Some of the Chemical and Physical Characteristics of the Graff River in Kut City, Iraq

Some of the chemical and physical water qualities of the Graff River in the city of Kut were studied, and for two sites of the river, One was at the Crimea site, the other in the Jihad district, and for the period from October/2018 to March/2019, Seven variables of river water have been analyzed: temperature PH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkaline, and chloride. The results showed that most of the chemical and physical water properties of the river were in normal proportions and did not rise, except for the turbidity, which was at a very high level, and that the pH values were close to the basal side. The results of the statistical analysis revealed positive significant relationships between the pH and (chloride and TDS). On the other hand, between electrical conductivity and both previous variables as well. And a negative significant connection between temperature and alkaline.

Dynamic physical characteristics of DC arc on arcing horn for HVDC grounding electrode line

The dynamic physical characteristics of a DC arc on an arcing horn for a high voltage direct current(HVDC)grounding electrode line are significantly different from those of the switching device arc,secondary arc,AC fault arc and pantograph-catenary arc.In this work,an experimental platform for the DC arc on the arcing horn was built,and mechanisms of the arc column short circuit and arc root movement were studied.This work further analyzes the characteristics and mechanisms of the arc motion when wind speed and direction,magnetic field and the expansion angle of the electrode are varied.Arc root movement is more likely to occur at the upper electrode.There is a competitive relationship between arc expansion and the transferring effect.The effect of wind on the arc column is greater than the effect on the arc root.The magnetic field has a significant driving effect on both the arc column and the arc root.The research results provide a comprehensive experimental basis for forther probing the method of DC arc suppression,and the improvement of the arcing horn.

Case Analysis on Physical Characteristics of Autumn Cumulus-stratus Mixed Cloud in Shandong Province

[Objective] The aim was to analyze physical structures of mixed cloud in autumn in Shandong.[Method] By dint of Doppler radar data,the raindrop spectrum data observed by laser spectrometer,second sounding data of L-band,satellite retrieval data,and other general information,the physical structures of mixed cloud in autumn on August 29,2009 were discussed.[Result] This was a typical precipitation process of mixed cloud,and the main precipitation process lasted for 10 hours.Rainfall intensity was ups and downs obviously with the time.The maximum rainfall intensity was 6.5 mm/h and the normal of that was less than 3.0 mm/h.The rain concentrations were between 5 and 300,and the raindrop spectrum was mainly of bimodal or multimodal peaks.It showed that the precipitating cloud was mainly cold cloud and the development of warm layers was not well according to the vertical structure of clouds which was analyzed by second sounding data.It showed by the Doppler radar data that the whole precipitation process was divided into four stages:prior period and initial,maturing,declining stages for precipitation,which the echo structure of different stages was quite different.[Conclusion] The study laid theoretical basis for the study on precipitation mechanism and artificial precipitation potential.

Analysis on the Physical Characteristics of High-level Football Players

This article uses the literature data method and literature review method to review and collect relevant literature,and summarizes and analyzes the representative views on domestic physical fitness research.After summarizing and summarizing,it is considered that:physical energy is the basic athletic ability of the human body expressed through physical qualities such as strength,speed,endurance,coordination,flexibility,and sensitivity,and is an important component of athletes'athletic ability.The level of physical fitness is closely related to the morphological characteristics of the human body and the functional characteristics of the human body.The morphological characteristics of the human body are the structural basis of its physical fitness,and the functional characteristics of the human body are its biological functional basis.As the basic ability of athletes,physical fitness is an important factor of athletes'competitive ability.Each competitive sport has its own specific physical characteristics and training rules and methods.Grasping these laws has very important guiding significance for the improvement of athletes'sports level.

Chemical and physical characteristics of quartz from gold deposits in the North China platform: relationship to gold mineralization

This paper seeks to identify macroscopic metallogenic mechanisms of various mineral deposits by studying microscopic typomorphic characteristics of typical minerals associated with the deposits and to reveal the mechanism of lattice gold in detail by studying both physical and chemical characteristics of quartz from representative gold deposits in the North China Platform.As part of their extensive research,the authors examine the relationship between trace elements with wall rock,the ore-forming media,and gold immigration of various types of gold deposits,including their salinity,type,temperature.These are key factors to revealing the mineralization mechanism,and indicators for mineral prospecting,exploration,mining,and metallurgical technology.In order to address the questions posed,the following methods were used:field investigations of geology and sampling of the representative gold deposits,physical study and chemical analysis of quartz including,but not limited to,fluid inclusions as well as their compositions and trace elements in quartz,the unit cell parameters,electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum(EPR),and infrared spectroscopic analysis(ISA).As a result of this study,the authors observe the following key findings:unit cell parameters of quartz vary with their contents of foreign elements including gold,paragenetic stage,wall rock type,and other factors;the higher the forming temperature and the lower the gold content in quartz,the smaller the unit cell parameters,and vice versa.Additionally,the EPR absorption lines resulted from the O–Al defect center.The density of these types of hole centers increases and the EPR signal strengthens when the temperature decreases.Based on the findings,the authors conclude that lattice gold exists in quartz.Gold,in the form of Au^(+)and/or Au^(3+),entering quartz and producing an electron–hole center,namely,the O-Au hole center,makes the center produce spin resonance absorption and results in the EPR absorption peak#I.Both unit cell parameters and EPR of quartz can potentially be used in mineral prospecting,relative ore-forming temperature determination,and grade control during mining.

Physical Characteristics of Welding Arc Ignition Process

The existing research of welding arc mainly focuses on the stable combustion state and the research on the mechanism of welding arc ignition process is quite lack.The tungsten inert gas（TIG） touch arc ignition process is observed via a high speed camera and the high time resolution spectral diagnosis system.The changing phenomenon of main ionized element provided the electrons in the arc ignition is found.The metallic element is the main contributor to provide the electrons at the beginning of the discharging,and then the excitated shielding gas element replaces the function of the metallic element.The electron density during the period of the arc ignition is calculated by the Stark-broadened lines of Hα.Through the discussion with the repeatability in relaxation phenomenon,the statistical regularity in the arc ignition process is analyzed.The similar rules as above are observed through the comparison with the laser-assisted arc ignition experiments and the metal inert gas（MIG） arc ignition experiments.This research is helpful to further understanding on the generation mechanism of welding arc ignition and also has a certain academic and practical significance on enriching the welding physical theoretical foundation and improving the precise monitoring on automatic arc welding process.

Effects of Varieties and Cooking Methods on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Cooked Rice

To analyze the effect of different lowland rice varieties and different cooking methods on physical and chemical characteristics of cooked rice. A factorial randomized block design with two factors was used and each combination of the factors was repeated three times. The first factor was rice variety（Ciherang and Ciliwung） and the second factor was the cooking method（stovetop, boiling and steaming, and rice cooker）. Results showed that Ciherang and Ciliwung varieties were classified into slender grain rice type with yellowred color. The amylose content of Ciherang was classified as moderate, while the amylose content of Ciliwung classified as low. The most abundant amino acid contained in Ciherang and Ciliwung varieties was glutamic acid. Statistical analysis showed that cooking method had significant effects on texture, lightness, chroma, hue and moisture content of cooked rice. Rice cooked with liwet method had the lowest texture value, lowest lightness value, highest chroma value, and highest moisture content.

Physical Properties of Crushed Air-cooled Blast Furnace Slag and Numerical Representation of Its Morphology Characteristics

Physical properties and geometrical morphologies of crushed air-cooled blast furnace slag （SCR） and crushed limestone （LCR） were comparatively investigated. The shape, angularity, surface texture and internal pore structure of aggregate particles for different size and gradation were numerically represented by sphericity （ψ） and shape index （SI）, angularity number （AN）, index of aggregate particle shape and texture （IAPST）, porosity and pore size, respectively. The results show that SCR is a porous and rough aggregate. Apparent density, void, water absorption and smashing index of SCR are obviously higher than those of LCR with the same gradation, respectively. However, bulk density of SCR is lower than that of LCR with the same gradation. SI, AN, IAPST and porosity of SCR are obviously higher than those of LCR with the same gradation, respectively. The smaller particle size of SCR, the larger of its AN, IAPST and porosity.

Studies on Dynamic of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Water in GaoBaZhou Reservoir after Filter-feeding Fish's Multiplication and Stocking

[ Objective] The aim was to provide scientific basis for purifying water quality, ecological restoration and fishery breeding of GaoBaZhou reservoir multiplication and stocking. [ Method] Monitoring of normal water physical, chemical characteristics and different number of data of GaoBaZhou reservoir was conducted in 2010 and 2011 after different amount of filter-feeding fishes stocking in this reservoir. [ Result] The water physical and chemical factors TN, NO2, NO3-N-N, TP and COD, Chl. a in 2011 were significantly less than 2010, 2011 month average 1.389 mg/L, 0.039 6 rng/L, 1.211 7 mg/L, 0.137 3 mg/L, 16.191 mg/L, 10.226 8 mg/m3, 2010 month average 1.659 mg/L, 0.066 2 mg/L, 1.472 9 mg/L, 0.099 9 rag/L, 18.314 8 mg/L, 14.917 8 mg/L. The calculation results of TSIM showed that 2011 reservoir eutrophication TSIM were less than 2010, up to 53.78 and 57.36. E Coaclusion： The whole reservoir area revealed mild eutrophication （the TSIM 〉 53）, and it suggested that the filterfeeding fishes amount could be increased in the reservoir.

Living Model Based on Changing Physical and Mental Characteristics and Needs of the Elders

The ageing of society has been considered as one of the three major social problems in the twentyfirst century. Since 2000, China has entered the ageing society formally, and become one of the earliest developing countries that witness the population ageing, and also the countries with the largest ageing population in the world. Problems for supporting the aged have become crucial social problems of China. This paper, on the basis of analyzing changing physical and mental characteristics and needs of the elders, proposed different living models such as living together, living alone, living close, and social nursing facilities.

The state-of-the-art of atmospheric pressure plasma for transdermal drug delivery

Plasma-enhanced transdermal drug delivery(TDD) presents advantages over traditional methods,including painless application, minimal skin damage, and rapid recovery of permeability. To harness its clinical potential, factors related to plasma’s unique properties, such as reactive species and electric fields, must be carefully considered.This review provides a concise summary of conventional TDD methods and subsequently offers a comprehensive examination of the current state-of-the-art in plasma-enhanced TDD. This includes an analysis of the impact of plasma on HaCaT human keratinocyte cells, ex vivo/in vivo studies, and clinical research on plasma-assisted TDD. Moreover, the review explores the effects of plasma on skin physical characteristics such as microhole formation, transepidermal water loss(TEWL), molecular structure of the stratum corneum(SC), and skin resistance. Additionally, it discusses the involvement of various reactive agents in plasma-enhanced TDD, encompassing electric fields,charged particles, UV/VUV radiation, heat, and reactive species. Lastly, the review briefly addresses the temporal behavior of the skin after plasma treatment, safety considerations, and potential risks associated with plasma-enhanced TDD.

Fine Sand and Clay Sediment Acoustic Properties of the Novel Sediment Sample from the Arabian Sea:Experimental Investigations and Biot−Stoll Model Validation

The present study explores the physical and acoustic characteristics of fine sand and clay in novel seabed marine sediments from of Pakistan coastline of the Arabian Sea.The measured physical parameters included mean grain size,mass density,bulk density,salinity,porosity,permeability,pore size and mineralogical composition.Acoustic properties,including sound speed and attenuation,in the high frequency range of 90-170 kHz were analyzed.A controlled laboratory setup with the acoustic transmission method and Fourier transform techniques was utilized to examine the sound propagation and absorption of novel seabed sediments.The standard deviation of mean sound speed in fresh water was 0.75 m/s,and attenuation was observed in the range of 0.43 to 0.61 dB/m.The mean sound velocity in sand and clay varied from 1706 to 1709 m/s and 1602 to 1608 m/s,respectively.Corresponding average attenuation was observed at 80 to 93 dB/m in sandy sediments and from 31.8 to 38.6 dB/m in clayey sediments.Sound velocity variation within sandy sediment is low,consistent with expected results,and smaller than the predicted uncertainty.However,clay sediment exhibited a positive linear correlation and low sound speed variation.Attenuation increased linearly with frequency for both sediments.Finally,the laboratory results were validated by using the Biot−Stoll model.The dispersion of sound speed in sandy and clayey sediments was consistent with the predictions of the Biot−Stoll model.Measured attenuation aligned more with Biot−Stoll model predictions due to improved permeability,tortuosity and pore size parameter fitting.

Physical and Technological Parameters of Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) Grown in the Southern Parts of Benin and the Influence of Chemical Composition

Objective: The study aims to investigate some physical and technological parameters of varieties of maize collected from the most representative areas of maize production in the southern part of Benin, and mainly used by the populations of those areas. Method: The chemical composition, physical and technological characteristics of the grains were determined using standard methods. Results: The results showed that the weight of 1000 grains ranges from 158.01 to 305.12 g, the length from 0.79 to 1.81 cm, the average width from 0.74 to 1.51 cm, thickness from 0.36 to 0.85 cm and density from 1.07 to 1.25. Regarding the technological parameters, the hardness of the grains before and after cooking was between 16.78 and 47.20 kgf, and 0.23 and 0.71 kgf respectively, while the cooking time varies from 71.00 and 158.33 mn. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.405;p < 0.026) between the hardness after cooking and the weight of 1000 grains, between the hardness after cooking and grain width (r = 0.460;p < 0.011). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.527, p < 0.003) was also observed between the hardness after cooking and the grain length, between the hardness after cooking and the thickness of grain (r = 0.476, p < 0.008), and between the grain density and the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.481, p < 0.007). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.923, p < 0.000) was also observed between maize grain length and width, and between grain length and grain thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000) and between the width and thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000). On the other hand, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.394, p < 0.031) was found between the hardness before cooking and the thickness and between the hardness before cooking and sphericity index (r = -0465*, p Conclusion: Through its chemical and technological characteristics the maize constitutes an important raw material for many culinary recipes in West African region.

Effect of Different Nitrogen Application Rate on Rice Stem Characteristics

The effects of different nitrogen application rate on the physical characteristics and anatomic structure of rice stems were investigated with rice cultivars Guangliangyou 1128 （with high resistance） and Zhunliangyou 527 （with low resistance） as materials. The results showed that, firstly, plant height, gravity center height and basal internode length of the 2 rice cultivars increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate, while wall thickness and internode filling degree decreased. The breaking-resistance strength per stem and thrust-resistance strength of plants declined with the increase of nitrogen application rate. Secondly, as nitrogen input increased, the number of vascular bundles and the area of vascular bundles increased between the 2 rice cultivars. Thirdly, with the increase of nitrogen application rate, the stem section area of Guangliangyou 1128, which had strong lodging resistance, gradually increased, while that of Zhunliangyou 527 increased firstly and then decreased. The maximum application amount of nitrogen was 240 kg/hm 2. Nitrogen fertilizer mainly affected the relative gravity center height, stem wall thickness and internode filling degree of the 2 cultivars, thereby reducing the basal stem breaking resistance and plant thrust-resistance strength.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Calamondin(Citrus microcarpa)from Hainan

Some physicochemical characteristics of calamondin(Citrus microcarpa)from Hainan were determined in this study.The mean length,width,and thickness of calamondin were(2.763±0.262),(2.721±0.189),and(2.684±0.201)cm,respectively.The average values for geometric mean diameter,sphericity,fruit shape index,mass,surface area,volume,true density,bulk density and porosity were(2.721±0.196)cm,(98.79±5.149)%,(101.64±7.609)%,(11.18±2.149)g,(23.36±3.362)cm2,(11.16±2.115)cm3,(1.00±0.060)g/cm3,0.44 g/cm3,and(56.40±0.027)%,respectively.The mean edible part,juice rate,and soluble solids were(85.77±3.53),(48.36±4.20),and(7.86±0.09)%,respectively.The total flavonoids,pectin,limonin,reducing sugar and volatile oil contents of the peel were 1.00,7.14,0.51,5.98,and 4.25%,respectively.The total flavonoids,pectin,limonin and reducing sugar contents of the pulp were 0.02,5.04,0.03 and 4.56%,respectively.The total flavonoids,total acid,reducing sugar and vitamin E contents of the juice were 0.11,6.74,0.37%,and 1.68 mg/kg,respectively,while the content of vitamins A,B1,B2,B3,B6,and D in the juice was very low.The seeds had limonin,reducing sugar and oil contents of 0.46,1.39,and 30.46%,respectively.The vitamin B2,B3,B6 and E contents of the fruit residue were 44.83,19.31,17.55,and 15.72 mg/kg,respectively.The amino acid profile of the residue included aspartic acid,glutamate,cystine,serine,glycine,histidine,arginine,threonine,alanine,proline,tyrosine,valine,methionine,isoleucine,leucine,phenylalanine and lysine,with respective contents of 4.42,1.81,2.10,0.78,0.59,0.20,0.72,0.160.67,3.650.50,0.67,0.59,1.00,0.76,0.57 and 0.91 g/kg.

The microwave scattering characteristics of sea ice in the Bohai Sea

Microwave remote sensing has become the primary means for sea-ice research, and has been supported by a great deal of field experiments and theoretical studies regarding sea-ice microwave scattering. However, these studies have been barely carried in the Bohai Sea. The sea-ice microwave scattering mechanism was first developed for the thin sea ice with slight roughness in the Bohai Sea in the winter of 2012, and included the backscattering coefficients which were measured on the different conditions of three bands（L, C and X）, two polarizations（HH and VV）, and incident angles of 20° to 60°, using a ground-based scatterometer and the synchronous physical parameters of the sea-ice temperature, density, thickness, salinity, and so on. The theoretical model of the sea-ice electromagnetic scattering is obtained based on these physical parameters. The research regarding the sea-ice microwave scattering mechanism is carried out through two means, which includes the comparison between the field microwave scattering data and the simulation results of the theoretical model, as well as the feature analysis of the four components of the sea-ice electromagnetic scattering. It is revealed that the sea-ice microwave scattering data and the theoretical simulation results vary in the same trend with the incident angles. Also, there is a visible variant in the sensitivity of every component to the different bands.For example, the C and X bands are sensitive to the top surface, the X band is sensitive to the scatterers, and the L and C bands are sensitive to the bottom surface, and so on. It is suggested that the features of the sea-ice surfaces and scatterers can be retrieved by the further research in the future. This experiment can provide an experimental and theoretical foundation for research regarding the sea-ice microwave scattering characteristics in the Bohai Sea.

Rheological mechanical properties and its constitutive relation of soft rock considering influence of clay mineral composition and content

Rheological mechanical properties of the soft rock are afected signifcantly by its main physical characteristics-clay mineral.In this study,taking the mudstone on the roof and foor in four typical mining regions as the research object,frstly,the clay mineral characteristic was analyzed by the X-ray difraction test.Subsequently,rheological mechanical properties of mudstone samples under diferent confning pressures are studied through triaxial compression and creep tests.The results show that the clay mineral content of mudstone in diferent regions is diferent,which leads to signifcant diferences in its rheological properties,and these diferences have a good correlation with the content of montmorillonite and illite-montmorillonite mixed layer.Taking the montmorillonite content as an example,compared with the sample with 3.56%under the lower stress level,the initial creep deformation of the sample with 11.19%increased by 3.25 times,the viscosity coefcient and longterm strength decreased by 80.59%and 53.94%,respectively.Furthermore,based on the test results,the damage variation is constructed considering the montmorillonite content and stress level,and the M–S creep damage constitutive model of soft rock is established.Finally,the test results can be ftted with determination coefcients ranging from 0.9020 to 0.9741,which proves that the constitutive relation can refect the infuence of the clay mineral content in the samples preferably.This study has an important reference for revealing the long-term stability control mechanism of soft rock roadway rich in clay minerals.

Causes of a Heavy Snowfall Process in Eastern Yunnan in 2022

Based on NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, Micaps data and ground observation data, the physical characteristics of a heavy snowfall process in eastern Yunnan from January 31 to February 3, 2022 were analyzed. The results show that the circulation background of the heavy snowfall process was "north-ridge and south-trough" type, and the cold air accumulated in the deep East Asian transverse trough. The cold advection behind the trough moved southwards into eastern Yunnan under the movement of the transverse trough. The establishment of upper and lower air jet provided abundant water vapor, and the snowfall area coincided with the strong water vapor convergence area. The strong cold center near the ground was maintained, and the cold air moved southwards. As a result, the cold pad was lasting and deep, and the ground temperature was 0 ℃ or below, which was conducive to snow accumulation on the ground. Seen from the spatial distribution of pseudo-equivalent potential temperature, the low layer always had certain warm and wet conditions during the heavy snowfall, which was conducive to the establishment of unstable energy. The snowfall occurred near the θ se steep area and the warm and wet unstable area. The vertical distribution of temperature had a good indication of precipitation form. The upper layer was controlled by strong cold advection, while the middle and lower troposphere was controlled by warm advection, and there was a warm inversion layer, which was conducive to the transformation of ice crystals into snowflakes, so that ice crystals fell to the ground in the form of snowflakes.

Dietary inclusion of a partially defatted black soldier fly(Hermetia illucens)larva meal in low fishmeal-based diets for rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Background:Recent investigations highlighted that Hermetia illucens(BSF)larva meal can be a valuable alternative protein source for aquafeed production.In this study,in substitution of fishmeal,we used increasing inclusion levels of a partially defatted BSF larva meal in low fishmeal-based diets for rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)and we evaluated the related implications in terms of growth performance,physical characteristics,proximate and fatty acid(FA)compositions of the fillets,gut and liver histology,and diet digestibility.In a 131-day trial,576 fish(100.1±9.29 g)were randomly allotted to 24 tanks(24 fish/tank,4 replicates/treatment).Six experimental diets were produced to have partial replacement of fishmeal(0,10%,20%,30%,40%and 50%)by increasing levels of BSF meal(0%[BSF0],3%[BSF3],6%[BSF6],9%[BSF9],12%[BSF12]and 15%[BSF15]on as fed basis,respectively).Results:No differences were observed among the treatments for all the considered growth performance parameters.The viscero and hepato-somatic indexes showed significant differences among the treatments,with the highest values observed in the BSF15 group.No differences were recorded in terms of fillet’s physical characteristics,dry matter(DM),crude protein(CP)and ether extract(EE)contents.Total saturated and monounsaturated FA increased,while polyunsaturated FA(particularly n-3 FA)decreased while increasing the HI meal inclusion in the diet.Histopathology of liver and gut was not affected,whereas,in posterior gut,villi were higher in BSF6 and BSF9 compared to BSF3 fish.The apparent digestibility of DM,CP,EE and gross energy did not vary among the treatments.Conclusions:These results suggest that a partially defatted BSF meal could be included up to 15%in low fishmeal-based diets for rainbow trout with no adverse effects on growth performance,fillet’s physical characteristics,gut and liver health,and diet digestibility.On the contrary,the fillet FA composition worsened while increasing the level of BSF meal in the diet.

Soil-nitrogen net mineralization increased after nearly six years of continuous nitrogen additions in a subtropical bamboo ecosystem

In order to understand the effects of increasing atmospheric nitrogen （N） deposition on the subtropical bamboo ecosystem, a nearly six-year field experiment was conducted in a Pleioblastus amarus plantation in the rainy region of SW China, near the western edge of Sichuan Basin. Four N treatment levels---control （no N added）, low- N （50 kg N ha-1 a-l）, medium-N （150 kg N ha-1 a-l）, and high-N （300 kg N ha-1 a-1）--were applied monthly in the P. amarus plantation starting in November 2007. In June 2012, we collected intact soil cores in the bamboo plantation and conducted a 30-day laboratory incubation experiment. The results showed that the soil N net miner- alization rate was 0.96 4- 0.10 mg N kg-1 day-1, under control treatment. N additions stimulated the soil N net mineralization, and the high-N treatment significantly increased the soil N net mineralization rate compared with the control. Moreover, the soil N net mineralization rate was significantly and positively correlated with the fine root biomass, the soil microbial biomass nitrogen content and the soil initial inorganic N content, respectively,whereas it was negatively correlated with the soil pH value. There were no significant relationships between the soil N net mineralization rate and the soil total nitrogen （TN） content and the soil total organic carbon content and the soil C/N ratio and the soil microbial biomass carbon con- tent, respectively. These results suggest that N additions would improve the mineral N availability in the topsoil of the P. amarus plantation through the effects of N additions on soil chemical and physical characteristics and fine-root biomass.