Search Results (9,501)

Accurate cotton yield estimation in arid oasis regions faces challenges from landscape fragmentation and the conflict between monitoring precision and computational costs. To address this, we developed a robust integrated framework combining multi-source remote sensing, spatiotemporal fusion, and data assimilation. To resolve spatiotemporal data gaps, the existing Agricultural Fusion (Agri-Fuse) algorithm was validated and employed to generate high-resolution time-series data, which achieved superior spectral fidelity (Root Mean Square Error, RMSE = 0.041) compared to traditional methods like Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM). Subsequently, high-precision Leaf Area Index (LAI) time series retrieved via the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm (c = 0.97) were integrated into the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF)-assimilated World Food Studies (WOFOST) model. This approach significantly corrected simulation biases, improving the yield estimation accuracy (R² = 0.86, RMSE = 171 kg/ha) compared to the open-loop model. Crucially, we systematically evaluated the trade-off between assimilation frequency and efficiency. Findings identified the 3-day fusion interval as the optimal operational strategy, maintaining high accuracy (R² = 0.83, RMSE = 181 kg/ha) while reducing computational costs by 66.5% compared to daily assimilation. This study establishes a scalable, cost-effective benchmark for precision agriculture in complex arid environments. Full article

This study aims to examine the methodological applicability of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) in the conservation and revitalization of traditional military settlements. Using Zhenjing Village in Jingbian County as a case, the research constructs a systematic framework for contradiction identification and strategy generation. Methods: Through preliminary surveys, data integration, and system modeling, the study identifies major conflicts among authenticity preservation, ecological carrying capacity, and community vitality in Zhenjing Village. Technical contradiction matrices, separation principles, and the Algorithm of Inventive Problem Solving (ARIZ) are employed for structured analysis. Further, system dynamics modeling is used to simulate the effectiveness of strategies and to evaluate the dynamic impacts of various conservation interventions on authenticity maintenance, ecological stress, and community vitality. The research identifies three categories of core technical contradictions and translates the 39 engineering parameters into an indicator system adapted to the cultural heritage conservation context. ARIZ is used to derive the Ideal Final Result (IFR) for Zhenjing Village, which includes self-maintaining authenticity, self-regulating ecology, and self-activating community development, forming a systematic strategy. System dynamics simulations indicate that, compared with “inertial development,” TRIZ-oriented strategies reduce the decline in heritage authenticity by approximately 40%, keep ecological pressure indices below threshold levels, and significantly enhance the sustainability of community vitality. TRIZ enables a shift in the conservation of traditional military settlements from experience-driven approaches toward systematic problem solving. It strengthens conflict-identification capacity and improves the logical rigor of strategy generation, providing a structured and scalable innovative method for heritage conservation in arid and ecologically fragile regions in northern China and similar contexts worldwide. Full article

The construction of underground reservoirs in coal goafs is an innovative technology to alleviate the coal–water conflict in arid mining areas of northwest China. However, its widespread application is constrained by the challenge of accurately predicting water inflow, which fluctuates significantly due to the dynamic “expansion–closure” behavior of mining-induced fractures. This study focuses on the Shendong mining area, where repeated multi-seam mining occurs, and employs a coupled Finite Discrete Element Method (FDEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical model, combined with in situ tests such as drilling fluid loss and groundwater level monitoring, to quantify the evolution of overburden fractures and their impact on reservoir water inflow during mining, 8 months post-mining, and after 7 years. The results demonstrate that the height of the water-conducting fracture zone decreased from 152 m during mining to 130 m after 7 years, while fracture openings in the key aquifer and aquitard were reduced by over 50%. This closure process caused a dramatic decline in water inflow from 78.3 m³/h to 2.6 m³/h—a reduction of 96.7%. The CFD-FDEM simulations showed a deviation of only 10.6% from field measurements, confirming fracture closure as the dominant mechanism driving inflow attenuation. This study reveals how fracture closure shifts water flow patterns from vertical to lateral recharge, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the design and sustainable operation of underground reservoirs. Full article

Water scarcity and ecological degradation driven by the expansion of irrigated agriculture in arid regions urgently necessitate a rigorous assessment of the combined impacts of climate change and crop-structure adjustments on irrigation water requirements (IWR). Taking the Qarqan River Basin as a case study, this study establishes an integrated framework that incorporates remote sensing (Landsat/MODIS), the AquaCrop-OS crop model, and a CNN-LSTM deep learning architecture to simulate historical IWR (2000–2024) and project future trajectories under CMIP6 climate scenarios. The results indicate that: (1) from 2000 to 2024, fruit tree area expanded from 120.3 to 320.3 km², cotton stabilized at approximately 165.3 km² after peaking at 187.9 km² in 2014, wheat recovered to 113.1 km², and maize varied between 23.7 and 85.0 km², indicating that fruit trees have become the dominant crop type. (2) Over the same period, total basin-wide IWR increased by 91% (3.7 × 10⁸ to 7.1 × 10⁸ m³), with fruit trees accounting for 44–68% of this growth. Logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition further shows that meteorological factors and human activities jointly drove the increase in IWR, with cultivated-area expansion and cropping-structure change contributing most, while improvements in agricultural water-use efficiency partially offset the rise. (3) Projections for 2025–2100 suggest stronger structural dominance of fruit trees and cotton; the growing share of water-intensive cash crops may further elevate irrigation pressure. Under SSP5-8.5, a 30% reduction in fruit tree area in the late century could save 4.3% of irrigation water (0.33 × 10⁸ m³). Overall, this study provides dynamic projections and decision support for adaptive regulation of agricultural water resources in arid regions. Full article

Salinity stress severely constrains plant growth and ecosystem functioning in arid and semi-arid regions, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been increasingly applied to enhance plant salt tolerance. Hoswever, it remains unclear whether different PGPR inoculation strategies confer salt resistance through similar or distinct physiological pathways, particularly in perennial halophytes adapted to saline environments. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of single- and multi-strain PGPR inoculation on the growth performance, physiological responses, and stress regulation of Atriplex canescens under saline conditions. Plant biomass allocation, photosynthetic traits, osmotic adjustment substances, antioxidant enzyme activities, and comprehensive stress tolerance indices were systematically assessed. The results showed that PGPR inoculation significantly improved plant growth and stress tolerance; however, the magnitude and underlying mechanisms varied across inoculation strategies. Single-strain inoculation predominantly enhanced root development and antioxidant regulation, whereas multi-strain inoculation tended to promote aboveground growth and photosynthetic performance. In contrast, certain strain combinations did not produce additive benefits, suggesting potential incompatibility among microbial consortia under salt stress. Multivariate analyses further indicated that improvements in stress tolerance were more closely associated with coordinated physiological regulation than with biomass accumulation alone. Overall, our findings demonstrate that PGPR-mediated salt tolerance in A. canescens is strategy-dependent and involves distinct resource allocation and stress-defense pathways. These results highlight the importance of considering inoculation strategies and functional compatibility when applying PGPR to improve plant performance in saline ecosystems. Full article

Soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a growing environmental concern, particularly in agricultural regions where soil quality directly affects crop safety and human health. This study evaluates PTE concentrations and ecological risks in agricultural soils of Hautat Sudair, central Saudi Arabia, using contamination indices, multivariate statistics, and GIS-based spatial modeling supported by RS-derived land use/land cover (LULC) mapping. The results show that the mean concentrations of Ni (35.97 mg/kg) and Mn (1230 mg/kg) exceed international thresholds in several locations, while Pb (8.34 mg/kg), Cr (33.00 mg/kg), Zn (60.09 mg/kg), and As (4.25 mg/kg) remain within permissible limits in most samples. Contamination indices, including the Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), and Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), highlight hotspot behavior, with isolated sites showing elevated concentrations approaching screening levels (e.g., Pb up to 32.0 mg/kg and Cr up to 52.0 mg/kg), whereas Ni and Mn exhibit the most pronounced local enrichment. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) varies from 0.24 to 0.80, indicating low to moderate contamination levels, while the Risk Index (RI) ranges from 10.43 to 41.38, signifying low ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analyses, including correlation matrices and principal component analysis (PCA), reveal that Ni, Cr, and Mn share a common source, possibly linked to anthropogenic inputs and natural geological background. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s test confirm the adequacy of the dataset for PCA (KMO = 0.797; χ² = 563.845, p < 0.001). Spatial distribution maps generated using GIS and RS highlight contamination hotspots, reinforcing the necessity for periodic monitoring. By integrating indices, multivariate patterns, and spatial context, this study provides a replicable, research-driven framework for interpreting PTE controls in arid agricultural soils. Full article

Arid and semi-arid ecosystems harbor a wealth of underexplored plant biodiversity with untapped ecological and pharmacological potential. This study integrates morphological and molecular barcoding (ITS and rbcL) to confirm the identity of eight wild plant species native to the Saudi Arabian desert: Calligonum crinitum, Tribulus terrestris, Cornulaca monacantha, Cleome pallida, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Cyperus conglomeratus, Indigofera argentea, and Artemisia monosperma. High-resolution GC–MS analysis identified over 25 bioactive compounds across these taxa, grouped into functional classes including hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids, quinones, terpenoids, and phenolics. Notable compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, lupeol, and D-limonene were linked to antioxidant activity, desiccation tolerance, and membrane protection under stress. L. pyrotechnica and A. monosperma emerged as chemical outliers with unique metabolite profiles, suggesting divergent strategies for climate resilience. Our results highlight the ecological and bioeconomic value of desert flora, positioning them as candidates for future research in metabolic engineering, dryland restoration, and plant-based pharmaceuticals. This integrative approach underscores the relevance of desert plants for sustainable development in the face of climate change. Full article

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a paediatric liver malignancy arising from hepatic precursor cells, with >90% of cases harbouring a mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1. We present a fully genetically characterised HB tumour organoid (tumoroid) biobank, which allows for in vitro studies of disease progression and clonal dynamics in vitro. We established a biobank of 14 tumoroid lines from 9 different patients. Tumours and tumoroids were characterised by whole genome sequencing (WGS) and histology, revealing strong concordance in cell morphology and β-catenin staining. In tumour—tumoroid pairs, identical pathogenic CTNNB1 variants were found, alongside shared copy number alterations (CNAs) and mutations. Variant allele frequency (VAF) was consistently higher in tumoroids, indicating increased tumour purity in vitro. In addition to CTNNB1, we frequently observed ARID1A alterations (single-nucleotide variants [SNVs] or CNAs in 56% of patients), and MYC gains as described previously. In paired pre- and post-treatment samples, we observed a clear increase in mutational load, attributed to a chemotherapy signature. Notably, from one patient, we analysed 4 tumour samples (3 post-treatment) with 4 matching tumoroid lines, all carrying a novel BCL6 mutation and loss of ARID1A. Mutational profiles varied across samples from different locations, suggesting intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal selection during tumoroid derivation. Taken together, this biobank allows detailed analysis of HB tumour biology, including treatment-induced progression and clonal dynamics across temporally and spatially distinct samples. Full article

The surface chemistry of biochar plays a pivotal role in the adsorption and stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC); however, sorption-mediated mechanisms remain insufficiently understood for biochars derived from invasive plants. In this study, Solanum rostratum biomass, an aggressive invasive weed in northern China, was pyrolyzed at 400–600 °C in 2023 to produce biochars with varying surface functionalities and structural features. FTIR, Raman, XPS, and SEM analyses revealed that increasing pyrolysis temperature led to decreased oxygen-containing functional groups and enhanced aromatic condensation, reflecting a transition from hydrogen bonding to π–π and hydrophobic sorption mechanisms. Soil incubation experiments using sandy loam soil showed that biochar produced at 500 °C significantly increased the stable carbon pool (SCP) to 52.4%, compared to 30.6% in unamended soils. It also reduced cumulative CO₂ release from 1.74 mg g⁻¹ to 1.21 mg g⁻¹ soil, indicating improved carbon retention. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that biochar amendments significantly altered community composition and increased deterministic assembly, particularly under 500 °C biochar, suggesting a sorption-driven niche filtering effect. These findings demonstrate that S. rostratum-derived biochar, especially at intermediate pyrolysis temperatures, enhances both carbon sequestration and microbial habitat structure. This has direct implications for improving degraded soils in arid farming regions, offering a dual strategy for invasive biomass management and climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

This study systematically investigates the lithofacies, sedimentary microfacies, vertical evolution, and spatial distribution of the braided river delta–shallow lacustrine carbonate mixed sedimentary rocks of the Upper Ganchaigou Formation in the Huatugou Oilfield of the Qaidam Basin, China. This study integrates data from field outcrops, core observations, thin section petrography, laboratory analyses, and well-logging interpretations. Based on these datasets, the sedimentary characteristics are identified, and a comprehensive sedimentary model is constructed. The results reveal that the study area contains five clastic facies, three types of mixed sedimentary facies, and ten sedimentary microfacies. Two distinct modes of mixed sedimentation are recognized: component mixing and stratigraphic mixing. A full lacustrine transgression–regression cycle is formed by the two types of mixed sedimentation characteristics, which exhibit noticeable differences in vertical evolution. Component mixing, which occurs in a mixed environment of continuous clastic supply and carbonate precipitation during the transgression, is the primary characteristic of the VIII–X oil formation. The mixed strata that make up the VI–VII oil formation show rhythmic interbedding of carbonate and clastic rocks. During the lacustrine regression, it shows the alternating sedimentary environment regulated by frequent variations in lacustrine levels. The planar distribution is affected by both intensity of sediment from the west and the changes in lacustrine level. During the lacustrine transgression, it is dominated by littoral-shallow lacustrine mixed beach bar and mixed sedimentary delta. On the other hand, during the lacustrine regression, it is dominated by laterally amalgamated sand bodies in the braided-river delta front. Based on this, a mixed sedimentary evolution model controlled by the coupling of “source–lacustrine level” is established. It offers a guide for reconstructing the sedimentary environment in basins that are similar to it and reveals the evolution path of mixed sedimentation in the short-axis source area of arid saline lacustrine basins. Full article

Floods and droughts have increased in Northern Eurasia, probably caused by hydrological changes in other regions. We explore such hypothetical teleconnections by investigating environmental changes in two contrasting harsh environments: the Arctic Kara Sea and the arid Aral–Caspian region. Using long-term data from daily remote microwave sensing, we describe seasonal dynamics of temperature and moisture regimes in the two regions and hypothesize their inter-relationships from new analyses of wind data. For the first time, daily L-band satellite data were used to determine open water in the Kara Sea and long-term seasonal dynamics of brightness temperatures were used to relate variations in the ongoing aridization of the Aral Sea area and abnormal spring floods in the south of Western Siberia. Using soil moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite data, we discovered a previously unrecorded 4-year cyclicity of open-water periods for the Arctic seas and northern parts of the Caspian and Aral Seas. This cyclicity could impact climate forecasting in Northern Eurasia with significant societal implications. The main aim of this paper is to present new analyses that suggest possible mechanisms for teleconnections between the two contrasting harsh environments of Northern Eurasia. The hypothetical teleconnections now need to be tested. Full article

The conventional method of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) application, i.e., blending with flood irrigation, is hindered by low water efficiency and significant amendment loss due to runoff and uncontrolled leaching, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions in which water scarcity is a major constraint. This study aimed to evaluate a novel integration of FGDG band application with drip irrigation to enhance targeting and resource efficiency. A laboratory-scale experiment investigated the effects of two FGDG application methods (band and blend application) and drip rates (0.3 and 0.6 L h⁻¹) on soil water movement and chemical properties. Band application significantly accelerated initial wetting front advancement by up to 44.9 cm h⁻¹ near the emitter and sustained horizontal propagation, while blend application promoted a more uniform water distribution. Chemically, band application created localized zones of reduced pH (7.57–8.62) and elevated water-soluble Ca²⁺ (up to 492.2 mmol kg⁻¹), facilitating a 79.1% reduction in exchangeable Na⁺ near the emitter. In contrast, blend application resulted in broader but shallower amendment distribution, reducing exchangeable sodium percentage uniformly to 1.99–4.16% across the soil profile. The combination of banded FGDG and drip irrigation achieves targeted amelioration, with superior Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange and favorable moisture dynamics resulting from the synergy between amendment placement and water delivery. This approach is a viable strategy for precision reclamation in arid regions. Full article

Sustainable groundwater management is critical in semi-arid coastal regions, where municipal landfills pose a severe threat to aquifer integrity and long-term water security. However, there is still a lack of seasonally resolved hydrogeochemical monitoring around newly established landfills, particularly in rapidly urbanizing Mediterranean settings. This study assesses the hydrogeochemical impact of the newly operational Tangier Landfill and Recovery Center on local groundwater resources to inform sustainable remediation strategies. A combined approach was applied to samples collected in dry and wet seasons, using Piper and Stiff diagrams to trace facies evolution together with a dual-index assessment based on the Canadian (CCME-WQI) and Weighted Arithmetic (WAWQI) Water Quality Indices. Results show that upgradient waters remain of Good–Excellent quality and are dominated by Ca–HCO₃ facies, whereas downgradient wells display extreme mineralization, with EC up to 15,480 µS/cm and Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ exceeding 1834 and 2114 mg/L, respectively. At hotspot sites P4 and P8, As reaches 0.065 mg/L and Cd 0.006 mg/L, far above the WHO drinking-water guidelines. While the CCME-WQI captures the general salinity-driven degradation pattern, the WAWQI pinpoints these acute toxicity zones as Very poor–Unsuitable. The study demonstrates that rainfall intensifies toxicity through a seasonal “Piston Effect” that mobilizes stored contaminants rather than diluting them, underscoring the need for seasonally adaptive monitoring to ensure the environmental sustainability of landfill-adjacent aquifers. Full article

Recycling industrial CO₂ into agricultural systems offers a dual-purpose strategy for achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing sustainable crop production. Although elevated CO₂ is known to influence plant growth, the directed delivery of industrially sourced CO₂ via drip irrigation to modulate rhizosphere processes in arid soils remains underexplored. We conducted a two-year field experiment in a Xinjiang cotton field to evaluate the effects of five concentrations of industrial CO₂ solution (0.00–0.16 kg·m⁻³) on soil properties, nutrient dynamics, and crop performance. The optimal CO₂ treatment (0.08 kg·m⁻³) significantly reduced soil pH by up to 0.3 units and electrical conductivity by up to 27.9%, while enhancing the availability of ammonium-N (51.1%), available P (8.1%), and available K (32.65%). These improved soil conditions subsequently enhanced plant N, P, and K accumulation (56.2%, 41.9%, and 53.2%, respectively), total biomass (31.8%), and seed cotton yield (5.76–6.06%). Our findings demonstrate that CO₂-enriched irrigation enhances the rhizosphere microenvironment and nutrient availability, providing a novel pathway for carbon recycling and high-efficiency cotton production in arid regions. Full article

Smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions worldwide face persistent water scarcity, declining soil fertility, and increasing climate variability, which constrain food production. This study investigated soil and water management practices and their effects on soil health, crop productivity, and adoption among smallholder vegetable farmers in a semi-arid area in Kenya. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from 397 farmers with a randomized field experiment. Results showed that hand watering (88.7%) and manure application (95.5%) were prevalent, while only 5.7% of farmers used drip irrigation. Compost and mulch treatments significantly improved soil organic carbon (p = 0.03), available water capacity (p = 0.01), and gravimetric moisture content (p = 0.02), with soil moisture conservation practices strongly correlated with higher yields in leafy green vegetables (R = 0.62). Despite these benefits, adoption was hindered by high water costs (42.6%) and unreliable sources (25.7%). Encouragingly, 96.2% of respondents expressed willingness to pay for improved water systems if affordable and dependable. The findings stress the need for integrated water–soil strategies supported by inclusive policy, infrastructure investment, and gender-responsive training to enhance resilience and productivity in smallholder farming under water-scarce conditions across sub-Saharan Africa and other regions globally, contributing to global sustainability targets such as SDG 6, 12 and 15. Full article