Rice straw biochar and NPK minerals for sustainable crop production in arid soils: a case study on maize‐wheat cropping system

Maize and wheat are the main cereals grown in Egypt. However, the country relies on grain imports to meet its local demands. In order to improve their production, appropriate fertilization programs are needed. The present study investigates the effects of amending a clayey soil of an arid region with rice straw biochar and NPK mineral fertilizers, individually or in combination, for increasing growth and productivity of maize and wheat crops. Additionally, impacts of these additives on soil biological activities and carbon (C) transformations in soil were a matter of concern herein. To achieve this objective, a field research of a randomized block design was conducted during the summer (maize) and winter (wheat) seasons of 2020/2021. The following treatments were considered: unmodified control (CK), 100% N inputs in the form of biochar (reference organic treatment, RSB) (T1), 100% mineral treatment (reference inorganic treatment, T2), 75% RSB + 25% NPK minerals (T3), 50% RSB + 50% NPK minerals (T4) and 25% RSB + 75% NPK minerals (T5). Additional doses of mineral fertilizers were added to treatments from T3 to T5 to maintain NPK inputs within the recommended doses. Key results showed that all additives significantly enhanced plant growth parameters and productivity. They also increased soil organic carbon level by the end of the growing season hence reduced soil bulk density, even for the treatment that received only mineral NPK applications (T2). All additives also upraised soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil available nitrogen (N), and soil salinity. However, sole application of biochar recorded the least increase in soil salinity. Combined mineral-organic treatments not only recorded the highest increases in soluble and microbial fractions of organic carbon and nitrogen in soil; but also noted the greatest improvements in growth and grain productivity of maize and wheat versus sole applications of mineral fertilizers or biochar. The alkaline nature of biochar was buffered by soil while no significant differences were observed in harvest index among treatments. In conclusion, combined use of biochar and mineral fertilizers, especially T5 is recommended for increasing soil fertility and wheat and maize grain productvity

Modeling climatic, terrain and soil factors using AHP in GIS for grapevines suitability assessment

The study carried out in Matera, Italy, used multi-criteria decision-making techniques and geographic information systems to identify optimal area management for sustainable grape production. Terrain parameters such as temperature, pH, humidity, soil texture, slope, altitude, nutrients and precipitation were considered. ArcGIS maps were created, and the northwest part of the field was identified as a favorable area. Fuzzy maps were generated, and measurements were taken in each area to determine optimal land management. The results revealed that 51% of the area was very highly suitable for agricultural activities, and 49% was considered high suitable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the AHP results demonstrated a high level of accuracy, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC). The produced maps indicated a similar trend of increasing zone management priorities for physico-chemicals as depth fluctuate. Additionally, results showed that remote sensing indices were the most important variables to predict physico-chemicals zone management. The study also highlighted that the majority of the area supported plant growth due to favorable temperature and humidity conditions, with only a small portion in the northwest showing less favorable results. By identifying management zones, the study aimed to protect crops, better use of irrigation water and improve yields. This study highlights the potential of integrating satellite remote sensing, GIS technology and AHP as a valuable tool for agricultural land use planners and policy makers in identifying optimal locations for managing grape production. © 2024 The Author(s). Sustainable Development published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Nanoecology: Exploring Engineered Nanoparticles’ Impact on Soil Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity

NANOTECHNOLOGY is a growing field that explores the interactions between engineered nanoparticles and ecosystems, with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. Engineered nanoparticles are intentionally designed at the nanoscale and offer unique properties and diverse applications, making them increasingly prevalent in consumer products and industrial processes. However, their release into the environment has raised concerns about potential ecological consequences, particularly their impacts on soil health. Studies have shown that engineered nanoparticles can have complex effects on soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling, with responses ranging from positive to adverse. Additionally, their ability to be absorbed and translocated by plants brings upon questions about their potential bioaccumulation in food chains and their effects on higher trophic levels. Understanding these intricate interactions is crucial for developing sustainable nanotechnology applications that can benefit agriculture and environmental remediation without compromising the ecosystem health. Nanoecology is an emerging field that requires attention to ethical and regulatory considerations in the use of nanomaterials. To ensure that these advanced technologies contribute positively to the ecosystem, researchers and policymakers must address these aspects. By understanding the complex interactions between nanoparticles and ecosystems, nanoecology offers the potential for innovative solutions that promote sustainable coexistence between nanotechnology and the natural world. This study specifically focuses on the relationship between engineered nanoparticles and soil health profiling. It provides a concise overview of this relationship, emphasizing the importance of responsible nanoparticle use. Additionally, the study highlights the need for monitoring soil health in soils contaminated with nanoparticles. Overall, this research underscores the significance of considering ethical and regulatory factors in the use of nanomaterials. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of nanoparticles on soil health and the need for responsible practices in their application

Bacterial Nanocellulose‐Based Composite Biocatalysts for Starch‐to‐Bioethanol Valorization under Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation

Composite biocatalysts (CB) consisting of amylases and Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized separately on bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) are used for the process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of starch (5%, w/v) for bioethanol production. Parameters such as: i) addition of phosphates and/or divalent metal‐ions salts during the co‐immobilization process of the amylases, ii) required co‐immobilization time, iii) fermentation temperature and initial pH of starch, and iv) CB as single or double freeze‐dried are studied. The utilization of double freeze‐dried CB exhibits fermentation efficiency 89.9% and ethanol yield 0.51 g ethanol g−1 starch while the single freeze‐dried CB 81.1% and 0.46 g ethanol g−1 starch, respectively. In the case of double freeze‐dried CB, the fermentation efficiency decreases by only 27.1% in two‐recycling batches, while in the single freeze‐dried one decreases by 51.3%. The application of double freeze‐dried CB can be used for: i) the eco‐friendly biosynthesis of value‐added bioproducts; ii) the promising option for fuel‐grade bioethanol through starchy wastes or foodstuff starchy residues treatment, and iii) the implementation of industrialization. Finally, to simulate an industrial process of one‐step SSF of starch by applying a CB model, a technoeconomic analysis is evaluated, where using BNCs makes the bioprocess cost‐effective and environmentally favorable, simultaneously

Irrigation Practices and Their Effects on Soil Quality and Soil Characteristics in Arid Lands: A Comprehensive Geomatic Analysis

Comprehension of the long-term effects of irrigation on basic soil characteristics and quality is essential for sustainable land management and agricultural production, particularly in arid regions where water availability is limited. This study aimed to investigate long-term irrigation effects on soil quality, soil organic carbon (SOC), and nitrogen (N) stocks in the arid lands of Egypt. Seventy soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine various soil properties. A soil quality index (SQI), SOC, and N stocks were computed. ANOVA and PCA analyses were used to identify signifiant differences between alluvial soils in the southwest part of the investigated area and coastal marine soils in the northeast of the study area. The results demonstrated that most of the studied soil parameters had signifiantly greater values in alluvial compared to coastal marine soils. Long-term irrigation led to an 8.00% increase in SOC and 7.22% increase in N stocks compared to coastal marine soils production. Furthermore, a 39.53% increase was found in the SQI upon longterm irrigation practice. These results suggest that shifting from rain-fed in coastal marine areas to irrigated production systems in alluvial filds can improve soil quality, SOC, and N stocks. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the impact of additional factors, such as irrigation method and salinity status of sub-surface soil layers, to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable land use

Irrigation Water Quality Assessment in Egyptian Arid Lands, Utilizing Irrigation Water Quality Index and Geo-Spatial Techniques

This study focused on assessing surface water quality in the northwest part of the Egyptian Nile Delta (El-Menoufia Governorate) and evaluated water suitability for irrigation purposes using the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), Permeability Index (PI), Wilcox, United State Salinity (USSL) diagram, and Piper trilinear diagrams categories, taking into consideration various water quality parameters. The results showed that, based on the IWQI, most of the water samples (61.8%) in the investigated area fell under the no restriction water (NR) category. Furthermore, the Wilcox diagram demonstrated that most of the investigated water samples (93.6%) are categorized as doubtful water; this shows that those samples have a higher sodium content material. According to the USSL diagram, most of the water samples (70.9%) fell into the high salinity (C) and moderate sodium (S) content (C3S2) class. According to the PI index, 8.2% of the tested water samples fell into class II (suitable for irrigation) and 91.8% fell into class III (unsuitable for irrigation). Based on the Piper trilinear, the water type is Na-Cl-HCO3. According to these results, most of the water samples require more water regulations, are categorized as doubtful water that causes plants’ augmentation sensitivity if used for irrigation, and fell into the high salinity (EC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) magnitude, which might have negative outcomes on soil and plant health if used for irrigation, have extensive obstacles, and are improper for irrigation. Therefore, proper management practices and treatments may be vital to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and SAR on soil and plant health in this study area. Therefore, addressing water deficiency and quality in Egypt’s northwest Nile delta is crucial for suitable irrigation purposes

Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis exhibit elevated autoantibody titers against mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein and exhibit decreased activity of the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, associated with an excess of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), the antibodies against oxLDL and the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2 )(Lp-PLA(2)) may play important roles in inflammation and atherosclerosis. We investigated the plasma levels of oxLDL and Lp-PLA(2 )activity as well as the autoantibody titers against mildly oxLDL in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). The long-term effects of immunointervention on these parameters in patients with active disease were also determined. Fifty-eight ERA patients who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria were included in the study. Patients were treated with methotrexate and prednisone. Sixty-three apparently healthy volunteers also participated in the study and served as controls. Three different types of mildly oxLDL were prepared at the end of the lag, propagation and decomposition phases of oxidation. The serum autoantibody titers of the IgG type against all types of oxLDL were determined by an ELISA method. The plasma levels of oxLDL and the Lp-PLA(2 )activity were determined by an ELISA method and by the trichloroacetic acid precipitation procedure, respectively. At baseline, ERA patients exhibited elevated autoantibody titers against all types of mildly oxLDL as well as low activity of the total plasma Lp-PLA(2 )and the Lp-PLA(2 )associated with the high-density lipoprotein, compared with controls. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the elevated autoantibody titers towards oxLDL at the end of the decomposition phase of oxidation and the low plasma Lp-PLA(2 )activity are independently associated with ERA. After immunointervention autoantibody titers against all types of oxLDL were decreased in parallel to the increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-Lp-PLA(2 )activity. We conclude that elevated autoantibody titers against oxLDL at the end of the decomposition phase of oxidation and low plasma Lp-PLA(2 )activity are feature characteristics of patients with ERA, suggesting an important role of these parameters in the pathophysiology of ERA as well as in the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in these patients