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The ongoing advancement of urbanization has significantly amplified its impacts on the water environment. Understanding the coupling relationships between urbanization and the water environment (UAWE) is crucial for Chinese policymakers aiming to promote sustainable urban development. In this study, a comprehensive UAWE evaluation model was developed to examine the development trajectories in Neijiang City from 2012 to 2022. Methodologically, a comprehensive evaluation approach was applied to assess urbanization and water resource trends over this period, followed by the development of a Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM) to quantify their synergistic relationship. The results showed that the coupling between the comprehensive urbanization index and the water environment system evolved over time, as reflected in the following key findings: (1) Neijiang underwent three distinct stages from 2012 to 2022 in terms of coupling and coordination between urbanization and the water environment: Basic Coordination (2012–2015), Good Coordination (2016–2020), and Excellent Coordination (2020–2022). (2) Urbanization exerted varying impacts on subsystems of the water environment, with the pressure-response subsystems exhibiting marked volatility from 2012 to 2022. The impact intensity followed the order spatial urbanization > economic urbanization > social urbanization > population urbanization. These findings offer valuable theoretical and practical insights for aligning urban sustainability goals with effective water environment protection measures. This study provides essential guidance for policymakers in Neijiang and similar regions, enabling the development of tailored strategies for sustainable urbanization and enhanced water management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Water Management Technologies and Environmental Sustainability)

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22 pages, 14333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Transient Combustion Study in a Brick Kiln Using Natural Gas as Fuel by Means of CFD

by Sergio Alonso-Romero, Jorge Arturo Alfaro-Ayala, José Eduardo Frias-Chimal, Oscar A. López-Núñez, José de Jesús Ramírez-Minguela and Roberto Zitzumbo-Guzmán

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082437 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

A brick kiln was experimentally studied to measure the transient temperature of hot gases and the compressive strength of the bricks, using pine wood as fuel, in order to evaluate the thermal performance of the actual system. In addition, a transient combustion model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the combustion of natural gas in the brick kiln as a hypothetical case, with the aim of investigating the potential benefits of fuel switching. The theoretical stoichiometric combustion of both pine wood and natural gas was employed to compare the mole fractions and the adiabatic flame temperature. Also, the transient hot gas temperature obtained from the experimental wood-fired kiln were compared with those from the simulated natural gas-fired kiln. Furthermore, numerical simulations were carried out to obtain the transient hot gas temperature and NOx emissions under stoichiometric, fuel-rich, and excess air conditions. The results of CO₂ mole fractions from stoichiometric combustion demonstrate that natural gas may represent a cleaner alternative for use in brick kilns, due to a 44.08% reduction in emissions. Contour plots of transient hot gases temperature, velocity, and CO₂ emission inside the kiln are presented. Moreover, the time-dependent emissions of CO₂, H₂O, and CO at the kiln outlet are shown. It can be concluded that the presence of CO mole fractions at the kiln outlet suggests that the transient combustion process could be further improved. The low firing efficiency of bricks and the thermal efficiency obtained are attributed to uneven temperatures distributions inside the kiln. Moreover, hot gas temperature and NOx emissions were found to be higher under stoichiometric conditions than under fuel-rich or excess of air conditions. Therefore, this work could be useful for improving the thermal–hydraulic and emissions performance of brick kilns, as well as for future kiln design improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer Processes)

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10 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shock Wave Pressure Measurement and Calibration Method Based on Bar Pressure Sensor

by Yong-Xiang Shi, Ying-Cheng Peng, Yuan-Ding Xing, Xue-Jie Jiao, Xiao-Fei Huang and Ze-Qun Ba

Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4743; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154743 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

In order to correctly measure the shock wave pressure generated by a near-field explosion, and while considering the limitations of the measurement and calibration method of the current bar pressure sensor, an improved shock wave pressure measurement method was designed based on a bar pressure sensor combined with photon Doppler velocimetry (PDV) and strain measurement. By measuring the strain on the pressure bar and the particle velocity on the rear-end face, the shock wave pressure applied on the front-end face of the pressure bar was calculated based on one-dimensional stress wave theory. On the other hand, a calibration method was designed to validate the reliability of the test system. Based on the split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) loading experiment, the transmission characteristics of stress wave in the bar and the accuracy of the system test results were verified. The results indicated that the stress wave measurement results were consistent with the one-dimensional elementary theoretical calculation results of stress wave propagation in different wave-impedance materials, and the peak deviation measured by PDV and strain measurement method was less than 1.5%, which proved the accuracy of the test method and the feasibility of the calibration method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Characterization of Energetic Materials Effects)

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20 pages, 4215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Membrane Composition on the Passive Membrane Penetration of Industrially Relevant NSO-Heterocycles

by Zsófia Borbála Rózsa, Tamás Horváth, Béla Viskolcz and Milán Szőri

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157427 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how phospholipid headgroups influence passive membrane penetration and structural impact of four nitrogen-, sulfur-, and oxygen-containing heterocycles (NSO-HETs)—N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (PIR), 1,4-dioxane (DIOX), oxane (OXA), and phenol (PHE). Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations combined with Accelerated Weight Histogram free energy calculations, the passive transport of NSO-HETs across DPPC, DPPE, DPPA, and DPPG bilayers was characterized. DPPG showed the highest membrane affinity, increasing permeability (logP_memb/bulk) by 27–64% compared to DPPE, associated with the lowest permeability and tightest lipid packing. Free energy barriers are also decreased in DPPG relative to DPPE; PIR’s central barrier dropped from 19.2 kJ/mol (DPPE) to 16.6 kJ/mol (DPPG), while DIOX’s barrier decreased from 7.2 to 5.2 kJ/mol. OXA exhibited the lowest central barriers (1.2–2.2 kJ/mol) and uniquely accumulated at higher concentrations in the bilayer center than in bulk water, with free energy ranging from −3.4 to −5.9 kJ/mol. PHE and OXA caused significant bilayer thinning (up to 11%) and reduced lipid tail order, especially in DPPE and DPPA. Concentration effects were most pronounced in DPPE, where high solute loading disrupted lipid order and altered free energy profiles. These results highlight the crucial role of headgroup identity in modulating NSO-HET membrane permeability and structural changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Macromolecules)

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15 pages, 2737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermogenic Activation of Adipose Tissue by Caffeine During Strenuous Exercising and Recovery: A Double-Blind Crossover Study

by Dany Alexis Sobarzo Soto, Diego Ignácio Valenzuela Pérez, Mateus Rossow de Souza, Milena Leite Garcia Reis, Naiara Ribeiro Almeida, Bianca Miarka, Esteban Aedo-Muñoz, Armin Isael Alvarado Oyarzo, Manuel Sillero-Quintana, Andreia Cristiane Carrenho Queiroz and Ciro José Brito

Metabolites 2025, 15(8), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080517 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To investigate acute caffeine (CAF: 375 mg, ≈4.8 mg/kg body mass) effects on energy expenditure (EE) and substrate kinetics during high-intensity interval exercise in individuals with high (HBAT) versus low (LBAT) brown adipose tissue activity using time-trend polynomial modeling. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind crossover study in which 35 highly-trained males [HBAT-CAF, HBAT-PLA (Placebo), LBAT-CAF, LBAT-PLA] performed 30-min treadmill HIIE. Infrared thermography (IRT) assessed BAT activity by measuring supraclavicular skin temperature (SST). Breath-by-breath ergospirometry measured EE (kcal/min) and carbohydrate (CHO), lipid (LIP), and protein (PTN) oxidation. We applied second- and third-order polynomial regression models to depict the temporal trajectories of metabolic responses. Results: HBAT groups showed 25% higher sustained EE versus LBAT (p < 0.001), amplified by CAF. CHO oxidation exhibited biphasic kinetics: HBAT had 40% higher initial rates (0.75 ± 0.05 vs. 0.45 ± 0.04 g/min; p < 0.001) with accelerated decline (k = −0.21 vs. −0.15/min; p = 0.01). LIP oxidation peaked later in LBAT (40 vs. 20 min in HBAT), with CAF increasing oxidation by 18% in LBAT (p = 0.01). HBAT-CAF uniquely showed transient PTN catabolism (peak: 0.045 g/min at 10 min; k = −0.0033/min; p < 0.001). Conclusions: BAT status determines EE magnitude and substrate-specific kinetic patterns, while CAF exerts divergent modulation, potentiating early glycogenolysis in HBAT and lipolysis in LBAT. The HBAT-CAF synergy triggers acute proteolysis, revealing BAT-mediated metabolic switching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Metabolism in Brown Adipose Tissue)

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16 pages, 1365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization of Cd Through Biosorption by Bacillus altitudinis C10-4 and Remediation of Cd-Contaminated Soil

by Tianyu Gao, Chenlu Zhang, Xueqiang Hu, Tianqi Wang, Zhitang Lyu and Lei Sun

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081798 - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this study, a highly cadmium (II)-resistant bacterium strain, C10-4, identified as Bacillus altitudinis, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Baiyangdian Lake, China. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cd(II) for strain C10-4 was 1600 mg/L. Factors such as the contact time, pH, Cd(II) concentration, and biomass dosage affected the adsorption of Cd(II) by strain C10-4. The adsorption process fit well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, based on the Cd(II) adsorption data obtained from the cells of strain C10-4. This suggests that Cd(II) is adsorbed by strain C10-4 cells via a single-layer homogeneous chemical adsorption process. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum biosorption capacity was 3.31 mg/g for fresh-strain C10-4 biomass. Cd(II) was shown to adhere to the bacterial cell wall through SEM-EDS analysis. FTIR spectroscopy further indicated that the main functional sites for the binding of Cd(II) ions on the cell surface of strain C10-4 were functional groups such as N-H, -OH, -CH-, C=O, C-O, P=O, sulfate, and phosphate. After the inoculation of strain C10-4 into Cd(II)-contaminated soils, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the exchangeable fraction of Cd and an increase (p < 0.01) in the sum of the reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions of Cd. The results show that Bacillus altitudinis C10-4 has good potential for use in the remediation of Cd(II)-contaminated soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)

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11 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-Small Temperature Sensing Units with Fitting Functions for Accurate Thermal Management

by Samuel Heikens and Degang Chen

Metrology 2025, 5(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrology5030046 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Thermal management is an area of study in electronics focused on managing temperature to improve reliability and efficiency. When temperatures are too high, cooling systems are activated to prevent overheating, which can lead to reliability issues. To monitor the temperatures, sensors are often placed on-chip near hotspot locations. These sensors should be very small to allow them to be placed among compact, high-activity circuits. Often, they are connected to a central control circuit located far away from the hot spot locations where more area is available. This paper proposes sensing units for a novel temperature sensing architecture in the TSMC 180 nm process. This architecture functions by approximating the current through the sensing unit at a reference voltage, which is used to approximate the temperature in the digital back end using fitting functions. Sensing units are selected based on how well its temperature–current relationship can be modeled, sensing unit area, and power consumption. Many sensing units will be experimented with at different reference voltages. These temperature–current curves will be modeled with various fitting functions. The sensing unit selected is a diode-connected p-type MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) with a size of W = 400 nm, L = 180 nm. This sensing unit is exceptionally small compared to existing work because it does not rely on multiple devices at the sensing unit location to generate a PTAT or IPTAT signal like most work in this area. The temperature–current relationship of this device can also be modeled using a 2nd order polynomial, requiring a minimal number of trim temperatures. Its temperature error is small, and the power consumption is low. The range of currents for this sensing unit could be reasonably made on an IDAC. Full article

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23 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nexus Between Economic Growth and Water Stress in Morocco: Empirical Evidence Based on ARDL Model

by Mariam El Haddadi, Hamida Lahjouji and Mohamed Tabaa

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6990; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156990 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Morocco is facing a situation of alarming water stress, aggravated by climate change, overexploitation of resources, and unequal distribution of water, placing the country among the most vulnerable to water scarcity in the MENA region. This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between economic growth and water stress in Morocco while highlighting the importance of integrated water management and adaptive economic policies to enhance resilience to water scarcity. A mixed methodology, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, was adopted to overview the economic–environmental Moroccan context, and to empirically analyze the GDP (gross domestic product) and water stress in Morocco over the period 1975–2021 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical analysis is based on annual data sourced from the World Bank and FAO databases for GDP, agricultural value added, renewable internal freshwater resources, and water productivity. The results suggest that water productivity has a significant positive effect on economic growth, while the impacts of agricultural value added and renewable water resources are less significant and vary depending on the model specification. Diagnostic tests confirm the reliability of the ARDL model; however, the presence of outliers in certain years reflects the influence of exogenous shocks, such as severe droughts or policy changes, on the Moroccan economy. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that it is the first to analyze the intrinsic link between economic growth and the environmental aspect of water in Morocco. According to our findings, it is imperative to continuously improve water productivity and adopt adaptive management, rooted in science and innovation, in order to ensure water security and support the sustainable economic development of Morocco. Full article

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Graphical abstract

9 pages, 911 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Evaluation of a Febrile Neutropenia Protocol Implemented at Triage in an Emergency Department

by Stefanie Stramel-Stafford, Heather Townsend, Brian Trimmer, James Cohen and Jessica Thompson

Medicines 2025, 12(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines12030020 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Objective: The impact of a febrile neutropenia (FN) emergency department (ED) triage screening tool and protocol on time to antibiotic administration (TTA) and patient outcomes was evaluated. Methods: This was a retrospective, quasi-experimental study of adult FN patients admitted through the ED from April 2014 to April 2017. In March 2016 a triage screening tool and protocol were implemented. In patients who screened positive, nursing initiated a protocol that included laboratory diagnostics and a pharmacy consult for empiric antibiotics prior to evaluation by a provider. Patients were evaluated pre- and post-protocol for TTA, 30-day mortality, ED length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS. Results: A total of 130 patients were included in the study, 77 pre-protocol and 53 post-protocol. Median TTA was longer in the pre-protocol group at 174 min (interquartile range [IQR] 105–224) vs. 109 min (IQR 71–214) post-protocol, p = 0.04. Thirty-day mortality was greater at 18.8% pre-protocol vs. 7.5% post-protocol, p = 0.12. There was no difference in hospital LOS. Pre-protocol patients compared to post-protocol patients who had a pharmacy consult demonstrated a further reduction in TTA (174 min [IQR 105–224] vs. 87.5 min [IQR 61.5–135], p < 0.01) and a reduced mortality (18% vs. 0%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a protocol for febrile neutropenia that allows pharmacists to order antibiotics based on a nurse triage assessment. Evaluation of the protocol demonstrated a significant reduction in TTA and trend toward improved mortality. Full article

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19 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Weighting System for the Ordered Weighted Average Operator and Its Application in the Balanced Expansion of Urban Infrastructures

by Matheus Pereira Libório, Petr Ekel, Marcos Flávio Silveira Vasconcelos D’Angelo, Chris Brunsdon, Alexandre Magno Alves Diniz, Sandro Laudares and Angélica C. G. dos Santos

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(8), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9080300 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Urban infrastructure, such as water supply networks, sewage systems, and electricity networks, is essential for the functioning of cities and, consequently, for the well-being of citizens. Despite its essentiality, the distribution of infrastructure in urban areas is not homogeneous, especially in cities in developing countries. Socially vulnerable areas often face significant deficiencies in sewage and road paving, exacerbating urban inequalities. In this regard, urban planners must consider the multiple elements of urban infrastructure and assess the compensation levels between them to reduce inequality effectively. In particular, the complexity of the problem necessitates considering the multidimensionality and heterogeneity of urban infrastructure. This complexity qualifies the operational framework of composite indicators as the natural solution to the problem. This study develops a new weighting system for the balanced expansion of urban infrastructures through composite indicators constructed by the Ordered Weighted Average operator. Implementing these weighting systems provides an opportunity to analyze urban infrastructure from different perspectives, offering transparency regarding the weaknesses and strengths of each perspective. This prevents unreliable representations from being used in decision-making and provides a solid basis for allocating investments in urban infrastructure. In particular, the study suggests that adopting weighting systems that prioritize intermediate values and avoid extreme values can lead to better resource allocation, helping to identify areas with deficient infrastructure and promoting more equitable urban development. Full article

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28 pages, 3834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exact 3D Shell Model for Free Vibration Analysis of Magneto-Electro-Elastic Composite Structures

by Salvatore Brischetto, Domenico Cesare and Tommaso Mondino

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080399 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

The present paper proposes a three-dimensional (3D) spherical shell model for the magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) free vibration analysis of simply supported multilayered smart shells. A mixed curvilinear orthogonal reference system is used to write the unified 3D governing equations for cylinders, cylindrical panels and spherical shells. The closed-form solution of the problem is performed considering Navier harmonic forms in the in-plane directions and the exponential matrix method in the thickness direction. A layerwise approach is possible, considering the interlaminar continuity conditions for displacements, electric and magnetic potentials, transverse shear/normal stresses, transverse normal magnetic induction and transverse normal electric displacement. Some preliminary cases are proposed to validate the present 3D MEE free vibration model for several curvatures, materials, thickness values and vibration modes. Then, new benchmarks are proposed in order to discuss possible effects in multilayered MEE curved smart structures. In the new benchmarks, first, three circular frequencies for several half-wave number couples and for different thickness ratios are proposed. Thickness vibration modes are shown in terms of displacements, stresses, electric displacement and magnetic induction along the thickness direction. These new benchmarks are useful to understand the free vibration behavior of MEE curved smart structures, and they can be used as reference for researchers interested in the development of of 2D/3D MEE models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2025)

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12 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Technological Challenges for a 60 m Long Prototype of Switched Reluctance Linear Electromagnetic Actuator

by Jakub Rygał, Roman Rygał and Stan Zurek

Actuators 2025, 14(8), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14080380 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this research project a large linear electromagnetic actuator (LLEA) was designed and manufactured. The electromagnetic performance was published in previous works, but in this paper we focus on the technological challenges related to the manufacturing in particular. This LLEA was based on the magnet-free switched-reluctance principle, having six effective energised stator “teeth” and four passive mover parts (4:6 ratio). Various aspects and challenges encountered during the manufacturing, transport, and assembly are discussed. Thermal expansion of steel contributed to the decision of the modular design, with each module having 1.3 m in length, with a 2 mm longitudinal dilatation gap. The initial prototype was tested with a 10.6 m length, with plans to extend the test track to 60 m, which was fully achievable due to the modular design and required 29 tons of electrical steel to be built. The stator laminations were cut by a bespoke progressive tool with stamping, and other parts by a CO₂ laser. Mounting was based on welding (back of the stator) and clamping plates (through insulated bolts). The linear longitudinal force was on the order of 8 kN, with the main air gap of 7.5–10 mm on either side of the mover. The lateral forces could exceed 40 kN and were supported by appropriate construction steel members bolted to the concrete floor. The overall mechanical tolerances after installation remained below 0.5 mm. The technology used for constructing this prototype demonstrated the cost-effective way for a semi-industrial manufacturing scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section High Torque/Power Density Actuators)

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22 pages, 7609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bidirectional Conservative–Dissipative Transitions in a Five-Dimensional Fractional Chaotic System

by Yiming Wang, Fengjiao Gao and Mingqing Zhu

Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152477 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates a modified five-dimensional chaotic system by incorporating structural term adjustments and Caputo fractional-order differential operators. The modified system exhibits significantly enriched dynamic behaviors, including offset boosting, phase trajectory rotation, phase trajectory reversal, and contraction phenomena. Additionally, the system exhibits bidirectional transitions—conservative-to-dissipative transitions governed by initial conditions and dissipative-to-conservative transitions controlled by fractional order variations—along with a unique chaotic-to-quasiperiodic transition observed exclusively at low fractional orders. To validate the system’s physical realizability, a signal processing platform based on Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is implemented. Experimental measurements closely align with numerical simulations, confirming the system’s feasibility for practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal-Ion-Free Preparation of κ-Carrageenan/Cellulose Hydrogel Beads Using an Ionic Liquid Mixture for Effective Cationic Dye Removal

by Dojin Kim, Dong Han Kim, Jeong Eun Cha, Saerom Park and Sang Hyun Lee

Gels 2025, 11(8), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080596 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

A metal-ion-free method was developed to prepare κ-carrageenan/cellulose hydrogel beads for efficient cationic dye removal. The beads were fabricated using a mixture of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and N,N-dimethylformamide as the solvent system, followed by aqueous ethanol-induced phase separation. This process eliminated the need for metal-ion crosslinkers, which typically neutralize anionic sulfate groups in κ-carrageenan, thereby preserving a high density of accessible binding sites. The resulting beads formed robust interpenetrating polymer networks. The initial swelling ratio reached up to 28.3 g/g, and even after drying, the adsorption capacity remained over 50% of the original. The maximum adsorption capacity for crystal violet was 241 mg/g, increasing proportionally with κ-carrageenan content due to the higher surface concentration of anionic sulfate groups. Kinetic and isotherm analyses revealed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir-type monolayer adsorption, respectively, while thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was spontaneous and exothermic. The beads retained structural integrity and adsorption performance across pH 3–9 and maintained over 90% of their capacity after five reuse cycles. These findings demonstrate that κ-carrageenan/cellulose hydrogel beads prepared via a metal-ion-free strategy offer a sustainable and effective platform for cationic dye removal from wastewater, with potential for heavy metal ion adsorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Gels (3rd Edition))

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12 pages, 1886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology-Dependent Reversals in Root Decomposition: Divergent Regulation by Forest Gap and Root Order in Pinus massoniana

by Haifeng Yin, Jie Zeng, Size Liu, Yu Su, Anwei Yu and Xianwei Li

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2365; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152365 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Understanding root decomposition dynamics is essential to address declining carbon sequestration and nutrient imbalances in monoculture plantations. This study elucidates how forest gaps regulate Pinus massoniana root decomposition through comparative methodological analysis, providing theoretical foundations for near-natural forest management and carbon–nitrogen cycle optimization in plantations. The results showed the following: (1) Root decomposition was significantly accelerated by the in situ soil litterbag method (ISLM) versus the traditional litterbag method (LM) (decomposition rate (k) = 0.459 vs. 0.188), reducing the 95% decomposition time (T_0.95) by nearly nine years (6.53 years vs. 15.95 years). ISLM concurrently elevated the root potassium concentration and reconfigured the relationships between root decomposition and soil nutrients. (2) Lower-order roots (orders 1–3) decomposed significantly faster than higher-order roots (orders 4–5) (k = 0.455 vs. 0.193). This disparity was amplified under ISLM (lower-/higher-order root k ratio = 4.1) but diminished or reversed under LM (lower-/higher-order root k ratio = 0.8). (3) Forest gaps regulated decomposition through temporal phase interactions, accelerating decomposition initially (0–360 days) while inhibiting it later (360–720 days), particularly for higher-order roots. Notably, forest gap effects fundamentally reversed between methodologies (slight promotion under LM vs. significant inhibition under ISLM). Our study reveals that conventional LM may obscure genuine ecological interactions during root decomposition, confirms lower-order roots as rapid nutrient-cycling pathways, provides crucial methodological corrections for plantation nutrient models, and advances theoretical foundations for precision management of P. massoniana plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interactions between Plants and Soil Microbes in Natural Ecosystem)

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