Soil Water Research Articles

Visualization and Simulation of Foam-Assisted Gas Drive Mechanism in Surface Karst Slit-Hole Type Reservoirs

Nitrogen injection technology has become an important production technology after water injection development in the karst fracture-vuggy reservoir in Tahe Oilfield. However, due to the influence of reservoir heterogeneity and the high mobility of gas fluid, nitrogen easily forms a dominant channel and gas channeling occurs, and the recovery effect time is short. Based on this, a visual surface karst model is designed and created to study nitrogen foam-assisted gas drive. The results show that after gas channeling occurs in the dominant channel of nitrogen flooding, foam injection-assisted gas flooding can improve oil recovery. In the longitudinal direction, foam-assisted gas drive mainly displaces the remaining oil because of gravity differentiation and the reduction of oil–water interfacial tension. In the horizontal direction, foam-assisted gas drive is mainly used to block the large pore cracks and dominant channels, promote the gas to turn into large tortuous and small cracks, and expand the swept efficiency of the gas. After forming the dominant channel, injecting 0.3 pv salt-sensitive foam with a gas–liquid ratio of 2:1 in the middle of the gas channel can improve the recovery rate of the model from 4% to about 25%, and the recovery rate can be increased by about 20%, which improves the effect of gas flushing and improves the development efficiency of the oil field at the same time.

Impact of Paddy Field Expansion on Ecosystem Services and Associated Trade-Offs and Synergies in Sanjiang Plain

In recent decades, the integrity and security of the ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain have faced severe challenges due to land reclamation. Understanding the impact of paddy field expansion on regional ecosystem services (ESs), as well as revealing the trade-offs and synergies (TOS) between these services to achieve optimal resource allocation, has become an urgent issue to address. This study employs the InVEST model to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of five key ESs, while the Optimal Parameter Geodetector (OPGD) identifies primary drivers of these changes. Correlation analysis and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) reveal intricate TOS among ESs at multiple scales. Additionally, the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) elucidates the direct impacts of paddy field expansion on ESs. The main findings include the following: (1) The paddy field area in the Sanjiang Plain increased from 5775 km2 to 18,773.41 km2 from 1990 to 2020, an increase of 12,998.41 km2 in 40 years. And the area of other land use types has generally decreased. (2) Overall, ESs showed a recovery trend, with carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) initially decreasing but later improving, and consistent increases were observed in soil conservation, water yield (WY), and food production (FP). Paddy fields, drylands, forests, and wetlands were the main ES providers, with soil type, topography, and NDVI emerging as the main influencing factors. (3) Distinct correlations among ESs, where CS shows synergies with HQ and SC, while trade-offs are noted between CS and both WY and FP. These TOS demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity and scale effects across subregions. (4) Paddy field expansion enhances regional SC, WY, and FP, but negatively affects CS and HQ. These insights offer a scientific basis for harmonizing agricultural development with ecological conservation, enriching our understanding of ES interrelationships, and guiding sustainable ecosystem management and policymaking.

Addressing cadmium stress in rice with potassium-enriched biochar and Bacillus altitudinis rhizobacteria.

Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially harmful metal with significant biological toxicity that adversely affects plant growth and physiological metabolism. Excessive Cd exposure in plants leads to stunted plant growth owing to its negative impact on physiological functions such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and water balance. Potassium-enriched biochar (KBC) and Bacillus altitudinis rhizobacteria (RB) can effectively overcome this problem. Potassium-enriched biochar (KBC) significantly enhances plant growth by improving the soil structure, encouraging water retention, and enhancing microbial activity as a slow-release nutrient. Rhizobacteria promote plant growth by improving root ion transport and nutrient availability while promoting soil health and water conservation through RB production. This study examined the effects of combining RB + KBC as an amendment to rice, both with and without Cd stress. Four treatments (control, KBC, RB, and RB + KBC) were applied using a completely randomized design (CRD) in four replications. The results showed that the combination of RB + KBC increased rice plant height (38.40%), shoot length (53.90%), and root length (12.49%) above the control under Cd stress. Additionally, there were notable improvements in chlorophyll a (15.31%), chlorophyll b (25.01%), and total chlorophyll (19.37%) compared to the control under Cd stress, which also showed the potential of RB + KBC treatment. Moreover, increased N, P, and K concentrations in the roots and shoots confirmed that RB + KBC could improve rice plant growth under Cd stress. Consequently, these findings suggest that RB + KBC is an effective amendment to alleviate Cd stress in rice. Farmers should use RB + KBC to achieve better rice growth under cadmium stress.

Research on Well Selection Method for Intermittent Pumping in Oil Wells Based on the Analytic Network Process and Fuzzy Logic

In the later stages of oilfield development, the decline in oil well production and the increase in development costs, attributed to issues such as insufficient liquid supply, necessitate the implementation of intermittent pumping measures. However, current methods for selecting these wells lack comprehensiveness in the decision-making process. This article proposes a novel method for selecting intermittent pumping wells utilizing the analytic network process (ANP) and fuzzy logic. Initial surveys identified the main factors influencing intermittent pumping effectiveness. The ANP was employed to screen and integrate six core factors, including submergence depth and water cut. Subsequently, a fuzzy-logic-based model was developed, incorporating trapezoidal and rectangular membership functions to establish detailed correlations among the factors. The model’s efficacy was validated and tested using real-world data from the oilfield. Results indicate that the model’s assessments of intermittent pumping wells align closely with professional engineering judgments. This approach not only provides clear guidance for well selection but also demonstrates high scalability and adaptability across different oilfields by adjusting membership functions, thereby showcasing significant practical value.

Effects of Fresh and Composted Azolla on Soil Chemical Properties

The rise in chemical fertilizer use in Malaysia raises concerns about soil degradation and potential long-term yield reductions, highlighting the importance of using organic matter for soil restoration. Azolla has been extensively studied as an alternative soil amendment due to its high nitrogen and nutrient content, as well as its rapid growth. However, the effects of fresh and composted Azolla amendments on soil chemical properties are not yet fully understood. A soil incubation study was thus conducted to determine the effects of fresh and composted Azolla on soil chemical properties over a 3-month incubation period. The soil treatments consisted of non-amended soil (control); fresh Azolla at 3, 6, and 9% w/w; and composted Azolla at 1, 2, and 3% w/w, with soil water holding capacity maintained at 55% throughout the incubation period. The collected soil samples were analyzed for soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), available phosphorus, exchangeable bases—potassium (K), calcium, and magnesium, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). All data were subjected to variance analysis for statistical analysis. The study revealed significant effects of interaction between soil treatments and incubation periods for all soil parameters. At the end of the incubation period, the soil treated with 3% composted Azolla exhibited higher soil EC, total C and N, exchangeable K, and CEC compared to other soil treatments. The 3% fresh Azolla treatments were also observed to improve the soil’s exchangeable calcium by the end of the incubation period. In conclusion, 3% composted Azolla is best to help restore soil nutrient levels for crop uptake.

Reusable nontoxic pyrimidine‐based oleogelators: Phase selectivity and nanostructured structuring

AbstractOver the last few decades, scientists have been working hard to produce edible structural agents those can be used in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The supramolecular assembly of simple amphiphiles in presence of edible oil is the most ideal system for this purpose because the system has no harmful health consequences. We have attempted to address the aforementioned implications in this article by synthesizing a novel class of structuring agents 2‐alkyl amino pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid amphiphiles named 2‐decylamino‐pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (DPCA), 2‐dodecylamino‐ pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (DDPCA) and 2‐tetradecylamino‐pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (TDPCA), using simple procedure. To our delight, the prepared amphiphiles self‐assemble to a gel matrix in various vegetable oils and mineral oils. Microscopic analyses were used to investigate the nanostructured morphology of molecular gels. Rheological studies revealed that oleogels are mechanically processable and viscoelastic. Temperature dependent and concentration dependent proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) studies were performed to analyze the hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. The study discovered that gelators act as reusable phase selective gelators (PSG) of oil in water–oil mixture. The (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay has proven that the synthetic oleogelators are nontoxic.

On the transition to the use of modern lubricants in systems of energy facilities

The analysis of turbine oils currently in use is given. The classifications for petroleum base oils according to the systems developed at JSC VNIINP and the American Petroleum Institute are presented. The transition from the operation of turbine oils of the first group to more advanced oils obtained on the basis of base oils of the second group and above is justified. The problems that may arise when replacing oils of the first group with modern oils in connection with the processes of mixing energy oils of various formulations are outlined. The mixing process is complicated by the compatibility factors of both the commercial products themselves and the additive compositions used, as well as possible contamination with oil sludge of lubricants in operation and possible contamination with water and mechanical impurities of the new energy oil at the delivery stage. The necessity of analyzing the possibility of mixing is explained both by the compatibility of the energy oils being tested and by the compatibility of the additive package used in them. A list of indicators is presented by which it is possible to judge the possible compatibility of the energy oils under consideration. The results of the compatibility analysis are presented. In modern foreign policy conditions, for the Russian Federation, there is a need to activate Russian developments and provide modern lubricants for a new generation of energy facilities. A possible solution to this issue, developed by the specialists of the NRU MPEI, is presented. A system for the production of oil distillate with subsequent production of base (group III) and commercial oil for high-ash initial coals of the brown coal and early black coal stages of coalification of coal basins closed for development is presented.

Molecular and serological detection of acute canine leptospirosis and associated predictive risk factors in and around Chennai, India.

Leptospirosis is a globally important re-emerging zoonotic disease affecting humans and many animal species including dogs. The present cross-sectional study aimed to diagnose acute leptospirosis among 210 suspected dogs using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further, epidemiological risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Out of the 210 dogs, anti-leptospiral antibody was detected in 123 (58.57%; 95% CI: 51.6-65.3) dogs by MAT (cut-off titer- ≥1:100), among which 67 (54.47%; 95% CI: 45.3-63.4) were seropositive to more than one serogroup. The predominant serogroups were Australis and Autumnalis in the study region. Whereas, acute leptospirosis was established in 49 (23.33%, 95% CI: 17.9-29.8) dogs based on ≥ 1:800 titer in unvaccinated dogs and ≥ 1:1600 titer in vaccinated dogs. The predictive risk factors of acute canine leptospirosis were adult dogs (1-5 years) (p=0.001), north-east monsoon season (p=0.011), outdoor management (p=0.047), history of rodent exposure (p=0.001) and history of contact with wet soil or stagnant water (p=0.046). Among 49 acutely infected dogs, thirteen dogs were positive for urine PCR and one dog was positive for both urine as well as plasma PCR. Positive PCR amplicons were identified as Leptospira interrogans based on secY gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This study enlightened about the occurrence of acute leptospirosis among suspected dogs with the above important predictive risk factors, which should be taken into consideration while history taking so that proper treatment strategies can be adopted for early recovery of the animal.

APPLICATION OF VISCOUS GEL SOLUTIONS AND WATER SHUTOFF TECHNIQUES FOR LAYERS DURING WELL CONSTRUCTION

Most of the oil fields are at the decline stage of development. This stage of development is characterized by a decrease in the oil production level, an increase in the water cut of the extracted fluids (up to 90%). Reducing the water cut of the produced products is facilitated by water shutoff measures. Based on the analysis of the causes of growth of water cut in wells, the most common causes of high water cut in production wells include water filtration through fractured systems and highly permeable reservoir intervals, behind-the-casing crossflows and the formation of a water cut cone. Rational control over the water cut in the produced products increases the economic efficiency of the field development and reduces the costs of treatment and utilization of extracted water. There are different approaches for solving the problem of water shutoff: creating screens and barriers using various chemical compositions, using technical means and technological methods. These technologies are classified according to the nature of the impact of the injected water-insulating mass on the permeability of the oil-saturated part of the reservoir, opened by perforation. Taking this into account, water shutoff technologies are divided into selective and non-selective ones. The use of rigid gels is one of the methods of water shutoff in the near-well area. Gels can be injected selectively into the formation using coiled tubing (CT) and a packer. In case of absence of interlayer crossflows, an injection of a rigid gel into a watered-out formation can prevent unwanted water from penetration into the well.

Effects of Soil Compaction Stress Combined with Drought on Soil Pore Structure, Root System Development, and Maize Growth in Early Stage

Soil compaction is a major environmental stress to root development and plant growth. Meanwhile, drought always results in increasing soil mechanical impedance, which in turn aggravates soil compaction stress. In this study, a column experiment with three levels of compaction stress (low, moderate, and severe) and two levels of soil water content (well-watered and drought,) was established to investigate the effects of soil compaction combined with drought on soil pore structure, root development, and maize growth properties. The results showed that soil compaction combined with soil water stress significantly affected the characteristics of soil pore structure. With the increase in soil compaction, the porosity, larger pores (>500 μm), and maximum pore diameter significantly decreased (p < 0.05) regardless of soil water status. Additionally, both pore morphology and network parameters also deteriorated under soil compaction with drought conditions. Soil compaction substantially affected the root length, root volume, root surface area, and root average diameter in the whole profile (p < 0.05). Compared to well-watered conditions, the effects of soil compaction on root characteristics under drought conditions were more obvious, which indicated that appropriate soil water content could alleviate compaction stress. The aboveground biomass and plant height showed a consistent trend with root traits under soil compaction stress regardless of water status. A Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that there were significant correlations between most soil pore parameters and maize growth traits. In addition, soil compaction showed a significant effect on both stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while soil water showed a significant effect on SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development).

Rice Production in Water-Scarce Environments: A Review of Conservation Agriculture Techniques

Rice is a critical crop for global food security, but its production is increasingly threatened by water scarcity. Conservation agriculture (CA) techniques have been identified as a promising approach to address this challenge. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on CA techniques for rice production in water-scarce environments, focusing on their effects on soil health, water productivity, and rice yields. We examine the evidence from various studies and identify the constraints and opportunities for adoption among smallholder farmers. Our review highlights the potential of CA techniques to improve rice production in water-scarce environments, but also emphasizes the need for further research and support to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. By promoting the adoption of CA techniques, we can enhance the resilience of rice production systems and contribute to global food security.

Sustainable Development Strategies and Good Agricultural Practices for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Insights and Applicability in Developing Contexts—The Case of Angola

In general, agricultural productivity in Angola is low due to the limited awareness among stakeholders regarding sustainable development strategies (DSs) and good agricultural practices (GAPs) that could be adjusted to local crops, soil types, and climatic conditions. A structured approach was followed to develop a systematic literature review (SLR) that can address this gap by examining how DSs and GAPs may be adapted for Angola’s context to encourage sustainable agricultural development. Key steps included the selection and exclusion of literature from primary scientific databases based on specific screening indicators such as the publication date, language, relevance to DSs and GAPs, and geographic focus on developing or developed nations with comparable agricultural challenges. The initial search resulted in 11,392 articles, of which 4257 met the primary selection criteria. After further screening for relevance and availability, 98 articles were shortlisted, and 15 studies were ultimately included for in-depth analysis. This strict screening process ensured the inclusion of studies most applicable to Angola’s agricultural context. The key research findings indicate that certain DSs and GAPs have high adaptability potential for Angola. The findings emphasise practices such as drip irrigation and inorganic fertilisation, which are widely implemented in both developed and developing countries due to their efficiency in resource-limited environments. Additional strategies, such as water management systems, organic composting, and agroforestry practices, demonstrate significant potential to enhance soil fertility, water efficiency, and crop resilience against climate variability. By identifying these practices and strategies, this study provides a basic framework for policymakers in Angola to develop targeted implementation guidelines, fostering sustainable agricultural growth and resilience in the face of climatic challenges. Thus, this review contributes to the scientific and practical understanding of sustainable agriculture in developing countries, offering critical insights that support Angola’s efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency and economic stability through sustainable agricultural practices.

Global Versus Local? A Study on the Synergistic Relationship of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs from Multiple Perspectives Based on Ecological Restoration Zoning of National Land Space—A Case Study of Liaoning Province

Clarifying the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services in Liaoning’s ecological restoration zones is crucial for strengthening the positioning of ecological restoration zones and optimizing ecosystem services. This study is based on “Liaoning Provincial Land Spatial Planning (2021–2035)” and divides the area into ecological restoration zones. We utilized the InVEST model, ArcGIS Pro, and Geoda in this study to quantify five ecosystem services (Soil Conservation, Carbon Storage, Habitat Quality, Water Yield, and Food Production) and constructed an evaluation framework to assess the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services at both global and local levels. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The global relationships among ecosystem services in different ecological restoration zones are ranked as: strong trade-offs (35.51%) > weak trade-offs (33.17%) > low synergies (29.09%) > high synergies (2.24%); (2) The area exhibiting synergistic relationships between pairs of local ecosystem services in ecological restoration zones is larger than the area exhibiting trade-offs; (3) The strongest synergy is observed between water yield and soil conservation, while the most significant trade-off occurs between food production and soil conservation. These relationships exhibit similar spatial characteristics in the WSFR, SWCR, and WCR zones; (4) The proportion of areas showing trade-offs and synergies differs between global and local scales.

Investigating the effects of make-up water dilution and oil presence on polymer retention in carbonate reservoirs.

The application of polymer flooding is challenging in harsh temperature and salinity conditions in Middle-Eastern carbonate reservoirs, as they can deteriorate the commonly used polymers such as Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (HPAM). One solution to this issue is the use of newly developed Acrylamido-Tertiary-Butyl Sulfonate (ATBS) based polymers, which can endure adverse temperature and salinity conditions. However, they also tend to adsorb onto carbonate rocks with positive surface charge. This study aims to tackle the problem of high polymer retention by employing low-salinity polymer flooding. For that coreflooding experiments were conducted on an ATBS-based polymer in salinities ranging from 400 to 167,000 ppm using fully water-saturated cores and cores at residual oil saturation (Sor). The single-phase retention experiments determined polymer retention values of around 25µg/g-rock when using diluted brines, which is about half of the retention values (47-56µg/g-rock) observed with high salinity seawater (43,000 ppm) and formation water (167,000 ppm). Furthermore, the retention of the ATBS-based polymer was further reduced by 50% in the presence of oil compared to the experiments conducted in the absence of oil. The results demonstrated that an optimal salinity threshold of 10,000 ppm and lower yields significant improvements in the efficiency of polymer flooding.

Effects of different sand fixation plantations on soil properties in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, Eastern Inner Mongolia, China.

Planting forests is an effective way to improve desertification. In order to elucidate the impacts of different vegetation types on soil development and restoration of degraded lands, we compared the properties of soils at different depths in three plantation forests in the Hunsandak Sandy Land in the Chinese agro-pastoral ecotone (Ulmus pumila, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, and Populus simonii). The results show that all three plantation forests were able to significantly improve the soil properties, and they resulted in soil nutrient enrichment in the surface layer. As the soil depth increased, the soil became progressively poorer in nutrients, the fine particle content decreased, and the bulk density and water content increased. The orders of the fractal dimension characterization and soil improvement effects of the different tree species were as follows: U. pumila > P. sylvestris var. mongolica > P. simonii. Compared with the bare sand, the soil bulk density under the U. pumila plantation was 19% lower; the soil water content was 74% higher; the soil organic matter, total N, P, and K were 336%, 207%, 106%, and 31% higher; the available N, P, and K were 41%, 125%, and 21% higher; and the clay and silt contents were 498% and 387% higher, respectively. The ranges of the soil fractal dimension were 1.67-2.08 for the bare sandy land and 2.14-2.32 for the planted forests. The soil fractal dimension was strongly correlated with the soil physicochemical properties, especially with the soil nutrients and fine particle content, which exhibited highly significant correlations (p < 0.01), and the correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.8. Therefore, we believe that U. pumila is a suitable sand-fixing plant species in this area. In addition, the soil fractal dimension can be used as an important reference index for characterizing soil properties in sandy areas.

Impact of Wetting and Drying Cycles on the Hydromechanical Properties of Soil and Implications on Slope Stability

The soil-based infrastructure is the backbone of the global economy, connecting people, enhancing quality of life, and promoting health and safety. However, its vulnerabilities are becoming apparent due to climate change, mainly through frequent wetting and drying (wd) cycles. Despite few studies in the past, research showing the stability of flood embankments in the long term, incorporating the impact of wetting and drying cycles on the hydromechanical characteristics of soil, is scarce. This study aimed to assess the impact of controlled wd cycles on the hydromechanical properties of clay and silty sand soils and its implications for the stability of a typical flood embankment. Volumetric changes were monitored during the wd cycles. The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (ksat), effective cohesion (c′), and effective angle of internal friction (ϕ′) were measured at 1 and 10 wd cycles. The results indicated that the 10 wd cycles decreased the saturated moisture content and resulted in a flatter SWCC compared to the 1 wd cycle for clayey soil. The ksat value was also significantly higher at 10 wd cycles than 1 wd cycle for clayey soil. An insignificant difference was found in both the SWCC and ksat at 1 and 10 wd cycles for silty sand soil. The ϕ′ value for the clayey soil decreased from 28.5 to 20.1 as the wd cycles increased from 1 to 10, while c′ remained unchanged at 10 kN/m2. On the other hand, for the silty sand soil, ϕ′ increased from 34.6 to 37.5 with an increase in wd cycles from 1 to 10, and c′ remained constant at 1 kN/m2. Numerical modelling of transient water flow coupled with a slope stability analysis revealed that the stability of a flood embankment depends on the evolution of soil hydromechanical properties due to wd cycles and the duration of flooding. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate landslide risks in regions prone to frequent wd cycles, thereby ensuring the safety and resilience of slopes and associated infrastructure.

A GIS-RS Approach for RUSLE-Based Method of Mean Estimation of Mean Annual Soil Loss of the Tagoloan River Basin, Philippines

Abstract. Soil erosion is a serious environmental concern in Tagoloan River Basin (TRB), a major watershed in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It leads to soil loss causing detrimental impacts such as decreased soil productivity, nutrient loss, siltation, and water quality degradation among others. These impacts are better understood by estimating the degree of soil loss in the watershed and visualized in a GIS-based and factor-based approach using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. Thematic maps of soil loss were generated with factors for rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), topographic (LS) consisting of slope length (L) and slope steepness (S), cover management (C), and support practice (P). Factors were calculated separately and multiplied together to develop combined soil loss maps. Results show that TRB has an actual mean annual soil loss of 153.20 tons/hectare/year with 47.15% of the study area having very high to very severe susceptibility to soil loss. Further, a comparison of the potential (RKLS) and actual (RKLSCP) soil loss maps indicates the significance of cover management and support practices to the resulting mean annual soil loss. The present characterized soil loss level maps and its understanding driving forces of soil erosion for the planning of management practices and mitigating environmental hazards in the watershed.

Research on building a biochar production model from agricultural by-products in Gia Lai province

ABSTRACT The impact of climate change on ecosystems and agricultural systems, particularly in key agricultural areas like the Central Highlands of Vietnam, has caused severe soil degradation, water depletion, and desertification, directly affecting productivity and livelihoods. Sustainable agricultural solutions, especially biochar, have gained attention due to their ability to improve soil fertility, retain moisture, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This research focuses on developing a biochar production model from agricultural by-products in Gia Lai to meet both domestic and export needs. Biochar was produced through the pyrolysis of coffee by-products, including stems, branches, and fruit husks. The study employs 10 brick kilns (90 m³ capacity) for stems and branches, and 15 steel kilns (300 kg/batch capacity) for fruit husks and leaves. The biochar produced meets export quality standards, with a fixed carbon content ≥70.0%, ash content ≤3.0%, and calorific value ≥7,000 Kcal/kg. Additionally, biochar is combined with the biological agent Trichoderma to produce 1,000 tons of organic microbial fertilizer, surpassing national standards for organic matter content (≥15%) and Trichoderma density (≥1.0x10⁶ CFU/g). Biochar production from agricultural waste not only reduces waste but also contributes to sustainable agriculture in the Central Highlands. The research results show great potential for expanding biochar production models, improving soil health, reducing farming costs, and increasing farmers' income.

Simultaneous in situ monitoring of belowground, trunk and relative canopy hydraulic conductance of grapevine demonstrates a soil texture-specific transpiration control

Assessing the interrelationships between belowground, trunk and canopy hydraulics, under various edaphic conditions, is essential to enhance understanding of how grapevine (Vitis vinifera) responds to drought. This work aimed to quantify and compare in situ belowground and trunk hydraulic conductance of the soil-grapevine system to evaluate their coordination with the transpiration control during drought. We simultaneously monitored soil water potential, trunk xylem water potential, canopy xylem water potential, actual transpiration and atmospheric demand to quantify the evolution of belowground, trunk and relative canopy hydraulic conductance. By comparing stomatal regulation at the canopy scale and soil-grapevine system conductance, we assessed their coordination. Transpiration control was triggered by a decrease of belowground hydraulic conductance, and not by xylem cavitation in the trunk. Although the relation between canopy conductance and soil water potential is soil texture specific, where stomata at the canopy scale started to close at less negative soil water potential in sand than in loam, the onset of stomatal closure at the canopy level was at equivalent belowground hydraulic conductance, independently of the soil texture. These findings prove that in situ grapevines coordinate short-term hydraulic mechanisms (e.g., regulation of canopy hydraulic conductance) and longer-term growth (e.g., root:shoot ratio). These belowground and aboveground adjustments are, therefore, soil-texture specific.

Low-cost nano biochar: a sustainable approach for drought stress mitigation in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

This study tends to reach some objectives of the sustainable development goals, which call for responsible consumption and production and climate action. Long-term global food security is affected by drought and the optimal use of water in agricultural areas under climate change scenarios. Our approach aims to amend soil for cultivation under drought stress and improve plant growth to contribute to food security. In this context, a biochar was prepared from peanut shell and thoroughly examined as a soil enhancer for broad bean cultivation during drought stress. The produced biochar exhibited 0.307 g cm−3 bulk density, 9.6 cmol kg−1 cation exchange capacity, −15.5 mV zeta potential, and an average diameter of 21.86 nm. Surprisingly, the application of biochar increased soil water holding capacity and organic matter by 66% and 220%, respectively. Moreover, its application under drought improved plant growth as indicated by stem height, leaf area index, pod number/plant, pod weight, protein level, chlorophyll content, nutrient levels in leaves, and reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. The principal component and factorial analysis of the current study demonstrated correlations between the physiological response of faba bean plants and soil physiochemical parameters after the application of peanut shell-derived biochar. This study presents promising nano biochar that could be an effective sustainable practice for disposing residual materials.