Petr Bartos

Bio: Petr Bartos is an academic researcher from Sewanee: The University of the South. The author has contributed to research in topics: Plasma & Debye sheath. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 54 publications receiving 312 citations. Previous affiliations of Petr Bartos include Charles University in Prague.

Advances in nutrient management make it possible to accelerate biogas production and thus improve the economy of food waste processing

Abstract: Foodwaste (hereinafter, FW) is the most voluminous solid waste and its amount is growing rapidly all over the world. The turning of FW into biogas via anaerobic fermentation is widely recognized as...

Economic impacts of soil fertility degradation by traces of iron from drinking water treatment

Abstract: The most common drinking water clarification technology worldwide is based on precipitation using the floccules of iron(III) oxide-hydroxide FeO(OH). The coagulation sludge obtained is usually mixed with biowaste and composted. Inexperienced farmers are interested in these composts, in the expectation that the smallest fractions of the precipitated organic matter together with the colloidal particles of clay captured during the clarification process might increase the level of soil organic matter as well as cation-exchange capacity (CEC) of soil and increase crop yields. Nevertheless, those who have used these composts observed that plants on treated soil show signs of phosphorus (P) insufficiency, despite having been fertilized appropriately. It has been published recently that the traces of iron (Fe) from the FeO(OH) turn the soil P into Fe phosphates (FeP), which makes P not readily available to agricultural plants. A 6-year field-scale experiment was carried out and was accompanied by robust analyses on soils and yields. It was confirmed that the traces of Fe from the coagulation sludge worsen the availability of soil P to plants. However, for the first time, evidence has been obtained concerning the fact that the Fe also damages the efficiency of P fertilizers applied afterward. A questionnaire was conducted among drinking water treatment plant operators and regulators to identify a reason why similar practices have not been banned yet. The results showed a growing awareness of the issue among experts, but politicians seem to prefer putting off unpopular measures. We recommend abandoning the application of these composts onto arable land and the revitalization of the affected fields using biochar activated by calcium and aluminum phosphates (CaP and AlP) so that the problem is not delayed to such an extent that its solution would become a problem for future generations.

Biochemical and economical effect of application biostimulants containing seaweed extracts and amino acids as an element of agroecological management of bean cultivation

Abstract: The implementation of agronomic activities, based on the use of biostimulants, is an important element of agroecological practices. Therefore, comprehensive research was carried on the use of biostimulants. A field experiment was performed in 2016-2018 with common bean of Mexican Black cultivar. In particular growing seasons, bean plants were treated with Kelpak SL (seaweed extracts) and Terra Sorb Complex (free amino acids) in the form of single and double spraying with two solutions concentrations. According to the obtained data, application of biostimulants increased the yield of bean. Better results were observed after the use of Kelpak SL. The application of preparations influenced nutritional and nutraceutical quality of bean seeds. Terra Sorb Complex caused the highest increase in proteins level. In the light of achieved data, biostimulants in similar level decreased the starch accumulation. The most promising results, in the context of nutraceutical value of bean, were obtained in the case of increasing level of fiber. A positive impact of biostimulants on the seeds antioxidant potential was noted, expressed by the increased synthesis of phenolics, flavonoid, anthocyanins and antioxidant activities. Results of this study, directly indicate economic benefits from the use of biostimulants, which are extremely important to the farmers.

Particle-in-Cell Charged Particle Simulations, plus Monte Carlo Collisions with Neutral Atoms, PIC-MCC

Abstract: Many-particle charged-particle plasma simulations using spatial meshes for the electromagnetic field solutions, particle-in-cell (PIC) merged with Monte Carlo collision (MCC) calculations, are coming into wide use for application to partially ionized gases. The author emphasizes the development of PIC computer experiments since the 1950s starting with one-dimensional (1-D) charged-sheet models, the addition of the mesh, and fast direct Poisson equation solvers for 2-D and 3-D. Details are provided for adding the collisions between the charged particles and neutral atoms. The result is many-particle simulations with many of the features met in low-temperature collision plasmas; for example, with applications to plasma-assisted materials processing, but also related to warmer plasmas at the edges of magnetized fusion plasmas. >

Patterns of new versus recycled primary production in the terrestrial biosphere (Invited)

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability regulate plant productivity throughout the terrestrial biosphere, influencing the patterns and magnitude of net primary production (NPP) by land plants both now and into the future. These nutrients enter ecosystems via geologic and atmospheric pathways and are recycled to varying degrees through the plant–soil–microbe system via organic matter decay processes. However, the proportion of global NPP that can be attributed to new nutrient inputs versus recycled nutrients is unresolved, as are the large-scale patterns of variation across terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we combined satellite imagery, biogeochemical modeling, and empirical observations to identify previously unrecognized patterns of new versus recycled nutrient (N and P) productivity on land. Our analysis points to tropical forests as a hotspot of new NPP fueled by new N (accounting for 45% of total new NPP globally), much higher than previous estimates from temperate and high-latitude regions. The large fraction of tropical forest NPP resulting from new N is driven by the high capacity for N fixation, although this varies considerably within this diverse biome; N deposition explains a much smaller proportion of new NPP. By contrast, the contribution of new N to primary productivity is lower outside the tropics, and worldwide, new P inputs are uniformly low relative to plant demands. These results imply that new N inputs have the greatest capacity to fuel additional NPP by terrestrial plants, whereas low P availability may ultimately constrain NPP across much of the terrestrial biosphere.

Dietary inclusion effects of phytochemicals as growth promoters in animal production.

Abstract: Growth promoters have been widely used as a strategy to improve productivity, and great benefits have been observed throughout the meat production chain. However, the prohibition of growth promoters in several countries, as well as consumer rejection, has led industry and the academy to search for alternatives. For decades, the inclusion of phytochemicals in animal feed has been proposed as a replacement for traditional growth promoters. However, there are many concerns about the application of phytochemicals and their impact on the various links in the meat production chain (productive performance, carcass and meat quality). Therefore, the effects of these feed additives are reviewed in this article, along with their potential safety and consumer benefits, to understand the current state of their use. In summary, the replacement of traditional growth promoters in experiments with broilers yielded benefits in all aspects of the meat production chain, such as improvements in productive performance and carcass and meat quality. Although the effects in pigs have been similar to those observed in broilers, fewer studies have been carried out in pigs, and there is a need to define the types of phytochemicals to be used and the appropriate stages for adding such compounds. In regard to ruminant diets, few studies have been conducted, and their results have been inconclusive. Therefore, it is necessary to propose more in vivo studies to determine other strategies for phytochemical inclusion in the production phases and to select the appropriate types of compounds. It is also necessary to define the variables that will best elucidate the mechanism(s) of action that will enable the future replacement of synthetic growth promoters with phytochemical feed additives.