Search Results (114)

Straw incorporation is an important agronomic practice for sustainable cropland management, improving soil structure and enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. In this study, a systematic review was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) database, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed on 63 field experiments in mainland China, including 846 treatment–control comparisons, to evaluate the effects of straw application rate and duration on soil aggregates, aggregate-associated carbon, and SOC. Across all studies, pooled effect sizes indicated that straw incorporation significantly increased Mean Weight Diameter (MWD) (22%), macroaggregate content (17%), and SOC (25%), while enhancing aggregate-associated carbon in macroaggregates (35%), microaggregates (30%), and silt–clay fractions (22%). It also reduced silt–clay fraction content by 17%, indicating improved aggregate redistribution. Interaction analysis suggested that short-term incorporation (<5 years) at 5–8 t ha⁻¹ and long-term incorporation (≥5 years) at 10–15 t ha⁻¹ were more favorable for macroaggregate formation and carbon sequestration. Precipitation negatively affected microaggregate carbon, highlighting environmental regulation of carbon stability. Overall, straw incorporation strengthens soil structural stability, promotes SOC accumulation, and provides evidence-based guidance for sustainable residue management and climate-smart agriculture in mainland China. Full article

Soil mesofauna play important roles in soil food webs, organic matter decomposition, and nutrient cycling. We quantified mesofauna responses to tillage, liming, fertilisation, and Geo2 biostimulant application at two Croatian experimental sites differing in soil type and land-use history: a long-term arable Stagnosol in Čačinci and a recently converted Gleysol in Križevci. Mesofauna were sampled in spring and autumn 2023 and analysed using generalised linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs). Seasonal dynamics exerted the strongest influence on mesofauna communities, with Collembola and Acari abundances approximately sixfold and sevenfold higher, respectively, in spring than in autumn. A significant Season × Location interaction for total Acari and Oribatida indicated a stronger spring increase at Križevci. Liming increased Mesostigmata (+94%) and total Acari (+33%), while recommended fertilisation increased Entomobryomorpha (+78%) and total Collembola (+46%). In contrast, tillage treatments did not significantly affect the abundance of Acari, Collembola, or their major subgroups. The Collembola:Acari ratio remained relatively stable (0.56–0.93), suggesting parallel responses of dominant taxa. Overall, site-specific conditions and seasonal variation exerted stronger effects on soil mesofauna communities than the tested management practices, emphasising the importance of local environmental factors and land-use history in shaping mesofauna community dynamics in agricultural soils. Full article

Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) commonly inhabit human-modified environments across Asia, where close human–macaque interactions have increased interest in understanding soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Because gastrointestinal helminth infections can affect animal health, understanding STH prevalence may support wildlife health surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of major STHs in long-tailed macaques across diverse habitat settings in Asia. EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published between 2000 and January 2026, with additional records identified through Google Scholar. Random-effects models with Freeman–Tukey double-arcsine transformation were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and subgroup analyses were performed by habitat type, country, and diagnostic method. Thirty-five studies comprising 5505 macaques from seven countries, predominantly in Southeast Asia, were included. Studies involved urban/temple-associated free-ranging, wild/semi-wild, and captive populations. Among free-ranging macaques, pooled prevalence estimates were 19.3% for Strongyloides spp., 12.9% for hookworms, 9.1% for Trichuris spp., and 3.3% for Ascaris spp. In captive macaque populations, pooled prevalence estimates were 3.6% for Strongyloides spp., 2.2% for hookworm, 1.4% for Ascaris spp., and 8.2% for Trichuris spp. Subgroup analyses by habitat type suggested relatively higher prevalence estimates in urban/temple-associated settings than in wild/semi-wild habitats for several STH taxa. However, substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² > 90% in most analyses), publication bias, and possible small-study effects were identified in some analyses, particularly for hookworm prevalence estimates. These findings indicate that STH infections have been documented among long-tailed macaque populations across diverse habitat settings in Asia. Nevertheless, pooled prevalence estimates should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial heterogeneity, diagnostic variability, and possible publication bias. Future standardized surveillance and molecular investigations may support improved understanding of the prevalence and distribution of STH infections at human–wildlife interfaces. Full article

Litter decomposition is a key regulator of soil carbon formation and nutrient cycling in the plant–soil continuum. However, the utility of structural chemical indicators for capturing the relationship between litter decomposition and environmental factors under nitrogen (N) enrichment remains unclear. We conducted a two-year in situ decomposition experiment with different N addition treatments in a pure Quercus variabilis forest on the Qinling Mountains, China. During the active six-month growing season, we investigated the stoichiometric ratios of typical organic acids in litter and soil layers and their responses to soil environments. The total relative content of the four organic acids showed the most pronounced nonlinear shift along the N addition gradient, peaking at N75 (7.5 g N m⁻²) then declining. The stoichiometric ratios of some typical organic acids varied analogously to soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity and abundance. This inter-annual response was particularly pronounced in the warmer and wetter year of 2023. Structural chemical analysis revealed that steric hindrance and molecular symmetry are key factors regulating the decomposition efficiency of typical organic acids in litter. Notably, phenolic acid and butyric acid isomer ratios exhibited significant subgroup-specific responses to soil physicochemical factors, enzyme activities, and microbial abundances. Collectively, these ratios may indicate N addition impacts on litter decomposition, hold potential for predicting climatic variability responses, and provide conceptual support for an integrated framework linking N enrichment, litter chemistry, and soil carbon dynamics in temperate forests. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a major agricultural greenhouse gas. Its direct emission factor (EF) is a key parameter for greenhouse gas inventories and developing mitigation strategies. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) default EF may not reflect actual emissions from Chinese croplands. This study compiled extensive field observations from key agricultural regions in China. A systematic meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate annual N₂O emissions and nitrogen fertilizer-induced direct emission factors. Subgroup analyses revealed that fertilizer type, land use, soil texture, and climate zone all significantly influence EF. Univariate meta-regression indicated that EF is positively correlated with nitrogen (N) application rate and mean annual temperature but negatively correlated with soil pH, highlighting these factors as key drivers of N₂O emissions. The mean EF in Chinese croplands was about 0.68%, much lower than the 1% global default recommended by the IPCC. The combined effects of optimized agricultural management, cropping systems, and local environmental conditions help explain these lower emission factors. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing region-specific emission factors, improving cropland mitigation strategies, and enhancing the accuracy of greenhouse gas inventories. Full article

To further enhance nutrient use efficiency for maize cultivation in the Changbai Mountains—Liaodong Hilly Region and to safeguard both grain production and soil quality, 2441 pairs of data points extracted from 47 publicly published papers were selected for analysis to investigate the effects of different fertilizer types, their application rates, and field management practices on spring maize yield enhancement, crop growth, and soil physicochemical properties. According to the subgroup analysis of the above indicators, the results demonstrated that various fertilization management practices can effectively increase maize yield and soil nutrient content. Specifically, applications of nitrogen fertilizer (39.78%) and top-dressing (34.10%) had the best effect on increasing maize yield. The combination of organic–inorganic application (22.93%) and straw returning (20.46%) had the best effect on increasing soil organic matter. Based on grain yield and its components, crop physiology and soil physicochemical properties, we recommend an optimal nutrient management strategy for this region: an application rate of 180 kg/ha for nitrogen and 70–100 kg/ha for both phosphorus and potassium, and the field management practice of combined application of chemical fertilizers and manure based on full-amount straw returning in the field. This study provides a reference for nutrient management of maize fields in the Changbai Mountains—Liaodong Hilly Region. Full article

Drought stress is one of the most severe abiotic constraints limiting crop productivity worldwide, a challenge that is intensifying under ongoing climate change. In recent years, beneficial microorganisms have emerged as sustainable, nature-based tools to enhance plant drought tolerance and stabilize agricultural production under water-limited conditions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the major groups of beneficial bacteria involved in drought stress mitigation, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), a functional subgroup of rhizosphere-associated microbes, endophytic bacteria, rhizosphere-associated microbes, and cyanobacteria, highlighting their primary physiological, biochemical, and soil-mediated mechanisms. These microorganisms enhance drought resilience through multiple complementary pathways, such as modulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (IAA) signaling, ACC deaminase activity, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, improved nutrient acquisition, and enhancement of soil structure and water retention. The review further discusses practical application strategies, including seed inoculation, soil and root application, foliar spraying, the use of single strains versus microbial consortia, and advances in bioformulations and carrier materials that improve microbial survival and field efficacy. Emphasis is placed on recent experimental and field studies demonstrating the effectiveness of microbial inoculants under drought conditions. Collectively, the evidence highlights the potential of beneficial bacteria as key components of climate-resilient agriculture and underscores the need for integrated, formulation-driven approaches to translate laboratory success into consistent field performance. Full article

The principal global sources of platinum-group elements (Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd), collectively referred to as PGEs, are magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits associated with large, layered intrusions, such as the Bushveld Complex. Recent exploration efforts have identified rock types with elevated PGE concentrations, although their potential remains uncertain. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current knowledge regarding potential sources from both natural magmatic and anthropogenic activities, as well as the environmental risks associated with the Pt, Pd, and Rh sub-group, or PPGEs. The order of Pd > Pt > Rh content in emitted particulates has been documented in dust and soil along roadsides, whereas in Fe-Ni laterite, Pt tends to accumulate residually at the top of profiles due to the higher mobility of Pd compared to Pt and Rh. The greater mobility and transfer of Pd are evidenced by higher bioaccumulation factors for Pd in plants and crops, with a higher Pd content observed in roots than in shoots. The effects of chronic occupational exposure to Pt compounds, such as allergic reactions affecting the skin and respiratory system of workers, are well-documented. Although no established permissible limits for Pt, Pd, and Rh in soil, water, or plants exist within major regulatory frameworks, the increasing applications of PPGEs and the use of Pd in catalytic converters (due to its lower cost) underscore the need for further studies on the recycling of spent catalytic converters, health impacts, ecotoxicological assessments, and the application of current technological advances to mitigate exhaust emissions. Full article

Nitrogen (N) is essential for maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, yet its acquisition is limited by the low N uptake efficiency of current varieties. Root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) formation provides a carbon-saving strategy that enhances soil exploration and N acquisition by reducing the metabolic cost of root tissue. However, the genetic basis of RCA formation remains poorly characterized. This study employed an association panel of 295 maize inbred lines to dissect the genetic architecture of RCA formation under low nitrogen (LN) stress. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that LN stress significantly induced RCA area (RCAA) and proportion (RCAP), with responses ranging from −0.31 to 1.16 mm² for RCAA and −11.34% to 40.18% for RCAP. The non-stiff stalk (NSS) subpopulation exhibited 29.19% higher RCAA under LN than the stiff stalk subgroup. Genome-wide association analysis detected a total of 560 significant SNPs and 810 candidate genes associated with RCA-related traits. Transcriptomic profiling further identified 537 differentially expressed genes between inbred lines with contrasting RCA phenotypes. Integrated GWAS and transcriptomic analysis pinpointed 12 co-localized candidates, subsequently refined to four core genes (GRMZM2G033570, GRMZM2G052422, GRMZM2G080603, and GRMZM2G472266), which were implicated in ethylene signaling and stress-responsive root development. Favorable haplotypes of three genes were predominantly distributed in the NSS (25.64–56.00%) and tropical/subtropical (20.51–46.67%) subpopulations. These findings elucidate the genetic basis of LN-responsive RCA formation and provide fundamental resources for marker-assisted breeding of N-efficient maize. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis that typically develops after a long latency period following asbestos exposure. Although immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is increasingly used, the efficacy of standard treatments remains limited. This study aimed to explore ferroptosis induction as a potential therapeutic strategy for mesothelioma. Methods: We first screened microbial culture extracts collected from soil and marine environments to identify compounds with selective cytotoxicity against mesothelioma cells. Gene expression profiling was performed to investigate the mechanism of cell death induced by the identified compound. To assess intrinsic ferroptosis susceptibility, patient-derived mesothelioma cell lines and immortalized mesothelial cell lines were treated with RSL3, a GPX4 inhibitor. Results: Screening identified brefeldin A as a compound that selectively induces cell death in mesothelioma cells. Gene expression profiling revealed transcriptional changes consistent with ferroptosis induction. Treatment with RSL3 demonstrated marked variability in ferroptosis sensitivity across cell lines; the subgroup showing high sensitivity to RSL3 did not exhibit significant genetic alterations in NF2 or BAP1, but contained a significantly higher proportion of epithelioid tumors in histological classification. Conclusions: Our findings highlight ferroptosis induction as a promising antitumor mechanism in mesothelioma, particularly in the epithelioid subtype. While GPX4 inhibitors such as RSL3 are effective in vitro, further studies are needed to overcome pharmacological limitations and define molecular determinants of ferroptosis susceptibility, which may inform future personalized therapeutic strategies. Full article

Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) are shaped by strong climatic and edaphic constraints, including pronounced rainfall seasonality, extended dry periods, and shallow karst soils with limited water retention. Understanding how tree species respond to these pressures is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience under climate change. In the Yucatán Peninsula, we characterized sixteen tree species along a spatial and seasonal precipitation gradient, quantifying wood density, predawn and midday water potential, saturated and relative water content, and specific leaf area. Across sites, diameter classes, and seasons, we measured ≈4 individuals per species (n = 319), ensuring replication despite natural heterogeneity. Using a principal component analysis (PCA) based on individual-level data collected during the dry season, we identified five functional groups spanning a continuum from conservative hard-wood species, with high hydraulic safety and access to deep water sources, to acquisitive light-wood species that rely on stem water storage and drought avoidance. Intermediate-density species diverged into subgroups that employed contrasting strategies such as anisohydric tolerance, high leaf area efficiency, or strict stomatal regulation to maintain performance during the dry season. Functional traits were strongly associated with precipitation regimes, with wood density emerging as a key predictor of water storage capacity and specific leaf area responding plastically to spatial and seasonal variability. These findings refine functional group classifications in heterogeneous karst landscapes and highlight the value of trait-based approaches for predicting drought resilience and informing restoration strategies under climate change. Full article

Bananas (Musa AAA) can be affected by maturity bronzing, a physiological disorder that appears in the form of bronzing on the fruit’s epidermis, compromising its quality and generating economic losses due to commercial rejection. Since the symptoms are only evidenced at harvest, it is necessary to identify the associated factors in order to develop preventive strategies. This research analyzed morphometric and nutritional characteristics potentially related to the formation of stains on two banana-exporting farms in Antioquia and Magdalena (Colombia). Monitoring plots were established, in which 310 productive units with the banana Cavendish cv. Williams subgroup were evaluated over 52 weeks. In all units, the height, the pseudostem perimeter, the weight and number of hands of the bunch, and the weight of the affected fruit were recorded. In addition, foliar and soil analyses were conducted in each production unit, and some climatic components were characterized. Through a multiple logistic regression model, it was observed that a pseudostem perimeter smaller than 70 cm (measured 50 cm from the base), together with foliar B and Zn concentrations below 100 and 25 mg/kg, respectively, was associated with a higher probability of bronzing formation. These values should be interpreted as preliminary associations derived under specific conditions, and therefore as requiring validation across different contexts and management systems, before being considered as reference parameters. These findings provide new factors associated with maturity bronzing and open opportunities for future research aimed at its prevention. Full article

The sustainability of Korla fragrant pear orchards has been increasingly threatened by prolonged intensive agricultural practices. In response, biofertilizers and green manures have gained attention due to their potential to enhance soil structure, activate microbial functions, and improve nutrient uptake. However, the dynamic changes in soil bacterial communities under such interventions remain inadequately understood. This study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in 7- to 8-year-old Korla fragrant pear orchards in Bayin’guoleng Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The treatments included: conventional fertilization (CK), biofertilizer (JF), oil sunflowers (DK1) with 25 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 27 kg·hm⁻², oil sunflowers (DK2) with 25 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 33 kg·hm⁻², sweet clover (CM1) with 20 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 21 kg·hm⁻², and sweet clover (CM2) with 20 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 27 kg·hm⁻². During the 2023 pear season, soil samples from the 0–20 cm layer were collected at the fruit setting, expansion, and maturity stages. Their physical and chemical properties were analyzed, and the structure and diversity of the soil bacterial community were examined using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Fruit yield was assessed at the maturity stage. Compared to CK, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 101.00%, 38.99%, and 50.38% in the JF, DK2, and CM1 treatments, respectively. DK1 and CM1 treatments resulted in a 152.28% and 145.70% increase in the relative abundance of the taxon Subgroup_7, while JF and DK2 treatments enhanced the relative abundance of the taxon Gitt-GS-136 by 318.91% and 324.04%, respectively. The Chao1 index for CM2 was 18.76% higher than CK. LEfSe analysis showed that the DK2 and CM2 treatments had a more significant regulatory effect on bacterial community structure. All treatments led to higher fruit numbers and yield compared to CK, with JF showing the largest yield increase. Fertilizer type, soil nutrients, and bacterial community structure all significantly positively influenced pear yield. In conclusion, high-density oil sunflower planting is the most effective approach for maintaining soil microbial community stability, followed by low-density sweet clover. This study provides a systematic evaluation of the dynamic effects of bio-fertilizers and different green manure planting patterns on soil microbial communities in Korla fragrant pear orchards, presenting practical, microbe-based strategies for sustainable orchard management. Full article

In recent years, soil heavy metal pollution has become increasingly serious, particularly Cd and Pb pollution, and heavy metals have been accumulating in soil–crop systems, posing great risks to human health. In this study, four Chinese cabbage varieties with different Cd and Pb accumulation traits were cultivated using hydroponics and transcriptome sequencing technology to reveal the response mechanism of Chinese cabbage to Cd and Pb stress at the molecular level. The numbers of upregulated genes in Harmony Express (H) and Ziwei F1 (F) were 2904 and 3004, respectively, under Cd stress (0 mg/L vs. 80 mg/L), whereas the numbers of upregulated genes in Green Crown (L) and Suzhou Green (S) were 3424 and 2724, respectively, under Pb stress (0 mg/L vs. 1200 mg/L). GO enrichment analysis revealed that 52 functional subgroups were enriched in H0 vs. H80 and F0 vs. F80, and 79 functional subgroups were enriched in L0 vs. L1200 and S0 vs. S1200. KEGG enrichment indicated that secondary metabolite biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis are important regulators of the response to Cd and Pb stress in Chinese cabbage. In addition, genes related to antioxidant enzymes (e.g., CAT and glutathione transferase), metal transporter proteins (e.g., ABC), mitogen-activated protein kinases, and calmodulin were significantly differentially expressed, suggesting that they are jointly involved in the detoxification of Chinese cabbage in response to heavy metal stress. In total, 881 and 858 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the transcription factor family responded to Cd and Pb stress, respectively. This study reveals the response mechanism of Chinese cabbage to Cd and Pb stress at the molecular level and provides a theoretical basis for the cultivation of low-Cd and low-Pb-enriched varieties and the mining of heavy metal tolerance genes. Full article

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters; predicting their depth and extent remains a global challenge. Machine Learning (ML) models have demonstrated improved accuracy over traditional probabilistic flood mapping approaches. While previous studies have developed ML-based models for specific local regions, this study aims to establish a methodology for estimating flood depth on a global scale using ML algorithms and freely available datasets—a challenging yet critical task. To support model generalization, 45 catchments from diverse geographic regions were selected based on elevation, land use, land cover, and soil type variations. The datasets were meticulously preprocessed, ensuring normality, eliminating outliers, and scaling. These preprocessed data were then split into subgroups: 75% for training and 25% for testing, with six additional unseen catchments from the USA reserved for validation. A sensitivity analysis was performed across several ML models (ANN, CNN, RNN, LSTM, Random Forest, XGBoost), leading to the selection of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm for both flood inundation classification and flood depth regression models. Three regression models were assessed for flood depth prediction. The pixel-based regression model achieved an R² of 91% for training and 69% for testing. Introducing a pixel clustering regression model improved the testing R² to 75%, with an overall validation (for unseen catchments) R² of 64%. The catchment-based clustering regression model yielded the most robust performance, with an R² of 83% for testing and 82% for validation. The developed ML model demonstrates breakthrough computational efficiency, generating complete flood depth predictions in just 6 min—a 225× speed improvement (90–95% time reduction) over conventional HEC-RAS 6.3 simulations. This rapid processing enables the practical implementation of flood early warning systems. Despite the dramatic speed gains, the solution maintains high predictive accuracy, evidenced by statistically robust 95% confidence intervals and strong spatial agreement with HEC-RAS benchmark maps. These findings highlight the critical role of the spatial variability of dependencies in enhancing model accuracy, representing a meaningful approach forward in scalable modeling frameworks with potential for global generalization of flood depth. Full article