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Keywords = straw residue management

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17 pages, 3112 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Conservation Tillage on Soil Organic Carbon Mineralization in Eastern Inner Mongolia
by Boyu Liu, Jianquan Wang, Dian Jin and Hailin Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081847 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization plays the critical role of regulating carbon sequestration potential. This process is strongly influenced by agricultural practices, particularly tillage regimes and straw management. However, the complex interactions between tillage methods, straw types, and application rates in terms of [...] Read more.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization plays the critical role of regulating carbon sequestration potential. This process is strongly influenced by agricultural practices, particularly tillage regimes and straw management. However, the complex interactions between tillage methods, straw types, and application rates in terms of SOC dynamics, especially in semi-arid agroecosystems like eastern Inner Mongolia, remain poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the combined effects of no tillage (NT) vs. rotary tillage (RT), three straw types (maize/MS, wheat/WS, and oilseed rape/OS), and three application rates (0.4%/low, 0.8%/medium, and 1.2%/high) on SOC concentration and mineralization using controlled laboratory incubation with soils from long-term plots. The key findings revealed that NT significantly increased the SOC concentration in the topsoil (0–20 cm) by an average of 14.5% compared to that in the RT. Notably, combining NT with medium-rate wheat straw (0.8%) resulted in the achievement of the highest SOC accumulation (28.70 g/kg). SOC mineralization increased with straw inputs, exhibiting significant straw type × rate interactions. Oilseed rape straw showed the highest specific mineralization rate (33.9%) at low input, while maize straw mineralized fastest under high input with RT. Therefore, our results demonstrate that combining NT with either 0.8% wheat straw or 1.2% maize straw represents an optimal application strategy, as the SOC concentration is enhanced by 12–18% for effective carbon sequestration in this water-limited semi-arid region. Therefore, optimizing SOC sequestration requires the integration of appropriate crop residue application rates and tillage methods tailored to different cropping systems. Full article
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24 pages, 5054 KiB  
Article
Technology for the Production of Energy Briquettes from Bean Stalks
by Krzysztof Mudryk, Jarosław Frączek, Joanna Leszczyńska and Mateusz Krotowski
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4009; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154009 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Biomass is gaining increasing importance as a renewable energy source in the global energy mix, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector. Among various types of biomass, agricultural residues such as bean stalks represent [...] Read more.
Biomass is gaining increasing importance as a renewable energy source in the global energy mix, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels and contributing to the decarbonization of the energy sector. Among various types of biomass, agricultural residues such as bean stalks represent a promising feedstock for the production of solid biofuels. This study analyzes the impact of particle size and selected briquetting parameters (pressure and temperature) on the physical quality of briquettes made from bean stalks. The experimental procedure included milling the raw material using #8, #12, and #16 mesh screens, followed by compaction under pressures of 27, 37, and 47 MPa. Additionally, the briquetting die was heated to 90 °C to improve the mechanical durability of the briquettes. The results showed that both particle size and die temperature significantly influenced the quality of the produced briquettes. Briquettes made from the 16 mm fraction, compacted at 60 °C and 27 MPa, exhibited a durability of 55.76%, which increased to 82.02% when the die temperature was raised to 90 °C. Further improvements were achieved by removing particles smaller than 1 mm. However, these measures did not enable achieving a net calorific value above 14.5 MJ·kg−1. Therefore, additional work was undertaken, involving the addition of biomass with higher calorific value to the bean stalk feedstock. In the study, maize straw and miscanthus straw were used as supplementary substrates. The results allowed for determining their minimum proportions required to exceed the 14.5 MJ·kg−1 threshold. In conclusion, bean stalks can serve as a viable feedstock for the production of solid biofuels, especially when combined with other biomass types possessing more favorable energy parameters. Their utilization aligns with the concept of managing local agricultural residues within decentralized energy systems and supports the development of sustainable bioenergy solutions. Full article
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18 pages, 4915 KiB  
Article
The Quality of Seedbed and Seeding Under Four Tillage Modes
by Lijun Wang, Yunpeng Gao, Zhao Ma and Bo Wang
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151626 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
Crop residue management and soil tillage (CRM and ST) are key steps in agricultural production. The effects of different CRM and ST modes on the quality of seedbed, seeding, and harvest yield are not well determined. In this study, the system of maize [...] Read more.
Crop residue management and soil tillage (CRM and ST) are key steps in agricultural production. The effects of different CRM and ST modes on the quality of seedbed, seeding, and harvest yield are not well determined. In this study, the system of maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) rotation under ridge-tillage in the semi-arid regions of Northeast China was chosen as the study conditions. Four modes were investigated: deep tillage and seeding (DT and S), stubble field and no-tillage seeding (SF and NTS), three-axis rotary tillage and seeding (TART and S), and shallow rotary tillage and seeding (SRT and S). Results show that the DT and S mode produced the best quality of seedbed and seeding. Among the conservation tillage modes, the SRT and S mode produced the shortest average length of roots and straw, the best uniformity of their distribution in the seedbed, and the highest soybean yield. Both the SRT and S and SF and NTS modes yielded a higher net profit as their cost-effectiveness. When considering only the quality of seedbed and seeding under conservation tillage as a prerequisite, it can be concluded that the SRT and S mode is both advantageous and sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Crop Management on Yields)
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24 pages, 2712 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Different Tillage and Straw Management Systems on Herbicide Degradation and Human Health Risks in Agricultural Soils
by Yanan Chen, Feng Zhang, Qiang Gao and Qing Ma
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7840; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147840 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 434
Abstract
Pesticide residues pose risks to the environment and human health. Little is known about how tillage and straw management affect herbicide behavior in soil. This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices under varying straw incorporation scenarios on the degradation of five [...] Read more.
Pesticide residues pose risks to the environment and human health. Little is known about how tillage and straw management affect herbicide behavior in soil. This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices under varying straw incorporation scenarios on the degradation of five commonly used herbicides in a long-term experimental field located in the maize belt of Siping, Jilin Province. Post-harvest soil samples were analyzed for residual herbicide concentrations and basic soil physicochemical properties. A human health risk assessment was conducted, and a controlled incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate herbicide degradation dynamics under three management systems: straw incorporation with traditional rotary tillage (ST), straw incorporation with strip tillage (SS), and no-till without straw (CK). Residual concentrations of atrazine ranged from not detected (ND) to 21.10 μg/kg (mean: 5.28 μg/kg), while acetochlor showed the highest variability (2.29–120.61 μg/kg, mean: 25.26 μg/kg). Alachlor levels were much lower (ND–5.71 μg/kg, mean: 0.34 μg/kg), and neither nicosulfuron nor mesotrione was detected. Soil organic matter (17.6–20.89 g/kg) positively correlated with available potassium and acetochlor residues. Health risk assessments indicated negligible non-cancer risks for both adults and children via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation. The results demonstrate that tillage methods significantly influence herbicide degradation kinetics, thereby affecting environmental persistence and ecological risks. Integrating straw with ST or SS enhanced the dissipation of atrazine and mesotrione, suggesting their potential as effective residue mitigation strategies. This study highlights the importance of tailoring tillage and straw management practices to pesticide type for optimizing herbicide fate and promoting sustainable agroecosystem management. Full article
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11 pages, 327 KiB  
Communication
Application of Difenoconazole and Trichoderma Broth Combination for Synergistic Control of Corn Leaf Blight and Stalk Rot in Straw-Returned Fields in Liaoning Province, China
by Ping Wang, Lijuan Wang, Kejie Liu, Bingbing Liang, Hanxuan Gong, Le Chen and Huaiyu Dong
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7834; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147834 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Maize production in Fuxin City, Liaoning Province, China, is threatened by northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) and Fusarium stalk rot, with straw return under conservation tillage exacerbating the NCLB severity by 20% in local fields. This study evaluated the efficacy of combining difenoconazole, [...] Read more.
Maize production in Fuxin City, Liaoning Province, China, is threatened by northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) and Fusarium stalk rot, with straw return under conservation tillage exacerbating the NCLB severity by 20% in local fields. This study evaluated the efficacy of combining difenoconazole, a commonly used fungicide, with a Trichoderma bioagent for disease control in straw-incorporated soils. Field trials in Fuxin showed that applying 300 g/ha difenoconazole with 1.5 L/ha Trichoderma fermentate achieved superior results: a 72.4% reduction in the NCLB disease index and a stalk rot incidence of only 0.61%. These outcomes significantly outperformed single-component treatments like difenoconazole alone (56.2% NCLB suppression) or other fungicides (e.g., carbendazim, triadimefon). The combined treatment also outperformed the single treatments with biocontrol agent (67.1% NCLB inhibition). The results highlight the synergistic potential of integrating chemical and biological agents to manage residue-borne diseases, offering a practical strategy for sustainable disease control in conservation agriculture systems with straw return in Liaoning, China. Full article
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31 pages, 7991 KiB  
Review
Research and Overview of Crop Straw Chopping and Returning Technology and Machine
by Peng Liu, Chunyu Song, Jin He, Rangling Li, Min Cheng, Chao Zhang, Qinliang Li, Haihong Zhang and Mingxu Wang
Machines 2025, 13(7), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13070564 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Crop straw chopping and returning technology has gained global implementation to enhance soil structure and fertility, facilitating increased crop yield. Nevertheless, technological adoption faces challenges from inherent limitations in machinery performance, including poor chopping and returning quality and high energy consumption. Consequently, this [...] Read more.
Crop straw chopping and returning technology has gained global implementation to enhance soil structure and fertility, facilitating increased crop yield. Nevertheless, technological adoption faces challenges from inherent limitations in machinery performance, including poor chopping and returning quality and high energy consumption. Consequently, this review first presented a theoretical framework that described the mechanical properties of straw, its fracture dynamics, interactions with airflow, and motion characteristics during the chopping process. Then, based on the straw returning process, the chopping devices were classified into five types: the chopped blade, the chopping machine, the chopping device combined with a no-tillage or reduced-tillage seeder, the chopping and ditch-burying machine, the chopping and mixing machine, and the harvester-powered chopping device. Advancements in spreading devices were also summarized. Finally, six key directions for future research were proposed: developing an intelligent field straw distribution mapping system, engineering adaptive self-regulating mechanisms for chopping and returning equipment, elucidating the mechanics and kinematics of straw in the chopping and returning process, implementing real-time quality assessment systems for straw returning operations, pioneering high forward-speed (>8 km/h) straw returning machines, and establishing context-specific straw residue management frameworks. This review provided a reference and offered support for the global application of straw returning technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Design and Theory)
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18 pages, 4127 KiB  
Article
Effect of Peanut Straw Biochar on the Co-Digestion Process of Cattle Manure with Corn Stover
by Jize Han, Yuxing Xu, Haorui Yang, Zhoulin Wang, Wenxuan Xu, Xingsheng Kang, Hao Liu and Changqing Liu
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051516 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Peanut straw, a lignocellulosic agricultural residue rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, has significant potential for biochar production, which may enhance the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The addition of biochar can effectively enhance the AD process. However, the role of peanut straw biochar [...] Read more.
Peanut straw, a lignocellulosic agricultural residue rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, has significant potential for biochar production, which may enhance the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The addition of biochar can effectively enhance the AD process. However, the role of peanut straw biochar in anaerobic co-digestion of mixed substrate remains underexplored. This study innovatively employs peanut straw biochar as an exogenous additive in anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure and corn straw. The results demonstrate that the optimal methane yield was achieved at a biochar dosage of 8%, with a significant increase of 19.1% compared to the control group (832.23 mL). Various doses of biochar also facilitated the degradation of the digestion substrate to varying extents, with the highest substrate removal rate of 54.1% achieved when biochar was added at 8%. Furthermore, the addition of peanut straw biochar enhanced the microbial community structure. Specifically, the inclusion of 8% biochar increased the relative abundance of Methanosarcina by 2.8%, while the addition of 6% biochar elevated the relative abundance of Chloroflexota by 1.4%. This study contributes to the sustainable use of agricultural waste and supports the development of biochar-enhanced AD for improved waste management and energy recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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16 pages, 1489 KiB  
Article
Sward Diversity Modulates Soil Carbon Dynamics After Ploughing Temporary Grassland
by Hendrik P. J. Smit, Hanna Anders, Christof Kluß, Friedhelm Taube, Ralf Loges and Arne Poyda
Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080888 - 19 Apr 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Grasslands are crucial for sequestering carbon underground, but disturbances like ploughing can lead to significant soil organic carbon (SOC) loss as CO2, a potent greenhouse gas. Thus, managed grasslands should be maintained to minimize GHG emissions. A field study was carried [...] Read more.
Grasslands are crucial for sequestering carbon underground, but disturbances like ploughing can lead to significant soil organic carbon (SOC) loss as CO2, a potent greenhouse gas. Thus, managed grasslands should be maintained to minimize GHG emissions. A field study was carried out to investigate how varying sward diversity influences soil respiration following the ploughing of temporary grassland. This study investigated the extent of CO2 emissions from different species mixtures immediately after ploughing, as well as C losses when straw was added to plots, over a 142-day period. The species mixture treatments consisted of a binary mixture (BM), a tertiary mixture (TM), and a complex mixture (CM), which were compared to two bare plot treatments, one of which was also ploughed. The highest CO2 flux occurred immediately after ploughing and was observed in the BM treatment (1.99 kg CO2-C ha−1 min−1). Accumulated CO2 emissions ranged from 0.4 to 14.8 t CO2 ha−1. The ploughing effect on CO2 emissions was evident for bare soils, as ploughing increased soil aeration, which enhanced microbial activity and accelerated the decomposition rate of soil organic matter. However, different mixtures did not affect the C turnover rate. Adding straw to treatments resulted in 43% higher CO2 emissions compared to bare plots. The BM treatment likely induced a higher priming effect, suggesting that the incorporated straw, under different sward residues, influenced CO2 emissions more than the mechanical disturbance caused by ploughing. Findings suggest that using complex species mixtures can be recommended as a strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from incorporated biomass and minimize the priming effect of native soil carbon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Carbon Dynamics at Different Scales on Agriculture)
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19 pages, 1850 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Nitrogen Substitution Practices on Nitrogen Utilization, Surplus, and Footprint in the Sweet Maize Cropping System in South China
by Hongyan Hu, Yun Chen, Luyu Zhang, Jiajun Lai, Ke Chen, Yuna Xie and Xiaolong Wang
Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080800 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Long-term excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in sweet maize farmland in South China has led to low nitrogen absorption and high emissions of reactive nitrogen (RN). In this study, four kinds of organic materials, including maize straw, cow manure, biochar, and biogas residue, [...] Read more.
Long-term excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in sweet maize farmland in South China has led to low nitrogen absorption and high emissions of reactive nitrogen (RN). In this study, four kinds of organic materials, including maize straw, cow manure, biochar, and biogas residue, were applied to sweet maize farmland for three consecutive cropping seasons to substitute 20% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. We compared the effects of different nitrogen substitution practices on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrogen surplus (NSP), and nitrogen footprint (NF) in farmland, with conventional fertilization as the control (CK). Results demonstrated that nitrogen substitution practices increased crop nitrogen uptake by 18.80–52.37%, NUE by 16.00–43.03%, and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) by 46.18–74.31%, while reducing nitrogen surplus and loss by 7.84–21.84% and 12.08–42.88%, respectively. From a life cycle assessment perspective, nitrogen footprint per unit area (NFA) and per unit yield (NFY) decreased by 13.64–32.24% and 34.26–47.64%, respectively. The results demonstrated that partial substitution with organic fertilizers improved nitrogen utilization as well as reduced nitrogen surplus, loss and, footprint in the sweet maize cropping system in South China. Biochar substitution achieved the most significant improvements. This study provides a research basis for nitrogen management in the sweet maize cultivation system in South China and valuable information for achieving sustainable agricultural development in typical subtropical areas in East Asia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Management of Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution)
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22 pages, 2307 KiB  
Review
Bio-Resource Availability in Ireland: A Practical Review of Potential Replacement Materials for Use in Horticultural Growth Media
by Akinson Tumbure, Christian Pulver, Lisa Black, Lael Walsh, Munoo Prasad, James J. Leahy, Eoghan Corbett and Michael T. Gaffney
Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040378 - 31 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 815
Abstract
The ability to substitute peat use in horticulture with potentially more sustainable alternatives hinges on the local availability of suitable biomass resources and whether these resources can be easily processed to achieve similar agronomic effectiveness to peat. This review estimates potential biomass availability [...] Read more.
The ability to substitute peat use in horticulture with potentially more sustainable alternatives hinges on the local availability of suitable biomass resources and whether these resources can be easily processed to achieve similar agronomic effectiveness to peat. This review estimates potential biomass availability in Ireland by reviewing production statistics and industry reports and identifying current uses and hypothetical processed biomass quantities. Annual estimates of the major biomass resources available in Ireland are 488,935 m3 of woody residues (mainly Sitka spruce pine) and 789,926 m3 of arable straws (from oats, wheat, barley, oil seed rape). The potential major processing pathways for the available biomass are mechanical (extruded, thinscrew, hammer milled, disc refined), carbonization (pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization) and composting. This review of the literature indicates that the major challenges to pyrolyzed alternatives in growth media include high alkalinity, high salinity and low water holding capacity. When biomass is processed into fibers, it requires additional processing to address nutrient immobilization (nitrogen and calcium) and the presence of phytotoxic compounds. We discuss possible solutions to these challenges in terms of agronomic management (altering fertigation, irrigation rates etc.), biomass conversion process optimization (changing conditions of processes and applying additives) and novel growth media formulations with various material inputs that complement each other. We conclude that while national alternative biomass resources are available in sufficient volumes to potentially meet growing media requirements, significant further research and demonstration are required to convert these materials to growth media acceptable to both commercial and retail sectors. Research needs to focus on transforming these materials into growth media, and how they will impact agronomic management of crops. Furthermore to this, the optimization of biomass conversion processes and novel formulations incorporating multiple types of biomass need to be the focus as we transition from peat products in professional horticulture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Processed Horticultural Products)
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19 pages, 7052 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Valorization of Rice Straw as Fiber for Concrete
by Hesam Doostkami, David Hernández-Figueirido, Vicente Albero, Ana Piquer, Pedro Serna and Marta Roig-Flores
Fibers 2025, 13(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13030028 - 5 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Rice straw is an agricultural waste that is difficult to manage and has traditionally been burned or buried, leading to environmental problems. Because of this, the introduction of rice straw into concrete has been proposed to revalue this residue. This investigation shows experimental [...] Read more.
Rice straw is an agricultural waste that is difficult to manage and has traditionally been burned or buried, leading to environmental problems. Because of this, the introduction of rice straw into concrete has been proposed to revalue this residue. This investigation shows experimental work carried out to prepare rice straw fibers and introduce them into a concrete mix as macrofibers. In addition, three fiber treatments were compared: two alkaline and one thermal. Four concrete mixes were studied: a reference mix, two concrete mixes with untreated rice straw fibers in two dosages, 10 kg/m3 and 15 kg/m3, and a fourth concrete mix with 10 kg/m3 of fiber treated with sodium hydroxide. The properties analyzed are workability, compression flexural strength, and shrinkage. The results show that the rice straw fiber used in this work improves concrete flexural strength at the peak but does not provide post-crack residual flexural strength. The sodium hydroxide treatment was effective in obtaining a more cohesive mix and lower setting time delay and slightly improved the performance of the rice straw fiber at the flexural strength peak. In summary, concrete can be used to encapsulate this agricultural waste material, providing enough strength for several engineering applications (>30 MPa). Full article
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15 pages, 3579 KiB  
Article
Fate of Fertilizer Nitrogen in the Field 2 Years After Biochar Application
by Lining Zhao, Weijun Yang, Zi Wang, Jinshan Zhang, Liyue Zhang, Mei Yang, Xiangrui Meng and Lei Ma
Plants 2025, 14(5), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050682 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the scientific quantification of fertilizer nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization, its destination, and its residual distribution in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm after biochar application using 15N tracer technology. The purpose was to provide [...] Read more.
This study aimed to clarify the scientific quantification of fertilizer nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization, its destination, and its residual distribution in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm after biochar application using 15N tracer technology. The purpose was to provide a theoretical basis for developing a scientific application strategy for N fertilizer and biochar in irrigated farmland areas. Two levels of N fertilizer application were set up using the 15N labeling method in microareas of large fields: the regular amount of N fertilizer (N1: 300 kg·ha−1) and a reduction of N fertilizer by 15% (N2: 255 kg·ha−1). Further, three levels of biochar application were set up: no biochar (B0: 0 kg·ha−1), a low amount of biochar (B1: 10 × 103 kg·ha−1), and a medium amount of biochar (B2: 20 × 103 kg·ha−1). The tested biochar was derived from corn stover (maize straw). The natural abundance of 15N-labeled fertilizer N, the total N content of each aboveground organ, and the total N content of soil at a depth of 0–30 cm in a spring wheat field at maturity were determined, and the yield was measured in the corresponding plots. The proportion of 15N-labeled fertilizer N uptake by each organ of spring wheat and the soil N uptake was 20.60–35.32% and more than 64.68%, respectively. Moreover, the proportion of soil N uptake showed a decreasing trend with an increase in biochar application. The spring wheat N uptake and utilization rate, the residue rate in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm, the total utilization rate, and the rate of loss of 15N-labeled fertilizer N ranged from 15.21% to 29.61%, 23.33% to 28.93%, 38.54% to 58.54%, and 41.46% to 61.46%, respectively. The spring wheat N fertilizer utilization rate, fertilizer N residue rate in soil, and total fertilizer N utilization rate all increased gradually with an increase in biochar application, except for the N loss rate, which decreased gradually. When N fertilizer reduction was combined with medium biochar (B2N2), the yield of spring wheat significantly improved, mainly due to an increase in the number of grains in spikes. Under this treatment, the number of grains in spikes of spring wheat was 41.9, and the yield reached 7075.54 kg·ha−1, which was an increase of 9.69–28.25% and 10.91–25.35%, respectively, compared with other treatments. Yield increased by up to 25.35%, and nitrogen loss decreased by 48.24% under the B2N2 treatment. Biochar application could promote the amount and proportion of fertilizer N uptake in various organs of spring wheat as well as in the soil at a depth of 0–30 cm. In this study, a 15% reduction in N fertilizer (255 kg·ha−1) combined with 20 × 103 kg·ha−1 biochar application initially helped achieve the goal of increasing spring wheat yield and N fertilizer uptake, as well as improving fertilizer N utilization, providing an optimal scientific application strategy for N fertilizer and biochar in the farmland of the irrigation area. These results substantiate the hypothesis that biochar application enhances spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) assimilation of fertilizer-derived nitrogen (15N) while concomitantly improving fertilizer nitrogen retention in the soil matrix, which could provide a sustainable framework for nitrogen management in irrigated farmlands. Full article
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28 pages, 6312 KiB  
Article
Reclamation and Improvement of Saline Soils Using Organo–Mineral–Natural Resources, Treated Saline Water, and Drip Irrigation Technology
by Nahla A. Hemdan, Soad M. El-Ashry, Sameh Kotb Abd-Elmabod, Zhenhua Zhang, Hani A. Mansour and Magdy Attia
Water 2024, 16(22), 3234; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223234 - 10 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2098
Abstract
Reclamation and management of saline soil in arid regions fundamentally require more consideration to attain sustainable agriculture. Experiments were conducted at Abo-Kalam Farm, South Sinai, Egypt. Split-split-plot design experiments were carried out to study the effect of treatments on saline soil hydrophysical properties, [...] Read more.
Reclamation and management of saline soil in arid regions fundamentally require more consideration to attain sustainable agriculture. Experiments were conducted at Abo-Kalam Farm, South Sinai, Egypt. Split-split-plot design experiments were carried out to study the effect of treatments on saline soil hydrophysical properties, sorghum, and cv. ‘Dorado’ plants during the summer season. Pea cv. ‘Entsar 3’ plants were cultivated during the winter season for the residual effect of treatments. Organo–mineral amendment (rice straw compost + mineral sulfur at different rates) was assigned as the main factor, natural rock or artificial fertilizers were assigned as subfactors, and humic acid at different rates was the sub-subfactor. Results showed that organo–mineral amendments improved the hydrophysical properties of the soil, plant nutrient uptake, crop yield, and crop water productivity; however, it diminished by 10 tons/fed (4200 m2) of compost plus 700 kg/fed of mineral sulfur. Therefore, it is recommended that economically using the combination of applying organic–mineral amendments of 4 tons/fed of compost plus 400 kg/fed of mineral sulfur and 5 kg/fed of humic acid plus natural rock fertilizer is the best safe management for reclamation and improvement of saline soils using partially treated saline irrigation water and natural resources. Full article
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13 pages, 3023 KiB  
Article
Influence of Crop Residue Management on Maize Production Potential
by Joanna Korczyk-Szabó, Milan Macák, Wacław Jarecki, Monika Sterczyńska, Daniel Jug, Katarzyna Pużyńska, Ľubomíra Hromadová and Miroslav Habán
Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112610 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2079
Abstract
Residue management at the farm level is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. This field experiment, initiated in 2005, provides maize data from 2016 to 2018. This study evaluates the impact of crop residue management and fertilization on maize yield and yield components. [...] Read more.
Residue management at the farm level is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. This field experiment, initiated in 2005, provides maize data from 2016 to 2018. This study evaluates the impact of crop residue management and fertilization on maize yield and yield components. Maize was grown in a crop rotation sequence consisting of field pea (Pisum sativum L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.), and maize (Zea mays L.). The measures studied include aboveground biomass removal (K), aboveground biomass incorporation (R), mineral fertilizer application (F), and their combination (RF). The results indicate that R and RF significantly improve yield parameters, such as kernel number per ear (KNE), thousand seed weight (TSW), stalk yield, and harvest index (HI), compared to control (K) or aboveground biomass incorporation alone (R). Grain yield varied across the years, with significant increases being observed for the fertilizer treatments, particularly when combined with straw or stalk incorporation. A nominal increase in grain yield of 1.43 t ha−1 for the F treatment and 1.86 t ha−1 for the RF treatment represents an increase of 39% to 51% compared to K and R. Strong positive correlations were observed between grain yield and several factors, including ears per hectare (0.61), KNE (0.94), TSW (0.61), and HI (0.85). These findings underscore the role of crop residue management and promoting sustainable crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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17 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Ferimzone and Tricyclazole Analysis in Rice Straw Using QuEChERS Method and Its Application in UAV-Sprayed Residue Study
by So-Hee Kim, Jae-Woon Baek, Hye-Ran Eun, Ye-Jin Lee, Su-Min Kim, Mun-Ju Jeong, Yoon-Hee Lee, Hyun Ho Noh and Yongho Shin
Foods 2024, 13(21), 3517; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13213517 - 4 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Rice straw is used as livestock feed and compost. Ferimzone and tricyclazole, common fungicides for rice blast control, can be found in high concentrations in rice straw after unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying, potentially affecting livestock and human health through pesticide residues. In [...] Read more.
Rice straw is used as livestock feed and compost. Ferimzone and tricyclazole, common fungicides for rice blast control, can be found in high concentrations in rice straw after unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spraying, potentially affecting livestock and human health through pesticide residues. In this study, an optimized method for the analysis of the two fungicides in rice straw was developed using the improved QuEChERS method. After the optimization of water and solvent volume, extraction conditions including ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetonitrile (MeCN), a mixed solvent, and MeCN containing 1% acetic acid were compared. Different salts, including unbuffered sodium chloride, citrate, and acetate buffer salts, were compared for partitioning. Among the preparation methods, the MeCN/EtOAc mixture with unbuffered salts showed the highest recovery rates (88.1–97.9%, RSD ≤ 5.1%). To address the severe matrix effect (%ME) of rice straw, which is characterized by low moisture content and cellulose-based complex matrices, samples were purified using 25 mg each of primary–secondary amine (PSA) and octadecylsilane (C18), without pesticide loss. The developed method was validated with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg for target pesticides, and recovery rates at levels of 0.01, 0.1, and 2 mg/kg met the permissible range (82.3–98.9%, RSD ≤ 8.3%). The %ME ranged from −17.6% to −0.3%, indicating a negligible effect. This optimized method was subsequently applied to residue studies following multi-rotor spraying. Fungicides from all fields and treatment groups during harvest season did not exceed the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for livestock feed. This confirms that UAV spraying can be safely managed without causing excessive residues. Full article
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