Search Results (106)

Drought and water scarcity are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural producers in dry environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of algae extract and zeolite in terms of their biostimulant action on water stress tolerance to obtain better growth and production of tomato Lycopersicum esculentum L. grown in an open field under suboptimum and deficient soil moisture content. Large plots had a suboptimum soil moisture content (SSMC) of 25% ± 2 [28% below field capacity (FC)] and deficient soil moisture content (DSMC) of 20% ± 2 [11% above permanent wilting point (PWP)]; both soil moisture ranges were based on field capacity FC (32%) and PWP (18%). Small plots had four treatments: algae extract (AE) 50 L ha⁻¹ and zeolite (Z) 20 t ha⁻¹, a combination of both products (AE + Z) 25 L ha⁻¹ and 10 t h⁻¹, and a control (without application of either product). By applying AE, Z, and AE + Z, plant height, plant vigor, and chlorophyll index were significantly higher compared to the control by 20.3%, 10.5%, and 22.3%, respectively. The effect on relative water content was moderate—only 2.6% higher than the control applying AE, while the best treatment for the photosynthesis variable was applying Z, with a value of 20.9 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, which was 18% higher than the control. Consequently, tomato yield was also higher compared to the control by 333% and 425% when applying AE and Z, respectively, with suboptimum soil moisture content. The application of the biostimulants did not show any mitigating effect on water stress under soil water deficit conditions close to permanent wilting. These findings are relevant to water-scarce agricultural areas, where more efficient irrigation water use is imperative. Plant biostimulation through organic and inorganic extracts plays an important role in mitigating environmental stresses such as those caused by water shortages, leading to improved production in vulnerable agricultural areas with extreme climates. Full article

Discovering, analyzing, and finding a key to understanding the physiological and biochemical responses that Vitis vinifera L. undertakes against drought stress is of fundamental importance for this profitable crop. Today’s considerable climatic fluctuations force researchers and farmers to focus on this issue with solutions inclined to respect the ecosystem. In this academic work, we focused on describing the drought stress consequences on several parameters of secondary metabolites on Vitis vinifera leaves (quercetins, kaempferol, resveratrol, proline, and xanthophylls) and on some ecophysiological characteristics (e.g., water potential, stomatal conductance, and leaf temperature) to compare the answers that diverse agronomic management techniques (i.e., irrigation with and without zeolite, pure zeolite and no application) could instaurate in the metabolic pathway of this important crop with the aim to find convincing and thought-provoking responses to use this captivating and versatile mineral, the zeolite known as the “magic rock”. Stressed grapevines reached 56.80 mmol/m²s gs at veraison and a more negative stem Ψ (+10.63%) compared to plants with zeolite. Resveratrol, in the hottest season, fluctuated from 0.18–0.19 mg/g in zeolite treatments to 0.37 mg/g in stressed vines. Quercetins were inclined to accumulate in response to drought stress too. In fact, we recorded a peak of quercetin (3-O-glucoside + 3-O-glucuronide) of 11.20 mg/g at veraison in stressed plants. It is interesting to note how the pool of metabolites was often unchanged for plants treated with zeolite and for plants treated with water only, thus elevating this mineral to a “stress reliever”. Full article

Nanofertilizers (NFs) and engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in agriculture, yet their environmental safety remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the comparative phytotoxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and clinoptilolite nanoparticles, three commercial nanofertilizers, and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) using Lactuca sativa seeds under adapted OECD-208 protocol conditions. Seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of each xenobiotic material (0.5–3% for NFs; 10–50% for NPs), with systematic assessment of seedling survival, root and hypocotyl length, dry biomass, germination index (GI), and median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values. Nanofertilizers demonstrated significantly greater phytotoxicity than engineered nanoparticles despite lower application concentrations. The toxicity ranking was established as NF1 > NF3 > NF2 > NM2 > NM1 > NM3, with NF1 being most toxic (EC₅₀ = 1.2%). Nanofertilizers caused 45–78% reductions in root length and 30–65% decreases in dry biomass compared with controls. GI values dropped to ≤70% in NF1 and NF3 treatments, indicating concentration-dependent growth inhibition. While nanofertilizers offer agricultural benefits, their elevated phytotoxicity compared with conventional nanoparticles necessitates rigorous pre-application safety assessment. These findings emphasize the critical need for standardized evaluation protocols incorporating both physiological and ecotoxicological endpoints to ensure safe xenobiotic nanomaterial deployment in agricultural systems. Full article

Implementing efficient strategies for the circular recovery and reuse of nutrients from wastewaters is mandatory to meet the Green Deal objectives and Sustainable Development Goals. In this context we investigated the use of zeolitic tuff (containing chabazite and phillipsite) in the selective recovery and reuse of N from various anaerobic liquid digestates in view of their implementation in farm-scale treatment plants. We tested the method on three livestock digestates and two municipal organic solid waste digestates. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were assessed on each digestate, and a large set of parameters, including (i) contact time, (ii) initial NH₄⁺ concentration, (iii) presence of competing ions, (iv) total solids content, and (vi) separation methods (microfiltration and clarification), were considered in the experimental design. Our results showed that the adsorption mechanism can be explained by the Freundlich model (R² up to 0.97), indicating a multilayer and heterogeneous adsorption, while the kinetic of adsorption can be explained by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemical adsorption and ion exchange. The efficiency in the removal of NH₄⁺ was indirectly related to the K⁺ and total solids content of the digestate. Maximum NH₄⁺ removal exceeded 90% in MSW-derived digestates and 80% within 60 min in livestock-derived digestates at a 5% solid/liquid ratio. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed favorable and spontaneous adsorption (ΔG up to −7 kJ⋅mol⁻¹). Farm-scale projections estimate a nitrogen recovery potential of 1.2 to 16 kg N⋅day⁻¹, depending on digestate type and process conditions. These findings support the application of natural zeolitic tuffs as a low-cost, chemical-free solution for ammonium recovery, contributing to sustainable agriculture and circular economy objectives. Full article

Particle film technology is an environmentally sustainable crop protection method, offering an alternative to chemical pesticides for disease control. Copper-based compounds have long been central to the management of bacterial and fungal diseases, particularly in organic agriculture. However, due to their environmental persistence, their use has been increasingly restricted by European regulations, making the management of widespread diseases such as Olive Knot (Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi) and Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) more difficult. The LIFE Microfighter project addresses this problem by testing a novel Zeo-Biopesticide (ZBp), in which natural zeolite serves as a carrier for the beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas synxantha DLS65. Field trials conducted in high-rainfall areas of Emilia-Romagna (Italy) evaluated the product’s distribution and persistence on olive and grape leaves through ESEM (Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy) observations, its ability to retain the microorganism, and its effectiveness for disease control. Results showed that ZBp significantly reduced Olive Knot incidence compared to both the untreated control and Cu-based treatments (p < 0.05), supporting its potential as an alternative for bacterial disease management, while showing no statistically significant difference compared to the control in either the incidence or severity of Downy Mildew (p > 0.05). Its persistence and adherence to plant surfaces, which could influence its overall field performance, were affected by environmental conditions, particularly rainfall. Full article

Water pollution, driven by industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage, introduces organic pollutants (e.g., dyes and antibiotics) and heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺ and Cr(VI)), threatening ecosystems and human health. Although traditional water treatment technologies have now matured, they still have some deficiencies in terms of specific pollutants. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly zeolite imidazole frame-67 (ZIF-67)—a cobalt-based MOF with high surface area, tunable pores, and robust chemical stability—show excellent adsorption capacity for pollutants and have emerged as promising candidates for water treatment due to their efficacy in adsorption, catalysis, and photocatalysis. This review examines ZIF-67’s synthesis, functionalization strategies, and applications in removing organic pollutants and heavy metals. It explores its mechanisms, composite designs, and recyclability, while highlighting challenges and future directions for developing efficient, sustainable water treatment technologies. Full article

An integrated hybrid system was developed, incorporating sedimentation, anaerobic digestion, biological filtration, and a two-stage hybrid subsurface flow constructed wetland, horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCW) and vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland (VSSFCW), to treat rural sewage in southern Jiangsu. To optimize nitrogen and phosphorus removal, the potential of six readily accessible industrial and agricultural waste byproducts—including plastic fiber (PF), hollow brick crumbs (BC), blast furnace steel slag (BFS), a zeolite–blast furnace steel slag composite (ZBFS), zeolite (Zeo), and soil—was systematically evaluated individually as substrates in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (VSSFCWs) under varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs, 0–120 h). The synergy among substrates, plants, and microbes, coupled with the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on pollutant degradation performance, was clarified. Results showed BFS achieved optimal comprehensive pollutant removal efficiencies (97.1% NH₄⁺-N, 76.6% TN, 89.7% TP, 71.0% COD) at HRT = 12 h, while zeolite excelled in NH₄⁺-N/TP removal (99.5%/94.5%) and zeolite–BFS specializing in COD reduction (80.6%). System-wide microbial analysis revealed organic load (sludges from the sedimentation tank [ST] and anaerobic tanks [ATs]), substrate type, and rhizosphere effects critically shaped community structure, driving specialized pathways like sulfur autotrophic denitrification (Nitrospira) and iron-mediated phosphorus removal. Annual engineering validation demonstrated that the optimized strategy of “pretreatment unit for phosphorus control—vertical wetland for enhanced nitrogen removal” achieved stable effluent quality compliance with Grade 1-A standard for rural domestic sewage discharge after treatment facilities, without the addition of external carbon sources or exogenous microbial inoculants. This low-carbon operation and long-term stability position it as an alternative to energy-intensive activated sludge or membrane-based systems in resource-limited settings. Full article

Ammonia is one of the most widely produced inorganic chemicals, with extensive applications in the military, agricultural, and industrial sectors. However, its strong stimulation and corrosive properties pose significant health risks, as long-term exposure to ammonia environments can lead to respiratory tract damage, loss of consciousness, and even cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Over the years, researchers have focused on exploring suitable materials for ammonia adsorption fields such as activated carbon and zeolites. Porous framework materials (PFMs), including metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks, have emerged as possible ammonia adsorption materials due to their high specific surface area, pore size, and structural adjustability. This review focuses on the research and application of materials with excellent adsorption based on PFMs for ammonia adsorption, highlighting their potential applications and providing insights into future developments in this field. Full article

One of the approaches to limit the negative impact on the environment from the burning of coal in the production of heat and electricity is to limit their use by blending them with biomass. Blended fuel combustion leads to the generation of a solid ash residue differing in composition from coal ash, and opportunities for its utilization have not yet been studied. The present paper provides results on the carbon capture potential of adsorbents developed through the alkaline conversion of ash mixtures from the combustion of lignite and biomass from agricultural plants and wood. The raw materials and the obtained adsorbents were studied with respect to the following: their chemical and phase composition based on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy with Inductively Coupled Plasma (AAS-ICP) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), respectively, morphology based on scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), thermal properties based on thermal analysis (TG and DTG), surface parameters based on N₂ physisorption, and the type of metal oxides within the adsorbents based on temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity toward CO₂ was studied in dynamic conditions and the obtained results were compared to those of zeolite-like CO₂ adsorbents developed through the utilization of the raw coal ash. It was observed that the adsorbents based on ash of blended fuel have a comparable carbon capture potential with coal fly ash zeolites despite their lower specific surface areas due to their compositional specifics and that they could be successfully applied as adsorbents in post-combustion carbon capture systems. Full article

Organic agriculture has few tools against pests and diseases and is constantly looking for effective and sustainable products such as geomaterials, i.e., zeolite. This study evaluates the physiological and morphological responses of olive plants (Olea europaea) to foliar applications of different geo-materials, specifically kaolin, natural zeolite, and ammonium-enriched zeolite. The research examines leaf anatomical modifications, including internal tissue structures, trichome and stomatal density, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange parameters, alongside the impact on fruit development and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality. Results indicate that kaolin application negatively influenced transpiration and stomatal conductance, an effect corroborated by increased xylem vessel wall thickness. However, the reduction in stomatal conductance was attributed to a functional rather than morphological adaptation, as no significant changes in stomatal density or size were observed. Both geo-material treatments altered leaf surface properties, particularly peltate trichome characteristics. Notably, ammonium-enriched zeolite application enhanced photosynthetic rate during early olive development, likely due to its nutritional role, and contributed to increased fruit size and oil yield. These findings highlight the potential of geo-material-based foliar treatments as an effective strategy to optimize plant physiological performance and improve olive oil production in sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

The massive loss of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from farmland ditches contributes to non-point source pollution, posing a significant global environmental challenge. Effectively removing these nutrients remains difficult in intensive agricultural systems. To address this, a novel composite ecological ditch system (CEDS) was developed by modifying traditional drainage ditches to integrate a grit chamber, zeolite, and ecological floating beds. Dynamic monitoring of N and P levels in water, plants, and zeolite was conducted to evaluate the system’s nutrient interception performance and mechanisms. The results showed the following: (1) Water quality improved markedly after passing through the CEDS, with nutrient concentrations decreasing progressively along the flow path. The system intercepted 41.0% of N and 31.9% of P, with inorganic N and particulate P as the primary forms of nutrient loss. (2) Zeolite removes N primarily through ion exchange, and P likely through chemical reactions, with maximum capacities of 3.47 g/kg for N and 1.83 g/kg for P. (3) Ecological floating beds with hydroponic cultivation enhanced nutrient uptake by the roots of Canna indica and Iris pseudacorus, with N uptake surpassing P. (4) Nutrient interception efficiency was positively correlated with temperature, ditch inlet concentrations, and rice runoff concentrations, but negatively with precipitation. This study demonstrates the CEDS’s potential for improving farmland water quality and suggests further enhancements in design and management to increase its economic and aesthetic value. Full article

Intensified human activities such as urbanization, agricultural production, industrialization, mining, and fish farming have led to high concentrations of nutrients in water bodies, resulting in eutrophication. Eutrophication has become a global problem that threatens water ecosystems globally. The present study examines the efficiency of applying a novel modified material as an adsorbent for phosphate and ammonium uptake from natural eutrophic freshwater, called ‘ZeoPhos’. The novel material consists of natural zeolite and the addition of iron, calcium, and humic ions, which have been reported for their high adsorption capacity and nutrient-binding properties. Morphological and chemical composition analysis by SEM/EDS and TEM microscopic analysis results are included for natural and modified zeolite. Ammonium and orthophosphate kinetic adsorption results are aligned with pseudo-second kinetic models and reveal 78% and 70% adsorption removal efficiency for solutions of 1 mg NH₄⁺-N/L and 1 mg PO₄³⁻-P/L, respectively. Finally, ‘ZeoPhos’ ammonium and orthophosphate ions adsorption capacity reached up to 28.61 mg/g ± 0.32 and 27.13 mg/g ± 0.57, respectively, after Langmuir fitting isotherm experiments. Full article

Effective water and soil management is crucial for crop productivity, particularly in rice cultivation, where poor soil quality and water scarcity pose challenges. The response of deeper-rooted rice grown in soils amended with different soil amendments (SAs) to Internet of Things (IoT)-managed alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigations remains undetermined. This study explores the effects of various SAs on DRO-1 IR64 rice plants under IoT-based soil moisture monitoring of AWD irrigation. A greenhouse experiment executed at the Tokyo University of Agriculture assessed two water management regimes—continuous flooding (CF) and AWD—alongside six types of SAs: vermicompost and peat moss (S + VC + PM), spirulina powder (S + SPP), gypsum (S + GS), rice husk biochar (S + RHB), zeolite (S + ZL), and soil without amendment (S + WA). Soil water content was continuously monitored at 10 cm depth using TEROS 10 probes, with data logged via a ZL6 device and managed through the ZENTRA Cloud application (METER GROUP Company). Under AWD conditions, VC + PM showed the greatest decline in volumetric water content due to enhanced root development and water uptake. In contrast, SPP and ZL maintained consistent water levels. Organic amendments like VC + PM improved soil properties and grain yield, while AWD with ZL and GS optimized water use. Strong associations exist between root traits, biomass, and grain yield. These findings highlight the benefits of integrating SAs for improved productivity in drought-prone rice systems. Full article

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is one of the most crucial agronomic management practices for increasing grain yield in maize crops. However, the long application may adversely affect soil quality. For achieving sustainable agricultural production, the current research set out to evaluate the short-term effects of the addition of zeolite as a soil amendment and N fertilization on the maize growth, yield, quality, N- and water-use efficiency in three locations (Athens, Messolonghi, and Karditsa) in Greece. Each experiment set up during the spring–summer 2024 cultivation period was laid out in a split-plot design with three main plots (Zeolite treatments: 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹) and four sub-plots (N fertilization treatments: 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). The results revealed that increasing the zeolite application rate from 0 to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ led to a significant increase in grain yield, with the highest value (13.46, 12.46, and 14.83 t ha⁻¹ in Athens, Messolonghi, and Karditsa, respectively) observed at 7.5 t ha⁻¹. In the same manner, the increasing inorganic N fertilization rate from 0 to 200 kg N ha⁻¹, also increased the grain yield. In general, most of the soil properties (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, total porosity, soil moisture content, and infiltration rate), root and shoot growth (root length density, plant height, leaf area index and dry weight), N content and uptake of the grains, and aerial biomass, as well as, thousand kernel weight, N harvest index (NHI), and water use efficiency (WUE), were positively affected by both of the examined factors. In conclusion, this study proved that the increasing rates of zeolite as a soil amendment and N fertilization up to a rate of 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and 200 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, improved soil properties, promoted plant development, and increased grain yield, grain and biomass N uptake, NHI, and WUE of the maize crop cultivated in clay–loam soils and under Mediterranean conditions, where the experimental trials set up. Full article

This research investigates the impact of compost particle size, compost additives, and application rate on the physical properties of loamy sand soil, particularly focusing on water retention characteristics. Compost, enriched with additives like zeolite, biochar, and diatomite, was applied to soil in different rates: 1%, 2%, and 4%. Compost particles were divided into three particle size classes: 0–500 µm, 500–1000 µm, and 1000–2000 µm. The study revealed significant effects of compost on soil physical quality, including bulk density, porosity, and water retention. Zeolite-enriched compost showed the most pronounced improvements in soil water retention by modifying pore diameter. However, the effectiveness of compost additives varied depending on the type and rate of application. Compost with zeolite resulted in a decrease in the volume of large soil pores with diameters of 50–500 µm and above 500 µm. This resulted in higher water retention related to mesopores. Larger compost particles (1.0–2.0 mm) exhibited superior effects on soil physical quality compared to smaller particles (<1.0 mm), although finer particles (0.5–1.0 mm) were associated with higher water repellency. Compost with diatomite resulted in higher water repellency than other compost types. The findings underscore the importance of considering compost particle size, component type, and application rate to optimize soil hydraulic characteristics, particularly in agricultural practices where water management is crucial. Full article