Robinia pseudoacacia leaves improve soil physical and chemical properties

The role of the leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia L., which is widely distributed in the arid lands, on improving soil physical and chemical properties was analyzed at various incubation periods. The incubated soils added with 0, 25, 50 and 75 g Robinia pseudoacacia leaves were tested after consecutive incubation intervals of 6, 8 and 10 months and the different soil parameters were measured. The results showed the increases in organic matter (OM), extractable K, cation exchange capacity (CEC), aggregate stability and water holding capacity, but the decreases in pH value and bulk density after 6 months’ incubation. The gradual decrease in change rates of soil properties indicated less microbial population and organic residual mineralization under acidic conditions, which were resulted from fast decomposition of leaves after the first 6 months incubation. The increases in soil organic matter content, extractable K, CEC, aggregate stability and water holding capacity and the decreases in soil pH and bulk density provide favorable conditions for crop’s growth.

Selected physical and chemical properties of mechanically extracted neem seed oil sourced as a preservative for ligno-cellulose in south-western Nigeria

Most of the seeds produced by neem （Azadirachta indica A. Juss） trees in Nigeria are currently underutilized. Hence, relevant literature provides only limited information conceming many of the seed oils from this country, especially where it concems the potential applications of these oils as preservatives for ligno-cellulose against bio-deterioration. Using standard procedures therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate and document selected physical and chemical properties of neem seed oil （NSO）, mechanically extracted using a cold press at 31.03 N-mm^-2 pressure and a room temperature of 25 ± 2℃. The results show that oil yield was 38.42% with a specific gravity of 0.91 ± 0.01. The amount of acid was 18.24 ± 1.31 mg KOH.g^-1 and that of iodine 93.12 ± 2.01 g-100 g^- 1, while saponification and peroxide values were 172.88 ± 2.06 and 1.42 ± 0.04 mg·g^-1 respectively. The implication of the values obtained, particularly those for the chemical properties, as they concern the potential application of NSO as a preservative for ligno-eellulose, is likely that it may be useful in this regard since the values may support some of the documented anti-microbial properties of the oil, although other physical and chemical properties that may affect this potential are recommended for investigations. Conclusions and other recommendations follow in line with the results of the study.

Study on the Quality Evaluation of Steamed Bread and the Physical and Chemical Properties of Wheat

In this study,the different physical and chemical properties of wheat were studied,and on this basis,and the quality of steamed bread made was evaluated.We analyzed the correlation between the evaluation indexes of steamed bread and the basic physical and chemical indexes of wheat,and investigated important factors that affect the evaluation indexes of steamed bread,including flour extraction rate,protein content,amylose content,protein,added amount of yeast,fermentation time and other aspects.According to the study results,it was shown that different factors had different effect on steamed bread quality,with both positive correlation and negative correlation.

The Effect of Some Soil Physical and Chemical Properties on Soil Aggregate Stability in Different Locations in Sulaimani and Halabja Governorate

Some soil properties were studied in relation soil aggregate along a climatologically region and different crop land use in the Northeast of Sulaimani City/Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Five locations were selected along these regions ranging from semiarid to sub-humid climatologically conditions. The soil physical, chemical properties, aggregate stability and size distribution were analyzed. A mean-weight-diameter (MWD) value was determined on 5 soils, which was the sum of the percentage of soil on each sieve (6, 3, 1.5, 0.75, 0.375 and 0.125 mm). The results of the measurements could evaluated with linear correlation coefficients for the relationships between aggregate stability (MWD) and soil physical and chemical properties of the different crop land use. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between aggregate stability and organic matter was highly significant (P < 0.0l%) which is in agreement with the findings of [1]. Generally large aggregates (large 6, 3, 3 - 1.5 mm) were present in highest proportions in the most semiarid of the studied areas. Aggregates 0.75 - 0.125 mm were positively correlated to fine, very fine sand and silt fractions and to organic matter. Stability of aggregates showed a positive correlation with clay content and organic matter content, while the carbonate content was strongly correlated with aggregate stability. The land use history affecting soil overlaps the pattern of climatological situations and cultivated crop lands and has to be taken into account. Aggregate size distribution and stability can be used as indicator of soil conservation and productivity.

Classification and comparison of physical and chemical properties of corn stalk from three regions in China

Corn stalk samples from Anhui,Jiangxi and Shanghai were used as test materials.Their physical,chemical and thermo-chemical engineering characteristics were analyzed.The similarities and differences in properties of corn stalk from the three regions were determined using SIMCA-P and SPSS software in order to obtain a proper energy utilization method of corn stalk.The results show that the corn stalk from Shanghai has significant differences from the samples of Jiangxi and Anhui.In particular,the following properties of corn stalk from Shanghai such as the contents of cellulose,calcium(Ca),iron(Fe),crude ash,volatile matter,carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and oxygen(O)are significantly different from those of Jiangxi and Anhui samples(P<0.05).While other properties such as the contents of magnesium(Mg),copper(Cu),zinc(Zn),moisture,hydrogen(H),and sulfur(S)have no significant difference among samples of three regions.Compared with the corn stalk in Anhui and Jiangxi,the Shanghai samples are more suitable for the production of ethanol because of their higher ratio of cellulose to hemi-cellulose content.Because of its high content of ash and low calorific value,the Shanghai corn stalk is suitable for the gasification process instead of for direct combustion or bio-oil production.The research can provide a reference for raw material selection for biomass energy production and utilization.

Establishment and verification of prediction models for evaluating the physical and chemical properties of soilless substrates

In soilless culture,a suitable mixed substrate that provides a balanced and stable rhizosphere environment is vital for promoting plant growth.The present study was undertaken to establish seven prediction models of physical and chemical properties,including bulk density(DB),total porosity(TP),water-holding porosity(WHP),air porosity(AP),WHP/AP,electrical conductivity(EC)and cation exchange capacity(CEC)of mixed substrate based on regression equations of measured values from 76 substrate combinations.These seven models were verified using the measured values of 12 mixed substrates,and the average relative prediction errors(REs)were all less than 10%.A comprehensive property prediction model was established by weighted summation of the seven models of physical and chemical properties.According to the set values of DB,TP,WHP,AP,WHP/AP,EC and CEC,the comprehensive property model predicted the six mixture proportions of mixed-substrate,as verified using the measured values.This study is the first to establish prediction models for the physical and chemical properties of mixed substrates.The comprehensive property model could be used to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of commercial mixed substrates,and to provide the optimal mixture substrate formulations according to the setting property value of production requirement.

Research and Discussion on Physical and Chemical Properties of Cultivating Substrate with Facilities

This article, by comparing the basic concepts of substrate and soil, their composition of substance and methods of measuring the indexes of physical and chemical properties, analyzes and researches ways of choosing substrate for cultivation with facilities. It indicates that the normal physical and chemical indexes of evaluating a substrate are bulk density, total porosity, non-capillary porosity, ratio of big porosity to small porosity, the pH and the electrical conductivity (EC) value of the substrate. By measuring the physical and chemical properties of the substrate in different prescription and the cultivation experiments, the best substrate can be sieved.

Effect of fire severity on physical and biochemical soil properties in Zagros oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)forests in Iran

Fire affects the physical and chemical properties and soil biological activity of natural ecosystems. This study was conducted in the Miyan Tang region, Ilam Province in western Iran. The study site was 110 hectares, where we sampled soils in areas that were classified by fire severity： low （LS）, high （HS） and medium severity （MS）, and unburned （UB）, which served as the control. In each severity class, 25 transect points were randomly selected for measurement. Around each transect plot center, 3 soil samples were selected randomly and soils collected from the 0 to 20 cm depth were combined into a composite sample that was used in laboratory analysis to represent conditions at that point. Plots in the UB and LS fire classes had similar soil conditions and had higher values of factors such as saturated moisture, organic carbon, carbon dioxide, and silt and clay content. In contrast, plots in the HS and MS fire severity classes were clustered in the positive direction along the first axis that represented gradients in soil acidity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, accessible phosphorus, accessible potassium, bulk density, and sand. Soil attributes were similar in areas of HS and MS fire severity classes, whereas soil conditions in the LS class and UB controls were most similar. Fire in the LS areas either did not significantly alter the physicalchemical soil properties and microbial basal respiration, or soils were able to recover quickly after being burned.

Ecological effect of the plantation of Sabina vulgaris in the Mu Us Sandy Land,China

Vegetation restoration through artificial plantation is an effective method to combat desertification,especially in arid and semi-arid areas.This study aimed to explore the ecological effect of the plantation of Sabina vulgaris on soil physical and chemical properties on the southeastern fringe of the Mu Us Sandy Land,China.We collected soil samples from five depth layers(0-20,20-40,40-60,60-80,and 80-100 cm)in the S.vulgaris plantation plots across four plantation ages(4,7,10,and 16 years)in November 2019,and assessed soil physical(soil bulk density,soil porosity,and soil particle size)and chemical(soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN),available phosphorus(AP),available potassium(AK),cation-exchange capacity(CEC),salinity,p H,and C/N ratio)properties.The results indicated that the soil predominantly consisted of sand particles(94.27%-99.67%),with the remainder being silt and clay.As plantation age increased,silt and very fine sand contents progressively rose.After 16 years of planting,there was a marked reduction in the mean soil particle size.The initial soil fertility was low and declined from 4 to 10 years of planting before witnessing an improvement.Significant positive correlations were observed for the clay,silt,and very fine sand(mean diameter of 0.000-0.100 mm)with SOC,AK,and p H.In contrast,fine sand and medium sand(mean diameter of 0.100-0.500 mm)showed significant negative correlations with these indicators.Our findings ascertain that the plantation of S.vulgaris requires 10 years to effectively act as a windbreak and contribute to sand fixation,and needs 16 years to improve soil physical and chemical properties.Importantly,these improvements were found to be highly beneficial for vegetation restoration in arid and semi-arid areas.This research can offer valuable insights for the protection and restoration of the vegetation ecosystem in the sandy lands in China.

Effects of Different Farming Methods and Their Effects on Soil Physicochemical Properties of Guilin Maojian Tea Gardens

In order to further optimize the cultivation and agronomic technology of Guilin Maojian tea gardens, the effects, efficiencies and costs of different farming methods and their effects on the physiochemical properties of tea garden soil were studied through the modification of the test sites with the non-farming land as the control. The results showed that human farming, mini-tiller farming and crawler tractor farming could improve the physical and chemical properties of soil. After farming, the soil had good water retention but low moisture content compared to the control group, while the soil bulk density and hardness value were significantly lower than those of the control, and the porosity of soil was significantly higher than that of contrast. With the passage of time, soil bulk density and hardness value gradually increased after farming, while the porosity of soil decreased gradually. There were great differences in the effects, efficiencies and costs of different farming methods. Crawler tractor had the best and most stable farming effect, and the operation efficiency was 10 times that of human farming while the cost was only 0.39 times of human farming. Therefore, it was feasible to adopt mini-tiller or crawler tractor to carry out mechanical farming of Guilin Maojian tea garden, which provided theoretical references for the soil property improvement using mechanical farming and was favorable for promoting the popularization of farming machines and the acceleration of mechanization of tea gardens. But for tea plantations that are intended to be mechanized, apart from the mechanical and technical personnel to be configured in place, the site conditions, planting modes and mechanical way reservation of tea garden should be planned accordingly. It is recommended to select flat or gentle slope for reclamation, and preference is given to non-sexual tea tree varieties with big line spacing over 180 cm long. Moreover, the main road construction should be more than 3.0 m, and trunk road 2.0 m or above. And isolation ditch and drain should be set between the tea garden and the surrounding mountain forests and farmland.

Size,shape,charge and“stealthy”surface:Carrier properties affect the drug circulation time in vivo

The present review sets out to discuss recent developments of the effects and mechanisms of carrier properties on their circulation time.For most drugs,sufficient in vivo circulation time is the basis of high bioavailability.Drug carrier plays an irreplaceable role in helping drug avoid being quickly recognized and cleared by mononuclear phagocyte system,to give drug enough time to arrive at targeted organ and tissue to play its therapeutic effect.The physical and chemical properties of drug carriers,such as size,shape,surface charge and surface modification,would affect their in vivo circulation time,metabolic behavior and biodistribution.The final circulation time of carriers is determined by the balance between macrophage recognitions,blood vessel penetration and urine excretion.Therefore,when designing the drug delivery system,we should pay much attention to the properties of drug carriers to get enough in vivo circulation time to arrive at target site eventually.This article mainly reviews the effect of carrier size,size,surface charge and surface properties on its circulation time in vivo,and discusses the mechanism of these properties affecting circulation time.This review has reference significance for the research of long-circulation drug delivery system.

A Palladium Based Alloy for Prosthetic Dentistry: Structure and Properties

Using the results of physical and chemical researches and mechanical tests of the Pd-Au-Cu-Sn system alloys, a new palladium-based alloy has been chosen and studied in detail. It has a higher plasticity and a lower hardness than the Palladent alloy, widely used in prosthetic dentistry: its hardness is lower than 300 MPa, and its specific elongation is 10%~14 %. At the same time, such important practical characteristics of the alloys as the strength of adhesion to ceramics and thermal expansion coefficient are almost similar.

Extended wet sieving method for determination of complete particle size distribution of general soils

The traditional standard wet sieving method uses steel sieves with aperture?0.063 mm and can only determine the particle size distribution(PSD)of gravel and sand in general soil.This paper extends the traditional method and presents an extended wet sieving method.The extended method uses both the steel sieves and the nylon filter cloth sieves.The apertures of the cloth sieves are smaller than 0.063 mm and equal 0.048 mm,0.038 mm,0.014 mm,0.012 mm,0.0063 mm,0.004 mm,0.003 mm,0.002 mm,and 0.001 mm,respectively.The extended method uses five steps to separate the general soil into many material sub-groups of gravel,sand,silt and clay with known particle size ranges.The complete PSD of the general soil is then calculated from the dry masses of the individual material sub-groups.The extended method is demonstrated with a general soil of completely decomposed granite(CDG)in Hong Kong,China.The silt and clay materials with different particle size ranges are further examined,checked and verified using stereomicroscopic observation,physical and chemical property tests.The results further confirm the correctness of the extended wet sieving method.

Pyraclostrobin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanospheres: Preparation and characteristics

We used poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) as a carrier polymer for pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres. Using the ultrasound emulsification-solvent evaporation method, the physicochemical characteristics and release properties of the pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres were studied by dialysis. The optimal nanospheres prepared had a diameter of 0.6 μm, an active ingredient loading of 17.2%, and a loading rate of 89.7%. Infrared spectroscopy data and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that pyraclostrobin was successfully embedded in the carrier PLGA, and photostability tests indicated enhanced ultraviolet resistance of pyraclostrobin-loaded PLGA nanospheres nanospheres. Release property testing indicated that smaller particles had a faster release rate. Nanospheres also had a faster release rate in slightly acidic and slightly basic environments than in a neutral condition. Agitated nanospheres had a faster release rate than immobile nanospheres. The cumulative release kinetics of pyraclostrobin-loaded nanospheres was consistent with the first order kinetic equation and the Weibull equation.

Application of Biochemical Fulvic Acid Potassium in Transplantation of Trees

[Objective]The paper was to clarify the application of biochemical fulvic acid potassium on the survival rate and growth of various trees transplanted in the process of landscaping.[Method]Two experimental treatments(i.e.decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium water soluble fertilizer,decomposed organic fertilizer+compound fertilizer)were designed to determine the changes in physical and chemical properties before and after soil treatment,and the survival rate,plant height and ground diameter of four different cultivated plants within one year,and the effects of applying biochemical fulvic acid potassium on cultivated plants were investigated.[Result]The soil organic matter,total nitrogen,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen,soil available phosphorus,soil available potassium and p H value in the soil treated with decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium soluble fertilizer,and decomposed organic fertilizer+compound fertilizer increased significantly,and the soil bulk density decreased obviously.The survival rates,plant heights and ground diameters of four different cultivated plants were significantly improved after application of decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium water soluble fertilizer,and decomposed organic fer-tilizer+compound fertilizer(P<0.05).[Conclusion]The application of biochemical fulvic acid potassium on cultivated plants effectively improved soil fertility,increased the utilization of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium,improved the growth of plants,and promoted the growth of landscaping plants after transplantation.

Cameroon Green Energy Potentials: Field Survey of Production, Physico-Chemical Analyses of Palm Kernel Oil for Industrial Applications

This paper reports a field survey undertaken to determine the availability of raw material for palm kernel oil commercial production for industrial applications. Both industrial and artisanal wastes from palm kernel oil production were also surveyed as raw material (palm kernel seeds) for green energy production. Results of the field study show that 22% of palm kernel seeds (which represents tons of waste) resulting from palm oil processing plants are dumped while at the artisanal level, 80% of palm kernel seed waste is dumped. Analysis of field study data shows that large amounts of waste palm kernel seeds are available to enable large scale production of palm kernel oil (PKO) for desirable industrial applications in green energy production. The paper also reports on the physical and chemical properties of Cameroon palm kernel oil (PKO). Palm kernel oil was extracted using mechanical press and solvent extraction. The palm kernel oil (PKO) from Cameroon was analyzed by standard physico-chemical methods. Results of the physical measurements show a specific gravity of PKO of 0.92 kg/L, viscosity of 26.03 cSt and at 5.93 cSt at 40°C and 100°C respectively, viscosity index of 185, pour point of 20°C, cloud point of 29°C, flash point of 200°C, aniline point of 105°F, diesel index of 23, cetane number of 27 and ASTM (American Standards for Testing and Materials) color of less than 2.5. Results of chemical analyses showed an acid value of 17.95 mg KOH/g, free fatty acid (FFA) content of 8.98 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 2.10 mg I2/g, peroxide value of 2.10 meq/kg, ester value of 123.0 mg KOH/g, hydroxyl value of 93.4 mg OH/g, saponification value of 140.95 mg KOH/g and a sulfur content of 0.016% w/v, signifying low sulfur content. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed the palm kernel oil to be predominantly made up of glycerides of various fatty acids with higher proportions of C12 to C16 fatty acid residues. Cameroon PKO therefore has a broad spectrum of industrial applications by virtue of its rich physical and chemical properties.

Physi-Chemical Property Research of Polysaccharides from Pomegranate Flowers

Pomegranate flowers as row materials were used for extraction of polysaccharides by water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method. After purification, the physical and chemical properties, structure, monosaccharide composition and molecular weight were studied. The results showed that the polysaccharides from pomegranate flowers mainly contained two kinds of water soluble acidic polysaccharides, and monosaccharide composition were arabinose and galactose, both contained hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, hydroxyl radical, sulfate, beta glycosidic bond and alpha glycosidic bond structure. The molecular weight of PP1 and PP2 were 6.16 × 104 (±6.6%) and 9.01 × 104 (±3.2%), respectively. The results of this study laid the foundation for further development and application of polysaccharides from pomegranate flowers.

Separation and Preliminary Identification of Intestinal Probiotics of Laying Hens

[Objective] The paper was to isolate and identify probiotics in the intestine of laying hens. [Method] The intestinal probiotics in laying hens at peak period were isolated using conventional separation methods; the physical and chemical properties of target strains and in vitro antibacterial effects were measured. Moreover, the safety test of chicks was conducted. [Result] Four strains of lactobacillus were isolated from the jejunum of laying hens, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus acidophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. Delbrueckii and L. delbrueckii subsp. Lactis, and their inhibition zone diameters were 18.30, 16.07, 11.45, 17.26 mm, respectively. One strain of Lactobacillus, L. brevis, was isolated from the cecum, with the inhibition zone diameter of 10.26 mm. Three strains of bacillus were isolated from the cecum, including Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus and B. licheniformis, and their inhibition zone diameters were 9.25, 8.46 and 8.37 mm, respectively. Daily drinking 2 billion units of viable bacteria was the safe dosage for chicks. [Conclusion] Eight strains of probiotics had certain inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli O;, and had no toxic side effects to chicks. Lactobacillus had strong antibacterial effect on E. coli O;, while the antibacterial effect of bacillus was relatively weak.

Adsorption-Desorption Characteristics of Chlorimuron-Ethyl in Soils

The adsorption-desorption characteristics of chlorimuron-ethyl in soils were investigated to provide the basic data for evaluating the safety in field and the risk to water resource. The adsorption-desorption experiment was conducted by the batch equilibration and HPLC techniques; furthermore, data were analyzed with 5 mathematic models to describe the characteristics and mechanism of adsorption-desorption and translocation of the herbicide in soils. The results showed that the adsorption-desorption isotherms of chlorimuron-ethyl fitted for the Freundlich model well, and the physical reaction presents the main contribution during the adsorption-desorption process. The adsorption values （Kads-f） of chlorimuron-ethyl in 8 types of soil ranged from 0.798 to 6.891. The isotherms of 2# （Jiangxi clay） and 3# （Jiangxi sand loam） soils belong to the S-type curve, while the isotherms of another 6 type soils belong to the L-type isotherm. The results of desorption indicated that the hysteresis phenomena appeared during the desorption process, and the hysteresis coefficients （H） of the herbicides in 8 soils varied from 0.259-0.980. Furthermore, Kads-f and desorption values （Kads-f） increased with the OM （%） and the clay content increasing, while the values decreased with the soils pH increasing. The H values decreased with the OM and the clay content increasing, and increased with the soils pH increasing. It can be concluded that the low adsorption abilities of chlorimuron-ethyl in test soils and un-reversible adsorption existed in the process, which will induce the great translocation of the herbicide after application in field. It can be transported to ground or groundwater causing risk to environments. The physical and chemical properties of soils, including the OM, the clay content, and the pH of soil were the dominating factors during the adsorption-desorption.

Synergistic effect of vermiculite and submerged plants on lake sediments

The synergistic effect of vermiculite and the submerged macrophytes Vallisneria spiralis and Hydrilla verticillata on lake sediment was studied using diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT)technology.The dynamics of phosphorus(P)fractions in sediment,the labile-P and labile-S in the water-sediment continuum,and the microbial community in the rhizosphere were studied.Vermiculite effectively promoted reproduction of microorganisms in the sediments Microbial abundance in treatments containing V.spiralis with sediments containing 10%added vermiculite,and H.verticillata containing 50%added vermiculite being 1.7 and 3.5 times higher than the controls which contained no added vermiculite.Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria populations,which are both beneficial for the sediment microenvironment,were higher in treatment groups containing vermiculite.The bioavailable-P in treatment groups containing added vermiculite was lower at the sediment-water interface,with a correlating decrease of TP by between 63%and 91%in the overlying water.This suggests that vermiculite can affect the release of labile P and facilitate the assimilation of nutrients by macrophyte roots.Additionally,vermiculite can improve the Oxidation-Reduction potential and further reduce sulfide toxicity to plants.These results provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the application of vermiculite combined with submerged plants for the remediation of eutrophic lakes.