (soil acidity), clay content, and soil organic matter content were studied as the main properties affecting the behavior of heavy metals in soil formed under humid and subhumid coastal environmental conditions. For this purpose, 3395 soil samples were collected from agricultural lands in the central and eastern Black Sea Regions. The results show that agricultural soils in the region have medium texture, high organic matter content, and an acidic response. While the average concentration levels of total heavy metal contents were determined as Fe > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd, the average levels of available heavy metal contents were Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Cd > Cr in soil samples. When enrichment factor (EF) values of the soils were examined, the values of Cd and Pb were above 2, while the EF values of the other heavy metal elements were below 2; that is, they were classified as “deficiency to minimal enrichment.” It was also found that the heavy metals Cu and Cd had the highest availability ratio values (AR). In addition, a path analysis was carried out to determine the effects of pH, clay content, and soil organic matter content on the behavior of heavy metals. Direct effects on extractable and total forms of heavy metals was ranked as pH > OM = Clay, while the impacts on EF and AR was ranked as OM > pH > Clay.

Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Benchmark Soils of Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural soils is important for sustainable global food security and environmental protection. In the present study, carbon pools of varying lability and SOC stock were assessed in benchmark soils under different cropping systems of Punjab, Pakistan. Among all the benchmark soils, the very labile carbon-VLC pool accounted for a higher proportion of TOC with a mean of 37.44% followed by non-labile carbon-NLC (22.08%), less labile carbon-LLC (20.86%) and labile carbon-LC (19.46%) pool. Similarly, the VLC pool was found higher in all the cropping systems than the LC, LLC and NLC pools. The maximum VLC concentration (0.175%) was found in cotton-wheat followed by maize-wheat (0.162%) and rice-wheat (0.155%) cropping system whereas the minimum VLC was observed in fallow-wheat (0.104%) cropping system. A significant positive correlation was recorded among all the carbon pools. Moreover, the SOC stock concentration in heavy texture benchmark soils was significantly higher than light texture soils while difference with medium texture soils was non-significant. The distribution of SOC stock in cropping systems was found in the following order; cotton-wheat>rice-wheat>maize-wheat>fallow-wheat. Hence, it was concluded that the carbon pools and SOC stock are governed by soil texture and management practices.

Caracterización morfológica, fisicoquímica y de sanidad de una selección de clones multipatrón de guanábana (Annona muricata L.)

The objective of this research work was to characterize and identify multipattern clonal grafts with morphological, physicochemical,and health characteristics to obtain good yields and fruit pulp quality in soursop populations. The descriptor list for soursop, recommended by CORPOICA, was used to characterize the fruit and pulp of the clonal plants. For the quantitative and qualitative morphological characterization of the fruit, the statistical software InfoStat was used, and to determine the most outstanding characteristics of the pulp, the software SPSS Ver. 24 was used. The chemical analysis of the pulp was done by means of the non-parametric techniques of Kruskal Wallis. In the qualitative characterization of the pulp, 43.1% showed white and snow-white color, 42.1% had an acid flavor, 57.9% had a medium texture and 44.7% had a medium aroma and 36.8% had a high aroma, 50% proved to be semi juicy. The pH found ranged between 4.70 and 2.92, with respect to the total soluble solids expressed in ºBrix, averaging 17.10. It is concluded that there is genetic variability in qualitative and quantitative characters of the fruit and pulp in grafted clones and differences were found in the chemical analysis of the pulp of clonal plants.

​Performance of Garlic Genotypes under Sub montane Zone of Maharashtra

Background: Knowledge about the morphological characteristics of garlic genotypes is most important for selection of the appropriate varieties for appropriate place and achievement of high yields. Besides, characterization is an important aspect for documentation of the performance of the studied cultivars, which subsequently helps for introduction, selection and improvement in existing varieties of garlic. Methods: The experimental material was comprised of 16 genotypes of garlic viz., Phule Baswant, Phule Nilima, Kalwan Local, DN-49-395, DN-49-364, Marwar Local, G-284, G-222, G-444, G-41, G-119, G-215, G-752, G-546, Satara Local and Dahiwadi Local. The collected genotypes of garlic was dibbled on flat beds of 1.5 m × 1.0 m dimensions at a spacing of 15 × 10 cm in randomized block design with three replications and a total plot size of 72.00 m2. The soil selected for present investigation was of medium texture and rich in organic matter. FYM was applied @ 25 t/ha at the time of land preparation and recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. 100:50:50 kg N:P2O5:K2O/ha was applied. The observations on growth parameters at harvest, yield attributes, incidence of pests and diseases, physiological loss in weight (%) and decay percentage at the end of 90 days of storage at ambient temperature were recorded. Result: The data revealed that, the genotypes viz., Phule Nilima, Phule Baswant and G-41 had recorded the better performance with respect to growth and yield attributes with minimum disease and pest incidence and least physiological loss in weight and decay at the end of 90 days of storage at ambient temperature.

Transport and targeted binding of Pluronic-coated nanoparticles in unsaturated porous media

The effectiveness of most in situ remedial technologies, including nanoremediation, lies on successful delivery of reagents to a subsurface target treatment zone. Targeted delivery of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) to treat petroleum hydrocarbons present in the unsaturated zone requires an understanding of their transport behaviour in these systems. A series of column experiments explored the effect of initial water saturation, flowrate, input dosage, and porous medium texture on the transport of iron oxide or cobalt ferrite NPs coated with an amphiphilic co-polymer, as well as their targeted attachment to a crude oil zone. As the initial water content increased with a concomitant reduction in air saturation, the degree of tailing present in the NP breakthrough curves (BTCs) reduced, and the mass of NPs recovered increased. Air saturation is positively correlated with the magnitude of air-water interfaces, which provide additional NP retention sites. At a lower injection flow rate, NP retention increased due to a longer residence time and comparatively high air saturation. NP transport behaviour was not sensitive to NP injection dose over the range tested. Increased retention and retardation of the NP BTC was observed in sediments with a higher clay and silt content. NPs coated with a lower concentration of a Pluronic block co-polymer to promote binding were preferentially retained within the crude oil zone. To simulate the asymmetrical NP breakthrough curves observed from the unsaturated systems required the use of a model that accounted for both mobile and immobile flow regions as well as NP attachment and detachment with nonlinear Langmuirian blocking. This model allowed examination of attachment and detachment rate coefficients which captured NP interaction with the porous medium and/or crude oil. It was found that the initial water saturation and flow rate did not have an appreciable impact on the NP attachment rate coefficient, while it increased by ~10× with increasing clay and silt content, and by ~100× in the presence of crude oil, indicating preferential NP attachment within the crude oil zone. As a result of the lower NP polymer concentration coating used to promote increased attachment to crude oil, higher retention was observed near the column inlet and was captured quantitatively by adding a depth-dependent straining term to the model. This retention behaviour represents a combination of irreversible attachment at the air-water interfaces and straining near the column inlet enhanced by the formation of NP aggregates. The detachment rate coefficient decreased with a lower initial water saturation and flowrate, but increased with higher clay and silt content. The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of the transport and binding behaviour of Pluronic-coated NPs in unsaturated conditions and, in particular, the role of initial water content, flowrate and porous medium texture. Demonstrated delivery of NPs to a target zone is an important step towards expanding the utility of NPs as treatment reagents.

Light intensity and giberelic acid in the seedling\production of four ornamental species

Ornamental species, especially those involving the use of seedlings in trays to serve residential gardens, need to be produced quickly for commercialization, which requires studies that provide such a condition. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of light intensity and exogenous application of gibberellin on seedlings of four ornamental species (Calendula officinalis, Gypsophila elegans, Solenostemon scutellarioides and Viola wittrockiana). The experiment was carried out at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos. The seeds were sown in trays containing substrate composed of a mixture of humic Distroferric Red Latosol: medium texture sand: commercial substrate, in the volumetric proportion of 2:1:1, respectively. The trays were kept in shading environments, using black screens with 35%, 50% and 80% shading intensity, red with 35% shading, in addition to full sun. After 30 days of emergence, gibberellic acid solution was applied to the seedlings at concentrations of 0 mg L-1 and 300 mg L-1. Emergence, emergence speed index, mean emergence time, total length, shoot and roots, number of leaves, leaf area, root volume density, shoot, root and total dry matter were evaluated. For each environmental condition of cultivation, the values of temperature and air humidity and light intensity were obtained. The use of gibberellic acid proved to be beneficial for Viola wittrockiana and Solenostemon scutellarioides. The shading environments, regardless of color and light intensity, were more favorable for the formation of seedlings of these four ornamental species.