Combining Urea with Chemical and Biological Amendments Differentially Influences Nitrogen Dynamics in Soil and Wheat Growth.

Nitrogen (N) losses from fertilized fields pose a major concern in modern agriculture due to environmental implications. Urease inhibitors, such as -(-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), nitrification inhibitors (NI), like dicyandiamide (DCD), and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) could have potential in reducing N losses. For evaluating their effectiveness, investigations were undertaken through incubation and greenhouse experiments by mixing a urea fertilizer with sole NBPT, DCD, and SOB, as well as combined, on ammonia volatilization losses from silt loam soil.

Utilization of organic-residues as potting media: Physico-chemical characteristics and their influence on vegetable production.

Soilless agriculture is acknowledged worldwide because it uses organic leftovers as a means of supporting intensive and efficient plant production. However, the quality of potting media deteriorates because of lower nutrient content and excessive shrinkage of most organic materials. A current study was undertaken to identify the optimal blend of locally available organic materials with desirable qualities for use as potting media.

Exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial cultures of and in soil augment water retention and maize growth.

Land productivity in arid and hot climate regions is constrained by water scarcity due to low rainfall and organic matter, which limit both soil-water retention and crop yields. Main objective of this research was to explore the potential of exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing bacteria screened from different soils for enhancing soil-water retention, phosphorus solubilization and maize growth. Twelve soil samples were drawn from diverse ecologies (sub-humid and arid) to isolate EPS-producing bacteria (EPB), and cultured on LB and Pikovskaya media.

Genome-Wide Identification, and In-Silico Expression Analysis of YABBY Gene Family in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Potato ().

is among the specific transcription factor (TF) gene family in plants and plays an important role in the development of the leaves and floral organs. Its specific roles include lateral organ development, the establishment of dorsoventral polarity, and response to abiotic stress. Potato is an important crop worldwide and genes are not still identified and characterized in potato.

Reimagining safe lithium applications in the living environment and its impacts on human, animal, and plant system.

Lithium's (Li) ubiquitous distribution in the environment is a rising concern due to its rapid proliferation in the modern electronic industry. Li enigmatic entry into the terrestrial food chain raises many questions and uncertainties that may pose a grave threat to living biota. We examined the leverage existing published articles regarding advances in global Li resources, interplay with plants, and possible involvement with living organisms, especially humans and animals.

Exposure of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. Radculus Pers) to iron-based nanoparticles enhances its nutritional quality by trigging the essential elements.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is a pervasive nutritional disorder, and producing vegetables enriched with Fe as a dietary source is imperative. Herein, FeO, FeO(OH), α-FeO, β-FeO, γ-FeO, and nZVI nanoparticles (NPs) were applied in soil as fertilizer to enhance the Fe nutrition in cherry radish. The highest enhancement of Fe content (58%) was observed in FeO treatment at 100 mg kg, followed by FeO(OH) (49%), α-FeO (24%), nZVI (14%), β-FeO (13%) and γ-FeO (4%).

Stress signaling convergence and nutrient crosstalk determine zinc-mediated amelioration against cadmium toxicity in rice.

Consumption of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the major pathways for heavy metal bioaccumulation in humans over time. Understanding the molecular responses of rice to heavy metal contamination in agriculture is useful for eco-toxicological assessment of cadmium (Cd) and its interaction with zinc (Zn).

A critical review of the environmental impacts of manufactured nano-objects on earthworm species.

The presence of manufactured nano-objects (MNOs) in various consumer or their (future large-scale) use as nanoagrochemical have increased with the rapid development of nanotechnology and therefore, concerns associated with its possible ecotoxicological effects are also arising. MNOs are releasing along the product life cycle, consequently accumulating in soils and other environmental matrices, and potentially leading to adverse effects on soil biota and their associated processes. Earthworms, of the group of Oligochaetes, are an ecologically significant group of organisms and play an important role in soil remediation, as well as acting as a potential vector for trophic transfer of MNOs through the food chain.

Performance and microbial community dynamics in anaerobic continuously stirred tank reactor and sequencing batch reactor (CSTR-SBR) coupled with magnesium-ammonium-phosphate (MAP)-precipitation for treating swine wastewater.

The impacts of magnesium-ammonium-phosphate (MAP) precipitation on the performance and microbial dynamics in an anaerobic continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) coupled with sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for swine wastewater treatment were investigated. In CSTR-SBR systems, an overall higher removal efficiency for COD, NH and POas 98.6%, 98.

Physiological and biochemical response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) to TiO nanoparticles in phosphorous amended soil: A full life cycle study.

Nanoparticles (NPs) application in soil as nano-fertilizers to increase crop yield is getting attention due to their higher efficiency and less environmental risks. This study investigated the interactive effects of variable titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO-NPs) levels (0, 30, 50 and 100 mg kg) superimposed to phosphorus (P) fertilizer application in soil at the rates of 0, 25 and 50 mg kg on wheat crop. Physiological parameters of plants, their antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, POD), and contents of crude protein, HO, MDA and metals/nutrients (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) were measured.

Zinc alleviates cadmium toxicity by modulating photosynthesis, ROS homeostasis, and cation flux kinetics in rice.

Understanding of cadmium (Cd) uptake mechanism and development of lower Cd crop genotypes are crucial for combating its phytotoxicity and meeting 70% increase in food demand by 2050. Bio-accumulation of Cd continuously challenges quality of life specifically in regions without adequate environmental planning. Here, we investigated the mechanisms operating in Cd tolerance of two rice genotypes (Heizhan-43 and Yinni-801).

Cadmium-zinc cross-talk delineates toxicity tolerance in rice via differential genes expression and physiological / ultrastructural adjustments.

Understanding the physiological and molecular response of crop genotypes could be useful in eco-toxicological evaluation with cadmium (Cd) and could be a strategy to solve heavy metal contamination in agriculture. This study corroborates unique patterns of Cd accumulation and molecular mechanisms adopted by plants to acquire Cd tolerance and counteractive effects of zinc (Zn) against Cd toxicity. Two rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes (Heizhan 43 and Yinni 801) differing in cadmium tolerance and its accumulation in plant tissues were investigated hydroponically using two Cd levels [Cd (10 μM L) and Cd (15 μM L)] and two Zn levels [Zn (25 μM L) and Zn (50 μM L)] and their combinations.

New insight into the impact of biochar during vermi-stabilization of divergent biowastes: Literature synthesis and research pursuits.

Biochar amendment for compost stabilization of divergent biowastes is gaining considerable attention due to environmental, agronomic and economic benefits. Research to date exhibits its favorable physico-chemical characteristics, viz. greater porosity, surface area, amount of functional groups, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which allow interface with main nutrient cycles, favor microbial activities during composting, and improve the reproduction of earthworms during vermicomposting.

Exposure to nickel oxide nanoparticles insinuates physiological, ultrastructural and oxidative damage: A life cycle study on Eisenia fetida.

Although, health and environmental hazards of Ni are ironclad; however, that of Nickle oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) are still obscure. Therefore, impact of NiO-NPs exposure (0, 5, 50, 200, 500 and 1000 mg kg soil) on the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) survival (at 28th day), reproduction (at 56th day), histopathology, ultrastructures, antioxidant enzymes and oxidative DNA damage was appraised in full life cycle study. Lower concentrations of NiO-NPs (5, 50 and 200) did not influence the survival, reproduction and growth rate of adult worms significantly.

Functional and structural roles of wiry and sturdy rooted emerged macrophytes root functional traits in the abatement of nutrients and metals.

Macrophytes root functional traits (RFTs) play central roles in the cycling of aquatic contaminants, and there is evidence that emerged macrophytes differ in macronutrients (N and P) and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) abatement due to difference in RFTs. However, it remains ambiguous what root type of emerged macrophytes and their RFTs play more significant roles in the mineralization and removal of nutrients and heavy metals in aquatic systems. There is a clear need of intensive investigation on fibrous- and thick-root emerged macrophytes and their diverse RFTs in previous literatures to identify appropriate plants for phytoremediation technology.

Eisenia fetida and biochar synergistically alleviate the heavy metals content during valorization of biosolids via enhancing vermicompost quality.

Impact of different biochars supplemented (10% w/w) to promote vermicomposting of sewage sludge (SS) and kitchen waste (KW) mixture (SS + KW, 70:30) was studied on the growth, reproduction and survival of earthworms, and ultimately the quality of vermicompost. Four types of biochar used as secondary material for preincubation (16 days) and vermicomposting (30 days) were: pine tree biochar (PTB), poplar plant biochar (PPB), wetland plant biochar (WPB) and yard waste biochar (YWB). Preincubation and vermicomposting of biomass mixture were undertaken in 60 L and 2 L capacity round-shaped bioreactors, respectively.

Comparison of floating-bed wetland and gravel filter amended with limestone and sawdust for sewage treatment.

Advancements in the design and technology of constructed wetlands for efficient removal of wastewater contaminants are ever in progress to develop situation-based economical systems. Here, we entrenched two horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCW) with either chemical, viz. limestone (HSFCW-LS) or organic, viz.

Preincubation and vermicomposting of divergent biosolids exhibit vice versa multielements stoichiometry and earthworm physiology.

Sewage sludge and kitchen refuse are ubiquitously mounting wastes with high organic load, which if reprocessed they could salvage the environment. Reckoned with this certitude, an incubating study was initiated on sequential preincubation of sewage sludge with kitchen waste in 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 ratios for 16 days ensued by vermicomposting of 30 days using Eisenia fetida. Concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in the biosolid mixtures increased during preincubation but reduced progressively through vermicomposting due to bioaccumulation of these metals in the earthworm tissues.

Cryptic footprints of rare earth elements on natural resources and living organisms.

Background: Rare earth elements (REEs) are gaining attention due to rapid rise of modern industries and technological developments in their usage and residual fingerprinting. Cryptic entry of REEs in the natural resources and environment is significant; therefore, life on earth is prone to their nasty effects. Scientific sectors have expressed concerns over the entry of REEs into food chains, which ultimately influences their intake and metabolism in the living organisms.

Whole-Genome Resequencing of a Worldwide Collection of Rapeseed Accessions Reveals the Genetic Basis of Ecotype Divergence.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus), an important oilseed crop, has adapted to diverse climate zones and latitudes by forming three main ecotype groups, namely winter, semi-winter, and spring types. However, genetic variations underlying the divergence of these ecotypes are largely unknown. Here, we report the global pattern of genetic polymorphisms in rapeseed determined by resequencing a worldwide collection of 991 germplasm accessions.

Respiring cellular nano-magnets.

Magnetotactic bacteria provide an interesting example for the biosynthesis of magnetic (FeO or FeS) nanoparticles, synthesized through a process known as biologically controlled mineralization, resulting in complex monodispersed, and nanostructures with unique magnetic properties. In this work, we report a novel aerobic bacterial strain isolated from sludge of an oil refinery. Microscopic and staining analysis revealed that it was a gram positive rod with the capability to thrive in a medium (9K) supplemented, with Fe ions at an acidic pH (~3.

Optimization of struvite crystallization protocol for pretreating the swine wastewater and its impact on subsequent anaerobic biodegradation of pollutants.

Higher contents of NH(4)(+) and SS in wastewater hamper the anaerobic digestion; necessitating its pretreatment to reduce them. This study reveals optimization of struvite/MAP precipitation protocol followed by anaerobic digestion of pretreated swine wastewater for pollutants removal. Levels of different treatments: stirring speeds, 400 and 160 rpm; pH values, 9.

Evaluation of iodide and iodate for adsorption-desorption characteristics and bioavailability in three types of soil.

Adsorption-desorption of iodine in two forms, viz., iodide (I(-)) and iodate (IO (3) (-) ), in three types of soil were investigated. The soils were: red soil developed on Quaternary red earths (REQ)- clayey, kaolintic thermic plinthite Aquult, Inceptisol soil (IS) and alluvial soil (AS)-Fluvio-marine yellow loamy soil.

Calcium invigorates the cadmium-stressed Brassica napus L. plants by strengthening their photosynthetic system.

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) in plants interrupts numerous metabolic processes and reduces the water and nutrient uptake that cause chlorosis, growth retardation, and ultimately plant death. Response of Brassica napus L. to calcium (Ca) enrichment in growth medium for reducing Cd toxicity stress by strengthening the photosynthesis organelles and their functionality was explored in this study.

Insights into cadmium induced physiological and ultra-structural disorders in Juncus effusus L. and its remediation through exogenous citric acid.

This study appraised cadmium (Cd) toxicity stress in wetland plant Juncus effusus, and explored its potential for Cd phytoextraction through chelators (citric acid and EDTA). Cadmium altered morphological and physiological attributes of J. effusus as reflected by growth retardation.