Search Results (1,129)

Modern agriculture generates large amounts of straw, thus posing significant residue management challenges. In this context, traditional disposal methods such as residue incineration can cause severe environmental harm. From a circular economy perspective, rice and wheat straw are valuable lignocellulosic resources from which high-value bioproducts can be derived, including xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Efficient conversion of this biomass depends on the enzymatic degradation of xylan, the main hemicellulose in cereal straw. In this study, four GH10 endoxylanases were evaluated, of which X11 and its hybrid variant X11C2 showed the best performance, particularly at pH 9.0. X11 showed robustness under harsh conditions and a tendency to release short sugars such as xylose and xylobiose. Both rice and wheat straw exhibited partial saccharification, but wheat straw released higher amounts of soluble sugars, indicating a higher susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. Given the growing interest in XOS as prebiotics with multiple health benefits, the enzymatic hydrolysis of low-cost agricultural residues—supported by appropriate pretreatment—represents a promising and sustainable strategy for XOS production. Full article

Agronomic practices can modify cereal grain chemical composition and processing performance. Long-term evidence linking agricultural management with functionality-related quality remains limited, especially in terms of combined tillage x crop residue management strategy. We evaluated the effects of long-term tillage simplifications and straw management on productivity and processing-relevant traits of winter wheat and spring barley in a split-plot field experiment (Lithuania). Straw was either removed (S0) or chopped and retained (S1), and six tillage systems were compared (conventional ploughing (CP), shallow ploughing (SP), shallow cultivation (SOW), stubble over winter, no-till with cover crops (NTC), and no-till without cover crops (NT)). The yield and starch content of winter wheat and spring barley groats increased with the addition of straw and the application of SOW, NTC, and NT systems. The hectolitre mass of winter wheat and spring barley grains increased with the addition and removal of straw using SP technology. The protein content and wet gluten content of winter wheat and spring barley grains decreased, while the starch content increased, with the addition and removal of straw using SC technology. In wheat, protein content showed weak separation among treatments, while wet gluten and Zeleny sedimentation displayed mostly directional trends (wet gluten–sedimentation correlation: r = 0.844 under S0 and r = 0.984 under S1). In terms of the tillage systems, it can be stated that in most cases, SP and NT increased grain yield and improved quality indicators, while SC and NTC technologies showed opposite results. Soil-function assessment (CEI, 10–25 cm) indicated substantially higher integrated soil functioning under conservation agriculture (e.g., SOW/NTC/NT: 5.28–5.70) than under conventional systems (CP: 3.23). The results support framing sustainable soil management for cereal functionality as a system package: residue retention enables the productivity benefits of reduced-tillage systems while maintaining key quality proxies. Full article

To address water-heat constraints and environmental risks associated with plastic film mulching in winter wheat production in the semi-arid region of Northwest China, a two-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted in Tongwei County, Gansu Province. A single-factor randomized block design was applied, with full plastic film mulching (PM) and bare land (CK) as controls, to evaluate the effects of 3-row (S3), 4-row (S4), and 5-row (S5) corn stalk strip mulching on soil hydrothermal conditions, active carbon fractions, and yield under rainfed conditions. Results showed that straw mulching significantly enhanced soil water retention, particularly in the 0–40 cm layer, where moisture content increased by 7.70–19.28% compared with CK (p < 0.05), with S3 performing best. Treatment S5 achieved the highest accumulated temperature and reduced the soil diurnal temperature range by 20.73–35.62% (p < 0.05). Active carbon fractions were also significantly improved, especially during the jointing–grain-filling stage (BBCH 31–87). In terms of yield, S5 exhibited the greatest increase, with a 15.88% higher two-year average grain yield than CK (p < 0.05), reaching over 90% of PM. Overall, S5 demonstrated optimal synergistic regulation of water, heat, and carbon, indicating strong potential as a sustainable alternative to plastic film mulching. Full article

Nitrogen and sulphur are among the most important plant nutrients (along with C, H, and O) and the main elements comprising the organic substance of plants. In this study, it is assumed that light soils (Cambisols) do not naturally meet the nitrogen and sulphur needs of spring wheat and, consequently, impact the phosphorus and silicon content in the plant biomass. Therefore, to determine the effect of N and S on the content and uptake of these elements at specific growth stages (BBCH 30–31: in leaves, BBCH 55–59: in whole plants, BBCH 89–90: in grain and straw), a three-year field experiment was conducted using different doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha⁻¹) and sulphur (0, 50 kg ha⁻¹). The results show that fertilisation with N and S had a significant effect on increasing the content and uptake of P and Si by phytomass in the phenostages studied. In general, as the N fertilisation dose increased, the yields of phytomass and grain increased. A beneficial effect of S on increases in green weight, straw, and spring wheat grain was found. A significant effect of N and S fertilisation on the growth of the Si:P ratio in individual parts of plants in the studied stages was also observed. A significant positive correlation between P and Si content was proven, indicating that the two elements do not act antagonistically towards each other. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the P content in plants and their Si uptake. Si is taken up more strongly by plants under conditions of N and S fertilisation, as evidenced by the increase in the Si:P ratio and the fact that plants accumulated on average 3.5 times more Si than P. The highest Si content was found in the green parts of plants in the BBCH 30–31 and BBCH 55–59 stages, while in BBCH 89–92, straw had nearly half that amount and grain contained a thousand times less silicon. Full article

Wheat productivity and grain quality are strongly influenced by nutrient management and soil moisture availability. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) regulate biomass production, physiological stability and grain protein development. However, their efficiency varies under water-limited conditions. This study aimed to evaluate how soil moisture modulates nitrogen–potassium efficiency, nutrient partitioning, physiological responses and grain quality development in wheat. The current experiment was planned to assess the impact of varying but combined levels of N and K fertilizers on wheat crop growth and yield components as well as nutrient uptake and grain quality under different irrigation levels (i.e., normal irrigation Field Capacity (FC) 100%, partial water deficit FC75%, moderate water deficit FC50%, severe water deficit FC25%). The results of the study showed that increasing N-K supply enhanced biomass, chlorophyll contents, nutrient accumulation and grain quality under full irrigation, with N2K2 showing the highest growth, yield and quality traits. Under moderate deficit, N2K1 maintained a relatively stable yield and physiological performance, whereas severe moisture limitation markedly reduced nutrient uptake, grain development and fertilizer efficiency despite a higher NK application. Progressive reductions in irrigation also altered nutrient distribution among leaves, straw and grain, indicating moisture-regulated remobilization during grain filling. Maximum increments in values for plant height (27%), total biomass (108%), grain yield (183%), grain NPK content (38%, 6.3%, 26%), grain protein (38%) and wet gluten (38%) were noted in the N2K2 treatment at FC100%, but these parameters showed up to 80% reduction under the same treatment of N-K at FC25%. It is concluded that wheat response to N–K fertilization was moisture dependent and fertilizer rate alone did not ensure productivity under severe water deficit. Therefore, integrating nutrient supply with irrigation management is essential to sustain productivity and grain quality. Full article

The mineral composition of cereals is one of the key indicators of the quality of agricultural raw materials, determining both nutritional value and technological and processing properties. Complex interactions between nutrients, especially sulfur and selenium, can significantly modify the accumulation of macroelements in plant tissues. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different doses of sulfur (S₁—15 kg S ha⁻¹ and S₂—30 kg S ha⁻¹) and selenium (Se₁—10 g Se ha⁻¹ and Se₂—20 g Se ha⁻¹), as well as the timing of selenium application, on the phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents in the grain and straw of spelt and common wheat. The results obtained indicate clear interspecies differences and a non-linear, often species-specific response to selenium doses. In common wheat grain, the application of selenium at two doses increased potassium and magnesium contents by 4–9% and 4–11%, respectively, and it reduced calcium content by 14–18% in spelt wheat grain. In spelt wheat straw, selenium application resulted in an 11% decrease in potassium content and an 8–10% decrease in calcium content. In common wheat, on the other hand, the straw responded with a 17% (Se₁) and 13% (Se₂) increase in magnesium content, accompanied by an 8–10% decrease in potassium content. Sulfur exhibited species-specific effects. In spelt wheat straw, it increased phosphorus content by 5–10%, calcium by 11% and magnesium by 15%. In common wheat straw, sulfur also reduced potassium accumulation by 5% and calcium by 23% (S₁) and 9% (S₂). The timing of selenium application modified the results of their content, but did not show a universal reaction pattern: earlier application increased the P content in spelt straw, while later application promoted an increase in Ca content in common wheat grain. Full article

Global agriculture generates more than 5 billion tonnes of post-harvest crop residues each year, most of which remain unused for energy production. Within the broader landscape of advanced biomass and waste conversion technologies (thermochemical and biochemical pathways), producing biomethane from agricultural residues represents a complementary waste-to-energy route that converts decentralized feedstock into a standardized energy carrier. Mobilizing this agro-biomass for biogas/biomethane production via the anaerobic digestion of crop residues offers a promising instrument for decarbonizing agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing a circular bioeconomy. This study provides a techno-economic, environmental, and market assessment of biomethane production from post-harvest residues—specifically wheat and barley straw and maize stover—in Ukraine. We estimate the feedstock potential of crop residues and substantiate environmentally permissible removal levels accounting for soil organic matter requirements; we also characterize the role of digestate and biochar amendments in improving soil fertility, increasing mineral nitrogen availability, and enhancing crop yields. The results indicate substantial greenhouse gas mitigation potential relative to fossil natural gas. Practical recommendations are proposed to scale biomethane production from crop residues as part of Ukraine’s agricultural sustainability strategy. Under current cost and policy assumptions, many biomethane projects in Ukraine approach commercial viability, particularly in regions where damaged gas infrastructure creates local demand for a decentralized gas supply. The paper evaluates market assessment and investment feasibility of crop-residue biomethane scenarios under cost, regulatory, and infrastructure constraints. Overall, the findings suggest that agricultural residues can serve as a key feedstock for decarbonizing agriculture and biomethane-based energy systems in Ukraine. Full article

Wheat straw is an abundant agricultural residue with high potential for carbohydrate-based bioconversion, yet its efficient utilization is limited by lignocellulosic recalcitrance. This study systematically investigated Organosolv extraction of wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) with the goal of achieving near-complete enzymatic hydrolysis at minimized process severity and energy demand. Process severity was evaluated using the P-Factor concept. In preliminary screening, acid catalysts and liquor ratios were assessed. Strong acids clearly outperformed weak acids: at comparable severity, 5% (w/w, DM) H₂SO₄ or p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) yielded glucose yields of 83 ± 2.4% and 81 ± 6.2%, respectively, whereas weak acids (phosphoric, lactic, acetic) and a catalyst-free control resulted in only ~20–41% glucose yield. Liquor ratio strongly affected extraction performance; a ratio of 1:19 provided the highest glucose yield (85 ± 1.4%) and robust mixing compared to 1:12–1:15 (67–68%). Two novel pretreatment strategies applied prior to Organosolv extraction, namely Hot-Water Pretreatment (HWP) and Water Pretreatment (WP), significantly increased hydrolysability compared to untreated straw (58 ± 3%), reaching 79 ± 2% for HWP and 86 ± 5% for WP. DoE-based experiments (135–170 °C; P-Factor 3.0–4.0) showed that increasing temperature from 135 to 150 °C markedly improved hydrolysability (e.g., WP: 74 ± 3% to 96 ± 3%), while further increasing to 170 °C provided no additional benefit. Response-surface modeling predicted a maximum hydrolysability of approximately 88% for HWP but complete hydrolysis for WP within 152–170 °C, indicating a broad operational window. Overall, combining simple Water-based Pretreatment with severity-optimized Organosolv extraction enables energy-efficient, near-complete hydrolysis at lower operating temperatures, reducing both energy demand and pressure requirements, and thereby offering advantages in process cost and scalability. Full article

The initial carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is a fundamental parameter for aerobic composting, with a generally recommended optimal range of 25:1 to 30:1. However, in practical applications, the optimal C/N ratio often deviates from the recommended value. We attribute this discrepancy to the limitations of traditional stoichiometric methods in assessing the bioavailability of carbon and nitrogen sources. This study investigated how carbon bioavailability governs composting efficiency and product quality. Laboratory-scale aerobic composting experiments were conducted using six types of raw crop straws and two physically pretreated straws, representing a biodegradability gradient. Results demonstrated that carbon bioavailability significantly modulated the composting performance. Substrates rich in labile carbon pool (LCP), such as wheat straw and extruded cassava plant residue, demonstrated superior thermogenesis, humification, and seed germination indices compared to those dominated by recalcitrant carbon pool (RCP), such as untreated cassava plant residue. Principal component analysis confirmed a strong positive correlation between LCP content and key quality indicators. Microbiological analysis revealed that carbon source variations shaped bacterial succession: Bacteroidota abundance correlated positively with LCP, driving rapid initial degradation, whereas Pseudomonadota were more abundant in RCP-rich treatments, suggesting a role in complex polymer breakdown. This study confirmed that carbon bioavailability, rather than the bulk C/N ratio alone, is a critical limiting factor. This finding logically extends to the role of nitrogen bioavailability, suggesting that a “biochemical C/N ratio”—accounting for the lability of both carbon and nitrogen—could be a more accurate predictor of aerobic composting performance. Full article

Dredged reservoir sediments (DRS), generated in large volumes during dam desilting operations, pose significant stockpiling and land-use challenges in Mediterranean regions. Owing to their high fines content and moderate plasticity, these sediments present potential for reuse as compacted hydraulic barrier materials. This study evaluates the feasibility of using DRS as a liner material and, for the first time, provides a direct comparative assessment of natural (wheat straw fibers, WSF) and synthetic (polypropylene fibers, PPF) reinforcement within the same sediment matrix under liner-relevant conditions. Fiber contents of 0–0.9% (by dry mass) were investigated. Mechanical and consolidation behaviors were assessed using direct shear and oedometer tests. Fiber inclusion significantly improved shear strength, with an optimal response at 0.6%. At this dosage, PPF reduced the compression index by ~50%, while WSF provided moderate but consistent improvement. Estimated hydraulic conductivity increased slightly with fiber addition but remained within the range typically reported for compacted barrier materials. FTIR analysis indicated distinct reinforcement mechanisms, with lignocellulosic interactions for WSF and mechanical bridging for PPF. These results demonstrate that DRS can be effectively valorized as liner materials, while highlighting the contrasting performance of biodegradable and synthetic fibers, with 0.6% identified as a balance between mechanical efficiency and material sustainability. Full article

We report on the isolation and comprehensive genomic and biochemical characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus VP2T, a thermophilic filamentous fungus recovered from Himalayan Forest soil with exceptional lignocellulolytic capacity. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 32.1 Mb genome encoding 12,675 predicted genes, including an extensive repertoire of >300 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Notably, the genome harbors multiple auxiliary activity enzymes, including AA9-family lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases and several cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs), supporting oxidative–hydrolytic synergism during biomass degradation. Submerged fermentation using a cellulose–wheat bran–rice straw substrate induced high enzyme titers, including 33 U/mL endoglucanase and 131 U/mL CDH, exceeding activities commonly reported for both native and engineered fungal strains. Although exoglucanase (0.02 U/mL) and xylanase (14.22 U/mL) activities were comparatively modest, the strain VP2T demonstrated superior hydrolysis of untreated rice straw, achieving a 1.89-fold increase in saccharification efficiency relative to the commercial enzyme cocktail Cellic^® CTec2. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive disruption of lignocellulosic architecture, consistent with enhanced enzyme accessibility and oxidative fiber loosening. Collectively, genomic evidence and functional assays identify A. fumigatus VP2T as a redox-optimized, moderately thermophilic biocatalyst suited for low-pH lignocellulose conversion. This study highlights the value of exploring thermophilic fungal biodiversity to discover native strains with inherent oxidative capacity, offering promising alternatives to pretreatment-intensive biorefinery processes and informing the rational development of tailored enzyme systems. Full article

Field breeding trial-plot harvesting is one of the key processes in crop breeding, as any mixing between varieties during harvest directly leads to the invalidation of breeding data. Therefore, achieving zero-residue self-cleaning inside the machine during harvesting is essential. Existing studies have largely relied on simulations to optimize cleaning parameters. However, research specifically targeting the synergistic design of the mechanical and pneumatic components of the cleaning device to achieve efficient and thorough self-cleaning in complex real-world conditions remains lacking. To address this issue, this paper presents a novel cleaning system specifically designed for efficient self-cleaning and optimizes its key parameters. Key structural parameters of the straw walker, vibrating sieve, and cleaning fan were analyzed, establishing preliminary ranges for crank speed, sieve-airflow angle, and fan speed. A test bench was developed, and single-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of these parameters on core self-cleaning indicators, including the self-cleaning rate and self-cleaning time. The optimal parameter combination was obtained using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology: a crank speed of 390.80 r/min, a sieve-airflow angle of 29.88°, and a fan speed of 1995 r/min. Bench tests validated that the system achieved excellent cleaning performance while ensuring a self-cleaning rate of 100% and a reduced self-cleaning time of 20 s. The system’s effectiveness was further validated through field experiments using a 4LX1 prototype harvester on three wheat varieties. Results demonstrated zero grain mixing between plots, with self-cleaning times of 9–12 s. Both bench and field test results exceeded the relevant standards, effectively resolving the long-standing issue of grain residue in trial plot harvesting. Through dual validation, this study provides a referential solution for addressing grain residue and establishes a theoretical foundation for the synergistic design of efficient and precision breeding harvest technologies. Full article

This study experimentally investigated the movement, combustion, and potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) migration behaviors of three biomass types: densified wood pellets (heavy), corn straw (lightweight), and wheat straw (lightweight, friable). The experiments were conducted under conditions representative of industrial coal-fired circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers, with a temperature range of 850–950 °C and a fluidization velocity of 6–8 m/s. Results show that densified wood pellets sink into the dense-phase zone and release volatiles slowly, in about 50 s. As the volatiles are nearly fully released, the pellets fracture multiple times along their length, eventually forming nearly spherical particles. Their movement and combustion processes closely resemble those of coal, making them suitable for direct co-firing in coal-fired CFB boilers. Conversely, corn straw and wheat straw exhibit low density, high volatile release rates (2 and 10 times that of wood pellets, respectively), rapid char fragmentation and abrasion, and high inherent K and Cl content (with >50% of K and >90% of Cl released). These properties lead to particle segregation, shortened gas-phase combustion time, an upward shift in heat release distribution, and potential risks such as high-temperature KCl corrosion, HCl dew point corrosion, ash slagging, and bed agglomeration. Therefore, untreated corn straw and wheat straw are unsuitable for co-firing in conventional coal-fired CFB boilers. This study provides essential data and engineering guidance: strict quality control is necessary for wood pellets to prevent Cl contamination, while pretreatment is mandatory for straw fuels. These findings offer practical insights for implementing diverse biomass co-firing strategies in coal-fired CFB boilers. Full article

Soil nitrogen availability is a major constraint to crop productivity in rainfed arid and semi-arid regions. The influence of straw strip mulching on nitrogen availability and transformation across soil layers remains unclear. This study investigates the effect of straw strip mulching on soil nitrogen dynamics and crop-specific variation in wheat- and potato-cultivated soils under rainfed semi-arid conditions. This study consisted of five mulching treatments, including without mulching (Tck), black plastic film mulching (Tp), straw strip mulching (Tss), plant strip without mulch (Tps), and composite strip of straw strip mulching and plant strip without mulch (Tcs) applied in wheat and potato cultivation during 2019 and 2020, and soil nitrogen fractions were determined across different soil depths. Tss mulching showed the highest increase in urease activity (48%), nitrite reductase activity (48%), microbial biomass nitrogen (52%), NH₄ (11%), acid-hydrolyzed total nitrogen (10%), acid-soluble NH₄ (6%), acid-hydrolyzed amino sugar (16%) and acid-hydrolyzable unknown nitrogen (59%) relative to Tck without mulching. While total nitrogen (11%) and acid-hydrolyzed amino acid (9%) were highest in the Tps treatment compared to Tck treatment, the mulching treatment had no significant effect on soil organic nitrogen-derived functional traits. Across all treatments, the 0–20 cm soil layer consistently showed the highest concentrations of observed soil traits, which declined with increasing soil depth. Furthermore, potato-cultivated soils showed consistently higher concentrations of these traits than wheat-cultivated soils, and the concentrations of these traits in 2020 exceeded those observed in 2019. This study highlights that maize straw mulching in strips significantly promotes soil organic nitrogen fractions, particularly in the upper soil layers, and promotes higher nitrogen availability in potato than in wheat-cultivated soils, and is recommended as an effective soil management practice to improve soil nitrogen availability in rainfed semi-arid Loess Plateau conditions. Full article

The changes in functional groups during in situ co-pyrolysis of tar-rich coal with wheat straw were systematically examined using synchrotron diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) coupled with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dynamic changes in C=C, C-O, and C-O-C groups were monitored and assessed across 50–500 °C, complemented by thermogravimetric analysis to assess synergistic effects. It revealed that co-pyrolysis significantly alters the thermal cracking pathways of oxygenated structures, reducing the overall onset temperature by approximately 150 °C. Specifically, instead of maintaining thermal stability, co-pyrolysis promoted early structural aromatization and advanced the C=O decomposition onset by 50 °C compared to coal, achieving a remarkable functional group cleavage rate of 47%. Additionally, the C=C formation temperature was advanced by 150 °C. Furthermore, co-pyrolysis effectively suppressed the secondary structural transformations observed in biomass by limiting the relative accumulation of C–O–C structures to merely a 5% increase, compared to a 52% surge in wheat straw. Interestingly, while DRIFTS confirms facilitated localized bond cleavage and deoxygenation, TGA reveals a macroscopic negative synergy regarding overall weight loss. These findings provide profound insights into the complex radical interactions during co-conversion, offering a crucial theoretical basis for optimizing coal–biomass co-pyrolysis technologies. Full article