Search

Despite worldwide prevalence, post-agricultural landscapes remain one of the least constrained human-induced land carbon sinks. To appraise their role in rebuilding the planet’s natural carbon stocks through ecosystem restoration, we need to better understand their spatial and temporal legacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term intensive use of mineral fertilizers in double rice-cropping systems has led to soil acidification and soil degradation. Manure fertilization was suggested as an alternative strategy to mitigate soil degradation. However, the effects of long-term mineral and manure fertilization on rice grain yield, yield stability, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil total nitrogen (TN) content, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Based on a long-term experiment established in 1981 in southern China, we compared four treatments: no fertilizer application (Control); application of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK); NPK plus green manure in early rice (M1); and M1 plus farmyard manure in late rice and rice straw return in winter (M2). Our results showed that 37 years of NPK, M1, and M2 significantly increased rice grain yield by 54%, 46%, and 72%, and yield stability by 22%, 17%, and 9%, respectively. M1 and M2 significantly increased SOC content by 39% and 23% compared to Control, respectively, whereas there was no difference between Control and NPK. Regarding soil TN content, it was significantly increased by 8%, 46%, and 20% by NPK, M1, and M2, respectively. In addition, M2 significantly increased bacterial OTU richness by 68%, Chao1 index by 79%, and altered the bacterial community composition. Changes in soil nutrient availability and bacterial Simpson index were positively correlated with the changes in grain yield, while shifts in bacterial community were closely related to yield stability. This study provides pioneer comprehensive assessments of the simultaneous responses of grain yield, yield stability, SOC and TN content, nutrient availability, and bacterial community composition to long-term mineral and manure fertilization in a double rice-cropping system. Altogether, this study spanning nearly four decades provides new perspectives for developing sustainable yet intensive rice cultivation to meet growing global demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart agronomic management practices (e.g., employing lodging-resistant cultivars, appropriate fertilization, and applying plant growth regulators (PGRs)) can reduce crop lodging risk. However, their integrated effects on grain yield and lodging risk in rice paddies remain poorly defined. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effects of agronomic practices on rice yield and lodging risk, synthesizing data from 68 published studies with 475 observations. Our results showed that compared with inbred varieties, hybrid rice increased grain yield by an average of 8.9%, and enhanced lodging index (LI) (increasing lodging risk with a higher LI) at the 1st (+23%) and 3rd (+17%) internodes with no significant effect at the 2nd internode. Inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilization increased both rice yield (+42%) and LI at the 2nd (+31%) and 3rd (+23%) internodes, but did not significantly affect LI at the 1st internode. The application of silicon (Si) and potassium (K) fertilizers increased rice yield by 7.2% and 18%, respectively, while simultaneously reducing LI by 14% and 19% at the 1st internode, by 15% and 21% at the 2nd internode, and by 4.5% and 18% at the 3rd internode. Prohexadione calcium and uniconazole increased rice yield by 6.7% and 8.3%, respectively, while paclobutrazol had no significant effect on rice yield. Prohexadione calcium and uniconazole reduced LI by 14% and 21% at the 1st internode, by 26% and 31% at the 2nd internode, and by 16% and 54% at the 3rd internode, respectively, whereas paclobutrazol only reduced LI at the 3rd internode by 12%. In conclusion, the application of Si, K, prohexadione calcium, and uniconazole is a promising strategy for improving rice yield and reducing lodging risk. In addition, we suggest that high-yielding practices (e.g., hybrid rice and inorganic N fertilization) and lodging-resistant practices (e.g., the application of Si, K, and PGRs) should be combined to increase grain yield and simultaneously reduce lodging risk in rice paddies. [Display omitted] • Hybrid rice increased yield but boosted lodging risk. • Inorganic nitrogen fertilization raised yield while enhancing lodging risk. • Silicon and potassium fertilization promoted yield and lowered lodging risk. • Prohexadione calcium and uniconazole increased yield and reduced lodging risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of advanced treatment technologies such as pyrolysis and carbonization of bio-waste materials has the promise to develop coupled solutions for organic C and P problems in the future of food processing. Sewage sludge-derived pyrogenic materials that are applied to the soil system contain notable levels of P (1–20%). However, only a small portion of total phosphorus is available for plants. Therefore, our study assessed the pretreatment of sewage sludge with Na2CO3 and subsequent pyrolysis at 400 °C and 500 °C for the production of MPCM400 and MPCM500 as potential alternatives for inorganic P fertilizers. Non-pretreated sewage sludge-derived pyrogenic carbonaceous materials (PCM400 and PCM500) were produced as controls. The derived materials obtained by slow pyrolysis at a residence time of 120 min and pyrolysis temperatures of 400 °C and 500 °C, were analyzed by determination of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, elemental analysis of total C, H, N, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and total concentrations of P, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn. PCM400, PCM500, MPCM400 and MPCM500 were characterized by analysis of total 16 US-EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) PAHs by a toluene extraction procedure. Additionally, PCM400, PCM500, MPCM400 and MPCM500 were tested by a germination test with cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) and a short-term rye seedling test. Total C concentrations were raised in the order: MPCM500 < MPCM400 < PCM500 < PCM500. Concentration of Σ16 US-EPA PAHs was almost five times higher at PCM500 (21.87 mg/kg) compared to PCM400 (4.38 mg/kg) and three times higher at MPCM500 (23.12 mg/kg) compared to MPCM400 (7.55 mg/kg) with a dominant role of two and three-ring aromatic structures. Total P-concentrations in rye biomass increased in the order for the controls: (2.43 ± 0.95 mg/g) < PCM400 (3.57 ± 0.27 mg/g) < PCM500 (4.04 ± 0.24 mg/g) < MPCM400 (5.23 ± 0.09 mg/g) < MPCM500 (5.57 ± 0.70 mg/g) < IF (7.53 ± 2.65 mg/g). Obtained results showed that pyrolysis materials produced from sewage sludge represent a potential alternative of conventional P inorganic fertilizers and organic C suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the suitability of some biochars for contaminants' sorption separation has been established, not all potential feedstocks have been explored and characterized. Here, we physicochemically characterized cherry pit biochar (CPB) pyrolyzed from cherry pit biomass (CP) at 500 °C, and we assessed their As and Hg sorption efficiencies in aqueous solutions in comparison to activated carbon (AC). The basic physicochemical and material characterization of the studied adsorbents was carried out using pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), concentration of surface functional groups (Boehm titration), and surface area (SA) analysis; elemental C, H, N analysis; and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). AsO43− anions and Hg2+ cations were selected as model contaminants used to test the sorption properties of the sorption materials. Characterization analyses confirmed a ninefold increase in SA in the case of CPB. The total C concentration increased by 26%, while decreases in the total H and N concentrations were observed. The values of carbonate and ash contents decreased by about half due to pyrolysis processes. The concentrations of surface functional groups of the analyzed biochar obtained by Boehm titration confirmed a decrease in carboxyl and lactone groups, while an increase in phenolic functional groups was observed. Changes in the morphology and surface functionality of the pyrolyzed material were confirmed by SEM–EDX and FTIR analyses. In sorption experiments, we found that the CPB showed better results in the sorption separation of Hg2+ than in the sorption separation of AsO43−. The sorption efficiency for the model cation increased in the order CP < CPB < AC and, for the model anion, it increased in the order CPB < CP < AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated or unnatural levels of arsenic (As) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in soils and waterbodies from anthropogenic sources can present significant hazards for both natural ecosystems and human food production. Effective, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive materials, such as biochar, are needed to reduce mobility and bioavailability of As and P. While biochar features several physicochemical properties that make it an ideal contaminant sorbent, certain modifications such as mineral-impregnation can improve sorption efficiencies for targeted compounds. Here, we conducted sorption experiments to investigate and quantify the potential utility of magnesium (Mg) for improving biochar sorption efficiency of P and As. We synthesized a Mg-modified walnut shells-derived biochar and characterized its ability to remove As and P from aqueous solutions, thereby mitigating losses of valuable P when needed while, at the same time, immobilizing hazardous As in ecosystems. SEM-EDX, FTIR and elemental analysis showed morphological and functional changes of biochar and the formation of new Mg-based composites (MgO, MgOHCl) responsible for improved sorption potential capacity by 10 times for As and 20 times for P. Sorption efficiency was attributed to improved AEC, higher SSA, chemical forms of sorbates and new sorption site formations. Synthetized Mg-composite/walnut shell-derived biochar also removed >90% of P from real samples of wastewater, indicating its potential suitability for contaminated waterbody remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real estate professionals are recognising the positive impact they can have on their corporation's competitiveness by providing workplace solutions that enhance individual and team performance. To develop successfully workplace solutions that meet both today's and tomorrow's needs of the organisation, the workplace design process must incorporate new ways of thinking about work; include team members who until recently were not involved in workplace design; and provide physical solutions that meet the definition of "agile' (easily adaptable, flexible, and varied) environments. This paper discusses the evolution of work and the changes that have occurred in the workplace in an effort to meet these new workplace needs. The traditional models used for programming and planning the physical environment are no longer effective when dealing with workplaces for today's knowledge workers. The importance of developing new processes for identifying "tomorrows' workplace requirements; the team members who must be involved to develop and implement these new solutions successfully; and the types of physical environments that must be created in order to enhance workplace and worker performance are all integral in the development of the high performance workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary succession on abandoned agricultural lands can produce climate change mitigation co-benefits, such as soil carbon sequestration. However, the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in Mediterranean regions has been difficult to predict and is subject to multiple environmental and land management factors. Gains, losses, and no significant changes have all been reported. Here we compile chronosequence data (n = 113) from published studies and new field sites to assess the response of SOC to agricultural land abandonment in peninsular Spain. We found an overall SOC accumulation rate of +2.3% yr−1 post-abandonment. SOC dynamics are highly variable and context-dependent. Minimal change occurs on abandoned cereal croplands compared to abandoned woody croplands (+4% yr−1). Accumulation is most prevalent within a Goldilocks climatic window of ~13–17 °C and ~450–900 mm precipitation, promoting >100% gains after three decades. Our secondary forest field sites accrued 40.8 Mg C ha−1 (+172%) following abandonment and displayed greater SOC and N depth heterogeneity than natural forests demonstrating the long-lasting impact of agriculture. Although changes in regional climate and crop types abandoned will impact future carbon sequestration, abandonment remains a low-cost, long-term natural climate solution best incorporated in tandem with other multipurpose sustainable land management strategies. Unlabelled Image • 113 field sites spanning 60 years of agricultural land abandonment were compiled. • Soil organic carbon accumulates by +2.3% yr–1 post-abandonment across Spain. • Abandoned woody croplands are greater carbon sinks than abandoned cereal croplands. • Most accumulation occurs at ~13–17 °C MAT and ~450–900 mm MAP. • More SOC and N depth heterogeneity in secondary forests than natural forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms have increased globally with warming of aquatic environments and increased eutrophication. Proliferation of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and the subsequent flux of toxic extracellular microcystins present threats to public and ecosystem health and challenges for remediation and management. Although methods exist, there is currently a need for more environmentally friendly and economically and technologically feasible sorbents. Biochar has been proposed in this regard because of its high porosity, chemical stability, and notable sorption efficiency for removing of cyanotoxins. In light of worsening cyanobacterial blooms and recent research advances, this review provides a timely assessment of microcystin removal strategies focusing on the most pertinent chemical and physical sorbent properties responsible for effective removal of various pollutants from wastewater, liquid wastes, and aqueous solutions. The pyrolysis process is then evaluated for the first time as a method for sorbent production for microcystin removal, considering the suitability and sorption efficiencies of pyrolysed materials and biochar. Inefficiencies and high costs of conventional methods can be avoided through the use of pyrolysis. The significant potential of biochar for microcystin removal is determined by feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, and the physiochemical properties produced. This review informs future research and development of pyrolysed materials for the treatment of microcystin contaminated aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the relationship between salt-affected soils and their adjacent river systems is critical to address the challenges posed by soil salinization on agricultural production. Among the various biophysical and land management factors linked to soil salinization, few studies have investigated the importance of the distance along the river. Based on the Hetao Irrigation District of the Yellow River Basin, we collected 5314 soil samples and analyzed 17 soil parameters to explore the relationship between salt-affected soils and their distance along the river. Soil salinization was reinforced by the distance along the river, as a trade-off between soil ion accumulation and nutrient regulation. Soil total water-soluble salt content increased by 16.4 mg kg−1 every kilometer, likely due to ions leaching from the soils upstream and partially accumulating in the soils downstream, especially for Cl-, SO 4 2-, and Na+. Greater input and less solubility of Ca2+ based soil amendments, phosphorus fertilizers, and organic materials on the less salt-affected soils upstream may explain the declines in soil Ca2+, available phosphorus, and soil organic matter with distance along the river. With every kilometer along the river, soil exchangeable sodium and cation exchange capacity increased by 8.89 × 10−4 and 1.26 × 10−2 cmol kg−1, respectively, which led to an increase in soil exchangeable sodium percentage by 9.59 × 10−5. The increase in soil exchangeable sodium along the river was mainly due to Na+ accumulation, while soil cation exchange capacity was regulated by soil organic matter and total nitrogen. Soil pH increased by 1.21 × 10−3 per kilometer along the river, associated with the decrease of soil organic matter. Future saline soil amelioration and reutilization initiatives at regional scales may be improved by accounting for the changes in soil physicochemical properties resulting from the distance along the river. [Display omitted] • Relationship between distance along the river (DAR) and soil salinization was evaluated. • 17 soil parameters were investigated based on 5314 soil samples. • Na+ was the key driving factor for soil salinization. • DAR was a fundamental parameter linked to soil salinization. • Reinforced soil salinization with DAR: a trade-off between ions and nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of grain yield and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to climate warming in rice paddies are serious concerns for both global food security and climate change mitigation. However, the impact of free-air temperature increase (FATI) on grain yield and methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions remains unclear for one of the most globally significant rice production practices: the double rice cropping system. Here, we conducted a two-year field experiment to examine the effect of FATI by infrared heaters on grain yield and CH 4 and N 2 O emissions in a double rice field in subtropical China. FATI increased rice canopy temperature by 2.0 °C and soil temperature by 1.2 °C on average but had no effect on either early or late rice yield production. FATI did not affect CH 4 emissions, but significantly increased N 2 O emissions in both the early and late rice seasons. Averaged across two years, N 2 O emissions increased by 0.3 kg ha−1 and 0.7 kg ha−1 in the warmed plots for the early and late rice seasons, respectively. Consequently, FATI enhanced the global warming potential (GWP) and GHG intensity (i.e., yield scaled GWP) in the double rice cropping system. In addition, warming increased the abundance of ammonia-oxidising bacteria, ammonia-oxidising archaea, and a nitrite reductase gene (nirS), but decreased that of a nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ). Our results indicate that warming by FATI does not affect grain yield and CH 4 emissions but stimulates N 2 O emissions in the double rice cropping system and therefore promotes a potential positive feedback with future climate warming. • Free-air temperature increase (FATI) with infrared heater was performed in a double rice field. • Moderate warming by FATI had no significant effect on rice yield. • Moderate warming by FATI did not significantly affect CH 4 emissions. • Moderate warming by FATI stimulated N 2 O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]