Search Results (59)

Vertical greening systems (VGSs) serve as an advanced ecological wastewater treatment technology, offering advantages such as a small spatial footprint and increased green space coverage. VGSs have been widely applied to treat various types of wastewaters, including blackwater and greywater. However, a systematic review of the pollutant removal efficiency of VGSs in treating blackwater and greywater, as well as the influencing factors, remains lacking. This study compiles data on the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) from greywater and blackwater using VGSs. Additionally, the effects of the hydraulic loading rate, substrate type, and the number of system layers on pollutant removal performance are assessed. When treating blackwater, the pollutant removal efficiency showed a positive correlation with hydraulic loading within the range of 85 L × (m² × d)⁻¹ to 200 L × (m² × d)⁻¹; substrates such as zeolite or vermiculite exhibited superior removal performance, and increasing the number of system layers enhanced the pollutant removal efficiency. When treating greywater, the hydraulic loading rate and system layers have limited influence on COD and TN removal, while excessive hydraulic loading or system layers may negatively affect TP removal. Substrate mixtures composed of perlite and coconut coir achieved a higher pollutant removal efficiency. In conclusion, optimizing key parameters such as the hydraulic loading rate, substrate composition, and the number of system layers can significantly enhance the pollutant removal efficiency of VGSs. Full article

Targeting the engineering properties of poor strength and susceptibility to damage in roadbeds and slopes within clay regions, xanthan gum is employed as a soil enhancer, concurrently addressing the issue of the low utilization rate of plant coir fiber. The unconfined compressive strength test (UCS) is used to analyze the influence of different maintenance methods, maintenance duration, xanthan gum dosage, and coconut fiber dosage on the mechanical properties of the enhanced soil. Furthermore, based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests, the underlying mechanisms governing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced xanthan gum-improved soil are uncovered. The results indicated that the compressive strength of amended soil is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of xanthan gum and coir fiber. After 28 days of conditioning, the compressive strength of the amended soil under dry conditions (conditioned in air) was significantly higher (3 MPa) than that under moist conditions (conditioned in plastic wrap) (0.57 MPa). Xanthan gum influenced both the compressive strength of the specimens and the degree of strength enhancement, whereas coir fibers not only augmented the strength of the specimens but also converted them from brittle to ductile, thereby imparting residual strength post-destruction. Microscopic analysis indicates that the incorporation of xanthan gum and coconut shell fiber significantly diminishes the number of pores and cracks within the soil matrix, while enhancing the internal inter-particle cementation. This synergistic effect contributes to soil improvement, providing theoretical and technical guidance for roadbed enhancement and slope repair. Full article

Native plant species used for ecological restoration in urban and degraded areas are typically cultivated by ornamental and forestry nurseries. In the face of climate change, it is crucial to produce plants that can withstand transplant stress while promoting the use of sustainable materials, such as peat-free substrates. Replacing peat with locally sourced organic materials offers a promising strategy to enhance plant resilience to abiotic stress while improving sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of alternative growing media on the growth and post-transplant performance of Viburnum lantana L. under standard nursery conditions. Three substrate mixtures were tested: (i) peat:pumice 70:30 v:v (PP); (ii) coconut coir dust:pumice 70:30 v:v (CP); (iii) coconut coir dust:green compost 55:45 v:v (CGC). After one year in the nursery, half of the plants were sampled in late spring for biometric, eco-physiological, and nutrient analyses, while the remaining plants were transplanted into a degraded area providing only a single irrigation event during the trial. Approximately 100 days after transplant, biometric and eco-physiological parameters were assessed. Plants grown on CGC demonstrated the highest transplant success, while those grown on PP and CP exhibited greater leaf necrosis, with PP plants also showing significant defoliation. These findings highlight CGC as a viable and sustainable alternative to peat-based substrates, particularly for post-transplant survival in degraded areas prone to drought stress. Full article

Due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures, cucumber growth is substantially constrained by suboptimal temperature stress in northern China’s off-season production systems. Suboptimal temperatures severely repress the nutrient absorption, growth, and yield formation of vegetables in solar greenhouses during winter and early spring in China. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs) are anionic acidic polysaccharides derived from brown algae, known for promoting plant growth and alleviating abiotic stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different nutrient solution concentrations combined with AOS on the growth and nutrient uptake of cucumber seedlings under suboptimal temperatures (15/8 °C, day/night). Potted ‘Jinchun 4’ cucumber seedlings grown in coconut coir were treated with 0.5×, 1.0×, or 1.5× strength of Hoagland solution alone (N0.5, N1, N1.5), or with 30 mg·L⁻¹ AOS (A0.5, A1, A1.5). The results showed that the growth attributes and nitrogen (N) accumulation of cucumber plants of N1 and N1.5 were significantly higher than those of N0.5. Additionally, plants of A0.5 exhibited significantly higher plant height, chlorophyll a content, root surface area, root volume, root vitality, N metabolism enzyme (NR, GDH, GS) activities, and N accumulation, than those under N0.5, N1, or N1.5. Moreover, compared to A0.5, the net photosynthetic rate, total root length, root surface area, root N content, leaf nitrate reductase activity, root glutamate dehydrogenase activity, and N accumulation of A1 and A1.5 were significantly higher than those of A0.5. Correlation analysis revealed strong linkages between root morphology traits and tissue N content. In summary, under suboptimal temperature conditions, the application of AOS improved cucumber seedlings’ nutrient absorption and growth more efficiently than merely raising nutrient levels, as it enhanced root surface area, root vitality, and N metabolic enzyme activities. Full article

Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen tree with significant ornamental, economic, and medicinal value, widely used in landscape gardening and bonsai production. However, systematic research on the optimal substrate ratios required for its efficient cultivation remains relatively scarce. This study compared the effects of two cultivation substrates (SJ1: 80% native soil + 20% fine sand and SX2: 25% native soil + 25% coarse sand + 25% peat soil + 25% coconut coir) on the growth of P. macrophyllus. Soil physicochemical properties and plant physiological and biochemical indices were measured, and the rhizosphere microbial community structure was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The results show that P. macrophyllus grown in the SX2 substrate exhibited significantly greater ground diameter, plant height, chlorophyll content, and soluble protein content than those in the SJ1 substrate. Microbial community analysis indicates that the two different substrates had little impact on alpha diversity. In the bacterial community, the dominant phylum in the SJ1 substrate was Acidobacteriota, whereas in the SX2 substrate, it was Pseudomonadota. In the fungal community, Ascomycota was the dominant phylum in both SJ1 and SX2. Redundancy analysis (RDA) reveals that water content and total porosity were the primary factors influencing the bacterial community structure. Based on physiological indicators and microbial community composition, the SX2 substrate was more conducive to the growth of P. macrophyllus in terms of plant height and ground diameter. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for substrate selection and optimization in the cultivation of P. macrophyllus. Full article

The application of biochar to traditional soil and soilless growth media in agriculture has been reported to increase plant production. However, it remains unclear which biochar component drives this process or which biogeochemical process is attributed to better plant productivity. Therefore, this study aims to determine how biochar organic carbon (C) composition and thermal stability influence nitrogen availability and tomato production. Soilless growth media composed of a mixture of 60% and 40% coconut coir (CC) (Cocos nucifera L.) and fine pine bark (PB) (Pinus genus), respectively, was amended with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% biochar per dry weight. The amended media were used to grow Red Bounty tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) for three months. After harvesting tomatoes and determining yield, organic C composition and C thermal stability of the biochar amended soilless growth media mixtures were determined using solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) and multi-elemental scanning thermal analysis (MESTA), respectively. Thermal stability data were used to determine the “R400 index”, and nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentration was determined using the water extractable method. Results showed that biochar-amended media significantly increased pH (p < 0.0001) and NO₃⁻ (p = 0.0386) compared to the no-char control. Biochar amended soilless media organic C composition was dominated by O-alkyl-C as a result of a higher fraction of soilless media; however, total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C increased with increasing biochar content and related negatively to R400, which decreased with increasing biochar content. Nitrate retention and tomato yield increased with increasing total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C and decreasing R400. This indicates that the stable form of C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, aromatic-C, and low R400 enhanced NO₃⁻ sorption, reducing leaching and enhancing its availability for tomato growth. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different soil amendments coupled with nitrogen fertilizer on the morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of salt-tolerant rice under saline conditions. The soil amendments, i.e., S1: zeolite amendment, S2: coconut coir amendment, S3: humic acid amendment, and S0: no amendment, and fertilizer treatments, i.e., N1: urea, N2: slow-release urea, and N0: no N fertilizer, were kept in main plots and sub-plots, respectively, in a split-plot design. The salt-tolerant variety ‘Shuangliangyou 138’ was exposed to 0.3% salt irrigation water. The results showed that during the entire growth period, compared to S0, the S1 and S3 treatments increased the SPAD values by an average of 6.3%and 5.5%, respectively, the leaf area index by an average of 24.5% and 19.8%, the canopy interception rate by an average of 11.5% and 4.1%, and the aboveground biomass by an average of 36.8% and 13.9%, respectively. Moreover, under S1 and S3 conditions, the tiller number per square meter, leaf water potential, leaf water content, and chlorophyll contents were also improved under the slow-release urea than urea. Moreover, slow-release urea promoted root vitality and nutrient absorption as well as enhanced the activity of antioxidant and nitrogen metabolism enzymes than urea under the S1 and S3 conditions. In sum, the rational application of soil amendments and slow-release urea could improve the rice productivity on saline-alkali land. Full article

Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf.) is valued for its therapeutic benefits, both in Thailand and internationally. This study optimized in vitro propagation and induced microrhizomes (MRZ) to produce cleaned plantlets to support organic farming using disease-free plantlets, which is crucial for preventing and eradicating diseased plantlets, reducing the use of chemicals, and alternative approaches to enhancing phytochemical diversity. Shoots cultured on ½-strength MS medium with 1 mg L⁻¹ of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed the highest shoot formation (69%) and shoot multiplication (3.45 ± 0.29 shoots per explant). Plantlets acclimatized in peat moss or a peat moss–coconut coir (1:1) mixture achieved a 100% survival rate. Genetic fidelity was confirmed using SSR markers, showing genetic consistency with the mother plant. The MRZ formation was the highest (98.33%) under white LED light with 30 g L⁻¹ of sucrose. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis in MRZ revealed aspartate, a precursor to pinocembrin and pinostrobin. Additionally, nine unique metabolites not previously identified in fingerroot were detected in the MRZ, suggesting some potential in novel therapeutic applications. These findings support the development of efficient micropropagation methods and highlight MRZ as a source of diverse bioactive compounds, contributing to the medicinal value of B. rotunda in sustainable and large-scale production. Full article

Paper is an essential material in daily life, yet its widespread use contributes significantly to waste, which poses environmental hazards. In Indonesia, paper waste is one of the most substantial types of solid waste. Recycling waste paper into new, usable products offers both environmental and economic benefits. This study investigates the tensile strength, tearing strength, and microstructure of recycled paper produced using 70 g HVS waste paper, coconut husk fibers, NaOH as a chemical treatment, and tapioca powder as an adhesive. NaOH concentrations were varied at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% to assess their effects on the mechanical properties of the recycled paper. Results from tensile strength tests indicated that the highest tensile strength, 2.2774 MPa, was achieved with a 6% NaOH concentration, while the lowest tensile strength, 1.1065 MPa, was observed at a 4% NaOH concentration. Tearing strength tests showed that the highest tearing strength of 2.6145 MPa was obtained with a 4% NaOH concentration, whereas the lowest tearing strength of 1.8481 MPa was observed at an 8% NaOH concentration. Microstructural analysis of the fracture and tear zones revealed non-uniform fiber pullout, highlighting the influence of NaOH concentration on fiber bonding. These findings provide insights into optimizing NaOH concentration for improved mechanical properties in recycled paper products. Full article

Organic amendments are widely used to enhance soil fertility and nutrient cycling in greenhouse cultivation, but their effectiveness can vary depending on their origin and composition. This study investigated the impact of four organic materials (rice husk, coconut coir, biochar, and sheep manure) on nutrient cycling and enzyme activities in two of greenhouse tomato soils. The distribution of soil nutrients and enzyme activities was analyzed under controlled conditions during a pot experiment. The addition of organic amendments, regardless of their source, significantly altered the microbial resource allocation, reducing the carbon limitation while increasing the nitrogen demand. The effect on soil nutrient pools was largely determined by the chemical composition of the amendments. In clayey soils, biochar and rice husk additions most effectively promoted enzyme activities related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus acquisition. Under sandy soil conditions, sheep manure increased carbon and phosphorus acquisition enzymes, while biochar most effectively enhanced nitrogen acquisition enzymes. Biochar emerged as a particularly effective amendment, enhancing organic carbon sequestration across different soil types. The chemical composition of the amendments, specifically, the content of carboxyl C, aromatic C, and O-alkyl C, played a crucial role in influencing soil nutrient limitations. In clayey soils, the mean C:N:P ratios for CK, T1, T2, T3, and T4 treatments were 1:1.375:0.625, 1:1.244:0.662, 1:0.839:0.610, 1:1.161:0.689, and 1:1.038:0.549, respectively. In sandy soils, the ratios were 1:1.117:0.698, 1:1.18:0.75, 1:1.096:0.731, 1:1.217:0.689, and 1:1.06:0.669, respectively. These findings suggest that the addition of organic amendments can improve nutrient retention and enzyme activities, but their effects on soil nutrient pools are influenced by both the composition of the amendments and the soil texture. This research enhances our understanding of organic amendments and soil nutrient transformations, and aids in optimizing the application of organic materials for improved soil management in greenhouse cultivation. Full article

Salt-affected soils are a prevalent issue globally, resulting in a severe degradation of soil sustainability and plant productivity, reducing the area of agricultural land, and affecting food security. Therefore, eco-solutions and remediation approaches are needed. The needed remediation for salt-affected soil can be addressed via engineering, physical, chemical, or biological techniques. Salt-tolerant crops are normally used for the remediation of slight and moderate saline soil conditions. However, no crops, including salt-tolerant crops, can be cultivated in areas with extreme salinity levels (ECe 8–16 dS/m). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vermicompost and organic amendment on the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops (Sesbania rostrata) in severely salt-affected soil under field conditions in order to improve saline soil and crop productivity. The design of the experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments and four replications: T1, severely salt-affected soil (control); T2, severely salt-affected soil + vermicompost at a ratio of 25:75; T3, severely salt-affected soil + vermicompost + rice husk biochar + coconut coir at a ratio of 25:25:25:25. The results found that using vermicompost and organic amendment improved the soil quality, increased the soil fertility (organic matter and plant nutrients N, P, and K), and reduced the soil salinity. Sesbania rostrate could not grow in severely salt-affected soil (T1) alone, but could grow in the treatments with vermicompost and organic amendments (T2 and T3). The percentage of Sesbania survival per plot was also high in the treatments with vermicompost and organic amendments (T2 and T3). The highest growth rate, flower production, biomass, and root morphology of Sesbania rostrata were found in T3, with severely salt-affected soil + vermicompost + rice husk biochar + coconut coir at a ratio of 25:25:25:25 with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Moreover, the Sesbania flowers treated with vermicompost and organic amendments have a higher nutritional value due to their minerals and vitamins than Sesbania flowers grown without using vermicompost and organic amendments. This study’s findings suggest that incorporating vermicompost and organic amendments is a feasible and economical method for enhancing the quality of salt-affected soils in a sustainable manner. The results of this study demonstrate that utilizing vermicompost and organic amendments is a sustainable and economical strategy for enhancing the quality of salt-affected soils and improving yields in severely salt-affected areas, thereby increasing crop production and the nutritional value of the plants as well as helping to increase farmers’ income. Full article

Perennials are usually pre-cultivated on vegetation mats consisting of coconut fiber (coir), which require weather-dependent irrigation and regular fertilization with fast-acting fertilizer to achieve a saleable condition as quickly as possible. In the pre-cultivation of sheep’s wool–coir–vegetation mats, nitrogen (N) is already sufficiently contained in the vegetation mats due to the natural nitrogen content of the sheep’s wool fibers, so that additional liquid fertilization during pre-cultivation can be dispensed with if necessary. In this study, sheep’s wool–coir–vegetation mats of 4.5 kg/m² were pre-cultivated with 16 perennial plants (8 species) in 2018. Variant 1 (V1) received regular fertilization with mineral liquid fertilizer (total 8.7 g N/m²) during pre-cultivation. Variant 2 (V2) was not fertilized during pre-cultivation. In spring 2019, all pre-cultivated vegetation mats were lifted and laid on an area prepared with topsoil. No additional fertilization was applied after laying. The overall impression, plant height, number of flowering perennials, and plant coverage were examined in the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, with only minor differences observed between V1 and V2. The number of flowers, biomass, and nitrogen content were determined for the two aster species used. There were differences between V1 and V2 in 2018, but not in 2019. The coverage of perennials of 50%, which is the prerequisite for the saleability of the vegetation mats, was already achieved on both V1 and V2 after 4 months of pre-cultivation. The overall impression of the perennials on both V1 and V2 also did not differ during pre-cultivation nor in the following year. Therefore, liquid fertilization is not necessary during the pre-cultivation of perennials on sheep’s wool–coir–vegetation mats. Full article

Combining inorganic and organic soil amendments with mineral fertilizers is promising for soil quality enhancement in modern agronomy systems. In this research, four main organic components were used in fertilizer formulations: coconut coir, biochar, lignite, and leonardite (enriched with microelements, tryptophan, and bacterial metabolic products). The treatments were assigned to the completely randomized design with a control object, without any soil amendments, and with only mineral fertilization. Aboveground biomass and root characteristics of maize (root length density, mean root diameter, root surface area density, specific root length, root volume density, and root dry matter) and water retention and characteristics of soil pores were determined. Compared to the control, all fertilizer formulations applied deteriorated the water retention properties of the soil. The highest plant available water content value was obtained for the control without any fertilizers. The addition of organic fertilizer formulations consisting of coconut coir, biochar, lignite, leonardite, microelements, tryptophan, and metabolic products of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus subtilis did not play a significant role in improving soil physical characteristics. The lowest productivity was characterized for maize without any fertilizers and amendments. All soil organic amendments resulted in lower yields than the one with only mineral fertilization. The highest root dry matter was obtained when lignite and leonardite were used as main components. Organic amendments can be recommended for soil bioregeneration, but their main effect on maize productivity is attributed to the mineral component. Full article

Concrete is the most commonly used and essential material in the construction industry, and it is also the most widely utilized product globally. The construction industry is a rapidly expanding industry. To improve the efficiency and strength properties of concrete, researchers from all over the world continue to search for supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and industrial by-products that can be incorporated as alternative materials. The current study aimed to determine the effects of partially substituting coir pith ash (CPA) for cement in coconut shell concrete, in addition to utilizing steel and coconut fibers. Various percentages of CPA were used to replace cement in the concrete mixes, ranging from 5% to 20% by cement weight. Steel fibers were utilized in this study at volume ratios of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%, and coconut fibers were utilized at volume ratios of 0.1% to 0.5% with an increment of 0.1% in the concrete to achieve the desired results. Various properties have been examined, such as workability, mechanical, durability, and morphological tests. The addition of coir pith ash to concrete increased its compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths by 10.36%, 8.75%, and 7.7% at 28 days compared to control concrete. The incorporation of coconut fiber and coconut shell in concrete production improves its performance and strength while also preserving natural resources and offering a solution to the problem of disposing of solid waste. Full article

The yield, quality, and water–fertilizer use efficiency of crops are important parameters for assessing rational water and fertilizer management. For an optimal water and fertilizer system with respect to the nutrient solution irrigation of greenhouse tomatoes using cultivation substrates, a two-year greenhouse cultivation experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Three drip fertigation treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were implemented in the experiment, where nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate’s water content reached 60%, 70%, and 80%. The frequency of nutrient solution applications is based on weighing coconut coir strips in the morning and evening at 7:00 to determine the daily water consumption of plants. Nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate’s water content reached the lower limit, and the upper limit for nutrient supply was set at 100% of the substrate water content. The nutrient solution application was carried out multiple times throughout the day, avoiding the midday heat. The nutrient solution formula used was the soilless tomato cultivation formula from South China Agricultural University. The results show that plant height and the leaf area index rapidly increased in the early and middle stages, and later growth tended to stabilize; the daily transpiration of tomatoes increased with an increase in nutrient solution supply, and it was the greatest in the T3 treatment. Between the amount of nutrient solution application and the number of years, the yield increased with the increase of the amount of nutrient solution, showing T3 > T2 > T1. Although the average yield of the T2 treatment was slightly lower than that of the T3 treatment by 3.65%, the average irrigation water use efficiency, water use efficiency, and partial fertilizer productivity of the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those of the T3 treatment by 29.10%, 19.99%, and 28.89%, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, soluble solid, vitamin C, and soluble sugar contents and the sugar–acid ratio of tomatoes in the T2 treatment were greater than those in the other two treatments (p < 0.05). Using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method, it was concluded that the nutrient solution application rate of 70% can significantly increase water and fertilizer use efficiency and markedly improve the nutritional and flavor quality of the fruit without a significant reduction in yield. This finding provides significant guidance for the high-yield, high-quality, and efficient production of coconut coir-based cultivated tomatoes in greenhouses. Full article