Varying Moisture Levels Research Articles

Effects of Moisture Content on the Radiative Properties and Energy-Saving Performance of Silica Aerogel Windows.

The thermal insulation performance of windows is crucial for energy-efficient buildings. Windows are typically the weakest part of the building envelope, regarding thermal insulation. Due to its excellent thermal insulation and high transparency, silica aerogel shows great promise as a window material. However, moisture can impact the effectiveness of the aerogel, leading to poor visibility and reduced thermal insulation. This study simulated a silica aerogel with varying moisture levels using the combination of diffusion-limited cluster aggregation, discrete dipole approximation, and Monte Carlo methods. The effects of the moisture content, thickness, porosity, and particle size on thermal conductivity, solar transmittance, and haze were analyzed. Visual properties of the aerogels were also considered. The energy consumption of a 30 m2 room under different climates was simulated using TRNSYS to assess the energy-saving potential of silica aerogel glass. The findings indicate that a higher moisture content leads to decreased solar transmittance and increased thermal conductivity of aerogels. Silica aerogel glass is more energy efficient than single-layer float glass, with the dry aerogel performing better in cold climates but worse in hot climates. This study provides insights for designing aerogel glass that optimizes solar transmittance and thermal insulation to enhance building comfort and energy efficiency.

Determining Fermentation Conditions to Enhance Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Value of Basil Seeds Using Lactobacillus plantarum

Fermented seeds and their bioactive compounds have captivated global interest due to their functional properties. Basil seeds are used worldwide in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, but their functional and nutritional properties after fermentation are not known. The aim of this study was to optimize the effect of fermentation on the improvement in the functional properties of basil seeds by Lactobacillus plantarum. Basil seed samples were categorized into seven water volumes (named A–G) and fermented for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h with L. Plantarum. The results show that the pH and total microbial content (TMC) significantly changed after 24 h of fermentation (p < 0.05). Fermentation significantly increased the antioxidant properties and niacin content of basil seeds compared with non-fermented control samples (p < 0.05). Fermented samples G-24, G-48, and G-72 (samples with a ratio of 1 g (basil):10 mL (water) fermented for 24,48 and 72 h), exhibited the highest DPPH and ABTS• scavenging activity. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was most prominent in the samples G-72, G-24, and G-48, respectively. Sample G-48 showed the highest antioxidant activity. Notably, sample G-24 showed a significant increase in niacin content (64 µg/mL). These results underscore that varying moisture levels and fermentation durations have a significant impact on the nutritional/functional value of basil seeds. Overall, fermenting basil seeds with L. plantarum increased their functional properties with greater antioxidant and TPC activities as well as increased nutritional value.

Thermal Characteristics of Malaysian Khaya Senegalensis Wood Fuel Pellets: Densification-Induced Changes at Different Feedstock Moisture Levels

This study investigates the thermal behaviour of Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood energy pellets, examining the effects of densification at different feedstock moisture levels. Densified wood pellets are promising renewable energy sources, but the impact of densification on thermal characteristics, considering various moisture contents, is underexplored. The main objective is to quantify the thermal characteristics, which involved proximate analysis such as energy pellets’ ash content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and calorific value. In this research, Malaysian Khaya senegalensis wood was converted into pellets through a densification process, spanning from of 4-20% feedstock moisture levels. The manufactured pellets were then subjected to various tests to characterize the thermal properties. Results reveal compelling insights on the relationships between densification, moisture content, and thermal properties. Densification significantly influenced thermal attributes, with effects tied to initial moisture content. Varying moisture levels led to distinct thermal responses, reflecting interactions between densification-induced changes in moisture and thermal responses. In this study, the best moisture content for ash content was found to be 16%, with 3.24% ash content, 16% moisture content with volatile matter of 85.24%, fixed carbon of 12% from 20% moisture content, and 16% moisture content with calorific value of 19.65 MJ/kg. These findings aid Khaya senegalensis wood pellet densification optimization for improved thermal performance. Understanding densification's impact on thermal behaviour under varying moisture conditions enhances pellet efficiency as sustainable energy sources. This research contributes to biomass pellet knowledge for renewable energy applications, advancing efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Effect of moisture in flax fiber on viscoelastic properties of the manufactured flax fiber reinforced polymer by fractional-order viscoelastic model

Flax Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FFRP) composites, known for their eco-friendliness and mechanical strength, find extensive application in construction. This study investigates the influence of moisture content in flax fiber fabrics on FFRP's viscoelastic properties. Isothermal frequency sweep tests were conducted to assess dynamic mechanical properties under varying moisture levels. The Huet-Sayegh viscoelastic model, with fractional order integration, was employed for analysis. Results indicate optimal viscoelastic properties when fabric humidity matches manufacturing conditions. However, the correlation between the loss factor and the humidity is not straightforward. In summary, FFRP's capacity to store and dissipate energy diminishes with the increased moisture content, but the reduction does not follow a specific pattern with humidity levels.

Rhizosphere hydraulic regulation in maize: tailoring rhizosphere properties to varying soil textures and moistures

Abstract Aims Motivated by recent studies highlighting the active role of plants in influencing the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere through mucilage exudation, this study explored the effect of plant rhizosphere regulation on the emergent hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere under varying soil texture and moisture levels. Methods Maize (Zea mays) plants were cultivated in sand and loam soils exposed to varying moisture levels. Neutron radiography was employed to quantify the profile of water content ($${\theta }_{r})$$ θ r ) around lateral and crown roots. The $${\theta }_{r}$$ θ r were used to derive rhizosphere hydraulic indices such as rhizosphere extension ($${d}_{rh}$$ d rh ), water content at the root-soil interface ($${\theta }_{rs}$$ θ rs ), and water content in the rhizosphere ($${\theta }_{rh}$$ θ rh ). The latter two attributes were normalized by the respective bulk soil water contents ($${\theta }_{rs}^{*}$$ θ rs ∗ , $${\theta }_{rh}^{*}$$ θ rh ∗ ). Results Results showed a higher $${\theta }_{rs}^{*}$$ θ rs ∗ , $${\theta }_{rh}^{*}$$ θ rh ∗ and $${d}_{rh}$$ d rh in coarse-textured soil versus fine-textured soil. This indicates a more pronounced rhizosphere development in sand compared to loam, possibly via mucilage exudation to maintain better root-soil contact. In contrast, soil water content did not impact the rhizosphere properties of crown roots but impacted the rhizosphere properties of lateral roots. The derived rhizosphere water retention curves revealed a higher water-holding capacity of the rhizosphere in both soils compared to bulk soil. Conclusions Our study underscores that soil-grown maize plants dynamically adjust the hydraulic properties of their rhizosphere in response to external factors, primarily aiming to optimize root-soil contact. That leads to a more pronounced rhizosphere in coarser textures, interacting with the soil moisture.

MgAl-LDH nanoflowers as a novel sensing material for high-performance humidity sensing.

This work details a novel application of MgAl-LDH nanoflowers, applied in the fabrication of humidity sensors using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). An oscillating circuit approach has been utilized to thoroughly investigate the humidity detection characteristics of QCM sensors that are fabricated using MgAl-LDH nanoflowers. The examination encompassed various parameters such as the sensors' response, humidity hysteresis, repeatability, and stability. Experimental results clearly indicate that these MgAl-LDH nanoflower-based QCM sensors exhibit a distinct logarithmic frequency response to varying moisture levels. Notably, the sensitivity of the sensors is intricately tied to the amount of MgAl-LDH nanoflowers utilized during the deposition process. Moreover, these sensors maintain remarkable stability across a wide humidity range spanning from 11% to 97% RH. Additionally, the MgAl-LDH nanoflower-based QCM sensors possess minimal humidity hysteresis and display swift dynamic response and recovery periods, further highlighting their potential for humidity detection applications.

Characterization of natural organic matter in Wyoming-type bentonites irradiated at varied moisture levels

Wyoming-type bentonite clay (MX-80; Wyoming, USA) will be used in a deep geological repository (DGR) for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel in Canada. The natural organic matter (NOM) found in bentonite may serve as a microbial nutrient source and potentially compromise the performance of the used fuel containers. Previous investigations indicate that NOM is present in low concentrations in MX-80 and has undergone extensive diagenetic alteration, though limited knowledge is available regarding NOM chemistry under simulated DGR conditions. Of particular concern is the possibility for gamma-radiation to alter NOM dissolution and reactivity due to the presence of reactive species generated by water radiolysis in Wyoming-type bentonites. In this study, NOM chemistry was investigated using complementary molecular-level techniques following exposure to a total gamma-radiation dose of 100 kGy (1.08 kGy/h for 93 h) at varied moisture levels (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and room temperature. Treated samples exhibited relatively low total organic carbon concentrations (0.074–0.232%), with no evidence of any major changes in total, organic, and inorganic carbon concentrations. Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy detected no changes in solid-phase NOM chemistry after irradiation. Solubilization of NOM increased significantly with radiation exposure at 80% moisture, suggesting higher levels of water saturation may enhance dissolved organic matter (DOM) production. Solution-state 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV–Vis analyses did not identify any significant differences in DOM composition. More sensitive, targeted compound analysis revealed significant decreases in total n-alkanol concentration at lower moisture content levels (20% and 40%). Several individual compound concentrations also differed significantly at the nanogram-level, including n-octacosanol and several n-alkanoic acids at elevated moisture levels (60% and 80%). These findings suggest the majority of NOM in MX-80 remains chemically stable under the anticipated initial conditions of the proposed DGR.

Correlations between moisture expansion and flexural properties of bamboo strips in response to different loading rates

Bamboo and bamboo products, known for their hygroscopic nature, exhibit sensitivity to different loading rates in dry conditions. However, with the increasing prevalence of heavy and extended precipitation events due to global warming, there is still a lack of investigation on the response of bamboo strips to various loading rates after being attacked by moisture. In this study, the bending properties of bamboo strips after exposure to extremely high-humidity environments were investigated to assess their responses to varying loading rates. Throughout different exposure durations, bamboo strips exhibited varying moisture contents up to 112% and evident volumetric moisture expansion. After moisture exposure, bamboo strips exhibited heightened sensitivity in flexural strength and modulus to loading rates, with the most pronounced sensitivity observed at 33.9% moisture content. In addition, a linear relationship was established between flexural strength loss and volumetric expansion rather than moisture content. Notably, the samples exhibited greater sensitivity in strength loss to moisture expansion under lower loading rates. These findings preliminarily elucidate how loading rates impact the mechanical properties of bamboo strips across varying moisture levels, contributing to understanding the deterioration in the properties of engineered bamboo products when exposed to high humidity and rainy environments with potential collision events.

Drip Irrigation System Designed for Drought Areas

Abstract: This paper presents an innovative prototype that harnesses Thermo-Electric devices (TEDs) to condense water vapor from the atmosphere in drought-stricken regions. Powered by solar energy and main supply sources, TEDs cool the air to generate water droplets for irrigation. Paired with a drip irrigation system, controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller and soil moisture sensors, the setup ensures efficient plant hydration while conserving water. Rigorous testing across diverse soil types validates the system's efficacy in responding to varying moisture levels. This integrated approach offers a promising solution to address water scarcity in drought-affected areas.

Dielectric response characteristics and moisture exposure evaluation of oil-paper insulation based on microstrip ring resonator

Moisture ingress significantly accelerates the aging of oil-paper insulated equipment, making accurate assessment of moisture content critical for the operation and maintenance of oil-immersed insulated power equipment. In this paper, a novel method for rapid moisture content evaluation is proposed based on a microstrip ring resonator (MRR) designed with a fundamental frequency of 1.16 GHz. A calculation model for the dielectric response analysis using MRR is established to characterize dielectric properties of the material layered on the substrate. ANSYS HFSS electromagnetic simulation software was used to study the impact of dielectric material thickness and the substrate on the MRR test results. Experimental measurement demonstrated that the maximum deviation in resonance frequency was merely 0.542 %. The dielectric properties of uniformly and non-uniformly damp insulating pressboard were analyzed across the frequency band from 1 to 6 GHz. The MRR test results were compared with those of the standard resonant cavity method and frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDS) test. Using the regression algorithm and curve analysis, moisture assessment models for both uniformly and non-uniformly damp oil-paper insulation were established. The experimental results show that the MRR test can clearly distinguish between the pressboard samples with varying moisture levels under uniform conditions, with a maximum moisture evaluation error of 8.19 %. The results demonstrate that the MRR test method, requiring only 56 s, can quickly and effectively evaluate the moisture content of insulating pressboard.

Effect of moisture content on larval gut microbiome and the conversion of pig manure by black soldier fly

The study investigated the influence of varied moisture levels in pig manure on the gut microbiome of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and their waste conversion efficiency. This encompassed alterations in nutrient components of both BSFL and pig manure, diversity and characterization of the BSFL gut microbiota, and the reciprocal effects between the BSFL gut microbiota and their growth performance and nutrient composition. Additionally, the investigation delved into the changes in the bacterial community and the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria in pig manure. An initial mixture of fresh pig manure and wheat bran was prepared with a 60 % moisture content (Group A). Distilled water was subsequently added to adjust the moisture levels, resulting in mixtures with 65 % (Group B), 70 % (Group C), and 75 % (Group D) moisture content. Each group underwent BSFL digestion over ten days. Groups C (3.87 ± 0.05 mg/worm) and D (3.97 ± 0.08 mg/worm) showed significantly higher bioconversion efficiencies and enhanced BSFL growth compared to Groups A (2.66 ± 0.21 mg/worm) and B (3.09 ± 0.09 mg/worm) (P < 0.05). A 75 % moisture level was identified as ideal, positively influencing fecal conversion efficiency (FCE) (9.57 ± 0.14 %), crude fat intake (8.92 ± 0.56 %), protein (46.60 ± 0.54 %), and total phosphorus (1.37 ± 0.08 %) from pig manure, and subsequent nutrient accumulation in BSFLs. A decline in larval crude ash content indicated higher organic matter and an increased pig manure conversion rate with elevated moisture. High-throughput sequencing and diversity analyses confirmed different moisture contents influenced the BSFL gut microbiota. Bacteroidetes (32.7–62.0 %), Proteobacteria (6.8–29.3 %), Firmicutes (5.8–23.4 %), and Actinobacteria (1.9–29.0 %) were predominant phyla. A 75 % moisture content significantly impacted the BSFL biomass conversion and growth performance. Additionally, Larval feces met non-hazardous fertilizer standards, according to NY-525 (2012).

Impact of Temperature and Moisture on the Decomposition of Peat-Forming Plants: Results of a Two-Year Incubation Experiment

The decomposition rate of plant residues is determined by both abiotic (temperature, moisture) and biotic factors (biochemical composition). To separate the contribution of each factor to the decomposition process, long-term incubation experiments under controlled conditions are required. Two-year incubation experiments were conducted with various types of peat-forming plants (Sphagnum fuscum, Chamaedaphne calyculata, Eriophorum vaginatum, and a mixed sample consisting of 60% Sphagnum fuscum and 40% Chamaedaphne calyculata). The experiments were carried out at temperatures of 2, 12, and 22 °C, with varying moisture levels (W = 30, 60, and 90% of their water-holding capacity). In all plant samples, the highest rates of C(CO2) emission (DecR) were observed in the initial stages of decomposition. The cumulative carbon loss (Ccum) during the experiment ranged from 45 to 196 mgC/g of plant material at 22 °C and 23 to 156 mgC/g of plant material at 2 °C. The decay constant (k) for all plant samples increased with rising temperature. The results of the three-way ANOVA showed that the influence of the examined factors on the cumulative losses of C(CO2) decreased in the following order: the type of plant &gt; temperature &gt; moisture. Throughout the experiment, the influence of the type of plant and moisture on DecR increased, while the effect of temperature decreased. The highest temperature sensitivity (Q10 = 0.71–6.19) was observed in the low-temperature range (2–12 °C) during months 4 to 6 of incubation. These results are relevant for modeling and predicting the rate of transformation of peat organic matter under changing climatic conditions.

Effect of high-temperature drying at different moisture levels on texture of dried noodles: Insights into gluten aggregation and pore distribution

In this study, the impacts of high-temperature drying (80 °C) at varying moisture levels HT1 (30%) and HT2 (12%) on texture of dried noodles were investigated by considering the protein aggregation and pore distribution in both dried and cooked noodles. In comparison to medium-temperature drying (45 °C), an increase in protein aggregation was observed in dried noodles obtained under HT1. Additionally, HT1 conditions led to uneven gluten network and significant variations in pore size, which ultimately reduced the bending resistance of dried noodles from 9.45% to 31.82%. Upon cooking, the protein in noodles from HT1 underwent slight depolymerization, resulting in lower protein aggregation as compared to noodles from HT2, which negatively affected the edible quality of products from HT1. Our findings demonstrated that dried noodle qualities under HT2 increased up to 32.73% compared to medium-temperature drying and HT1, due to suitable protein aggregation and smaller pore distribution associated with HT2. Finally, the degree of protein aggregation in cooked noodles is a more accurate quality indicator than analyzing dried noodles.

Influence of Eggshell Ash and Stone Powder on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Clay in Dukem Town

Expansive clays exhibit a distinctive swelling–shrinkage behavior, leading to structural distress and damage when subjected to varying moisture levels during different seasons. So, to mitigate these issues, stabilization techniques are commonly employed, aiming to diminish swelling tendencies and enhance the strength characteristics of expansive clays. This study delves into the transformative impact of utilizing eggshell ash (ESA) and stone powder (SP) as stabilizing agents on both the index properties and strength parameters of expansive clays. The selection of these stabilizing agents is guided by criteria encompassing cost-effectiveness, availability, and environmental compatibility. Through comprehensive analysis utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the mineralogical compositions of both soil and additives are meticulously examined. The XRD analysis of the expansive clay unveils the presence of minerals such as quartz, sanidine (potassium or sodium feldspar), and magnetite. Incorporating ESA into the expansive clay matrix yields substantial improvements across various soil index values, encompassing the free swell index, free swell ratio, linear shrinkage, and unconfined compressive strength value. To further amplify these benefits, the study extends its focus to the influence of SP while maintaining a consistent 6% ESA content. Notably, the addition of SP exhibits a significant enhancement in compressive strength, alongside other crucial properties. Synthesizing these findings, the laboratory results point to an optimal combination ratio of 6% ESA and 15% SP, as a recommended approach to achieve superior stabilization effects. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between stabilizing agents and expansive clays, paving the way for improved engineering practices and more resilient structural designs.

Study on water absorption and dielectric response of epoxy resin impregnated paper bushing

AbstractEpoxy‐impregnated paper transformer bushings are prone to water absorption due to the presence of water‐attracting moieties in the cellulose chemical structure and epoxy resin, leading to moisture‐induced insulation defects. To understand the mechanism of moisture's impact on epoxy‐impregnated paper, this study developed a testing platform that integrated moisture diffusion, adsorption, and dielectric properties of insulating materials. Insulation specimens made of epoxy resin and epoxy‐impregnated paper were prepared and their water diffusion characteristics were investigated using the Fick diffusion model and the Langmuir model, respectively. The Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer equation was used to examine the vacuum vapour adsorption characteristics of the materials, providing a theoretical foundation for examining the form of water present within them. The dielectric response of materials with varying moisture levels was then tested to study the effect of water on the dielectric spectrum curve. Using the Extended Derivative Method, the characteristic frequency reflecting the water content of the epoxy‐impregnated paper was extracted. The results demonstrate that 0.01‐Hz characteristic frequency provides superior accuracy for moisture assessment in epoxy resins compared to 50 Hz, and extracting and fitting the relaxation peak characteristic frequency in epoxy‐impregnated paper moisture evaluation yields higher accuracy than using tan δ at the power frequency.

ACTIVITY OF PLANT ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST OCHRATOXIN A PRODUCING ASPERGILLUS OCHRACEUS

Plant essential oils have been used in traditional medicines since ancient times to combat disease and in agro-food science to preserve food stuff. Antifungal activity of plant essential oils was evaluated using different substrates of varied moisture levels against ochratoxin A (OTA) producing Aspergillus ochraceus. A. ochraceus (n = 3) isolates were processed for antifungal activity of various essential oils including Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus globulus, Syzygium aromaticum, Nigella sativa, Elettaria cardamomum, Cinnamomum verum and Cuminum cyminum extracted by hydro-distillation. To check the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, the highest zone of inhibition recorded was of C. verum (33.67±0.57mm) followed by S. aromaticum (30.33±0.57mm) and the least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was of S. aromaticum (0.52±0.22 µg/mL) followed by C. verum (0.65±0.22 µg/mL). Antifungal activity was evaluated in term of log reduction and at the exposure time of 60 and 90 min, 6±0.00 log reduction was observed by S. aromaticum, C. verum and E. cardamomum with non-significant differences. At 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day of experiment, toxin production by A. ochraceus at moisture contents (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70%) in un-inoculated groups and inoculated treated groups with C. verum Essential Oils were found non-significantly different to each other but significantly different from the OTA production in inoculated groups of wheat, maize and rice (intact and broken). At 10% moisture level, OTA production was low and reached to maximum level at 40% moisture level and again decline with increasing moisture level. Cinnamon has showed antifungal activity against A. ochraceus at all moisture levels. The confirmation of inhibition potential of C. verum was evaluated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. This study illustrates that cinnamon oil is effective to inhibit the growth of OTA producing A. ochraceus in stored grains to overcome the economic losses. Keywords: Antifungal activity, Cinnamomum verum, Dimethyl sulfoxide, Log reduction, Minimum inhibitory concentration

Effect of moisture content on mechanical behavior of ultra-high toughness cementitious composites

This study presented an investigation into the basic mechanical properties of Ultra-high toughness cementitious composites (UHTCC) under varying moisture levels (0%, 56.5%, and 100%). UHTCC have been recognized for their excellent deformation and crack control abilities, making them ideal for repairing and reinforcing hydraulic structures. In this study, static compressive test and direct tensile test were conducted to determine the influence of free water on compressive strength, tensile stress and strain relationship, elastic modulus and energy absorption ability of UHTCC. Meanwhile, the notched beam fracture test and single fiber pull-out test were also performed to investigate the mechanism behind such phenomenon. The results of the study revealed that as the relative moisture content of UHTCC increased, the compressive and tensile strengths decreased to varying degrees. The softening effect of water on compressive strength of UHTCC was found to be more significant than that on its tensile strength. Furthermore, the direct tensile deformation capacity of UHTCC increased from 2.4% to 4.0% as the relative moisture content increased. Water infiltration into UHTCC was found to have a minimal effect on the number of tensile cracks but significantly increased their width. The results of notched beam fracture and fiber pull-out tests demonstrated that water infiltration led to a 30.4% decrease in matrix fracture toughness, a 37.3% decrease in chemical bonding strength, and a 23.4% decrease in frictional bonding strength between fibers and the matrix. The increased deformation ability of UHTCC in water environments was attributed to the increase in strain hardening energy index (Jb’/Jtip).

Ultrasonic pulse velocity for mechanical properties determination of wood

ABSTRACT Wood is a widely used material in various industries, and its mechanical properties are crucial to determine the final product's performance. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) is one of the most important mechanical properties of wood, which measures its stiffness and ability to resist deformation under applied loads. The objective of this research was to create robust models for predicting the moduli of elasticity (MOE) of wood species in three principal directions under varying moisture levels, using the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technique. The study employed three modeling techniques, namely multivariable linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR). The research involved developing 72 models using different input variables and methods, and then training and testing them with experimental data. Our findings revealed that the SVR model utilizing the radial basis kernel function (RBF) and Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation ANN exhibited the lowest mean squared error (MSE) and the highest correlation coefficient, with R2 values of 0.979 and 0.989, respectively. These results suggest that the developed models and the UPV technique could significantly enhance the precision of MOE predictions for wood species, presenting a valuable tool for industries that utilize wood in their products.

Experimental Study on the Subgrade Soil Stabilization using Lime Stone Powder

Abstract: A good road network is a basic infrastructure required for rapid economic growth, and this road network fails mainly due to weak subgrade, less infiltration capacity, landslide etc.,. Use of lime stone powder material has become popular in the construction industry In this case study, an attempt is being made to stabilize the subgrade soil using Lime Stone powder . Expansive soils are the most challenging soils to work with because of their tendency to swell and expand when exposed to varying moisture levels. Many structures for civil engineering have been damaged as a result. The presence of expansive subgrade soil causes discomfort to the pavement and pavement deterioration. In order to solve the issue, thick layers of expanding soil must be removed and replaced with competent material, which is very expensive in terms of time and money-consuming due to long hauling distances. In this study, the expansive subgrade soil was stabilised using lime. The VIDISHA-BHOPAL NH-146 RANGAI GHAT Road is where the soil was collected. The free swell index test, Atterberg limit test, Proctor test, California Bearing Ratio Tests, and swelling potential were used to compare the attributes of treated and untreated soils. Lime was used to treat the subgrade soil that are superior to onather material results when mixed with soil at various percentages, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. according to the soil's weight. Based on the results of the soaked CBR, MDD, and OMC, as well as the 20% Lime Stone, the CBR value increase.

Influence of soil compaction and moisture variation on development of sesame (sesamum indicum l.) plant in a sandy loamy soil

This study determines the influence of soil compaction on shoot, root development and nutrients uptake of sesame (sesamum indicum l.) plant in a sandy loamy soil. The research was carried out in Mokwa local government of Niger state during wet season. Three soil samples of 300g weight from the top 20cm of the soil profile were taken from college farm. The initial moisture content of the soil was determined using oven-drying method. The soil samples were air dried, large clods broken and grounded. The soil samples were then mixed to obtain a homogenous mixture of the sample. The soil moisture content was then raised to varying moisture levels of 10%, 12%, and 14% exceeding the optimum moisture content of sandy loam which is 12% moisture. Each sample was subjected to five levels of compaction energy using 0,5,10,15,20 blows of a standard proctor hammer in cylindrical cores of 17cm in height and 10cm diameter in accordance with the standard proctor compaction procedure. Four holes were made in each can and four seeds were sown in each hole to be thinned into one seed per hole (four plants in each can). The depth of sowing was one cm. The seedlings were tinned to a maximum of five (5) per core at 15 days after planting. The heights (cm) of the seedling were taken with a measuring tape at 5-days interval to 20 days after planting. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, regression analysis and analysis of variance. The results from the soil physical properties analysis shows that the soil is sandy loam with sand being 76.8 % and clay as 11.2%. The bulk average density was 1.75 g/cm3. Results obtained from the study shows that compactive efforts significantly affect plant growth and development. It also shows that as compactive effort increases, the soil bulk density and penetration also increases. The effect of number of hammer blows on soil bulk density and penetration resistance was significant. The effect of excessive moisture also affects germination and plant growth. Moderate soil compaction has beneficial effect. This is due to greater water retention. In general, it appears that there is a great potential in growing sesame on sandy loam soil, if the level of compaction is maintained at moderate level, which does not impede root development and other plant requirements.