Fertilizer Value Research Articles

PKM Farmer Group Matan Lalanglinggah Application of Fermented Feed Technology and Processing of Livestock Waste Into Quality Organic Fertilizer and Economic Value

The main potential developed and as a support for family income by the people of Lalanglinggah Village is in the livestock sector (pigs, goats, and cows), in the agricultural sector (food crops such as: rice and bananas), and in the plantation sector such as: coconut, cocoa, and porang. (Lalanglinggah Village Profile, 2019). The problems of partners are that they do not have knowledge in efforts to increase the productivity of goats and pigs, do not have knowledge and skills in making effective and efficient fermented feed with Bioster technology and processing livestock and agricultural waste into quality and economic value organic. The methods used were survey, interview, discussion, counseling/training. The resulting output is that partners understand about efforts to increase the productivity of goats and pigs, making fermented feed, quality and valuable organic fertilizer.

Benthic foraminifera across the Albian–Cenomanian transition and their paleoceanographic significance during OAE1d in the western Tethys (Umbria–Marche Basin, Italy)

The benthic foraminiferal assemblages from the upper Albian-lower Cenomanian interval of the Scaglia Bianca Formation in the Monte Petrano (MP) and Le Brecce (LB) sections (Umbria–Marche Basin; Italy) provide a detailed record of the faunal changes across the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d (OAE 1d). Fluctuations in abundance, diversity, and species composition reflect variations in bottom-water oxygenation and organic carbon fluxes. Benthic foraminifera are integrated with planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, and geochemical proxies to reconstruct the bottom and surface water conditions across the OAE 1d in the Umbria–Marche Basin.The pre-OAE 1d interval was characterized by benthic foraminifera that thrived under stable mesotrophic condition in bottom waters. In surface waters, planktonic foraminifera indicate dominant mesotrophic conditions in agreement with calcareous nannofossil assemblages suggesting a regime of higher fertility under cooler conditions.During the OAE 1d interval, benthic foraminifera display an increase in the abundance of infaunal taxa, suggesting mesotrophic conditions in bottom waters. Nevertheless, within the Pialli Level, the six laminated black-to-dark grey shale horizons (MP1/LB1 to MP6/LB6), benthic foraminifera are absent or highly impoverished (MP1, MP2, MP4, MP6, LB5, LB6), suggesting hypoxic/anoxic conditions in bottom waters. Planktonic foraminifera in this interval reflect mesotrophic to oligotrophic conditions under the presence of an expanded mixed layer and deeper thermocline in the surface waters. Calcareous nannofossils record warm conditions and lower fertility starting just prior to and across the OAE 1d. However, higher values of fertility are recorded in the black-to-dark grey shales MP3/LB3, MP4/LB4 and MP5/LB5 of the Pialli Level.The post-OAE 1d interval is marked by an increase in the diversity of benthic foraminifera, indicating a restoration of the oxygen conditions in a continuous mesotrophic regime in bottom waters. The surface waters experienced oligotrophic conditions based on the planktonic and calcareous nannofossils.A minor discrepancy between benthic foraminifera and geochemical reconstruction of oxygenation levels of bottom waters was recorded, especially in the Pialli Level. The benthic microfaunas appear to be very sensitive to very short-term oxygen depletion at the seafloor when geochemical proxies suggest temporary suboxia. This might indicate that very rapid redox changes are not resolved by bulk elemental data. Otherwise, benthic foraminifera might be much more responsive to very low concentrations of oxygen in bottom waters and temporarily disappear under strong suboxia before reaching fully anoxic conditions.

Effects of Fertilization Types and Base Saturation on the Growth and Water Productivity in Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri

Fertilization management is essential for forage production. However, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers causes environmental imbalances. An alternative to reduce these effects is to seek alternative fertilizers, such as wood ash produced from agro-industrial waste, when integrated with appropriate base saturation management. This study aims to compare the effects of fertilization with wood ash (WA), organomineral (OM), and mineral (M) fertilizers associated with different levels of base saturation on the growth and water productivity of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of three types of fertilization (WA, OM and M) and three levels of base saturation (0, 25%, and 50%). Leaf area, chlorophyll index, shoot dry mass and root dry mass, water consumption, and water productivity of Zuri grass were evaluated. The results showed significant increases in leaf area, with values of up to 4564.5 cm2.pot−1 and a chlorophyll index of up to 36.2 units. In addition, the dry mass of the aerial part reached up to 46.7 g.pot−1, and the dry mass of the roots reached 21.7 g.pot−1 with the use of OM fertilizers. These values represent an increase of between 43.1% and 69.6% compared to the values of conventional fertilizers. In addition, water productivity reached 4.9 g.L−1 with WA-based fertilizers, an increase of around 39% compared to the values of mineral fertilizers.

Study On the Application of Nitro-Compound Fertilizer to Improve Saline-Alkali Soil

The deterioration of soil quality in saline-alkali land has always been a major problem restricting the development of agriculture in China. Therefore, this study studied the application effect of nitro-compound fertilizer through experiments, aiming to explore the application prospect and popularization value of nitro-compound fertilizer in saline-alkali land agriculture. The experimental results showed that nitro-compound fertilizer could significantly improve the soil quality and increase the yield and growth of crops in saline-alkali soil. The addition amount of 2.5-10 kg/ mu is more suitable, and the addition of 10 kg/ mu of nitro-compound fertilizer can increase the yield of corn by 217%. In addition, the addition of nitro-compound fertilizer can not only significantly reduce the soil salt content, the reduction can reach 37.5%, but also significantly improve the soil alkalinity. pH value decreased from the original 9.4 to 7.12, a decrease of 2.28. This showed that the application of nitro-compound fertilizer had a remarkable improvement effect in regulating soil alkalinity. Therefore, the application of nitro-compound fertilizer has wide application prospect and popularization value in saline-alkali land agriculture.

PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DI DESA TUMPATAN NIBUNG UNTUK PEMBUATAN KOMPOS DALAM RANGKA MENGHASILKAN SAYUR ORGANIK

Tumpatan Nibung Village is located in Batang Kuis District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province. The people of Tumpatan Nibung Village live from agriculture, which consists of 90 percent of their living from cultivating paddy rice and 10 percent cultivating vegetable crops. The land in this village is rainfed land which has limited water, because it does not have irrigation so that the need for water depends on rainfall. The purpose of this service is to increase farmers' understanding of the benefits of using organic fertilizers both for the environment and to reduce the cost of buying chemical fertilizers and to provide added value for organic products that can increase income and also aims to transfer technology by providing training to farmers on how to make organic fertilizers derived from available in the village. The first method used was counseling to Farmer Groups with the theme of the benefits of organic fertilizers for the environment, calculating the cost of using organic fertilizers and the added value of organic fertilizers which can increase farmers' income. The second method used is training in making organic fertilizers. The third method is a demonstration plot for making organic fertilizer and cultivating vegetable crops using organic fertilizer.

The Possible Reasons for the Declining Fertility Rates in China

The low fertility rate is not only a circumstance experienced by developed countries but also in China after 2002. Many social problems occur when the fertility rate is low, so the reasons for the declining fertility rate in China need to be discussed to help to improve. From a macro perspective, scholars have already found several causes including China's public policy, national conditions, as well as world situations, and environmental pressures. But the exploration of reasons from a micro viewpoint is still limited. So the research is aim to collect first-hand material from a real micro angle to search for the reasons for decreasing fertility rate in China based on qualitative analysis using observation and also the interviews of 35 interviewees who were born from 1970 to 2002 by asking two to eight questions person to person. What's more, three controversial measures, illegitimate childbirth, legitimate surrogacy, and legitimate homosexuality that could raise the fertility rate in the Chinese context are also discussed. According to the results, it is suggested that the thoughts and values of marriage and fertility are different from age to age. And the views on marriage and fertility can be diverse in the same age generation, even total opposite opinions in the same generation also exist. But most people have negative or partly negative attitudes to marriage or fertility(including first child or second child), mainly restricted in a kind of social and realistic problems. When it comes to illegitimate childbirth, legitimate surrogacy, and legitimate homosexuality in the Chinese context, most interviewees have neutral or supportive attitudes toward legitimate homosexuality, but partly negative and negative attitudes to illegitimate childbirth, and legitimate surrogacy.

Fertilizer value of composts obtained with addition of coffee grounds and corn

Fertilizer value of composts obtained with addition of coffee grounds and corn

Pig manure treatment strategies for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance

Due to the risk of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their antibiotic-resistance genes transfer from livestock feces to the soil and cultivated crops, it is imperative to find effective on-farm manure treatments to minimize that hazardous potential. An introduced worldwide policy of sustainable development, focus on ecological agricultural production, and the circular economy aimed at reducing the use of artificial fertilizers; therefore, such treatment methods should also maximize the fertilization value of animal manure. The two strategies for processing pig manure are proposed in this study—storage and composting. The present study examines the changes in the physicochemical properties of treated manure, in the microbiome, and in the resistome, compared to raw manure. This is the first such comprehensive analysis performed on the same batch of manure. Our results suggest that while none of the processes eliminates the environmental risk, composting results in a faster and more pronounced reduction of mobile genetic elements harboring antibiotic resistance genes, including those responsible for multi-drug resistance. Overall, the composting process can be an efficient strategy for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment and reducing the risk of its transfer to crops and the food chain while providing essential fertilizer ingredients.

Effect of delayed timing of artificial insemination with sex-sorted semen on pregnancy per artificial insemination in synchronized dairy heifers managed in a seasonal-calving pasture-based system

The objective of this study was to evaluate the timing of artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed sex-sorted semen on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in dairy heifers. A 6-d progesterone Co-Synch protocol was used for ovulation synchronization of dairy heifers, with timed AI (TAI) coincident with (TAI-0) or 8 h (TAI-8) after the second injection of GnRH, corresponding to either 48 h or 56 h after removal of the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound scanning of the uterus 34 d after TAI (n = 816 records available for analysis). Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of treatment on P/AI. Treatment (n = 2), herd (n = 11), and treatment × herd were included as categorical fixed effects. Heifer body weight and Economic Breeding Index values for milk production, fertility, calving performance, beef carcass, cow maintenance, cow management, and health were included as continuous fixed effects. Heifer ID was included as a random effect. Pregnancy per AI was greater for TAI-8 heifers (59%) compared with TAI-0 heifers (50%). Pregnancy per AI ranged from 38% to 75% between herds but there was no treatment × herd interaction. The fertility subindex (positive) and the cow management subindex (negative) were the only continuous animal variables associated with P/AI. Delaying the timing of AI with frozen-thawed sex-sorted semen by 8 h in dairy heifers enrolled on a 6-d progesterone Co-Synch protocol improved P/AI.

Process of preparing chloride-free KNS compound fertilizers from phosphogypsum waste using a quaternary phase diagram

Phosphogypsum (PG), commonly known as calcium sulfate, is a waste by-product generated during the production of phosphoric acid by the wet phosphoric acid process (WPA). It is well known that every year the phosphate industries produce a large quantity of PG around the world (i.e., Currently, global production of this waste is estimated at 300 Mt/ year), but the valorization processes of this waste are limited and low valuable. In this study, we investigated the recycling of PG by-product, which can be considered very promising sources of sulfate ions (SO42-) for the manufacturing of chloride-free KNS compound fertilizer based on potassium-ammonium sulfate ([K1−x(NH4)x]2SO4). The primary objective of this study was to develop a methodology for [K1−x(NH4)x]2SO4 synthesis and its separation process using the quaternary phase diagram K+, NH4+ / Cl-, SO42- - H2O at 25 °C. The experiment results show that it is possible to recover relatively pure (NH4)2SO4 from PG to re‐synthesize in presence of KCl the [K1−x(NH4)x]2SO4 phase, whose high quality and purity were confirmed by the combined use of several analytical and characterization techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and gamma spectrometry analysis. The thermal decomposition was supplemented by Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled with Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The main findings of this study may assist in developing methods for valorizing PG waste by converting it into valuable fertilizer products, which are particularly suitable for cultivating chloride-sensitive crops. Thus, total or partial substitution of non-renewable resources by PG not only helps to solve the environmental pollution caused by this waste, but also reduces production costs and improves farm economics.

EFFICIENCY OF USING MALES OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES AS PARENTAL FORM OF THE CROSS

Introduction. Rabbit meat production can be an important element in solving the problem of lack of dietary protein for the growing human population all over the world, especially in developing countries. Compared to other types of animals, the advantage of rabbits is that rabbit meat has a high protein content and low fat and cholesterol content, has excellent taste qualities, and is a product of healthy and dietary nutrition.
 Using crossbreeding increase the productivity of rabbits due to the effect of heterosis. However, taking into account the fact that the modern technology of industrial rabbit breeding involves the use of rabbits of various crosses, which are imported into our country, there is a need to investigate the possibility of using males of different genotypes as the parent form of the cross and their influence on the reproductive characteristics of female rabbits. Thus, the purpose of the study was to study the selection characteristics of males of different genotypes and the effectiveness of their use as parental forms of the cross.
 Materials and methods of research. The research was carried out in the conditions of "Krolikoff Farm" LLC, which is located in the Uman district of the Cherkasy region, during 2022. The research was conducted using males of four genotypes: males of the parent form of the Hyla – Hyla Max cross (HM, n = 15), males of the parent form of the Hyplus PS59 cross (PS59, n = 15), males of the Termon white breed (TB, n = 12), males of the Poltava silver breed (PS, n = 9). Males were used on female rabbits of the maternal form of the Hyla – Hyla NG cross, from which 4 groups were formed, depending on the genotype of the breeder, with the sperm of which the female rabbits were inseminated. Females of group I were inseminated with sperm of Hyla Max males, group II – Hyplus PS59, group III – Termon white breed, group IV – Poltava silver breed. The females of the experimental groups were similar in age, live weight, and number of hatchlings.
 Research results. Analyzing the results of research on the productivity characteristics of males of different genotypes, it was established that males of the Hyplus PS59 parental form had the highest live weight, it was 0.41 kg more (p ≤ 0.001) than males of the Hyla – Hyla Max parental form. The live weight of the males of the Termon white breed was 14% lower (p ≤ 0.001), and that of the males of the Poltava silver breed was 18% lower (p ≤ 0.001) than that of the Hyla Max males. This fact can be explained by the implementation of directed selection work with males of the original lines of crosses based on live weight indicators.
 Hyla Max males had the highest ejaculate volume values. However, it should be noted that the males of the Thermon white breed were slightly inferior to the males of the parent form of the Hyla cross in terms of this indicator. Males of the Poltava silver breed had the lowest value of ejaculate volume.
 As a result of the research, it was established that female rabbits inseminated with the sperm of Hyla Max males had the highest litter size. Rabbit does inseminated with PS59 males had 5.6% lower fertility than female rabbits inseminated with Hyla Max males, and rabbits inseminated with Termon White males had a 6.9% lower fertility rate. The highest value of high fertility was recorded in female rabbits inseminated with the sperm of PS59 males. There was no significant difference between the high fertility of female rabbits on which Hyla Max males and Termon white males were used. Female rabbits inseminated with males of the Poltava silver breed had the lowest fertility.
 Conclusions. According to the results of the conducted research, it can be stated that the most effective as a parent form of the cross is the use of Hyla Max males, however, the use of males of the Termon white breed of rabbits as a parent form of the cross is expedient due to the high cost of imported cross males. At the same time, the productivity of female rabbits remains at a high level, and according to some signs, female rabbits on which cross males were used prevail.

A review of recent compound-specific isotope analysis studies applied to food authentication.

Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of food products is a relatively new and novel technique used to authenticate food and detect adulteration. This paper provides a review of recent on-line and off-line CSIA applications of plant and animal origin foods, essential oils and plant extracts. Different food discrimination techniques, applications, scope, and recent studies are discussed. CSIA δ13C values are widely used to verify geographical origin, organic production, and adulteration. The δ15N values of individual amino acids and nitrate fertilizers have proven effective to authenticate organic foods, while δ2H and δ18O values are useful to link food products with local precipitation for geographical origin verification. Most CSIA techniques focus on fatty acids, amino acids, monosaccharides, disaccharides, organic acids, and volatile compounds enabling more selective and detailed origin and authentication information than bulk isotope analyses.. In conclusion, CSIA has a stronger analytical advantage for the authentication of food compared to bulk stable isotope analysis, especially for honey, beverages, essential oils, and processed foods.

A Brief Review of the Nutritive Value and Chemical Components of Bat Guano and Its Potential Use as a Natural Fertiliser in Agriculture

New and improved fertilisers are constantly being introduced to the market to help increase crop yields. However, the common usage of chemical fertilisers had brought upon negative impacts to the environment and the study for sustainable fertiliser is still ongoing. This review will highlight the usage of bat guano as a valuable fertiliser which has a potential to diminish the effects of chemical fertiliser usage, increase yield and is cost effective. Its role as a fertiliser can support the agricultural growth and in turn provides additional care for plants. The chemical compositions of guano which was found to be subpar with other fertilisers support its usage of guano as an alternative for crop yield enhancement. Plant growth performance that shows a significant positive impact of guano on crops, further demonstrates its usage as organic fertilisers. In-depth study of the chemical composition of guano should be pursued as the fertiliser has high beneficial value to the ecology and economy.

Economic Value and Utilization of social media in Fertilizer Sales in Taruna Mandiri Ngemplak Sleman, Yogyakarta

Taruna Mandiri is farmers group that sells cattle and organic fertilizer. Since the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, they have relied more on selling organic fertilizers. This research aims to analyze the economic value of selling organic fertilizers and understand the use of social media in selling fertilizers. Selection of the location in the Taruna Mandiri farmers group, Ngemplak District, Sleman Regency. Purposive sampling of 15 out of 40 members who are administrators and manage the manufacture and processing of fertilizers for sale. The research was conducted in a quantitative descriptive method. Primary data retrieval through direct interviews using a questionnaire tool. The primary data taken include respondents' characteristics, livestock ownership, and understanding of the use of social media. The results showed that with 55 cattle ownership, the economic value of selling fertilizer was IDR. 535,000/period or IDR. 2,140,000/month. Farmers group are interested in selling by online because it is useful for expanding the market, adding information, and at the same time promoting products. The social media platforms that farmers want are WhatsApp business, Instagram and Facebook but due to limited knowledge, farmers use the personal WhatsApp platform. The existence of a touch of technology, both in labeling and using the right social media platforms, is very necessary for the group to improve product quality and expand the consumer market.

Profitability and Resource Use Efficiency of Cabbage Production in Temperate Zone (High- Hills) of Himachal Pradesh

"The present study pertained to the profitability and resource use efficiency of cabbage production in high hills of Himachal Pradesh. The study was based on primary data collected through a survey method for the agricultural year 2020-21. The gross and net returns over total were observed as higher in Zone-IV (` 296562.89 and ` 140713.96, respectively) in comparison to Zone-III, thus making it a profitable venture. Cobb- Douglas production function was used to determine the factors affecting the yield of cabbage in both zones. It has been observed that seed, fertilizer, FYM, irrigation and Labour were significantly affecting the production but plant protection chemical was not found significant. Efficiency ratio for cabbage in case of fertilizer, showed a negative impact on gross returns. It shows the overutilization of seed and fertilizer and adjustment in seed and fertilizer value is required. The findings of the study strongly recommend the optimum use of the resources in order to attain desired increase in cabbage cultivation and ultimately the productivity. The government should arrange a farmer training programme to ensure proper fertilizer use and other technical knowledge."

P-046 Sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and mitochondrial function in normozoospermic men may predict fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract Study question Do sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and mitochondrial function correlate with fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)? Summary answer We reveal a negative correlation between sperm mtDNAcn and fertilization rates after ICSI, while higher mitochondrial function corresponded to an increase in sperm fertilization capacity. What is known already Over 40% of male-factor infertility is of unknown origin (unexplained and idiopathic in nature). As current diagnoses remain largely descriptive, the identification of markers predicting the fertilization capacity of sperm will hold the key towards improved treatment. Mitochondria are fundamental for supporting spermatogenesis and fertilization. A recent study showed that altered levels of sperm mitochondrial proteins led to oocyte-activation deficiency, resulting in fertilization failure after ICSI. Poor semen parameters have also been linked to high mtDNAcn, however the relationship between mtDNAcn in sperm and oocyte-activation capacity remains unexplored. Further characterization may uncover prognostic markers associated with sperm-related fertilization failure. Study design, size, duration Twenty normozoospermic semen samples were included in the study. These were obtained from oocyte donation ICSI cycles, performed between March 2021 and November 2022. Both fresh and cryopreserved sperm samples were analysed. Five million sperm were collected from the fresh ejaculate for genomic DNA (gDNA) isolation and mtDNAcn quantification, while the remainder of the sample was used for mitochondrial functional analysis. These analyses were also performed on washed samples, cryopreserved after swim-up. Participants/materials, setting, methods Mean paternal age and BMI were 40 ± 5.8 years and 25 ± 2.3 kg/m2, respectively. We evaluated mtDNAcn using qPCR, by assessing the ratio of mitochondrial-to-nuclear genes (NT-ND4/B2M). For our functional studies, we quantified mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in individual spermatozoa by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on ≥ 10 million sperm treated with a mitochondrial uncoupler for 15 minutes (1 µM trifluoromethoxy-carbonylcyanide-phenylhydrazone, FCCP) and controls. Spearman correlation was applied. Main results and the role of chance We observed variable fertilization rates in our cohort (69.0 ± 24.9%). One sperm sample resulted in total fertilization failure (TFF) after ICSI and was analyzed independently. In fresh samples, mtDNAcn (5.8 AU ± 2.61) correlated negatively with progressive motility (rs = -0.65) and fertilization rate (rs = -0.32). Notably, the sample resulting in TFF presented with the highest mtDNAcn value (13.9 AU ± 2.77). Flow cytometry analysis revealed two distinct sperm populations, corresponding to motile and immotile sperm. While immotile sperm presented with low or undetectable JC-1 aggregates (red signal), motile sperm showed different levels of MMP (ratio INTred/INTgreen) (2.3 AU ± 1.83). In motile sperm, our results revealed a positive correlation between MMP and fertilization rate (rs = 0.59). As with raw semen, we observed a negative association between MMP and mtDNAcn in motile sperm (rs = -0.53). Limitations, reasons for caution Cryopreservation is known to affect sperm motility and active mitochondria in sperm, however its effect on MMP intensity remains to be established. Our limited sample size warrants careful interpretation. Wider implications of the findings Our findings suggest a negative correlation between sperm mtDNAcn and fertilization rates after ICSI, while fertilization capacity improved with increasing MMP. Sperm mtDNAcn and MMP may have prognostic value for male fertility and ICSI outcomes. Further validation may deliver clinically useful markers, aiding infertility diagnosis, treatment and counselling. Trial registration number NA

Use of a wheat straw covering to reduce nitrogen loss during pig slurry storage and reuse of the straw covering in biochar production for nitrogen retention in the slurry

Storing pig slurry (PS) and returning it to the field is one of the most important ways to recycle PS. However, during the storage of PS, the NH3 emissions cause a large loss of nitrogen (N), which reduces the fertilizer value of stored PS and cause environmental pollution. To reduce N loss during PS storage, we added different amounts of wheat straw powder (WSP) and wheat straw segments (WSSs) to the PS. The wheat straw cover was used for biochar production, and then, the biochar was used for N adsorption from the PS. The results showed that the N loss of PS was significantly decreased by use of the wheat straw covering. The N losses in treatments of WSP covering and WSSs covering were reduced by 4.8–53.1 and 0.8–14.2 percentage points compared with that in the control, respectively. Ammonia adsorption is an important reason for the reduction in N loss by straw covering during PS storage. After covering for 180 days in storage, the NH4+-N content in both the WSP covering and WSSs covering increased greatly, and the cover was reused for biochar production. The biochar yield was inversely proportional to the pyrolysis temperature, and the specific surface area and pore volume of the biochar were proportional to the pyrolysis temperature. We achieved the highest amount of NH4+-N adsorption (1.9 mg/g) with a biochar dosage of 0.2 g/L (treatment Y-400). This study provides a new straw-covered PS storage method to achieve straw recycling and low N loss during PS storage.

Effect of Bat Guano and Biochar on Okra Yield and Some Soil Properties

The difficulty in obtaining commercial fertilizers by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa makes it very important to optimize the use of local organic resources. In VilanKulo, Mozambique, a study was carried out on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) over two growing seasons. The soil was a haplic, loamy-sand textured Lixisol. As organic amendments, bat guano and biochar were used. Bat guano is a phosphorus (P)-rich and low-carbon (C)/nitrogen (N)-ratio material from natural deposits on a cave floor. Biochar is a C-rich material prepared via an artisanal process using forest residues as a feedstock. Bat guano was applied at two rates (5 and 10 t ha−1) just before sowing. It was also applied at the same rates one month before sowing. Biochar was used at two rates (5 and 10 t ha−1) applied at sowing. Biochar and guano were mixed at the rates of 1 and 4 t ha−1 and 2 and 8 t ha−1, respectively, and applied at sowing. The experiment also used a non-fertilized control. Field trials were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The treatments that received high rates of guano tended to show significantly higher fruit yields (>10 t ha−1 as the two-year average) in comparison with the control, which showed the lowest average okra fruit yield (6.21 t ha−1). In the guano treatments, the apparent recovery by okra of some important nutrients, such as N, was greater than the amount of the nutrient contained in the guano itself. This result, together with many others related to the tissue nutrient concentration, soil properties and residual fertilizing value in guano plots, indicated a strong mineralization of guano during the growing season. This was probably due to its low C/N ratio and favourable environmental conditions for the mineralization process. The result also suggests some kind of manuring effect, i.e., a fertilizing effect of guano beyond what can be explained by the nutrient supply. The use of biochar increased the total organic C in the soil and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared with the control but did not affect the variables related to plant performance. Overall, the results showed that farmers can benefit from the use of guano in the short term because it releases nutrients, while with the use of biochar, the benefits can arise in the long term by improving the soil properties.

Detection of the effect of microvibrational stimulation on human discarded immature oocytes by single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in oocytes at the transcriptome level after applying continuous microvibrational mechanical stimulation to human immature oocytes during in vitro maturation. The discarded germinal-vesicle stage (GV) oocytes with no fertilization value after oocytes retrieval in assisted reproduction cycles were collected. Part of them was stimulated with vibration (n = 6) at 10 Hz for 24 h after obtaining informed consent; the other was cultured in static condition (n = 6). Single-cell transcriptome sequencing was used to detect the differences in oocyte transcriptome compared with the static culture group. The applied 10-Hz continuous microvibrational stimulation altered the expression of 352 genes compared with the static culture. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis suggested that the altered genes were mainly enriched with 31 biological processes. The mechanical stimulation upregulated 155 of these genes and downregulated 197 genes. Among them, the genes related to mechanical signaling, such as protein localization to intercellular adhesion (DSP and DLG-5) and cytoskeleton (DSP, FGD6, DNAJC7, KRT16, KLHL1, HSPB1, MAP2K6), were detected. DLG-5, which was related to protein localization to intercellular adhesion, was selected for immunofluorescence experiments based on the transcriptome sequencing results. The protein expression of DLG-5 in the microvibration-stimulated oocytes was higher than that in the static culture oocytes. Mechanical stimulation affects the transcriptome during oocyte maturation, causing the express changes in intercellular adhesion and cytoskeleton-related genes. We speculate that the mechanical signal may be transmitted to the cell through DLG-5 protein and cytoskeleton-related protein to regulate cellular activities.

Nanobiochar reduces ammonia emission, increases nutrient mineralization from vermicompost, and improves maize productivity

Recently nanobiochar (NB) has been getting more attention than bulk biochar due to its ultrafine particles, desired chemical composition, and negatively charged surface. These properties make NB a great nano-additive to improve the agro-environmental value of any conventional fertilizer. However, the production of smart organic fertilizer with the help of NB is still not investigated. This study aims to synthesize NB and analyze its concentration dependent influence on ammonia emission, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) mineralization and the aforementioned nutrients uptake by maize from the vermicompost and nanobiochar mixture. The NB was synthesized from farmyard manure using pyrolysis (500 °C) and ball milling techniques. X-ray diffraction data confirmed the synthesis of nanobiochar, showing clear carbon peaks. In addition, FTIR spectroscopic analysis indicated the existence of OH, C-O, NH, and C-C functional groups on the NB surface. The electron microscopy images revealed the bi-model size and morphologies of synthesized NB particles. Different nanobiochar concentrations (2, 5, and 10% of applied N) were mixed with vermicompost and applied to maize. The lowest and intermediate NB concentrations did not affect any soil and plant parameters. The highest NB concentration decreased ammonia emission by 43% (68 vs 120 μg m−3) from vermicompost. This treatment increased soil microbial biomass carbon and N, mineral N (Nmin), P, and K by 71%, 120%, 95%, 72%, and 11%, compared to vermicompost. The highest concentration of NB in vermicompost also increased maize shoot dry matter (DM) yield by 32% (16,631 vs 12,562 kg ha−1), as well as N, P, and K uptakes by 42, 30, and 54%. This confirmed that NB acts as a nano-additive and improves vermicompost fertilizer efficiency, soil quality, and maize productivity. Hence, NB can be recommended as an additive in conventional fertilizers to achieve higher economic and environmental benefits.