Search Results (247)

This study investigates the effects of different tillage practices on soil quality and maize yield in black soil farmland. Based on an eight-year continuous field plot experiment initiated in 2017, we examined the impacts of five tillage methods: conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage with straw mulching (NTS), subsoiling tillage with straw mulching (STS), harrow tillage with straw mulching and incorporation (HTS), and moldboard plowing tillage with straw incorporation (MPS). The focus was on soil structure, hydrothermal characteristics, organic matter, and nutrient content within the 0–40 cm soil layer, as well as maize dry matter accumulation and grain yield. The results indicate that, in 2023, compared to CT, STS significantly improved the soil structure and hydrothermal characteristic quality index (SHQI) in the 0–40 cm soil layer. Additionally, NTS, STS, HTS, and MPS significantly enhanced the soil organic matter and nutrient quality index (ONQI) in the 0–40 cm soil layer. NTS and STS increased the soil quality index (SQI) by 9.0% to 16.6% compared to the other treatments. Additionally, NTS, STS, HTS, and MPS significantly enhanced the soil organic matter and nutrient quality index (ONQI) in the 0–40 cm soil layer. In 2024, NTS and STS increased the soil quality index (SQI) by 9.0% to 16.6% compared to the other treatments. Furthermore, NTS and MPS significantly improved the SHQI in the 0–40 cm soil layer compared to CT. NTS and STS also significantly enhanced the ONQI in the 0–40 cm soil layer, while NTS, STS, and MPS increased the SQI by 7.3% to 22.6% compared to the other treatments. STS and MPS treatments significantly increased both hundred-kernel weight and grain yield compared to CT and NTS. Correlation and redundancy analyses revealed that SHQI in the 10–40 cm soil layer is a crucial factor affecting dry matter accumulation, yield, and its components in maize. In summary, in the semi-humid region of Northeast China, STS and MPS are cultivation techniques that optimize black soil quality and enhance maize grain yield. Full article

Agricultural and pastoral parks in China possess abundant biomass resources, such as crop straw and livestock manure. However, insufficient distribution generation capacity and a lack of effective coordination strategies lead to low energy utilization efficiency and high carbon emissions. To address these issues, in this study, a coordinated microgrid optimization strategy is proposed based on multi-energy complementarity. A source–load multi-energy coupling model is established by analyzing the dynamic characteristics of biomass energy flow and incorporating a flexible load demand response mechanism. An optimization model aimed at minimizing operational costs is then developed to coordinate heterogeneous energy sources. Simulations under typical wind–solar–load scenarios demonstrate that the proposed strategy improves operational economy by 12.6% and reduces carbon emissions by 23.3% compared to conventional methods through optimized allocation of demand response resources. Full article

For many years, deficiencies in selenium (Se) and, sometimes, sulphur (S) have been observed in populations in most European countries and other parts of the world. This study aimed to determine the effect of selenium (0, 10 and 20 g Se ha⁻¹) and the date of its application (in the tillering phase—BBCH 22–24 and in the stem elongation phase—BBCH 31–34) and sulphur application (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha⁻¹) on the content of various forms of nitrogen (total nitrogen, protein nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen) in winter spelt wheat and winter common wheat. Selenium application influenced nitrogen distribution in wheat. In spelt, grain total-N decreased by 4%, while common wheat straw increased by 13%. Application timing had no significant effect on total-N. Sulphur slightly raised total-N in common wheat grain and straw. Selenium reduced protein-N in spelt grain by 7% but increased it in common wheat straw by 18%. Ammonium-N in straw rose by 24–27%, while nitrate-N declined in grain and straw of both species. Sulphur-enhanced mineral N forms (ammonium-N by 6–16%, nitrate-N by 7–24%), especially in the early stages. Se–S fertilization strategies should consider their competitive uptake and impact on N metabolism. Full article

To address issues such as slow soil temperature recovery and delayed sowing periods caused by straw mulching in the cold regions of northern Heilongjiang Province, this study designed a straw crushing and scattering device compatible with the 2BMFJ series no-till planters, aiming to achieve moderate straw fragmentation and uniform distribution. By establishing mathematical models for the straw pick-up, crushing, and scattering processes, key parameters affecting the device’s performance were determined. Utilizing the discrete model of EDEM 2018 software virtual simulation experiments were conducted based on response surface methodology. The test factors included the blade angle of the crushing long blade, the edge thickness of the crushing long blade, the weight of the crushing long blade, and the rotational speed of the crushing long blade. The performance evaluation indicators were the straw pick-up rate, straw crushing rate, power consumption, and inter-row straw coverage consistency. The optimal parameter combination was identified to be a blade angle of 25°, an edge thickness of 1.25 mm, a weight ranging from 0.35 to 0.41 kg, and a rotational speed between 1400 and 1750 r/min, resulting in a straw pick-up rate of 83%, a straw crushing rate of 84%, power consumption of 6.8 KW, and a straw cleaning consistency between rows of 75%. Field test results indicated that the straw pick-up rate reached 87.2%, the straw crushing rate achieved 81.5%, power consumption was 7.7 kW, and the straw cleaning consistency between rows attained 79.3%. The deviations from simulation results were within acceptable limits. This equipment can effectively complete straw crushing and scattering operations, thereby creating favorable seedbed conditions. Full article

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) make significant contributions to improving soil and plant mineral nutrition, primarily phosphorus (P). However, the response of soil and leaf P fractions dynamics to biochar and AMF amendment in paddy ecosystems remains unclear. A pot experiment in greenhouse was conducted to study the effects of three biochars produced from rice husk (HBC), maize straw (MBC), and wood chips (WBC) and Rhizophagus irregularis on soil and leaf P fractions, soil chemical properties, and rice growth. The combination of biochar and AMF increased soil content of labile inorganic P (38.25%, 50.87% and 23.65%, respectively) and decreased that of labile organic P (52.31%, 61.12% and 44.60%, respectively) compared to the control. Similarly, HBC and MBC with AMF combination increased leaf contents of inorganic (7.29% and 8.81%, respectively) and nucleic acid (18.75% and 14.73%, respectively) P, which were strongly correlated with soil labile P fractions. Biochar and AMF amendment governed the transformation of soil P by altering total P, organic matter, and pH. Meanwhile, the distribution of leaf P was influenced by leaf total P content, soil organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). In addition, MBC and HBC increased the rice mycorrhizal colonization rate by 6.78% and 18.19%, respectively. The application of HBC and AMF increased leaves’ and stems’ biomass (28.57% and 26.67%, respectively), and three biochars and AMF also facilitated P accumulation in rice. Therefore, these results provide the first evidence for the interaction between biochar and AMF to alter P distribution among leaf fractions in paddy fields. Full article

Long-term fertilization affects soil nutrient levels and aggregate stability, eventually altering crop yield. However, their responses to organic fertilizer application and straw returning are still unclear, particularly as the contributions of soil nutrient levels and aggregate stability on crop yields remain poorly quantified. Therefore, topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from six fertilization treatments in a long-term (13-year) Shajiang black soil field experiment with no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilization (NPK), 50% NPK plus pig manure (50%NPKP), 50% NPK plus cattle manure (50%NPKC), 70% NPK plus pig manure with straw return (70%NPKPS), and 70% NPK plus cattle manure with straw return (70%NPKCS). We examined the characteristics of crop yield, soil nutrient levels, and soil aggregate stability parameters, including under different long-term fertilization treatments. The results show that long-term fertilization significantly influenced the distribution of soil nutrients and soil aggregates in Shajiang black soil. Compared to CK, organic fertilizers and straw returning significantly increased the soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents but decreased soil pH, respectively, indicating the best strategies for improving soil fertility. Compared to the CK and NPK treatments, long-term organic fertilization and straw returning significantly increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) values and significantly decreased the fractal dimension (Dm) and mean weight-specific surface area (MWSSA) values, with the 70%NPKCS treatment showing the most pronounced effect of improving aggregate stability. A redundancy analysis revealed that SOM and TN exert significant effects on aggregate stability. Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis showed that SOM and TN were positive factors affecting the yields of wheat and maize, while MWD and pH were negative factors affecting wheat yield, demonstrating that high crop yields are derived from soils with limited stability and high fertility. Thus, our findings indicate that the integrated application of cattle manure with straw returning was the most effective strategy to promote soil nutrient accumulation, improve aggregate stability, and enhance crop yield, albeit with the potential risk of soil acidification, which requires management in the Shajiang black soil (Vertisol) region of Northern China. Full article

Long-term fertilization strategies are crucial for sustainable soil health and crop productivity. However, the synergistic effect of combining straw with lime in long-term fertilization remains underexplored, particularly regarding soil micronutrient availability and tomato yield. This study examined the 10-year effects of chicken manure (M) with straw (S) and/or lime (Ca) on soil properties, micronutrient availability, and tomato yield. The results demonstrated that all of the fertilization treatments significantly altered topsoil (0–20 cm) characteristics, reducing the pH but increasing the EC and nutrient content. The combined MSCa treatment was most effective, achieving the highest levels of total carbon (19 g/kg) and tomato yield (5.6 kg/m²), which was 12–87% higher than that achieved with the other treatments. Fertilization also significantly increased the diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in both bulk soil and aggregate fractions, with availability strongly correlated with the soil total carbon and pH. The straw and lime amendments significantly improved the fruit quality by increasing the vitamin C and soluble sugar content while reducing the nitrate content. Furthermore, these treatments altered the distribution of micronutrients within the tomato organs, increasing their proportion in roots and fruits specifically. This study concludes that the integrated application of chicken manure with straw and lime is a highly effective strategy for improving soil fertility, enhancing micronutrient bioavailability, and boosting both the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes. Full article

Understanding the formation mechanisms of three-phase products during biomass pyrolysis is essential for optimizing thermochemical conversion and enhancing the efficient utilization of renewable resources. In this study, wheat straw (WS) and pine sawdust (PS) were selected as representative feedstocks to investigate the thermal decomposition behavior and evolution characteristics of gas, liquid (tar), and solid (char) products during pyrolysis. Thermogravimetric analysis and kinetic modeling revealed that PS exhibited higher activation energy (75.44 kJ/mol) than WS (65.63 kJ/mol), indicating greater thermal resistance. Tar yield increased initially and then declined with temperature, peaking at 700 °C (37.79% for PS and 32.82% for WS), while the composition shifted from oxygenated compounds to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as temperature rose. FTIR analysis demonstrated that most functional group transformations in char occurred below 400 °C, with aromatic structures forming above 300 °C and stabilizing beyond 700 °C. Gas product evolution showed that WS produced higher CO and H₂ yields due to its composition, with CH₄ generated in relatively lower amounts. These findings provide insights into biomass pyrolysis mechanisms and offer a theoretical basis for targeted regulation of product distributions in bioenergy applications. Full article

Straw return is essential for improving soil fertility, recycling organic matter, and sustaining productivity in rice–wheat systems. This study focuses on the conceptual design and systematic analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of straw return methods and their classification. We proposed and analyzed 36 technical models for straw return by integrating spatial distribution (depth and horizontal placement) with temporal variability (decomposition period managed through mulching or decomposers). The models of straw return were categorized into five classes: mixed burial, even spreading, strip mulching, deep burial, and ditch burial. Field experiments were conducted in Babaiqiao Town, Nanjing, China, using clay loam soils typical of intensive rice–wheat rotation. Soil properties (bulk density, porosity, and moisture content) and straw characteristics (length and density) were evaluated to determine their influence on decomposition efficiency and nutrient release. Results showed that shallow incorporation (0–5 cm) accelerated straw breakdown and microbial activity, while deeper incorporation (15–20 cm) enhanced long-term organic matter accumulation. Temporal control using mulching films and decomposer agents further improved moisture retention, aeration, and nutrient availability. For the rice–wheat system study area, four typical straw return modes were selected based on spatial distribution and soil physical parameters: straw even spreading, rotary plowing, conventional tillage with mulching, and straw plowing with burying. This study added to the growing body of literature on straw return by providing a systematic analysis of the parameters influencing straw decomposition and the incorporation. The results have significant implications for sustainable agricultural practices, offering practical recommendations for optimizing straw return strategies to improve soil health. Full article

Using locally produced forage and agro-industrial by-products can reduce dependence on imported feed and competition for human food sources, while improving meat quality. However, the overall effect of this feeding strategy on global greenhouse gas emissions must be evaluated to provide a comprehensive assessment of sustainability. This study aimed to test whether replacing the conventional concentrate finishing diet with a total mixed ration (TMR) diet based on maize silage and brewer’s spent grains (BSG) would improve meat quality without compromising productive performance, carcass composition, and the carbon footprint (CFp) of finishing beef cattle. Twenty crossbred young bulls were randomly distributed among 4 pens and randomly allocated to 2 treatments: Control—a conventional diet based on commercial concentrate and wheat straw or TMR—a maize silage-based diet with BSG, concentrate, and straw. Dry matter intake and average daily gain were 13% and 15%, respectively, lower in the TMR treatment than in the Control treatment. Daily methane emissions were 59% higher in the TMR treatment. However, life cycle assessment results revealed no differences in the CFp, and the beef from TMR treatment achieved higher meat quality. In conclusion, a maize silage-based diet offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional diets, with a lower environmental impact and improved beef quality. Full article

The rehabilitation of coal mine sites in semi-arid environments is a step in combating desertification. A promising rehabilitation approach involves the development of anthropic soils that can support vegetation. However, reliable soil quality indicators are needed to evaluate long-term sustainability of rehabilitation strategies. In a coal mine area in northeastern Spain, two anthropic soils (0.5 m thick) were constructed by layering fine-textured coal residues at the bottom, topped with coarse overburden materials. Chemical fertility was enhanced using combinations of semi-liquid manure (25 or 60 mm) and straw (0 or 15 Mg ha⁻¹), resulting in four treatments randomly distributed across both soil surfaces. Two abiotic indicators were selected for sustainability assessment: soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and microstructure. Seven years after rehabilitation activities were completed, SOC fractions were analyzed. In addition, two years later, soil porosity and specific pore perimeter were also assessed in soil thin section images. The results indicated that the lower manure rate promoted more efficient SOC stabilization, evidenced by a 4–5-fold increase in specific pore perimeter at 0–5 cm depth, and lower fulvic acid content at 5–20 cm depth, compared with the higher manure rate. Micromorphological analysis proved to be a sensitive method for detecting early improvements in the physical quality of anthropic soils, highlighting the importance of adjusting manure rates for sustainable coal mine rehabilitation. Full article

Aiming at the problems of excessive soil disturbance caused by deep plowing and stripped straw backfilling in strip tillage machinery, which are induced by the large amount of residual straw before maize sowing in the Huang-Huai-Hai Region, an integrated tillage machine suitable for pre-sowing strip tillage of summer maize—integrating subsoiling, stubble-crushing, and soil-guiding functions—was designed. First, the physical properties of straw were analyzed to determine the tooth profile parameters of the stubble-crushing wheel. The unique convex structure of the tooth disc enables it to simultaneously perform depth-limiting and soil-pressing functions. By calculating the flow characteristics of soil during tillage, the angle and distance between the subsoiling shovel and the stubble-crushing wheel were designed. This not only enhances soil crushing and flow but also reduces the occurrence of blockages. A discrete element simulation test with quadratic orthogonal rotation combination was conducted. The machine’s forward speed, wheel position distance, and wheel deflection angle were selected as test factors to analyze their effects on the soil loss rate of the seedbed strip and straw backflow effect under different combinations. The optimal combination of parameters was determined as follows: forward speed of 7.383 km/h, front–rear position distance parameter of −10.131 cm, and deflection angle of 8.608°, with the soil loss rate of the seedling belt reaching 5.486% under this condition. Field experiments were conducted in combination with the strip tiller to verify the simulation-optimized parameters, and comparative experiments at different speeds were also carried out. The field experimental results showed that the deviation of the actual soil disturbance rate caused by the machine from the simulated value was −1.166%, and the soil disturbance rate within the seedling belt was even lower. The results indicated that after the operation of the improved machine, there were no obvious ruts on the soil surface, and the straw was evenly distributed at the edge of the seedling belt, which meets the agronomic requirements for maize planting. Full article

Alpaca farming has received increasing attention in China in recent years. However, Australian alfalfa remains the main choice of forage for alpacas. China has abundant forage resources, including oat grass, Leymus chinensis, and corn straw, which are widely distributed across the country. This study aims to explore the feasibility of replacing Australian alfalfa entirely with these resources, thereby providing insights into the selection of forage species for alpacas. Test results showed that oat grass, when used as a fiber source for alpacas, has a significant positive effect on their growth performance, energy metabolism and intestinal microbiota. These results suggest that oat grass is a viable forage option for alpacas and is as nutritionally adequate as alfalfa. In contrast, neither corn straw nor Leymus chinensis demonstrated superior nutritional value compared to alfalfa. Therefore, we conclude that oat grass has substantial potential to serve as an alfalfa substitute in alpaca forage. Conversely, Leymus chinensis and corn straw are not suitable candidates for replacing alfalfa. Full article

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture in Türkiye, where diverse climatic conditions demand resilient forage crops to meet rising roughage demands. This study evaluates the performance of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz), a cold- and drought-tolerant legume, to enhance sustainable forage production. Eight genotypes (Line-5, Line-16, Line-23, Line-28, Tarm White, Aegean White, Budak, and Oguz) were tested in Bilecik and Bingol during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Key traits such as pods per plant, thousand-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, straw yield, and harvest index were analyzed using Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment (GGE) biplot analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The distribution of these traits was also examined using box plots. Results showed significant variations: pods per plant ranged from 17.5 to 21.7, thousand-seed weight from 26.8 to 42.6 g, biological yield from 5710 to 8780 kg ha⁻¹, seed yield from 826 to 1132 kg ha⁻¹, straw yield from 4997 to 7643 kg ha⁻¹, and harvest index (HI) from 13.9% to 21.0%. Aegean White excelled in seed yield, while Line-16 showed the highest harvest index. GGE biplot analysis highlighted harvest index as the primary variance contributor, emphasizing genotype-environment interactions for selecting adaptable cultivars for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Straw checkerboard sand barriers play a critical role in wind erosion control and dune stabilization. However, manual installation remains predominant, leading to low efficiency and inconsistent quality. To address this, a compact integrated machine was developed for straw checkerboard laying and pressing using rice straw. The design emphasizes the coordinated function of the straw distribution and pressing systems. Physical parameters of rice straw—average bundle length (<120 cm), repose angle (20.95°), and elastic modulus (1.65 MPa)—were measured to guide structural design. A 3D model of the machine and a multibody dynamic simulation of the distribution system were conducted to validate the mechanical configuration. Field trials were performed using straw mass per metre and average layer thickness as evaluation metrics. Single- and multi-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology yielded optimal parameters: conveyor shaft speed of 230 r/min, crankshaft speed of 227 r/min, and a third-stage tooth height of 0.03 m. Field tests in desert environments confirmed straw output of 0.2–0.4 kg/m, layer thickness of 2–3 cm, burial depth of 14.3–19.5 cm, and exposed height of 19.8–39.5 cm. Results meet quality specifications for barrier construction, demonstrating the machine’s strong applicability and potential for engineering deployment in desertification control. Full article