Search Results (3,301)

To ensure the quality and efficient access of the population to plant-derived resources, research on the sustainable cultivation of medicinal species is of great importance, and the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of poultry litter-based organic fertilization and seasonality on plant growth, soil health (quality), and secondary metabolism of Cuphea carthagenensis. Plants were cultivated during the summer and autumn/winter seasons in a randomized design with five poultry litter application rates (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha⁻¹) and three replications per plot field (1 × 2 m). The parameters evaluated included soil health, plant biomass, nutrient content, extract yield from the aerial parts, and chemical composition. In the summer, soil bioindicators (microbial biomass carbon and basal respiration) increased with the addition of poultry litter, although plant biomass was not affected by the season. Plant nutrient levels, particularly N and P, increased under poultry litter application rates of 30 t ha⁻¹ and higher. Under these conditions, the highest extract yield from the aerial parts was obtained at a rate of 40 t ha⁻¹. During autumn/winter, poultry litter increased significantly soil microbial biomass carbon, plant biomass, and N and P contents, resulting in an 11.07% increase in extract yield at a rate of 20 t ha⁻¹. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts identified 29 compounds, predominantly quercetin derivatives. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the sustainable cultivation of C. carthagenensis under organic fertilization enhances soil health, plant biomass, and extract yield. These findings highlight the potential of organic nutrient management as a promising strategy for advancing sustainable medicinal plant production and meeting societal demands for natural bioactive resources. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator for assessing pasture degradation. This study presents an integrated, field-based approach to analyzing SOC dynamics in pastures of Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil). Unlike methods based exclusively on remote sensing or modeling, our analysis is based on 350 georeferenced soil samples collected by Embrapa Solos and complemented by historical land use data, providing robust and reliable empirical evidence. Statistical methods (ANOVA, Tukey test), geostatistical interpolation (kriging), and unsupervised clustering (k-means) were used to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of SOC. The results revealed patterns linked to both topographic and anthropogenic drivers, enabling the objective delineation of degraded versus non-degraded pastures. SOC levels below 40 g/kg in areas under 300 m elevation were strongly associated with degradation due to intensive use. In contrast, degradation at higher altitudes was primarily linked to sloping terrain more prone to water erosion. This methodological approach demonstrates the potential of combining field data with data mining tools to detect degradation patterns and inform targeted land management. The findings reaffirm SOC as a vital indicator of soil quality and highlight the importance of sustainable pasture practices in conserving carbon stocks and mitigating climate change. The proposed threshold-based method offers a practical foundation for diagnosing degraded pastures and identifying priority areas for restoration. Full article

This article proposes a complex solution to improve sustainable intelligent building management based on the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. The ESG KPI Framework–Metaverse-Enabled Operations incorporates the latest digital twin solutions, IoT sensor systems, and metaverse platforms to deliver real-time management and optimization of ESG factors. A hybrid solution strategy has been used in this framework, focusing on auto-acquisition of information and multiple validations at different levels through correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, and Machine Learning. The designed prototype links all the solutions together in a multi-level dashboard to represent key performance factors such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, renewable energy use, and occupant wellness. Experiments conducted validate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in improving prediction efficiency and user interaction experience during metaverse simulations. Full article

As a pivotal market-based instrument for achieving sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals, China’s Energy-Use Rights Trading Policy (EURT) was implemented to incentivize corporate energy efficiency and emission reduction. Using the difference-in-differences (DID) method, this study empirically examines the impact of China’s 2016 pilot policy on energy-use rights trading on corporate earnings management, investigating micro-level data from China’s A-share listed companies between 2010 and 2022. The main results show that EURT significantly intensifies earnings management. The effect is more pronounced in private enterprises, non-Big-Four-audited firms, firms within industries characterized by high concentration, and firms located in regions characterized by lower environmental fiscal expenditure and weaker waste gas treatment capacity. Mechanism analyses reveal that the policy operates through tightened financing constraints and elevated financial risk. Importantly, environmental investment mitigates this effect, while regulatory pressure amplifies it. These findings highlight trade-offs in sustainable policy design, demonstrating how environmental instruments may compromise financial integrity, and underscore the need for integrated governance approaches. Full article

Soil aggregate stability is a key indicator of soil health and is fundamental to soil processes such as water infiltration, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and ecosystem functionality. However, research concerning the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on SAS across different climates, soil types, and management practices is lacking. This review synthesizes current understanding of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that govern the aggregate formation and stability and brings to light how the natural and anthropogenic drivers influence these processes. It highlights how clay mineralogy, root systems, microbial diversity, soil organic matter, and management practices shape the structure and turnover of aggregates essential for agricultural productivity. Key drivers of aggregate formation, categorized into natural (such as texture, clay mineral interaction, biota, and climate) and anthropogenic (such as tillage, land use changes, organic amendments) factors, have been critically evaluated. This review provides an insightful framework for soil management that may help enhance soil aggregation and promote sustainable agriculture and food security, especially under climate change. Full article

Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics into supply chain finance is critical for promoting sustainable development. However, the dynamic mechanisms through which real-time ESG performance influences credit allocation and, consequently, shapes credit risk and environmental risk exposures for financial institutions, remain poorly understood, especially when compared to traditional static and retrospective ESG evaluations. To address this, we developed an agent-based model that simulates interactions among green enterprises, a financial institution, and a regulator, featuring a dynamic credit algorithm that adjusts credit lines based on real-time ESG scores. Our simulations demonstrate that ESG-driven credit policies significantly boost green technology adoption among SMEs, raising adoption rates from 20% to over 85% under strong incentives, which in turn drives a substantial reduction of the supply chain’s carbon footprint by more than 50%. Notably, this environmental benefit is achieved without a commensurate surge in credit risk, as the non-performing loan ratio only experienced a moderate increase. Additionally, sensitivity analysis reveals a non-linear relationship between the ESG weighting in credit decisions and environmental outcomes, identifying a critical threshold for policy effectiveness. Our findings offer risk managers and policymakers evidence-backed strategies for designing dynamic incentives that effectively promote supply chain decarbonization while managing associated financial risks. Full article

Agricultural water resources face growing pressure from rising food demand and environmental changes. In large agricultural irrigation areas, water and land use is closely linked to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and food production. Therefore, regulating the water–land–energy–food–carbon nexus under multiple external changes is essential for achieving sustainable agriculture. This study aims to optimize water and land allocation in large agricultural irrigation areas to enhance yields and reduce carbon emissions under different external environments and production conditions. A spatial–temporal synergistic optimization and regulation model for water and land resources in large agricultural irrigation zones is developed. Based on 191 representative irrigation districts in Heilongjiang Province, multiple scenarios are constructed, including water-saving irrigation, climate change and low-carbon irrigation energy transitions. Optimal solutions are identified using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III. The results indicate that, after optimization in the current scenario, crop production increased by 2.13%, carbon emissions decreased by 1.23%, and irrigation energy productivity rose by 9.33%. Concurrently, water-saving irrigation should be prioritized in western regions. This study provides an efficient water management pathway for major food production regions. Full article

Soil acid–base status fundamentally regulates biogeochemical cycling and agroecosystem resilience by controlling nutrient solubility, cation exchange, and redox equilibria. However, the long-term evolution of soil pH and its spatial divergence under intensive agricultural expansion remain poorly quantified. Herein, we integrate three nationwide soil surveys (1980, 2012, 2018) encompassing over 190,000 cropland observations into a harmonized 1 km dataset to reconstruct four decades of soil pH change across China. National mean soil pH declined from 7.1 in 1980 to 6.7 in 2012 and 6.6 in 2018, revealing a sustained acidification trend. Nearly one quarter of neutral soils (pH 6.5–7.5) have shifted into acidic classes (<6.5) since 1980, reflecting widespread depletion of soil buffering capacity under intensive fertilization, high rainfall, and carbonate exhaustion. By integrating current pH conditions with standardized pH change rate, we delineate nine bidirectional soil pH risk zones that capture contrasting acidification and alkalization processes along climatic and edaphic gradients. Acidification-prone zones dominate humid southern croplands, whereas alkalization risk prevails in arid northern regions. Our results provide nationally consistent, grid-level evidence of soil acid–base evolution across nearly four decades, offering a quantitative foundation for region-specific soil management to sustain productivity and mitigate environmental risks. Full article

Catch crops play a vital role in agricultural systems by contributing to biomass production, nutrient retention, and carbon sequestration. Among these, species from the Brassicaceae family are particularly valuable due to their rapid biomass accumulation, biofumigant properties, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This study presents the first systematic evaluation of biomass characteristics for six non-traditional Brassicaceae species under Central European conditions, alongside commonly cultivated representatives of the family. Field experiments were conducted in Eastern Bohemia from 2021 to 2023 to assess biomass production in nine Brassicaceae species. Four sowing dates were evaluated, with plant sampling determining aboveground and underground biomass. The results revealed significant species-specific differences in biomass accumulation. Sinapis alba and Raphanus sativus exhibited the highest biomass, while Brassica napus and Crambe abyssinica had the lowest. A positive correlation between aboveground and underground biomass was observed across species, though root-to-shoot ratios varied, influencing carbon allocation patterns and soil organic matter inputs. Overall, the results demonstrate that sowing date is a critical factor influencing growth dynamics and reproductive development in these underutilized Brassicaceae species. By identifying optimal planting windows, this study contributes to improved management strategies aimed at maximizing biomass production while supporting sustainable cropping practices, including enhanced soil organic carbon stabilization and reduced nutrient losses. Full article

Forestry is essential for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and renewable resource management. Traditional methods for forest inventory, particularly the manual measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH), are labor-intensive and prone to error. Recent advancements in proximal sensing, including lidar and photogrammetry, have paved the way for more efficient approaches, yet high costs remain a barrier to widespread adoption. This study investigates the potential of close-range photogrammetry (CRP) using low-cost devices, such as smartphones, cameras, and specialized handheld laser scanners (Stonex and LIVOX prototype), to generate 3D point clouds for accurate DBH estimation. We compared these devices by assessing their agreement and efficiency when compared to conventional methods in diverse forest conditions across multiple tree species. Additionally, we analyze factors influencing measurement errors and propose a comprehensive decision-making framework to guide technology selection in forest inventory. The results show that the lowest-cost devices and photogrammetric methods achieved the highest agreement with the conventional (caliper-based) measurements, while mobile applications were the fastest and least expensive but also the least accurate. Photogrammetry provided the most accurate DBH estimates (error ≈ 0.7 cm) but required the highest effort; handheld laser scanners achieved an average accuracy of about 1.5 cm at substantially higher cost, while mobile applications were the fastest and least expensive but also the least accurate (3–3.5 cm error). The outcomes of this research aim to facilitate more accessible, reliable, and sustainable forest management practices. Full article

Understanding how carbon is stored and stabilized in temperate agricultural soils is central to addressing one of the defining environmental challenges of our time—climate change. In this review, we bridge quantitative bibliometric insights with a qualitative synthesis of the mechanisms, regional differences, management practices, and models governing soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. We systematically analyzed 481 peer-reviewed publications published between 1990 and 2024, retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer to map research trends, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. The bibliometric analysis revealed a marked increase in publications after 2010, coinciding with growing global interest in climate-smart agriculture and carbon sequestration policies. Comparative synthesis across temperate sub-regions—such as the humid temperate plains of Europe, the semi-arid temperate zones, and the temperate black soil region of Northeast China—reveals that the effectiveness of common practices varies with soil mineralogy, texture, moisture regimes, and historical land-use. Reduced tillage (average SOC gain of 0.25 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), cover cropping (0.32 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and organic amendments such as compost and biochar (up to 1.1 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) consistently enhance SOC accumulation, but with region-specific outcomes driven by these contextual factors. Recognizing such heterogeneity is essential for developing regionally actionable management recommendations. Recent advances in machine learning, remote sensing, and process-based modeling are enabling more accurate and scalable monitoring of SOC stocks, yet challenges remain in integrating micro-scale stabilization processes with regional and global assessments. To address these gaps, this review highlights a multi-method integration pathway—combining field measurements, mechanistic modeling, data-driven approaches, and policy instruments that incentivize adoption of evidence-based practices. By combining quantitative bibliometric analysis with regionally informed mechanistic synthesis, this review provides a holistic understanding of how knowledge about SOC in temperate agroecosystems has evolved and where future opportunities lie. The findings underscore that temperate agricultural soils, when supported by appropriate scientific practices and enabling policy frameworks, represent one of the most accessible natural climate solutions for advancing climate-resilient and sustainable food systems. Full article

Grassland ecosystems play a key role in global carbon and nutrient cycling, yet their productivity is increasingly affected by changing climate, land use, and nutrient inputs. Recent studies have identified plant–microbe interactions as a crucial biological mechanism regulating these changes. However, comprehensive research across different biomes remains insufficient. This review focuses on the functional characteristics and physiological processes of microorganisms to explore how they influence grassland productivity and stability in the context of global change, and proposes quantifiable indicators to improve model predictions. By integrating evidence from alpine, temperate, and arid grasslands, we summarize how microbial carbon use efficiency(CUE), nutrient cycling enzyme activity, and symbiotic capabilities affect plant nutrient acquisition, carbon allocation, and stress resistance. Meta-analytical data indicate that microbial processes can explain a substantial proportion of productivity variation beyond climatic and edaphic factors. We further outline methodological progress in linking molecular mechanisms with ecosystem dynamics through multi-omics, stable isotope tracing, and structural equation modeling. This synthesis highlights that incorporating microbial mechanisms into grassland productivity frameworks enhances predictive accuracy and provides an empirical basis for sustainable management. Across global grasslands, microbial processes account for roughly 40–50% of the explained variance in productivity beyond abiotic drivers, underscoring their predictive value in ecosystem models. Thes study underscores the broader significance of recognizing soil microbes as active drivers of ecosystem function, offering a biological foundation for carbon sequestration and grassland restoration strategies under global environmental change. Full article

Urban parks, as vital components of urban green infrastructure, can improve urban ecological environments, showcase urban culture, and offer spaces for human recreation and exercise. However, human activities in these parks also produce severe disruption to soil ecosystems. Studying the effects of recreational disturbances on soil properties and microbial communities is crucial for conserving urban biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services. This study investigated the effects of human recreational disturbances (HRDs) on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities in four forest stands (Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Phe amu), Salix matsudana Koidz. (Sal mat), Pinus tabuliformis var. mukdensis (Pin tab), and Picea asperata Mast. (Pie asp)) in Changchun’s South Lake Park. The results showed that HRD significantly reduced soil water content (SWC) and total phosphorus (TP) while increasing soil bulk density (SBD) and pH. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) increased in Phe amu and Pie asp soils but decreased in Sal mat and Pin tab soils (p < 0.05). Electrical conductivity (EC) changes were inversely related to SOC and TN trends. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi. HRD reduced bacterial species richness and diversity by 5.3% and 7.6%, respectively. SWC and SBD were key factors influencing bacterial community dynamics, with SBD affecting Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Myxococcota, and SWC impacting Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota. These findings provide insights for urban park management, supporting soil microbial diversity and sustainable urban ecosystem development. Full article

The cosmetics industry faces mounting environmental pressure due to significant carbon emissions and pollution from daily product consumption, necessitating the systematic integration of sustainability into product development processes. This study develops an integrated decision-support framework combining Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) with sustainability dimensions to guide cosmetics companies toward environmentally responsible operations. Using facial moisturizer development as a case study, the methodology transforms customer ecological expectations and technical requirements into prioritized design requirements through interdependent matrices (W_C and W_A) and integrated weighting, incorporating both classical ANP priorities (α = 0.70) and sustainability E-Vector scores (β = 0.30). Statistical analysis confirms the independence of technical and sustainability dimensions (r = 0.127, p = 0.743), validating the additive integration approach. Results reveal that hybrid criteria combining regulatory compliance with environmental performance achieve top priority rankings, with the integrated model demonstrating 75–80% concordance with industry R&D priorities from leading cosmetic companies and parametric robustness across realistic weighting scenarios. The framework enables the systematic translation of consumer sustainability demands into operational strategies while preserving safety primacy. This ANP-QFD approach provides cosmetics managers with a quantitative tool for balancing environmental responsibility with market competitiveness, positioning sustainability as a strategic advantage in an evolving regulatory landscape. Full article

Over the past few decades, the discovery of novel microbial processes, biochemical reactions, and previously uncharacterized microorganisms has significantly enhanced our understanding of nitrogen (N) cycling across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including engineered environments such as wastewater treatment systems. These scientific advancements are catalyzing a paradigm shift toward treatment strategies that are not only energy-efficient and cost-effective, but also environmentally sustainable, with the added benefit of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The current review highlights recent breakthroughs in microbial N cycling, with particular emphasis on their practical applications in wastewater treatment. Emerging processes, such as nitrous oxide (N₂O) mitigation, electro-anammox, ferric iron-dependent ammonium oxidation (Feammox), and complete ammonia oxidation (comammox), offer promising strategies for sustainable and low-energy N removal. Nevertheless, a significant challenge persists in translating these laboratory-scale innovations into full-scale, real-world applications, especially within decentralized treatment infrastructures. Bridging this gap is essential for realizing robust, low-carbon, and sustainable wastewater management systems in the decades to come. Full article