A hybrid CNN-LSTM model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the rice panicle initiation stage

Nitrogen(N)and potassium(K)are two key mineral nutrient elements involved in rice growth.Accurate diagnosis of N and K status is very important for the rational application of fertilizers at a specific rice growth stage.Therefore,we propose a hybrid model for diagnosing rice nutrient levels at the early panicle initiation stage(EPIS),which combines a convolutional neural network(CNN)with an attention mechanism and a long short-term memory network(LSTM).The model was validated on a large set of sequential images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)from rice canopies at different growth stages during a two-year experiment.Compared with VGG16,AlexNet,GoogleNet,DenseNet,and inceptionV3,ResNet101 combined with LSTM obtained the highest average accuracy of 83.81%on the dataset of Huanghuazhan(HHZ,an indica cultivar).When tested on the datasets of HHZ and Xiushui 134(XS134,a japonica rice variety)in 2021,the ResNet101-LSTM model enhanced with the squeeze-and-excitation(SE)block achieved the highest accuracies of 85.38 and 88.38%,respectively.Through the cross-dataset method,the average accuracies on the HHZ and XS134 datasets tested in 2022 were 81.25 and 82.50%,respectively,showing a good generalization.Our proposed model works with the dynamic information of different rice growth stages and can efficiently diagnose different rice nutrient status levels at EPIS,which are helpful for making practical decisions regarding rational fertilization treatments at the panicle initiation stage.

Nutritional Composition and Anti-Nutrient Levels in Raw and Processed Varieties of Finger Millet Promoted for Nutritional Security

Finger millet (FM) is rich in nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. However, the levels of nutrients and their bioaccessibility depend on the variety, the levels of ant nutrients, the chemical form of nutrients, and the type of processing methods used. The study determined the levels of selected nutrients, anti-nutrients, and bioaccessibility in raw and processed varieties of finger millet being developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Kenya. Raw finger millet seeds from KALRO Centers in Kenya were processed by malting for 60 hours and roasting at 110°C for 5 minutes as the optimal conditions. Levels of minerals were determined by AAS and AES, anti-nutrients by UV-visible spectrophotometer, proteins by the Pierce kit method, and vitamins by HPLC. The IE4115 and IE3779 showed the highest levels of nutrients and lowest levels of antinutrients hence preferred for processing and bioaccessibility studies. The level (mg/100 g) of selected minerals;K, Cr3+, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, and Zn were found to be highest in the following varieties of the FM;IE3779 (688.519 ± 1.57), IE 4115 (1.29 ± 0.07), IE4115 (294.38 ± 1.93), IE3779 (466.67 ± 4.17), IE4115 (250.92 ± 0.33), KERICHO P (16.98 ± 0.05) and IE4115 (64.10 ± 2.35) respectively. For β-carotene, vitamin B, B2, B3, B6 and B9 the levels were highest in the following varieties of FM;KAKW3 (0.023 ± 0.02), IE4115 (14.85 ± 0.16), IE4115 (12.998 ± 0.04), IE4115 (5.843 ± 0.07), IE3779 (0.06 ± 0.04) and KAKW4 (9.832 ± 0.08). Phytates, tannins, phenols, and oxalates were found to be lowest in the following varieties: IE3779 (14.20 ± 2.90, IE4115 (27.83 ± 0.73), NKFM1 (9.69 ± 0.07) and IE4115 (0.25 ± 0.01). The highest bioaccessibility values reported for K, Mg, Ca, P, Cr3+, Fe, and Zn were 89.53% (malting, IE3779), 49.28% (malting, IE4115), 60.41% (Malting, IE4115), 69.40% (malting, IE4115), 12.9% (malting, IE4115), 59.84% (malting, KAKW3) and 66.89% (roasting, IE3779) respectively (Table 8). For beta carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 the values were 73.33% (malting, p224), 78.84% (malting, IE4115), 78.34 (malting, IE3779), 97.63% (malting, IE4115), 91.64% (malting, IE4115), and 77.52% (roasting, IE4115) (table The result on levels and bioaccessibility showed that IE4115 and IE3779 varieties were more nutritious and therefore should be promoted for nutritional security.

Cumulative effects of excess high-normal alanine aminotransferase levels in relation to new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in China

BACKGROUND Within the normal range,elevated alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels are associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).AIM To investigate the associations between repeated high-normal ALT measurements and the risk of new-onset MAFLD prospectively.METHODS A cohort of 3553 participants followed for four consecutive health examinations over 4 years was selected.The incidence rate,cumulative times,and equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of excess high-normal ALT levels(ehALT)were measured.Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyse the association between the cumulative effects of ehALT and the risk of new-onset MAFLD.RESULTS A total of 83.13%of participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.The incidence rate of MAFLD showed a linear increasing trend in the cumulative ehALT group.Compared with those in the low-normal ALT group,the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of the equally and unequally weighted cumulative effects of ehALT were 1.651[95%confidence interval(CI):1.199-2.273]and 1.535(95%CI:1.119-2.106)in the third quartile and 1.616(95%CI:1.162-2.246)and 1.580(95%CI:1.155-2.162)in the fourth quartile,respectively.CONCLUSION Most participants with MAFLD had normal ALT levels.Long-term high-normal ALT levels were associated with a cumulative increased risk of new-onset MAFLD.

Effect of wall-disruption on nutrient composition and in vitro digestion of camellia and lotus bee pollens

The nutrient digestion,absorption and biological activity of bee pollen may be limited due to the complex pollen wall.Here,the effect of superfine grinding technology on the release of nutrients from bee pollen were investigated,and their antioxidant activities and in vitro digestion were explored in this study.Results showed that the content of nutrients in bee pollen increased after wall disruption.Among them,fat content increased by 22.55%-8.31%,protein content increased by 0.54%-4.91%,starch content increased by 36.31%-48.64%,soluble sugar content increased by 20.57%-29.67%,total phenolic acid content increased by 11.73%-86.98%and total flavonoids content increased by 14.29%-24.79%.At the same time,the antioxidant activity increased by 14.84%-46.00%.Furthermore,the active components such as phenolic compounds in the wall-disruption bee pollen were more readily to be released during the in vitro digestion,and easier to be absorbed because of their higher bioaccessibility.Antioxidant activities during in vitro digestion were also improved in walldisruption bee pollen.These findings provide evidence that bee pollen wall disruption was suggested,thus,it is more conducive to exerting the value of bee pollen in functional foods.

Dynamics and genetic regulation of macronutrient concentrations during grain development in maize

Nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) are essential macronutrients that are crucial not only for maize growth and development, but also for crop yield and quality. The genetic basis of macronutrient dynamics and accumulation during grain filling in maize remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated grain N, P, and K concentrations in 206 recombinant inbred lines generated from a cross of DH1M and T877 at six time points after pollination. We then calculated conditional phenotypic values at different time intervals to explore the dynamic characteristics of the N, P, and K concentrations. Abundant phenotypic variations were observed in the concentrations and net changes of these nutrients. Unconditional quantitative trait locus(QTL) mapping revealed 41 non-redundant QTLs, including 17, 16, and 14 for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively. Conditional QTL mapping uncovered 39 non-redundant QTLs related to net changes in the N, P, and K concentrations. By combining QTL, gene expression, co-expression analysis, and comparative genomic data, we identified 44, 36, and 44 candidate genes for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively, including GRMZM2G371058 encoding a Doftype zinc finger DNA-binding family protein, which was associated with the N concentration, and GRMZM2G113967encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase, which was related to the K concentration. The results deepen our understanding of the genetic factors controlling N, P, and K accumulation during maize grain development and provide valuable genes for the genetic improvement of nutrient concentrations in maize.

Subsoil tillage enhances wheat productivity,soil organic carbon and available nutrient status in dryland fields

Tillage practices during the fallow period benefit water storage and yield in dryland wheat crops.However,there is currently no clarity on the responses of soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),and available nutrients to tillage practices within the growing season.This study evaluated the effects of three tillage practices(NT,no tillage;SS,subsoil tillage;DT,deep tillage)over five years on soil physicochemical properties.Soil samples at harvest stage from the fifth year were analyzed to determine the soil aggregate and aggregate-associated C and N fractions.The results indicated that SS and DT improved grain yield,straw biomass and straw carbon return of wheat compared with NT.In contrast to DT and NT,SS favored SOC and TN concentrations and stocks by increasing the soil organic carbon sequestration rate(SOCSR)and soil nitrogen sequestration rate(TNSR)in the 0-40 cm layer.Higher SOC levels under SS and NT were associated with greater aggregate-associated C fractions,while TN was positively associated with soluble organic nitrogen(SON).Compared with DT,the NT and SS treatments improved soil available nutrients in the 0-20 cm layer.These findings suggest that SS is an excellent practice for increasing soil carbon,nitrogen and nutrient availability in dryland wheat fields in North China.

Effects of soil potassium levels on dry matter and nutrient accumulation and distribution in cotton

Background Potassium(K)is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development.However,plant fertilization ignoring the soil K level is very likely to cause excessive fertilizer use,and further arouse a series of side effects.This study investigated the response of cotton growth to different soil K levels and the uptake of major nutrients,aiming to evaluate the appropriate K supply level for cotton growth.Using a random block design with 6 soil K levels,we conducted 18 micro-zones field experiments over two continuous years.The soil available K concentration of each treatment was K1(99.77-100.90 mg·kg^(-1)),K2(110.90-111.26 mg·kg^(-1)),K3(123.48-128.88 mg·kg^(-1)),K4(140.13-145.10 mg·kg^(-1)),K5(154.43-155.38 mg·kg^(-1)),and K6(165.77-168.75 mg·kg^(-1)).Cotton nutrient contents,soil nutrient contents,accumulation and distribution of dry matter in cotton were determined,and the relationships between K content in soil and plants and dry matter accumulation were analyzed.Results The soil K content had a significantly positive relationship with dry matter and K accumulation in cotton plants.There were significant differences in dry matter accumulation,single-plant seed cotton yield,mineral nutrient uptake and the proportion of K accumulation in reproductive organs among different soil K levels.The results showed that there was significant difference between K4 and lower K level treatments(K1 and K2),but no significant difference between K4 and higher K level treatments(K5 and K6)in dry matter,single-plant seed cotton yield,or accumulation,distribution and seed cotton production efficiency of N,P and K.Conclusion The soil K level of K4 was able to provide sufficient K for cotton growth in our experiment.Therefore,when the soil K level reached 140.13 mg·kg^(-1),further increasing the soil K concentration no longer had a significant positive effect on cotton growth.

Optimized NPK fertilizer recommendations based on topsoil available nutrient criteria for wheat in drylands of China

The optimized management of crop fertilization is very important for improving crop yield and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers.Critical nutrient values can be used for evaluating the nutritional status of a crop,and they reflect the nutrient concentrations above which the plant is sufficiently supplied for achieving the maximum potential yield.Based on on-farm surveys of 504 farmers and 60 field experimental sites in the drylands of China,we proposed a recommended fertilization method to determine nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),and potassium(K)fertilizer input rates for wheat production,and then validated the method by a field experiment at 66 different sites in northern China.The results showed that wheat grain yield varied from 1.1 to 9.2 t ha^(-1),averaging 4.6 t ha^(-1),and it had a quadratic relationship with the topsoil(0-20 cm)nitrate N and soil available P contents at harvest.However,yield was not correlated with the inputs of N,P,and K fertilizers.Based on the relationship(exponential decay model)between 95–105%of the relative yield and topsoil nitrate N,available P,and available K contents at wheat harvest from 60 field experiments,the topsoil critical nutrient values were determined as 34.6,15.6,and 150 mg kg^(-1)for soil nitrate N,available P,and available K,respectively.Then,based on five groups of relative yield(>125%,115–125%,105–115%,95–105%,and<95%)and the model,the five groups of topsoil critical nutrient levels and fertilization coefficients(Fc)were determined.Finally,we proposed a new method for calculating the recommended fertilizer input rate as:Fr=Gy×Nr×Fc,where Fr is the recommended fertilizer(N/P/K)input rate;Gy is the potential grain yield;Nr is the N(N_(rN)),P(N_(rP)),and K(N_(rK))nutrient requirements for wheat to produce 1,000 kg of grain;and Fc is a coefficient for N(N_c)/P(P_c)/K(K_c)fertilizer.A 2-year validated experiment confirmed that the new method reduced N fertilizer input by 17.5%(38.5 kg N ha^(-1))and P fertilizer input by 43.5%(57.5 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1))in northern China and did not reduce the wheat yield.This outcome can significantly increase the farmers’benefits(by 7.58%,or 139 US$ha^(-1)).Therefore,this new recommended fertilization method can be used as a tool to guide N,P,and K fertilizer application rates for dryland wheat production.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Lower-Level Health Care Facilities of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania: Status towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Way Forward

Background: Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in health care settings is a critical prerequisite for achieving national health goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for each United Nations member state to reach by 2030. Each member state is required to reach by 2022, 2025 and 2030 at least 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively of basic level of service of the five elements which are water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management and environmental cleaning. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate and document the current state of basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services in all lower-level health care facilities in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania as of July 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 public dispensaries in the Dar es Salaam region’s five councils: Ubungo, Kigamboni, Kinondoni and Temeke Municipalities, and Ilala City. The interviewee form and observational checklists were both digitalized using the Kobo tool software. The respondents were health care facility in-charges or nurse in-charges. Data were downloaded, validated, and imported to Stata version 15 for analysis. Results: The basic WASH level per JMP is far below the target in 2022. Each member state by 2022 is required to reach at least 60% of the basic level of service of each element. We found a low coverage of basic WASH in the 99 dispensaries included in this study. The basic WASH coverage was met in only 10 (10.1%) of the dispensaries, while the remaining 89 (89.9%) dispensaries fall on limited WASH services. Conclusion: This study revealed lower coverage of basic WASH services in dispensaries. An urgent need is required to improve the status of WASH in all the dispensaries and facilitate the provision of quality health care services, patient safety and reduce health care associated infections.

Litterfall production modeling based on climatic variables and nutrient return from stands of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L.

Native grasslands in the Pampas of South America are increasingly being replaced by Eucalyptus and Pinus stands.The short rotation regimes used for the stands require high nutrient levels,with litterfall being a major source of nutrient return.To model the litterfall production using climatic variables and assess the nutrient return in 14-year-old Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus taeda stands,we measured litter production over 2 years,using conical litter traps,and monitored climatic variables.Mean temperature,accumulated precipitation,and mean maximum vapor pres-sure deficit at the seasonal level influenced litterfall produc-tion by E.grandis;seasonal accumulated precipitation and mean maximum temperature affected litterfall by P.taeda.The regression tree modeling based on these climatic vari-ables had great accuracy and predictive power for E.grandis(N=33;MAE(mean absolute error)=0.65;RMSE(root mean square error)=0.91;R^(2)=0.71)and P.taeda(N=108;MAE=1.50;RMSE=1.59;R^(2)=0.72).The nutrient return followed a similar pattern to litterfall deposition,as well as the order of importance of macronutrients(E.grandis:Ca>N>K>Mg>P;P.taeda:N>Ca>K>Mg>P)and micronutrients(E.grandis and P.taeda:Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu)in both species.This study constitutes a first approximation of factors that affect litterfall and nutrient return in these systems.

Response of Rice Growth and Nutrient Absorption in a SalineAlkali Paddy to Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications

Nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P)and carbon(C)are essential nutrients for rice growth and development,but the response of nutrient absorption by rice plants to different types of nitrogen fertilizer(N-fertilizer)under saline-alkali conditions is unclear.This study conducted a 147-day field-scale experiment to evaluate rice biomass and nutrient absorption capacity with five N-fertilizer applications.The results showed that the biomass.

Development and Validation of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices of Industrial Processing Varieties: Asterix and Courage in Bangladesh

An experiment was meticulously conducted at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh, during the 2011-2012 potato growing season to develop integrated crop management practices for the potato seed production of industrial processing varieties Asterix and Courage. Significantly, higher growth and yield parameters were found in the BADC-recommended practice. Later, another experiment was conducted to validate the BADC practice during the 2013-2014 potato growing season in two locations in Bangladesh. Results showed that the production of tuber per hill, tuber weight per hill as well as gross tuber yield per plot, higher proportion of storable seed tubers, and more quality seed potatoes (A-grade and B-grade) seed tubers were found significantly higher in the “BADC developed practice” compared to other treatments. Viral diseases (PLRV and PVY) prevalence was lower in “BADC developed practice”. Moreover, “BADC developed practice” contributed more economic yield by minimizing input cost compared to “Munshiganj advanced farmers’ practice”. Therefore, the “BADC developed practice” was found “superior” regarding yield, quality, and profitability in seed potato production of industrial varieties—Asterix and Courage in Bangladesh.

Temporal, Spatial, and Hypsometrical Dispersion of Nutrients in the Hula Valley, Israel

Until 1957 most of the Hula Valley was occupied by swampy wetland covered by dense vegetation and old Lake Hula. Organic matter was accumulated in the bottom, decomposed under anoxic conditions creating Peat material. The wetland and the old lake were drained and the land-use was converted into agricultural development. Nutrients migrations from the Hula Valley through the headwater discharges carrying nutrients, where nitrogen enhancement is critical, significantly affecting water quality in down-stream Lake Kinneret. The fate of the Hula originated nutrients is partly known whilst fate of the others which might be probably a threat on the Kinneret water quality is unknown. The hypsometrical and spatial distribution of the Hula Valley originated nutrients within three depths level was indicated: shallowest level of surface water, intermediate level of underground water table and the deepest level of Lignite waters. The Hypsometrical and spatial distribution and regional origin of the nutrient in the Hula Valley was defined. Organic Nitrogen, Sulfate and Nitrates are mostly Hula Valley originated nutrients whilst most of the Phosphorus externally contributed to Lake Kinneret originate outside the Hula Valley. An underground north-south Hydrological gradient and nutrient migration along was indicated. It is suggested that an underground plastic barrier do not totally prevent horizontal nutrient migration. Hypsometrical downward migrated nutrients probably accumulate within the “Lignite” depth level. Management policy of increasing Peat Soil moisture, is recommended.

Characterization of Nutrients,Heavy Metals,Petroleum and Their Impact on Phytoplankton in Laizhou Bay:Implications for Environmental Management and Monitoring

The Laizhou Bay(LB)represents a substantial ecological area that is vulnerable to human activities and confronts diverse environmental challenges.This study provides a comprehensive characterization of nutrients,petroleum,heavy metals,and phytoplankton community structure across seven distinct areas in LB.The results indicate relatively high concentrations of NO_(2)-N,SiO_(4)-Si,and NO_(3)-N in the Southwest Laizhou Bay(SWLB)and Huanghe River Estuary(HRE).In contrast,the East Laizhou bay(ELB)and the North of Huanghe River Estuary(NHRE)exhibit the highest concentrations of heavy metals(As,Cr and Hg).The areas with high phytoplankton density and community diversity are mainly located in the SWLB.After adjusting for basic environmental factors,phytoplankton density and Margalef richness index D are significantly associated with nutrients(NO_(3)-N,NO_(2)-N,NH_(4)-N,SiO_(4)-Si),and heavy metal(Cr)concentrations.We highlight that,in addition to Xiaoqinghe River,nutrients brought by the Mihe River in the SWLB and heavy metal(Cr)pollution in the ELB resulting from industrial and mining activities along the coast significantly influence phytoplankton growth and community structure.Therefore,it is recommended that more monitoring and management efforts be focused on these regions in the future.

Litter production and leaf nutrient concentration and remobilization in response to climate seasonality in the central Amazon

Litterfall is the largest source of nutrients to for-est soils of tropical rainforests.However,variability in lit-terfall production,nutrient remobilization,and changes in leaf nutrient concentration with climate seasonality remain largely unknown for the central Amazon.This study meas-ured litterfall production,leaf nutrient remobilization,and leaf area index on a forest plateau in the central Amazon.Litterfall was measured at monthly intervals during 2014,while nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium,calcium and mag-nesium concentrations of leaf litter and canopy leaves were measured in the dry and rainy seasons,and remobilization rates determined.Leaf area index was also recorded in the dry and rainy seasons.Monthly litterfall varied from 33.2(in the rainy season)to 87.6 g m^(-2) in the dry season,while leaf area index increased slightly in the rainy season.Climatic seasonality had no effect on concentrations of nitrogen,calcium,and magnesium,whereas phosphorous and potassium responded to rainfall seasonality oppositely.While phosphorous increased,potassium decreased during the dry season.Over seasons,nitrogen,potassium,and phosphorous decreased in leaf litter;calcium increased in leaf litter,while magnesium remained unaffected with leaf aging.Regardless,the five nutrients had similar remobilization rates over the year.The absence of climate seasonality on nutrient remobilization suggests that the current length of the dry season does not alter nutrient remobilization rates but this may change as dry periods become more prolonged in the future due to climate change.

Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets

Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.

Unexpected Diversity in Ecosystem Nutrient Responses to Experimental Drought in Temperate Grasslands

The responses of ecosystem nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to drought are an important component of globalchange studies. However, previous studies were more often based on site-specific experiments, introducing a significantuncertainty to synthesis and site comparisons. We investigated the responses of vegetation and soil nutrientsto drought using a network experiment of temperate grasslands in Northern China. Drought treatment (66%reduction in growing season precipitation) was imposed by erecting rainout shelters, respectively, at the driest,intermediate, and wettest sites. We found that vegetation nutrient concentrations increased but soil nutrient concentrationsdecreased along the aridity gradient. Differential responses were observed under experimentaldrought among the three grassland sites. Specifically, the experimental drought did not change vegetation andsoil nutrient status at the driest site, while strongly reduced vegetation but increased soil nutrient concentrationsat the site with intermediate precipitation. On the contrary, experimental drought increased vegetation N concentrationsbut did not change vegetation P and soil nutrient concentrations at the wettest site. In general, the differentialeffects of drought on ecosystem nutrients were observed between manipulative and observationalexperiments as well as between sites. Our research findings suggest that conducting large-scale, consistent, andcontrolled network experiments is essential to accurately evaluate the effects of global climate change on terrestrialecosystem bio-geochemistry.

Effect of Saline Water on Soil Acidity, Alkalinity and Nutrients Leaching in Sandy Loamy Soil in Rwamagana Bella Flower Farm, Rwanda

The necessity to saline and sodic waters is sometimes used for irrigating agricultural activities under certain circumstances, but it is important to note that the use of these waters comes with specific considerations and limitations. One way to decrease undesirable effects of sodic waters on the physical and chemical properties of soils is to apply organic and chemical amendments within the soil. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of saline water on soil acidity, alkalinity and nutrients leaching in sandy loamy soil at Bella flower farm, in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. The water used was from the Muhazi Lake which is classified as Class I (Saline water quality). Column leaching experiments using treated soils were then conducted under saturated conditions. The soil under experimental was first analyzed for its textural classification, soil properties and is classified as sandy loamy soil. The t-test was taken at 1%, 5% and 10% levels of statistical significance compared to control soil. The results indicated that the application of saline water to soils caused an increase in some soil nutrients like increase of Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sulphur (S), CN ratio and Sodium (Na+) and decreased soil texture, physical and chemical properties and remained soil nutrients. Consequently, the intensive addition of saline water leachates to soil in PVC pipes led to decreased of soil EC through leaching and a raiser Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP). The rate of saline water application affected the increase accumulation of SAR and Na% in the top soil layers. The study indicated that saline water is an inefficient amendment for sandy soil with saline water irrigation. The study recommends further studies with similar topic with saline water irrigation, as it accentuated the alkalinity levels.

Response of soil nutrients to terracing and environmental factors in the Loess Plateau of China

Terracing is a widely adopted agricultural practice in mountainous regions around the world that aims to conserve soil and water resources.Soil nutrients play a crucial role in determining soil quality,particularly in landscapes prone to drought.They are influenced by factors such as land-use type,slope aspect,and altitude.In this study,we sought to examine the impact of terracing on soil nutrients(soil organic content(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),nitrate-nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N),ammonium nitrogen(NH_(4)^(+)-N),total phosphorus(TP),available phosphorus(AP),total potassium(TK),and available potassium(AK))and how they vary with environmental factors in the Chinese Loess Plateau.During the growing season,we collected 540 soil samples from the 0 to 100 cm soil layer across five major land-use types,different slope aspects,and varying altitudes.Additionally,a meta-analysis of literature data further corroborated the effective accumulation of soil nutrients through terracing in the Loess Plateau.Our findings are as follows:(1)Terraced fields,regardless of land-use type,showed a significant improvement in SOC and TN content.(2)Soil nutrient contents within terraced fields were predominantly higher on sunny slopes.(3)Terraces at lower altitudes are characterized by elevated SOC concentrations.(4)A meta-analysis of literature data pertaining to terracing and soil nutrients in this region confirmed the effective accumulation of soil nutri-ents through terracing.The elucidated outcomes of this study offer a profound theoretical underpinning for the accurate planning and management of terraces,the scientific utilization of land resources,and the enhancement of land productivity.

Effects of nutrient limitations on the sinking velocity of Thalassiosira weissflogii

The sinking of diatoms is critic al to the formation of oceanic biological pumps and coastal hypoxic zones.However,little is known about the effects of different nutrient restrictions on diatom sinking.In this study,we measured the sinking velocity(SV) of Thalassiosira weissflogii using a new phytoplankton video observation instrument and analyzed major biochemical components under varying nutrient conditions.Our results showed that the SV of T.weissflogii under different nutrient limitation conditions varied substantially.The highest SV of(1.77±0.02) m/d was obtained under nitrate limitation,signific antly surpassing that under phosphate limitation at(0.98±0.13) m/d.As the nutrient limitation was released,the SV steadily decreased to(0.32±0.03) m/d and(0.15±0.05) m/d,respectively.Notably;under conditions with limited nitrate and phosphate concentrations,the SV values of T.weissflogii significantly positively correlated with the lipid content(P <0.001),with R^(2) values of 0.86 and 0.69,respectively.The change of the phytoplankton SV was primarily related to the intracellular compo sition,which is controlled by nutrient conditions but did not significantly correlate with transparent extracellular polymer and biosilica contents.The results of this study help to understand the regulation of the vertical sinking process of diatoms by nutrient restriction and provide new insights into phytoplankton dynamics and their relationship with the marine nutrient structure.