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21 pages, 10615 KiB  
Article
Cultivated Land Quality Evaluation and Constraint Factor Identification Under Different Cropping Systems in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China
by Changhe Liu, Yuzhou Sun, Xiangjun Liu, Shengxian Xu, Wentao Zhou, Fengkui Qian, Yunjia Liu, Huaizhi Tang and Yuanfang Huang
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081838 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Cultivated land quality is a key factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Exploring differences in cultivated land quality under distinct cropping systems is essential for developing targeted improvement strategies. This study takes place in Shenyang City—located in the typical black soil region of [...] Read more.
Cultivated land quality is a key factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Exploring differences in cultivated land quality under distinct cropping systems is essential for developing targeted improvement strategies. This study takes place in Shenyang City—located in the typical black soil region of Northeast China—as a case area to construct a cultivated land quality evaluation system comprising 13 indicators, including organic matter, effective soil layer thickness, and texture configuration. A minimum data set (MDS) was separately extracted for paddy and upland fields using principal component analysis (PCA) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of cultivated land quality. Additionally, an obstacle degree model was employed to identify the limiting factors and quantify their impact. The results indicated the following. (1) Both MDSs consisted of seven indicators, among which five were common: ≥10 °C accumulated temperature, available phosphorus, arable layer thickness, irrigation capacity, and organic matter. Parent material and effective soil layer thickness were unique to paddy fields, while landform type and soil texture were unique to upland fields. (2) The cultivated land quality index (CQI) values at the sampling point level showed no significant difference between paddy (0.603) and upland (0.608) fields. However, their spatial distributions diverged significantly; paddy fields were dominated by high-grade land (Grades I and II) clustered in southern areas, whereas uplands were primarily of medium quality (Grades III and IV), with broader spatial coverage. (3) Major constraint factors for paddy fields were effective soil layer thickness (21.07%) and arable layer thickness (22.29%). For upland fields, the dominant constraints were arable layer thickness (27.57%), organic matter (25.40%), and ≥10 °C accumulated temperature (23.28%). Available phosphorus and ≥10 °C accumulated temperature were identified as shared constraint factors affecting quality classification in both systems. In summary, cultivated land quality under different cropping systems is influenced by distinct limiting factors. The construction of cropping-system-specific MDSs effectively improves the efficiency and accuracy of cultivated land quality assessment, offering theoretical and methodological support for land resource management in the black soil regions of China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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19 pages, 4641 KiB  
Article
The Hydrochemical Dynamics and Water Quality Evolution of the Rizhao Reservoir and Its Tributary Systems
by Qiyuan Feng, Youcheng Lv, Jianguo Feng, Weidong Lei, Yuqi Zhang, Mingyu Gao, Linghui Zhang, Baoqing Zhao, Dongliang Zhao and Kexin Lou
Water 2025, 17(15), 2224; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152224 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Rizhao Reservoir, Shandong Province, China, as a key regional water supply hub, provides water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses in and around Rizhao City by intercepting runoff, which plays a central role in guaranteeing water supply security and supporting regional development. This [...] Read more.
Rizhao Reservoir, Shandong Province, China, as a key regional water supply hub, provides water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses in and around Rizhao City by intercepting runoff, which plays a central role in guaranteeing water supply security and supporting regional development. This study systematically collected 66 surface water samples to elucidate the hydrochemical characteristics within the reservoir area, identify the principal influencing factors, and clarify the sources of dissolved ions, aiming to enhance the understanding of the prevailing water quality conditions. A systematic analysis of hydrochemical facies, solute provenance, and governing processes in the study area’s surface water was conducted, employing an integrated mathematical and statistical approach, comprising Piper trilinear diagrams, correlation analysis, and ionic ratios. Meanwhile, the entropy weight-based water quality index (EWQI) and irrigation water quality evaluation methods were employed to assess the surface water quality in the study area quantitatively. Analytical results demonstrate that the surface water system within the study area is classified as freshwater with circumneutral to slightly alkaline properties, predominantly characterized by Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl hydrochemical facies. The evolution of solute composition is principally governed by rock–water interactions, whereas anthropogenic influences and cation exchange processes exert comparatively minor control. Dissolved ions mostly originate from silicate rock weathering, carbonate rock dissolution, and sulfate mineral dissolution processes. Potability assessment via the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) classifies surface waters in the study area as Grade I (Excellent), indicating compliance with drinking water criteria under defined boundary conditions. Irrigation suitability analysis confirms minimal secondary soil salinization risk during controlled agricultural application, with all samples meeting standards for direct irrigation use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Human Impact on Groundwater Environment, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2936 KiB  
Article
Improved Management of Verticillium Wilt in Smoke Trees Through the Use of a Combination of Fungicide and Bioagent Treatments
by Yize Zhao, Ruifeng Guo, Bo Zheng, Fei Yuan, Xi Song, Mengfei Zhang, Jinzi Guo, Kexin Liu, Weijia Liu, Xiaoran Zhou, Ying Ren, Zhihua Liu, Xinpeng Zhang and Yonglin Wang
Forests 2025, 16(6), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060914 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is an important component of the urban landscape and represents red-leaf scenery in Beijing; however, Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, has caused high mortality of smoke trees. Traditional control methods, such as chemical root irrigation [...] Read more.
Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is an important component of the urban landscape and represents red-leaf scenery in Beijing; however, Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, has caused high mortality of smoke trees. Traditional control methods, such as chemical root irrigation and trunk injection, are problematic due to environmental pollution and potential plant damage. This study aimed to explore effective prevention and control methods for Verticillium wilt of smoke tree across different regions of red-leaf scenery in Beijing. In 2023, 240 smoke trees from the Pofengling Park of Beijing were selected for the study. Four different fungicides, a plant growth regulator and a biocontrol agent were tested. Three application methods (root irrigation, trunk spraying, and a combination of both) were used in the different trials. Based on the results of the 2023 trial, control trials were conducted under the disease classification in 2024 at key red-leaf scenery regions, such as Xiangshan Park, Xishan Park, and Pofengling Park. The bioagents of Bacillus subtilis root irrigation combined with the trunk spraying treatment group showed the best disease control effects. Calculated by the change in disease index in the treatment and blank groups, the corrective control effect in the treatment group reached 104.55%, and 60% of the plants remained healthy, indicating that this method of disease control was the most effective. Propiconazole root irrigation also had a significant effect on diseased smoke trees. Furthermore, validation experiments conducted in 2024 confirmed that various combinations of root irrigation and trunk spraying provided strong preventive and therapeutic effects on Verticillium wilt. In conclusion, the graded control measures demonstrated effective control of wilt at different disease index grades. This study offers an effective and practical solution for controlling Verticillium wilt, benefiting both environmental sustainability and landscape health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Pathogens: Detection, Diagnosis, and Control)
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19 pages, 2717 KiB  
Article
Response to Sensor-Based Fertigation of Nagpur Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) in Vertisol of Central India
by Deodas Meshram, Anoop Kumar Srivastava, Akshay Utkhede, Chetan Pangul and Vasileios Ziogas
Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050508 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
In citriculture, inputs like water and fertilizer are applied through traditional basin methods, thereby incurring reduced use-efficiency. The response of conventional crop coefficient-based fertigation scheduling continues to be inconsistent and complex in its field implementation, thereby necessitating the intervention of sensor-based (Internet of [...] Read more.
In citriculture, inputs like water and fertilizer are applied through traditional basin methods, thereby incurring reduced use-efficiency. The response of conventional crop coefficient-based fertigation scheduling continues to be inconsistent and complex in its field implementation, thereby necessitating the intervention of sensor-based (Internet of Things; IoT) technology for fertigation scheduling on a real-time basis. The study aimed to investigate fertigation scheduling involving four levels of irrigation, viz., I1 (100% evapotranspiration (ET) as the conventional practice), I2 (15% volumetric moisture content (VMC)), I3 (20% VMC), and I4 (25% VMC), as the main treatments and three levels of recommended doses of fertigation, achieved by reappropriating different nutrients across phenologically defined critical growth stages, viz., F1, F2, and F3 (conventional fertilization practice), as sub-treatments, which were evaluated through a split-plot design over two harvesting seasons in 2021–2023. Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) was used as the test crop, which was raised on Indian Vertisol facing multiple nutrient constraints. Maximum values for physiological growth parameters (plant height, canopy area, canopy volume, and relative leaf water content (RLWC)) and fruit yield (characterized by 9% and 5%, respectively, higher A-grade-sized fruits with the I4 and F1 treatments over corresponding conventional practices, viz., I1 and F3) were observed with the I4 irrigation treatment in combination with the F1 fertilizer treatment (I4F1). Likewise, fruit quality parameters, viz., juice content, TSS, TSS: acid ratio, and fruit diameter, registered significantly higher with the I4F1 treatment, featuring the application of B at the new-leaf initiation stage (NLI) and Zn across the crop development (CD), color break (CB), and crop harvesting (CH) growth stages, which resulted in a higher leaf nutrient composition. Treatment I4F1 conserved 20–30% more water and 65–87% more nutrients than the I1F3 treatment (conventional practice) by reducing the rate of evaporation loss of water, thereby elevating the plant’s available nutrient supply within the root zone. Our study suggests that I4F1 is the best combination of sensor-based (IoT) irrigation and fertilization for optimizing the quality production of Nagpur mandarin, ensuring higher water productivity (WP) and nutrient-use-efficiency (NUE) coupled with the improved nutritional quality of the fruit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchard Management: Strategies for Yield and Quality)
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12 pages, 2392 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Outcomes of Revisional Powered Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) with Intraoperative Application of Mitomycin C in Patients After Failed Laser-Assisted (LDCR) or External Dacryocystorhinostomy (ExDCR)
by Michał Kinasz, Izabela Nowak-Gospodarowicz, Aleksandra Kinga Kicińska, Marek Rękas and Rafał Nowak
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 3116; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093116 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of revisional powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) with the intraoperative application of Mitomycin C in patients after failed transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (LDCR) or external dacryocystorhinostomy (ExDCR). Methods: This prospective, non-randomized, comparative, single-center [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of revisional powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) with the intraoperative application of Mitomycin C in patients after failed transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (LDCR) or external dacryocystorhinostomy (ExDCR). Methods: This prospective, non-randomized, comparative, single-center clinical study was conducted between 2020 and 2023. The study included all patients presenting with epiphora graded ≥3 on the Munk scale (0–4) and confirmed ostium occlusion or significant narrowing on endoscopic examination following primary LDCR or ExDCR. All the participants underwent pre- and postoperative assessment using the Munk scale and fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT). The primary endpoints were ostium patency on irrigation and change in epiphora grade at 24-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included changes in the FDDT results, endoscopic assessment of ostium patency, and ostium size. Outcomes were compared between the LDCR and ExDCR groups. Results: A total of 24 patients (mean age: 62 ± 19 years; range: 27–93 years) were included, with 12 cases after failed LDCR and 12 cases after failed ExDCR. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 58 months. Significant improvement in epiphora was observed at the 24-month follow-up, both in the Munk scale (p < 0.001) and FDDT (p < 0.001). The overall anatomical and functional success rate was 95.8% (23/24). The mean time to recurrence was 63 weeks after ExDCR and 38 weeks after LDCR. Although there was a trend toward a longer symptom-free interval following ExDCR, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.231). Conclusions: Powered endoscopic DCR with intraoperative Mitomycin C application is an effective reoperative approach for managing recurrent lacrimal drainage obstruction following failed laser or external dacryocystorhinostomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
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10 pages, 724 KiB  
Article
Timing of Debridement in Low-Grade Open Forearm Fractures Does Not Affect Infection Risk: A Retrospective Study
by Dani Rotman, Franck Atlan, Katherine Shehadeh, Itay Ashkenazi, Ron Gurel, Yishai Rosenblatt, Tamir Pritsch and Shai Factor
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2878; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092878 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Background: The timing of operative debridement for open upper extremity fractures has not been consistently shown to impact infection rates. Nevertheless, current treatment protocols continue to advocate for prompt surgical debridement in the operating room. We hypothesized that delaying the surgical treatment [...] Read more.
Background: The timing of operative debridement for open upper extremity fractures has not been consistently shown to impact infection rates. Nevertheless, current treatment protocols continue to advocate for prompt surgical debridement in the operating room. We hypothesized that delaying the surgical treatment of low-grade open forearm fractures beyond 24 h from presentation does not increase the likelihood of infection. Methods: The medical charts of patients who presented to a level one trauma center with Gustilo type 1 or 2 open forearm fractures between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment protocols for these low-grade open fractures included prompt wound irrigation in the emergency department and intravenous antibiotic treatment for 72 h, without emphasizing the timing of surgical intervention. Outcome measures included time to surgery, infection rate, and union rate. Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of the 62-patient cohort was 57 ± 20 years, and 30 (48%) were males. There were 9 proximal third, 16 midshaft, and 37 distal third fractures, of which 41 involved both bones. Forty-eight fractures were classified as Gustilo type 1 and fourteen as Gustilo type 2. Surgery was performed at a median interval of 47 h following presentation, with 43 (69%) patients undergoing surgery later than 24 h following presentation. There was one case (1.6%) of infection and three cases (4.8%) of non-union. Conclusions: Subject to small numbers, our findings suggest that in patients without risk factors, surgical treatment for low-grade open forearm fractures can be safely deferred without an apparent increase in infection rates. Accordingly, treatment protocols for these fractures may prioritize prompt and adequate antibiotic administration over the urgency of surgical intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Approaches to the Management of Orthopedic Injuries)
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24 pages, 4100 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Soil Water Balance Controlled Irrigation on the Cultivation of Acer pseudoplatanus Forest Tree Liners Under Non-Limiting and Limiting Soil Water Conditions
by Paulien De Clercq, Aster De Vroe, Pieter Janssens, Kathy Steppe, Dominique Van Haecke, Bruno Gobin, Marie-Christine Van Labeke and Emmy Dhooghe
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040435 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Over the past years, we experienced more extreme weather conditions during the growing season, April till October, with prolonged droughts. Rain-fed production of high-quality forest trees was possible, but recent droughts proved to have an economic impact on the plant quality. Therefore, the [...] Read more.
Over the past years, we experienced more extreme weather conditions during the growing season, April till October, with prolonged droughts. Rain-fed production of high-quality forest trees was possible, but recent droughts proved to have an economic impact on the plant quality. Therefore, the hardy nursery sector demands irrigation thresholds and suitable tools including soil and plant sensors to schedule irrigation based on crop water demand. Two trials were conducted with Acer pseudoplatanus liners (1 + 0) grown in a sandy soil in 2022 and 2023 at Viaverda (Destelbergen, Belgium). A rain-fed treatment was compared with a sprinkler irrigation treatment in both trials. Irrigation doses were evaluated with a soil water balance model, which is based on reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0), rainfall, and soil hydraulic properties. The soil water balance model was calibrated based on the measurements of soil sensors and soil samples. Simultaneously, stem water potential at solar noon, tree length, and growth were measured. The irrigation treatment had a positive effect on the stem water potential of Acer in both trials with a less negative value, ±0.7 MPa, compared to the rain-fed treatment. Irrigation increased growth with 28.4% in 2022 and 5.8% in 2023 compared to the rain-fed treatment, resulting in trees of higher commercial quality that could even be classified into a superior grading range in 2022. Full article
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20 pages, 6419 KiB  
Article
Ecological Health Evaluation of Yellow River Irrigation Districts in Henan Province: A Case Study of the Zhaokou Irrigation District
by Yong Wu, Yubo Jia, Ling Li, Chi Sun, Jiwei Li and Jie Lu
Water 2025, 17(8), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081184 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 440
Abstract
Irrigation districts play a crucial role in guaranteeing agricultural production, and their ecological health and sustainable development are of great importance for regional economic and environmental security. Taking the Zhaokou irrigation district in Henan Province as the research object, this paper firstly constructs [...] Read more.
Irrigation districts play a crucial role in guaranteeing agricultural production, and their ecological health and sustainable development are of great importance for regional economic and environmental security. Taking the Zhaokou irrigation district in Henan Province as the research object, this paper firstly constructs a health evaluation system consisting of 26 indicators from the perspective of a “nature–economy–society–ecology” composite system. Then, the fuzzy hierarchical comprehensive evaluation method and the ArcGIS spatial analysis technique are combined to systematically evaluate the ecological health status of the irrigation district and the spatial differentiation characteristics of its functional zoning. According to the findings of this paper, the overall health level of the Zhaokou irrigation district has a membership score of 0.495, which is at a “good” grade. However, some regions are inadequate in terms of environmental quality and water resources utilization. Zonal health evaluation shows that Shangqiu and Xuchang areas have the highest comprehensive health level (grade I), that the health level of Zhengzhou area is grade II, and that Kaifeng and Zhoukou areas, due to insufficient water-saving benefits and significant ecological constraints, have relatively low health levels (grades III–IV). Under the framework of functional zoning, the irrigation district is divided into three types, namely, ecological–water-saving–social composite areas, ecological–water-saving composite areas, and water-saving–social composite areas. Among them, the ecological–water-saving–social composite areas only account for 3.7%, so optimized transformation is pressing. The findings can provide references for the sustainable development and management of Yellow River irrigation districts in Henan Province, boosting the high-quality development of irrigation districts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water, Agriculture and Aquaculture)
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26 pages, 7890 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Variability and Drivers of Cropland Non-Agricultural Conversion Across Mountainous County Types: Evidence from the Qian-Gui Karst Region, China
by Qingping Lu, Siji Zhu, Zhaofu Xiao, Guifang Zhu, Jie Li, Jiahao Cui, Wen He and Jun Sun
Agriculture 2025, 15(7), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15070795 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 638
Abstract
The accelerating conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses poses critical threats to food security and sustainable land management, particularly in ecologically fragile karst mountainous regions. This study investigated the spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms of cropland non-agricultural conversion (CNAC) in the Qian-Gui [...] Read more.
The accelerating conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses poses critical threats to food security and sustainable land management, particularly in ecologically fragile karst mountainous regions. This study investigated the spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms of cropland non-agricultural conversion (CNAC) in the Qian-Gui karst region (Guangxi and Guizhou, China) from 2000 to 2020, employing land use datasets and socioeconomic indicators through geographically weighted regression (GWR) modeling. The results showed that (1) from 2000 to 2020, the CNAC rate in the Qian-Guizhou karst mountainous region reached 2.03%. The area of CNAC increased by 14.60 × 104 hm2, increasing 1.74 times in 2010–2020 compared to 2000–2010, showing a trend of rapid growth. Specifically, the growth rate of the CNAC area was the highest in apparent mountainous (110.36%) and quasi-mountainous counties (100.5%), followed by semi-mountainous counties (95.28%), while entirely mountainous (40.89%) and pure hilly counties (37.68%) experienced the lowest growth, revealing distinct regional disparities. (2) Spatially, CNAC exhibited a pattern of “high in the north and south, low in the central region”, and the overall level of CNAC displayed significant regional imbalances, with extreme grades distributed in provincial capitals, high and medium grades concentrated in prefecture-level city districts, and light and low grades mainly located in counties and districts (accounting for more than 55.56% of the total number of research units in the two time periods). (3) There was significant spatial heterogeneity in the driving effect of factors influencing CNAC. Agricultural output and population density showed the strongest positive correlations; effectively irrigated areas exhibited a growing influence over time (except for pure hilly counties); rocky desertification areas exerted a strengthened influence on CNAC in pure hilly counties, while their impact was relatively lower in other regions compared to other indicators. Therefore, when formulating policies to protect farmland, it is essential to take into account the specific conditions of different types of counties in mountainous areas and adopt management measures tailored to these regional characteristics. Full article
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14 pages, 7466 KiB  
Article
Impaired Cerebral Hemodynamics in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Assessed by Resting-State Functional MRI
by Kaio F. Secchinato, Pedro H. R. da Silva, Guilherme R. Rodrigues, Ana P. A. C. Ferreira, Octavio M. Pontes-Neto and Renata F. Leoni
J. Vasc. Dis. 2025, 4(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/jvd4020015 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 949
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and time shift (TS) are vascular-related parameters that reflect cerebral perfusion and may be associated with the risk of developing stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS). We investigated CVR and TS in patients with ACAS using [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and time shift (TS) are vascular-related parameters that reflect cerebral perfusion and may be associated with the risk of developing stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS). We investigated CVR and TS in patients with ACAS using resting-state magnetic resonance imaging based on blood-oxygen-level-dependent contrast (BOLD-MRI). Methods: We included twenty patients with severe unilateral ACAS and twenty age-matched controls. Individual CVR maps were obtained through a voxel-wise regression of the MRI signal, using the global signal filtered in a specific frequency range (0.02–0.04 Hz) as the regressor. A recursive cross-correlation method provided individual TS maps through the BOLD low-frequency fluctuation. CVR and TS values were obtained for the territories irrigated by the main cerebral arteries (anterior, middle, and posterior) separated into proximal, intermediary, and distal regions. Results: Compared to controls, ACAS patients presented reduced CVR and increased TS in the distal parts of the brain vascular territories. Individual CVR and TS values varied more within the patient group than controls. Such individual variability may help identify patients eligible for intervention better than the stenosis grade. Conclusions: CVR and TS may indicate subtle hemodynamic changes and assist in identifying regions at higher risk of neuronal damage or ischemic stroke on an individual basis, aiding in the stratification of patients with ACAS based on their risk of progressing to stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurovascular Diseases)
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13 pages, 927 KiB  
Article
Integrating Sustainable Cultivation Practices and Advanced Extraction Methods for Improved Cannabis Yield and Cannabinoid Production
by Theerayut Thawonkit, Nednapa Insalud, Rapeephun Dangtungee and Prakash Bhuyar
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16020038 - 21 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
The rising global demand for medicinal cannabis necessitates the optimization of cultivation, harvesting, and extraction techniques to maximize cannabinoid yield and purity. This study investigates the Foi Thong Phu Pha Yon strain under controlled environmental conditions, evaluating the effects of temperature, humidity, CO [...] Read more.
The rising global demand for medicinal cannabis necessitates the optimization of cultivation, harvesting, and extraction techniques to maximize cannabinoid yield and purity. This study investigates the Foi Thong Phu Pha Yon strain under controlled environmental conditions, evaluating the effects of temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and light exposure on plant growth and cannabinoid biosynthesis. A total of 170 seeds were germinated, with an 85% germination success rate, and various growth strategies, including soil composition, nutrient application, and irrigation methods, were tested to determine the most effective approach. The research findings indicate that vegetative growth was optimal at 27 °C, 70% humidity, and 1200 ppm CO2 while flowering required a reduced temperature (22 °C), lower humidity (50%), and elevated CO2 levels (1900 ppm) to enhance cannabinoid production and prevent disease. Furthermore, harvest timing significantly influenced CBD yield, with peak cannabinoid content observed when 80% of trichomes were cloudy white. Over two growing cycles, this study produced 43,200 g of fresh buds, resulting in 7560 g of dried cannabis buds. The extraction process, utilizing dynamic maceration with 95% ethanol, followed by winterization and chromatography, yielded 2343.60 g of cannabis extract, including 589.68 g of CBD, with an average purity of 86.599%. Advanced techniques such as flash chromatography and distillation further refined the CBD isolate, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade quality. These findings highlight the effectiveness of precise environmental control, strategic harvesting, and advanced extraction methodologies in optimizing cannabis production. This research provides valuable insights for agricultural researchers, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry, supporting sustainable cultivation practices and improved product quality in the expanding medicinal cannabis market. Full article
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29 pages, 8291 KiB  
Article
A Novel Transpiration Drought Index for Winter Wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Region, China: A Process-Based Framework Incorporating Improved Crop Water Supply–Demand Dynamics
by Qianchuan Mi, Zhiguo Huo, Meixuan Li, Lei Zhang, Rui Kong, Fengyin Zhang, Yi Wang and Yuxin Huo
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030679 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 819
Abstract
Monitoring agricultural drought is crucial for mitigating yield losses in winter wheat, especially in the Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) region of China. Current drought indices often fall short in accurately representing the water supply–demand dynamics for crops, neglect irrigation practices, and overemphasize drought intensity rather [...] Read more.
Monitoring agricultural drought is crucial for mitigating yield losses in winter wheat, especially in the Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) region of China. Current drought indices often fall short in accurately representing the water supply–demand dynamics for crops, neglect irrigation practices, and overemphasize drought intensity rather than its evolution and overall impact. To address these concerns, we developed a novel transpiration drought index utilizing the Water Balance for Winter Wheat (WBWW) model. This index integrated variations in atmospheric conditions, soil moisture conditions, crop resistance, and irrigation practices to enhance the evaluation of water supply and demand dynamics. The WBWW model was initially validated against field transpiration measurements, achieving an R2 of 0.7573, thereby confirming its reliability for subsequent analyses. To create a mechanistic understanding of crop water supply and demand, we adopted the reduction rate of actual and potential transpiration to identify drought events and constructed joint probability distributions of drought duration and severity using copulas. This led to the development of the Winter Wheat Drought Assessment Index (WDAI). The grade threshold for the WDAI was established based on historical drought data from the HHH region through a series of statistical threshold determination methods. Our findings showed that the WDAI successfully identified 87.36% of drought samples according to their recorded grades, with 97.13% within one grade of historical records. Comparative analyses with retained regional data and existing indices—the Crop Water Deficit Index (CWDI) and the Relative Soil Moisture Index (RSMI)—further demonstrated its effectiveness. Our study represents a robust tool for dynamic drought monitoring in the HHH region and offers critical insights into agricultural irrigation practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Farming Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 6361 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of the Current Situation of Ecological Flow Release from Large- and Medium-Sized Reservoirs in the Southeastern River Basins of China
by Yijing Chen, Hui Nie, Gaozhan Liu, Jiongling Xiao, He Qiu, Bingjiao Xu, Hao Chen, Saihua Huang and Huawei Xie
Water 2025, 17(3), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030451 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 938
Abstract
Ecological flow is a crucial determinant of river ecosystem well-being and aquatic ecosystem stability. Large- and medium-sized reservoirs, with flood prevention, irrigation, and power generation functions, necessitate a scientifically devised ecological flow release plan for river ecosystem conservation and water quality amelioration. This [...] Read more.
Ecological flow is a crucial determinant of river ecosystem well-being and aquatic ecosystem stability. Large- and medium-sized reservoirs, with flood prevention, irrigation, and power generation functions, necessitate a scientifically devised ecological flow release plan for river ecosystem conservation and water quality amelioration. This study centered on three reservoirs in the Jiaojiang River Basin of Zhejiang Province, China. Using measured outflow data, the hydrological approach was initially adopted to calculate individual reservoir ecological flows. Subsequently, the entropy weight method was employed to ascertain the most suitable ecological flow. Ecological flow grade thresholds were then established to formulate the optimal release scheme. The outcomes demonstrated that the average ecological flows of Xia’an, Lishimen, and Longxi reservoirs were 1.90 m3/s, 1.95 m3/s, and 0.42 m3/s, respectively. The multi-year average ecological flow assurance rates were 62.53%, 77.72%, and 56.94%, successively. The entropy weighted downstream optimal ecological flows were 2.10 m3/s, 2.28 m3/s, and 0.44 m3/s. During periods when the monthly ecological flow assurance rate was below 60%, the three reservoirs implemented schemes of installing ecological siphons, renovating water diversion systems, and using post-dam ecological units, respectively. Full article
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18 pages, 11099 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Abiotic Environmental Stressors on Fluorescence and Chlorophyll Content in Glycine max (L.) Merrill
by Judita Tomaškinová, Ján Tomaškin, Marek Drimal and Jesus Bellido
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020263 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1017
Abstract
In this study, we present the results of the impact of abiotic environmental (chemical) stressors in the soil environment (salinity, acidification, inorganic elements from industry—red mud waste containing Al) on the content and fluorescence of chlorophyll in the assimilating tissues of Glycine max [...] Read more.
In this study, we present the results of the impact of abiotic environmental (chemical) stressors in the soil environment (salinity, acidification, inorganic elements from industry—red mud waste containing Al) on the content and fluorescence of chlorophyll in the assimilating tissues of Glycine max (L.) Merrill, cv. ES Mentor. Under controlled conditions of a pot experiment during the 2023 growing season, we applied graded doses of these stressors (salinity—doses of 20, 30, and 60 g NaCl per 2 dm3 of water used for plant irrigation; acidity—pH 6, pH 5, and pH 4; red mud—200 g, 400 g, and 600 g per pot) and assessed their impact on the effective and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), yield Y(II), or the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence—the Fv/Fm test. These tests are used to detect plant stress. The Y(II) test yielded values in the range of 0.627–0.800. Significant differences (variance analysis, 95% Least Significant Difference—LSD, post hoc test of analysis of variance—ANOVA) in reducing PSII chlorophyll fluorescence (Y(II)) were found between the medium and high doses of all three stressors compared to the control, indicating plant stress response. The Fv/Fm test yielded values between 0.668 and 0.805 and similarly detected stress responses in plants to all medium and high doses of stressors. The evaluated cultivar showed tolerance to moderately increased salt (NaCl) content and red mud levels. This was also confirmed by the chlorophyll content expressed as the Chlorophyll Content Index (CCI). The highest (significantly confirmed) chlorophyll content was found in the control variant and the variants with lower salt content and a soil pH of 6, with values of 35.633–37.467 CCI, compared to variants with higher red mud content (15.533–18.133 CCI) and higher soil acidity with pH 4 (22.833 CCI). Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the ES Mentor cultivar is tolerant to lower doses of the assessed stressors and can be cultivated in agricultural practice. However, medium to high doses of stressors trigger a strong stress response in plants and, therefore, we do not recommend cultivating this variety in contaminated environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
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20 pages, 12892 KiB  
Article
Understanding Agricultural Water Consumption Trends in Henan Province: A Spatio-Temporal and Determinant Analysis Using Geospatial Models
by Yanbin Li, Yuhang Han, Hongxing Li and Kai Feng
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122253 - 9 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
In the context of water scarcity, understanding the mechanisms influencing and altering agricultural water consumption can offer valuable insights into the scientific management of limited water resources. Using Henan Province as a case study, this research applies the Mann–Kendall test method, the spatial [...] Read more.
In the context of water scarcity, understanding the mechanisms influencing and altering agricultural water consumption can offer valuable insights into the scientific management of limited water resources. Using Henan Province as a case study, this research applies the Mann–Kendall test method, the spatial Markov transfer chain model, the optimal parameter geo-detector model, and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition method to investigate the evolution characteristics of agricultural water consumption in Henan Province and its key influencing factors. The findings revealed the following: (1) Agricultural water consumption has shown a significant decline from 1999 to 2022. (2) According to observations, the stability of agricultural water consumption exceeds the spillover effect, and cross-border grade transfer is challenging. Moreover, this phenomenon is influenced by the neighboring regions. (3) The key influencing factors of added agricultural value are the sown area of food crops, total sown area, irrigated area, and average annual air temperature. (4) Among the decomposition effects on agricultural water consumption, the contribution of each decomposition effect to changes in agricultural water consumption and the role of spatial distribution exhibit notable differences. Overall, these findings provide theoretical references for the efficient use of agricultural water resources and sustainable development in the region. Full article
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