The changes in soil organic carbon stock and quality across a subalpine forest successional series

Soil organic carbon(SOC)affects the function of terrestrial ecosystem and plays a vital role in global carbon cycle.Yet,large uncertainty still existed regarding the changes in SOC stock and quality with forest succession.Here,the stock and quality of SOC at 1-m soil profile were investigated across a subalpine forest series,including shrub,deciduous broad-leaved forest,broadleaf-conifer mixed forest,middle-age coniferous forest and mature coniferous forest,which located at southeast of Tibetan Plateau.The results showed that SOC stock ranged from 9.8 to29.9 kg·m^(-2),and exhibited a hump-shaped response pattern across the forest successional series.The highest and lowest SOC stock was observed in the mixed forest and shrub forest,respectively.The SOC stock had no significant relationships with soil temperature and litter stock,but was positively correlated with wood debris stock.Meanwhile,the average percentages of polysaccharides,lignins,aromatics and aliphatics based on FTIR spectroscopy were 79.89%,0.94%,18.87%and 0.29%,respectively.Furthermore,the percentage of polysaccharides exhibited an increasing pattern across the forest successional series except for the sudden decreasing in the mixed forest,while the proportions of lignins,aromatics and aliphatics exhibited a decreasing pattern across the forest successional series except for the sudden increasing in the mixed forest.Consequently,the humification indices(HIs)were highest in the mixed forest compared to the other four successional stages,which means that the SOC quality in mixed forest was worse than other successional stages.In addition,the SOC stock,recalcitrant fractions and HIs decreased with increasing soil depth,while the polysaccharides exhibited an increasing pattern.These findings demonstrate that the mixed forest had higher SOC stock and worse SOC quality than other successional stages.The high proportion of SOC stock(66%at depth of 20-100 cm)and better SOC quality(lower HIs)indicate that deep soil have tremendous potential to store SOC and needs more attention under global chan ge.

Effects of Functional Organic Materials on Morphological Indexes,Quality and Yield of Watermelon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore suitable organic compound application models for watermelon growth.[Methods]With watermelon hybrid material"M22×P18"as the test material,the effects of four functional organic materials,namely garlic straw treatment(T_(1)),onion straw treatment(T_(2)),garlic straw+sheep manure treatment(T_(3))and onion straw+chicken manure treatment(T_(4)),on the morphological indexes,yield and quality of watermelon were investigated.[Results]Different functional organic materials had different effects on morphological indexes,yield and quality of watermelon.The morphological indexes,nutritional quality indexes and yield of watermelon treated with garlic straw and sheep manure compound(T_(3))and onion straw and chicken manure compound(T_(4))were significantly higher than those treated simply with garlic straw(T_(1))and onion straw(T_(2)),and T_(3)performed relatively better.Compared with treatment T_(2),T_(3)showed a stem diameter,vine length and leaf number increasing by 43.05%,46.69%and 40.77%respectively,central sugar and side sugar contents increasing by 11.72%and 21.90%respectively,and a yield increasing by 42.91%,with significant differences from T_(2).[Conclusions]This study provides technical support for high-quality and high-yielding cultivation of watermelon.

Effects of Functional Organic Materials on Fresh Weight,Quality,Single-melon Weight and SPAD Value of Watermelon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore a functional organic material formula suitable for watermelon cultivation with high quality,high yield and high efficiency.[Methods]Four treatments were set in the experiment,namely four functional organic materials,garlic straw treatment(T_(1)),onion straw treatment(T_(2)),garlic straw+sheep manure treatment(T_(3))and onion straw+chicken manure treatment(T_(4)),to investigate the effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon.[Results]The effects of different functional organic materials on fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were quite different.The fresh weight,quality,single-melon weight and SPAD value of watermelon were higher in treatment T_(3)applying garlic straw and sheep manure and treatment T_(4)applying onion straw and chicken manure than in treatment T_(1)applying garlic straw and treatment T_(2)applying onion straw.Specifically,the fresh weight of whole plant was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 12.83%and 5.94%respectively compared with treatment T_(1);the weight of single melon was the highest in treatment T_(3),followed by treatment T_(4),and the values of the two treatments increased by 42.45%and 31.77%respectively compared with treatment T_(2);and the SPAD values of treatments T_(3)and T_(4)were significantly higher than those of treatments T_(1)and T_(2),and the value of treatment T_(3)was the largest.[Conclusions]This study provides theoretical support for the popularization and application of fertilization techniques combining organic fertilizers and reduced chemical fertilizers for watermelon.

Improvement of Wolfberry(Lycium barbarum L.)Fruit Yield and Quality and Enhancement of Soil Fertility by Nitrogen Reduction Combined with Organic Fertilizers

Excessive amounts of nitrogen(N)fertilizers are applied during wolfberry production,resulting in some soil problems as well as potential environmental risks in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.In this study,organic fertilizers were used to replace part of the N fertilizer in wolfberry fields with different fertility levels.N fertilizer rates had 0,50,100,150,200,and 250 g N/plant.Organic fertilizer rates had 0,2,4,6,8,and 10 kg organic fertilizer/plant.The experimental treatments included 6 combinations of N0M10,N50M8,N100M6,N150M4,N200M2,and control was N250M0.The results showed that in the high-fertility soils,combinations of N150M4,N100M6 and N50M8 treatments were increased in yields,fruit shape index,flavonoid content,total phenol content,mineral nutrient content,and antioxidant activity of wolfberry fruits.Also they were improved in soil fertility and decreased in residual nitrate through the soil depth of 0-300 cm.In the soil with less fertility,fruit yield,amino acid contents,flavonoids,total phenols,mineral nutrients and antioxidant activity of fruits were increased by the N200M2,N150M4 and N100M6 treatments and soil fertility was improved as well.Also more residual nitrate was found in the depth of 0-100 cm of soil with both chemical and organic fertilizer compared with the control.Therefore,in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,combining decreased N fertilizer with organic fertilizer rather than chemical fertilizer alone could help farmers achieve satisfactory yields and quality of wolfberry fruits and reduce the risk of nitrate leaching.In conclusion,50-150 g/plant of N fertilizer combined with 4-8 kg/plant of organic fertilizer in high-fertility gardens and 100-200 g/plant of N fertilizer combined with 2-6 kg/plant of organic fertilizer in low-fertility gardens are recommended for wolfberry cultivation.

Evaluation of Chinese Cabbage Sensory Quality and Its Relationship with Contents of Main Nutrient Components

In order to establish a comprehensive evaluation system for quality of Chinese cabbage, 28 Chinese cabbage cultivars or inbreeds were selected as ex- perimental materials to identify the raw and cooked taste and determine the nutrient component contents, and the subjective factors （taste） and objective factors （nutrient component contents） influencing the sensory quality of Chinese cabbage were ana- lyzed by multiple regression and path analysis. The results showed that two regres- sion equations were obtained： yr （raw quality）=0.310 3＋0.254 0xl （juiciness）＋0.176 2 x2 （sweetness）＋0.221 6x3 （crispness）＋0.319 9x4 （flavor）; Yc （cooked quality）=0.204 4＋ 0.250 9 xs （residue）＋0.246 9x6 （cooked sweetness）＋0.182 5x7 （softness）＋0.323 lx8 （cooked flavor）. The path analysis results showed that among the sensory indices, the total coefficients of sweetness and juiciness were 0.445 3 and 0.427 6, respec- tively. It indicated they were the main factors affecting the raw quality of Chinese cab- bage, followed by flavor and crispness. Sweetness, with total coefficient of 0.515 2, showed the greatest effect on the cooked quality of Chinese cabbage, followed by residue, cooked flavor and softness. The effects of nutrient component contents on the sensory quality of Chinese cabbage were further analyzed, and the regression equa- tions were obtained： y, =-32.192 0＋0.389 3xw （moisture content）＋1.169 8x~ （soluble sugar content）; Yc = 7.497 1＋0.732 6xs - 5.668 8x, （organic acid content）-2.176 3x~ （crude fiber content）. The standardized regression coefficients of soluble sugar con- tent were all highest with the value of 0.580 7 in the raw quality regression equa- tion and 0.325 0 in the cooked quality one, indicating that among the six nutrient components, the soluble sugar content was the main factor affecting both raw and cooked quality of Chinese cabbage. This study will provide certain basis for quality evaluation, selection and breeding of high-quality Chinese cabbage.

Factors Affecting Sensory Quality of Cooked japonica Rice

The sensory quality of cooked rice is an important factor in determining its market price, as well as consumer acceptance and breeding efforts aimed at improvement of rice grain quality. In this study,the sensory quality and physicochemical properties of three japonica rice varieties harvested in two different growing locations(Xiangshui and Hangzhou of China) were compared to determine the most important factors affecting the sensory quality. All the three varieties had higher scores for overall sensory quality in Xiangshui than in Hangzhou, indicating that the growing location is a key factor in determining the sensory quality of cooked japonica rice. In addition to growing location, variety(genotype) also had an important effect. Longdao 18 scored the highest for overall sensory quality in the two locations, whereas Longdao 30 had the lowest score in Xiangshui, and both Longdao 20 and Longdao 30 had the lowest scores in Hangzhou. Many physicochemical properties, such as apparent amylose content, protein content, thermal properties and free amino acid contents, showed significant differences between the two locations. Correlation analysis showed that apparent amylose content and protein content had contrasting effects on all the sensory attributes. The overall sensory quality was negatively correlated with protein content(r =-0.89, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with gel hardness(r = 0.91, P < 0.01),indicating that the protein content and hardness are important physicochemical properties for predicting the sensory quality of japonica rice. These findings will provide guidance for selection from the diverse genotypes available to develop new varieties with the desired eating and cooking quality.

Comparative Analysis on Chemical Components and Sensory Quality of Aging Flue-Cured Tobacco from Four Main Tobacco Areas of China

Complicated changes are happening during the aging process of flue-cured tobacco （FCT） and understanding of the changing components is of great significance in improving the quality,shortening aging time,and enhancing production and economic efficiency in tobacco industry.The aging samples of FCT from four main producing areas of China,i.e.,Yunnan,Sichuan,Hubei,and Dongbei,were used to study the changing rule of the components such as alkali,acid,and carbohydrate as well as the aroma and their relationship with sensory quality;and based on the correlation among the components and the sensory quality index,multivariable models were established to predict the aging quality.The results showed that the sensory quality of FCT increased steadily during the aging time,and at the same time,the acidic components （total organic acids,volatile acids） increased gradually,while the alkaline substances （nicotine,volatile alkali）,carbohydrate （total sugars,reducing sugar） and pH values showed a downward trend.Correlation analysis found that the sensory quality and pH values were negatively correlated （P0.05）,while the sensory quality with total organic acids and aroma were positively correlated.The optimal model for predicting the quality of FCT was y=56.75-0.63x12＋50.09x2-13.27x22,（y：sensory quality;x1：pH;x2：total organic acids）.The average predicating error was 1.04% with maximum predicating error of 2.89% and the accuracy rate of above 97%.

The impact of land use/cover change on storage and quality of soil organic carbon in mid-subtropical mountainous area of southern China

Land use/cover change （LUCC） is widely recognized as one of the most important driving forces of global carbon cycles. The influence of converting native forest into plantations, secondary forest, orchard and arable land on stores and quality of soil organic carbon （SOC） was investigated in mid-subtropical mountainous area of southern China. The results showed that LUCC had led to great decreases in SOC stocks and quality. Considerable SOC and light-fraction organic carbon （LFOC） had been stored in the native forest （142.2 t hm^-2 and 14.8 t hm^-2 respectively）. When the native forest was converted to plantations, secondary forest, orchard and arable land, the SOC stocks decreased by 25.6%, 28.7%, 38.0%, 31.8% and 51.2%, respectively. The LFOC stocks decreased by 52.2% to 57.2% when the native forest was converted to woodland plantations and secondary forest, and by 82.1% to 84.2% when converted to economic plantation, orchard and arable land. After the conversion, the ratios of LFOC to SOC （0-60 cm） decreased from 13.3% to about 3.0% to 10.7%. The SOC and LFOC stored at the upper 20 cm were more sensitive to LUCC when compared to the subsurface soil layer. Also, the decline in carbon storage induced by LUCC was greater than the global average level, it could be explained by the vulnerable natural environment and special human management practices. Thus, it is wise to enhance soil carbon sequestration, mitigate elevated atmospheric CO2 and develop ecological services by protecting vulnerable environment, restoring vegetation coverage, and afforesting in mountainous area in mid-subtropics.

Sensory quality of meat from eight different types of cattle in relation with their biochemical characteristics

The present study compared eight breeds of cattle differing in gender （heifers, buls and steers） to determine associations between muscle characteristics and meat sensory qualities of theLongissimus thoracis muscle. Animal types differed in al the muscle characteristics and sensory qualities. Many correlations among muscle characteristics and among sensory qualities were consistent for most animal types. Isocitrate dehydrogenase （ICDH） activities alowed discrimination of muscles with respect to myosin heavy chain （MyHC）-I proportions for al animal types. Lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and phos-phofructokinase （PFK） activities were positively correlated for most animal types. Overal liking was correlated with beef lfavour and abnormal lfavour in al animal types and with global tenderness for al animal types except for Charolais cross breed steers. For al animal types except for Angus×Friesian heifers, beef lfavour and abnormal lfavour were negatively correlated. Overal liking was not correlated with juiciness. PFK, ICDH and citrate synthase （CS） activities were strongly associated with tenderness, beef lfavour and overal liking when average values for al animal types were used. However, associations between muscle characteristics and sensory qualities within animal types were weak and inconsistent.

Effect of Combined Application of Organic Fertilizer and Chemical Fertilizer in Different Ratios on Growth,Yield and Quality of Fluecured Tobacco

The effect of different ratio of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco was studied.Using randomized blocks design,the data of the test materials K326 were analyzed by using variance analysis,significance test and other methods.The release efficiency of organic fertilizer in the soil was slower,and the effect of organic fertilizer on the growth of tobacco plants was worse than that of chemical fertilizers,and under 25% organic fertilizer + 75% chemical fertilizer treatment,the quality of the fluecured tobacco was good.Under the treatment of 50% organic fertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizer,the production of flue-cured tobacco was high and the ratio of first-class tobacco was high.It is suggested that the organic fertilizer application ratio should be 25%-50% in the agricultural production.

Consumers＇ Perceptions about Food Quality Attributes and Their Incidence in Argentinean Organic Choices

The objective of this paper is to analyze consumers＇ perceptions about risk and quality attributes of food consumption; and to evaluate the incidence of these factors when buying organic products in the Argentinean domestic market. Data derives from a food consumption survey on organic and non-organic consumers conducted in Buenos Aires City, Argentina, in April 2005.The Lancaster model （1966） provided the theoretical basis. The results yielded by the estimated logistic model suggest that consumers with higher educational level, who eat healthy food, and consider food control organisms as ＂inefficient＂ are more likely to buy organic products. A high percentage of consumers read and trust label information in Argentina. This has interesting policy implications to promote differentiated and high value products, and to reduce information asymmetries.

Effect of Storage Conditions on the Sensory Quality, Colour and Texture of Fresh-Cut Minimally Processed Cabbage with the Addition of Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid and Calcium Chloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of storage conditions on the sensory quality, colour and texture of fresh-cut cabbage during the addition of ascorbic acid, citric acid and calcium chloride. Ascorbic acid maintained the overall quality for 14 days at 0℃ and 7 days at 5℃;no difference, however, was observed regarding browning of cut surface compared to the control sample at both storage temperatures. Calcium chloride maintained the overall quality and cut surface browning for 14 days at both storage temperatures. It was also found that citric acid 1% can be used for minimally processed cabbage. Soaking with citric acid helped retain the color and increased the overall acceptance and organoleptic quality of fresh cut cabbage;it reduced browning of the cut surface and protected against formation of black specks. Citric acid treatment combined with low temperature storage (0℃) prolonged the shelf life of minimally processed cabbage for 22 days, time sufficient for acceptable marketing of the product. The lightness of minimally processed cabbage decreased linearly from 70.94 ± 6 to 63.8 ± 8.5 - 61.3 ± 8 units for the chemical treatments during 22 days of storage at 0℃. Hue angle values during storage time were also significantly influenced by chemical treatments mainly at 0℃.

Bentonite-humic acid improves soil organic carbon,microbial biomass,enzyme activities and grain quality in a sandy soil cropped to maize(Zea mays L.) in a semi-arid region

A bentonite-humic acid(B-HA) mixture added to degraded soils may improve soil physical and hydraulic properties, due to effects such as improved soil structure and increased water and nutrient retention, but its effect on soil physicochemical and biological properties, and grain quality is largely unknown. The effect of B-HA, added at 30 Mg ha^(-1), was studied at 1,3, 5 and 7 years after its addition to a degraded sandy soil in a semi-arid region of China. The addition of B-HA significantly increased water-filled pore space and soil organic carbon, especially at 3 to 5 years after its soil addition to the soil. Amending the sandy soil with B-HA also increased the content of microbial biomass(MB)-carbon,-nitrogen and-phosphorus, and the activities of urease, invertase, catalase and alkaline phosphatase. The significant effect of maize(Zea mays L.) growth stage on soil MB and enzyme activities accounted for 58 and 84% of their total variation, respectively. In comparison, B-HA accounted for 8% of the total variability for each of the same two variables. B-HA significantly enhanced soil properties and the uptake of N and P by maize in semi-arid areas. The use of B-HA product would be an effective management strategy to reclaim degraded sandy soils and foster sustainable agriculture production in northeast China and regions of the world with similar soils and climate.

Effect of Metaxenia on Sugars and Organic Acids and Taste Quality of Bagged Fuji Apple Fruits

In order to provide reference for the selection of appropriate pollination varieties facilitating the improvement of the flavor quality of bagged Fuji apple, the metaxenia effects of 5 pollination varieties on sugars, organic acids and flavor quality of bagged Fuji fruit were studied. The results showed that the 5 pollination varieties had significant metaxenia effects on sugars, organic acids and flavor quality of bagged Fuji fruit. For the sugar components, the fruits pollinated with Golden Delicious and Jinxiuhaitang showed higher glucose contents, and the fruit pollinated with Gala had the highest sucrose content; the fruits pollinated by Gala, Golden Delicious and Ruby exhibited higher malic acids, and the oxalic acid content and the succinic acid content were higher in the fruits pollinated with Jinxiuhaitang and Ruby ; and the fruit pollinated with Gala had the highest total sugar content, and the total acid content was higher in the fruits pollinated by Jinxiuhaitang and Ruby. The sugar-acid ratio was higher in the fruits pollinated with Gala and Golden Delicious, and the lowest in the fruit pollinated with Ruby. The senso- ry evaluation of fruits showed that the fruit pollinated with Ruby tasted sour-sweet, while the fruits pollinated with other 4 pollination varieties were sour and sweet moderately.

Relative effectiveness of organic and inorganic nutrient sources in improving yield, seed quality and nutrient uptake of canola

The proper use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources is important to sustain high levels of crop production, while maintaining or enhancing soil and environmental quality. A 4-year (2009 to 2012) field experiment was established in spring 2009 on a Gray Luvisol (Typic Haplocryalf) loam soil at Star City, Saskatchewan, Canada, to determine the effectiveness of organic/biological (compost, wood ash [fine and granular], alfalfa pellets, distiller grain, thin stillage, glycerol, fish food additive, Penicillium bilaiae), inorganic/mineral (granular-gypsum, rapid release elemental S [RRES], rock phosphate [granular and fine]) and chemical/synthetic (granular-ammonium nitrate, triple super phosphate and potassium sulphate) nutrient sources (amendments/chemicals) in improving seed yield, straw yield, seed quality and nutrient uptake (N, P, K and S) in seed + straw of canola. Combined application of N, P and S chemical fertilizers (NPS) produced considerably greater seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake of canola compared to the unamended control in all four years. In treatments receiving only organic amendments, thin stillage produced the greatest seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake in all years, and it was similar to the NPS balanced fertilizer treatment, while fish food additive and distiller grain dry of wheat in 2009, 2011 and 2012, distiller grain dry of corn in 2009 and 2012, and compost and alfalfa pellets in 2011 and 2012 produced significantly greater seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake, when compared to the control. In treatments where chemical fertilizers were also applied, in addition to organic amendments, ap- plication of N fertilizer increased seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake substantially when combined with wood ash fine in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, wood ash granular in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and glycerol in 2009 and 2012 (moderate increase in 2012). In the chemical fertilizer treatments, there was a reduction in seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake of canola when only N fertilizer was applied compared to the control (significant in 2010 and 2011). Application of P along with N (NP) increased seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake of canola compared to N alone treatment, but was less than the NPS treatment in all years. Application of S along with N (NS) increased seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake of canola further compared to the NP treatment, but it was still lower than the NPS treatment in 2010 and 2011. In treatments receiving inorganic/mineral amendments in addition to chemical fertilizers, application of N + P fertilizers substantially increased seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake in treatments receiving gypsum and RRES in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. This suggests the potential of gypsum and RRES in preventing S deficiency in organic crops when grown on S-deficient soils, provided other nutrients are not limiting in the soil for crop growth. Seed yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake with application of N and S fertilizers in combination with rock phosphate and/or Penicillium bilaiae were similar to N + S treatment in most cases, except in 2011 when application of finely-ground or powder rock phosphate in a combination with N + S produced significantly greater yield and nutrient uptake than N + S with granular rock phosphate. This suggests little contribution of rock phosphate and/or Penicillium bilaiae in improving yield and nutrient uptake of canola, and improves the performance of fine rock phosphate only evident in the third growing season in 2011, after three consecutive applications, but not in 2012. In conclusion, some organic amendments showed potential for improvement in organic crop production, and in some other cases highest yield and nutrient uptake were

The Quality of Sour Cherry Maidens Fertilized with Various Biopreparations in an Organic Nursery

The study was conducted in an organic nursery of sour cherry cultivars ＂Debreceni Botermo＂ and ＂Sabina＂ in the years 2010 and 2011. Cherry trees grafted on Mahaleb （Prunus mahaleb L.） seedlings were grown at a spacing of 25 crn × 1.0 m. In the nursery, an assessment was carried out of the effect of various biopreparations on such growth characteristics as the thickness and height of the maidens, the formation of lateral shoots and the total increase in their length. The control trees were not treated at all, but fertilized with an NPK fertilizer only （second control）. To stimulate growth, use was made of granular manure, mycorrhizal fungi in the form of the preparation Micosat, humic preparations or so-called vermicomposts （Humus UP, Humus Active）, extracts of marine algae （BF Quality） and of terrestrial plants （BF Arnin）, a product derived from yeast （Vinassa） and Tytanit. The specific biological effects of the preparations used in the sour cherry nursery for each morphological feature are presented in this paper in graphical form. A beneficial effect on the increase in the number of lateral shoots and the increase in their length was produced by the use of such products as： Micosat, Humus UP, Humus Active ＋ Aktywit PM and Vinassa. The most effective in this respect was BF Amin.

Sensory Evaluation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil （EVOO） Extended to Include the Quality Factor ＂Harmony＂

Sensory evaluation of olive oil, meaning the official organoleptic assessment of olive oil respectively the ＂Panel Test＂ （PT）, is based on the standards of the International Olive Council （IOC）, as well as on the Regulation （EC） 640/2008 of the European Commission. These regulations lead to the classification of olive oil as ＂extra virgin＂ （EVOO）, ＂virgin＂ （VOO） or ＂lampant＂, which however is not sufficient to clearly discriminate between different quality levels within the grade EVOO. The objective of the study at hand was to develop and validate an objective sensory evaluation method for the quality certification of olive oil within the grade EVOO. A new rating system, including a detailed description and evaluation of the complexity and persistence of flavour, was established. First, a comparison between different profile sheets from various olive oil competitions （Ercole Olivario, Premio Biol, Leone D＇Oro Mario Solinas Award, among others） and the official profile sheet from the IOC/EC for the panel test （PT） took place. In consecutive steps the basic test procedure from the panel test （PT） then was extended with additional sensory descriptors. Two trained olive oil panels （the German Olive Oil Panel （DOP） and the Swiss Olive Oil Panel （SOP）） were further educated to profile various green and ripe aroma components and to evaluate the complexity of the perceived aroma components and their persistency （descriptor： ＂harmony/persistency＂）. This extended methodology was cross-validated over a time period of 3 years between the two panels （DOP/SOP）.

Integrated Use of Organic and Bio-fertilizers to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality of Olives Grown in Low Fertility Sandy Soil in an Arid Environment

Olive productivity should be improved through stimulating nutrition,particularly under poor fertility soils.Consequently,the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of applying organic and bio-fertilizers on the physiological growth,yield and fruit quality of olive trees under newly reclaimed poor-fertility sandy soil in an arid environment.During a field experiment carried out at El-Qantara,North Sinai,Egypt over two consecutive seasons(2019-2020 and 2020-2021),olive Kalamata trees were evaluated under three organic fertilizer treatments alone or in combination with three bio-fertilizers treatments.Organic fertilizer was applied as goat manure(16.8 kg/tree/year),or olive pomace(8.5 kg/tree/year)in mid-December of each season vs.untreated trees.The bio-fertilizers were applied as N-fixing bacteria(150 g/tree)was inculated in early March of each season,or amino acid mixture(1.5%)was applied three times,at 70%of full bloom,21 days after full bloom,and a month later in comparison to a non-fertilized trees(control).The cultivar used was Kalamata,a dual-purpose cultivar for oil and table olives whose value increases when processed as table olives.The results indicated that the goat manure followed by olive pomace significantly enhanced photosynthetic pigments(chlorophyll a,b,and carotenoids),leaf mineral contents(N,P,K,Ca,Mg and Fe),tree canopy volume,number of flowers per inflorescence,number of inflorescences per shoot,initial fruit set,fruit retention.For fruit quality,fruit length and width,fruit weight,and total fruit yield was increased compared to the non-fertilized control.Likewise,The bio-fertilizer N-fixing bacteria followed by the amino acid mixture significantly improved all of the aforementioned parameters.Accordingly,it is recommended,both environmentally and economically to utilize organic and bio-fertizers,particularly goat manure combined with N-fixing bacteria,in low-fertility soil to sustain olive production as well as reducing mineral fertilization.

The Air Quality, Characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Organic Carbon, and Diurnal Variation of Particulate Matter over Riyadh City

Concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5) were measured over a period extended from January 2012 to October 2013 at two sites: a suburban area, Riyadh airport (AP) and an urban area, King Fahd road district (KF) (densely trafficked site) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The quality of ambient air using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Air Quality Index (AQI) was evaluated during this period. The average AQI values exceeded 100 on 6 months out of 11 in AP district. At KF district the condition was worse, and AQI values exceeded 100 on all months. This emphasizes the fact that PM concentrations over Riyadh can be regarded as a real environmental problem that could be a severe risk to quality of life and threaten human health. A higher-volume air sampler at the two sites was used to collect particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) for chemical analysis of the PM for PAHs and total organic carbon. At KF station the mean concentrations’ values of total PAHs in PM2.5 and PM10 were 4.89 ng/m3 and 12.96 ng/m3 respectively. At the AP station the corresponding values of total PAHs in PM2.5 and PM10 were 8.07 ng/m3 and 11.91 ng/m3 respectively. The PAHs did not exceed the air criteria of World Health Organization indicating the air pollution of PAHs in Riyadh District was not serious. As for the total organic carbon the results demonstrated that the concentration ranged from 0.211 to 0.506 g/kg at KF station and from 0.054 to 0.342 g/kg at AP station. On an annual basis, OC concentrations were two times higher for the city center site (KF) compared to the rural AP site. This can most likely be explained by increased emissions from higher traffic at KF site. The diurnal variability of PM was mainly associated with the severity of pollution.

Comparison of Sensory Qualities of Geographically Paired Organic and Conventional Red Wines from the Southwestern US with Differing Total Polyphenol Concentrations: A Randomized Pilot Study

Dietary polyphenols, or phenolic compounds, are numerous, diverse, and ubiquitous phytochemicals occurring throughout the plant kingdom. They are important components of the human diet because of their capacity to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In plants, polyphenols contribute to resistance to pathogens due to their potent astringency and function as phytoalexins. As a result, organic grapevines grown with reduced pesticides may be more stressed by pathogens than conventionally grown grapevines and presumably produce more polyphenols. Since polyphenols also play an important role in the sensory qualities of fruits and wines particularly involving astringency and bitterness, there may be differences that affect sensory perceptions of wine. This establishes a conundrum where dietary polyphenols are healthful but potentially unpalatable.We recruited and randomized 18 female participants (21 - 50 y) to one of five groups (3 - 4 per group). Each group evaluated the sensory qualities of a geographically paired organic (OW) and conventional wine (CW) and an artificially colored white wine placebo (PW) with significantly differing total polyphenol concentrations (TP). Participants reported for three visits (one wine per visit) where they consumed 5 ounces (150 mL) of wine over 15 minutes while completing the sensory survey. Sensory evaluations based on a Likert-type scale included visual, aroma, and taste perceptions and overall impressions (scale 0 - 10). In two wine pairs, the OW contained significantly more TP (3.49 and 5.86 g/L) than the respective CW (2.63 and 4.63 g/L). In two other wine pairs both produced by sustainable viticulture, the CW (5.23 and 8.38 g/L) contained sig- nificantly more TP than OW (4.55 and 3.70 g/L) and in one set the amounts were equivalent (4.10 and 4.17 g/L). The five PW averaged 1.26 ± 0.20 g/L. Although there were significant differences in TP content of test wines, the results indicated that no significant differences in either intensity or quality for any of the sensory qualities were detected be- tween paired OW and CW wines but both scored significantly higher than the PW, with significantly lower TP. We conclude in this pilot study that a subset of OW from the Southwestern US is perceived similarly to CW produced by the same vineyard even with significantly differing TP concentrations.