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Biochar is a promising technology for carbon storage and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, but optimizing it is challenging due to the complexity of natural systems. Machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) offer solutions through enhanced data analysis and pattern recognition, ushering in a new era of biochar research.Highlights: ML enhances biochar production by optimizing carbon sequestration and predicting long-term environmental impacts. NLP facilitates biochar data analysis, accelerates discoveries, and improves research productivity. Integrating biochar, ML, and NLP offers new pathways for achieving carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropod pests cause significant problems in agricultural crops all around the world. As chemical pesticide use becomes less desired, there is a need for alternative methods of pest control. Inspired by the natural adhesiveness of arthropod trapping plants, we examined the effectiveness of adhesive droplets made from oxidised and cross-linked plant-derived oils for control of western flower thrips. Two filter paper droplet adhesiveness assays and three detached chrysanthemum leaf assays were carried out to test efficacy against thrips. Suspensions containing adhesive droplets and other constituents were applied to filter papers and leaves via spraying or dipping. On filter papers, droplets made from oxidised rice germ oil (RGO) of different sizes caught 40–93% of thrips. Droplets made of a mixture of sunflower, olive, and linseed oil (MIX) caught up to 94% of thrips. Likewise, adhesive droplet-treated filter papers showed higher thrips mortality than untreated or control solution-treated filter papers. On chrysanthemum leaves, thrips were caught by both RGO (up to 40%) and MIX droplets (up to 20%) and thrips damage and reproduction were reduced. On MIX-treated leaves, thrips mortality was also increased. Within treatments, droplets of different size classes occurred and larger droplets were more effective at catching thrips in general. Droplets were also robust to rinsing with water, which is of importance for their application in horticulture. In conclusion, adhesive droplets made from edible plant oils show potential for use in control of western flower thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense and aligned Collagen I fibers are associated with collective cancer invasion led by protrusive tumor cells, leader cells. In some breast tumors, a population of cancer cells (basal-like cells) maintain several epithelial characteristics and express the myoepithelial/basal cell marker Keratin 14 (K14). Emergence of leader cells and K14 expression are regarded as interconnected events triggered by Collagen I, however the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Using breast carcinoma organoids, we show that Collagen I drives a force-dependent loop, specifically in basal-like cancer cells. The feed-forward loop is centered around the mechanotransducer Yap and independent of K14 expression. Yap promotes a transcriptional program that enhances Collagen I alignment and tension, which further activates Yap. Active Yap is detected in invading breast cancer cells in patients and required for collective invasion in 3D Collagen I and in the mammary fat pad of mice. Our work uncovers an essential function for Yap in leader cell selection during collective cancer invasion. Aligned collagen I is associated with the emergence of leader cells that are responsible for collective invasion. Here, the authors show that Collagen I and Yap signalling are in a feed-forward loop to drive the collective invasion of basal-like tumour cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies have examined the role of biochar in carbon (C) accrual in short-term scale, few have explored the decadal scale influences of biochar on non-biochar C, e.g., native soil organic C (SOC) and added substrate. To address this knowledge gap, soils were collected from decade-old biochar field trials located in the United Kingdom (Cambisol) and China (Fluvisol), with each site having had three application rates (25–30, 50–60 and 75–100 Mg ha−1) of biochar plus an unamended Control, applied once in 2009. We assessed physicochemical and microbial properties associated with sucrose (representing the rhizodeposits) mineralization and the priming effect (PE) on native SOC. Here, we showed both soils amended with biochar at the middle application rate (50 Mg ha−1 biochar in Cambisol and 60 Mg ha−1 biochar in Fluvisol) resulted in greater substrate mineralization. The enhanced accessibility and availability of sucrose to microorganisms, particularly fast-growing bacterial genera like Arenimonas, Spingomonas, and Paenibacillus (r-strategists belonging to the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla, respectively), can be attributed to the improved physicochemical properties of the soil, including pH, porosity, and pore connectivity, as revealed by synchrotron-based micro-CT. Random forest analysis also confirmed the contribution of the microbial diversity and physical properties such as porosity on sucrose mineralization. Biochar at the middle application rate, however, resulted in the lowest PE (0.3 and 0.4 mg of CO2-C g soil−1 in Cambisol and Fluvisol, respectively) after 53 days of incubation. This result might be associated with the fact that the biochar promoted large aggregates formation, which enclosed native SOC in soil macro-aggregates (2–0.25 mm). Our study revealed a diverging pattern between substrate mineralization and SOC priming linked to the biochar application rate. This suggests distinct mechanisms, biophysical and physicochemical, driving the mineralization of non-biochar carbon in a field where biochar was applied a decade before. Highlights: The application of biochar at a moderate rate (50–60 Mg ha−1) resulted in increased labile C mineralization and decreased priming of native SOC. Biochar amendments led to the reconfiguration of physicochemical properties, including pH, porosity, and the formation of aggregates. Modified microbial community structure towards more r-strategists caused greater sucrose mineralization. Biochar incorporation rate governed the C dynamics via (biophysical vs physicochemical mechanisms) in long-term biochar amended fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a nature-based green solution to lift soil carbon storage and mitigate carbon release. Here, we propose a novel concept of biochar carbon pump (BCP) that bridges microbial carbon pump (MCP) and mineral carbon pump (MnCP), facilitating effective carbon sequestration. The BCP functions to promote carbon storage by introducing biochar-derived persistent C into soil, enhancing negative priming effects, altering soil microbial communities, and reinforcing organo-organic and organo-mineral interactions. Recognizing the value of BCP in bridging MCP and MnCP to facilitate diverse natural reactions for soil carbon sequestration is particularly significant in addressing climate change. Highlights: • A novel concept of biochar carbon pump (BCP) is introduced. • BCP can boost soil organic carbon storage by bridging MCP and MnCP. • BCP introduces biochar C and enhances negative priming effects to promote C stock. • BCP alters microbial function and organo-mineral interaction to enhance MCP and MnCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disadvantaged socioeconomic position (SEP) is an important predictor of poor health in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The time course over which SEP influences the health of children with CKD and their carers is unknown. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included 377 children, aged 6–18 years with CKD (stages I–V, dialysis, and transplant), and their primary carers. Mixed effects ordinal regression was performed to assess the association between SEP and carer-rated child health and carer self-rated health over a 4-year follow-up. Results: Adjusted for CKD stage, higher family household income (adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) 3.3, 1.8–6.0), employed status of primary carers (1.7, 0.9–3.0), higher carer-perceived financial status (2.6, 1.4–4.8), and carer home ownership (2.2, 1.2–4.0) were associated with better carer-rated child health. Household income also had a differential effect on the carer's self-rated health over time (p = 0.005). The predicted probabilities for carers' overall health being 'very good' among lower income groups at 0, 2, and 4 years were 0.43 (0.28–0.60), 0.34 (0.20–0.51), and 0.25 (0.12–0.44), respectively, and 0.81 (0.69–0.88), 0.84 (0.74–0.91), and 0.88 (0.76–0.94) for carers within the higher income group. Conclusions: Carers and their children with CKD in higher SEP report better overall child and carer health compared with those in lower SEP. Carers of children with CKD in low-income households had poorer self-rated health compared with carers in higher-income households at baseline, and this worsened over time. These cumulative effects may contribute to health inequities between higher and lower SEP groups over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: School attendance and life participation, particularly sport, is a high priority for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study is aimed at assessing the association between CKD stage, sports participation, and school absences in children with CKD. Methods: Using data from the binational Kids with CKD study (ages 6–18 years, n = 377), we performed multivariable regression to evaluate the association between CKD stage, school absences, and sports participation. Results: Overall, 62% of participants played sport with the most frequent sport activities engaged in being swimming (17%) and soccer (17%). Compared to children with CKD 1–2, the incidence rate ratios (IRR) (95% CI) for sports participation amongst children with CKD 3–5, dialysis, or transplant were 0.84 (0.64–1.09), 0.59 (0.39–0.90), and 0.75 (0.58–0.96), respectively. The median (IQR) days of school absences within a four-week period were 1 day (0–1), with children on dialysis reporting the highest number of school absences (9 days (5–15)), followed by transplant recipients (2 days (1–7)), children with CKD 3–5 (1 day (0–3)), and with CKD 1–2 (1 day (0–3)). Duration of CKD modified the association between CKD stage and school absences, with children with a transplant experiencing a higher number of missed school days with increasing duration of CKD, but not in children with CKD 1–5 or on dialysis (p-interaction < 0.01). Conclusions: Children receiving dialysis and with a kidney transplant had greater school absences and played fewer sports compared to children with CKD stages 1–2. Innovative strategies to improve school attendance and sport participation are needed to improve life participation of children with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Crop straw and it derived biochar are both promising to improve soil fertility and structure. However, the contribution of these amendments to microbial biomass and aggregate formation, as well as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stabilization within aggregates is lacking. Methods: Maize straw that was labelled with 13C and 15N or its biochar (produced at 400 °C) were added to soil to quantify the incorporation of C and N into dissolved organic matter, microbial biomass, and aggregates throughout lab incubation. Results: After 20 days of incubation, 48% of microbial biomass C (MBC) and 18% of microbial biomass N (MBN) was derived from straw. In contrast, biochar contributed 4% to the MBC pool, with only a trace contribution to MBN. These contributions were reflected in the dissolved organic matter C and N pools. Soil aggregation (mean weight diameter) was 14% greater amended with straw than with biochar within the first 100 days, but without differences thereafter. Because the straw-derived binding agents for aggregation are short-lived, their effects on aggregate formation disappeared after 100 days resulting in a similar impact as that found in soil with biochar. Larger amounts of straw-derived C and N were occluded within aggregates compared to biochar. Conclusion: The amendments of soil with straw and biochar affected microbial processing, reflected in the uptake of C and N into microbial biomass, dissolved organic matter and aggregates. We conclude that straw has a short-term effect on aggregation, while biochar has limited impact on aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lime is commonly used to neutralize acidic soil in practical farmland management. This study aimed to examine the effect of soil pH change by liming in acidic soil on the mineralization and microbial assimilation of 13C-labelled maize straw-derived hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions in a 60-d incubation experiment. Our results showed a higher cumulative mineralization of hydrophilic fraction in acidic (34.5%) than neutralized Ferralsol (22.3%), related to lower microbial substrate use efficiency under low soil pH. The cumulative mineralization of hydrophobic fraction was similar between acidic and neutralized Ferralsol. Soil pH affected substrate (hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions) utilization by actinomycetes and bacteria, but not fungi. The utilization of hydrophilic fraction followed the order: bacteria (57–68%) > actinomycetes (10–19%) > fungi (4.2–5.5%). In contrast, utilization of hydrophobic fraction was the highest for fungi (24–38%), followed by bacteria (21–29%) and actinomycetes (3.2–15%). Actinomycetes showed a greater preference for hydrophilic fraction in neutralized than acidic Ferralsol; bacteria preferred to utilize hydrophilic fraction in both soils, while fungi favored hydrophobic fraction. Also, various substrate uses were found in specific phospholipid fatty acids, which showed that some individual species harbor particular organic C metabolization strategies. In conclusion, soil pH regulates the mineralization of hydrophilic fraction and variously determines the preferential utilization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions by fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes. Highlights: • Greater mineralization of hydrophilic than hydrophobic fraction was observed in acidic Ferralsol. • The pH sensitivity of substrate utilization followed the order of actinomycetes > bacteria > fungi. • Substrate utilization patterns differed for members of microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Phytotoxicity following addition of hydrothermal-carbonised waste amendments (hydrochar) to soils is primarily attributed to toxic-organic compounds formed in hydrochars during hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC). However, factors influencing toxin formation in hydrochar and subsequent phytotoxicity have not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of hydrochar feedstock and HTC temperature on phytotoxicity. Methods: Hydrochars from sawdust, rice straw, chicken manure, paunch-hair, pig manure, biosolids and digestate, produced at three HTC temperatures (170, 200 and 260 °C), were assessed for phytotoxicity using plant-bioassays, spectroscopy and wet-chemistry. Results: Hydrochar had no effect on seed germination, but reduced (30 to 50%) or had no significant effect on wheat growth under limited nutrient supply. Importantly, under luxury-nutrient supply, hydrochars (170 and 200 °C) that reduced growth in limited-nutrient conditions had no significant effect, and only hydrochars produced at 260 °C consistently reduced (20 to 30%) growth. Elemental-analysis and fourier transform infrared spectra indicated an increase in potential toxic functional groups in hydrochars produced at high temperature (260 °C). This suggested that phytotoxicity was due to toxic organic compounds, and occurred at high temperature. Conversely, at low temperature (170 to 200 °C), apparent phytotoxicity in nutrient-limited conditions was not due to hydrochar toxins, but nutrient deficiency exacerbated by hydrochar-induced nutrient immobilisation. Feedstock-type had no significant effect on phytotoxicity. Conclusion: Findings provide new understanding of hydrochar-induced phytotoxicity. Fundamentally, hydrochars (170 to 200 °C) are potential soil-amendments, but nutrition regimes to offset nutrient-drawdown need consideration. Research to mitigate toxicity in hydrochar-260 °C is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of biochar application (BIO) and exogenous spraying of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on some biochemical attributes of winter barley under withholding irrigation at the flowering stage (for two weeks), a two-year glasshouse study was carried out. The drought stress increased the electrolyte leakage by 51.7%, however addition of biochar into the soil and spraying methyl jasmonate decreased this parameter remarkabley. Moreover, drought stress increased the enzymatic activity of catalase in both years (1016% and 716% respectively in the first and the second year), super oxid dismutase in both years (1302% in the first year and 382% in the second year), proline content (256%), total soluble sugar content (366% in the first and 490% in the second year) and Malondyaldehyde (383% and 417% respectively in the first and the second year). However, due to application of biochar and methyl jasmonate, the adverse effects of drought stress on these characteristics were adjusted. The highest (9.51 gr/pot) and the lowest (4 gr/pot) grain yield was recorded as a result of combined application of 0.25% of biochar and 50 μmol of methyl jasmonate. Conclusively, it is deduced that, addition of biochar into the soil and spraying methy jasmonate can be effective in managing water shortage conditions if they are used in appropriate doses which were shown to be 0.25% of biochar and 50 μmol per liter of methyl jasmonate respectively, to optimize water use and minimize drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic shocks create insolvency law-making space, generating opportunities for legal reform that may be absent in good times. Policymakers may suddenly acquire a mandate to resource institutions or drive through a change in the law where in good times such reforms were likely to be foiled by interest group capture, or simply unlikely to get sufficient political traction. A crisis, then, is an opportunity for the well-prepared insolvency policymaker. Insolvency rule-making in crisis conditions is, however, plainly also risky. Making best use of the opportunity implies making more than temporary changes to the regime. But design choices made mid-crisis will almost inevitably be influenced by the features of the crisis itself, generating a risk that the result of the reform effort will be distorted law, ill-suited to the achievement of the lawmaker's objectives in the long run. This paper considers the permanent restructuring law reforms enacted in the UK during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. At first glance, these reforms appear to exemplify the case of the well-prepared policymaker, poised to drive through carefully planned changes to the law when the opportunity arises. On closer inspection, however, a different picture emerges. The permanent measures, which were enacted in a fast-track legislative process, departed from the Government's pre-pandemic plan in material and undesirable ways. In some cases, these deviations mean that the original objective has not been achieved at all; in others, the objective has been at least partially achieved, but at unnecessary cost. Overall, the UK experience appears to better exemplify the risks of attempting insolvency law reform in a crisis, than the opportunities that a crisis affords to an insolvency policymaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bail-outs by way of loan have a similar effect (on the debtor: plainly, the cost of delivering relief is allocated differently as between a bail-out and a bail-in) in that they enable the debtor to meet current fixed costs through borrowing, in effect swapping shorter-term liabilities with a longer-term liability. The authors acknowledge the support of the Oxford Law Faculty in funding the Conference "Corporate Restructuring Laws Under Stress" (St Hugh's College, Oxford, 10 October 2022) at which the papers in this special issue were first presented, and the support of the Covid-19 Research Response Fund at Oxford University, which provided funding for the wider project of which the Conference formed one part. Most authors, however, express some concerns in relation to Covid-19 bail-out design, and in particular query whether some bail-outs may have been too generous. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and saltmarsh are recognized sinks for carbon (C) and support the retention of geochemical elements (GEs) and metal contaminants. The retention capacity is controlled by the GE properties, physicochemical characteristics of the soil, and the plant community. This study aims to investigate the retention, temporal variation, and contamination patterns of GEs (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Zn) in the soils of different coastal habitats on Ximen Island, Zhejiang, China. Methods: Soil profile samples were collected from mangrove, saltmarsh, mudflat, paddy, and mountain forest habitats in the study area. In addition to the geochemical element concentration, organic carbon content and particle size of the soil samples were analyzed. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the enrichment factor (EF), and the potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to quantitatively assess the contamination patterns of GEs. The Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were used to identify the factors that influence GE accumulation. Results: Mangrove and saltmarsh exhibited higher GE accumulation than other habitats. The presence of mangrove and saltmarsh vegetation creates a favorable environment for the accelerated burial of GEs towards the surface of mangrove and saltmarsh sediments. Mangrove sediment had the highest burial rate of all GEs while saltmarsh sediment was enriched in Cd, Cu, Mn, and Zn. An increase in anthropogenic activity influenced the concentrations of GEs, specifically Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the mangrove, and Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in saltmarsh habitats. However, the level of contamination and potential environmental hazards of GEs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was not high across tested habitats. Conclusions: Our findings imply that mangrove and saltmarsh habitats serve as an effective trap for GE accumulation, which can serve in the protection of surrounding marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Enhanced efficiency N fertilisers (EENF) including DMPP-urea (Entec®) can lower nitrous oxide emissions compared to urea, but evidence for higher agronomic efficacy—the ability to attain optimum grain yields at lower N application rates than standard urea fertiliser—is lacking. Three multi-N fertiliser rate trials were established in the Australian wet subtropics to investigate whether Entec® could attain maximum rice and maize yields with lower N rates than urea. Crop biomass, N uptake and grain yields were quantified, and soil mineral N concentrations in the 0–10 cm layer were tracked for 30 d after N fertiliser application in the nil-N and the 90 kg N ha−1 (Entec® and urea) plots in two trials. There was no evidence at any site that optimum biomass yields, crop N uptake, or grain yields could be achieved at a lower dose rate of N as Entec® than urea. Entec® inhibited nitrification for up to a month where N fertiliser was broadcast and incorporated, and the lack of impact on agronomic efficiency was attributed to climatic conditions in the first month after N fertiliser application not being conducive to large N losses (i.e., leaching from rainfall, or denitrification). Where N fertilisers were banded, it is likely that high concentrations of ammonia within the urea bands were detrimental to soil microbes, resulting in suppression urea hydrolysis and inhibition of nitrification. In these circumstances, nitrification inhibitors such as DMPP are effectively redundant during the month following N fertiliser application. Further studies are therefore required to examine the role of soil properties on the efficacy of EENFs, combined with modelling studies that examine the frequency of high intensity rainfall events that may cause NO3− leaching or denitrification in the weeks after N fertiliser application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require multidisciplinary care to meet their complex healthcare needs. Patient navigators are trained non-medical personnel who assist patients and caregivers to overcome barriers to accessing health services through care coordination. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of a patient navigator program in children with CKD. Methods: The NAVKIDS2 trial is a multi-center, waitlisted, randomized controlled trial of patient navigators in children with CKD conducted at five sites across Australia. Children (0–16 years) with CKD from low socioeconomic status rural or remote areas were randomized to an intervention group or a waitlisted control group (to receive intervention after 6 months). The study primary and secondary endpoints include the self-rated health (SRH) (primary), and utility-based quality of life, progression of kidney dysfunction of the child, SRH, and satisfaction with healthcare of the caregiver at 6 months post-randomization. Results: The trial completed recruitment in October 2021 with expected completion of follow-up by October 2022. There were 162 patients enrolled with 80 and 82 patients randomized to the immediate intervention and waitlisted groups, respectively. Fifty-eight (36%) participants were from regional/remote areas, with a median (IQR) age of 9.5 (5.0, 13.0) years, 46% were of European Australian ethnicity, and 65% were male. A total of 109 children (67%) had CKD stages 1–5, 42 (26%) were transplant recipients, and 11 (7%) were receiving dialysis. Conclusion: The NAVKIDS2 trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of patient navigation in children with CKD from families experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Laparoscopic surgery has become the golden standard for many procedures, requiring new skills and training methods. The aim of this review is to appraise literature on assessment methods for laparoscopic colorectal procedures and quantify these methods for implementation in surgical training. Materials and methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched in October 2022 for studies reporting learning and assessment methods for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Quality was scored using the Downs and Black checklist. Included articles were categorized in procedure-based assessment methods and non-procedure-based assessment methods. A second distinction was made between capability for formative and/or summative assessment. Results: In this systematic review, nineteen studies were included. These studies showed large heterogeneity despite categorization. Median quality score was 15 (range 0–26). Fourteen studies were categorized as procedure-based assessment methods (PBA), and five as non-procedure-based assessment methods. Three studies were applicable for summative assessment. Conclusions: The results show a considerable diversity in assessment methods with varying quality and suitability. To prevent a sprawl of assessment methods, we argue for selection and development of available high-quality assessment methods. A procedure-based structure combined with an objective assessment scale and possibility for summative assessment should be cornerstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The term "charosphere" refers to the biochar-contiguous soil that is directly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the biochar, yet the dynamics of microbial composition in the charosphere in heavy metal-polluted soil remains largely unknown. Methods: Swine manure-derived biochars prepared at 300 and 700 °C were packed in a double-layer mesh bag and then buried in a Cd-contaminated paddy soil for 15 days (T1) and 95 days (T2). Bacterial community composition in the charosphere and the linked properties such as soil pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents, and total Cd and Zn concentrations were analyzed. Results: The results showed that biochar significantly shifted the beta diversity of the bacterial community in the charosphere, mainly due to increase in pH and total Zn concentrations. Further, 300 °C-prepared biochars stimulated Bacteroidetes and inhibited Acidobacteria by increasing soil pH. In the charosphere of biochars prepared at 700 °C, associated with the release of Zn and the adsorption of Cd, Chloroflexi became favorable over other microbial groups. Both biochar additions gave an increase in the putative function of energy metabolism and lipid metabolism, which might help bacteria dominant in charosphere resist stress of heavy metals. Conclusion: Taken together, these pieces of evidence suggest that bacterial community and potential functions in the charosphere differ remarkably from the control soil without biochar, which was mainly due to biochar reduced environmental stresses such as soil acidity and heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with lower academic achievement; however, this relationship is understudied in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined the relationship between SES and academic performance in children and adolescents with CKD. Methods: A total of 377 participants aged 6–18 years with CKD stages 1–5 (n = 199), on dialysis (n = 43) or with a kidney transplant (n = 135) were recruited. Five SES measures and a composite SES index were examined for associations with parent-rated average or above average academic performance in numeracy and literacy using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Participants' median age was 12.6 years (IQR 8.9–15.5). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) (95%CI) for better performance in numeracy and literacy, respectively, were 0.71 (0.44–1.15) and 0.75 (0.45–1.23) for children whose caregivers had lower educational attainment; 0.46 (0.26–0.80) and 0.53 (0.30–0.93) for lower household income; 0.52 (0.32–0.85) and 0.44 (0.26–0.73) for caregivers who were unemployed; 0.68 (0.41–1.12) and 0.59 (0.35–1.00) for caregivers with poor self-rated financial status; and 0.93 (0.53–1.64) and 1.00 (0.56–1.79) for caregivers who did not own their own home. Compared with the highest SES index quartile, the aORs for better performance by SES quartile in descending order were 1.24 (0.60–2.54), 0.76 (0.37–1.58), and 0.39 (0.18–0.86) for numeracy and 0.88 (0.41–1.85), 0.77 (0.35–1.66), and 0.32 (0.14–0.72) for literacy. No interactions were identified between SES and CKD stage, child age, or gender. Conclusions: Across all CKD stages, children from lower SES families are less likely to perform well in literacy and numeracy than those from higher SES households. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few data exist on the cognitive and academic functioning of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) over the trajectory of their illness. We aimed to determine the association between CKD stages and cognitive and academic performance in children over time. Methods: We included 53 participants (aged 6–18 years) with CKD stages 1–5 (n = 37), on dialysis (n = 3), or with functioning kidney transplant (n = 22) from three units in Australia from 2015 to 2019. Participants undertook a series of psychometric tests and were invited for repeated assessments annually. We used linear regression and linear mixed models to investigate the effect of CKD stage, adjusted for socioeconomic status. Results: At baseline, full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) (95%CI) of children on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) was in the low average range (87: 78, 96) and average (101: 95, 108) for children with CKD 1–5. Mean (95%CI) FSIQ, word reading, numerical operations, and spelling scores for children on KRT were 14.3 (− 25.3, − 3.3), 11 (− 18.5, − 3.6), 8.5 (− 17.6, 0.76), and 10 (− 18.6, − 1.3) points lower than children with CKD Stages 1–5. Spelling and numerical operations scores declined by 0.7 (− 1.4, − 0.1) and 1.0 (− 2.0, 0.2) units per year increase in age, regardless of CKD stage. Conclusions: Children treated with KRT have low average cognitive abilities and lower academic performance for numeracy and literacy compared to both children with CKD 1–5 and to the general population. However, the rate of decline in academic performance over time is similar for children across the full spectrum of CKD. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Alkaline dispersive subsoils are characterised by multiple physicochemical constraints that limit plant water and nutrient acquisition. Subsoil amelioration through organic amendments (OAs) requires significant financial investment. Whereas large yield responses can result following amelioration, sometimes small or even negative yield responses can occur, resulting in a significant net financial loss for the farmer. For farmers to feel confident in investing in subsoil amelioration better prediction of the likely yield improvement is required and to achieve this an understanding of the underlying mechanisms such as nutritional and non-nutritional drivers, and the longevity of benefits are required. Our study aimed to ascertain the drivers of yield improvements from subsoil amelioration with OAs. Methods: In a controlled environment, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Scepter) plants were grown until maturity in a Solonetz amended with (i) poultry litter (PL; 20 t ha−1), and (ii) NPKS nutrients and (iii) model organic carbon (MOC) with equivalent amounts of nutrients and total carbon contained in the PL, and (iv) NPKS + MOC. Control (no amendments) and gypsum (5 t ha−1) were included as district practices. Before planting, amendments were applied as a vertical band at 20 – 40 cm depth and pre-incubated. Plant biomass, grain yield, root biomass, and physicochemical properties of the soil associated with the amendment band were quantified at harvest. Results: Compared to the control, wheat grain yield was increased by 30% for PL, 43% for NPKS + MOC, and 61% for NPKS, but no differences in yield were detected for MOC or gypsum. The lower yield increase by PL than NPKS with or without MOC was likely due to the readily available form of plant nutrients in the inorganic fertilisers vs slower mineralisation of nutrients from the OAs. Improvement in soil physicochemical properties following amelioration of alkaline dispersive subsoil resulted in better root proliferation and subsoil water use. Grain yield showed a positive correlation with root biomass in the subsoil layers. Conclusions: In the short-term (one crop cycle), organic amendments improved soil's non-nutritional physical and chemical properties but had no additional nutritional effect on wheat grain yield compared to inorganic fertiliser application. Longer-term studies are needed to determine the legacy effect of the nutritional contribution in conjunction with the improvement of soil structure from the OAs in alkaline dispersive subsoils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil carbon (C) saturation concept suggests an upper limit to the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC). It is set by the mechanisms that protect soil organic matter from mineralization. Biochar has the capacity to protect new C, including rhizodeposits and microbial necromass. However, the decadal-scale mechanisms by which biochar influences the molecular diversity, spatial heterogeneity, and temporal changes in SOC persistence, remain unresolved. Here we show that the soil C storage ceiling of a Ferralsol under subtropical pasture was raised by a second application of Eucalyptus saligna biochar 8.2 years after the first application—the first application raised the soil C storage ceiling by 9.3 Mg new C ha−1 and the second application raised this by another 2.3 Mg new C ha−1. Linking direct visual evidence from one-, two-, and three-dimensional analyses with SOC quantification, we found high spatial heterogeneity of C functional groups that resulted in the retention of rhizodeposits and microbial necromass in microaggregates (53–250 µm) and the mineral fraction (<53 µm). Microbial C-use efficiency was concomitantly increased by lowering specific enzyme activities, contributing to the decreased mineralization of native SOC by 18%. We suggest that the SOC ceiling can be lifted using biochar in (sub)tropical grasslands globally. A decadal-scale field trial revealed 1.01 Mg of rhizodeposit and necromass C was stored in soil microaggregate and mineral fractions per Mg biochar-C applied. Microspectroscopic analyses visualize mechanisms for this elevated soil C storage ceiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar affects soil carbon (C) dynamics via shifting microbial community, but the active bacteria that regulate the rhizosphere-based C cycling remain to be identified. Here, a continuous 13CO2 labeling pot (Zea mays L.) experiment over 14 days, combined with RNA-based stable isotope probing (RNA-SIP), were used to characterize the active bacterial communities involved in the mineralization of rhizodeposits and soil organic C (SOC) in biochar-amended soil. Compared with the non-amended soil, biochar shifted the rhizosphere communities towards having lower richness and evenness, and particularly stimulated the growth of Actinobacteria (e.g., genus affiliated to Micrococcaceae) and other oligotrophs, most likely due to neutralizing soil acidity (from 4.53 to 6.17) and increasing content of recalcitrant organic C (from 10.69 to 25.77 g·kg−1). These enriched genera were associated with mineralization of both rhizodeposits and SOC, giving 35.09% and 87.28% increased mineralization of rhizodeposits and SOC. This led to much less (by 58.50% decrease) incorporation of 13C into biochar-amended soil. This study deciphered the active microorganisms in the biochar-soil–plant system that likely increased SOC and rhizodeposit mineralization (fewer rhizodeposits remaining), and thus diminished C sequestration by biochar per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "The Association Between Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Parent-Rated Health in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Kidney Disease: The Kids With CKD (KCAD) Study," by Madeleine Didsbury and colleagues is presented.

Background and aims: Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) is an alternative thermochemical method for conversion of waste to carbonised material. HTC converts high moisture biomass into hydrochar, with substantially lower energy inputs than pyrolysis since pre-drying is not required. Hydrochar is increasingly being proposed as a soil amendment; however, hydrochar addition to soils has inconsistent effects on germination and plant growth. Here, we aggregated hydrochar-plant studies to ascertain the effect of hydrochar on plant production. Method: Using meta-analysis, data from 43 published articles with 437 pairwise comparisons was synthesised to investigate the effect of hydrochar on seed germination or plant growth, and the driving factors. Results: On average, hydrochar application significantly reduced both seed germination (-38 %) and shoot biomass (-10 %) across hydrochar properties and experimental conditions. Negative impacts of hydrochar on seed germination and shoot biomass were greatest when application rates of hydrochar were above 11 t/ha (for all feedstocks except woody biomass) and 16 t/ha, respectively. At a standardised application rate of 10 t/ha, unmodified sewage sludge, animal manure and green waste hydrochars had a significant negative effect on germination, whilst food waste and woody hydrochars had no effect. Importantly, modification of hydrochar to lower toxin content significantly mitigated the negative effect on both shoot biomass and germination. Conclusions: Findings provide a basis for further research to elucidate mechanisms leading to the different plant responses following hydrochar application. Fundamentally, interactions among hydrochar dose, properties and edaphic variables are essential to understand when and where benefits may be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Paulownia is the fastest-growing timber species all over the world which depended on exogenous nutrient input and scattered in the subtropical region of China. Practical experience proved that balanced fertilization can provide a rational nutrition supply for Paulownia cultivation by affecting soil microorganisms. However, there have been no rigorous studies on the effects of fertilization and edaphic variables on soil community structure and functions of Paulownia plantation in the subtropical region. Materials and methods: We conducted a field plot experiment with four fertilization length levels of Paulownia plantation (abbreviated as 1-, 3-, 10-, and 13-yr) and a nearby native evergreen broadleaf forest (abbreviated as reference forest) to study the effects of the different fertilization lengths between them on soil bacterial community and the relationship with edaphic variables based on high-throughput sequencing and redundancy analysis. Results: The results showed soil organic carbon, macronutrients, and boron in plantation were significantly higher than that in the reference forest, while fertilization treatments significantly increased Shannon and Heip indexes by up to 14.37 and 75%, respectively. Chloroflexi and Nitrospiare relative abundance in the Paulownia plantation was significantly lower than in the reference forest, which implied that fertilization treatment significantly promote nitrogen transformation processes, whereas Firmicutes showed the opposite trend. Soil organic carbon, nitrate-nitrogen, total potassium, and available boron are the key factors affecting bacterial communities as confirmed by Spearman's correlation analysis and redundancy analysis. Conclusions: Our study stressed that fertilization duration is the main driving force for the improvement of bacterial community diversity and nitrogen cycling function, and major achieved by affecting edaphic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crabs may elicit effects on wetland carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations and associated ecological stoichiometry. In this study, we assessed effects of crabs on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions; soil C, N, and P concentrations; and stoichiometry in upper and mid-tidal flats of an estuarine wetland in China. The results showed that averaged CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes were greater in the upper and mid-tidal flats in the presence of crabs, being 46.4, 66.7, and 69.7% and 53.6, 143, and 73.1% greater than control, respectively. Mixed model analyses showed overall positive relationships between wetland soil CO2 CH4 and N2O emissions (F = 4.65, P = 0.033; F = 42.42, P = 0.042 and F = 10.2, P = 0.0018, respectively) in the presence of crabs, taking into account season, flooding intensity, and plot effects. This may be related to the direct effects of respiration and the indirect effects of feeding, excretion, and disturbance of soil on microorganisms and/or plant roots. There were no effects of crabs on total C or N concentrations, whereas decreased soil total P concentrations, especially in the upper-tidal flats (P = 0.04). Crab presence was positively associated with soil C/P and N/P ratios (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively), taking into account season, flooding intensity, and plot effects. In the upper and mid-tidal flats, soil CO2 emissions were negatively correlated with total soil C; CH4 emissions were positively correlated with ratios of C/N and C/P; and N2O emissions were positively correlated with N content. In general, global warming potential (GWP) of the upper-tidal flats in the presence of crabs increased by 138% compared with the absence of crabs, and GWP of the mid-tidal flats in the presence of crabs increased by 99.3% compared with the absence of crabs. Global warming and associated flooding rise in several coastal wetland areas are favoring benthic fauna number enhancement, and this in turn increases GWP of overall gas emissions further contributing to future warming rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian dust has been identified in subtropical soils of China. Neodymium (Nd) and lead (Pb) elemental and isotopic geochemistry of soils in Southeast China were used to assess the significance of local versus extraneous sources. The εNd(0) values were close to the parent rocks (+ 2.9) in the young soils (NSJ); while their values were always negative (~ − 3.7) in the old soils (OMJ), implying dust deposition. The young soils contained less Asian dust contribution (< 8 %) while the old soils contained more than 50 % Asian dust contribution. This implied that dust contributions were gradually increasing with the soil development stage and Asian dust input had become the principal Nd source for the old soils in this area. On the other hand, Pb excesses and low 207Pb/206Pb values (~ 0.8503) in near-surface soils indicated a significant anthropogenic Pb addition onto surface soils. The close relationship between the Pb content and isotopic ratios in the soil profile indicated that the excessive lead in the surface soil was exogenous. These results suggested that Asian dust made up a significant fraction in the old soils, but that local sources (i.e., basalt and anthropogenic) were not trivial in Southeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-associated compartments, including rhizosphere soil, rhizoplane soil, and the endosphere, are found to harbor distinguished bacterial populations and community composition, but how microbiome in these rhizo-compartments are affected by edaphic variables remains largely unknown. Goethite is a prevalent crystalline iron (hydr)oxide mineral of the soil matrix and strongly interact with microbial communities. The objective of our study was to determine how goethite (α-FeOOH) amendment assemble bacterial communities in the rhizo-compartments of Maize (Zea mays. L). Using sequencing of microbial 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons, we revealed that goethite amendment into soil enriched Actinobacteria and depleted Proteobacteria in all rhizo-compartments. Also, goethite enlarged the differences in the alpha diversity (Chao) between rhizo-compartments, with much lower mean diversity in the endosphere and rhizoplane compared with rhizosphere soil, indicating a higher selection of the microbiome assemblage. This was supported by beta Nearest Taxon Index (βNTI > + 2), indicating that changes in environmental conditions progressively increase the strength of selection. It suggests that variable selection (a deterministic process) was the dominant process influencing the microbial assembly in soil amended with goethite. According to the distance-based linear modeling (distLM), the assemblage of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere compartments was regulated by specific edaphic variables, with the major contributors being goethite (62%), total C (52%), soil pH (50%), and FeOM (25%). Stabilization of rhizosphere C in the presence of goethite would be the selective step for its accessibility and consequent microbial community. For instance, the keystone microorganisms, e.g., Pseudomonas, had more negative links within the goethite added co-occurrence network, indicating its mutual exclusions and outcompete other microbes in C/nutrients limited conditions. Thus, goethite narrows the composition of rhizosphere mainly due to "gate selection" effects on rhizodeposits, which limited microbial penetrance into inner-compartments, consequently assemble the rhizosphere bacterial community via deterministic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The residual phosphorus (P) in Hedley's sequential fractionation procedure is considered to be a relatively stable soil P pool and unavailable for plant uptake. In the present study, we investigated the effect of wetting-drying events on the dynamics of the residual soil P fraction in a flooded rice and aerobic wheat rotation. Methods: Soils were taken from a long-term field trial after flooded (rice), and aerobic (wheat) crops were harvested. Hedley's sequential fractionation method was used to assess the distribution of various P fractions. These changes in these P fractions were then related to Fe cycling in the soil. Results: The residual P (H2SO4-H2O2 digested) was the dominant P fraction (37–51% of total P) in the aerobic soil under wheat, while it was decreased by 18–27% in flooded soil under rice cultivation. In contrast, the sparingly soluble Ca-bound P (HCl-Pi) increased from 25–31% under wheat cultivation to 41–50% under flooded rice (paddy) cultivation where reducing conditions are expected to prevail under submerged paddy soil conditions. The crop rotation not only altered the sparingly available P fraction but also influenced soil labile P, especially the organic P form. Compared with the rice soil, a 4-fold increase in the labile P fraction (NaHCO3-Po) was observed in wheat soil. The moderately labile P fraction (NaOH-extractable) showed a similar trend to that of labile P pool, but the increased NaOH-Po in wheat soil was relatively small. The relatively rapid change in the residual P fraction was attributed to oxidation-reduction cycles of Fe oxides between flooded (rice) and aerobic (wheat) soil conditions. Conclusions: Wetting and drying cycles associated with a rice-wheat crop rotation promoted the transformation of the sparingly soluble soil P fraction between crops, which was attributed to changes in soil redox conditions, particularly Fe cycling. This indicated that the rice-wheat crop rotation can draw upon the sparingly soluble P fraction for crop production, thus relying less on fertilizer-applied P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Silicon (Si) deficiency is a major constraint on rice production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term influence of phytolith-rich straw return and groundwater table management on labile Si fractions in paddy soil and subsequent plant Si uptake. Methods: A field experiment was conducted over 36 years in subtropical China with different application doses of phytolith-rich straw and a groundwater table of either 20 or 80 cm. An optimized sequential chemical extraction procedure allowed us to determine labile Si fractions, represented by CaCl2-Si, Acetic-Si, H2O2-Si, Oxalate-Si, and Na2CO3-Si. Additional analyses included the determination of amorphous silica particles in soil, phytoliths in supplied straw, Si in planted rice straw, and the dissolution rate of phytoliths extracted from supplied straw. Results: Long-term application of phytolith-rich straw significantly increased the H2O2-Si and Na2CO3-Si contents. The CaCl2-Si (5.21–7.91 mg kg− 1), H2O2-Si (50.0–72.4 mg kg− 1) and Na2CO3-Si (3.33–4.60 g kg− 1) contents were positively correlated with soil organic carbon. The Si content (13.6–28.9 g kg−‍1) in planted rice straw significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the application dose of phytolith-rich straw under both groundwater tables. This effect was significantly (p < 0.05) greater under 80 cm groundwater table than under 20 cm groundwater table for matching straw amendments. Conclusions: This study indicates that long-term application of phytolith-rich straw and groundwater management significantly increase soil Si bioavailability by promoting accumulation of organic matter and phytoliths, and enhancing the soil-plant Si cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As a carbon sequestration material, biochar has attracted much attention due to its potential to enhance rice productivity and nitrogen retention in paddy fields. However, little information is available about the impacts of rice straw-derived biochar on coating materials of slow-release fertilizers especially with bentonite, starch, and humic acid. Materials and methods: In this study, a biochar-based slow-release fertilizer was developed and evaluated at field scale. An orthogonal experimental design was applied to investigate the blending ratios of biochar, humic acid, and bentonite with three adhesives, and how these influenced N release. Results and discussion: The optimum coating combination was 25% biochar, 4% bentonite, and 10% humic acid with modified cornstarch as the adhesive (herein referred to as CF10). The product not only decreased N leaching and runoff losses at the seeding and tillering stages but also supplied more nutrients to the rice at the heading and maturing stages. The SEM and FT-IR observations revealed that an effective dense layer was formed that slowed N release from the granule. Conclusions: Laboratory- and field-scale studies showed that biochar has played a crucial role in developing a slow-release coating for the compound fertilizer based on its structural properties, porosity, and chemical interaction with other coating ingredients. We conclude that biochar-based slow-release fertilizer is a promising alternative N fertilizer for rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The influence of parent material on soil organic carbon (SOC) retention remains largely unstudied. Here, we aimed to reveal the role of soil parent material on SOC stocks and elucidate the underlying SOC retention patterns for soils derived from limestone, quaternary red earth, granite, basalt, and tertiary red sandstone in subtropical China. Materials and methods: The study assessed 110 topsoils (0–20 cm) under two land uses (forest and cultivated), but with similar topography. We compared soil properties (pH, oxides, multivalent cations, texture, aggregates) and SOC stocks, total SOC concentration as well as three organic C fractions (active, slow, and passive C). Factors influencing SOC concentration were explored using a combination of stepwise multiple regression analysis and redundancy analysis. Results and discussion: Topsoil SOC stocks and SOC concentration varied significantly among the five parent materials, with the greatest values all observed in limestone-derived soils and the lowest in tertiary red sandstone–derived soils. While parent material significantly influenced both quantity and quality of SOC, there was no land use effect on the proportion of organic C fractions. Our results have also shown that parent material mediates land use impacts on SOC. The SOC stocks and SOC concentration in limestone, quaternary red earth, and basalt-derived soils were significantly higher in forest than in arable soils, while no significant land use effect was found for soils derived on granite and tertiary red sandstone. Soil aggregates, texture, content of Fe oxides, and multivalent cations accounted for 67.8% of the variation in SOC concentration, and both SOC stocks and SOC concentration were more closely related to aggregation and soil texture. The major influencing factors for SOC retention differed with parent material, with Ca2+/Mg2+-mediated interactions between organic matter and mineral surfaces being the main regulating processes for limestone-derived soils and oxide-mediated mechanisms to form stable aggregates being the likely SOC protecting patters for quaternary red earth and basalt-derived soils. Due to the coarse texture and low aggregate stability, the soils derived from granite and tertiary red sandstone lacked the properties for SOC preservation, with pH the main predictor for SOC concentration. Macroaggregates (> 2 mm) played especially important role in shaping SOC stocks. Conclusions: Parent material exerts an influence on SOC stocks and retention patterns, and should be used in determining SOC storage potential for soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of organic amendments (OAs) combined with inorganic fertilizers or gypsum in poorly structured soils has recently received much attention as an agricultural management practice aiming to ameliorate physicochemical constraints and improving soil carbon (C) storage. Although microbial C-use efficiency (CUE) is recognized as a critical parameter in ecological models to predict soil C cycling and storage, little is known about the effects of OAs with exogenous nutrient supply (to balance the resource nutrient stoichiometry) or gypsum on microbial biomass and CUE. Here, we examined the role of OAs (C4 vegetation-derived: δ13C – 12 to − 15‰) in altering microbial biomass, C mineralization, and CUE, i.e., microbial growth relative to microbial C uptake (microbial growth + respiration + death) over the long-term, in an alkaline sodic-subsoil (C3 vegetation-derived: δ13C – 24‰). Four different OAs (sorghum stubble, sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane mill mud, and sugarcane mill mud + sugarcane mill ash) were used at 6.2 g C kg−1 soil, with and without the exogenous supply of nutrients and/or gypsum. The nutrients were added with the aim to convert OAs to stable soil organic matter (SOM) with a C/nitrogen (N)/phosphorus (P) stoichiometric ratio of 100:8.3:2. Over 90 days, the cumulative mineralization of OA-C varied across OA types and ranged between 42 and 497 mg CO2-C g−1 OA-C. The OA-derived microbial biomass C (MBC) ranged between 20 and 350 mg C kg−1 soil across the treatments, which was highest with sorghum stubble that contained the highest dissolved (labile) organic C. The mill mud with an inherently balanced C/nutrient stoichiometry had the highest CUE, i.e., 0.3–0.8, compared to the sorghum stubble and sugarcane bagasse (with imbalanced nutrient stoichiometry), i.e., 0.1–0.6. Balancing the nutrient stoichiometry of sorghum stubble and sugarcane bagasse via nutrient inputs increased MBC but not CUE. The input of gypsum to the OA-treated soil had no impact on either MBC or CUE. In conclusion, balanced C/nutrient stoichiometry and labile C content of OAs are critical properties to control their impact on C mineralization, MBC, and CUE, with implications for soil C storage upon amendment into a poorly structured sodic-subsoil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges in nature conservation is funding. In the pursuit of new financing sources critical to fight biodiversity and ecosystem loss, nature conservation organisations increasingly aim to create networks between states, markets and civil society. Using Manuel Castells' network theory and World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) as a case study, this article aims at understanding how large conservation NGOs utilise networking in their pursuit for funding. Apart from increasing income by attracting public funds from governments and aid agencies, around 2010 WWF's public sector finance strategy expanded to influencing and leveraging finance—both public and private—using public funds. During WWF's engagement with private sector financing, paradoxically its public sector financing grew at the average rate of 7.5% per year. Our network analysis shows that WWF has continuously reworked and renegotiated its position in order to stay connected to the 'space of flows'. WWF and other large conservation organisations have to be in the right networks, speak the right language, and connect to relevant social, informational and political flows to stay relevant and connected to substantial flows of funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Erosion of phosphorus (P)-rich soil into waterways is a major contributor to eutrophication. To minimize the build-up of P in agricultural soils, greater knowledge of the bioavailability and fate of P from soil amendments is required. Methods: We used X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy to resolve the major P species in nine diverse biochars. We then examined the relationship between biochar P extracted using a range of typical soil (water, Bray2 and Colwell) and plant (2% citric acid, and 2% formic acid) assays. We compared these with ryegrass P uptake via bioassay. Results: Linear combination fitting indicated Al-phosphate (variscite) was the dominant P species in biochars derived from cattle feedlot manure, sugarcane trash and sugarcane bagasse, reflecting the likely Al content of the feedstock. Non-apatite Ca-phosphates (monocalcium phosphate or CaHPO4) were the major P species in poultry litter, green waste, papermill sludge, wheat chaff, sugarcane mill mud and rice husk biochars. Biochar P was poorly water soluble but largely soluble in weak acids (formic and citric acids). Despite this, biochar P extracted by citric and formic acid was a poor predictor of P bioavailability to ryegrass, with the percentage of total P extracted by water or by the Bray2 reagent providing the best prediction of ryegrass P uptake. Conclusions: The P in biochar was identified by XANES spectroscopy as predominantly Ca and/or Al-P. Water and Bray2 extraction provided the best predictors of plant available P from biochars in a plant bioassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In its I Centros i decision (1999),[1] the then European Court of Justice (now the Court of Justice of the European Union: CJEU) held, in its own words, that a Member State may not 'refuse to register a branch of a company formed in accordance with the law of another Member State in which it has its registered office but in which it conducts no business where the branch is intended to enable the company in question to carry on its entire business in the State in which that branch is to be created, while avoiding the need to form a company there, thus evading application of the rules governing the formation of companies which, in that State, are more restrictive as regards the paying up of a minimum share capital'.[2] It also noted that because '[t]he right to form a company in accordance with the law of a Member State and to set up branches in other Member States is inherent in the exercise, in a single market, of the freedom of establishment guaranteed by the Treaty', 'the fact that a national of a Member State who wishes to set up a company chooses to form it in the Member State whose rules of company law seem to him the least restrictive and to set up branches in other Member States cannot, in itself, constitute an abuse of the right of establishment'.[3] In short, I Centros i enabled naked regulatory arbitrage in company law within the EU; and it did so openly and almost emphatically. More relevant is how the current context, including the EU's transition to a community of Member States without the UK among them, may actually influence the CJEU in judging on the legality of a given corporate law rule that the host country may impose on pseudo-foreign companies from other Member States. Ever since I Centros i was published, legal scholars have compared the EU framework to the one in the US, where regulatory arbitrage and competition have been a key feature of the corporate law landscape and its evolution since the early 1880s. [Extracted from the article]

Balanced harvest has been proposed to reduce fishing impact on ecosystems while simultaneously maintaining or even increasing fishery yield. The concept has attracted broad interest, but also received criticisms. In this paper, we examine the theory, modelling studies, empirical evidence, the legal and policy frameworks, and management implications of balanced harvest. The examination reveals unresolved issues and challenges from both scientific and management perspectives. We summarize current knowledge and address common questions relevant to the idea. Major conclusions include: balanced harvest can be expressed in several ways and implemented on multiple levels, and with different approaches e.g. métier based management; it explicitly bridges fisheries and conservation goals in accordance with international legal and policy frameworks; modelling studies and limited empirical evidence reveal that balanced harvest can reduce fishing impact on ecosystem structure and increase the aggregate yield; the extent of balanced harvest is not purely a scientific question, but also a legal and social choice; a transition to balanced harvest may incur short-term economic costs, while in the long-term, economic results will vary across individual fisheries and for society overall; for its application, balanced harvest can be adopted at both strategic and tactical levels and need not be a full implementation, but could aim for a "partially-balanced" harvest. Further objective discussions and research on this subject are needed to move balanced harvest toward supporting a practical ecosystem approach to fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the association of socioeconomic disadvantage and parent-rated health in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A total of 377 children (aged 6–18 years) with CKD stages I–V (n = 199), on dialysis (n = 43), or with a kidney transplant (n = 135) were recruited from 2012 to 2016 in Australia and New Zealand. Associations of five socioeconomic status (SES) components and the global SES index with parent-rated health of the child were examined using adjusted logistic regression. Results: The median age of participants was 12.6 years (interquartile range (IQR) 8.9–15.5). In the entire cohort, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor parent-rated health were 1.85 (1.13–3.03) for lower household income, 1.78 (1.08–2.96) for families that did not own their own home, 2.50 (1.50–4.16) for caregivers who rated their financial status as poor, 0.84 (0.51–1.38) for lower educational attainment, and 1.68 (1.04–2.72) for children whose primary caregivers were unemployed. With reference to the highest global SES index quartile, adjusted ORs for poor parent-rated health in descending order were 1.49 (0.69–3.21), 2.11 (1.06–4.20), and 2.20 (1.09–4.46), respectively. The association between low SES and poor parent-rated health was modified by CKD stage, where lower global SES index was independently associated with poor parent-rated health in children with CKD stages I–V, but not children on dialysis or with kidney transplants (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Low SES is associated with poor parent-rated health in children with CKD stages I–V, but not children on dialysis and with kidney transplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Repeated applications of glyphosate in short timeframes can lead to periodic accumulation of soilborne glyphosate residues. This study aimed to determine whether typical glyphosate residues observed in fields affect growth, plant metabolite composition and fungal root endophyte colonisation of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Methods: Glyphosate was applied to a sandy soil at 0, 0.33, 1, 3, 9 and 27 times a recommended label rate (LR) to establish soil glyphosate concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.4, 1, 4.7 and 14.8 mg kg−1 in topsoil (0–100 mm) after a 28 d plant-free incubation. Wheat plants were then grown to establish thresholds of soilborne glyphosate on seedling emergence, major alterations to plant metabolic responses and fungal root endophyte colonisation. Results: Seedling emergence was unaffected by soil residual glyphosate treatments. Shoot biomass was significantly higher at 1 mg kg−1 compared to the control treatments (P < 0.05) and root biomass followed a similar trend. Leaf metabolite profiles of plants growing in soil containing 4.7–14.8 mg kg−1 glyphosate could be discriminated from the 0–0.4 mg kg−1 treatments due to significant (P < 0.05) effects on the relative concentrations of metabolites. Fungal root endophyte colonisation was significantly reduced to 10% at 14.8 mg kg−1 (P < 0.05) whereas shoot and root biomass remained unaffected. Conclusions: Our study highlights differences in glyphosate sensitivity thresholds between plants and fungal symbionts. Sub-lethal concentrations of residual soilborne glyphosate can alter wheat metabolism and impair fungal root endophyte colonisation. Effect thresholds for glyphosate may be lower for fungal symbionts than for host plants. However, the soil glyphosate residue levels required to reach such thresholds are high and would only be approached in commercial fields with a history of repeated glyphosate application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The potential for using biochar to reclaim degraded urban land into productive land needs to be verified to address the incipient loss of agricultural land. Materials and methods: A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of wheat straw biochar (with four application rates including 0, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w biochar to soil) on selected soil properties and crop growth (paddy rice was grown followed by wheat) in a compacted urban homestead soil (Anthrosol). Nitrogen use efficiency and ammonia volatilization were determined using stable isotope methodologies. Results and discussion: Wheat straw biochar amendments elevated the soil pH, total C, and C/N ratio, and significantly lowered (P < 0.05) the soil bulk density by 12.0–17.7% with doses of 1–2%. Increasing doses of biochar (1–2%) increased ammonia volatilization by 91.4–107.0% during the flooded rice season, which resulted in significantly lower (P < 0.05) rice yield. This was reflected in the reduction of fertilizer 15N use efficiency, which was 32.6–76.0% lower (P < 0.05) than the control. However, the following wheat yield was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by 23.0% with 2% biochar amendment, while there were no differences in ammonia volatilization between biochar amendments and the control. Conclusions: Application of wheat straw biochar to a reclaimed urban Anthrosol increased seasonal flooded rice ammonia volatilization; however, no effect on ammonia volatilization was detected from the following aerobically grown wheat. The soils had a lower bulk density following biochar amendment and improved pH, which may have resulted in the higher wheat yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was conducted to understand the pedogenesis of soils developed on basalts and reveal the impact of Asian dust on soils in subtropical China.Materials and methods: Soils developed on basalts in Xinchang-Shengzhou Basin are classified as ultisol and sampled by genetic horizon. For grain size analysis, organic matter was removed from soil samples, and then soil samples were dispersed overnight and followed by ultrasonic treatment. Grain size was measured by a Laser Grain size Analyzer. For isotopic analysis, soil samples were first dried at room temperature and then combusted at 700 °C, digested using an HNO3 + HF mixture and dissolved in a 2 N HCl solution. Sr and Nd isotopes measured on a GV Isoprobe-T thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS).Results and discussion: The grain size distribution with a significantly high content of the "basic dust fraction" (10-50 μm fraction) in the upper profiles (0-40 cm) indicates atmospheric deposition onto the surface layers of soils. The patterns of the grain size frequency curves in the upper layer imply that Asian dust has a great impact on soils. The grain size parameters also reflected the influence of Eolian deposits on soils. The 87Sr/86Sr and εNd values for soils show that the near-surface horizons are substantially impacted by dust.Conclusions: The grain size, its parameters, and Sr-Nd isotopes have been marked by Eolian characteristics for the upper layers of soil, while showing a dominant basaltic signature in the lower layers. Besides parent material, accumulation of Asian dust has played an important role in pedogenesis of soils in Southeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The 15N natural abundance technique is increasingly being used to biological nitrogen (N2) fixation by legume crops, but requires the determination of a ‘B value’ which describes the isotopic fractionation for a given plant species and strain of rhizobium. Most B values in the literature are derived for shoot tissue harvested at mid pod filling, when plant N content is generally at its maximum. However, if legumes are grown as green manure inter-crops and growth is terminated at earlier stages, to obtain accurate values for total N2 fixed growth-stage specific B values and correction for seed N contributions may be necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the magnitude of the impact of different values of the N content and 15N abundance of seeds and of B values on the estimates of the proportion of legume N derived from N2 fixation.Methods: We investigated whether B values at pod filling differ from those at earlier growth stages by growing chickpea (Cicer arietinum), white lupin (Lupinus albus), field pea (Pisum sativum) and two faba bean (Vicia faba) cultivars, in sand-culture in a glasshouse without N, and quantifying the δ15N values of nodules, roots and shoots at five growth stages including mid pod filling as a control. We then used simulations to investigate the degree of error associated with the use of growth stage-inappropriate or B values uncorrected for seed N on estimates of % N derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa).Results: While the differences in B values between flowering and pod filling were only statistically significant at P < 0.1 for white lupin, there was a trend of declining B value with plant age for chickpea and faba beans. Simulations using data from large (Aguadulce) and small (Fiesta)-seeded faba bean cultivars indicated that the magnitude of potential errors in estimating %Ndfa using B values derived at inappropriate growth stages or uncorrected for seed N content were around 10% at early flowering in both faba bean cultivars and were negligible by late flowering (69 days after sowing).Conclusions: Where legumes are grown until flowering or beyond, the magnitude of potential error in estimation of %Ndfa from the use of B values derived at inappropriate growth stages or uncorrected for seed N content is relatively low compared to other sources of error encountered when employing the 15N natural abundance technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have found biochar-induced effects on native soil organic carbon (NSOC) decomposition, with a range of positive, negative and no priming reported. However, many uncertainties still exist regarding which parameters drive the amplitude and the direction of the biochar priming.Materials and methods: We conducted a quantitative analysis of 1170 groups of data from 27 incubation studies using boosted regression trees (BRTs). BRT is a machine learning method combining regression trees and a boosting algorithm, which can effectively partition independent influences of various factors on the target variable in the complex ecological processes.Results and discussion: The BRT model explained a total of 72.4% of the variation in soil carbon (C) priming following biochar amendment, in which incubation conditions (36.5%) and biochar properties (33.7%) explained a larger proportion than soil properties (29.8%). The predictors that substantially accounted for the explained variation included incubation time (27.1%) and soil moisture (5.0%), biochar C/N ratio (6.2%), nitrogen content (5.5%), pyrolysis time during biochar production (5.1%), biochar pH (4.5%), soil C content (5.2%), sand (4.7%) and clay content (4.1%). In contrast, other incubation conditions (temperature, biochar dose, whether nutrient was added), biochar properties (biochar C, feedstock type, ash content, pyrolysis temperature, whether biochar was activated) and soil properties (nitrogen content, silt content, C/N ratio, pH, land use type) had small contribution (each < 4%). Positive priming occurred within the first 2 years of incubations, with a change to negative priming afterwards. The priming was negative for low N biochar or in high-moisture soils but positive on their reverse sides. The size of negative priming increased with rising biochar C/N ratio, pyrolysis time and soil clay content, but deceased with soil C/N ratio.Conclusions: We determine the critical drivers for biochar effect on native soil organic C cycling, which can help us to better predict soil C sequestration following biochar amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Glyphosate use has increased in recent decades with the adoption of minimum tillage techniques and the emergence of glyphosate-tolerant crop cultivars. There is evidence that glyphosate residues are common in cropping soils at sowing, but any potential impact of these residues on crop growth is not known. This study aimed to determine concentrations of soilborne glyphosate that are phytotoxic to common crop species and investigate any interactions between glyphosate residues and phosphorus (P) fertiliser.Methods: A pot study examined the impact of soilborne glyphosate residues on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L) seedlings in a sandy soil with a low P buffering capacity in the absence or presence of P fertiliser applied as a liquid to the topsoil. A second pot study investigated whether the phytotoxic effects of soilborne glyphosate residues on lupin growth in the presence of P fertiliser could be mitigated by banding the P fertiliser (as superphosphate) as per standard practice by farmers.Results: Wheat was more tolerant of glyphosate residues than lupin, with glyphosate levels up to 14.8 mg kg−1 having no effect on wheat shoot growth at 48 days after sowing (DAS), while lupin shoot growth at 48 DAS had an ED10 (i.e. a 10% yield reduction) of glyphosate at 6.4 mg kg−1 in the absence of P fertiliser. When P fertiliser was applied, wheat shoot biomass had an ED10 of 5.8 mg glyphosate kg−1 soil while lupins had an ED10 of 3.4 mg glyphosate kg−1 soil. When P fertiliser (superphosphate) was banded at sowing, lupins grown adjacent to band were unaffected by glyphosate whereas the shoot weights of lupins planted above the band were significantly reduced by 68% in soil containing 1.3 mg kg−1 glyphosate and 81% in soil containing 3.4 mg kg−1 glyphosate.Conclusions: Where P fertiliser was applied, growth reductions in lupin seedlings were observed at soil glyphosate concentrations that have been observed in farmers’ fields, suggesting that glyphosate residues may be problematic in sandy soils with low P buffering capacities. Banding of P fertiliser exacerbated, rather than mitigated, the phytotoxicity of glyphosate residues to lupins where P fertiliser was banded directly beneath the seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]