Search Results (3,576)

Wastewaters from the food industry and domestic sources contain large amounts of ammonium, a major contributor to eutrophication. Recovering this nutrient for fertilizer use offers both environmental and agricultural benefits. Poplar chop-derived biochars were prepared under different pyrolysis temperatures (300–500 °C) and chemical modifications (acidic and alkaline) to optimize ammonium (NH₄⁺) adsorption and fertilizer reuse. The biochars were characterized by zeta potential, SEM–EDX, FTIR, and specific surface area measurements. Batch adsorption tests revealed that the alkaline-modified biochar produced at 300 °C achieved the highest capacity (4.63 mg NH₄⁺/g biochar) and 62% removal efficiency. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.97) but showed only marginal differences among models without independent mechanistic evidence. The Temkin isotherm described the equilibrium data the best (R² > 0.99). Ammonium-enriched biochars enhanced seed germination by up to 54% compared to the control and increased plant biomass up to 12-fold in pot experiments. These results demonstrate that optimized biochars can effectively recover ammonium from wastewater; moreover, the observed plant growth improvement suggests potential slow-release behavior, promoting nutrient recycling and sustainable agriculture. Full article

Meeting rising global food demand requires reconciling high productivity with environmental sustainability. While controlled-release fertilizers can improve nitrogen use efficiency, their combined N-P-K formulation and system-wide impacts remain poorly quantified. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a rice paddy field under a subtropical monsoon climate in Central China to evaluate controlled-release NPK fertilizer (CRNPK) across agronomic, environmental, energy, and economic dimensions. Five treatments were compared: no nitrogen (CK), farmer practice (FFP; 270 kg N ha⁻¹), controlled-release nitrogen (CRN; 225 kg N ha⁻¹), CRNPK (225 kg N ha⁻¹), and reduced-rate CRNPK (80%CRNPK; 180 kg N ha⁻¹). Compared to FFP, CRNPK and 80%CRNPK increased rice yield by 8–16% and nitrogen use efficiency by 38–171%, while reducing reactive nitrogen losses and nitrogen footprint by 39–56%, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint by 22–57%, and enhancing ecosystem economic benefit by 86–109%. Notably, the 80%CRNPK treatment achieved the highest overall sustainability score (5) based on a comprehensive assessment normalizing seven key indicators—yield, economic benefit, energy productivity, carbon footprint, nitrogen footprint, ecosystem economic benefit (EEB), and emergy-based nutrient efficiency (UEV_Nmin), demonstrating that yield gains can be maintained or even enhanced with reduced nitrogen inputs. This study advances controlled-release fertilization from a yield-focused strategy to a quantified, system-level approach for sustainable rice intensification. Full article

Nanotechnology, based on nanoparticles, has become an emerging interdisciplinary tool in reproductive biotechnology, offering innovative opportunities to improve fertilization efficiency and reproductive performance in farm animals. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated synthesis of current research on nanoparticle-based approaches that enhance in vitro fertilization outcomes and other assisted reproductive technologies. The focus is on the biological mechanisms, potential benefits, and limitations of nanoparticle use in animal reproduction. Nanoparticles—including gold, silver, zinc oxide, selenium, and magnetic iron oxide—exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties that enable targeted interactions with gametes and reproductive cells. When used in semen extenders or culture media, nanoparticles improve sperm motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, and reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis. These effects contribute to enhanced fertilization rates and higher embryo developmental competence. In addition, nanoparticles can function as carriers for hormones, antioxidants, and growth factors, stabilizing reagents essential for oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation, and early embryo culture. The review also discusses nanopurification (selectively isolating and removing particles) and nanosorting (separating or organizing nanoscale objects) techniques that allow for non-invasive selection of viable gametes, and fluorescence- and magnet-assisted sorting systems that increase precision in sperm sexing. The mechanical aspects of nanoparticle–cell interactions are analyzed, emphasizing the influence of particle size, dose, and surface modification on both biological efficacy and cytotoxicity. Safety, toxicological concerns, and regulatory frameworks—including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and European Commission recommendations—are critically reviewed to highlight the need for harmonized biocompatibility criteria. Although nanoparticle use in animal reproduction remains largely experimental, accumulated evidence demonstrates its potential to improve reproductive efficiency and reduce economic losses. Integrating nanoparticle-based systems with existing reproduction platforms may represent a transformative step toward sustainable and precision-driven livestock breeding. Full article

Excessive fertilizer application is a common practice in agricultural production in the North China Plain. To determine an optimal fertilization strategy for summer maize with nitrogen-fixing bacterial inoculation, we conducted a two-year field experiment (2022–2023) using the conventional fertilization rate (600 kg ha⁻¹ NPK; N:P₂O₅:K₂O = 28:8:10; 100F by default) as a control and examined the effects of fertilizer reduction (at 90%, 80%, 62.5%, and 50% of 100F) combined with Azotobacter chroococcum inoculation on maize plants and soil. Although fertilizer reduction increased free amino acid content, soluble sugars, proteins, and fatty acids contents were reduced. However, bacterial inoculation significantly enhanced all the above nutritional indices in maize leaves. Bacterial inoculation under fertilizer reduction conditions can enhance the activity of key nitrogen metabolism enzymes (i.e., GS and GOGAT), which further supports nitrogen, sugar, and lipid metabolism in maize plants. Additionally, bacterial inoculation promoted root development, biomass accumulation, and grain nutritional value while significantly increasing yield under reduced fertilizer conditions. The highest yield (11,454 kg ha⁻¹) was achieved with bacterial inoculation at approximately 87F (≈522 kg ha⁻¹ NPK), while the non-inoculated control reached a peak yield (11,032 kg ha⁻¹) only at around 90.5F (≈543 kg ha⁻¹). The complementary effects of bacterial inoculation with fertilizer reduction resulted in improved nutrient supply and modulation of soil microbial diversity. Inoculation of A. chroococcum increased soil ammonium and nitrate levels and decreased soil pH, though it was associated with a decline in overall bacterial richness, which may have persistent and adverse effects on the soil. Both fertilizer reduction and bacterial inoculation significantly altered microbial community structure, with notable interannual variation. Collectively, our findings suggest that moderate fertilizer reduction (9.5–13%) combined with nitrogen-fixing bacteria inoculation can support sustainable maize production by maintaining higher yield, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, and improving soil health. However, due to pH-lowering effects, long-term monitoring is necessary to assess the ecological impact of nitrogen-fixing bacteria inoculation on soil microbial balance. Full article

Micronutrient addition to soil is crucial for improving crop yield. Within the framework of the circular economy, it is necessary to seek more efficient fertilizers. This would reduce fertilizer consumption while serving as a strategy to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. This study proposes the combined use of a traditional source of a Zn fertilizer (ZnSO₄) together with wood biochar to improve lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crop yield. An experiment was designed in which a dose of 8 mg Zn kg⁻¹ as ZnSO₄·7H₂O was added to Cambisol soil, mixed with or without biochar (5%), for lettuce growth. Among other soil properties, Zn bioavailability, microbial biomass, and available water were monitored in the soil, while photosynthetic pigments, Zn content, and biomass production were determined in plants. All treatments increased plant biomass production. Biochar treatments (biochar and biochar/ZnSO₄) increased fresh biomass by 324%, while ZnSO₄ addition resulted in a 158% increase in lettuce yield. This can be due to several factors, such as biochar being a C source, the improvement of soil water content after biochar addition, and the increase in Zn leaf content in all treatments with respect to the control soil. All of these likely had a positive effect on photosynthesis. This is corroborated by the increase in total chlorophyll, chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the treatments with ZnSO₄, biochar/ZnSO₄, and biochar. The application of biochar alone increased this property by more than 168%, with a positive impact on soil quality. Our research demonstrates that it is possible, in some cases, to prepare fertilizers combining ZnSO₄ and biochar, leading to increased plant Zn uptake and improved crop yield. Full article

The effectiveness of poly(isosorbide carbonate) (PIC)—a bio-based polycarbonate synthesized from isosorbide (ISB)—degradation products in complex soil environments remains unverified. In the present study, the agricultural potential of PIC ammonolysis products—comprising urea and ISB—as a nitrogen (N) fertilizer was evaluated in a soil system. A pot experiment was conducted using komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) to compare PIC degradation products with commercial urea, a urea and ISB mixture, and a no-N control. Application of PIC degradation products significantly enhanced plant growth, yielding fresh weight and N uptake comparable to those associated with commercial urea. The calculated N recovery efficiency for the PIC degradation products was 50%, falling within the typical range (30–60%) for inorganic fertilizers. Contrary to previous in vitro study results, ISB exhibited no significant biostimulant effect in the soil environment, likely owing to rapid microbial degradation. These findings serve as a preliminary proof-of-concept that PIC degradation products are a highly effective and bioavailable N source. Overall, the results suggest that if scaled appropriately, PIC ammonolysis products could contribute to circular use pathways for this specific plastic. Nonetheless, further studies across a broader range of crops and soils are required to confirm the generalizability of these results. Full article

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a well-adapted winter legume in the Mediterranean area, used for both forage and grain production. Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient influencing plant growth, development, yield, and nutritional quality. This study evaluated how phosphorus availability (0 vs. 60 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅) affected the growth, physiological characteristics, yield and environmental resource-use efficiency of two common vetch cultivars, BK-45 and Evinos, over two growing seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). Phosphorus fertilization significantly enhanced vegetative growth, increasing plant height (37.5%) and leaf area index (57%) compared with the control. Improved physiological performance was also observed, as P application increased the chlorophyll content (SPAD) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), particularly during later growth stages. Evinos showed better growth and chlorophyll content around anthesis, whereas BK-45 retained more chlorophyll at maturity. These influences on canopy development and photosynthetic capacity translated into improved yield components, with increases in seeds per pod (40%) and pods per plant (33%), resulting in a higher seed yield (0.127 kg m⁻² vs. 0.06 kg m⁻² in the control). The dry biomass increased by 50%, with BK-45 showing the strongest response to P fertilization. P fertilization also improved water-use efficiency (WUE) and radiation-use efficiency (RUE), thereby promoting resource use and also the sustainability of the crop. These findings underscore that phosphorus fertilization plays a key role in improvement of common vetch seed yield, forage yield and the sustainability of the cultivars, with the interactions depending on the seasonal variation. Full article

This study aims to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) nitrogen on the efficiency of Salix linearistipularis K. S. Hao in remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils. Thus, the effects of 15 fertilization treatments (comprising three nitrogen levels and five nitrogen form ratios) on Pb and Cd accumulation, soil properties, microbial structure, and metabolic characteristics were investigated using a pot experiment. The results indicated that Pb and Cd accumulation were the highest under the L12 treatment (60 kg N·hm⁻²·year⁻¹, NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N = 1:2), whereas nitrate-only treatments, irrespective of concentration, resulted in a decrease in accumulation. In the L12 treatment, biomass increased by 87.0%, with Pb and Cd accumulation rising by 85.71% and 80.0%, respectively, suggesting that biomass may contribute predominantly to heavy metal accumulation. Additionally, NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N ratio had a greater effect on biomass than the nitrogen application amount. Microbial composition was altered, and the relative abundance of heavy metal-resistant microbes increased. However, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer had a stronger impact on microbial variation. Under different nitrogen application rates and NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N ratios, the formation or disappearance of unique metabolic pathways related to amino acids and carbohydrates was observed. Furthermore, both microbial metabolism and the bioavailability of Pb and Cd were positively correlated with nitrogen levels and NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N ratios. These findings indicate a potential association between shifts in microbial metabolism and the bioavailability of heavy metals. Therefore, the simultaneous application of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen in appropriate ratios can enhance the remediation efficiency of S. linearistipularis by boosting biomass and heavy metal bioavailability via microbial metabolism. The findings of this study not only provide novel insights into improving the phytoremediation efficiency of woody plants through fertilization strategies but also lay a theoretical foundation for the effects of nitrogen fertilization on nutrient cycling in metal-contaminated soils. Full article

Rhizosphere nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a critical role in sustainable crop production by enhancing nitrogen availability and improving soil fertility. This study aimed to isolate and characterize native rhizospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NRNFB) associated with baby maize (Zea mays L.) roots and evaluate their nitrogen-fixing potential. Thirty root samples were collected, and ten bacterial isolates (V1–V10) were obtained using selective media. Morphological, biochemical, and physiological analyses identified strain V3 as the most promising candidate, exhibiting strong growth on nitrogen-free Burk medium and high oxidase, catalase, and urea hydrolysis activities. The strain demonstrated broad environmental tolerance, including salinity up to 4% NaCl, temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 °C, and pH values between 5.0 and 8.0. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed 100% sequence similarity with Peribacillus simplex LT4 (strain LT4). Nitrogenase activity analysis showed a peak during the exponential growth phase, accompanied by increased nitrogen accumulation in the culture medium, confirming active biological nitrogen fixation. These findings highlight the physiological adaptability and functional efficiency of strain LT4, supporting its potential development as a biofertilizer for sustainable maize production systems. Full article

Ammonia is one of the most important and widely produced basic chemicals worldwide. However, this highly toxic gas is also produced in livestock farming and a variety of industrial processes, posing a potential threat to humans, animals and the environment and also significantly contributing to the formation of persistent particulate matter. The aim of this project was to develop a textile-based adsorber material and to demonstrate a suitable test system for purifying ammonia-contaminated air from production-related sources using the example of pig fattening and PCB production. This aim was achieved through the wash-resistant immobilization of polyacrylic acid on a polyester needle felt at laboratory, pilot plant and industrial scales. In addition, various system concepts have been developed in which air or phosphoric acid can flow through the adsorber textile, whereby in the latter case, the phosphoric acid is both actively involved in ammonia adsorption and also serves to elute the bound ammonia, enabling continuous and low-maintenance operation. Concurrently, the high-quality inorganic fertilizer ammonium phosphate is produced. In summary, an efficient alternative to existing solutions for ammonia minimization has been developed, which is fundamentally characterized by its universal applicability in different load scenarios, including small mobile systems in production facilities with local ammonia pollution, in addition to scenarios for large-scale agricultural operations. Full article

Against the backdrop of escalating global climate challenges, minimizing carbon emissions while enhancing energy efficiency in rice production has emerged as a core pathway toward achieving agricultural carbon neutrality. A two-year field study conducted in the Yangtze River Delta evaluated three rice cultivation practices: the farmers’ practice pattern (FPP), surface-applied controlled-release fertilizer with machine transplanting (S-CRF), and side-deep applied controlled-release fertilizer with machine transplanting (SD-CRF). Compared to FPP and S-CRF, SD-CRF increased grain yields by 11.3% and 9.2%, respectively, while reducing total energy input by 2.5% and 2.4%. It lowered the carbon intensity of production by 9.7% and 8.2% relative to FPP and S-CRF, primarily through reducing fertilizer/labor-associated carbon inputs and enhancing carbon-use efficiency via higher yield. Economically, SD-CRF outperformed traditional practices, achieving an 81.8% increase in net income and a 37.4% higher benefit-to-cost ratio compared with FPP, respectively, driven by labor cost savings and improved productivity. Notably, SD-CRF reduces labor input by 40.0% compared with FPP, simplifies fertilization operations, lowers farmers’ operational technical thresholds, and effectively boosts their economic income. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) further validated SD-CRF’s superior eco-efficiency, highlighting its dual advantage in balancing yield enhancement and environmental sustainability. Further clarification of SD-CRF application technical indicators, refinement of agronomic practices and machinery efficiency, and promotion of the integrated system’s synergistic benefits and scalable adoption are required to support global sustainable food systems and carbon neutrality goals. Full article

At the current stage, water resource shortages and significant regional disparities in resource distribution severely restrict China’s food security. Existing research primarily focuses on resource use efficiency, while lacking a systematic framework to distinguish between equality and equity in the coupled distribution of irrigation water, grain production, and nitrogen pollution across major river basins. The core objective of this study is to utilize the Concentration Index (CI) to construct a unified equity assessment framework, quantify the evolution of equality and equity in irrigation water use, grain production, and nitrogen loss to surface water in different river basins in China from 1992 to 2017, and determine the key influencing factors. For positive production resources, a distribution that benefits low-income groups is equity, while for pollution burdens, this distribution pattern is inequity. The results show that water shortages in Northern China have intensified, and higher income groups have obtained excessive benefits. The distribution of grain production has shifted from favoring higher income groups to favoring low-income groups, with the Concentration Index changing from 0.214 to −0.052, indicating an enhancement in equity. Irrigation water use has shown a certain degree of improvement, with the CI dropping from 0.023 to 0.017. However, nitrogen loss to surface water has exacerbated environmental inequality, with the CI dropping from 0.10 to 0.03, indicating that pollution burdens have shifted to low-income groups. Changes in equity across the country are driven by a small number of high-intensity grain production areas, and the key influencing factors include food security policies, urbanization, population size, and nitrogen fertilizer application. An asymmetric coupling relationship exists between water resource shortages and equity, and the regional economic foundation determines the formation of synergy or trade-offs. The findings underscore the necessity of transitioning from efficiency-focused to equity-focused agricultural governance in China. Targeted policies should include cross-basin ecological compensation mechanisms, differentiated technology promotion strategies, and integrated water–food-pollution management systems to balance food security, environmental protection, and social justice. Full article

Rotational cover cropping is a key practice in conservation agriculture. To investigate the effects of maize-crop rotation with cover crops combined with nitrogen management on maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and related traits, a field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2025. The experiment employed a split-plot design. The main plots consisted of three cropping systems: continuous maize (Fumin 985’) monoculture (CK), maize rotated with rapeseed (CC-Ra), and maize rotated with rye (CC-Ry). The subplots comprised five nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg ha⁻¹) respectively. Compared to CK, CC-Ra and CC-Ry increased average maize grain yield by 5.93% and 12.89%, and NUE by 8.09% and 2.89%, respectively. At the silking stage, these treatments increased average DM by 6.45% and 16.55%, respectively, and by 5.75% and 15.01% at the maturity stage. The maximum LAI was enhanced by an average of 16.24% and 26.82%, while the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the ear leaf increased by 12.29% and 26.32%, respectively. In contrast, the leaf net assimilation rate (NAR) decreased by an average of 19.98% and 18.01%. While higher N application boosted yield, it sharply reduced NUE. Notably, yields under rotations at 225 kg N ha⁻¹ matched the yield of continuous maize at 300 kg N ha⁻¹. This suggests that the inclusion of cover crops can substitute for a portion of nitrogen fertilizer input while maintaining stable maize yield. Principal component analysis fundamentally clarified that maize rotational cover cropping combined with nitrogen fertilizer management significantly promotes yield. While cover crops increase maize yield, they also facilitate nitrogen accumulation and enhance NUE, albeit at the expense of leaf net assimilation rate. Therefore, balancing the source–sink characteristics of the maize population is necessary to avoid the loss of advantages conferred by rotational cover cropping. This study holds significant implications for incorporating cover crops into maize production systems. Full article

Agricultural soil fertility is a key determinant of crop productivity and long-term sustainability. However, intensive farming practices often require repeated passes of heavy machinery, which can lead to soil compaction. This study examines the interplay between tractor traffic, tire inflation pressure, and their effects on soil physical properties and fertility indicators. Tire pressure management emerges as a crucial mitigation strategy: high inflation pressures concentrate the load and exacerbate subsoil compaction, whereas reduced pressures (within safe limits) enlarge the tire–soil contact area, distributing the vehicle’s weight more evenly. This in turn improves traction, lowers ground pressure, and reduces energy losses. As a result, both the depth and severity of soil compaction are reduced. Further advances may be achieved through innovative tires manufactured with eco-sustainable materials and tread patterns specifically designed to enhance traction and minimize slippage-related energy loss. In this context, CREA conducted comparative field tests on two tractor tire models from the same manufacturer: a conventional design and an evolved version featuring an innovative tread and larger footprint. The trials assessed the impact of each tire on soil compaction, traction performance, and energy efficiency. Tests were performed on a silty-clay agricultural soil naturally settled for a year, using a dynamometric vehicle to apply different controlled traction force levels, combined with two inflation pressure settings. To highlight performance differences between the two models, the tractor was rear-ballasted, and the study focused on the rear axle, which carried most of the traction stress. Results indicated that, under the specific test conditions, at high inflation pressure both tires performed similarly (with the innovative model slightly reducing fuel use and the conventional yielding marginally higher maximum tractive force), whereas at low pressure the innovative tire clearly outperformed the traditional model in traction efficiency and caused less soil compaction. The extent of the benefits associated with using the innovative tire model across various soil conditions, moisture levels, and in the absence of rear ballasting will be evaluated in further tests based on traction force control using the proposed testing system. Full article

Although microbial communities in rice agroecosystems regulate nitrogen transformations, methane dynamics, crop residue decomposition, and pathogen suppression, their integration into agronomic decision-making remains limited. Existing rice microbiome reviews largely describe taxonomic diversity without critically linking microbial processes to management trade-offs, greenhouse gas mitigation, and productivity outcomes. This review synthesizes current knowledge through a process-based and management-oriented framework, emphasizing how water and crop residue management, fertilization, tillage, and genotype selection shape microbial functionality rather than merely community composition. Advances in stable isotope probing (SIP), metatranscriptomics, and multi-omics have improved functional inference, yet a persistent gap remains between genetic potential and in situ process rates. By integrating microbiome science within a One Health perspective, we propose a conceptual framework linking microbial network structure to interconnected dimensions of ecosystem, plant, and human health. This framework addresses not only agronomic outcomes but also food safety concerns, including mycotoxin contamination by fungal pathogens, microbial contributions to nutritional quality, and pathways through which soil and plant microbiomes influence human health via the food chain. We critically examine how microbiome management can simultaneously target productivity, environmental sustainability, and health risk mitigation. We identify priority research needs in predictive microbial ecology, activity-based validation, and microbiome-informed management strategies. Rather than framing microbiomes as a universal solution to global food security, this review critically examines their realistic and context-dependent contribution to improving sustainability, resilience, and resource-use efficiency in rice production under climatic and environmental constraints, while safeguarding food safety and public health. Full article