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【Background and Objective】 Cadmium contamination is a ubiquitous soil environmental problem facing agricultural production in many countries. Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly technique. Since bioavailability of Cd varies with biogeochemical environment which, in turn, is regulated by soil water, irrigation is likely to have an important influence on efficacy of phytoremediation. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effect of irrigation with saline water on phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. 【Method】 Pots filled with soil containing Cd at content of 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg were used in the experiment. All pots were grown with maize and were irrigated with deionized water (W1), natural saline water (W2), and water with NaCl at the same salinity as W2 (W3). In each treatment, we measured Cd absorption by the maize. 【Result】 ① When the soil Cd content was low, irrigation with saline water resulted in a reduction in plant height, root length, as well as in dry and fresh biomasses of both above and below-ground parts. However, an increase in soil Cd content significantly inhibited maize plant growth only in treatment W1, while no significant effects were observed in treatments W2 and W3. ② When Cd content was 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg, the impact of irrigation water on Cd content in the above- and below-ground parts of the maize seedlings was ranked in the order of W3 > W2 > W1. ③ When soil Cd content was 5 and 10 mg/kg, Cd accumulation in the above-ground parts of the maize seedlings was significantly lower in W2 and W3 than in W1 (P

The cashew peduncle, the so-called cashew apple, is frequently considered as waste generated by the cashew nut industries. It needs production quality improvements to achieve a more noble use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of biochar over irrigation water productivity, yield, and cashew apple quality of two clones (‘BRS 226’ and ‘CCP 76’) of an irrigated cashew orchard. This field experiment tested four treatments of biochar from tree pruning mixed hardwood as source material, corresponding to 0, 10, 20, and 40 g per kg of soil, equivalent to the amounts of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kg per plant, respectively. The evaluated production variables were irrigation water productivity in terms of cashew nuts and peduncles per cubic meter of irrigation water applied, cashew nuts, and apples’ individual mean weight and yield. Cashew apple quality was also evaluated by soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA), and firmness. The use of biochar had positive effects on the nut and cashew apple irrigation water productivity, on mean individual cashew apple weight only for ‘BRS 226′ Clone and soluble solids for both clones (‘BRS 226’ and ‘CCP 76’). The soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio also improved only for the BRS 226 cashew clone. There was no statistically significant positive effect of applied biochar in cashew nut and cashew apple yield and firmness. The optimal doses were 1.70 kg, 1.90 kg, 4.00 kg, 2.10 kg, and 2.25 kg per plant of biochar, respectively.

Water scarcity presents a pressing challenge in Egypt, exacerbated by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change impacts. With over 95% reliance on the Nile River for freshwater supply, Egypt's water resources are strained, particularly with a population exceeding 100 million. Egypt's arid climate intensifies water scarcity, necessitating sustainable management strategies. This study explored greywater treatment as a solution to alleviate water scarcity in Egypt, investigating its technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental benefits. Greywater, derived from domestic activities, is an underutilized resource that can be reclaimed and treated for reuse, reducing demand for freshwater sources. Through greywater treatment systems, households and communities can recycle water, conserve resources, and mitigate pollution. The study investigated using polymers as a coagulant in greywater treatment, examining its efficacy in removing contaminants and improving water quality. Experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of polymer addition in greywater treatment compared to conventional methods. Results demonstrate that polymer addition reduces turbidity, suspended solids, and organic pollutants in greywater. Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) polymer, in particular, exhibits strong coagulation capabilities, versatility across pH ranges, and high efficiency in contaminant removal. Additionally, PAC offers operational advantages such as low dosage requirements and reduced sludge production.

Abstract Background Grazing livestock emits methane through rumen intestinal activity, however, its impact on plant growth in grassland while grazing still has not been explored in detail. Therefore, the study examined the effects of methane pulse spray (MPS), according to grazing intensity, at four grazing intensities (0, 3.6, 5.0, and 6.5 sheep·hm− 2 yr− 1) on seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch (Vicia sativa), while two irrigation rates (35 and 53 ml d− 1) were employed to simulate the precipitation. Results The study revealed significant interactions between MPS and irrigation rate on seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Under moderate MPS intensities (0.74 and 1.04 mol m− 2), seed germination rate, potential, index, and vigor index improved, especially at higher irrigation rates (53 ml d− 1). Conversely, excessive MPS (1.33 mol m− 2) inhibited particularly at the germination rate and growth,. The seedling growth dynamics fitted a logistic model, with MPS advancing the rapid growth phase and increasing maximum growth rates. Conclusions This study demonstrates that low to moderate levels of MPS from ruminants can promote seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch, while excessive MPS inhibits these processes. Irrigation enhances plant sensitivity to MPS, with wetter conditions (620 mm yr− 1) facilitating a more pronounced response. The findings introduce a new model elucidating plant responses to external perturbations, which can inform grazing management strategies in diverse ecosystems. In wetter regions, moderate grazing intensities may leverage MPS benefits, while arid regions require careful grazing regulation to maintain grassland-livestock balance.

Abstract This study assessed the water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes on the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro during the dry season under low flow conditions. Fifty-one samples covering eight different water sources (i.e., stream water from natural and anthropogenic impacted streams, domestic water, spring water, rainfall, groundwater, lake water and water from irrigation canals) were collected in a snapshot sampling campaign over 10 days in February 2023. First, physical, chemical and biological parameters were analysed and compared with Tanzanian and international drinking and irrigation water quality requirements. The samples were then ranked according to their suitability for drinking and/or irrigation using water quality indices (WQI). All drinking water quality parameters except for E. coli and turbidity were within the permissible limits. A generalised problem of faecal contamination was found in the study area, including in domestic water, highlighting the need to identify sources of contamination and remediate them before distribution. The drinking water quality index (DWQI) classified 89% of the samples as unsuitable and 11% as excellent for drinking. Irrigation water quality parameters were within the guidelines of restriction of use except for pH in 5 samples. In contrast to the DWQI, the vast majority of the water samples (88%) can be used for irrigation without restrictions according to the irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The suitability of water for irrigation was also assessed using three indices, i.e., Kelley’s Index, Soluble Sodium Percentage and Magnesium Ratio, which indicated potential problems with excess of sodium (about 30% of the samples) and magnesium (about 20%). Further studies combining suitability indices, soil characteristics and crop types are recommended to assess water quality for irrigation use.

The study was conducted to determine the suitability of surface water from Oued El Gourzi for irrigation in the Fesdis area, Algeria, during irrigation season of July 2022. The suitability was assessed by analysing eight water samples collected from various sites along the Oued. A range of physicochemical parameters were examined, including EC, pH, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, K+, HCO3– and Cl–, alongside other indices such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI) and magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) using standard procedures. The Richards classification shows that these waters are characterised by high salinity and low alkalinity hazard (C3–S1). According to the Wilcox classification, the majority of these waters are of doubtful quality, with only 25% exhibiting good quality for irrigation. Based on the RSC and MAR, all water samples are deemed safe and suitable for irrigation. However, PI values suggest that all sampling sites are of marginal quality for irrigation (class II). In terms of sodium and chloride concentration, all water samples were deemed unsuitable for irrigation. Based on these results, the waters pose risks for irrigation, particularly due to salinity, necessitating the implementation of special management practices and the selection of salt-tolerant crops.

Abstract In China, natural snowfall is insufficient, and ski resorts often require artificial snowmaking in winter and turf management in summer, which results in high overall water consumption and considered as one of the high water-consuming service industries, with an urgent need for theoretical foundations related to water management. Based on life cycle theory, we examined the characteristics of the water systems of ski resorts in winter and summer. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to construct a stochastic model to quantify the theoretical water consumption for snowmaking at ski resorts and to investigate the mechanisms by which various factors influence this consumption. We summarize the necessity of summer turf management and irrigation requirements at ski resorts, explore the interaction between ski resorts and agricultural irrigation. The results show that the theoretical water demand of ski resorts is basically consistent with the actual water consumption of ski resorts, that the constructed model is feasible, and that snowmaking water is the most important water use of ski resorts. Exploring the collection and reuse of meltwater or rainwater from ski resorts for agricultural irrigation in the spring and summer could provide more possibilities for the sustainable management of regional water resources. The research findings can provide a theoretical basis for scientifically and reasonably setting the norm of water intake for ski resorts and for developing comprehensive water resource management plans for ski resorts and agricultural irrigation.

Abstract Direct planting systems offer several benefits to the soil and plants, as reflected in soil organisms. The Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are extremely sensitive to environmental changes and can be used as indicators of soil quality. This study focused on the native diversity of mycorrhizae in the region. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate mycorrhizal colonization, spore density, soil glomalin content and species diversity in five wheat genotypes under direct and conventional planting systems. This work was carried out in the experimental area of Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, Brazil. The rates of mycorrhizal colonization, spore density and easily extractable glomalin were evaluated, and species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were identified in five wheat genotypes under direct and conventional planting. For all the genotypes under conventional planting, there was a decrease in mycorrhizal colonization, the number of spores in the rhizosphere and the amount of easily extractable glomalin. The composition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community differed among the wheat genotypes and management systems. The richness of morphospecies of AMF in the direct planting system was similar to that in the conventional system, with twelve species each, but the conventional system reduced root colonization and spore density. The most common species were A. scrobiculata, Si. tortuosum and G. macrocarpum, which were found in all the genotypes in both cultivation systems.

It is widely acknowledged that the agrarian nature of rural economy, combined with policy biases and institutional limits, has contributed to low productivity and slow growth in the Indian agriculture sector. With changing climate and market conditions, the Indian agriculture sector requires an adequate transition in cropping patterns to ensure the sector's viability and the inclusion of land-constrained farmers in the intensification process. The necessity for crop pattern shift has been emphasized further. Besides, input-intensive agricultural practices have resulted in biodiversity losses, groundwater depletion, and soil degradation, raising severe worries about the sector's sustainability, particularly in rainfed areas. This study carried out in the setting of West Bengal, India, which has a substantial population of land-constrained farmers. The objectives of the study include examining the changes in irrigation sources and cropping practices, understanding their implications for the agriculture sector with its local ecology, and assessing the role of the local level institutions in management and use of irrigation facilities and conservation of natural resources. Using standard descriptive statistics from various secondary sources for the period 2004–05 to 2014–15, graphical techniques and policy review the paper identifies crop diversification, crop concentration, cropping intensification, sources of irrigation, fertilizer use, rainfall pattern, and changes in wetland area as the major drivers of the agrarian transition in favor of non-food grains. The study, therefore, suggests that initiatives should be taken for guiding the farmers towards appropriate farming practices for judicious use of water and other natural resources. Moreover, the findings appear to point to the need for additional infrastructure development, they also provide insights into designing organic and more resilient policies and institutions to promote ecology-centric participatory irrigation and farming practices for the long-term growth of agrarian sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the activity concentration of NORMs were measured using gamma spectrometer, based on NaI(Tl) detector with Maestro-32 installed computer soft- ware. Accordingly, the average activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K in soil samples were found 17.85±0.50, 40.16±0.54, and 271.46±0.07, respectively, which are lower than the average world recommended values given by UNSCEAR 2000 for Th and K, but higher for U decay series. In the same way, activity concentration of NORMs in food items cultivated from the irrigation site were measured and the highest activity concentrations were observed in bean samples. The transfer factors of 232Th, 238U and 40K from soil to food items were computed based on the measured activity values, and in most food items it is observed above the world average values. The consecutive chronic daily intake via ingestion for some food items from samples are also above the permissible limit. The transfer factor from Gerado agricultural soil to plant exceed the world average values in the cases of 232Th and 238U according to our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Xinjiang is a typical irrigated agricultural area, and water-saving irrigation technology is the basis for the sustainable development of agriculture in Xinjiang, but there are some differences in the effects of different long-lasting irrigation methods on soil particle size composition and pore structure. In order to investigate the effects of different irrigation methods on soil particle size composition and pore structure in the root zone of jujube trees, the soil of jujube gardens with three different irrigation methods (FI: diffuse irrigation, DI: drip irrigation, and STI: sandy tube irrigation) in the southern Xinjiang area was used as the object of study for 14 years. Soils in the unirrigated area and far away from the root zone were used as the control, and the soil was analyzed with the combination of soil particle size distribution (PSD) and soil water-saving irrigation techniques, and the soil was analyzed with the combination of soil water-saving irrigation techniques. The study determined the soil particle size composition by particle size distribution (PSD) and CT scanning techniques and its connectivity pore structure parameters were analyzed. The study aimed to reveal the soil structural characteristics and provided a microscopic theoretical basis for water-saving irrigation technology in Xinjiang. The results showed that: 1) the effects of different irrigation methods on the particle composition of soil layers were significant (P＜0.05). The average volume fraction of soil powder particles was significantly higher in the diffuse irrigation than in the drip irrigation and sand-pipe irrigation, and the long-term drip irrigation and sand-pipe irrigation methods decreased the content of soil powder particles in each layer from 0 to 60 cm and increased the content of soil sand particles. 2) the long-term diffuse irrigation method significantly increased the average volume fractal dimension of soil from 0 to 60 cm (P＜ 0.05) and the average volume fractal dimension of soil from 0 to 60 cm was significantly higher (P＜0.05) and the soil was more compact and less permeable. Long-term drip irrigation and sand pipe irrigation decreased the average volume fractal dimension of 0-60 cm soil. 3) The frequency of 0-20 cm pore size interval (0- 1000 μm) was higher than that of drip irrigation and diffuse irrigation under sand pipe irrigation. The total porosity and pore connectivity of the soil from 0 to 40 cm were significantly higher than those of the diffuse irrigation method (P＜0.05), and the total porosity and pore connectivity of the soil from 0 to 20 cm were significantly higher than those of the drip irrigation method, and the permeability of the soil was better. In conclusion, the sand pipe irrigation method was more suitable for the irrigation of jujube trees in this area. The results of the study provide theoretical references for the development of water-saving irrigation and efficient utilization of agricultural water resources in South Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perennial species Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is well regarded for its medicinal attributes, particularly its strong anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. Hypericum perforatum L., commonly known as balsam, is extensively employed in both traditional and contemporary medicine due to its biological properties, although the plant's medicine distribution is limited to Europe and Asia. This study pioneers the investigation of Hypericum perforatum cultivation in a Mediterranean country, specifically Greece, focusing on the effects of irrigation and biostimulants of two distinct genotypes on quantitative (height, drug yield, essential oil yield) and qualitative (essential oil content and composition) characteristics. A field trial was conducted at the experimental farm of the Agrotechnology Department at the University of Thessaly, located in the Larissa region. This study investigated various testing varieties under different irrigation levels and biostimulant applications. The results underscore the importance of customized irrigation and biostimulant strategies in improving yield and quality during the second growing season, establishing a foundation for sustainable agricultural progress. Notably, irrigated treatments significantly increased plant height, dry biomass yield, and essential oil production per hectare. Specifically, the essential oil yields for irrigated treatments were nearly double those of rainfed treatments, with 219 kg/ha for rainfed and 407 kg/ha for irrigated. The genotype played a crucial role in influencing production potential, height, flowering, and essential oil composition, with one variety demonstrating biennial blooming and modified essential oil compounds. While irrigation positively impacted yield, it also reduced certain essential oil compounds while increasing β-pinene content. The effects of biostimulants varied based on their composition, with some enhancing and others diminishing essential oil content. Notably, the biostimulant containing algae with auxin and cytokinin (B2) proved to be the most effective in improving the therapeutic profile. This study offers valuable insights into the cultivation of H. perforatum in a Mediterranean climate, highlighting the necessity for ongoing research into native populations, irrigation levels, biostimulants, fertilization, and other factors that affect crop yield and quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contradiction between increased irrigation demand and water scarcity in arid regions has become more acute for crops as a result of global climate change. This highlights the urgent need to improve crop water use efficiency. In this study, four irrigation volumes were established for drip-irrigated maize under plastic mulch: 2145 m3 ha−1 (W1), 2685 m3 ha−1 (W2), 3360 m3 ha−1 (W3), and 4200 m3 ha−1 (W4). The effects of these volumes on soil moisture, maize growth, water consumption, crop coefficients, and yield were analyzed. The results showed that increasing the irrigation volume led to a 2.86% to 8.71% increase in soil moisture content, a 24.56% to 47.41% increase in water consumption, and a 3.43% to 35% increase in the crop coefficient. Maize plant height increased by 16.34% to 42.38%, ear height by 16.85% to 51.01%, ear length by 2.43% to 28.13%, and yield by 16.96% to 39.24%. Additionally, soil temperature was reduced by 1.67% to 5.67%, and the maize bald tip length decreased by 6.62% to 48%. The irrigation water use efficiency improved by 6.57% to 28.89%. A comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS method demonstrated that 3360 m3 ha−1 of irrigation water was an effective irrigation strategy for increasing maize yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch in the southern border area. Compared to 4200 m3 ha−1, this strategy saved 840 m3 ha−1 of irrigation water, increased the irrigation water use efficiency by 23.96%, and resulted in only a 0.84% decrease in yield. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing production benefits in the context of limited water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the effectiveness of outpatient ductal steroid irrigations (DSIs) as an adjuvant treatment in recurrent inflammatory obstructive sialadenitis (RIOS). A retrospective chart review of prospectively recruited RIOS patients was randomly assigned to group A (i.e., interventional sialendoscopy) or group B (i.e., interventional sialendoscopy with outpatient DSIs). The statistical analysis detected any postoperative difference between groups in terms of the number and severity (attested by 0–10 VAS pain) of episodes of swelling. Interventional sialendoscopy and DSIs were effective and well tolerated in all 122 patients, and a significantly reduced number of salivary gland swelling episodes (p-value = 0.01) was documented in group B compared to group A at any follow-up assessment. When the specific aetiology was considered, repeated DSIs were more effective than interventional sialendoscopy alone in patients with type 1 or 3 stenoses and in those without mucous plugs. Our results confirm the safety and effectiveness of interventional sialendoscopy (both as a single-modality and a multimodal approach) in a large series of adult patients with RIOS at short-, medium-, and long-term analyses. The superiority of a combined therapeutic protocol, with a positive effect still detectable 12 months after the end of the treatment, was attested as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater resource in the "Larena Plain" at the western margins of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift (SMER) was investigated using integrated geophysical techniques—electrical resistivity and magnetic methods. The objective was to assess aquifer depth, extent, and geological controls in the study area. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) was employed to examine and map aquifer depth and lateral extension, while geological structures and lithological contacts influencing groundwater flow and accumulation were identified using magnetic surveys. Two‐stage aquifers were identified: a deeper fractured ignimbrite and a volcanoclastic sediment aquifer covered by shallow weathered ignimbrite. The depths and distributions of these aquifers were mapped, with geological structures generally aligned in the NNE–SSW orientation. Understanding these geological structures and aquifer systems is crucial for effective groundwater management in the "Larena Plain," providing valuable insights for regional hydrogeological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Accurate information on cropland area is essential for agricultural development and planning. Here, we evaluated the performance of six land cover products (CLCD, MCD12Q1, CCI‐LC, GLC‐FCS, CNLUCC, and CACD) in identifying cropland extent in a large irrigation district of China from 1995 to 2020 based on visual interpretation samples. The results indicate that CACD performs best with an average kappa coefficient (KC) of 0.89, followed by CLCD (KC = 0.87), GLC‐FCS (KC = 0.75), CNLUCC (KC = 0.65), MCD12Q1 (KC = 0.49), and CCI‐LC (KC = 0.29). Additionally, the cropland area provided by statistical yearbooks is significantly lower than that identified by CACD, with an average underestimation of −34%. We also find that these land cover products exhibit poor consistency in identifying cropland. The average percentage of grids labeled as “completely consistent”—where all six products identify those grids as cropland—is only 16.0% across the entire irrigation district, highlighting the uncertainty of existing land cover products in identifying cropland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive spring seasons 2023-2024 in a private field in Al-Mahawil District (45 km) north of Babil Governorate to study the response of the potato plant, Synergy variety, to irrigation water type (River or drainage) treated magnetically and sprayed with jasmonic acid and the extent of the effect of the treatments on potato growth and productivity. The experiment was a Split-Split Plot Design, R.C.B.D, 24 treatments with three replicates and 72 experimental units. Irrigation water quality (river or drainage) took the main plot, magnetization levels (1500 Gauss with contact path 38.5 cm² * 1, 2, or 3 K) in sub plot and spraying with jasmonic acid (0, 15, 30) mg.L-1 was in sub-sub plot. The results of the experiment showed that river water at a level of 1.47 ds m-1 was significantly higher than drainage water in all studied characteristics. The positive effect also increased in magnetized water with contact path 38.5 cm² * 3. A similar effect was recorded with spraying with jasmonic acid especially at a concentration of 30 mgL-1 compared to treatments sprayed at a lower concentration or control. The results showed that the interaction of river water 1.47 ds m-1 magnetized with a contact path of 38.5*3 cm² and spraying with jasmonic acid 30 mg L-1 recorded the highest values in the number of aerial stems, number of leaves, total leaf area, and shoot dry weight compared to other treatments. The same treatment led to the highest marketable yield (33.24 and 37.48) tons ha-1 for both seasons respectively, with a significant difference from the control which recorded (11.84 and 13.24) tons ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investing in irrigation development has been a priority of agricultural policy in Benin since 1960. This has resulted in the development of several irrigation schemes in the country. This study assesses the impact of irrigation on food and nutrition security among rice producers in Benin. To do this, an endogenous switching regression model was used to control for the selection bias and endogeneity issues related to the participation in irrigation. The results show positive impact of participating in irrigation on dietary diversity and food consumption score. This confirms the potential of irrigation in improving food and nutrition security among rice farmers in Benin. Overall, the results call for public policies to further promote the development of irrigation schemes in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflaj refers to a traditional irrigation system found in Oman, which has been used for centuries to sustainably manage groundwater resources. These resources play a vital role in meeting various consumption needs, including agriculture, domestic, and industrial. The article, for the first time, introduces the concept of "hydraulics of aflaj", emphasizing the importance of accurate information about interaction of falaj and aquifer and also flow within their tunnels. The study utilizes the mechanisms of horizontal wells to simulate the interaction between the aquifer and the falaj tunnel, employing the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin numerical model to compute groundwater head of aquifer. The model is applied to a real test case in the Loba aquifer of Malaysia, demonstrating improved accuracy compared to previous models based on evaluation indices such as MAE, RMSE, MAPE, NSE and p-bias. The findings of the proposed model show good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of saline water in horticultural systems degrades soil and reduces productivity. The objective of this study was to analyze how irrigation water quality and the application of organic manure affect lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) productivity and organic carbon fractions in characteristic on two soils of different textures of central La Pampa province. Lettuce cultivation was evaluated in two soils, one sandy and one sandy loam soils. The main treatment was irrigation with water of contrasting electrical conductivity (CE): 1.0 (low salinity) and 2.0 (high salinity) dS m-1. Fertilization was carried out at a dose of 100 kg N ha-1, using three combinations of organic manure and urea sources: C0 (100:0), C2 (70:30) and C4 (40:60). Four consecutive cycles were evaluated during the years 2020 and 2021. The following variables were analyzed: root dry matter (MSR), aboveground dry matter (MSA) and total dry matter (MST), the MSA/MSR ratio, water use efficiency and growth rate. Total (COT) and particulate (COP) organic carbon were determined. When evaluating the cumulative effect, a significant interaction was observed between the sandy textured soil and the sandy loam soil (p < 0.05). In the sandy soil, the maximum MST value (1504 kg ha-1) was obtained under low salinity irrigation water, in comparison with a decrease of 18% when irrigated with water with an CE of 2.0 dS m-1. In contrast, in the sandy loam soil the maximum MST value (1385 kg ha-1) was obtained with low salinity water with a decrease of 54% when irrigated with water with CE of 2.0 dS m-1. In such soil, the application of organic manure helped mitigate the effect of saline water on the MST, MSA and MSR variables. The changes in the COP produced by the treatments were different in each soil. The lability indexes were more sensitive to management practices in the sandy soil. The organic carbon index was sensitive to show differences in sandy loam soil. Soil texture determines the response of lettuce to the application of water and organic manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the success of standard antiseptic irrigation solutions in reducing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates, there is still a need for more effective solutions. Synergistic use of povidone‐iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has shown promising results; however, the optimal solution concentration balancing bactericidal activity and osseointegration remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these antiseptic irrigation solutions on osseointegration and the bone–implant interface strength in vivo. Forty C57BL/6 mice underwent bilateral tibial implantation surgery and were randomly allocated into three groups receiving 0.3% PI, 10% PI mixed with 3% H2O2, or saline as irrigation solutions intraoperatively. Assessments were performed on postoperative Days 1 and 28, including plain radiographs, microcomputed tomography (microCT) evaluation, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and biomechanical pull‐out testing. No wound complications were observed. MicroCT scans revealed no differences in peri‐implant trabecular bone parameters. Biomechanical pull‐out testing showed no differences in the bone–implant interface strength across groups. Histological analysis indicated no differences in bone and bone marrow percentage areas among treatment groups. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated no differences among groups in peri‐implant osteocalcin, osterix, or endomucin‐positive cells. In conclusion, using either antiseptic irrigation solution showed no differences in osseointegration parameters compared to the control group, demonstrating safety and the absence of toxicity. Clinical Relevance: Dilute 0.3% povidone‐iodine and a 1:1 combination of 10% povidone‐iodine mixed with 3% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used during primary and revision total joint arthroplasty without compromising osseointegration or causing wound complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of natural parameters in border fields is one of the main factors leading to poor irrigation performance. To explore the impact of natural parameter variation on border irrigation performance, a four-year field irrigation experiment was conducted in this study, and the obtained parameters were combined with the WinSRFR V4.1 model to simulate the advance–recession process under different discharge scenarios. Based on the observed and simulated data, the influence of natural parameter variation on the flow process of constant discharge irrigation was analyzed, and thus the optimal observation points for advancing and discharge regulation strategy were further established. The results indicated that in a constant discharge border irrigation system, the irrigation performance index showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase in discharge, and the variation range of the reduced section was smaller than that of the increased section. Therefore, the risk of inefficient irrigation caused by flow fluctuations could be reduced to a certain extent by increasing the discharge. Additionally, variability in natural parameters also caused the water advance time to deviate gradually from expectations, and the deviation would be obvious when the flow advanced to the point of 40 m. The adjustment range of the optimal regulation discharge qM was greater than the corresponding optimal constant discharge qD2 under natural parameter variations. In the ideal situation of uniform natural parameters within the border, the optimal discharge regulation scheme could improve the application efficiency, irrigation uniformity, and water storage efficiency to 97.3%, 95.5%, and 96.9%, respectively. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the development of automatic regulation of border irrigation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice sector is facing the challenge of increasing rice yields while maintaining or improving input use efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective vegetation indices for monitoring nitrogen uptake (N uptake) under different irrigation techniques. The study was conducted in Uruguay over two rice-growing seasons. A split plot experimental design featured two irrigation treatments (main plots): continuous flooding (C) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). The nitrogen-rate (N-rate) treatments (split plots) included no nitrogen, the recommended N-rate based on soil analyses, and two additional doses (±50% of the recommendation). The plant N uptake relationships with selected drone-based vegetation indices (VIs) were assessed at panicle initiation. The presence or absence of standing water during image collection affected the VIs and their relationships with N uptake. The relationships estimated for traditional irrigation may not be applicable for AWD. The SCCCI was the top index with a significantly stronger relationship with N uptake under the C (R2 = 0.84) and AWD (R2 = 0.71) irrigation techniques in relation to all evaluated vegetation indices. The Clre, NDRE2, NDRE, and CLg also had a significant relationship with N uptake under both irrigation treatments in both seasons, though their average R2 values of 0.75, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.71, respectively, were lower than the SCCCI (average R2 = 0.78). The findings would assist rice growers for selecting effective VIs for remote crop monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland ammonia (NH3) volatilization is an important source of NH3, and the application of chemical fertilizer nitrogen (N) is the main factor affecting NH3 volatilization. The optimal substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure and straw reportedly reduces NH3 volatilization, while reducing irrigation increases NH3 volatilization. However, the combined effect of nitrogen fertilizer substitution and reducing irrigation on NH3 volatilization and the role of microorganisms in this process remains unclear. In a soil column experiment, NH3 volatilization and microbial composition were measured under both multiple N sources and different irrigation levels by the vented-chamber method and metagenomic sequencing. The results revealed that multiple N sources application reduced cumulative NH3 volatilization by 16.5–75.4% compared to single chemical fertilizer application, and the decreasing trend of NH3 volatilization under reduced irrigation conditions was greater. Microorganisms had a more important effect on NH3 volatilization of reduced irrigation than conventional irrigation. The abundance of nirA, arcC, E3.5.1.49, and E3.5.5.1 (ammonia-producing) genes varied significantly at the two irrigation levels. Overall, multiple N sources could inhibit NH3 volatilization increasing under reducing irrigation compared to a single chemical fertilizer. Our findings contribute valuable insights into the combined effect of reduced irrigation and multiple N sources on NH3 volatilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, saline irrigation significantly affects soil quality and reduces crop yields. This study evaluates the effect of salt stress on soil properties and the overall performance of the durum wheat variety "Faraj", aiming to optimize production under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 season, using a completely randomized design (CRD) to assess soil properties, plant growth, and yield. Five salinity levels (0.2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m−1) were applied to two soil types: silty-clay (S1) and sandy (S2). Results showed significant changes in soil properties, including increased pH, electrical conductivity, and accumulation of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in soil. Grain yield decreased significantly with increasing salinity, from 1.12 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S1, and from 0.56 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S2. Straw yield was less affected, with values of 1.24 and 1.16 t ha−1 for S1 and S2 at 12 dS m−1, decreasing to 0.80 and 0.55 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1. The "Faraj" variety shows good tolerance to salinity up to 8 dS m−1 for grain yield and 12 dS m−1 for straw yield, making it particularly suitable for moderately saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of climate change, drought and the unequal distribution of rainfall is a worldwide problem. Drought stress on plants affects not only the yield, but also the amount and ratio of bioactive components in tomato fruit. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of a new soil biodegradable water-retention agent (Water and Soil's Water Retainer®, Water and Soil Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) containing natural ingredients during the seedling period and under different irrigation conditions on the product volume, dry matter content and on some characteristic secondary metabolites in tomato fruits. The study was conducted to screen four different irrigation and soil treatment combination treatments for production and quality characteristics (polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, vitamin C) to check the effect of seedling-stage stress on the tomato yield and bioactive components. Significant differences were found among the treatment and the cultivation seasons for the phytochemical content of fruits. The average yield and BRIX value did not change as a result of the Water Retainer® compared to the irrigated samples, but the amount of lycopene, Vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenol content increased significantly with the use of the Water Retainer®. In the two cultivation seasons, the highest concentration of lycopene and Vitamin C (114.30 ± 3.18 μg.g−1 and 338.10 ± 13.70 μg.g−1 fwt, respectively) was determined in fruits of 50% irrigation + 1.5 mL/m2 WR®-treated plants. The highest measured antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content were 21.54 ± 0.17 mMTr/kg and 504 ± 44 mg GAE/kg, respectively, in the same treated samples. We found that seedlings exposed to drought stress, and after planting, when grown under ideal conditions in the field, can be distinguished from each other, despite the fact that there was only a difference between their cultivation during the seedling period. This may prove that rehydration is not sufficient to completely restore the metabolomic processes of stressed plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the 6‐year outcome of root canal treatment irrigated with 0.5% or 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Methodology: The baseline trial was designed as a quasi‐randomized clinical trial. Patients referred for root canal treatment to an endodontic specialist clinic were recruited to the study (n = 298). The concentration of NaOCl was allocated quasi‐randomized to 271 subjects (0.5% [n = 139], 3% [n = 132]). Bacterial sampling was performed immediately before root canal filling. Samples were cultured and evaluated as growth or no growth. Patients were invited to a clinical and radiological follow‐up >5 years postoperatively. The clinical outcome measurements were tooth survival, cumulative incidence of endodontic retreatments, patients' assessment of pain, clinical findings and radiological signs of apical periodontitis (AP). Results: Tooth survival was 85.6% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and 81.1% in the 3% NaOCl group (p =.45). There was no record of retreatment in 94.4% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and in 92.2% in the 3% NaOCl group (p =.76). The percentage of asymptomatic cases were 87.8% in the 0.5% group and 85.3% in the 3% NaOCl group (p =.81). Absence of clinical signs of AP was seen in 86.6% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and in 83.6% in the 3% NaOCl group (p =.80). Absence of radiological signs of AP was seen in 74.0% in the 0.5% NaOCl group and 64.1% in the 3% NaOCl group (p =.20). Subjects with positive culture before root filling reported subjective pain with a significantly higher frequency as compared to negative‐culture subjects (p =.014). Conclusions: The use of 0.5% or 3% NaOCl for irrigation during root canal treatment resulted in similar clinical outcomes 5–7 years postoperatively. Persisting bacteria immediately before root filling may predict future episodes of subjective pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable soil moisture information is essential for accurate irrigation scheduling. A wide range of soil moisture sensors are currently available on the market, but their performance needs to be evaluated as most sensors are calibrated under limited laboratory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of six commercially available moisture sensors (HydraProbe, Teros 10, Teros 11, EnviroPro, CS616 and Drill & Drop) and three tensiometers (Irrometer RSU-C-34, Teros 32 and Teros 21) and to establish calibration equations for a typical sandy soil of the Doñana National Park (Huelva, Spain). The calibration process for soil moisture sensors indicated differences between factory and corrected equations. All tested sensors improved with adjustments made to the factory calibration, except for the HydraProbe sensor which had a more accurate factory equation for a sandy soil. Among the various sensors tested, the Teros 10, Teros 11, and HydraProbe were found to be the easiest to install, typically positioned with an auger to prevent preferential pathways and ensure adequate sensor-soil contact. For tensiometers, the Teros 32 sensor requires specialized labor for its correct installation, as it must be positioned at a specific angle and maintained with distilled water. All tensiometers need a stabilization period after installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development and the evaluation of a low-cost sensor-based system to optimize the management of surface irrigation at the field level. During a surface irrigation event, water flows according to the slope of the field and it is difficult and time-consuming to predict the optimal time when inflow should be stopped. In such systems, measurement tools are uncommon and those existing are far too complex and expensive to be used as decision support tools on small farms. This article presents the development of an Open Source system, based on low-cost technologies, Internet of Things and LoRaWAN network, that allows: (i) detection of water at the sensor location in the field, (ii) sending an alert by phone to the user and (iii) remote control of surface irrigation gates. The metrological characteristics of the system and its suitability were tested in real conditions during one irrigation season of hay fields in the Mediterranean region. The results highlighted the reliability of the low-cost sensor system for detecting water and transmitting information remotely, with a 100% success rate. Remote control of irrigation gates was successful in 89% of trials carried out in the field, and adjustments resulted in a 100% success rate. The savings in labour time for the farmer and in irrigation water volumes made possible by the use of this system, as well as the inevitable trade-offs between accessibility, reliability and robustness of new technologies for agriculture, are finally discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a global issue that presents significant challenges to sustainable development. Recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) evaluations revealed a concerning trend: more than half of agricultural water is wasted. The widespread use of manual irrigation systems, combined with diminishing water resources, necessitates efficient and effective irrigation methods. This study aims to address this issue by introducing a novel irrigation control system based on an Arduino mechanism. The goal of this research is to design and test an efficient and sustainable irrigation system that maximizes water usage, minimizes waste, and reduces electricity consumption. The study used an Arduino-controlled irrigation system equipped with soil moisture sensors. These sensors were strategically placed to monitor soil moisture levels and trigger irrigation when necessary. The system's performance was evaluated using a series of experimental trials on small and medium-sized farm plots. The system required approximately 20% less water than traditional manual irrigation methods. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in electricity consumption for water pumps, with an average 20% savings per year. The ease of integration into existing farm setups and the reduction in manual labor are also significant benefits. This system assists to conserve vital water resources and promotes sustainable agricultural development by optimizing water use and reducing electricity consumption. Practical Applications: This study demonstrates a low-cost automated irrigation system for small and medium-sized farms that uses an Arduino control system. The system uses soil moisture sensors to ensure that plants receive optimal water exactly when they need it, thereby improving water efficiency and plant health. The use of a control system provides flexible programming options, making it simple to expand and integrate new control features. The system's adaptability enables the simple integration of automation into existing farm setups, and the number of soil moisture sensors can be increased to cover larger farm areas. This intelligent irrigation solution not only conserves water resources but also reduces the amount of electricity required to power water pumps, resulting in lower operating costs and maintenance needs. Therefore, implementing the proposed automated control system can significantly reduce water usage, maintenance efforts, and electricity consumption, providing farmers with a long-term and efficient irrigation solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the characterization of the transport and deposition of sludge particles in the mesh filter of water-saving irrigation systems, taking the inlet flow, particle concentration, and calculation time as experimental factors, a filtration test was carried out by computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method model (CFD-DEM) coupling and physical testing. Through the test results, deposition distribution, average particle size, and geometric standard deviation of the filter cake are analyzed. The cake pressure drop model of the filter cake's average particle size and the filter cake's geometric standard deviation are established. The results showed that the deposition of filter particles is triangular during the filtration process, and the axial deposition particles of the filter screen gradually increase. The proportion of small particles (smaller than 0.6 mm) in the cake layer formed by particles is the largest, greater than 70%; the main deposition area of particles is the lower filter screen (90%), and the particles deposited on the upper filter screen are all small particles. The increase in flow significantly affects the distribution of different sediment particles in the inlet and middle sections of the filter cake layer; the average particle size and geometric standard deviation of the filter cake increase with the increase of flow. An analysis of pressure drop was also conducted. The pressure drop of the filter cake decreases with the increase in geometric standard deviation and average particle size. Compared with the test pressure drop, the calculated pressure drop is consistent. The obtained results have important theoretical and practical significance for establishing a screen filter screen and cake pressure drop model, as well as optimizing filter media filtration efficiency and cleaning efficiency, and the relative error does not exceed 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-year research experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, California, to investigate the effect of midsummer deficit irrigation on alfalfa yield, irrigation water productivity (IWP), and crop water productivity (CWP). The experiment was a randomized block design with two treatments: full and deficit irrigations with three replications. Applied irrigation water was measured using flow meters and soil matric potentials were monitored using watermark soil moisture sensors. Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) values were estimated from Tule Technologies stations. The deficit irrigation treatments resulted in 454, 706, 625, and 815 mm of irrigation water savings as compared to the full irrigation treatments in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. These values represent 30.3%, 40.9%, 37.0%, and 49.1% of the applied water savings. Alfalfa yield in the deficit treatments was reduced by 3.94, 2.04, 1.25, and 0.40 Mg ha−1 ; the equivalent of 18.1%, 11.1%, 7.1%, and 3.0% of the yield for the full irrigation treatment for the four years: with an average reduction of 10.7%. IWP was higher when deficit irrigation was implemented and resulted in 17.09, 16.11, 15.40, and 15.54 kg ha−1 mm−1 , in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. The production function using applied irrigation water (IW, mm) was: Y(yield in Mg ha−1)=0.50×(IW)2−1,633.75×(IW)+1,338,472 and Y=−0.1137×(IW)2+233.55×(IW)−103,036 for the full and deficit irrigation treatments, respectively. CWP was 18.6, 16.4, 14.9, and 12.3 kg ha−1 mm−1 for fully irrigated treatments, and 15.2, 14.9, 14.3, and 12.6 kg ha−1 mm−1 for the deficit irrigation treatments, for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Results from this work provide growers with viable deficit irrigation practices that could be implemented during drought periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the feasibility of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for southwestern Kansas was investigated. Multiple sources of water for MAR were investigated, including rainfall-runoff from fields, use of low-flow or ephemeral rivers and streams, and use of a large regional river. Use of the Arkansas River was found to be the most viable source of water. Construction of infiltration basins in existing sand mines was found to be the best MAR alternative in this region. The requirement for the reclamation of sand mines set out by the State of Kansas fits the requirements of infiltration basins, and there exists a local ditch system that can convey Arkansas River flows to the basins with little need of new construction. The salinity of the Arkansas River is of concern. The negative impact of this could be reduced by selecting salt-tolerant crops. This investigation is relevant throughout the State of Kansas, leading to the possibility that another region would have more suitable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the effects of dynamic irrigation program on corn silage quality. Different irrigation intervals (3, 6 and 9 days) and irrigation water levels (0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 times) were applied in the study. At the end of the research, the differences created by the dynamic irrigation program in silage quality parameters crude protein, crude ash, dry matter, ADF, NDF) were found to be significant (5% significance level). Crude protein ratios varied between 6.09-8.25%, crude ash ratios between 3.41-5.96%, dry matter ratios between 26.06-34.65%, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) ratios between 20.10-25.13% and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) ratios between 33.66-38.09%. In corn production under similar conditions (climate, soil and variety), it was thought that it would be beneficial to apply 1.25 times the value of 6-day cumulative evapotranspiration (ETo) corrected with the crop coefficient (Kc) in Balıkesir-Manyas climate and clay-loam soil conditions in order to reach high values in crude protein, which is the main silage quality parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been postulated that stemflow, precipitation that flows from plant crowns down along branches and stems to soils, benefits plants that generate it because it increases plant-available soil water near the base of the plant; however, little direct evidence supports this postulation. Were plants' crowns to preferentially route water to their roots, woody plants with large canopies could benefit. For example, piñon and juniper tree encroachment into sagebrush steppe ecosystems could be facilitated by intercepted precipitation routed to tree roots as stemflow, hypothetically reducing water available for shrubs and grasses. We tested whether Great Basin piñon and juniper trees use and benefit from stemflow. In a drier-than-average and wetter-than-average water year, isotopically labeled water was applied to tree stems to simulate stemflow. Both species took up stemflow, with label signals peaking and receding over 2–4 days. Despite this uptake, no alleviation of water stress was detected in the drier year. The stemflow uptake resulted in some water stress alleviation in the wetter year, specifically for piñons, which took up water from deeper in the soil profile than did junipers. Mixing model analyses suggested that stemflow was a small fraction of the water in stems (⁓0–2%), but an order-of-magnitude larger fraction of the stemflow was transpired in those few days after addition. These findings represent a novel demonstration of the rapid uptake and use of stemflow that infiltrates the rhizosphere, but they also prompt questions about the remaining stemflow's fate and why alleviation of water stress was so minor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the test monitoring site on the territory of the Oroshaemaya Experimental Station in the south of the Volga Upland (Volgograd oblast, Russia), the estimates of the baseline contents and stocks of soil organic carbon (Corg) and soil bulk density and characteristics of their spatial variability and vertical distribution patterns within the upper 40 cm encompassing the entire humus layer are presented. The specified indicators characterize arable land in crop rotation under dry and irrigated farming practices and a 50-year-old fallow at seven dynamic monitoring plots with light chestnut soils. The studied soils have two types of profile horizonation: P–BMK–BCAnc (agrochestnut soils) and Pca–BCAnc (carbonate-accumulative agrozems); they are silty loamy and develop from yellowish brown sandy silt loams. In the WRB system, they are classified as Haplic Kastanozems (Loamic, Aric). The map of the coefficients of multitemporal soil line, retrospective analysis of remote sensing data for 40 years, and the results of field soil survey have been used to select the monitoring plots. Each plot 30 × 30 m includes nine individual sampling points, at which soil sampling from thin (5 or 10 cm) layers has been performed to a depth of 40 cm. The coefficient of spatial variation in the Corg content increases from 5–10 to 30–40% with increasing depth of the layer. On the arable field, a uniform vertical distribution of Corg within the plow layer is substantiated. On the fallow land, an accumulative type of the vertical distribution of Corg with a maximum in the surface light-humus horizon with the formed sod layer is observed. The obtained estimates of the contents and stocks of Corg are comparable with the available materials on light chestnut soils of the Volga–Don interfluve. The chosen plots are representative for monitoring. For the layer of 0–30 cm, the minimum significant difference in Corg stocks is, on average, 3.4 t/ha with a variation from 2.7 to 4.6 t/ha. The Corg stocks at different dynamic monitoring plots are significantly affected by the vertical distribution of soil bulk density values, which depends on the character of anthropogenic impact on soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural areas around the world, agriculture is a vital source of livelihood and sustenance. However, limited access to electricity and water resources often hampers agricultural productivity, leaving farmers dependent on rainfall or manual labor-intensive irrigation methods. To address this challenge, solar irrigation systems have emerged as a sustainable and efficient solution. However, the existing solar irrigation systems often suffer from reliability issues and suboptimal performance, leading to inefficient water usage, increased maintenance costs, and reduced overall agricultural output. Addressing the reliability and performance optimization challenges of solar irrigation systems for rural farming is essential to ensure sustainable agriculture, increased crop yield, and improved livelihoods for farmers. This study aimed to enhance the performance of solar irrigation systems using reliability, maintainability, availability, and metrics like MTBF and MTTF. The system consists of four subsystems 1, 2, 3, and 4 namely, PV panel, controller, submersible pump, and storage tank sequentially arranged. Subsystem 1 consists of ten (10) units of panels arranged in parallel and connected to subsystem 2 which consists of two (2) unit controllers arranged in parallel, whereas subsystem 3 consists of two (2) units of pumps arranged in parallel and lastly, subsystem 4 comprises of four (4) units of storage tanks arranged in parallel, However, all the four subsystems combined are arranged in series-parallel. For design and prediction, the Markovian birth-death method is employed to assemble the system governing the differential difference equation from the state-to-state transition diagram. The rates of repair and failure of each subsystem are assumed to be exponentiated Weibull distributions and statistically independent. The findings of this research are thought to be valuable for analyzing performance and determining the best solar irrigation system design and feasible preventive and corrective maintenance strategies that may be used in the future to improve system performance, strength, effectiveness, food production output as well and revenue mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the juncture of hydropower and nuclear engineering traditions at the South Ukraine Energy Complex in the USSR from the late 1960s onwards. Engineers from the hydrotechnical design institute Gidroproekt played a key role in the envisioning, planning and realisation of this unique project. It combined a nuclear power plant and its cooling water reservoir with a pumped-storage hydropower plant and an accompanying run-of-river hydropower plant, allowing for potential synergies with irrigation and pisciculture. A mixture of hydraulic and nuclear technocratic traditions manifested itself in a large-scale attempt to change the natural environment as proof of Soviet technological superiority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the use of expensive pressure-compensating drip tapes, installing pressure regulators (PRs) at the inlet of cost-effective non-pressure-compensating drip tapes is obviously a more economical technology to achieve precision agriculture. However, most drip lateral PRs may not meet the requirements of the design and use of complex drip irrigation systems (hilly or large-scale systems), and there is seldom research on their application in drip irrigation systems, both restricting the promotion of this precision agriculture technology. In this paper, two types of PRs (A- and B-type) for complex drip irrigation systems are proposed, and compared with two conventional PRs (C- and D-type) under 9 different pressure and flow conditions of the drip irrigation system. The main advantage of A- and B-type PRs over conventional PRs is that their outlet pressures are scarcely affected by inlet pressure and flow. Therefore, A- and B-type PRs not only cope with large submain pressure differences, but also guarantee irrigation uniformity CU up to 90% in drip irrigation systems with different drip-tape lengths (flow range: 350-1400 L/h), while CU can be lower than 80% under the same conditions without PRs or using conventional PRs. When designing drip irrigation systems, the use of A- and B-type PRs can allocate greater pressure deviation to the laterals (hv2) to increase the lateral laying length, thus further reducing pipeline network investment. Under the requirements of maximum pressure deviation hv<40%o and submain pressure deviation hv1<20%, the results of hv2 with A-, B-, C-, and D-type PRs were 30%-35%, 30%-37%, 33%-35%, and 21%-27%, respectively. This research provides a device and method that can improve the irrigation uniformity of drip irrigation systems across a wider application range. Based on this research, users can reasonably select the PRs according to different design standards, significantly enhancing the irrigation uniformity of the system in a cost-effective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researchers aimed to determine the effects of different irrigation levels on plant water consumption (ET), physiological, morphological and biomass traits of four different miniature rose varieties (Rosa Spp, cv. Mandarin, Orange Juwel, Zwergen Fee 09 and Zwergkönig 78). Four different irrigation levels (100% (control), 75%, 50%, 25%) were created in the experiment. The research was carried out at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Crop Stress Monitoring and Thermography Laboratory in 2020–2021. Water stress negatively affected the physiological and morphological traits measured in all four varieties. The six-month ET values of Mandarin, Orange Juwel, Zwergen Fee 09 and Zwerkönig 78 miniature rose varieties were 255.7–642.3 mm, 293.6–796.3 mm, 277.3–736.2 mm and 261.8–675.9 mm, respectively. Mandarin is more resistant to drought because its ET values are lower than other varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aral Sea crisis is one of the greatest ecological and socio-economic disasters of the 20th century. The main cause was the large-scale diversion of water for cotton cultivation. This article examines the crisis with a human geography perspective and emphasises the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. It highlights the importance of sustainable water management, regional cooperation and active community participation. The study also discusses the role of integrated water and energy management supported by strong policies to prevent future water scarcity and address climate change. Finally, this article emphasises the significance of empowering local communities through traditional ecological knowledge and education to promote resilience and sustainable development. The conclusions focus on solutions to resolve the Aral Sea crisis that would ultimately improve the well-being of people in the region and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia's food supply and economy in general are largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture, which is persistently affected by drought. To counteract the recurrent drought, different water harvesting and irrigation schemes were constructed. Similarly, Dengora Earth dam was constructed in East Belesa district in central Gondar, Ethiopia. However, the dam was not functional for a long time due to the silting of the bottom sediment and water outlets. Therefore, the study aimed to transfer water over the dam crest using a low-cost siphon pump for large-scale irrigation. As a result, three siphon pumps with a diameter of three inches were installed. The discharge capacity of one siphon pump in a given reservoir is about 20.80 l/s. In reverse, the motor pump works for about 10 hours with an average fuel consumption of 35 litres per day. The technology was evaluated based on costs, efficiencies, and technical requirements through the wide participation of stakeholders. The siphon pump was selected and well accepted by the beneficiaries, and their feedback was gathered as the technology could be scaled to irrigate more areas without fuel and related costs. Therefore, a siphon pump is feasible for Dengora Earth Dam and similar reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among bean legumes, there are recently developed varieties known as nutritionally enhanced beans such as NUA 35 and NUA 45 sugar beans. The objective of the research was to assess the performance of NUA 45 foundation, certified and commodity seeds grown under farmer management at Rupike Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo. Concentrations of zinc (2.75-4.45mg/kg) and iron (70.85-104.5 mg/kg) in the soils were below expected levels of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg respectively. The NUA 45 sugar bean missed the target potential yield (2400 kg/ha for Highveld) by between 54% and 62%. The 100 seed mass of second generation seeds ranged from 62.13 to 78.47 g. Protein concentration of the seeds which range from 19.79 to 22.86% increased from first generation (F1) to second generation (F2) for each of Foundation, Certified and Commodity seeds. The concentration of fibre with minimum and maximum levels of 5.76% and 8.43 % respectively increased from first generation to second generation for Foundation and Certified seeds. The 95% confidence interval for Zinc concentration at F1 (planted) is 10.84 = µZn=11.18 mg/kg and also the 95% confidence interval for Zinc concentration at F2 (harvested) is 11.79 = µZn=12.12 mg/kg and lower than CBI claim of 38.00 mg/Kg. The 95% confidence intervals for iron concentration ranged from 28.50 = µFe=30.57 mg/kg with the highest being 30.59 = µFe=32.34 mg/kg are below the CBI claim of 93.00 mg/kg. The nutrients levels increased from the first generation to the second generation of seeds for each of foundation, certified and commodity seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a new holistic framework for modeling farmer decisionmaking by integrating both top-down and bottom-up approaches. It uses three interlinked subsystems to evaluate how changes in water policies impact farmer decisions and profits: the first model simulates water balance, the second simulates farmer behavior, and the third assesses farmer profits. Two scenarios are explored: Scenario I introduces penalties for groundwater overexploitation, and Scenario II implements awareness raising and training to encourage using modern irrigation systems. The results show that penalties lead to reductions in water requests exceeding limits by 8%, 45%, and 68% for fines of 1000, 5000, and 10,000 IRR·m-3, with corresponding net profit decreases of 1.3%, 8.0%, and 11.6%. The ranges of farmer cooperation for groundwater management vary from 20% to 50% over the 10-year simulation period. In Scenario II, increasing the radius of awareness from 0.5 to 2 km substantially increases the adoption of modern irrigation from 1457 to 2057 farmers. These findings highlight how different policy measures impact various types of farmer based on their specific characteristics and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Bread wheat is the most important cereal and the source of calories in human nutrition worldwide. The effect of moisture stress on the quality properties of wheat is complex and is influenced by genotype, environment and their interaction. Superabsorbent polymers last for 5-7 years in soil and can absorb water up to 200 to 400-fold of their own weight. Superabsorbent polymers are divided into two major groups, depending on their source: natural-based mateials, such as animal manures, and chemical materials. This experiment aimed to study the response of bread wheat cultivars to moisture stress and the ameliorative effects of superabsorbants on these responses. Materials and Methods In order to investigate the adverse effects of drought stress on wheat cultivars in the presence of different superabsorbent treatments, two separate experiments were conducted in Urmia and Khoy cities located in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. The experiments were carried out as a split factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in two years (2019 and 2020). The main factor was the three moisture regimes including irrigation after evaporation of 70, 140, and 210 mm water from the class-A pan. The combination of levels of different superabsorbent treatments in wheat cultivars formed the sub-factor levels: cow manure at a rate of 40000 kg/ha (as a natural superabsorbent), chemical superabsorbent (Taravat A-200) at a rate of 200 kg/ha, and no use of superabsorbent (control) along with two commercial cultivars of bread wheat, Mihan and Heidari. Bartlett's test was performed for the uniformity of the variances of the experimental errors. A combined analysis of variance of the two years was conducted after ensuring the uniformity of the variances of the experimental errors. The comparison of means was done with Duncan's multi-range test at the five percent probability level with MStatc statistical software. Results and Discussion The combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of different levels of treatments and their interactions were significant at 5% probability level for plant height, grain yield, grains/spike, 1000 grains weight, concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in shoot. The highest grain yield in both locations (Urmia and Khoy) was observed for the Mihan cultivar when irrigated after 70 mm evaporation and using the chemical superabsorbent treatment, with 7930 and 7760 kg/ha in the mentioned locations, respectively. In contrast, both Mihan and Heydari cultivars had the lowest grain yield of 1490 and 2110 kg/ha in Urmia and Khoy cities, respectively, when irrigated after 140 mm evaporation and no use of superabsorbent. The concentration of nitrogen and potassium in the shoot in the presence of superabsorbent treatment was higher than those of manure and the control treatments. Meanwhile, the concentration of phosphorus in the shoot in the presence of manure treatment was higher than those of the superabsorbent and the control. Conclusions Based on the results of our experiment, using superabsorbent and animal manure as a natural superabsorbent, appeared as suitable solutions to reducing the adverse effects of drought stress on wheat crop in arid and semi-arid areas of the West West Azerbaijan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water management is one of the crucial factors that impact the globally. As droughts become more frequent due to global warming, of this limited resource becomes increasingly important. Lately, tion of wastewater for irrigation purposes is considered a game that in many cases, wastewater treatment is poorly studied. This the EU member states water management practices based on the FAO Kruskal-Wallis test of the clustered countries revealed that the the most attention to wastewater treatment within the EU. Even oped countries treat quite low amount of wastewater, and based on are more likely to face water scarcity, the applied methods did not between the water stress levels of the clustered member states. cal tests highlighted that the various water stress levels of the not be connected with the utilization of the existing irrigation results, increasing the application of the built-out system may cient to serve and even increase the operation of the agricultural putting additional strain on the resources in the short term. of wastewater-based irrigation systems could be useful in those lization of the existing irrigation system is already high, or face Since we are still learning how to deal with this new resource, the of less contaminated water sources like collected rainwater or the development of the new system. This promising approach could significantly to several Sustainable Development Goals but also hance and over time even supersede the current method. Highlights for public administration, management and planning: The research analyzes water management practices across the member states using FAO's Aquastat database. The study found that developing EU regions pay more attention to ment compared to more developed regions, which treat a lower ater despite facing water scarcity risks. The EU countries' diverse water stress levels could not be of the current irrigation system. In short term, the built-out the demand of the agricultural production without increasing sure on the limited resources. The wastewater-based innovations should utilize less contaminated like collected rainwater or greywater in more water-stressed the development of a new sustainable irrigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation was a critical measure for ensuring stable and increased grain production, and its influence on climate change was significant and could not be overlooked. Investigating the influence of irrigation on the strength of land-atmosphere coupling was essential for enhancing our knowledge of the impact of irrigation on climate change. This study leveraged the ERA5 reanalysis dataset alongside the global irrigation area dataset to perform a quantitative analysis of Coupling Strength Index (CSI) in both densely and reference irrigated areas within China's primary grain-producing regions. The analysis incorporated soil moisture and latent heat flux to explore the impact of irrigation on CSI. First, we applied the commonly used Pettitt test, Buishand test, and SNHT test in the field of agrometeorology to conduct a change-point analysis on the calculated CSI in China's main grain-producing areas. We found that CSI experienced a shift in 1996, changing from a decreasing trend before 1996 to an increasing trend afterward. Then, we explored how irrigation affected CSI by dividing the areas into intensive irrigation regions and reference irrigation regions. The results showed that large-scale irrigation expansion could have altered local climate conditions, significantly impacting CSI. Furthermore, the larger the proportion of irrigated area, the higher the CSI. The greater the difference in the proportion of irrigated area, the greater the difference in CSI. There was a significant difference in CSI values between northern and southern China. Historically, the annual CSI values in the north ranged between −0.008 MJ/m² and 0.009 MJ/m², while in the south, they ranged between −0.018 MJ/m² and −0.007 MJ/m² . The annual CSI in northern China was generally stronger than in southern China, with the northern CSI values being distributed across both positive and negative ranges, whereas the southern CSI values were exclusively in the negative range. The impact of irrigation on CSI intensified with the increase in irrigation area disparity. Irrigation had a significant enhancing effect on the CSI in China's major grain-producing regions. This effect was more pronounced in northern China compared to southern China and was greater in densely irrigated areas than in reference irrigated areas. In recent years, this enhancing effect had been increasing at rates of 0.99×10−4 MJ/m² per year in the north and 2.53×10−4 MJ/m² per year in the south. This trend suggested that China was moving towards a more arid climate. After 1996, the trend in CSI changes for densely irrigated areas in both the north and south had become consistent. However, the trend in CSI changes for reference irrigated areas in the north was higher than in the south. This had resulted in a reduction in the CSI difference between densely and reference irrigated areas in the north, while in the south, this difference had significantly increased. A significant climatic shift occurred around 1996 in East Asia, leading to changes in precipitation and soil moisture trends. This shift caused a decrease in soil moisture in the main grain-producing regions of southern China, transitioning from a "radiation-limited" to a "soil moisture-limited" regime. Consequently, the enhancing effect of irrigation on CSI in southern China's main grain-producing regions increased. Although the overall decrease in soil moisture in China after the 1990s was an indisputable fact, there was still no clear conclusion on the relative contributions of human activities and climate shifts. This study revealed the impact of irrigation on CSI in China's main grainproducing regions, providing scientific references for national food security and climate change adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the dynamics and distribution of soil water, heat, and salt in cotton fields under mulched drip irrigation in southern Xinjiang. The field experiment was conducted under different treatments of water and salt irrigation at Xinjiang Alar Modern Agriculture Academician and Expert Workstation in 2023. Three irrigation levels (75%, 100%, and 125% of crop irrigation water demand for cotton) and three levels of irrigation salinity (1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 g/L). The soil moisture content, soil salt content, and temperature of 0-80 cm layer were measured in the whole period of cotton growth. Then HYDRUS-2D model was used to explore the effects of irrigation amounts and salinity on the two-dimensional (2-D) migration and distribution of soil water, heat, and salt in the cotton field. Scenario simulation was implemented to reveal the mechanism of soil salt leaching/accumulation under different irrigation schedules. The appropriate irrigation schedule was proposed under brackish water irrigation. The main results were as follows. The horizontal moisture of the soil profile was unevenly distributed in the early stage of growth, indicating two-dimensional (2-D) distribution. The moisture content of the soil decreased gradually from the middle of the mulched area to the bare soil between the mulch in the horizontal direction. While there was a more uniform lateral distribution of soil moisture in the later stage. The wet range of soil and irrigation uniformity increased with the increase of irrigation quota. The higher irrigation quota, 125% of the irrigation water demand failed to increase the soil water content in the root zone, compared with 100% of irrigation water demand. The efficiency of soil salt leaching increased with the increase of irrigation amount. Salt accumulation position was shifted to the lower soil layer (40- 80 cm) and bare soil under low irrigation salinity. While the moderate and high irrigation salinity levels increased the soil salinity beneath the drip tape and along the centerline of the plastic film. Higher water volumes under low irrigation salinity raised the salt content in the soil of the root zone under the mulch. Soil salt accumulation was dominated to decrease the depth of salt accumulation with the increase of irrigation salinity. The outstanding salt accumulation was observed at 60-80 cm depth under the mineralization degree of 5.5 g/L. Furthermore, the soil temperature under mulch was higher than that in the unmulched area in the whole growth period, where soil temperature decreased with the increase of soil depth. Mulching has significantly enhanced the soil warming at 0-40 cm depth in the early growth stages. HYDRUS-2D platform reliably simulated the transport of water, heat, and salt in cotton fields under mulched drip irrigation. Specifically, excellent consistency was found in the simulated and measured values of soil moisture content, salt content, and temperature within 0-60 cm, where all the R² values were higher than 0.56. Scenario simulation indicated that the highest salinity of irrigation water was 3.2 g/L to prevent salt accumulation in the soil beneath the film (0-40 cm) under full irrigation conditions. Once the irrigation amount was 90% of the irrigation water demand, the salinity of 3.5 g/L was the maximum threshold for the salt balance in the root zone soil beneath the film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate water distribution performance of the Seydişehir Irrigation Association, for the years 2019-2023. Within scope of the performance assessment, various performance indicators, including the amount of water taken into the network, irrigation rate, amount of irrigation water delivered per unit area and amount of irrigation water delivered per unit of irrigated area, were used. The highest amount of water was supplied to the irrigation network in 2019, while the lowest amount was used in 2021. The highest irrigation rate occurred in 2021 as 52.85%, while the lowest rate was in 2019 as 34%. The highest amount of water delivered per hectare was in 2022, while the lowest was in 2019. The amount of irrigation water delivered per unit of irrigated area reached its peak in 2019 as 17,016.83 m³/ha, while the lowest level was recorded in 2021 as 2,637.79 m³/ha. In today's world, where every drop of water has increasing value and plays a critical role, promoting water conservation across all areas of life starting from agriculture, the sector with the highest water use-is vital for the environment, ecosystem and human life. Therefore, evaluating the performance of irrigation associations, which bear this significant responsibility of proper water resource planning in agricultural production, is of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]