Agricultural Utilization Research Articles

Advancements in Biochar Modification for Enhanced Phosphorus Utilization in Agriculture

The role of modified biochar in enhancing phosphorus (P) availability is gaining attention as an environmentally friendly approach to address soil P deficiency, a global agricultural challenge. Traditional phosphatic fertilizers, while essential for crop yield, are costly and environmentally detrimental owing to P fixation and leaching. Modified biochar presents a promising alternative with improved properties such as increased porosity, surface area, and cation exchange capacity. This review delves into the variability of biochar properties based on source and production methods and how these can be optimized for effective P adsorption. By adjusting properties such as pH levels and functional groups to align with the phosphate’s zero point of charge, we enhance biochar’s ability to adsorb and retain P, thereby increasing its bioavailability to plants. The integration of nanotechnology and advanced characterization techniques aids in understanding the structural nuances of biochar and its interactions with phosphorus. This approach offers multiple benefits: it enables farmers to use phosphorus more efficiently, reducing the need for traditional fertilizers and thereby minimizing environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and P leaching. This review also identifies existing research gaps and future opportunities for further biochar modifications. These findings emphasize the significant potential of modified biochar in sustainable agriculture.

Effects of water-nitrogen interactions on NH3 and N2O emissions and yield in winter wheat cropland

To investigate the effects of different irrigation and nitrogen application modes on nitrogen gaseous loss in winter wheat farmland, we conducted a field experiment at Changqing Irrigation Experiment Station in Shandong Province, with two irrigation levels (80%-90% θf(I1) and 70%-80% θf(I2)) and three nitrogen application levels (conventional nitrogen application of 240 kg·hm-2(N1), nitrogen reduction of 12.5% (N2), and nitrogen reduction of 25% (N3)). The results showed that ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission rate peak appeared within 2-4 days after fertilization or irrigation. The ammonia volatilization rate during the chasing fertilizer period was significantly higher than that during the basal fertilizer period. Compared with other treatments, the ave-rage ammonia volatilization rate of I2N2 treatment during the chasing fertilizer period was reduced by 10.1%-51.6%, and the average nitrous oxide emission rate over the whole growth period was reduced by 15.4%-52.2%. The ammonia volatilization rate was significantly positively associated with surface soil pH value and ammonium nitrogen content, while the nitrous oxide emission rate was significantly positively associated with nitrate content in topsoil. The accumulation amount of soil ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission ranged from 0.83-1.42 and 0.11-0.33 kg·hm-2, respectively. Moderate reduction of irrigation water and nitrogen input could effectively reduce cumulative amounts of ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission from winter wheat farmland. The cumulative amounts of ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emission under I1N3 and I2N2 treatments were signi-ficantly lower than those under other treatments. The highest winter wheat yield (5615.6 kg·hm-2) appeared in I2N2 treatment. The irrigation water utilization efficiency of I2 was significantly higher than that of I1, with the maximum increase rate of 45.2%. Compared with N1 and N3 treatments, the maximum increase rate of nitrogen fertilizer productivity and agricultural utilization efficiency in N2 reached 15.2% and 31.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the treatment with 70%-80% θf irrigation level and 210 kg·hm-2 nitrogen input could effectively improve the utilization efficiency of irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization and reduce gaseous loss from winter wheat farmland.

DIGITAL INITIATIVES OF HARYANA GOVERNMENT AND FARMER'S WELFARE

The agricultural landscape in Haryana, India, has undergone a transformative shift with the advent of digital technologies, specifically E-Portals encompassing social media and mobile applications. Digitalization presents the opportunity to assist in tackling the agricultural sector's challenges and improve productivity and sustainability. Digital initiatives (E-commerce and E-Portals) in agriculture have a significant positive impact on agricultural production efficiency. It encourages rational allocation of agricultural factors and promotes sustainable development.Based on Available data from national surveys and existing literature on the implementation and effects of digital portals, Mobile applications, and social media in agriculture utilization of digital technologies. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, data taken from different sources like combining surveys, national surveys, existing literature, and data analytics to evaluate the adoption and utilization patterns of E-Portals, mobile applications and social media among farmers. The study aims to analyze the impact of E-Portals on farmers lives in Haryana. The research paper will focus on the E-Portals, Mobile apps and social media initiatives run by Government of Haryana. This research paper explores the multi-sided impact of these technological involvements on farmers in the region. Through a comprehensive study, we investigate how E-Portals have influenced various facets of farming practices, socio-economic conditions, and overall welfares of farmers in Haryana.Findings of this study reveal the extent to which farmers have integrated digital platforms into their daily routines for tasks such as market information access, crop management, financial transactions, and community engagement. Furthermore, the research explores the implications of E-Portals on improving market linkages, enhancing agricultural productivity, and contributing to sustainable farming practices.In addition to the positive outcomes, challenges and barriers faced by farmers in adopting and adapting to E-Portals are also analyzed. Issues such as digital literacy, connectivity constraints, and the socio-economic divide are examined to provide a holistic understanding of the technology's impact on different segments of the farming community.The research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, technology developers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance the effectiveness of E-Portals in agriculture. By understanding the dynamics of technology adoption among farmers in Haryana, this study aims to inform strategies that can bridge existing gaps, promote inclusivity, and ensure sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The study finds that regional digitalization can significantly raise agricultural total factor productivity, particularly in economically underdeveloped areas.

Understanding the drying mechanism of straw substrate culture block: Physicochemical properties, pore structure, and drying optimization

As a new type of agricultural waste block substrate utilization, the initial wet base state of the substrate culture block needs to be dried. Therefore, studying the drying mechanism of substrate culture block is critical. In this study, the substrate culture block in a dry state was taken as the research object. Based on physical and chemical properties, the internal section of the substrate culture block was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the pore condition of the particles was quantified. The results showed that the internal pore structure was uniform and favorable for plant root growth. Based on the pore structure, pore channel modeling was constructed to investigate the distribution of the internal multiphase medium and to distinguish between channels and pore-blind channels. The applicability of the modeling was verified and discussed. By measuring the drying rate of the substrate culture block and classifying its drying stages as fast speed, constant speed, and slow speed, it is clarified that the forms of moisture existence are bound-state water and free-state water, and the moisture migration is prioritized as surface adsorption water, interparticle water, particle attached water, and capillary water. Innovate a method to quantify the change of pore space in the drying process by pore coefficient ratio to evaluate the drying quality. The results show that when the pore coefficient ratio is about 40 %, its moisture content is 20 %∼30 %, and the drying effect is best at this time. The physical drying test further confirmed the correctness of the conclusion of the drying stage division and water loss law. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the modeling study of the pore structure of the block matrix and the exploration of its drying mechanism.

Iot Based Smart Irrigation System using Artificial Intelligence

Sustainable agriculture depends on effective water management, and the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) combine to offer a novel approach to irrigation process optimisation. In order to improve water utilization in agriculture, this research suggests a comprehensive system that includes buzzers, LCD displays, relays, water pumps, soil moisture sensors, AI algorithms, and water pumps. An AI algorithm at the centre of the system evaluates data collected in real time from field-installed soil moisture sensors. These sensors gather information on the soil’s moisture content, which offers important insights into the real water needs of the crops. After analysing this data, the AI programme decides how best to schedule irrigation. The system’s integration with a relay is intended to regulate when a water pump is activated. According to the suggestions of the AI algorithm, the relay provides accurate control over the irrigation operation, enabling on-demand watering. By avoiding over- irrigation and conserving water, this lowers the chance of waterlogging and associated problems. The system has an LCD display to improve user engagement and offer real-time feedback. Important details like irrigation status, soil moisture levels, and AI-driven suggestions are conveyed through the display. With the help of this function, farmers may monitor the system’s performance and make well-informed judgements. Furthermore, a buzzer is incorporated to deliver auditory notifications in the event of crucial occurrences, such low soil moisture levels or system faults.This guarantees timely resolution of problems that might affect crop health and system performance as a whole. A number of benefits are provided by the suggested AI-driven water management system, including improved agricultural output, water conservation, and operational effectiveness. Water scarcity and resource optimisation in irrigated fields are addressed by the system, which offers a comprehensive precision agriculture solution by utilising the capabilities of IoT devices, soil moisture sensors, relays, water pumps, buzzers, and LCD displays

Design Integrated Crop-Livestock and Fish Farming Model with LEISA System in North Minahasa Regency

Agricultural land in North Minahasa district has been shrinking. The number of farming families with land ownership of less than 0.5 ha is increasing due to land fragmentation. Designing an integrated farming system (IAS) model is a solution to the land problem, so that intensive farming can be carried out. This system can also be a solution to self-sufficiency and food self-sufficiency in agricultural products in a sustainable manner. The purpose of the study was to analyse the integrated farming system between crops, livestock and fish with various integrated farming patterns based on land area feasibility, economic feasibility, ecological feasibility, social feasibility for farming development in North Minahasa district. The results of the analysis obtained that the land area for crops and livestock/fish is between 0.2 ha to 0.4 ha including 0.1 ha for housing and other household businesses. economically, the net income from crops and livestock/fish is at least an average of Rp 175,000 per day. (North Sulawesi UMP 2023 standard, IDR 3,485,000/month), with a ratio of net income to RTP needs ≥ 1.0. Ecologically, the production of organic matter from livestock/fish is sufficient/exceeds the needs of crops (≥ 1.0) The strategic model for SPT development in North Minahasa district is to increase the variety of farmer income sources, increase the use of organic matter from livestock and agricultural residues, optimise land and soil utilisation.

An Emerging Era Of Research In Agriculture Using AI

AI-driven precision agriculture, predictive analytics, robots, and market intelligence boost contemporary agriculture's production, efficiency, and sustainability. Precision agriculture, powered by AI algorithms, gives farmers detailed insights into crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns for data-driven resource allocation and management. AI in agriculture's predictive analytics helps stakeholders forecast crop yields, market dynamics, and climate-related dangers, improving resilience and strategic planning. AI has great promise to solve agriculture's complicated problems. AI technologies allow computers to mimic human cognition and evaluate massive volumes of data to draw conclusions. AI can improve resource utilization, productivity, decision-making, and environmental effect in agriculture. AI-powered precision agriculture, crop monitoring, supply chain optimization, and market analysis are making agriculture more sustainable and resilient. To show AI's influence on farming, we explored precision agriculture, predictive analytics, robots, and supply chain optimization. Farmers may optimize resource usage, manage risks, and make data-driven choices using these tools, enhancing output, sustainability, and resilience.

Perceived Influence of Communication Strategies on Agricultural Technologies Utilization among Farmers in Nigeria: A Study of NIHORT Adopted Village and School

This paper examined perceived influence of National Horticultural Research Institute’s (NIHORT) communication strategies on agricultural technologies utilization among adopted village commercial farmers in Awaye community, Egbeda local government area, and student farmers in Oba Abass Aleshinloye Grammar School, Eleyele in Ibadan North West Local Government Area Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of 51 commercial farmers and student farmers altogether. Structured questionnaire was administered to assess their exposure and perceptions of the communication strategies implemented by NIHORT and analyzed using descriptive and inferential deductions. The results indicated that the communication strategies deployed by NIHORT had a positive influence on the farmers’ utilization of agricultural technologies. Specifically, the majority of the farmers (X̅=3.12) indicated that they had developed a greater trust in NIHORT’s communication strategies and the agricultural information disseminated through them, which encouraged the adoption of fertilizer application technology introduced with resultant effect in farm production increase. Furthermore, majority (52%) of the farmers have access to the agricultural messages disseminated through NIHORT. However, the farmers’ extent of exposure to and perception of the communication strategies deployed by NIHORT has no significant influence on the level of utilization of the agricultural technologies (p=0.579). The study recommended the integration of farmers’ needs into communication framework by agricultural research institutes to provide agricultural technologies’ utilization within farming communities to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Keywords: Adopted school, adopted village, agricultural technologies, communication strategies, farmers, NIHORT, utilization

Improved bacterial composition and co-occurrence patterns of rhizosphere increased nutrient uptake and grain yield through cultivars mixtures in maize

Crop diversification contributes to agricultural productivity and resources efficient utilization. However, whether cultivar mixtures in maize affects soil bacterial community, nutrient uptake, plant growth and yield remains unknown. A two-year lysimetric experiment was conducted using two maize cultivars (LY16 and JS501) with different root system architectures planted in monoculture or in mixture under normal fertilization (NF), reduced fertilization (RF) or no addition of fertilizer (CK) and was assessed at the silking stages. Cultivar mixtures and monoculture of LY16 had higher shoot biomass, nutrient uptake and total root length at silking stage, and grain yield than monoculture of JS501 under NF and RF conditions. Under NF and RF conditions, cultivar mixtures and monoculture of LY16 led to an increase in bacterial diversity, significant changes in community structure, and a high abundance of Bacteroidia and biomarkers of Chitinophagaceae and Saprospiraceae (Bacteroidia). Cultivar mixtures showed specific responses from modules of the rhizosphere bacterial community co-occurrence network, and the relative abundance of keystone taxa of cultivar mixtures was higher than that of monoculture of JS501. The keystone taxa had a broad and significant positive correlation with plant nutrient accumulation and grain yield. Cultivar mixtures showed similar assembly processes of Bacteroidia with monoculture of LY16, and the increased abundance of Chitinophagaceae may lead to a healthy rhizosphere bacterial community. Overall, our findings indicate that cultivar mixtures significantly affects the assembly and composition of the rhizosphere bacterial community, and thus benefits plant nutrient acquisition and plant growth. These findings could deepen our understanding of the facilitating effect of rhizosphere functional microbial community (e.g. plant nutrition uptake or immunity)of cultivar mixtures.

Soil phosphorus transformation and plant uptake driven by phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms.

Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient for plants, and a lack of available P greatly limits plant growth and development. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) significantly enhance the ability of plants to absorb and utilize P, which is important for improving plant nutrient turnover and yield. This article summarizes and analyzes how PSMs promote the absorption and utilization of P nutrients by plants from four perspectives: the types and functions of PSMs, phosphate-solubilizing mechanisms, main functional genes, and the impact of complex inoculation of PSMs on plant P acquisition. This article reviews the physiological and molecular mechanisms of phosphorus solubilization and growth promotion by PSMs, with a focus on analyzing the impact of PSMs on soil microbial communities and its interaction with root exudates. In order to better understand the ability of PSMs and their role in soil P transformation and to provide prospects for research on PSMs promoting plant P absorption. PSMs mainly activate insoluble P through the secretion of organic acids, phosphatase production, and mycorrhizal symbiosis, mycorrhizal symbiosis indirectly activates P via carbon exchange. PSMs can secrete organic acids and produce phosphatase, which plays a crucial role in soil P cycling, and related genes are involved in regulating the P-solubilization ability. This article reviews the mechanisms by which microorganisms promote plant uptake of soil P, which is of great significance for a deeper understanding of PSM-mediated soil P cycling, plant P uptake and utilization, and for improving the efficiency of P utilization in agriculture.

Impact of temperature and residence time on sewage sludge pyrolysis for combined carbon sequestration and energy production

Environmental challenges related to sewage sludge call for urgent sustainable management of this resource. Sludge pyrolysis might be considered as a sustainable technology and is anticipated to support measures for mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. The end products of the process have various applications, including the agricultural utilization of biochar, as well as the energy exploitation of bio-oil and syngas. In this research, sewage sludge was pyrolyzed at 500 °C, 600 °C, 750 °C, and 850 °C. At each temperature, pyrolysis was explored at 1hr, 2hrs, and 3hrs residence times. The ratio (H/Corg)at was tapped to imply organic carbon stability and carbon sequestration potential. Optimum operating conditions were achieved at 750 °C and 2hrs residence time. Produced biochar had (H/Corg)at ratio of 0.54, while nutrients’ contents based on dry weight were 3.99%, 3.2%, and 0.6% for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK), respectively. Electrical conductivity of biochar was lesser than the feed sludge. Heavy metals in biochar aligned with the recommended values of the International Biochar Initiative. Heat content of condensable and non-condensable volatiles was sufficient to maintain the temperature of the furnace provided that PYREG process is considered. However, additional energy source is demanded for sludge drying.

Research on environment and sustainable development education under the background of green ecology

Abstract The implementation of environmental and sustainable development goal (SDG) education helps to cultivate people's awareness of environmental protection and the concept of SDG, and is conducive to the protection and management of the environment. However, due to the weak awareness of education and lack of environmental protection knowledge in the environment and SDG education, environmental protection work has been affected. Therefore, this article proposed the implementation strategy of environment and SDG education from the perspective of green ecology. This research utilized datasets agricultural biomass accumulated from five cities of Guandong (i.e., Foshan [F], Heshan [H], Nanxiong [N], and Shantou [S]) province, China. Through experimental research, the utilization rate of agricultural waste and utilization ratio of straw was explored by using data envelopment analysis, and then, the environmental awareness of students and the environmental education level of teachers under the environmental and SDG education strategies of green ecological concept were combined. The results showed that the proportion of straw waste biomass utilization in S city was the highest among the four cities; the implementation strategy of environment and SDG education proposed in this article can enhance students’ awareness of environmental protection by 5.21% and improve environmental education level of teachers by 9.51%.

Microplastic contamination in the Chanthaburi estuarine ecosystem, Eastern part of Thailand

Aim: The prevalence of plastic particles has become a global crisis for the environment pollution and human life. This study aimed to investigate the contamination of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments and to determine the relationships between MPs pollution and types of land use. Methodology: Two invertebrate species (Anadara granosa and Litopenaeus vannamei) and sediment samples were collected for the analysis of MPs accumulation in the Chanthaburi estuarine ecosystem. The microplastics contamination and pollution were determined with visual identification and environmental index, respectively. The abundance and the land use type of MPs in Chanthaburi Province were compared by a Geographic Information System (GIS). Results: The MPs contamination in the white shrimps were higher than the cockles. The black filamentous type of MPs was a major characteristic which ranged between 0.43–0.85 mm, 0.45–0.65 mm and 1.25 – 3.05 mm in A. granosa, L. vannamei and sediment, respectively. The MPs pollution index (PLI and BCF) showed low levels in the hazardous category. The Chanthaburi land use analysis showed variation in the land use change and a strong correlation between green areas and the MPs contamination. Interpretation: The statistical analysis suggested differences between MPs abundance in our samples.The utilization of agriculture and forest land use types could relieve the impact of MPs accumulation.This study also demonstrated the need for managing MPs pollution in Thai marine ecosystems. Key words: Anadara granosa, Chanthaburi, Estuarine ecosystem, Litopenaeus vannamei, Microplastics

Effects of acid and aluminum stress on seed germination and physiological characteristics of seedling growth in Sophora davidii

ABSTRACT Sophora davidii, a vital forage species, predominantly thrives in the subtropical karst mountains of Southwest China. Its resilience to poor soil conditions and arid environments renders it an ideal pioneer species for ecological restoration in these regions. This study investigates the influence of acidic, aluminum-rich local soil on the germination and seedling growth physiology of S. davidii. Experiments were conducted under varying degrees of acidity and aluminum stress, employing three pH levels (3.5 to 5.5) and four aluminum concentrations (0.5 to 2.0 mmol·L−1). The results showed that germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of S. davidii seeds were decreased but not significantly under slightly acidic conditions (pH 4.5–5.5), while strong acid (pH = 3.5) significantly inhibited the germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of white spurge seeds compared with the control group. Aluminum stress (≥0.5 mmol·L−1) significantly inhibited the germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of S. davidii seed. Moreover, the seedlings’ root systems were sensitive to the changes of aluminum concentration, evident from significant root growth inhibition, characterized by root shortening and color deepening. Notably, under aluminum stress (pH = 4.3), the levels of malondialdehyde and proline in S. davidii escalated with increasing aluminum concentration, while antioxidant enzyme activities demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decline. The study underscores the pivotal role of cellular osmoregulatory substances and protective enzymes in combating aluminum toxicity in S. davidii, a key factor exacerbating growth inhibition in acidic environments. These findings offer preliminary theoretical insights for the practical agricultural utilization of S. davidii in challenging soil conditions.

Establishment of deep learning model for the growth of tea cutting seedlings based on hyperspectral imaging technique

The shoot and root growth not only serve as important indicators for measuring the quality of tea cutting seedlings, but also can provide scientific basis for agricultural production and fine seedling management. Currently, manual weighing is the main method used to measure shoot and root growth, which is both destructive and inefficient. The study proposes a method for monitoring the shoot and root growth in tea cutting seedlings using hyperspectral imaging. First, mature leaves and shoots spectra were extracted from tea cutting seedlings using Mask R-CNN (Epoch=20 and Learning-rate=0.001). The spectra were then preprocessed by MSC, S-G, 1-D filtering techniques, with feature bands screened by UVE (Optimal factor number=5), CARS (Monte Carlo sampling times=300), and SPA (Epoch=25). Finally, a CNN-GRU (Epoch=100 and Learning-rate=0.01) network was employed to predict shoot and root biomass, and compared with machine learning methods of SVR (Kernel function=Polynomial), RFR (Ntrees=200), and PLSR (Latent variable=16) and deep learning methods (Epoch=100 and Learning-rate=0.01) of CNN and LSTM. The results show that (i) Mask R-CNN can accurately extract the spectral of mature leaves (precision=97.8 %) and shoots (precision=91.5 %), (ii) The spectral feature bands of shoot (number=212) and root (number=105) biomass screened by UVE were more abundant than CARS and SPA, (iii) The UVE+CNN-GRU model (Rp2=0.90, RMSEP = 0.12, RPD=2.43) based on shoots spectrum provided the optimal estimation of shoot biomass. The SPA+LSTM model (Rp2 = 0.65, RMSEP = 0.05, RPD=1.67) based on the mature leaves spectrum provided the optimal estimation of root biomass. These findings demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging technology combined with deep learning algorithms can accurately monitor the growth of cutting seedlings quickly without causing damage. This not only provides a new data sources along with technical means for efficient screening excellent tea varieties, but also improves agricultural production efficiency and resource utilization.

Adsorptive removal of methylene blue dye using durian peel waste reinforced polyvinyl alcohol‐based composite membrane

AbstractA large amount of dye effluents with biodegradable and highly toxic nature from the dyeing and finishing processes has discharged into natural water bodies without adequate treatment, which adversely impacted on aquatic life and human health. Herein, polyvinyl alcohol/agarose/maltodextrin composite membrane (PAM)‐reinforced durian skin fiber is fabricated for methylene blue (MB) uptake from aqueous medium. Structural analyses of the as‐prepared composite membrane are conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm measurement. The important influence of experimental conditions including exposure time between adsorbates and adsorbents, initial MB concentration, solution temperature, and pH are also explored. Furthermore, thermodynamic behavior, nonlinear isotherms, and kinetics along with possible adsorption mechanism are provided to attain the insight into the adsorption nature. The results show that PAM‐reinforced durian peel waste possesses high MB adsorption capacity (105.54 mg g−1), which was controlled by diffusion and chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamics of methyl blue removal on the composite membrane suggest that the adsorption is spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic in nature. This contribution is expected to inspire the efficient utilization of agriculture by‐products into eco‐friendly and biodegradable adsorbents to purify the dye‐contaminated water.

Adopting green absorbent for CO2 capture and agricultural utilization: Biogas slurry and biomass ash case

Previously, the once-through CO2 chemical absorption process by biogas slurry was experimentally verified to offer the unique advantages like low energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility of CO2 fixation in plants. However, this technology also faces some challenges and limitations, including a low CO2 absorption rate and performance. To improve the effectiveness and reliability of this innovative carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology, this study proposes a novel method to enhance the CO2 absorption performance without affecting agricultural applications of CO2 by mixing biogas slurry with biomass ash as the green CO2 absorbent. The results indicate that when the solid-liquid mass ratio of biomass ash to biogas slurry is 5:10, the CO2 loading of the biomass ash and biogas slurry mixture (BA-BS) reaches 936.7 ± 59.1 mmol/kg. Furthermore, the pH of the BA-BS remains stable at 6.9, meeting the rhizosphere pH requirements for plant cultivation. The CO2 absorption of the BA-BS liquid phase, referred to as improved biogas slurry (IBS), reaches its maximum at 230.4 ± 3.5 mmol/L, which is 126.8% higher than that of the unimproved biogas slurry. The nitrogen content in the BA-BS solid phase, calling improved biomass ash (IBA), also reaches its maximum at 4.24 ± 0.74 mg/g, thereby expanding the agricultural utilization of biomass ash. The most reasonable and effective way of utilizing CO2-rich mixed biogas slurry and biomass ash involves use IBA as the base fertilizer for tomato cultivation, supplemented later with IBS to promote growth. This optimal application allows for substantial utilization of CO2, introduced into the tomato cultivation environment by IBA and IBS. The carbon fixation of a single tomato has improved by 108.2%. This study thus provides a feasible solution for high-value negative carbonization of biogas slurry and biomass ash.

Investigating fungal community characteristics in co-composted cotton stalk and various livestock manure products.

Agricultural wastes, comprising cotton straw and livestock manure, can be effectively managed through aerobic co-composting. Nevertheless, the quality and microbial characteristics of co-composting products from different sources remain unclear. Therefore, this study utilized livestock manure from various sources in Xinjiang, China, including herbivorous sheep manure (G), omnivorous pigeon manure (Y), and pigeon-sheep mixture (GY) alongside cotton stalks, for a 40-day co-composting process. We monitored physicochemical changes, assessed compost characteristics, and investigated fungal community. The results indicate that all three composts met established composting criteria, with compost G exhibiting the fastest microbial growth and achieving the highest quality. Ascomycota emerged as the predominant taxon in three compost products. Remarkably, at the genus level, the biomarker species for G, Y, and GY are Petromyces and Cordyceps, Neurospora, and Neosartorya, respectively. Microorganisms play a pivotal role in organic matter degradation, impacting nutrient composition, demonstrating significant potential for the decomposition and transformation of compost components. Redundancy analysis indicates that potassium, total organic carbon, and C:N are key factors influencing fungal communities. This study elucidates organic matter degradation in co-composting straw and livestock manure diverse sources, optimizing treatment for efficient agricultural waste utilization and sustainable practices.

Quantifying Resource Nexus: Virtual Water Flows, Water Stress Indices, and Unsustainable Import Fraction in South Korea’s Grain Trade Landscape

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of South Korea’s grain production and trade, specifically scrutinizing water resource management and sustainability trends from 1991 to 2022. The primary objective was to assess the temporal evolution of South Korea’s agricultural virtual water trade in maize, soybeans and wheat. Employing the virtual water flows assessment method, water stress index, and an unsustainable import fraction (UIF) analysis, this research aimed to uncover key patterns and dynamics within the agricultural grain trade landscape. Utilizing comprehensive datasets encompassing grain trade, as well as water and land footprint data, this study assessed the intricate interplay between agricultural production, trade, and resource utilization. Results showed a reduction in local production for soybeans and a slight increase in domestic wheat production over the study period. In addition, the study revealed an overall increase in the virtual water imports associated with grain crops, with maize exhibiting the steepest upward trend in comparison with the other grains (wheat and soybeans). Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the import of maize contributed the highest amount of water and land savings, implying that this grain crop had the most significant impact on conserving local water and land resources. Environmental impact assessments, including water stress indices and the unsustainable import fractions, contributed to a comprehensive understanding of grain trade sustainability with concrete result values and insights, highlighting the intricate interplay of international grain trade and local water resource conservation in South Korea. By scrutinizing the virtual land and water dimensions of grain trade, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and researchers striving to navigate the nexus of agriculture, trade, and resource management. The findings hold significance in the context of ensuring food security, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in a dynamically evolving global landscape.

A Survey Paper On: Uplifting Farmers with Mobile Applications: An Overview of Modern Agricultural Utilities

Indian agriculture although it forms the foundation of the nation’s economy, the sector nevertheless faces a number of challenges. One of the major problems is that farmers lack access to markets and knowledge. Therefore, a mobile app may be essential in resolving this problem. The design and development of this software are intended to address the challenges faced by Indian farmers while purchasing seeds and fertilizer. An Android-based application powers it. In this paper, we look at the agricultural technology options that are already available, think about the challenges that Indian farmers face, and highlight some potential benefits from this Android app. An androidbased approach that could fundamentally alter how Indian farmers get seeds, fertilizer, and essential agricultural knowledge is provided in this paper. The ”App- Based Implementation of Modern Agriculture Utilities in Android” intends to close the technological and agricultural gap between conventional farming methods. by giving farmers simple access to essential resources and equipment via their smartphones.