The Microbial Necrobiome Involved in the Soil Decomposition Process

Soil microorganisms play a key role in carbon and nutrient cycling processes, which includes the creation and decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). At the same time, microorganisms use organic C as an energy source, for their development, and to support their functions. Based on our literature search we identified only one model proposed to date for necromass cycle which includes four key stages of the necromass continuum: production, recycling, stabilization, and destabilization. We further scrutinized factors to better understand/explain the processes related to this vital cycle. Microbial necromass is a significant and enduring part of the soil organic carbon (SOC), which is the primary C reservoir in terrestrial ecosystems. Assessing microbial necromass C stocks and understanding how they respond to global changes has become a standard approach in soil C cycle research. Nevertheless, the conventional proxies used to estimate necromass C levels do not provide insights into the dynamic processes and transformations that occur within the soil, ultimately shaping the persistence of microbial necromass

Effect of Rhizobium Bacteria Inoculation Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) at Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Field peas (Pisum sativum L.) is economically a significant crop in Ethiopia. The yield of field peas in our country has fell due to poor management practices of Bio fertilizer rates usage. Three rates of bio fertilizer (0, 250 and 500g ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Number of nodules per plant, Pod numbers per plant, plant height, and effective nodule number of productive tillers, total biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield were recorded and significantly affected by bio-fertilizer rate application. The determined or the highest grain yield (2671kg ha-1) was recorded from 250 g ha-1 bio-fertilizer rate. Almost 250g ha-1 bio fertilizer rates were superior for the research area. Nevertheless, more investigation has to be done under different locations and seasons to come up with practical recommendations correlated to the current study

Theoretical Aspects for Designing a Land Consolidation Software

Land consolidation is a process widely used in Europe for counteracting the effects of land fragmentation. Eastern Europe and Romania have encountered this problem after the fall of communism in 1989. The purpose of this paper is to lay the foundations for designing a software application for land consolidation in Romania. This research adopts the constructivist paradigm using the methodology of hermeneutics for literature review. A land consolidation software should be able to provide certain functionalities – relocate and reallocate parcels and evaluate them on a score scale that takes into account: the surface and shape of the parcels, location, accessibility, relief conditions, floods, restrictions, land improvements and economic value

Response of Intercropping Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) with Cowpea and Nitrogen Application on Growth and Yield of Sorghum

Sorghum grain yields have remained low despite the emergence of higher yield varieties, due to inadequate soil fertility, unsuitable cropping patterns, and restricted nitrogen fertilizer application (N). Cowpea integration and N utilization in sorghum-based cropping systems are likely to boost yield. However, knowledge of the impacts of sorghum-cowpea intercropping, nitrogen usage, and their interactions on companion crop performance is lacking. The effect of sorghum-cowpea intercropping and three N rates on the growth and yield of two sorghum varieties (ETS 2752 and ETS 4946) and two cowpea varieties (Keti and Bole) was investigated in RCBD with a split-plot arrangement, replicated three times. Sorghum grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index, fertile tiller m-2, leaf area index, panicle weight, and CGR. Sorghum/cowpea intercropping was more productive than sole (LER>1). ETS 2752 was superior to ETS 4946 in terms of growth and yield, hence it is recommended to farmers for commercial production. Therefore, the sole cropping system and N addition were effective in enhancing growth and grain yield of sorghum and cowpea, hence recommended for commercial production of ETS 2752. Intercropping is only recommended for sorghum production to improve household food security since it improves land productivity (LER>1)

Therapeutic Insights into Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Phytochemical Composition, Bioactive Properties, and Health Benefits

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), hailed as the "King of Spices," holds a prominent place not only in culinary practices but also in traditional and modern medicine.  This review brings together new information about the different phytochemicals in black pepper, its bioactive properties, and its medical uses. It focuses on piperine and essential oils, which are two of its main bioactive components. The spice encompasses a rich composition of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The botanical characteristics, cultivation patterns, and economic importance of Piper nigrum are reviewed, alongside its extensive use in treating respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation. The bioavailability-enhancing effects of piperine, which amplify the absorption of drugs and nutrients, are emphasized. Also, black pepper essential oil has many health benefits, such as protecting neurons, lowering blood sugar, and fighting cancer. These benefits are mostly due to compounds like β-caryophyllene, sabinene, and limonene. While the pharmacological potential of black pepper is well-recognized, this review highlights critical research gaps, including the need for standardized methodologies and robust clinical trials. By synthesizing data from multidisciplinary studies, this work provides a comprehensive outlook on the multifaceted applications of black pepper, laying a foundation for future innovations in health and industry

Research on the Productive Performance of Some Romanian Pea Varieties in Ecological and Conventional Systems

Pea is one of the most important crop plants (second after soybean) in the Fabaceae family (Shanthakumar et al., 2022) being considered a safe and cheap source of protein, starch, fiber, vitamins and minerals, low-fat, gluten-free, and low-allergenic (Munialo et al. 2014). Leaving the field early and leaving the soil enriched in nitrogen thanks to the symbiosis between the pea roots and Rhizobium spp. bacteria creates ideal conditions for the plants that follow in the rotation. the present paper, we aimed to test the influence of the biological cultivation method on the productivity elements of native yellow pea varieties in the eco-pedological conditions of Transylvania, elaboration of recommendations regarding the applied technology on some morphological and productivity elements in autumn peas. Pea crops were placed in two different locations (SDE Cojocna and private farm in Fundatura), under the same pedoclimatic conditions. In the organic farming system, the Olguța variety showed a reduced number of pods/plants, number of grains in the pod and the highest value of the MMB. In the organic farming system, the most productive pea variety was Ghittia with a production of over 2300 kg/ha and in the conventional farming system Olguța with 5000 kg/ha yield

Camellia sinensis L. (Green Tea): Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Properties – A Comprehensive Review

Medicinal plants have become increasingly preferred over drugs due to the sense of well-being they promote, thanks to their rich content in bioactive compounds with many health benefits, as well as their lack of adverse effects compared to pharmaceuticals. At the same time, they can relieve the symptoms of some conditions and also contribute to the prevention of various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Camellia sinensis L., known as the plant from which green, black, and oolong teas are obtained, as well as other varieties, is one of the most famous medicinal plants, bringing a multitude of benefits to the human body, mainly through the compounds in its leaves, the largest proportion being represented by catechins, a type of polyphenol recognized for their strong antioxidant properties. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), the most important and abundant catechin, is known for its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.Although less studied, the flowers of this plant are also rich in bioactive compounds found in the leaves, along with unique compounds but also others with multiple therapeutic properties. Research indicates that the regular consumption of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) significantly enhances life quality and promotes longevity by lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer, including colorectal and gastric cancers

Public Perception of Red Clover’s Uses in Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacy

Red clover is an important perennial allogamous plant from the Fabaceae family that plays a significant role in agriculture, health and environmental sustainability worldwide. This study aims to evaluate people's knowledge of the medicinal properties of red clover and their opinion on its use in medicine. The study was carried out on people from Cluj-Napoca, using an online questionnaire developed in Google Forms. The survey link was randomly sent via Messenger, WhatsApp and Gmail platforms between October 1 and December 1, 2024. A total of 110 participants took part in the study. The questions from section B showed good consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.723. Most respondents with high knowledge of red clover’s medicinal use were from medical (10.3%) and related fields (86.3%), and they obtained their information mostly from internet (43.6%). Most respondents believe that red clover-based medicines offer health benefits (52%) and would consider using them based on a doctor's recommendation (57%). Overall, people expressed interest in the use of red clover, highlighting the plant’s importance for health

The Cypress Jewel Beetle Lamprodila Festiva Linné, 1767 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an Invasive Major Pest of Thuja Occidentalis Linné in Romania

The invasive species called the cypress jewel beetle, Lampodila festiva Linné (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a major pest in urban areas, infesting the white cedar, Thuja occidentalis Linné (Cupressales: Cupressaceae), in parks, gardens, nurseries and hedges. The insects develops in wood, affecting the trees by galleries made by larvae inside. The invasion of the beetle was growing faster in the last years, migrating from its native area of Mediteranean region, including parts of Northern Africa,   to the Southern and Western Europe, then in the Central and Eastern countries. The studies were carried out in 2017-2024 in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), in different area of the city (11 locations) and in laboratory conditions. The insects have been observed and collected from the colonized plants of white cedar, Thuja occidentalis Linné and then photographed and studied with the corresponding description

Breeding Techniques on Pulse Crops to Enhance Climate Resilience: A Review

The major food and economic crops known as pulse crops is produced in tropical and temperate countries. Due to their advantages, pulse crop production and consumer demand have grown significantly over the past 20 years. Low yield and variability, which are partially attributable to the effects of environmental stress, preclude future pulse crop production despite enhanced breeding efforts and the development of pulse crop production in diverse agro-climatic areas. Pulse crops physiology, morphology, and capacity for reproduction are all impacted by environmental stress, which affects yield. It is believed that the most important time for yield production is during the reproductive stage, when exposed to environmental challenges. In this review, we assess the effects of environmental stress on the growth and productivity of pulse crops during the reproductive stage, as well as the features that may confer adaptation. The present research's shortcomings, such as the small number of genotypes, shortage of field trials, and incomplete experimental data are listed. In order to speed up breeding efforts and produce more resilient pulse crop cultivars for the present and the future, the review highlight the potential to take advantage of new tools and technologies like high-throughput phenotyping platforms, gene editing, and genomic selection