Search Results (7,078)

Soil desertification control is a global challenge, and the barrenness of sandy soil limits the growth of plants. To enhance the vegetation growth capacity of sandy soils, the preparation of soil amendments and the experiment of improving desertified soil were conducted. The soil amendment is prepared by mixing polyacrylamide (2.7%), biochar (16.2%), sodium bentonite (16.2%), straw fibers (5.4%), corn straw (2.7%), sheep manure organic fertilizer (54.1%), and composite microbial agents (2.7%). The laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of varying rates (0, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%) of composite soil amendments on the properties of sandy soil and the Lolium perenne L. with a growth period of 30–60 days. The results indicated that the application of composite amendments at different rates maintained the soil pH between 7.0 and 7.5, increased the electrical conductivity, and significantly improved the soil moisture content, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus contents. Under the condition of 3% amendment, the soil TN content increased from 0.74 to 1.83 g·kg⁻¹. The composite amendments remarkably promoted L. perenne growth, as evidenced by increased plant height, dry weight, and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient content, while the SOC content increased by 1–4 times. The application of composite amendments, prepared by mixing materials such as biochar, organic fertilizer, crop straw, microbial agents, bentonite, and water-retaining agents, enhanced the physicochemical properties of sandy soil and promoted L. perenne growth, and 3% was the most suitable application rate. These findings are expected to advance desertification-controlling technologies and enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The success of artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs) depends on different factors, such as patient-specific reproductive features, ovarian response to stimulation, oocyte and embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity. This study aimed to evaluate their association with oocyte yield, fertilization, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A prospective clinical study included 128 women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Baseline hormone levels (E2, P4, FSH, LH, AMH) were assessed prior to stimulation. E2 levels were monitored during stimulation, and P4 was measured on the day of oocyte retrieval. Patients were grouped based on P4 levels (<2 ng/mL vs. ≥2 ng/mL). IVF outcomes and endometrial characteristics were statistically analyzed. Results: Lower P4 levels (<2 ng/mL) on the day of oocyte retrieval were significantly associated with higher fertilization rates (p < 0.003), more fertilized oocytes (p < 0.001), and increased pregnancy rates (p < 0.001). Elevated P4 (≥2 ng/mL) correlated with a higher frequency of thin endometrium (<7 mm, p < 0.007). E2 levels on the hCG trigger day correlated positively with the number of retrieved and mature oocytes and fertilization outcomes (p < 0.05). Patients who achieved pregnancy had lower P4 and BMI, and higher E2, AMH, and endometrial thickness. ROC identified a P4 threshold of 1.99 ng/mL with moderate predictive value. Conclusions: Elevated progesterone levels on the day of oocyte retrieval negatively impact fertilization and pregnancy outcomes, likely due to impaired endometrial receptivity. Combined assessment of P4, E2, AMH, and endometrial thickness may enhance embryo transfer planning and improve IVF success rates. Full article

Optimizing aeration, fertilization, and irrigation is vital for improving greenhouse tomato production while mitigating soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study investigated the combined effects of three aeration levels (A1: single Venturi, A2: double Venturi, CK: no aeration), two fertilization rates (F1: 180 kg/ha, F2: 240 kg/ha), and two irrigation levels (I1: 0.8 E_pan, I2: 1.0 E_pan) on tomato yield, CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions, net GHG emissions, net global warming potential (NGWP), and GHG intensity (GHGI) across Spring–Summer and Autumn–Winter seasons. Results showed that aeration and fertilization significantly increased CO₂ and N₂O emissions but reduced CH₄ emissions. Warmer conditions in Spring–Summer elevated all GHG emissions and yield compared to Autumn–Winter seasons. Tomato yield, net GHG emissions, NGWP, and GHGI were 12.05%, 24.3%, 14.46%, and 2.37% higher, respectively, in Spring–Summer. Combining the Maximal Information Coefficient and TOPSIS models, the optimal practice was A1-F1-I1 in Spring–Summer and A2-F1-I1 in Autumn–Winter seasons. These results provide a theoretical basis for selecting climate-smart management strategies that enhance yield and environmental sustainability in greenhouse tomato systems. Full article

The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a comprehensive assessment of these impacts limits the development of effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the sector. In addition, in rural areas, the design of flexible and adapted solutions is required, as evidenced by recent studies in the Andean area. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and sustainability indicators for prefabricated concrete houses, employing international certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and VERDE, to validate various relevant environmental and social indicators. The methodology used is the Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), which facilitates the prioritization of impacts through paired comparisons, establishing priorities for decision-making. Hydrological, soil, faunal, floral, and socioeconomic aspects are evaluated in a regional context. The results reveal that the most critical environmental impacts in Ecuador are climate change (28.77%), water depletion (13.73%) and loss of human health (19.17%), generation of non-hazardous waste 8.40%, changes in biodiversity 5%, extraction of mineral resources 12.07%, financial risks 5.33%, loss of aquatic life 4.67%, and loss of fertility 3%, as derived from hierarchical and standardization matrices. Despite being grounded in a literature review and being constrained due to the scarcity of previous projects in the country, this research provides a useful framework for the environmental evaluation and planning of prefabricated housing. To conclude, this study enhances existing methodologies of environmental assessment techniques and practices in the construction of precast concrete and promotes the development of sustainable and socially responsible housing in Ecuador. Full article

Strawberry is a popular fruit with great commercial value. It is meaningful to study how to improve strawberry yield and quality in a sustainable way. In this research, the potential impacts of replacing chemical fertilizer (CF) with sheep manure organic fertilizer (SMOF) on strawberry rhizospheric bacteria, soil physicochemical properties, strawberry fruit yield, and nutritional quality were studied through a strawberry field experiment with 16 years of different fertilizer applications. This study showed that, compared with chemical fertilizer, SMOF effectively improved soil physicochemical properties and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, the absolute abundance of phosphorus-related functional genes pqqC and phoD and bacteria diversity, and enhanced synergistic action among strawberry rhizospheric bacteria. The yield, and the contents of total soluble solids, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and vitamin C, and sugar/acid ratio of strawberry fruit in SMOF treatment were significantly higher than in CF treatment by 40%, 21%, 15%, 46%, 23%, and 41%, respectively (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that strawberry fruit yield and nutritional quality were positive with soil pH, bacterial diversity, soil enzyme activity, and nutrient content, and negative with soil density. The results showed that long-term SMOF could efficiently improve strawberry performance and rhizospheric health. Full article

Synergizing soil quality improvement and greening for increased yields are essential to ensuring grain security and developing sustainable agriculture, which has become a key issue in agricultural cultivation. This study considers a contract farming supply chain composed of a risk-averse farmer and a risk-neutral firm making green and efficient technology (GET) investments, which refers to the use of technology monitoring to achieve fertilizer reduction and yield increases with yield uncertainty. Based on the CvaR (Conditional value at Risk) criterion, the Stackelberg game method is applied to construct a two-level supply chain model and analyze different cooperation mechanisms. The results show that when the wholesale price is moderate, both sides will choose the cooperative mechanism of cost sharing to invest in technology; the uncertainty of yield and the degree of risk aversion have a negative impact on the agricultural inputs and GET investment, and when yield fluctuates greatly, the farmer invests in GET to make higher utility but lowers profits for the firm and supply chain. This study provides a theoretical basis for GET investment decisions in agricultural supply chains under yield uncertainty and has important practical value for promoting sustainable agricultural development and optimizing supply chain cooperation mechanisms. Full article

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), remains a major constraint to global banana (Musa spp.) production, especially in tropical regions. Although soil conditions are known to modulate disease expression, the specific physicochemical drivers of FOC prevalence under field conditions are not well understood. This study investigated the relationships between soil properties and the Fusarium wilt incidence across 47 banana farms on Hainan Island, China, a tropical region dominated by highly weathered tropical soil (latosols). The disease incidence (%PDI) and FOC abundance were quantified, alongside key soil parameters, including the pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and macro- and micronutrient availability. The soils were predominantly acidic (mean pH 4.93), with low levels of organic carbon and exchangeable calcium (Ca) and elevated levels of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). The Fusarium wilt incidence ranged from 1% to 78%, with significantly higher levels observed in younger plantations (<5 years old). Statistical analyses revealed strong negative correlations between the PDI and the soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available K. Principal component analysis further confirmed the suppressive role of the pH and base cations in the disease dynamics. Farms older than five years exhibited better soil fertility indices and lower disease pressure, suggesting a temporal improvement in soil-mediated disease suppression. These findings underscore the critical role of soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, particularly Ca, Mg, and K deficiencies, in promoting FOC pathogenicity. Enhancing soil health offers a promising and sustainable strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in tropical banana production systems. Full article

This study addresses the need for efficient and non-destructive monitoring of the nutrient status of hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta), a plantation crop native to East Asia. Traditional nutrient monitoring methods are labor-intensive and often destructive, limiting their practicality in precision agriculture. To overcome these challenges, we deployed a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a multispectral camera to capture monthly images of 10 hardy kiwi orchards in South Korea from June to October 2019. We extracted spectral bands (i.e., red, red-edge, green, and near-infrared) to generate normalized difference vegetation index and canopy chlorophyll content index maps, which were correlated with in situ chlorophyll measurements using a chlorophyll meter. Strong positive correlations were observed between vegetation indexes and actual chlorophyll content, with canopy chlorophyll content index achieving the highest predictive accuracy (average correlation coefficient > 0.84). Regression models based on multispectral data enabled reliable estimation of leaf chlorophyll across months and regions, with an average RMSE of 3.1. Our results confirmed that UAV-based multispectral imaging is an effective, scalable approach for real-time monitoring of nutrient status, supporting timely, site-specific fertilizer management. This method has the potential to enhance fertilizer efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the quality of hardy kiwi cultivations. Full article

Manure-derived biochar is a promising soil amendment, though its effectiveness is often constrained by limited structural stability and inconsistent nutrient retention. This study evaluated how the pyrolysis method (pre- vs. post-pyrolysis) and rate (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% w/w) of bentonite incorporation influence the physicochemical properties, nutrient availability, and carbon stability of manure-derived biochar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses revealed that pre-pyrolysis addition enhanced mineral integration, with silicon and aluminum contents increasing by up to 500% and 600%, respectively, while carbon content decreased by up to 34%. Water holding capacity (WHC) improved by approximately 102% with 5–10% bentonite, and carbon stability more than doubled (≥100% increase) at moderate application rates under pre-pyrolysis treatment. However, nitrate (NO₃⁻) and potassium (K) availability declined by up to 89% and 47%, respectively, in pre-pyrolysis treatments due to strong nutrient immobilization. In contrast, post-pyrolysis bentonite addition increased NO₃⁻ by ~44% and K by ~29%, while phosphorus (P) availability rose by 133% at 30% bentonite. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear distinction between pre- and post-pyrolysis bentonite-treated biochar. Pre-pyrolysis treatments were linked to higher pH, WHC, and carbon stability, while post-pyrolysis treatments were associated with greater nutrient availability (e.g., NO₃⁻, and K levels) and higher EC. These findings underscore the importance of the pyrolysis method, showing that pre-pyrolysis bentonite incorporation strengthens biochar’s structural integrity and long-term carbon sequestration potential, whereas post-pyrolysis addition enhances immediate nutrient availability. This duality enables the development of targeted biochar formulations tailored to specific agronomic needs—whether for sustained soil improvement or rapid fertility enhancement in climate-smart and sustainable land management systems. Full article

Given the pressing global food security crisis and climate change-induced constraints on agricultural productivity, crop rotation proves critical for boosting yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) alongside ameliorating soil quality. However, the legacy effect of different preceding crops on synergistic increments of wheat productivity and soil fertility remains to be fully clarified. Five different preceding crop–winter wheat rotations were conducted in a field experiment established in Huanghua, China. Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and millet (Setaria italica) were designated as preceding gramineous crops, and soybean (Glycine max) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) were assigned as preceding legume crops. Grain yield, protein fraction, and soil nutrients were measured to elucidate the legacy effect of the preceding crops on the subsequent winter wheat. Leguminous predecessors significantly evaluated the grain yield of winter wheat compared to gramineous predecessors, particularly that the mung–winter wheat rotation (Mun-W) was 11.56% higher than that of the maize–winter wheat rotation (Mai-W). This rising yield was attributed to the increase of 4.05% in spike number per hectare and 14.31% in kernel number per spike. The Mun-W facilitated the highest gluten protein content (8.22%) in winter wheat among five treatments, which was 6.06% higher than that in the sorghum–winter wheat system. Soil organic matter (SOM) showed an advantage in legume–winter wheat rotations (Leg-Ws) compared to gramineous crop–winter wheat systems (Gra-Ws). Notably among these, the Mun-W significantly enhanced SOM content by 0.99% relative to the Mai-W. The soybean–winter wheat system decreased soil pH by 0.36 compared to the Mai-W system. Coupling coordination degree (CCD) and co-benefit index (CBI) in the Leg-Ws exhibited significant superiority of 62.41% and 42.22% over the Gra-Ws, respectively, and the Mun-W attained maximum CCD by 0.84 and CBI by 0.77. From a multi-objective assessment perspective of the legacy effect of the preceding crops, legume-based rotations facilitate synergistic improvements of yield, protein quality, and soil nutrients in winter wheat. Full article

As interest in biochar as a soil amendment increases, the co-application of biochar and fertilizer warrants investigation. Biochar may improve soil properties, affect crop yields, and mitigate environmental impacts, but more work is needed to determine its effect on nitrogen (N) cycling from commercially available organic fertilizers. A 102 d laboratory incubation was conducted to better understand the effect of three rates of biochar (0%, 5%, and 10%) on net N mineralized from (1) mineral soil (Cecil sandy loam), (2) organic peat-based potting media, and (3) two commercial organic fertilizers (feather meal and meal-based pellet mix) applied to the mineral soil or the potting media. After 102 d, the biochar treatments did not affect net N mineralized from the mineral soil but decreased (from 190 to −286.9 mg N kg⁻¹) the net N mineralized from the potting media, likely due to N immobilization. Biochar applied at 5 or 10% did not affect the amount of organic N mineralized from the organic fertilizers applied to potting media (average 58.9%), but biochar at 5% decreased from 46.5 to 28.1% of organic N mineralized from the organic fertilizers applied to mineral soil. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion. Beyond the classically implicated organs, emerging evidence highlights the gut as a central player in T2D pathophysiology through its interactions with metabolic organs. The gut hosts trillions of microbes and enteroendocrine cells that influence inflammation, energy homeostasis, and hormone regulation. Disruptions in gut homeostasis (dysbiosis and increased permeability) have been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction, suggesting multifaceted “Gut-X axes” contribute to T2D development. We aimed to comprehensively review the evidence for gut-mediated crosstalk with the pancreas, endocrine system, liver, and kidneys in T2D. Key molecular mechanisms (incretins, bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, endotoxins, etc.) were examined to construct an integrated model of how gut-derived signals modulate metabolic and inflammatory pathways across organs. We also discuss clinical implications of targeting Gut-X axes and identify knowledge gaps and future research directions. A literature search (2015–2025) was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews). Over 150 high-impact publications (original research and review articles from Nature, Cell, Gut, Diabetologia, Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, etc.) were screened. Data on gut microbiota, enteroendocrine hormones, inflammatory mediators, and organ-specific outcomes in T2D were extracted. The GRADE framework was used informally to prioritize high-quality evidence (e.g., human trials and meta-analyses) in formulating conclusions. T2D involves perturbations in multiple Gut-X axes. This review first outlines gut homeostasis and T2D pathogenesis, then dissects each axis: (1) Gut–Pancreas Axis: how incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and microbial metabolites affect insulin/glucagon secretion and β-cell health; (2) Gut–Endocrine Axis: enteroendocrine signals (e.g., PYY and ghrelin) and neural pathways that link the gut with appetite regulation, adipose tissue, and systemic metabolism; (3) Gut–Liver Axis: the role of microbiota-modified bile acids (FXR/TGR5 pathways) and bacterial endotoxins in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic insulin resistance; (4) Gut–Kidney Axis: how gut-derived toxins and nutrient handling intersect with diabetic kidney disease and how incretin-based and SGLT2 inhibitor therapies leverage gut–kidney communication. Shared mechanisms (microbial SCFAs improving insulin sensitivity, LPS driving inflammation via TLR4, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands modulating immunity) are synthesized into a unified model. An integrated understanding of Gut-X axes reveals new opportunities for treating and preventing T2D. Modulating the gut microbiome and its metabolites (through diet, pharmaceuticals, or microbiota therapies) can improve glycemic control and ameliorate complications by simultaneously influencing pancreatic islet function, hepatic metabolism, and systemic inflammation. However, translating these insights into clinical practice requires addressing gaps with robust human studies. This review provides a state-of-the-art synthesis for researchers and clinicians, underlining the gut as a nexus for multi-organ metabolic regulation in T2D and a fertile target for next-generation therapies. Full article

Overuse of chemical fertilizers can threaten the agro-ecological balance, including an excessive accumulation of certain elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. On the other hand, organic fertilizers and biofertilizers, which are eco-friendly and cost-effective, increase biological nitrogen fixation and enhance the availability of nutrients to plants. The aim of this research was to study the possibility of using a full (22.50 t/ha) and 50% (11.25 t/ha) treatment of sheep manure with azotobacter (100 mL/20 L) instead of inorganic fertilizers for increasing savory (Satureja hortensis L.) growth production and yield value as well as improving chemical and biological properties. The results showed that the treatment with 50% sheep manure recorded the highest total dry herb (3.18 t/ha) yield. The inorganic fertilizer resulted in the highest essential oil content (1.43% v/w) and γ-terpinene (10.38% v/v), cymol (5.90% v/v), and α-bisabolene (5.28% v/v) values. The maximum carvacrol value (42.54% v/v) was recorded in the savory herb after applying no fertilization to the plants, while the highest concentration of thymol (16.09% v/v) was obtained by applying the full sheep manure treatment. The full sheep manure + azotobacter treatment had the highest mean α-terpinene value (7.22% v/v), and the 50% sheep manure + azotobacter treatment had the highest mean α-phellandrene value (6.44% v/v). The highest DPPH activity (60.86%) and FRAP value (69.64 mg TE/g DW) were observed with the azotobacter + full sheep manure treatment, while the highest total phenolic content (96.87 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content (45.97 mg QE/g DW) in the savory herb were obtained from the combination treatment of 50% sheep manure doses + azotobacter. Principal coordinate analysis (PCA) revealed distinct clustering of treatments, with PC1 and PC2 explaining >60% of the variance, highlighting the dominant role of sheep manure doses in morphological/yield properties. Heatmap analysis grouped the treatments (right) and examined properties (bottom) as two main groups. The full sheep manure + biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer treatments were found in the first group, depending on the treatments. Moreover, the heatmap analysis revealed that the full and 50% sheep manure (SM) treatments played critical roles in separating the examined properties, and the DPPH and carvacrol properties were grouped together compared to other properties. Thus, the results suggest that treatment with azotobacter could be employed in combination with appropriate rates of sheep manure to obtain the maximum benefits regarding herb yield, biological activity, and essential oil components. Full article

Farmers frequently face the decision to retain or replace dairy cows, with 20% to 40% of cows replaced annually. In Switzerland, this translates to over 100,000 cows replaced each year, representing a significant financial investment for farms and the dairy industry. The average productive lifespan of a dairy cow is currently three to four parities worldwide as in Switzerland, shorter than the optimal five to six parities, leading to financial losses from premature culling. Factors influencing suboptimal replacement decisions include inaccurate valuation of production parameters, replacement costs, and health issues. This study bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-world practices by analyzing replacement decisions from 29 Swiss dairy farmers over five years, comparing them to theoretical models and evaluating economic impacts. On average, suboptimal decisions resulted in an economic loss of 161 ± 164 CHF per farm per month (1.55 ± 1.58 CHF per cow per month), with losses from retaining unprofitable cows being approximately three times greater than those from premature culling. The results indicate that farmers typically make economically sound decisions regarding cow replacement; this contrasts with findings from previous studies on the topic. Nonetheless, replacing cows prematurely, particularly during their first parity, is not ideal from ecological, animal welfare, and sustainability standpoints. Consequently, enhancing animal health and fertility becomes essential for reducing culling rates and improving the longevity of dairy cows. Full article

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, as the core mechanism for dynamically regulating follicular development, affect the maintenance of mammalian fertility by precisely coordinating granulosa cell–oocyte interaction, metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic remodeling. Dysregulation of these modifications directly contributes to major reproductive diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Post-translational modifications regulate follicular development through intricate mechanisms. Thus, this review systematically synthesizes recent advances in PTMs, encompassing traditional ones such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and acetylation, alongside emerging modifications including lactylation, SUMOylation, and ISGylation, thereby constructing a more comprehensive PTM landscape of follicular development. Furthermore, this study dissects the molecular interaction networks of these PTMs during follicular activation, maturation, and ovulation, and uncovers the common mechanisms through which PTM dysregulation contributes to pathological conditions, including hyperandrogenism in PCOS and follicular depletion in POI. Finally, this review ultimately provides a theoretical basis for improving livestock reproductive efficiency and precise intervention in clinical ovarian diseases. Full article