Showing papers in "Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a guide for the farmers or peasants and gardeners with an essential information about biochar and what the ability of biochar can be achieved in the soil, and which can provide the scientific reference for the biochar application.
Abstract: Improving the soil and biomass with coal is estimated at the international level as a way to enhance soil productiveness, fertility and also to mitigate climate change. Biochar employed to improve land scope and impound carbon, is attracting a great deal of attention. Its characteristics of chemical, physical and biological properties, containing big surface area, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), high water-holding capacity, size of pore, volume, distribution, and element composition, affect its recognized influences, particularly on microbial communities. These are discovered in the agriculture lands, lands remediation and composting. However, incomplete information existed about biochar for several farmers or peasants in agriculture scope. Therefore, farmers or peasants and gardeners are facing new opportunities and defiance each day, from feeding global extending and expanding population, whilst meeting severe new emissions requirements, to create more food on fewer land area while reducing their environmental emissions. Widespread application and utilization of biochar in agricultural scope, forestry production, energy, environmental protection and additional areas, has interested awareness by scientists and investigators inside and/or outside the country. The objective of this paper is to provide a guide for the farmers or peasants and gardeners with an essential information about biochar and what the ability of biochar can be achieved in the soil, and which can provide the scientific reference for the biochar application, and to get high yield and good quality of crops in all of different soils.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the quality of groundwater based on the comparison of the physiochemical characteristics and distribution of cations and anions in groundwater from rural areas, and focus on the evaluation of groundwater as some specific purposes such as agricultural and industrial use, general types of groundwater, lithological origin of chemical component in groundwater.
Abstract: Understanding of the aquifer hydraulic properties and hydrochemical characteristics of water is crucial for management plan and study skims in the target area, and flow motions and chemical species of groundwater are regarded as precious information on the geological history of the aquifers and the suitability of various usages. Cations and anions of groundwater are used to estimate the characteristics and origin of groundwater. In this study, we try to evaluate the quality of groundwater based on the comparison of the physiochemical characteristics and distribution of cations and anions in groundwater from rural areas. Therefore we focused on the evaluation of groundwater as some specific purposes such as agricultural and industrial use, general types of groundwater, lithological origin of chemical component in groundwater. In this point of view, major objectives of this study were grouped as following three categories: 1) quality assessment of groundwater as a special usage (agricultural, industrial); 2) determination of groundwater types; 3) tracing of ion sources of groundwater. The quality of agricultural water was evaluated using SAR, sodium (%), RSC, PI, SSP, MH, PS, and Kelly’s ratio, and was classified as SAR (Excellent (100%)), Sodium ((Excellent (34%), Good (55%), Permissible (9%), Doubtful (1.6%), Unsuitable (0.4%)), RSC (Good (95.7%), Medium (3.5%), Bad (0.8%)), PI((Excellent (40.6%), Good (59%), Unsuitable (0.4%)), SSP ((Excellent (26.3%), Good (59.8%), Fair (13.1%), Poor (0.8%)), MH ((Acceptable (94.4%), Non-Acceptable (5.6%)), Kelly’s Ratio ((Permissible (93%), Non-Permissible (7%)), PS ((Excellent to Good (98%), Good to Injurious (1.2%), and Injurious to Unsatisfactory (0.2%)). Evaluation based on the Wilcox diagram was classified as “excellent to good” or “good to permissible”, and the water quality evaluated using the U.S. salinity Laboratory’s Diagram was classified as C1S1 (Excellent/Excellent) and C2S1 (Good/Excellent). And, in the applications of two factors of Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and Corrosive ratio (CR), we could get similar results for defining the suitabilities of groundwater for the industrial purpose. And the groundwater samples were also classified groundwater using the Piper diagram and estimated the origin of ions using the Gibbs and Chadah diagram, and the classifications based on the Piper diagram showed that the types of the groundwater are type and type. And, estimation of dominance type (evaporation, rock, precipitation) based on the Gibbs diagram showed that the origin of anion and cation in groundwater are from the rock-dominance, and the estimation of origin of anions using the Chadha diagram showed that the most of the ionic species was originated from the interactions between alkaline earths and alkali metals contained in the soil. And through the source-rock deduction followed by the comparison of Gibbs and Chadah diagram, it was shown that the chemical components in the groundwater were mostly induced from the water-rock deduction and major types of groundwater samples following the Chadah diagram were categorized such as following group types: dolomite type, gypsum type, alkaline and alkaline earth type.
40 citations
TL;DR: Thymol acetate was considered as the most suitable commercially viable plant-based fungicide due to its superior efficacy as well as lowest residue.
Abstract: Thymol, the key component of the thyme oil and its derivatives were evaluated for their structure activity relationship as fungicide against Rhizoctonia solani. Since plant-based chemicals are considered as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) chemicals, there is great potential to use those and synthetic derivatives against R. solani and other fungal pathogens, in vitro, and in the greenhouse or field conditions. Among the six thymol derivatives evaluated, thymol acetate was considered as the most suitable commercially viable plant-based fungicide due to its superior efficacy as well as lowest residue.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a methodology to identify and select the most appropriate indicators of Soil Quality Index (SQI) in a region with high agricultural activity using a descriptive statistical analysis and a Pearson correlation matrix.
Abstract: The knowledge of the soil quality plays a vital role in the agricultural sector. Despite its importance, there is scarce scientific information concerning this regard. The objective of this research is to develop a methodology to identify and select the most appropriate indicators of Soil Quality Index (SQI) in a region with high agricultural activity. For its conformation, a descriptive statistical analysis and a Pearson correlation matrix were performed and the indicators that showed greater variation were identified using a Principal Components Analysis (PCA). A sensitivity analysis was carried out and the most sensible soil indicators of SQI were identified. This statistical procedure was also used to specify the weights of the indicators in SQI. The variables resulting from the multiparametric statistical analysis were pH, organic matter, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, cation exchange capacity and electrical conductivity. The robustness of the SQI obtained in this study was demonstrated through simulations carried out by the numerical optimization through simplex method. The Soil Quality Index range obtained (0.54 - 0.75) locates Culiacan Valley soils as moderate/high quality.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a functional biodegradable nonwoven with antimicrobial microcapsules was developed for use in agriculture applications, which was obtained using hemp fibers by Wetlaid technology.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to develop a functional biodegradable nonwoven with antimicrobial microcapsules maintaining the stability and biodegradability of the nonwoven for use in agriculture applications. The nonwoven was obtained using hemp fibers by Wetlaid technology. Microcapsules were prepared by co-extrusion/gelling method with alginate as shell and oregano oil as core material. The microcapsules were developed to protect and control release of oregano oil. Microcapsules were incorporated on the nonwoven by coating method using a natural polymer as a graft material. After incorporating micro-capsules, the nonwoven was subjected to several tests in order to determinate the microcapsules fixation and their functionality. The nonwovens were characterized for their antimicrobial activity against different kinds of bacteria and fungi. Nonwoven loaded with microcapsules was found to show good antimicrobial activity in comparison with nonwoven that was not loaded with microcapsules.
9 citations
TL;DR: Soil properties differed with SFMP, and both determined mineral concentrations in vegetables for human health, and differed among soils.
Abstract: Collective efforts to fight mineral nutrient malnutrition in humans require consideration of soil fertility management practices (SFMP) in vegetable production This study aimed at establishing the relationship between SFMP and vegetable nutrient concentration for human health in farming systems of Tanzania Soil and vegetable samples collected from vegetable growing areas in Kilombero and Dodoma were analyzed for chemical properties and mineral nutrient concentration Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were employed The results showed that soil pH in Kilombero ranged from 604 to 68 and in Dodoma ranged from 623 to 858 The organic C was low, ranged from 010% to 187% All soils studied had sufficient Zn (045 to 293 mg/kg), Cu (071 to 323 mg/kg), Fe (370 to 1717 mg/kg) and Mn (284 to 4138 mg/kg) Zinc concentration in all vegetables ranged from 1257 to 13454 mg/kg, 14% of vegetables had low Zn (<20 mg/kg) for human health The Cu concentration in vegetables ranged from 007 to 5237 mg/kg, and vegetables from Kilombero had very low Cu (<010 mg/kg) for plant and human nutrition Vegetable Fe and Mn concentration ranged from 15295 to 1780 mg/kg and 3510 to 32182 mg/kg, respectively The SFMP used did not affect mineral micronutrients concentration in vegetables, but affected soil Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations Soil pH, Zn, and CEC correlated with vegetable Cu, K, Mg, Zn, P and Fe concentrations, and differed among soils Therefore, soil properties differed with SFMP, and both determined mineral concentrations in vegetables for human health
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a pot-culture experiment with a leafy vegetable, Kalmi (Ipomoea aquatica), on an Inceptisols, was conducted where As was applied with irrigation water at the rates of 0 mg/L (As control), 0.5 mg/l, 1 mg/ l, 1 ml, and 2 ml during pot preparation and Zn was added to the soil as ZnCl2 solution at the rate of
Abstract: Availability of soil arsenic (As) and plant As at various levels of zinc (Zn) and As applications were examined. A pot-culture experiment with a leafy vegetable, Kalmi (Ipomoea aquatica), on an Inceptisols, was conducted where As was applied with irrigation water at the rates of 0 mg/L (As control), 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L and Zn was added to the soil as ZnCl2 solution at the rate of 0 mg/L (Zn control), 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L and 3 mg/L during pot preparation. The experiment was conducted in triplicates for 45 days till the plants were grown to maturity. At the end of the experiment the remedial effect of Zn on As toxicity was examined and as such, yield parameters, As and Zn accumulation in Kalmi plants, residual concentrations of As and Zn in soils and plants were measured. It appeared from the present study that there exists an antagonistic relationship between Zn and As i.e., Zn in soils was found to reduce As availability in soils as well as its accumulation in plants, particularly at an elevated application rate of 3 mg/L Zn. The findings could be used as a strategy to mitigate arsenic toxicity in As contaminated soils.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the active ingredients of phytosanitary products generally used in the market-gardening, to evaluate the behavior of market gardeners, environmental and sanitary risks link to the use of PHYSA products.
Abstract: The aim of this survey was to identify the active ingredients of phytosanitary products generally used in the market-gardening, to evaluate the behavior of market gardeners, environmental and sanitary risks link to the use of phytosanitary products. Results revealed that 8 actives ingredients are regularly used: paraquat, atrazine, glyphosate, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, cypermethrin, maneb, mancozeb and diuron. The contamination of running water and rivers is caused by the fact that 81.25% of them are washing their pulverization equipments in these last ones. Moreover, 72.90% release empty packages of pesticides in the farm which will be carried away by running water. 59.09% adopt the overdose strategy in case of insufficient treatment. The inadequate equipment of protection and the consumption of surrounding water by 51.10% represent a danger for the health of market gardeners. Thus, headache and stomachache are the most recorded intoxications.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the effect of different levels of chemical fertilizer and liquid pig manure on nitrogen uptake of pot-grown young "Fuyu" persimmon.
Abstract: Liquid pig manure (LPM), digested from pig slurry,
has been used as a nutrient source substituting chemical fertilizer (CF) for
some crops. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different
levels of CF and LPM in early July on nitrogen (N) uptake
of pot-grown young “Fuyu” persimmon (Diospyros
kaki). The total N and potassium (K) from CF and LPM applied to a 3 L pot
were 1.2 g N and 1.15 g K for the low and 2.4 g N and 2.3 g K for the high level.
From 2 weeks after the applications, secondary shoots started to grow for the
CF but none for the LPM. Two nutrient sources did not significantly affect the
amount of N increase in different tree parts from July 1 to August 6. At the
high level, tree total N increased by 80% from 551 mg for the CF and by 31%
from 583 mg for the LPM. The nutrient sources did not affect soil pH. The soil
that received LPM contained more organic matter (P = 0.048), available phosphorus (P) (P = 0.002), and exchangeable K+ (P = 0.001) and Mg2+ (P = 0.009) than the soil that received CF on August 6. These results
indicated that N in LPM becomes available later but its effect is more durable
than CF.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of pH (2 - 12), temperature (30°C - 70°C) and pretreatment time (0 - 120 minutes) on the performance of delignification was investigated.
Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted pretreatment under mild operating conditions has been investigated for intensification of delignification to facilitate the obtaining of ethyl levulinate from biomass. The effect of pH (2 - 12), temperature (30°C - 70°C) and pretreatment time (0 - 120 minutes) has been studied for different biomass samples. The most favorable conditions were basic pH, temperature of 70°C and pretreatment time of 2 h, obtaining values of delignification near 80 percent. The ethyl levulinate is obtained in microwave directly via from samples before and after delignification and analyzed for GC-MS. The results evidenced better yields for the delignified samples.
4 citations
TL;DR: The removal of sodium (Na) from seawater using two photosynthesis bacteria was investigated using Rhodobacter sphaeroides SSI (SSI) and Rhodovulum sp.
Abstract: The removal of sodium (Na) from seawater using two photosynthetic bacteria was investigated using Rhodobacter sphaeroides SSI (SSI) and Rhodovulum sp. which is a marine photosynthetic bacterium. Both Rhodovulum sp. and acclimated SSI were shown to grow well in a 3% NaCl supplemented glutamate-malate medium. The maximum rate of Na removal was 39.3% by SSI and 64.9% by Rhodovulum sp. after two days cultivation under static light conditions. However, Na was re-released back into the medium after two to three days. When a nutrient-supplemented seawater medium (3.3% NaCl, 13.10 gNa/l) was used, the maximum Na removal rates were 30.3% (9.05 gNa/l) by SSI and 48.9% (6.69 gNa/l) by Rhodovulum sp., under static light conditions. Similar growth and Na removal rates were found under aerobic dark cultivation. In this case, no re-release of Na was observed with either bacterium. Two stages culturing was conducted first, with Rhodovulum sp. and then with SSI replacement. The Na concentration was reduced to 0.79 gNa/l (94.0% removal) after cultivation for eight days under aerobic darkconditions. The supernatant was applied successfully as a liquid fertilizer in the cultivation of Japanese radish.
TL;DR: In this article, the levels of pesticide residues in Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum subsp. Tuberosum) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) were investigated.
Abstract: This study investigates the levels of pesticide residues in Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum subsp. Tuberosum) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum). The samples were minced in a food processor initially subjected to extraction followed by cleanup using solid phase extraction (SPE) column. Separation was performed on a GC capillary column (Rtx-5 ms-30 m × 0.25 mm× 0.25 μm). The sample was injected by using splitless mode, helium as the carrier gas followed by quadrupole mass spectrometry detection. The mobile phase flow rates, column temperatures, and MS parameters were all optimized to reach high sensitivity and selectivity. Seven pesticides were detected in tomatoes sample, six in cucumber and four in potatoes samples. The findings indicate risks and concerns for public health.
TL;DR: The response of olive orchard with same age and type to irrigation with treated municipal wastewater and freshwater was investigated in three years as discussed by the authors, and the results indicate that most of olive oil quality parameters, including heavy metals and trace elements, fall within the acceptable standard limit values.
Abstract: The response of olive orchard with same age and type to irrigation with treated municipal wastewater and freshwater was investigated in three years. Physical and chemical properties of the treated municipal wastewater reuse in agriculture (the effluent) produced by the Sheikh Ejleen wastewater treatment plant in Gaza Strip, freshwater, soil, and olive oil were determined and compared with Palestinian and international standards. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of Sheikh Ejleen effluent is 60 mg·l-1, which indicates low quality effluent. The results indicate that most of olive oil quality parameters—including heavy metals and trace elements for both fruits irrigated with treated wastewater or irrigated with freshwater—fall within the acceptable standard limit values. Moreover, soil analysis shows that organic content and cation exchange capacity were improved in soil irrigated with treated wastewater in comparison with that irrigated with freshwater. The results also show that there is no trace elements or heavy metals accumulation in soil.
TL;DR: Rate of decomposition and nutrient release of the residue subsequent to mowing weeds remain poorly understood in persimmon orchards of South Korea and the results indicated that time of supplemental fertilization should be adjusted depending on mowing times.
Abstract: Decomposition and nutrient release of the residue subsequent to mowing weeds remain poorly understood in persimmon orchards of South Korea. The litterbags including various weed residues were deposited on the soil surface under the tree canopy to simulate the fate of weeds mowed on 13 May, 13 July, and 13 September 2011 and 2012. Rate of decomposition and nutrient release of the residues depended on different mowing times. Residual dry mass (DM) of the 13 May weeds decreased by 17% - 21% of initial DM during 1 month and by 63% -71% until 2 months after litterbag deposition, and they released 51% - 67% of nitrogen (N), 54% - 55% of phosphorus (P), and 92% - 94% of potassium (K) of respective initial amount until the first 2 months. The 13 July weeds rapidly decomposed during the first month, accounting for 51% - 64% of DM and released 49% - 67% of N, 27% - 54% of P, and 76% - 77% of K. When mowed on 13 September, the weed residue decomposed slower and longer than the 13 May and 13 July weeds, losing 48% - 51% of DM, 36% - 39% of N, 60% - 64% of P, and 70% -77% of K during the first 2 months but continuing an active decomposition even at 6 months after the deposition. The results indicated that time of supplemental fertilization should be adjusted depending on mowing times, and the mowing times be controlled to meet seasonal demand of persimmon trees for nutrients.
TL;DR: It was shown that the Neem plant extract could be used as an efficient repellent against insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Leishmaniasis.
Abstract: Using insect repellent compounds, especially during the warm months, provides comfort for people and preventsspreading of the insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Leishmaniasis. Poisons derived from plants contain alkaloids, glucoside and some essential oils that are taken from plant tissues. They may have repellent and insecticide properties with little toxicity to humans and animals. In this study, Neem plant1 from Bandar Abbas city was used to assess its repellency effect. Therefore, after drying and powdering using maceration method, final Neem extract concentration of 5%, 10% and 20% was provided. Mittler & Dadd methodology was hired to assess this effect. In this method, the antifeedant effect of the Neem plant extract was evaluated on cabbage-feeding aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). After 24 and 48 hours, the reduced numbers of feces spot of aphids showed that the ingestion of the provided food mixture contained Neem plant extract was significantly decreased. Here it was shown that the Neem plant extract could be used as an efficient repellent.
TL;DR: Investigation of herbal medicinal preparations commonly available in different parts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia confirmed that the traditionally prepared herbal medications in Riyadh city are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the microbial populations such a bacteria and fungi contamination present in the herbal medicinal preparations (Lepidium sativum, Nigella sativa, Cuminum cyminum, Foeniculum vulgare, Pimpinella anisum, Trigoneela foenum-graecum, Cinnamomum verum, peel coffee, Alchemilla valgaris, Vitex agnus-castus) commonly available in different parts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To determine the contamination of the herbal products, experiments such as total aerobic bacterial plate counts were evaluated by various plating techniques. The isolation and identification of fungi were done using czapek dox agar and potato dextrose agar. The results showed that a total of herbal remedies were contaminated with bacteria and fungi (100%). Among the contaminated products, peel of coffee and Vitex angnus-castus were noted more contamination than the other herbal medicinal plants. The results confirmed that the traditionally prepared herbal medications in Riyadh city are likely to be contaminated with a wide variety of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Therefore, before consumption, the quality assurance of these products should be thoroughly enforced and monitored in the production and distribution of herbal preparations. In conclusion, the present study gives proper evidence that the consumed herbal products contain different levels of pathogenic microbes.