Combined biochar and water-retaining agent application increased soil water retention capacity and maize seedling drought resistance in Fluvisols.

Global climate change has accelerated the occurrence of agricultural drought events, which threaten food security. Therefore, improvements in the soil water retention capacity (WRC) and crop drought resistance are crucial for promoting the sustainability of the agricultural environment. In this study, we explored the effects of applying biochar and water-retaining agent (WRA) on soil WRC and crop drought resistance in a Fluvisols, along with their potential mechanisms.

Broadband Terahertz Detection by Laser Plasma with Balanced Optical Bias.

Using a controlled optical bias and balanced geometry, we propose a new scheme for broadband terahertz detection by laser-gas interaction without high-voltage manipulation. Compared to the conventional optical bias scheme, the common noise is reduced and the dynamic range as well as the signal-to-noise ratio are doubled. It provides a simple alternative for coherent broadband terahertz detection.

Combined use of polymeric ferric sulfate and chitosan as a conditioning aid for enhanced digested sludge dewatering.

In this study, the effects of polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS) and chitosan (CTS) on the dewatering characteristics of the digested activated sludge (e.g. filtrate turbidity, specific resistance of filtration (SRF), and cake moisture content) were investigated.