Search Results (405)

The development of sustainable and efficient plant growth substrates is crucial for modern agriculture. This study assessed the potential of plant pellets formulated from various lignocellulosic residues, either with or without bamboo biochar (BB-char) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to support seed germination and early seedling growth. Four types of residues, including coconut coir (CO), corn cob (CC), leaves from the genus Dipterocarpus (DL), and teak leaves (TL), were combined with soil and paper waste to produce eight pellet formulations, with commercial peat pellets serving as a control. Chemical analyses revealed significant variation among the pellet types, with pH values ranging from 6.40 to 7.65, electrical conductivity (EC) from 3.64 to 11.62 mS cm⁻¹, and differences in organic matter, carbon, and nutrient contents [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], reflecting the influence of residue type and the addition of BB-char and AMF. Phytotoxicity screening using aqueous extracts demonstrated species-specific responses, with cucumber exhibiting high tolerance across treatments, whereas chili seeds were more sensitive. Final germination percentage (FGP) and seedling growth assays in greenhouse conditions showed that pellets derived from CC and CO, particularly when combined with BB-char and AMF (T6 and T7), enhanced shoot and root development in carrot, chili, cucumber, and tomato, approaching the performance of commercial peat pellets. In contrast, DL- and TL-based pellets resulted in lower germination and growth. These findings indicate that both the physicochemical properties of lignocellulosic wastes and the combination of BB-char and AMF are important factors influencing pellet efficacy, highlighting the potential of CC- and CO-based pellets as sustainable peat alternatives for early-stage plant cultivation. Full article

This study investigated the impact of matrixless silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized with Ag cations on Longidorus elongatus in substrates amended with a soil-enhancing fertilizer derived from sewage sludge, using a pot experiment with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as the test plant. Seedling substrates were prepared by mixing granulated sewage sludge (A1, A2) with peat (P) at 25%, 50%, and 75% (mass fraction), while AgNPs were applied at a dose of 23.8 mL per pot. Plant performance was evaluated using biometric and physiological parameters, whereas nematode communities were extracted using the Baermann method and classified into trophic groups. The results demonstrated that substrate amendments significantly modified soil chemical properties, nematode abundance, and plant growth responses. AgNP exposure led to a substantial reduction in L. elongatus abundance, from 38–42 to 3–5 individuals per 100 cm³ relative to control substrates. The strongest reduction was observed under conditions of increased silver availability, indicating its significant role in limiting nematode population development. Overall, the combined application of sewage sludge-based fertilizers and AgNPs substantially influenced soil–plant–nematode interactions. These findings indicate that AgNPs may serve as an effective tool for regulating plant-parasitic nematodes within organically amended substrates, while simultaneously influencing plant growth and soil chemical dynamics. Full article

Peat soils play a key role in the global terrestrial carbon pool, water regulation, and ecosystem stability, making them central to environmental protection and climate resilience policies. This study offers a thorough bibliometric mapping and scientific overview for the development path and intellectual structure of peat soil research from 2015 to 2025. Using the Scopus database, 1558 records were systematically analyzed with VOSviewer and an R-package to reveal publication trends, country/region collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence clusters, and citation structures. Peat research is increasingly focused on carbon storage, peatland degradation and restoration, greenhouse gas emissions, land-use change, and climate mitigation. High citation rates of 651 in Nature Climate Change show strong interdisciplinary integration of soil science, ecology, hydrology, and climate science. Major contributions come from regions with extensive peatlands, like Southeast Asia and Northern Europe, highlighting their global climate importance. However, there are still missing links remaining between scientific research and practical peatland management and restoration. Future research should focus on long-term field studies, socio-ecological peatland governance, and nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience. This study serves as a reference for researchers, environmental managers, and policymakers promoting sustainable peat soil management amid global environmental change. Full article

Soilless horticultural media offer a solution to limited arable land but are often nutrient-inert, requiring efficient nutrient management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of seaweed biochar-amended vermicompost (VC) as a nutrient-supplying growing medium for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling establishment and vegetative growth. Coco peat was progressively replaced with VC (0–100%, w/w) under fertilized and unfertilized conditions during seedling development, and selected treatments were further evaluated during vegetative growth. Growth parameters, including emergence, plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, biomass, and chlorophyll content, were measured. Treatments significantly affected (p < 0.05) all parameters. The highest VC level (100%) reduced seedling emergence by 10.42% compared to the control but significantly improved seedling height (13.69 cm) and leaf area (49.45 cm² plant⁻¹) under fertilized conditions. During vegetative growth, the control (0% VC) produced the highest biomass (9.55 g) and plant height (67.43 cm), while higher VC rates (75–100%) enhanced chlorophyll content and maintained acceptable plant growth. Overall, VC showed potential as a sustainable growing medium component for tomato production, although plant responses varied according to growth stage and incorporation rate. Reduced emergence at higher VC levels indicates that further research is needed to optimize substrate management strategies for seedling establishment. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to enhance crop productivity and support integrated agricultural systems. Among these, members of the genus Bacillus are highly valued for their resilience and multifaceted beneficial traits. The growth-promoting effects of Bacillus sp. L11 on S. lycopersicum seedlings were investigated in soil and artificial peat-based substrates. Rhizosphere microbial diversity was subsequently analyzed to investigate the interaction between L11 and the indigenous microbiota. We evaluated plant growth parameters, root growth parameters, and rhizosphere bacterial community dynamics using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Overall, L11 inoculation was associated with significantly improved growth indices of S. lycopersicum seedlings in both cultivation systems. Notably, the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-resuspended L11 markedly increased shoot fresh weight and plant height, and enhanced root-associated parameters such as total root length and root surface area. While L11 did not significantly alter alpha diversity, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) revealed that its presence was associated with substantial restructuring of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Inoculation specifically enriched beneficial genera, including Chitinophaga, Devosia, and Pseudomonas. Correlation analyses showed that these microbial shifts were positively associated with the enhancement of seedling biomass and development. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Bacillus sp. L11 may promote S. lycopersicum growth through direct stimulation and by reshaping the rhizosphere microbiome, positioning it as a promising microbial inoculant for sustainable vegetable production. Full article

Peatlands cover approximately 3% of the global land area but store about 44% of the world’s soil carbon, making them a major carbon sink. Indonesia alone accounts for about 37% of global tropical peat carbon stocks. However, large-scale carbon emissions caused by fires and drainage during past economic development have transformed peatlands from carbon sinks into carbon sources. In response, restoration efforts have been implemented at both international and national levels. Tropical peatland restoration typically includes rewetting, revegetation, and community-based approaches, highlighting the need for quantitative assessments of carbon storage under different restoration strategies. This study focuses on the Perigi peatland in South Sumatra, Indonesia. We conducted field surveys of vegetation and soils to estimate carbon stocks per unit area and developed time-series land cover maps using satellite imagery. Based on these data, we assessed potential carbon storage under different restoration intensity scenarios. The results show that carbon stocks in the Perigi peatland are lower than the Indonesian average. However, under a full restoration scenario, up to 950,259 tC of additional carbon storage is possible, indicating high restoration potential. In contrast, without restoration, further carbon emissions are likely, underscoring the necessity of restoration efforts. Effective restoration requires a phased strategy from vegetation recovery to peat layer recovery, combined with socioeconomic approaches that consider local livelihoods, enabling degraded tropical peatlands to function as effective carbon mitigation systems. Full article

Sustainable management of peatlands is one of the key global strategies for mitigating climate change. The balance between carbon (C) sequestration and emission in peatlands reflects environmental conditions over time and can provide insight into long-term ecosystem dynamics. However, current methods for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes are often labor-intensive, costly, and site-specific. In this study, we propose a simplified and cost-efficient method to estimate long-term carbon balance in peatlands based on the inorganic (mineral) content of drill core samples. The approach uses exponential decay equations to approximate peat accumulation and decomposition processes over time. A conceptual model is applied that accounts for both anaerobic transformation of organic matter of varying molecular complexity and enhanced aerobic decomposition resulting from anthropogenic drainage during the last century. The model was applied to more than 100 drill cores from four peatland systems in Estonia. The resulting trends were compared qualitatively with known climatic fluctuations of the last millennium, including periods associated with the Little Ice Age. The results suggest that, in many cases, carbon losses from decomposition in deeper peat layers may exceed carbon accumulation in upper layers, even in peatlands that appear to be well preserved. The proposed method provides a rapid, low-cost, first-order approximation of peatland carbon dynamics and may serve as a complementary tool for large-scale assessments where detailed process-based models are not feasible. Full article

Lilium, a traditional plant with dual medicinal and ornamental values, is restricted in its industrial development by the low natural propagation rate of bulbs and dependence on imported high-quality germplasm. To address this bottleneck, this study used new lines of LA hybrid lilies and Asiatic hybrid lilies (three cultivars) as experimental materials to establish an efficient and stable tissue culture and rapid propagation system. Key procedures including disinfection of different explants (bulb scales and capsules), adventitious bud induction and proliferation, rooting culture, as well as acclimatization and transplantation were systematically evaluated. The results showed that bulb scales were superior to capsule seeds as explants in tissue culture (contamination rate 9.44%, regeneration rate 11.92%). After disinfection with 75% ethanol combined with 10% sodium hypochlorite, the contamination rate could be controlled at 14.29–21.43%, and the regeneration rate reached 100%. Supplementation with 50 g·L⁻¹ sucrose + 1 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ NAA (Treatment TA1), 50 g·L⁻¹ sucrose + 2 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ NAA (Treatment TA4) in MS medium, combined with dark culture, could effectively promote adventitious bud induction, proliferation and bulblet enlargement. For the rooting stage, the optimal media were 1/2 MS + 0.5 g·L⁻¹ activated charcoal + 2 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ NAA (Treatment TB4) or MS + 0.3 g·L⁻¹ activated charcoal + 2 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA + 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ NAA (Treatment TB1), and the highest rooting rate of ‘Pink Renault’ reached 100%. When plantlets from all three cultivars were combined and acclimatized and transplanted into sterilized peat soil, the overall survival rate was 89.33%. The TOPSIS method was also adopted for comprehensive evaluation to screen out the optimal culture conditions for different varieties. Based on phenotypic observation and physiological index data, ‘Pink Renault’ showed great potential as an excellent propagation germplasm. The integrated and optimized technical system provides a feasible solution for large-scale and industrialized seedling production of medicinal and ornamental lilies, and is of great practical significance for the efficient utilization of germplasm resources and sustainable development of the lily industry. Full article

Although adding phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers to rhizobial inoculation improves nutrient accumulation in chickpeas, it is unclear which is most effective. This study evaluated whether inoculating chickpeas grown in silty-loam or silty-clay-loam soil with liquid- or peat-based rhizobial inoculants, in addition to P and/or Zn fertilizer, alters shoot nutrient concentration. The following genotypes were used: ICCV3110, ICCV8101, ICCV97024 and ICCV92944. The following levels of fertilizer were used: no addition of fertilizer, 10 kg/ha Zn, 40 kg/ha P, and Zn plus P. The following combinations of fertilizer and rhizobial inoculation were used: Zn plus P (peat-based inoculant), denoted as Zn + P + R_P, and Zn plus P (liquid-based inoculant), denoted as Zn + P + R_L. Our results showed that ICCV97024 exhibited increased shoot P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn concentrations when grown in silty-loam soil and increased shoot Ca, Zn, Mn and B concentrations when grown in silty-clay-loam soil. Adding P, or P plus Zn, increased shoot P, while adding Zn, or Zn plus P + R_L, enhanced shoot P, Fe and B. Adding Zn increased shoot Zn, K and Ca, and adding Zn plus P + RP increased shoot Ca. Overall, chickpeas grown in silty-loam soil accumulated the most nutrients. Adding P, P plus Zn and Zn + P + R_L improved shoot P, while adding Zn and Zn + P + R_P enhanced shoot Zn and Ca, respectively. Full article

Draining peatlands for peat extraction converts them into significant sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Quantifying GHG emissions at the regional scale remains challenging because direct field measurements are spatially limited, while GHG accounting for land-use planning requires spatially explicit information. Building on the advances in remote sensing (RS) as a scalable low-cost emission accounting tool for large areas, this study presents a proof-of-concept workflow that integrates satellite-based land-cover classification with an emission-factor (EF) approach to support spatial upscaling of peatland GHG estimates. Using Sentinel-2 imagery and a supervised Random Forest classifier, peatland-related land-cover classes were mapped for selected sites in Latvia. The classification results show higher accuracy for spectrally distinct classes such as raised bogs and active peat-extraction areas, while more heterogeneous classes exhibited lower performance. The study provides an overview of how to utilize the RS approach to generate accurate land-cover maps, which can be used to upscale GHG estimation in Latvia when field data is limited. The study does not include calibration against site-level flux measurements, uncertainty propagation, or temporal variability analysis; therefore, the emission results are illustrative and consistent with current EF-based inventory practice rather than validated site-specific fluxes. Full article

Crude oil spill incidents have emerged as a prominent source of environmental contamination, adversely affecting marine ecosystems. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the efficiency of utilizing green surfactants followed by a solid biofoam material as a viable remedy to remove crude oil contamination from a simulated mangrove environment within the Bodo region of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. During the study, four distinct soil samples encompassing sand, mud, peat, and peat–mud were meticulously collected to simulate the prevailing conditions in Bodo. Subsequently, surfactants were introduced into contaminated matrices at similar concentration levels over a specific time frame under the same conditions as in Bodo. Afterwards, a lignin-based biofoam material was then created with the goal of advanced remediation improvement. The outcomes show positive potential, presenting an innovative path for researchers to explore further environmentally sustainable solutions for contaminated muddy soils. The findings from the investigation include the following: (1) the interfacial tension caused by the best-performing surfactants was reduced to a level of 10⁻¹ mN/m, demonstrating that the mobilization of contaminants and extraction are efficient using the studied formulations, especially for sand and muddy samples, and (2) advanced biofoam remediation showed an oil absorption level of 40%, with only brine water existing in the contaminated oil. Full article

To optimize container seedling cultivation of Chinese zelkova (Zelkova schneideriana Hand.-Mazz.), a three-factor completely randomized design was used to systematically evaluate the effects of container material, container size, and substrate composition on seedling growth, physiological traits, and root morphology. Different container materials, three container sizes, and multiple composite substrates were tested. Seedling height, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic characteristics, and root morphological indices were measured, and principal component analysis combined with comprehensive evaluation was applied to identify optimal treatments. The results showed that container size was one of the major factors affecting overall seedling quality, with large containers generally enhancing seedling height, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic capacity, and root development. Among container materials, B-type containers generally exhibited better overall performance under medium- and large-size conditions. Substrate composition showed a significant regulatory effect under appropriate container conditions, and the T₃ composite substrate, composed of yellow soil (40%), peat (10%), sphagnum peat (15%), vermiculite (10%), rice husk (15%), and corn cob (10%), achieved the highest comprehensive score. According to the PCA-based comprehensive evaluation, the T₃/A₃ treatment ranked first, followed by T₃/B₂. Overall, the combination of B-type containers, appropriate medium-to-large container size, and the T₃ substrate showed superior nursery performance. In particular, T₃/A₃ ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation, followed by T₃/B₂, indicating that both large black plastic containers and medium-sized B-type containers performed well under the T₃ substrate. Full article

Overwintering peat fires are increasingly reported in the boreal regions, where they persist underground through winter and reignite in spring, intensifying greenhouse gas emissions and landscape degradation. This study investigates the conditions that enable peat fires to survive freezing and snow cover, and presents practical methods for their winter detection and suppression. We combined satellite data, UAV-based thermal imaging, time-lapse photography, and ground measurements of temperature, groundwater depth, and peat moisture to identify active overwintering hotspots. Our results show that these fires persist primarily where groundwater levels remain below 60 cm, particularly under tree roots, compacted soil, or elevated terrain that limits moisture recharge. UAV thermal imaging proved the most reliable detection tool, identifying 98% of hotspots. We developed and successfully applied a winter extinguishing method that involves mechanical disruption and dispersion of smoldering peat over frozen ground, allowing rapid cooling without re-ignition. These findings clarify the mechanisms sustaining overwintering fires and provide an effective approach for their mitigation, contributing to reduced emissions and improved management of boreal peatlands vulnerable to climate change. Full article

European peatlands have been extensively drained for agriculture, resulting in substantial carbon losses and widespread soil degradation. Peatland restoration is therefore a global priority, with rewetting recognised as a key strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This review synthesizes current knowledge on soil transformations following the rewetting of agriculturally drained peatlands in Europe. We describe major degradation processes induced by drainage, including land subsidence, organic matter oxidation, and microbial community shifts from anaerobic to aerobic conditions. We then examine key rewetting approaches—ditch blocking, controlled flooding, and paludiculture—and their intended restoration outcomes. Rewetting fundamentally alters soil physical, chemical, and biological properties by raising and stabilizing water tables, restoring anoxic conditions, and modifying nutrient cycling and microbial processes. Findings indicate long-term stabilization of organic carbon in peat soils under anaerobic conditions, but also reveal trade-offs between reduced CO₂ emissions and increased CH₄ and N₂O fluxes. Vegetation–soil interactions strongly influence recovery trajectories, and paludiculture offers potential to align agricultural land use with climate mitigation objectives. Finally, we evaluate current research methodologies and identify major knowledge gaps, including limited long-term data and insufficient integration of hydrological, chemical, and biological processes. We highlight priorities for future research to support evidence-based rewetting strategies that deliver climate benefits while maintaining ecological and economic sustainability in European peatlands. Full article

Drought reduces soil moisture and impairs root function, posing a significant threat to rice production in arid regions. The influence of soil amendments on early rice root development under semi-dry cultivation remains insufficiently characterized, especially when assessed using non-destructive rhizotron techniques. This study employed a scanner-based rhizotron system to evaluate early root responses of rice seedlings to six amendments under semi-dry irrigation: vermicompost and peat moss, spirulina powder, gypsum, rice husk biochar, zeolite, and an unamended control. The vermicompost plus peat moss (VC+PM) treatment demonstrated the highest water-holding capacity (26%), root projected area (9.60 cm² plant⁻¹), and root surface area (84.79 cm² plant⁻¹). VC+PM also promoted extensive lateral branching (233 secondary and 1709 tertiary roots) and the greatest total lateral root length (363.09 cm plant⁻¹), resulting in superior biomass (shoot: 140.00 mg plant⁻¹; root: 56.70 mg plant⁻¹) and the lowest root-to-shoot ratio (0.90). These improvements are attributed to the enhanced moisture retention of peat moss and the nutrient and phytohormone contributions of vermicompost. In contrast, rice husk biochar exhibited the lowest water-holding capacity (14%), while other amendments produced moderate or limited effects. The results establish a direct relationship between improved soil water retention and early-stage drought-avoidant root development. The combination of VC and PM emerges as a promising approach to enhance root plasticity and seedling establishment in water-saving rice systems. As this study was conducted under controlled rhizotron conditions and limited to the seedling stage (20 days after sowing), future research should prioritize multi-season field trials to assess yield translation and economic feasibility assessments to support farmer adoption. Full article