Article
Engineering, Environmental
Changcai Wu, Yajie Ma, Dan Wang, Yongpan Shan, Xianpeng Song, Hongyan Hu, Xiangliang Ren, Xiaoyan Ma, Jinjie Cui, Yan Ma
Summary: Research indicates that residual plastic film significantly impacts soil microbial communities and metabolic functions, altering bacterial symbiosis networks and changing the soil metabolite spectrum. Exposure time and residue concentration are crucial factors affecting community structure. Additionally, new potential microplastic degrading bacteria have been identified through discriminant and collinear analysis, including Nitrospira, Nocardioidaceae, and Pseudonocardiaceae.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Shiwei Liu, Ruixin Jin, Tianhao Li, Shengxin Yang, Maocai Shen
Summary: There is limited information available on the impact of BPM and microplastics on agricultural ecosystems. Understanding the limitations of BPM applications is crucial for assessing ecological risks and guiding future research.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Noreen Khalid, Muhammad Aqeel, Ali Noman, Zarrin Fatima Rizvi
Summary: The contamination of agroecosystems by microplastics from plastic mulching poses significant threats to soil, crop productivity, and environmental health. These microplastics can accumulate other contaminants and transfer through the food chain, potentially impacting human health. Researchers are now focusing on alternative solutions like biodegradable mulches.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoting Yang, Wei Fan, Jinggui Wu, Yan Lv, Wenyue Zhu, Hongguang Cai
Summary: Plastic pollution in farmland soil is a significant concern for scientists, but the current research overlooks crucial factors such as sources, distribution, and persistence. This study examined the distribution of residual film after eight years of film mulching and assessed changes in spatial distribution. The findings showed that film mulching significantly increased the quantity of agricultural mulch film residues in the soil and identified the key locations and size-to-shape ratios of residual films. This study provides valuable insights for controlling mulch film pollution in agricultural practices.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hongguang Yang, Zhichao Hu, Feng Wu, Kai Guo, Fengwei Gu, Mingzhu Cao
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances in the use and recycling of plastic mulch in China, covering the main types of agricultural plastic mulch, their development process and application situation, as well as the current status, main practices, and existing problems of waste plastic mulch recycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chang Li, Mingxing Sun, Xiangbo Xu, Linxiu Zhang
Summary: The extensive use of mulch film in Chinese agriculture has raised concerns about plastic pollution. Smallholder farmers, the main users of mulch film, have their usage influenced by socioeconomic development trends, with income affecting usage levels. Additionally, mulch film recycling is influenced more by specific policies and film-related characteristics than household factors.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huiru Zhang, Tuo Jin, Mengjiao Geng, Kuoshu Cui, Jianwei Peng, Gongwen Luo, Avelino Nunez Delgado, Yaoyu Zhou, Juan Liu, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: Plastic pollution caused by the increasing use of mulch film has severely affected agricultural production and poses a great threat to the environmental safety and health. Urgent measures are needed to prevent and control plastic pollution in the soils of Sichuan Province.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hadaly Serrano-Ruiz, Lluis Martin-Closas, Ana M. Pelacho
Summary: The use of plastic mulching in agriculture has benefits but also environmental challenges. Biodegradable plastic mulches offer a promising alternative to address polyethylene pollution. Advanced studies are needed to identify low-impact BDM materials and ensure sustainable agriculture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengke Yan, Shaoliang Zhang, Jiuqi Wang, Ziliang Xiao, Sihua Yan, Wan Wang, Muhammad Aurangzeib
Summary: This study investigated the abundance, mass, and accumulation areas of plastic residue (PR) in a large area of vegetable fields in Northeast China. The results showed that the predominant type of plastic residue was polyethylene (PE), with accumulation areas near roadsides and landfills. Landfills and residential areas were found to be critical sources of plastic residue in farmlands, with southwest and southeast winds being the main driving forces for its migration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sun-Hwa Nam, Dokyung Kim, Youn-Joo An
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of nanoplastics on two green algal species in soil. The results showed that nanoplastics aggregated with algal cells, but had no significant effects on their photosynthetic activity and growth. Soil algae may serve as potential carriers of nanoplastics to other organisms in the food chain through plastic aggregation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changcai Wu, Xianpeng Song, Dan Wang, Yajie Ma, Xiangliang Ren, Hongyan Hu, Yongpan Shan, Xiaoyan Ma, Jinjie Cui, Yan Ma
Summary: Agricultural soils and microplastics are major hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with plastic mulch being the main source of microplastics in agricultural soil. This study used metagenomics to investigate the distribution patterns of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in eight Chinese provinces with a long history of plastic mulch use. The results identified 204 subtypes of ARGs and thousands of MGEs, with multidrug resistance genes being dominant. Regions with a longer history of plastic film use had a higher abundance of ARGs and MGEs, and a modular network distribution pattern of ARGs and MGEs was observed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changcai Wu, Xianpeng Song, Dan Wang, Yajie Ma, Xiangliang Ren, Hongyan Hu, Yongpan Shan, Xiaoyan Ma, Jinjie Cui, Yan Ma
Summary: Long-term microplastic pollution affects the distribution of heavy metals and their resistance genes in soil. The resistance genes form a modular distribution and co-occur with mobile genetic elements. The distribution of resistance genes is influenced by heavy metals, microbial communities, and mobile genetic elements. The synergistic effect of microplastics and heavy metals should be considered in soil remediation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriya, Mee Kyung Sang, Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana, Ming Zhang, Deyi Hou, Patryk Oleszczuk, Jwakyung Sung, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: This study investigated the effects of four types of biochar on the quality of MP-contaminated soil. The results showed that biochar can improve soil properties, but its impact varies depending on the pyrolysis feedstock and temperature.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juncong Chu, Jie Zhou, Yue Wang, Davey L. Jones, Junyong Ge, Yadong Yang, Robert W. Brown, Huadong Zang, Zhaohai Zeng
Summary: Bioplastics (biodegradable plastics) offer potential as an alternative to conventional plastics, but the generation of bio-microplastics during degradation is a concern. A field study was conducted to examine the impact of different shapes of polylactic acid (PLA) bio-microplastics on oat and soybean growth and soil health. Results showed no significant effects on soil and plant parameters, suggesting that PLA bio-microplastics may not pose a threat to agroecosystem functions in the short term.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Huan Zhang, Carol Miles, Beverly Gerdeman, Deirdre Griffin LaHue, Lisa DeVetter
Summary: This review paper discusses the use of plastic mulch in perennial fruit systems, comparing non-biodegradable plastic mulches like PE and PP with soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs). The choice of plastic mulch impacts plant growth, soil environment, and pest/disease management, with mulch selection dependent on crop type, horticultural goals, climate, and production system. Researchers should continue exploring different plastic mulch options and investigate long-term impacts in perennial fruit cropping systems.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Muhammad Nabeel Asim, Muhammad Ali Ibrahim, Muhammad Imran Malik, Imran Razzak, Andreas Dengel, Sheraz Ahmed
Summary: The study presents an improved computational framework, Histone-Net, for accurate prediction of histone occupancy and modifications. By generating higher order residue embeddings and incorporating language modeling, Histone-Net demonstrates good performance on multiple histone markers.
COMPLEX & INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Muhammad Nabeel Asim, Muhammad Ali Ibrahim, Ahtisham Fazeel, Andreas Dengel, Sheraz Ahmed
Summary: Accurate prediction of DNA modifications is essential for studying cell differentiation, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation. This paper proposes a generalized computational approach called DNA-MP, which uses a powerful encoding method to predict three different DNA modifications across multiple species. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods in terms of prediction accuracy.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng-Rong Kan, Zirui Wang, Wei Chen, Ahmad Latif Virk, Feng-Min Li, Jian Liu, Yaguang Xue, Haishui Yang
Summary: Methane emission from rice paddy fields is mainly driven by methanogens. However, little is known about the relationship between methanogenic diversity and methane production. This study found that methanogenic evenness explains 23% of variations in methane production potential, and it is regulated by soil properties such as organic carbon, available phosphorus, and nitrate. These findings highlight the importance of considering methanogenic evenness in evaluating methane production in response to agricultural practices and soil properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng-Rong Kan, Jiajia Zhou, Feng-Min Li, Mohamed S. Sheteiwy, Jianying Qi, Changqing Chen, Haishui Yang
Summary: The study investigates the effects of straw return and earthworm presence on nitrous oxide (N2O) production. It is found that straw return increases N2O emissions while the presence of earthworms decreases it. The interaction between straw and earthworms plays a significant role in reducing N2O emissions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Intisar Omar, Muhammad Khan, Andrew Starr
Summary: Machine learning has the potential to improve damage detection and prediction in materials science by producing reliable and accurate representations. It can be used for various applications including material design, predicting material properties, identifying hidden relationships, and classifying microstructures, defects, and damage.
Article
Polymer Science
Feiyang He, Haoran Ning, Muhammad Khan
Summary: The present paper investigates the process parameters and damping behaviour of ABS cantilever beam manufactured using MEX. It uses an experimental approach to examine the interdependencies between process parameters and damping behavior. Statistical analysis and regression models are used to reveal significant dependencies and evaluate the findings. The obtained results show that infill density and nozzle size have a notable effect on damping behavior.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhichao Yang, Feiyang He, Muhammad Khan
Summary: This paper presents an empirical torsional spring model for inclined cracks on 3D-printed ABS cantilever beams. The study investigates the relationships between crack angle and torsional spring stiffness using experimental approach. ABS cantilever beams with different crack depths and angles were manufactured, and impact tests were performed to obtain dynamic response. The results suggest that increased crack incline angle leads to higher fundamental frequency and vibration amplitude, indicating higher spring stiffness. The authors developed an empirical spring stiffness model for inclined cracks based on the test data, extending the application of the Khan-He model to predict inclined cracks in FDM ABS structures.
Article
Agronomy
Chao Fang, Xin Song, Jian-Sheng Ye, Zi-Qiang Yuan, Evgenios Agathokleous, Zhaozhong Feng, Feng-Min Li
Summary: Pasture-crop rotation is an effective agronomical practice that improves soil and water conservation, livestock production, and food security. A field experiment in China's Loess Plateau found that converting long-term leguminous pastures into croplands resolved soil desiccation concerns and improved wheat yields and water use efficiency. The results suggest that legume pasture-crop rotation facilitates sustainable rainfed farming development.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Pingxing Wan, Feng Zhang, Kaiping Zhang, Yufei Li, Rongzhu Qin, Jianjun Yang, Chao Fang, Yakov Kuzyakov, Shiqing Li, Feng-Min Li
Summary: Plastic film mulch is widely used in semi-arid regions to increase crop yield by saving soil water and increasing temperature. However, the impact of plastic film mulch on soil bacterial community structure and metabolic functions is still unclear. This study found that short-term mulching reduced bacterial abundance but increased diversity, while long-term mulching changed bacterial community structure and decreased metabolic functions. The complexity and stability of bacterial communities were also influenced by plastic film mulch.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Mohammed Dukhi Almutairi, Taheer A. Mascarenhas, Sultan Saleh Alnahdi, Feiyang He, Muhammad A. Khan
Summary: This paper examines the bending fatigue performance of Material extrusion (MEX) ABS and PETG cantilever beams and compares their properties under thermal loads. The study finds that custom building orientation angles, as well as temperature, have significant effects on the samples. The printing orientation also slows down crack growth and should be considered as a factor.
Article
Soil Science
Zheng-Rong Kan, Yifan Li, Xinyu Yang, Silong Zhai, Yi Meng, Chaofan Xu, Jianying Qi, Feng-Min Li, Changqing Chen, Haishui Yang
Summary: Straw return is a recommended practice to improve soil fertility, but it often leads to increased methane emissions from rice paddies. This study investigated how the tillage type (before or after irrigation) affects methane emission under straw return. The results showed that dry tillage before irrigation mitigates methane emission, while wet tillage after irrigation reduces methane emission in the absence of significant interaction between straw and tillage type.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yue Xi, Dong Wang, Jacob Weiner, Yan-Lei Du, Feng-Min Li
Summary: Crop breeding has successfully increased crop grain yield through reduced vegetative size, increased reproductive effort, and improved water-use efficiency. The relationship between grain yield and time from sowing to flowering remains unclear. Early flowering genotypes have higher water-use efficiency in grain production, but no significant difference in total biomass production. Yield is positively correlated with soil water remaining at harvest. Further increases in grain yield through this route are unlikely in the future.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xintan Zhang, Jie Wang, Xiangyan Feng, Haishui Yang, Yanling Li, Kuzyakov Yakov, Shiping Liu, Feng-Min Li
Summary: No-tillage with straw mulch is effective for soil sustainability, but its specific effects on soil organic carbon stocks and crop yield are uncertain. This study found that no tillage had minimal effects on soil organic carbon stocks but decreased crop yield compared to plow tillage with straw return. No-tillage with straw mulch resulted in improved soil aggregate stability and organic carbon content in the 0-5 cm layer, but decreased organic carbon content in the deeper layers due to reduced carbon input from roots and straw. While organic carbon stocks in micro-aggregates and mineral-associated organic matter did not vary between tillage practices, plow tillage with straw return had higher organic carbon stocks in the 0-50 cm layer compared to no-tillage with straw mulch. Additionally, the yields of rice and wheat were lower under no-tillage with straw mulch compared to plow tillage without straw return and plow tillage with straw return, attributed to high soil bulk densities and decreased nutrient availability. The yield losses in rice were greater under no-tillage with straw mulch and increased over time due to decreased nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the soil. In conclusion, plow tillage is more effective for carbon sequestration and yield improvement in rice-wheat farming compared to no-tillage with straw mulch.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Lin Liu, Yili Lu, Robert Horton, Tusheng Ren
Summary: A new approach is presented in this study to estimate the parameters of the soil water retention curve (SWRC). The new method accurately estimates SWRCs by using measured thermal conductivity-water content curves, soil texture, bulk density, and field capacity water content.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Zhongshan Dai, Yong Zhang, Yujie Wei, Chongfa Cai
Summary: This study investigates the effects of erosion degradation and long-term manure fertilization on soil properties and crop yield in Northeast China. Results show that erosion degradation and manure fertilization have lasting impacts on soil physical structure throughout the soil profile, while their effects on soil nutrient properties are focused in shallow layers. Manure fertilization significantly improves soil functional index (ISI) and maize yield for degraded soils. Erosion degradation has a greater influence on ISI and maize yield than manure fertilization.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Xintong Xu, Ruiyu Bi, Mengxin Song, Yubing Dong, Ying Jiao, Bingxue Wang, Zhengqin Xiong
Summary: The substitution of organic fertilizers for inorganic fertilizers has a significant impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) and can help combat soil degradation and climate change in intensive vegetable production.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Moritz Koza, Roger Funk, Julia Poehlitz, Christopher Conrad, Olga Shibistova, Tobias Meinel, Kanat Akshalov, Gerd Schmidt
Summary: Semi-arid regions in Central Asia are experiencing wind erosion due to steppe conversion and unsustainable farming practices. A study conducted in Kazakhstan used a mobile wind tunnel to assess soil erodibility under real conditions. The results showed significant differences in soil erosion based on initial conditions and mechanical stress, emphasizing the importance of proper soil management to prevent severe events.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Tong Li, Guorui Li, Zhiqiang Lu, Deqiang Zhao, Yuze Li, Ziting Wang, Xiaoxia Wen, Yuncheng Liao
Summary: Conservation agriculture with three management principles is effective in mitigating soil erosion and nutrient loss. This study found that no tillage significantly increased soil extracellular enzyme activities, while legume incorporation only had a significant effect on phosphorus-acquiring enzymes. Crop diversity positively influenced the no tillage-induced increase in enzyme activities.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Zahra Khasi, Mohammad Sadegh Askari, Setareh Amanifar, Kamran Moravej
Summary: This research aims to evaluate the applicability of visual soil evaluation methods for agricultural systems in semi-arid regions and assess the relationship between soil physical quality and crop yield. The results indicate that visual evaluation methods can effectively assess soil conditions, and optimal soil structural quality is crucial for sustainable crop production.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Amin Jannatul Ferdous, Xiaolin Wang, Katie Lewis, John Zak
Summary: Conservative agricultural management strategies can enhance crop productivity by altering soil microbiome, and incorporating legumes into cover crops in semi-arid regions can improve the dynamics of rhizobial communities. There is a strong underlying relationship between soil management and bacterial diversity in the soil.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Haiman Wang, Wankui Ni, Haisong Liu, Kangze Yuan
Summary: This study investigates the structural strength of the Loess-Paleosol Sequence (LPS) and finds that the strength tends to increase with burial depth, with the loess layer weaker than the paleosol layer. The microstructure of the LPS also undergoes significant transformations with increased burial depth, transitioning from an overhead structure to a matrix structure. These findings highlight the importance of climate conditions on the structural strength of the LPS.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Ranabir Chakraborty, V. K. Sharma, Debarup Das, D. R. Biswas, P. Mahapatra, D. K. Shahi, M. Barman, K. A. Chobhe, D. Chakraborty
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of long-term nutrient management practices on P fractions and P adsorption-desorption behaviour of an acid soil with a soybean-wheat cropping system. The findings revealed that amorphous Fe and Al, which play a significant role in P fixation, increased due to cultivation. The NPK+Lime treatment offered the most balanced approach, improving both crop yield and P uptake while effectively managing P dynamics in the soil. On the contrary, long-term application of NPK+FYM in an acid soil may result in faster P saturation of adsorption sites and increase the chances of leaching and eutrophication. Tailored P fertilization strategies should be developed to better utilize the PFe and PAl fractions and supplementing applied P.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Yuan Li, Ying Li, Qingping Zhang, Gang Xu, Guopeng Liang, Dong-Gill Kim, Carmen Rosa Carmona, Mei Yang, Jianming Xue, Yangzhou Xiang, Bin Yao, Yuying Shen
Summary: Agricultural intensification has led to severe degradation of croplands in China. Converting degraded croplands to grasslands can increase soil organic carbon and nitrogen content, but may decrease soil pH and available phosphorus. The duration of conversion and mean annual precipitation are major factors influencing soil changes.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Xinliang Wu, Sixu Yao, Jinxing Zhou
Summary: The coupling effect of slaking and mechanical breakdown on aggregate stability was evaluated using a new method. This method can partition the unique and shared effects of these two breakdown mechanisms and showed better performance in predicting soil erosion compared to existing methods.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Xinni Ju, Lei Gao, Dongli She, Yuhua Jia, Zhe Pang, Yaji Wang
Summary: This study linked soil pore structures quantified by X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning and infiltration processes traced using stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes under different land uses in the red soil region of southern China. The results showed that soil pore characteristics mainly affected soil water transport, while other soil properties played more important roles in soil water retention. CT-based porosity and soil texture were considered crucial indicators in the evaluation of water exchange during infiltration processes.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Hongwei Xu, Qing Qu, Jiaping Yang, Zhen Wang, Minggang Wang, Rentao Liu, Sha Xue
Summary: This study systematically analyzed the effects of drought on terrestrial ecosystem C-N-P stoichiometry on a global scale. The results showed that drought significantly decreased the C:N ratio in soil, enzymes, shoots, and roots. Soil microbes were limited by N, whereas plants were restricted by P under drought stress. Drought intensity and duration were negatively correlated with shoot N:P and vector angle.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Sara L. Bauke, Sabine J. Seidel, Miriam Athmann, Anne E. Berns, Melanie Braun, Martina I. Gocke, Julien Guigue, Timo Kautz, Ingrid Koegel-Knabner, Juliette Ohan, Matthias Rillig, Michael Schloter, Oliver Schmittmann, Stefanie Schulz, David Uhlig, Andrea Schnepf, Wulf Amelung
Summary: Agricultural production in Central Europe is increasingly affected by extreme drought events. This study found that incorporating organic matter, especially biowaste compost, into the subsoil significantly increased root growth and subsequently improved crop nutrient uptake, biomass, and grain yield. The incorporation of green waste compost had less pronounced effects.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Soil Science
Xi Chen, Xuesong Wang
Summary: Based on the application of the integrated wind erosion modeling system, this study comprehensively simulated the loss and conservation of nutrients during aeolian dust emissions in the arid and semiarid areas of China. The results showed a decreasing trend in nutrient losses over the past two decades, with the ecosystems playing a crucial role in preventing these losses. The prevention rates of different land cover types were generally high, indicating the effectiveness of conservation measures.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
