Search Results (2,400)

Biodiversity strongly influences key ecosystem processes. However, with ongoing global biodiversity loss, vital ecosystem services are likely to be negatively affected. Studies that monitor biodiversity are thus crucial, especially when performed in relation to environmental conditions. Our study investigated how species diversity and abundance were influenced by soil properties, in association with plant growth forms (i.e., grasses, forbs, and shrubs). The study was conducted across two land-use types: three protected areas (nature reserves) and adjacent unprotected areas. Plant diversity was measured as species richness, and plant abundance was measured as plant density and cover. We used simple and multiple regression analyses, as well as detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA), to elucidate relationships among species richness, plant abundance, growth forms, and soil nutrients. Both species richness and plant abundance were mostly positively associated with soil nutrients across both land-use types. The response was more robust and varied when species were partitioned into growth forms. Growth forms were strong predictors of species richness and abundance across both land-use types, whereas the effects of soil properties were relatively weaker. When growth forms and soil properties were considered jointly, their combined effects strongly predicted species richness and abundance. Full article

Background: Nutrition is a key determinant of skin barrier function and coat quality in cats, but controlled studies comparing commercial diets are limited. Methods: Eighteen healthy adult cats (3.44 ± 0.69 years) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard commercial chicken-based diet (ORI, Instinct Petfood, Visalia, CA, USA, n = 9) or a nutrient-enriched formula designed for skin and coat health (ULT, Instinct Petfood, Little Falls, MN, USA, n = 9) for 12 weeks. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded weekly. Visual coat scoring, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and skin biophysical parameters (hydration, sebum, transepidermal water loss) were assessed on days 0, 21, 42, 63 and 84. Results: Both diets maintained stable BW and BCS. Visual scoring showed skin and hair remained within the normal healthy ranges in both groups throughout the study. QDA revealed significant improvements in coat glossiness, softness, and overall scores over time in both diet groups (p < 0.05). Back hydration increased over time, and in the ORI group, values at days 42, 63, and 84 were higher than baseline (44.96, 43.10, and 41.26 vs. 33.85; p < 0.05). Ear hydration showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05). In the ULT group, ear hydration was higher at days 21, 42, 63, and 84 than at baseline (24.17, 35.21, 28.69, and 34.19 vs. 17.87; p < 0.05). Ear TEWL also showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05) and displayed a biphasic pattern in the ULT group, with values at days 63 and 84 higher than at day 42 (15.51 and 14.48 vs. 11.77 g/m²/h; p < 0.05). Compared with the ORI group, the ULT group showed a smaller change in ear TEWL from baseline at day 42 (−2.54 vs. 2.98 g/m²/h; p < 0.05) and a greater increase in ear hydration from baseline at day 84 (16.32 vs. 9.31; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that both diets supported healthy skin and coat conditions in cats, while the nutrient-enriched formula may provide additional benefits for skin hydration. Full article

Human urine is a sustainable source of nutrients with significant fertilizer potential. The presence of pharmaceutical residues, however, obstructs its use in agriculture. Also, the loss of ammonia formed in enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea in stored urine compromises the approach. This study presents gas-phase pulsed corona discharge (PCD) used in the oxidation of pharmaceuticals and enzymes, improving the applicability of urine as a fertilizer. The prioritized beta-blocker propranolol (PR) and antibiotic tetracycline were chosen as target micropollutants for the experimental study, demonstrating enhanced oxidation relative to matrix constituents. Tetracycline showed its more recalcitrant character in urine than PR for its more pronounced matrix-mediated scavenging or complexation. The PCD oxidation significantly lowered the urease enzyme activity, thus preventing nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization. According to the phytotoxicity assessment using the Pisum sativum garden peas test, urine PCD-treated with the energy dose sufficient to substantially degrade pharmaceuticals is not phytotoxic when applied at recommended agronomic doses. The findings reveal the use of PCD as an energy-efficient technology for producing safe and stable urine-derived fertilizer. Full article

The Loess Hilly Region of northern Shaanxi is one of the most erosion-prone areas in the world due to its porous, erodible loess, steep slopes, and seasonal rainfall. To address this, conversion of sloping farmland to terraces has been extensively conducted across China’s loess regions, as terracing can reduce soil and water loss and enhance soil fertility. However, disturbance of soil layers during terracing can also lead to short-term decline in farmland productivity. This study investigates the effects of terracing operations at two sites of different ground substrate configurations in the Loess Hilly Region. Utilizing geochemical and molecular biological analysis methods, we examined the changes in the physicochemical and microbial properties of the ground substrate after terracing, using adjacent sloping farmlands as control sites. The results show that when the ground substrate configuration remained intact, terracing increased the average water content (from 8.44% to 14.34%) and soil organic carbon (from 2.74 g/kg to 5.76 g/kg) by 70% and 110%, respectively, and increased soil microbial α-diversity by 90%. The microbial community structure was also enhanced with an increase in relative abundance of soil- and plant-benefiting genera such as Streptomyces and Nocardioides, thereby promoting plant growth. Conversely, when the ground substrate configuration was altered, terracing led to a decrease in soil nutrient and moisture content, which was detrimental to crop growth. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the ground substrate configuration is crucial during the terracing process to achieve optimal soil and water conservation outcomes. Full article

Habitat alteration and biological invasions are two main drivers of biodiversity loss at the global scale. Eutrophication and invasive fish greatly disturb freshwater native communities. This is of particular conservation concern in the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain), where fish fauna display a high level of endemism. For this eco-region, there is a dearth of information on the interactions among water quality, physical condition and parasites of invasive fishes. Consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of nutrient enrichment on health status and parasitological traits in the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki inhabiting an Iberian river. Water (n = 18 replicates, three per site) and fish (n = 400 individuals, 33–34 ind. per site and year) samples were collected in September 2024 and 2025 along the River Bullaque (central Spain). Sampling effort was standardised among sites, with the following parameters consistent: seine and pond nets were used, deployed by wading; 10:00 solar time; 1.5 h duration; personnel (the same seven trained researchers); and weather/environmental conditions; ensuring methodological consistency and data comparability. Laboratory procedures were carried out near the sampling sites to minimise both fish stress and distortions to parasite communities. Morphological and parasitological parameters were compared between mesotrophic and eutrophic reaches (six sampling sites, three per reach). Body condition and health assessment index* were greater under eutrophic conditions. Fluctuating asymmetry (a measure of developmental instability) was significantly higher for eye diameter in the mesotrophic reach. Parasite taxonomic composition differed between reaches, with more digeneans and cestodes in the mesotrophic sites, whereas ciliates and monogeneans were more abundant in mosquitofish from the eutrophic reach. Parasite prevalence, abundance and index of life-cycle complexity (heteroxenous species) were lower in the eutrophic reach. These results strongly suggest that eutrophication can facilitate mosquitofish invasiveness. This is reflected in a variety of morphological and parasitological traits, such as better body condition, health status, developmental stability, parasite resistance and tolerance. Overall, these parameters indicate that mosquitofish is taking advantage of anthropogenic impacts to improve their level of establishment and subsequent spread throughout Iberian fresh waters. Full article

Rapid dissolution of conventional fertilizers causes low nutrient-use efficiency and serious leaching losses, contributing to agricultural non-point source pollution. In this study, biomass-based slow-release fertilizer beads were prepared by ionic crosslinking of potato starch (ST), chitosan (CS), and corn-straw biochar (BC), using potassium nitrate (KNO₃) as the model nutrient. The effects of ST/CS ratio and BC incorporation on bead structure, swelling, nutrient loading, release kinetics, and soil-column leaching were systematically investigated. Biochar incorporation formed a more compact and interconnected porous network and reduced the equilibrium swelling ratios of ST90/CS10, ST80/CS20, and ST70/CS30 from 188%, 176%, and 164% to 168%, 136%, and 104%, respectively. Although BC slightly decreased KNO₃ loading capacity, it markedly slowed nutrient release; ST80/CS20/BC20 released 31.09%, 50.09%, and 81.82% of loaded KNO₃ at 24, 72, and 504 h, respectively, which were 28.40%, 25.27%, and 11.30% lower than those of ST80/CS20. Kinetic fitting indicated that BC reduced the apparent release rate and promoted diffusion-controlled release behavior. Soil-column experiments further showed that the beads reduced NO₃⁻-N and K⁺ leaching compared with free KNO₃, with ST80/CS20/BC20 showing the best balance between nutrient loading and release control. These results suggest that starch–chitosan–biochar beads are a promising biodegradable matrix for slow-release fertilizer applications. Full article

Duckweed (Lemnaceae) is a promising alternative feed crop, particularly in regions with nutrient surpluses and protein deficits, as it grows efficiently on nutrient-rich agricultural wastewater and provides protein-rich biomass. However, its high moisture content and rapid post-harvest spoilage pose major storage challenges. This study evaluated (co-)ensiling as a cost-effective preservation strategy for duckweed. Three separate experiments were conducted to assess the ensilability of duckweed alone and in combination with various agricultural co-substrates and additives, including corn silage, beet pulp, grass silage, hemp shives, hay, molasses, sun-dried duckweed and CaCO₃. Duckweed alone could not be successfully ensiled due to excessive moisture, resulting in poor acidification and high levels of undesirable fermentation products. During the long-term co-ensiling test, a duckweed–corn silage mixture containing 29% fresh duckweed and 71% corn silage showed the most stable fermentation profile, with low pH, limited fermentation losses, and no detectable butyric acid. A duckweed–grass silage mixture containing 51% fresh duckweed and 49% grass silage allowed higher duckweed inclusion and retained the highest level of apparent pepsin-digestible protein after storage, but showed elevated acetic acid and ethanol concentrations. A duckweed–beet pulp mixture containing 74% fresh duckweed and 26% beet pulp enabled the highest duckweed inclusion rate, but showed signs of clostridial fermentation, likely due to excess moisture. Microbiological analysis of this beet pulp mixture showed reduced Enterobacteriaceae after ensiling, but also increased clostridial counts. Oxalic acid concentrations were low in all duckweed-based silages, with the largest reduction observed in the duckweed–grass mixture. Overall, the results show that duckweed co-ensiling is feasible but highly dependent on co-substrate selection and moisture control. Further formulation optimisation is required, particularly for high-duckweed mixtures, to reduce the risk of clostridial fermentation and improve practical applicability as a storable feed ingredient. Full article

Controlled degradation of genomic DNA is a hallmark of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants and animals. In plants, nucleic acid degradation during PCD enables nutrient redistribution. S1/P1 nucleases are established participants; however, the staphylococcal-like (SNc) nucleases, represented in Arabidopsis thaliana by plasma membrane-localized AtCAN1 and AtCAN2, have not been characterized in this context. Using promoter-driven GUS reporter assays, we show that AtCAN1, and to a lesser extent AtCAN2, are expressed in three tissue categories: (i) tissues described in the scientific literature as classical examples of PCD-associated structures; (ii) cells at the plant–environment interface susceptible to pathogen attack, root hairs, guard cells, and hydathodes; and (iii) endoreduplicated structures: stipules, trichomes, and basal hypocotyl. Expression patterns were independently confirmed using publicly available microarray and RNA-seq datasets. Loss of AtCAN1 function reduces rosette growth. AtCAN1 is highly tissue-specific; AtCAN2 shows a broader, weaker pattern, consistent with subfunctionalization. Overlapping expression with S1/P1 nucleases in PCD tissues suggests complementary nucleolytic roles. Unlike S1/P1 nucleases, which are nuclear, SNc nucleases localize to the plasma membrane, implying distinct yet cooperative pathways. The expression of SNc nucleases in endoreduplicating organs suggests their potential involvement in an unidentified process of polyploid DNA recycling. Full article

Fungi of the genus Pleurotus are increasingly studied not only for their ecological versatility and saprotrophic capabilities but also for their potential in biotechnological applications such as nutrient bioaccumulation. As sustainable alternatives to animal protein sources, Pleurotus species combine high nutritional value with the ability to grow on agro-industrial residues. This review explores the bioaccumulation potential of Pleurotus species of essential compounds of biotechnological interest, particularly selenium and iron, focusing on applications in sustainable nutrition and functional ingredient development. Notably, the substrate composition can nearly double protein content, and selenium-enriched mushrooms can reach up to 858 µg/g without compromising biological efficiency, depending on the dose and chemical form. Similarly, iron biofortification achieved up to 4176 µg/g in P. pulmonarius with minimal productivity loss. Among the species analysed, P. ostreatus and P. eryngii stood out for their productivity and nutritional quality, while P. citrinopileatus recorded the highest protein content at 34.7% dry weight. Overall, mineral biofortification of Pleurotus spp. emerges as a promising strategy to support sustainable food systems, address global micronutrient deficiencies, and expand the biotechnological use of edible fungi. Full article

Rice straw incorporation is a paddy soil management practice that can reduce environmental pollution, mitigate soil degradation, and minimize nutrient loss. In this study, temporal shifts in soil microbial communities and metabolic profiles were investigated across three key rice growth stages—pre-planting (BS), tillering (TI), and harvest (HA)—to elucidate the ecological effects of straw incorporation. The Shannon diversity and Pielou evenness indices were significantly higher under straw incorporation than under the control at the BS and TI stages, but significantly lower at the HA stage. Straw incorporation also increased the relative abundance of key bacterial taxa, including Polaromonas sp. AER18D145, Sphingomonas sediminicola, and Thiobacillus denitrificans. Functional annotation indicated that the microbial community was mainly associated with amino acid biosynthesis and glycolysis. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in steroids and their derivatives, terpenoid lipids, and carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Three metabolites—3-hexa-isoprenyl-4,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, LysoPE (16:1(9Z)/0:0), and stachyose—differed significantly across all stages, suggesting their potential as metabolic indicators of straw incorporation. KEGG enrichment analysis identified significant alterations in arachidonic acid, purine, galactose, and pyrimidine metabolism. Redundancy analysis further revealed positive associations of LysoPE (16:1(9Z)/0:0) and stachyose with Brevundimonas sp. Root608 and Polaromonas sp. AER18D145. Full article

Tomato crop residues (TCR) from soilless greenhouses are treated as waste, causing greenhouse gas emissions and biomass loss. Within a circular economy framework, gasification converts TCR into renewable energy and biochar; however, its high pH and electrical conductivity (EC) limit its use as a substrate. This study evaluated whether pre-treatment could enable TCR biochar to act as a substrate component and nutrient source in tomato and pepper seedlings. Biochar was produced by gasification and pre-treated by water incubation plus nitric acid, reducing EC from 27 to 8.7 dS m⁻¹ and pH from 10.4 to 8.2 while achieving nitrate loading without leaching. Pristine biochar severely restricted growth. Subsequent experiments evaluated pre-treated biochar mixed with perlite or cocopeat, with or without external N and K. The 15/85% (w/w) pre-treated biochar/cocopeat mixture (PTB/C) showed the best overall performance. In the absence of additional N/K, PTB/C produced shoot biomass and shoot N concentrations comparable to N-/K-supplemented cocopeat; shoot K was comparable in tomato and higher in pepper. With N and K supplementation, PTB/C exceeded supplemented cocopeat biomass by 1.41- and 1.95-fold in tomato and pepper, respectively. These results indicate that pre-treated TCR biochar can reduce dependence on imported cocopeat and external N/K supply. Full article

Aquatic environments that support tourism, including coasts, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries, are experiencing accelerating eutrophication worldwide. This trend increases the frequency and intensity of algal blooms. These blooms undermine ecosystem services and weaken the socio-economic performance of destination areas. Despite these challenges, existing research remains fragmented. Aquatic sciences mainly examine nutrient enrichment and bloom dynamics. In contrast, tourism studies often treat blooms as episodic disturbances and rarely integrate exposure pathways, risk communication, or feedback to destination governance. This review synthesizes evidence across freshwater and marine systems to develop a coupled tourism–water ecosystem perspective. We link eutrophication drivers and bloom typologies to three dimensions. These are the degradation of tourism-supporting ecosystem services, compound health stressors, and communication filters. The first includes losses of water clarity and aesthetic value. The second involves multi-route exposure through contact, inhalation, and seafood ingestion. The third shapes perceived safety, trust, and behavioral adaptation. We further connect perceived health risks to observable tourist behaviors, including cancellation, destination substitution, and activity avoidance. These micro-level responses can aggregate into market-level demand contractions and consumption reallocation. They can also trigger regional economic cascades, including public management costs, employment impacts, and long-term reputational damage. Crucially, tourism is not merely a victim of blooms. It can also act as a reinforcing anthropogenic driver through wastewater burdens, infrastructure expansion, and pulse pressures. These pressures lower ecological resilience, especially under warming and hydrological stabilization. Finally, we identify governance leverage points. These include early-warning systems, threshold-based graded interventions, transparent risk communication, and integrated social–ecological modeling. These strategies can reduce uncertainty-driven losses and support adaptive destination management. Overall, this review reframes algal blooms as systemic social–ecological risks. It provides a structured basis for future empirical attribution and policy design in tourism-dependent waters under climate stress. Full article

Excessive chemical fertilization in maize production has reduced fertilizer-use efficiency and increased pressure on soil quality, whereas reducing fertilizer input without yield loss remains challenging. This challenge has shifted attention toward strategies that improve crop nutrient acquisition and utilization under lower fertilizer supply. Harpin protein-based enzyme complexes may provide a regulatory approach, but their field performance under reduced fertilization remains unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted from 2023 to 2024 using two maize cultivars, Heyu236 and Fuyuan2. In 2023, the harpin protein-based enzyme complex was applied at 200-fold and 300-fold dilutions under conventional fertilization to identify effective spraying concentrations. In 2024, the same two concentrations were evaluated under conventional fertilization and 15%, 30%, and 45% fertilizer reductions. In the 2023 concentration screening trial under conventional fertilization, the enzyme complex increased kernels per ear by 5.6–9.7% and tended to increase the yield by 0.4–17.2% (not significant). In 2024, under reduced fertilization, enzyme application combined with 30% fertilizer reduction produced a stable yield response. In particular, the 300-fold dilution combined with 30% fertilizer reduction increased kernels per ear by 18.1% and 13.2% and grain yield by 16.9% and 9.5% in Fuyuan2 and Heyu 236, respectively. Soil analyses showed that the enzyme treatment mainly improved nutrient availability, as reflected by higher available P, available K, alkali-hydrolyzable N, organic matter, and available Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn in the soil. These findings suggest that the harpin protein-based enzyme complex helped maintain maize yield under moderate fertilizer reduction by improving kernel formation and soil nutrient availability. Among the tested treatments, foliar application at 300-fold dilution combined with 30% fertilizer reduction showed the greatest potential for reducing fertilizer input while sustaining maize productivity. Full article

The black soil layer has undergone substantial degradation in Northeast China, and it is crucial to adopt reasonable tillage measures to prevent black soil degradation. Organic amendment strategies provide an effective solution for mitigating nutrient loss in black soil; meanwhile, there is still a lack of systematic investigation into their impact on soil microbial communities. Thus, we carried out a five-year field experiment from 2020 to 2025 in Jilin Province. Four organic amendment strategies were set up: conventional tillage (CT); straw returning (SR); straw returning + inorganic fertilizer (SRI); and straw returning + inorganic fertilizer + organic fertilizer (SRIO). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of organic materials on soil properties and microbial communities during the maize seedling stage. The results showed that SR significantly increased the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium, Tausonia and Coprinopsis, while SRI led to a 140.3% increase in Nocardioides. In SRIO treatment, Gaiella and Fusarium were significantly enriched by 103.9% and 142.5%, respectively. Moreover, SR treatment significantly decreased the fungal Shannon and Simpson index by 18.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Organic matter, alkali nitrogen, and available potassium were the primary environmental factors shaping both bacterial and fungal community structures. Additionally, the co-occurrence network suggested that straw returning promoted more diverse interactions among soil bacterial and fungal communities. Our study highlights the potential of organic amendment strategies in enhancing black soil nutrients, as well as their important role in maintaining soil microbial function and stability. Full article

In temperate climates, diversifying rotations with overwintering cover crops provides many benefits, including reducing nutrient losses, restoring soil organic matter, and managing weeds. However, there is limited understanding of where and when cover crops have been planted, especially relative to harvested winter crops, such as wheat and alfalfa. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data to map winter land cover, including cover crops, across three sites in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan using random forest models. Our results show overall moderate accuracy (60–80%) across all three sites, with individual-level accuracies varying by region and land cover type. Generally, models that combined Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 bands, polarizations, and indices performed better than models that relied on one sensor alone. F1 scores for cover crop mapping were moderate, with the highest accuracies achieved for mapping any cover crop (0.77) compared to individual cover crop species—cereal rye (0.72) or ryegrass (0.50). Considering which bands and time periods were the most important for the classification, we found that vegetation indices developed using the red edge bands in the earlier part of the growing season were particularly important for classification accuracy. This work suggests that readily available Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data can be used to accurately map winter land cover, including cover crops, in the US Midwest. Full article