#Soil's Native Microbial Community

[delta-remediation]

Unleashing the Power of Biostimulation: A Blueprint to Soil Microbe Optimization for Effective Pollution Treatment

Unmasking Biostimulation

Biostimulation is a cutting-edge application in environmental science, drawing upon the potency of natural processes to rectify man-induced predicaments such as soil pollution.

Deciphering Biostimulation

The heart of biostimulation lies in augmenting the indigenous microbial population dwelling within the soil. This bioremediation process fosters the expansion and functionality of these native microbes, enabling them to degrade organic pollutants with increased efficiency.

The Biostimulation Phenomenon

The DNA of Biostimulation

Biostimulation's lifeblood is to furnish an optimum habitat for microbes. When placed under perfect conditions, these tiny organisms can skillfully dismantle pollutants.

The Biostimulation Blueprint

The biostimulation procedure springs into action with an examination of the soil, quantifying the microbial presence and the degree of contamination. Following this evaluation, a tailored biostimulation strategy is concocted and executed, typically involving nutrient enrichment or other stimulating additives.

Microbes: The Unsung Heroes of Biostimulation

Microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, are the linchpins in the biostimulation system. These minute entities, ubiquitous in the soil, possess the capability to dismantle various pollutants under favorable circumstances.

The Tools of Biostimulation

Nutrient Infusion

Like all life forms, microbes demand nutrients to prosper. Supplying them with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential micronutrients can amplify their populace and metabolic vigor.

Emulsified Vegetable Oils

These oils serve as a gradual carbon source, fostering sustained microbial activity in the soil.

Regulation of Moisture and Air

Microbial decomposition often necessitates water and oxygen. Therefore, moisture and air are intermittently pumped into the polluted soil to promote microbial activity.

The Upsides of Biostimulation

Biostimulation proves to be a cost-efficient and eco-friendly strategy. It harnesses nature’s own janitorial squad, thereby negating the use of damaging chemical treatments or costly mechanical extractions.

The Variables in Biostimulation

The triumph of biostimulation is hinged on numerous aspects, including the soil's properties, the contaminants' character, and the native microbial populace. This necessitates exhaustive preliminary evaluations as a universal approach would not suffice.

Biostimulation vs Bioaugmentation

While biostimulation centers on boosting the native microbial community, bioaugmentation is a complementary process that imports specialized microbes into the soil to expedite the degradation procedure.

Biostimulation in the Real World

Spotlight on Biostimulation

Biostimulation has displayed its efficacy in addressing oil spills, industrial waste leaks, and even fallout from nuclear calamities. It is also being probed in the realm of agriculture for superior soil fertility management and pest deterrence.

Biostimulation: The Road Ahead

Amid escalating environmental concerns, biostimulation harbors immense potential. Progress in research and technological advancements might soon canonize this method as a mainstream practice for soil decontamination.

Epilogue Indeed, biostimulation serves as a natural, cost-effective, and efficient antidote to soil pollution. As we journey towards a greener future, employing the prowess of microbes via biostimulation will be instrumental in safeguarding our environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What underpins biostimulation? Biostimulation pivots on the enhancement of the soil's native microbial community to dismantle organic pollutants.

What influences biostimulation's success rate? Aspects such as soil type, contaminant nature, and the regional microbial population shape the success of biostimulation.

How does biostimulation square up to bioaugmentation? Biostimulation focuses on stimulating the existing microbial community, while bioaugmentation brings specialized microbes into the soil.

What are the common applications of biostimulation? Biostimulation has found utility in handling oil spills, industrial waste leaks, and in agriculture for maintaining soil fertility and pest control.

What lies in store for biostimulation? With mounting environmental apprehensions, biostimulation is poised to become a standard operation for soil decontamination.

[chicuahtliteotl]

Notes as an indigenous farmer for other farmers, gardeners, looking to seek to perform land remediation, restorative agroforestry, etc.

First, look up historical weather and current weather zoning, climate change is real, the area may no longer be suitable for specific plants anymore.

Consider invasive plants, animals, worms(yes like bees there are invasive worms) , etc

Assess potential soil and water pollution sources then create a remediation plan depending on time and feasibility.

Work with the land, not against it, this is pretty simple, if you plan to create rain collecting channels for your small garden, then it's to slope where the land slopes for you.

Composting is great but you also need to understand microbial/fungal symbiosis and creating microbiomes that allow for effective compost break down.

You can buy cheap microbial solutions that are epa or environmental sound, back reference any microbial cultures with academic papers, if unsure how to do the research then it is fine with a variety as this simulates closely to nature.

Look into outdoor mushroom farming, this is pretty common in my community in our Chināmitl /mīlpan system, it's not as hard as most resources online will tell you, especially if you're sticking with native to your area mushrooms.

Avoid commercial strains for cultures especially if they're non native as this can lead to potential invasives.

Yes fungus /mushrooms can be invasive, please never put golden oyster outside.

You can also buy microremediating solutions for soil/water contamination.

Many universities offer resources to help find soil or water testing companies for accessible to no costs even, this is useful if you want to assess variety of conditions.

Additionally microbe /fungal based solutions are most used in our community as it helps reduced overall pests and diseases to our plants.

If you have tons of untreated wood ash (burn untreated wood, get wood ash) this is useful for variety of things, as this ties into controlled burning, true slash and burn, etc. Essentially nutrients are allowed to disperse back in the ground, be aware of heavy metal and other contamination considerations as always.

Indigenous seed banks do exist for non indigenous people, also look into seed conservation projects and seed banks that look to preserve seed lineages. While heirloom is nifty, it does only go so far back around an early colonial era.

[italwayshadtobeyou]

@thebackestofburners Re: my rewilding project, I belong to the Florida Native Plant Society, which advocates for replacing invasives with native and wildlife-friendly plants. They replace missing species in parks and so on. My personal, near-and-dear plan involves my back yard, so about an acre in central Florida. Like much of the state, it was pretty overtaken with invasive species when my family moved here in 2014: Tuberous sword ferns, red fire ants, camphor trees, philodendrons, sapodillas, etc. (I really wish people would learn that, just because something will grow in Florida, doesn't mean you should give it the chance.)

Even more alarming were the quantities of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that people dumped on their yard. That's a problem I started working on pretty quickly, doing spot treatments on fire ant nests and letting the other insects be. (Don't use acephate as fire ant killer! Plants take it up.) The situation very slowly improved: After about five years, I saw our first caterpillar, and I saw a few more bugs every year after.

The rest, I started working on a little a year ago, after my beloved dog, Piglet, died. She was so precious, and I wanted to give her remains back to the world in a way that made sense, so I found a native tree (pignut hickory), planted it over her grave, and started growing the rest of everything around that. I also got a few other native plants at the same nursery; I'd been intrigued by the "forest gardening" agricultural system found in some places, and thought that it might be a good way to replace the barren lawns and water-hogging ornamentals that take up so much space in Florida. And it seemed like something that would honor my wonderful pet.

I made myself a promise, right after Piglet died, that I'd live the rest of my life in a way that made the world more like one she'd deserved. I'm think I would've given up, if I hadn't been focused on that.

The soil was almost dead when I started. People don't realize it, but lots of plants are allelopathic, meaning that they secrete toxins to keep other plants from growing. (In their home environments, the other plants have evolved some defenses, and there's a balance. It's only a bad thing when you put the plants somewhere they don't belong.) Then there are plants kill, or just don't sustain, the local microbial communities that local plants are used to. Other times, people do grow native plants, but they plant them in a monoculture that can't function without constant fertilizing and watering, because ecosystems need more than one thing to work.

Anyway, I've been removing as many invasives, diversifying the grasses, and replacing microbes (I use BioOrganic's Mycorrhizal Inoculant Plus; it costs a lot, but a little goes a long way) as much as I can. I don't have use an irrigation system (not even soaker hoses, which, as far as I can tell, are always made of toxic rubber), and, outside of the useful-plants area where I built beds to absorb any excess, I only apply fertilizer after pulling out a nutrient-greedy invasive.

So I identify plants and find replacements that work with the soil type (acidic, alkalkine, rich, poor) and water table in my area. During the worst of the drought this spring, I was working 4-6 hours outside, 7 days a week. Currently, it's more like 2-3 hours.

And it's working! We have firebushes, beautyberries, Florida betony, creeping mint, frogfruit, a sassafrass, a sparkleberry, a coralbean, a flatwoods plum, purple lovegrass, coonties, hairypod cowpeas, blue sage, scarlet sage, and more. (The firebushes and beautyberries predated my project; I had simply insisted on those particular natives when we moved in.) One day this summer, I saw 3 kinds of bee in the yard! It used to be rare to see any bee, of any kind, here. I've seen 4 different kinds of butterfly on the same day. There are so many different textures and faint scents and colors where before there were only a handful. It's exhilarating, and it makes me feel like I'm doing right by Piglet.

Now, I know that not everyone has the option of turning an acre or more of land into rewilded territory. But there are some things that most people can learn and implement to make future reclamation less daunting.

When you see a plant you find appealing, check a resource like Plants for a Future (PFAF) or the USDA's PLANTS Database to see if it's native to your area. If it isn't, you should do further research to make sure it isn't harmful before you plant it.

PFAF is also a great resource if you're out of inspiration and want to browse the possibilities. You can search by habitat type or plant family.

Be very careful about following "trends" in gardening. For example, people copying "influencers'" succulents collections leads to overcollection in the wild.

Chlorine and chloramine kill good germs. I started out leaving big boxes of water to sit for 48 hours while the chlorine evaporated, but I've since moved on to hose-end filters, and they seem effective. However, if your utilities add chloramine rather than chlorine, evaporation won't work, and you'll need to look closely at the specs on your filters.

Try to dig up (preferably with a handheld tool, not a tiller or plough that causes deeper soil damage) at least some patches of lawn grass and replace them with different groundcover for diversity, and make sure that you let at least some of your grass go to seed for birds to eat.

Co-ops and extension services sometimes offer discounts on native seeds. But make sure that you understand the seeds' requirements: Many germinate better after scarification and/or cold stratification under specific circumstances.

If you can't afford native plants for your land just yet, try running a search for "wildlife-friendly" plants that you can grow in your area. This means plants that, although they originate somewhere else, aren't toxic to local plants and animals, and may provide food or shelter to them. For example, I have a form of wild coffee plant that likely originated in Africa, but thats berries can be eaten by birds.

Currently, I'm working on spreading cuttings throughout the yard, keeping them watered, and planting my late-summer vegetables. But I don't think that a caring lifestyle ends at the door. One of my big goals is be to retrofit our house with a composting toilet and start growing my own "toilet paper" leaves, thereby sparing our local aquifer, feeding my dirt, and keeping PFAS-contaminated toilet paper out of the ocean.

[sciencespies]

Researchers discover root exudates have surprising and counterintuitive impact on soil carbon storage

https://sciencespies.com/nature/researchers-discover-root-exudates-have-surprising-and-counterintuitive-impact-on-soil-carbon-storage/

Researchers discover root exudates have surprising and counterintuitive impact on soil carbon storage

Ecosystem ecology studies often focus on what’s happening to plants above ground, for instance exploring photosynthesis or water loss in leaves. But what is happening below the ground in plant roots is equally important when evaluating ecosystem processes.

In a new study in Nature Geoscience researchers in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University examined root exudates and their impact on soil carbon storage revealing surprising and counterintuitive results.

Root exudates are organic carbon compounds (such as simple sugars, organic acids, and amino acids) released from living plant roots into the soil. These small molecules can bind directly to soil minerals, making them important regulators of soil carbon formation and loss. Unlike plant litter (such as leaves and roots), which must be decomposed before it can affect the soil carbon pool, root exudates can have immediate effects on mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), which contains long-cycling, “stable” soil carbon.

Several studies show that anthropogenically elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations are likely to increase the rate of plant root exudation and change the chemical composition of root exudates. Lead author Nikhil R. Chari, Ph.D. candidate, and senior author Professor Benton N. Taylor tested how these changes may affect soil carbon by examining how changing the rate of root exudation and the composition of exudates affected native soil-carbon dynamics in a temperate forest.

Chari and Taylor collected soil cores from Harvard Forest, a temperate hardwood forest in central Massachusetts, and incubated them directly in centrifuge tubes. They then fabricated three different carbon-13 root exudate “cocktails” of simple sugar, organic acid, and amino acid. They delivered the “cocktails” to the soil cores via “artificial roots” at two different rates over a thirty-day period. Unlike other studies, Chari and Taylor did not use homogenized or artificial soils. Their sampling method preserved large amounts of heterogeneity in soil carbon and microbial communities present in the forest.

“We wanted to know if these mechanisms were having an effect at ecologically meaningful scales,” said Chari. “We used intact soil cores to test if the effect of root exudates would overcome the natural heterogeneity in the system.”

The researchers measured both initial and final carbon stocks in the cores. They found that contributions of root exudates to soil carbon were driven by contributions to the long-cycling MAOM fraction. MAOM are microscopic coatings on soil particles made mostly of the byproducts of bacteria and fungi. MAOM stays in the soil for decades meaning it can maintain carbon in soil for a very long time.

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At higher rates of root exudation the MAOM carbon pool did not change even as root exudate contributions to MAOM increased. But at lower rates of root exudation Chari and Taylor observed net MAOM carbon accumulation, even though the exudate contributions were not as great.

“You would think that if you increase the rate of root exudation you would increase carbon input into the soil forming more soil carbon,” said Chari, “but we found instead an opposite effect that offset the increase in carbon.”

The researchers refer to this as the priming effect. Priming occurs when the input of new soil carbon prompts the decomposition of old soil carbon. Enhanced rates of root exudation appeared to increase rates of MAOM priming relative to rates of MAOM formation.

“First principles would suggest that the more carbon we push into the soil via exudation, the more carbon is going to accumulate in these MAOM fractions. When, in fact, that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said Taylor. “In reality, you get more MAOM formation, but you also get more loss of it and it balances out. You don’t actually get more carbon sticking around in the soil, even when you’re pushing more in.”

Chari and Taylor also found the different exudate compounds each had different effects on the soil carbon. Glucose (simple sugar) produced higher MAOM turnover both in formation and loss, but there was no net accumulation of MAOM. While succinic acid (organic acid) and aspartic acid (amino acid) drove lower rates of MAOM formation, but did result in a net MAOM carbon accumulation. Interestingly, the researchers found that amino acids had a particularly strong positive effect in increasing microbial biomass carbon formation, while organic acids did not. These findings again suggests the larger microbial community enhances the microbial priming effect. The results further validate that predicted increases in root exudation rates and a shift toward simple sugars caused by global change may reduce soil’s carbon storage capacity.

“These changes are happening ubiquitously below the soil surface, yet even tiny changes in this process can have huge implication for soil carbon storage,” said Taylor. “People know that processes in a leaf are important, but every root below our feet has a huge impact on carbon in the soil. And elevated CO2, warming, or other climate change drivers, could cause soil carbon loss to increase disproportionately to soil carbon formation.”

Going forward, Chari and Taylor continue to measure changes in the rate and composition of root exudates under elevated CO2 and warming in a variety of different ecosystems, including temperate forests, grasslands, and corn and soybean agricultural fields.

#Nature

[theconceptualcookbook]

Common name: Golden kelp

Latin botanical name: Ecklonia radiata

Family: Lessoniaceae

Native: Mostly in intertidal zones of Southern Hemisphere coastlines

Ecology:

Ecklonia demonstrates how the climate emergency can impact marine ecosystems. This species of kelp grows 1m tall and usually grows down to 25m in depth. In recent decades it has been thriving where Giant kelp forests are disappearing, due to rapid warming of the Australian east coast current. It’s most noticeable around Tasmania, where the warm nutrient poor waters displace the cooler nutrient rich southern currents. Each Giant kelp plant can grow up to 40m tall, being the largest marine algae in the world, with whole forests supplying food and habitat for countless fish and other marine species.

Water off the east coast of Tasmanian is a global heating hotspot. Over the last century, a temperature rise of 2C has caused 95% of Tasmania’s kelp forests to disappear. This has been exacerbated by the native sea urchin feeding on the weakened plants to create marine deserts. Sea urchin populations have exploded along the east coast, due to the depletion of their natural fish predators from over fishing and loss of their kelp forrest habitat.

Ecklonia dominates the ecological niche environment left behind by Giant kelp and joins a growing list of native species becoming invasive due to climate change. On a positive note, scientists from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies are currently trialling selective breeding to produce a variety of giant kelp more suited to warmer waters. See here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2020/feb/24/the-dead-sea-tasmanias-underwater-forests-disappearing-in-our-lifetime

Food:

Ecklonia plays a role in my current research into parallel relationships between fermented foods, the human-microbiome and the ecosystems we depend on. In 2021 I developed a range of fermented food products for the exhibition Plant Treaty at Lismore Regional Gallery, under the now defunct business ECO GUT. Each product contained a specific plant ingredient – native or endemic to a specific ecology under threat. I made Pacific Kimchi with locally sourced ingredients, including green papaya and Ecklonia foraged from Northern Rivers beaches.

Foraging:

Ecklonia can be found washed up on beaches immediately after large swells from Southerly weather systems. Collect it before it starts to rot on the sand and wash it in clear seawater. Dry it on your clothesline in the sun, because it dries faster and ultraviolet light is thought to make nutrients in sundried plants more bioavailable when eaten. Foraging is an ancient practice gaining popularity around the world. Alternative food practices play a major role in my research and collaboration projects, through engagement with diverse cultural histories and community initiatives, such as migrant community gardens and First Nations agriculture & connections to place through local edible species. When undertaken with care and consideration, foraging is one of many food practices that highlight the unsustainability of modern extractivist style farming. Monoculture farming depletes soil microbial health and fertility, thereby depending on chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. It diverts and drains water from land and contaminates aquifers, leading to the collapse of biodiversity.

Foraging comes with responsibility. Always remember, it’s not just about free food and getting into nature, foraging is in effect a form of agriculture and caretaking of land. It requires awareness of your surroundings and just a little effort each time to maintain and supporting biodiversity for stronger ecosystems we all depend on. Always check your state or local government websites for rules and restrictions applying to the collection of wild plants. In New South Wales you can forage up to 20 litres of fresh seaweed from beaches per day for personal use only. A permit is required for commercial use. See here for further info on recent projects between Germany and Australia https://andrewrewald.com

[kavyaorganicfarm19]

A Closer Look at the 7 Core Principles of Sustainable Agriculture

In the face of escalating environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the spotlight is increasingly turning towards sustainable agriculture. As we delve deeper into the realm of eco-conscious farming, it's essential to understand the core principles that underpin this transformative approach. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the 7 Practices Of Sustainable Agriculture, shedding light on their significance and impact.

Soil Health: The Foundation of Sustainability

One of the fundamental pillars of sustainable agriculture is soil health. Healthy soil teeming with diverse microbial life is essential for nutrient cycling, water retention, and plant growth. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage are integral to preserving soil structure and fertility. By nurturing the soil, farmers not only enhance crop productivity but also contribute to mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.

Water Conservation: Preserving Earth's Most Precious Resource

Water conservation lies at the heart of sustainable agriculture. Efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, minimize water wastage while ensuring optimal crop hydration. Additionally, implementing agroforestry systems and incorporating water-saving technologies can further bolster water resilience on farms. By prioritizing water stewardship, farmers play a pivotal role in safeguarding freshwater resources for future generations.

Biodiversity Enhancement: Cultivating Nature's Resilience

Diverse ecosystems are inherently more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental fluctuations. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity on farms. This involves planting native species, creating habitat corridors, and avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers that harm beneficial wildlife. By fostering biodiversity, farmers promote ecological balance and foster natural pest control mechanisms.

Energy Efficiency: Harnessing Renewable Resources

Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning towards renewable energy sources is paramount in sustainable agriculture. From solar-powered irrigation systems to biofuel production from agricultural waste, innovative technologies offer viable alternatives to conventional energy sources. By embracing energy efficiency measures, farmers not only reduce their carbon footprint but also mitigate the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity.

Conservation Tillage: Minimizing Soil Disturbance

Conventional tillage practices contribute to soil erosion, loss of organic matter, and degradation of soil structure. Conservation tillage techniques, such as no-till farming and mulching, minimize soil disturbance while preserving soil health. By maintaining ground cover and minimizing erosion, farmers enhance soil stability and resilience to extreme weather events. Conservation tillage also reduces fuel consumption and machinery wear and tear, leading to cost savings for farmers.

Integrated Pest Management: Balancing Ecology and Economics

Effective pest management is essential for crop protection, but reliance on chemical pesticides can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adopts a holistic approach that combines biological, cultural, and mechanical interventions to control pests while minimizing chemical inputs. By promoting natural predators, crop rotation, and habitat diversification, IPM strategies offer sustainable solutions to pest management challenges.

Economic Viability: Sustaining Farms and Livelihoods

Sustainable agriculture must be economically viable to ensure the long-term prosperity of farming communities. By optimizing resource use, reducing input costs, and accessing niche markets for organic and sustainably produced goods, farmers can enhance their profitability while promoting environmental stewardship. Moreover, government incentives and support programs play a crucial role in incentivizing sustainable practices and fostering a thriving agricultural sector.

Conclusion:

As we navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, embracing the 7 Practices Of Sustainable Agriculture is imperative for building a more resilient and regenerative food system. At KavyaOrganicFarm, we are committed to championing sustainable practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity conservation, and economic viability. By adhering to these principles, we pave the way for a greener, healthier future for generations to come. Join us in our mission to cultivate sustainability and promote the keyword "A Closer Look at the 7 Core Principles of Sustainable Agriculture" for a brighter tomorrow.

[d-g-i-t-a-l]

Balancing Growth: The Environmental Impact of Agricultural Inoculants

In the intricate dance of agricultural sustainability, where productivity and environmental stewardship intersect, the impact of agricultural inoculants emerges as a crucial consideration. These microbial formulations, designed to enhance soil fertility and promote plant health, play a significant role in shaping the Agricultural Inoculants Market and influencing ecological outcomes. By examining the environmental implications of agricultural inoculants, we can better understand their role in fostering sustainable farming practices and mitigating environmental degradation.

Agricultural inoculants, comprising a diverse array of microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, and mycorrhizae, offer multifaceted benefits to soil health and plant performance. By fostering symbiotic relationships with plants, these inoculants promote nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and stress tolerance, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity. However, the widespread adoption of agricultural inoculants also raises questions about their environmental impact and long-term sustainability in the Agricultural Inoculants Market.

One of the primary environmental benefits of agricultural inoculants lies in their ability to reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. By facilitating biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient solubilization, these microbial formulations minimize nutrient runoff and leaching, preserving water quality and mitigating eutrophication in water bodies. Additionally, biocontrol agents present in some inoculants suppress the proliferation of plant pathogens, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and safeguarding beneficial insect populations. As concerns about pesticide pollution and soil degradation mount, the environmental advantages of agricultural inoculants become increasingly evident in the Agricultural Inoculants Market.

Moreover, agricultural inoculants contribute to the enhancement of soil health and resilience, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and land degradation. By promoting soil aggregation, water retention, and carbon sequestration, these microbial formulations improve soil structure and fertility, reducing erosion and enhancing ecosystem stability. Additionally, certain inoculants enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, enabling crops to thrive in challenging environmental conditions. As agriculture grapples with the impacts of climate variability, the role of agricultural inoculants in building climate-resilient farming systems gains prominence in the Agricultural Inoculants Market.

However, it's essential to recognize that the environmental impact of agricultural inoculants is not entirely benign and may vary depending on factors such as formulation, application method, and ecosystem context. In some cases, the introduction of non-native microbial species or strains may disrupt indigenous microbial communities, leading to unintended ecological consequences. Additionally, the production and distribution of agricultural inoculants may entail energy-intensive processes and generate greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. As the Agricultural Inoculants Market continues to grow, efforts to mitigate these environmental risks through sustainable sourcing, production, and application practices become imperative.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of agricultural inoculants must be evaluated within the broader context of agricultural systems and land use practices. While these microbial formulations offer valuable tools for enhancing soil health and reducing chemical inputs, they are just one component of a multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture. Integrated management strategies that incorporate agroecological principles, crop diversification, and conservation practices are essential for maximizing environmental benefits and minimizing trade-offs in the Agricultural Inoculants Market.

In conclusion, the environmental impact of agricultural inoculants is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration in the quest for sustainable agriculture. While these microbial formulations offer significant benefits in terms of soil health, nutrient management, and pest control, their environmental implications must be carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability. As the Agricultural Inoculants Market continues to evolve, efforts to promote responsible use, minimize ecological risks, and maximize environmental benefits will be essential for realizing the full potential of agricultural inoculants in fostering a resilient and sustainable food system.

[botanyone]

Underground Web Gives Hope for Healing Broken Ecosystems

Underground Web Gives Hope for Healing Broken Ecosystems https://ift.tt/qYJID7y New research published in the American Journal of Botany by Johannes Le Roux and colleagues suggests manipulating soil microbes could help restore plant ecosystems damaged by invasive species. The scientists from Macquarie University in Australia focused on reestablishing beneficial relationships between native plants and helpful soil fungi and bacteria. The study examined Australian shrublands invaded by African olive trees (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata). These disrupt partnerships between native Acacia implexa trees and underground rhizobia bacteria. Acacia implexa gets nutrients from rhizobia housed in root nodules while providing the bacteria with sugars. Acacia implexa. Image: John Tann / Wikimedia Commons. But in soils damaged by invasive olives, populations of these useful rhizobia plunged. Acacia seedlings in those soils formed fewer nutrient-providing nodules than the seedlings grown in healthy soils. Reintroducing the right rhizobia strains originally present could restart successful teamwork between the trees and bacteria. The paper states that analysing interaction networks between species can pinpoint the most valuable microbes to replenish. Generalist bacteria and fungi that partner with many native plants may be especially useful. They can give restored ecosystems a jumpstart in recovering diverse, functional plant communities. However, the paper cautions there is much still to learn about managing plant-associated microbial networks. Understanding the assembly processes of plant microbiomes will be critical moving forward. The research highlights soil microbe reintroduction as a promising way to reboot complex plant-environment interactions. With careful selection, adding vital missing links in the underground web of life could get damaged habitats back on track to full health. By illuminating how ecosystems can be rewired, the study suggests degraded habitats have hope of flourishing once again. READ THE ARTICLE Le Roux, J.J., Leishman, M.R., Geraghty, D.M. and Manea, A. (2023) “Rewiring critical plant–soil microbial interactions to assist ecological restoration,” American Journal of Botany. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.16228. The post Underground Web Gives Hope for Healing Broken Ecosystems appeared first on Botany One. via Botany One https://botany.one/ September 28, 2023 at 09:00AM

[deltaremediation]

Bioaugmentation Versus Biostimulation: Decoding Key Environmental Bioremediation Strategies

Introduction

Bioaugmentation and biostimulation stand as revolutionary strategies in the realm of environmental biotechnology. How do these terms define themselves and what sets them apart?

An In-Depth Look into Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation

Bioaugmentation and biostimulation, both employing living organisms, play pivotal roles in purifying polluted environments, be it soil or water. However, their modus operandi in achieving this feat greatly varies.

Delving into Bioaugmentation

Let's first navigate through the fascinating world of bioaugmentation.

Bioaugmentation Explained: Definition and Procedure

Bioaugmentation involves introducing specially cultured microorganisms to a polluted environment to expedite the degradation of pollutants. Think of it as adding specific ingredients (including microbes) into a bread recipe – by controlling the components, environmental experts can predict the outcome.

Why Choose Bioaugmentation: Key Advantages

Bioaugmentation opens up the possibility to degrade a diverse array of pollutants, thereby enhancing the pace of pollution degradation.

Bioaugmentation: Identifying the Challenges

Despite its benefits, bioaugmentation faces certain hurdles. The primary drawback is the higher cost involved in introducing a culture compared to simply adding nutrients.

Unfolding the Concept of Biostimulation

Now, let's shift our focus to biostimulation.

Unraveling Biostimulation

Biostimulation is a process where nutrients and other substances are added to boost the growth of native microorganisms, thereby aiding in the degradation of pollutants. It's akin to providing an energy drink to the local cleanup team!

Why Opt for Biostimulation: Core Advantages

Biostimulation capitalizes on existing microbial communities, causes less disturbance to the ecosystem, and proves efficient in treating large-scale contaminations.

Understanding Biostimulation Limitations

However, biostimulation has its drawbacks, such as unpredictable outcomes and a longer duration for the degradation process compared to bioaugmentation.

Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation: A Side by Side Comparison

Next, we draw a comparison between these two strategies.

Common Ground

Both strategies share a common goal - degrading pollutants through microorganisms. Moreover, they are generally more eco-friendly and sustainable than their chemical counterparts.

Crucial Distinctions

The fundamental distinction lies in their respective strategies - bioaugmentation introduces new microorganisms, while biostimulation boosts the activity of existing ones.

Case Studies: Witnessing Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation at Work

Imagine an oil spill scenario. Here, bioaugmentation might involve introducing oil-consuming bacteria, while biostimulation might add nutrients to spur the growth of local oil-consuming bacteria.

Deciding Between Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation

Selecting between these two strategies hinges on multiple factors, including the type of pollution, site characteristics, and available resources.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation

As the quest for sustainable and effective pollution control continues, the significance of both bioaugmentation and biostimulation is set to rise.

Conclusion

Although different in their approach, both bioaugmentation and biostimulation serve as instrumental tools in combating environmental pollution. Comprehending these differences is integral for informed decision-making in the field of environmental bioremediation.

[foodblogsnid]

Why Organic Fertilizer is Essential in India

 Why Organic Fertilizer is Essential in India

In the rich tapestry of Indian agriculture, where the land is revered as a mother and the crops are seen as nurtured children, the importance of organic fertilizer is deeply ingrained. As the heartbeat of sustainable farming practices, organic fertilizer not only enriches the soil but also fosters an emotional connection between farmers and the Earth they depend on. By embracing the power of organic fertilizer in India, farmers can experience a profound transformation, cultivating a harmonious relationship with nature and reaping the following rewards that touch the hearts of all.

Ecological Balance: organic fertilizer in India promotes ecological balance by respecting the natural cycles of the land. It nourishes the soil with essential nutrients, allowing plants to thrive without compromising the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This connection to nature evokes a deep sense of gratitude and reverence, forging an emotional bond between farmers and the Earth.

Sustainable Farming: organic manure In India  is the cornerstone of sustainable farming in India. By utilizing natural and renewable resources, it reduces dependence on chemical inputs, conserves water, and mitigates soil erosion. The emotional satisfaction that comes from practicing responsible and sustainable farming methods is immeasurable, creating a sense of pride in preserving the environment for future generations.

Soil Health and Fertility: The use of organic manure In India enhances soil health and fertility, creating a nurturing environment for plants to flourish. It improves soil structure, increases water retention, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. The emotional connection between farmers and their soil deepens as they witness the transformation of barren land into thriving, fertile ground.

Nutrient-Rich Crops: Organic fertilizer nourishes crops with a broad spectrum of essential nutrients. As a result, the produce is not only healthy and nutritious but also bursting with natural flavors and aromas. The emotional gratification that farmers experience when presenting their bountiful and vibrant harvests to the community cannot be replicated by chemical-based farming methods.

Human Health Benefits: Organic fertilizer fosters human health by reducing the presence of harmful chemicals in food. The emotional relief that comes from knowing that one's produce is free from toxic residues and contributes to the well-being of consumers is immeasurable. It creates a sense of responsibility and care for the health of fellow individuals, strengthening the bond within the community.

Sustainable Livelihoods: The use of organic manure In India supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers in India. By adopting organic farming practices, they tap into a growing market that values environmentally friendly and healthy produce. This emotional connection to their occupation and the sense of empowerment derived from economic independence uplifts not only the farmers but also their families and communities.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Organic fertilizer minimizes environmental pollution by eliminating or significantly reducing the use of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides. This emotional relief from contributing to a cleaner and greener environment inspires a sense of purpose and responsibility, creating a virtuous cycle of caring for the Earth.

Preservation of Biodiversity: organic manure In India, facilitated by organic fertilizer, support the preservation of biodiversity in India. By cultivating diverse crops and protecting native plant species, farmers contribute to the conservation of genetic resources and ecological balance. This emotional connection to the rich tapestry of nature fuels a deep appreciation for the intricate web of life that sustains us all.

Community Bonding: Embracing organic fertilizer creates a sense of community bonding among farmers in India. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and collective efforts, they come together to promote sustainable agriculture and build a network of support. The emotional solidarity and shared vision for a better future strengthen the fabric of rural communities.

Spiritual Connection: Organic farming and the use of organic fertilizer have deep spiritual significance in India. The ancient wisdom passed down through

organic manure In India | organic fertilizer In India

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generations recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the divine nature of the Earth. The emotional connection to the land and the spiritual fulfillment derived from practicing organic farming rituals and traditions elevate the act of nurturing crops to a sacred and profound experience.

For farmers in India, the importance of organic manure In India extends far beyond its tangible benefits. It is a testament to their deep-rooted love for the Earth, their commitment to sustainable practices, and their desire to leave a positive legacy for future generations. By choosing to buy vermicompost in India from the Best Vermicompost Manufacturer In India  they not only enrich their soil but also nurture their souls.

In conclusion, the importance of organic fertilizer in India is not merely a matter of agricultural practice but a reflection of our emotional bond with the land. It enables us to honor the Earth, protect the environment, and cultivate a sustainable future for all. By embracing organic farming methods and supporting Vermicompost Manufacturer In India, we not only nurture our crops but also touch the hearts of our communities. Let us join hands and sow the seeds of change, cherishing the emotional connection between farmers and the Earth, as we embark on a journey towards a greener, healthier, and more harmonious India.

[jhavelikes]

Soils are alive. A handful of soil can contain hundreds of miles of fungal hyphae, microscopic facilitators of soil and plant health. Science is only now beginning to grasp the profound effects incredible soil fungal biodiversity has on forests. ​ At Funga, we use the forest fungal microbiome to improve forestry outcomes and address the climate crisis while enhancing beneficial microbial biodiversity. We combine modern DNA sequencing and machine learning technology with breakthrough research on the forest microbiome to put the right native, biodiverse communities of mycorrhizal fungi in the right place. This leads to more quality wood created more quickly, more carbon sequestered, and more resilient forests.

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[fatehbaz]

ughhhhhhhhh noooo stop it! aha! don’t release non-native earthworms in random plots of soil for enhancing gardens or free bait, don’t do it anywhere in North America lmaoooo! stop, it’s so dangerous and extremely harmful, with devastating and surprisingly dramatic and visible biome-wide effects! haha popular tumblr blogs should stop repeatedly and widely sharing advice recommending the release of non-native earthworms and calling it “anti-imperialist praxis” and “bioregional autonomy” and “vegan self-suffiency” lol! dooooon’t! it straight up destroys soil and outright kills forests :/ it directly causes death of understory plants; death of iconic species like goblin fern and serviceberry; elimination of vital fungal networks providing both soil structure and tree-to-tree nutrient-sharing; loss of native invertebrates and amphibians; savannification of the boundary between woodland and tallgrass prairie; death of red maple, sugar maple, and red oak stands; and especially harms hardwoods forests of the Great Lakes and Midwest lmao seriously stooooop it >:(

Anyway for real, I sure hope no one is deliberately releasing non-native and invasive earthworms, or bait worms, anywhere on Turtle Island/North American land, especially west of the Mississippi River or north of the Wisconsin glaciation. Earthworms and bait worms sold in stores are, by and large, not species native to the continent. They severely harm forests and soil ecology, leading directly to disruption of fungal networks; death of saplings and seedlings; death of forest understory plants; replacement of typical understory species with grasses; mortality in adult trees, as well; changes in pH; and other harm, especially devastating in northern hardwoods forests of the Great Lakes region.

Not gonna name names, but several times this year, popular blogs from the [forest-lover, anarchist/leftist/solarpunk, Moomin-fan, environmentalist-ish] realms of Tumblr have widely shared advice recommending the release of non-native earthworms or bait worms into the wild, as a form of “praxis”. I’ve got these posts screenshotted, but since I generally respect people in these circles - and in the interest of avoiding discourse and drama - I’m not going to share them. (A popular post was widely shared in February 2019; another “release store-bought earthworms” post was shared in December 2019.) I appreciate where their hearts are at. But:

Source: [x].

Some things:

From a Phys dot org summary of Great Lakes Worm Watch:

"The western Great Lakes region, which is the area we're focused on, has no native earthworms," says ecologist Cindy Hale, a research associate with the Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. Native earthworms in the region were all wiped out after the last Ice Age. The current population was brought by Europeans hundreds of years ago, (soil was often used as ballast in ships) and they’re now changing the face of local forests. Anglers are adding to the problem by dumping worms that don't end up on the end of a hook.

With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Hale's team created the Great Lakes Worm Watch website and outreach programs to stop the spread of non-native earthworms and to clear up the common misconception that they're harmless. [...] Earthworms may be small but when they take over a forest, the impact is dramatic. They cause the rapid incorporation of organic material into the soil, changing its structure, chemistry and nutrient dynamics. What's known as the duff layer is suddenly removed, and this duff, or decaying organic material on the forest floor, is habitat for several species of insects, spiders, small vertebrates, bacteria and fungi. It is also the primary rooting zone for most plants."What's really the biggest negative effect on the plants directly is the removal of their rooting zone. It can cause mortality of adult plants but, furthermore, it can cause a loss of reproductive potential. A lot of these native plants have seeds that have very complex seed dormancy and germination strategies," says Hale.

--

Caption by Shireen Gonzaga for EarthSky: “A forest understory with a high diversity of native plants, the result when there are no earthworms in the soil. Image courtesy of Paul Ojanen.”

Caption by Shireen Gonzaga for EarthSky: “Forest soil with an abundance of non-native earthworms can result in a bare understory. Image courtesy of Scott L Loss.”

Non-native worms disrupt fungi networks, alter soil pH, damage seedlings, and allow grasses to gain stronger footholds to replace native/natural forest understory plants (from an EarthSky review of 2016 research by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research):

Bottom line: European earthworms, introduced by early settlers, are changing the physical and chemical characteristics of soil in northern North American forests, creating a decreased diversity in native plants. [...] At the top soil layer, earthworms convert fallen leaves to humus. That’s a good thing if you’re growing a garden, but, in a natural forest, it causes a fast-tracking of the release of nutrients instead of allowing the leaf litter to break down more slowly, as it would without the earthworms.

Also, as they burrow through the ground, earthworms disrupt the mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants. Some deep-burrowing worm species change the pH of upper soil layers by mixing in alkaline soil from deeper in the ground. [...]

All of these changes adversely affect native plants that did not evolve in such conditions. For instance, the goblin fern is rarely found in areas with high earthworm density. Other native plants facing threats include largeflower bellwort, trillium and Solomon’s seal. Earthworms also consume the seeds and seedlings of some plant species, influencing what grows in the forest understory.

In some locations, grasses, with their fine root systems that quickly absorb nutrients, dominate the forest floor. Non-native invasive plants that evolved in soils containing earthworms gain an even stronger foothold in these forests.

--

Cindy Hale, the prominent University of Minnesota-based researcher of non-native earthworms in the Great Lakes region, has published this book through Kollath-Stensaas Publishing:

--

Non-native worms harm birch trees specifically and hardwood forests generally (excerpt from University of Toronto research, 2016):

The worms can cause dramatic changes to ecosystems by altering soils, reducing leaf litter and disrupting microbial interactions, which reduces biodiversity. Now it seems they are also eating plant seeds in the wild, potentially altering the make-up of forest communities. (…)

“They eat a lot more seeds than we think,” says Cassin [ecologist at University of Toronto in Mississauga], now at the Ontario Invasive Plant Council in Canada.

The study shows another way that earthworms can alter forest ecosystems, particularly for small-seeded species such as birch, says Lee Frelich, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota in St Paul. (…)

Once earthworms have invaded a habitat, they are almost impossible to eradicate, says Erin Bayne, of the University of Alberta in Canada. Conservationists must instead work to keep worms out of pristine habitats, he says, for example by restricting the use of worms as fishing bait and by controlling accidental transport of contaminated soil.

--

Non-native worms lead to wildflower, fern, and sapling death. In hardwood forests, this loss is probably due partially to how worms degrade the duff layer; the loss of this layer also provokes soil erosion and directly eliminates the forest floor shelter of larger invertebrates and amphibians. When saplings cannot establish themselves, there is tree loss. (From Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Studies conducted by the University of Minnesota and forest managers show that at least seven species are invading our hardwood forests and causing the loss of tree seedlings, wildflowers, and ferns.

--

Sugar maples, important both for forests and human food production, are devastated by the worms (from several years of research by Michigan Technological University across multiple national and state forests in the Upper Great Lakes):

A new study suggests that non-native worms are eating up the forest floor, causing sugar maples to die back and perhaps harming other forest dwellers.

Sugar maples are prized as much for their valuable lumber as for their sugary sap and dazzling fall colors. In Michigan alone, they are the basis of a multi-million-dollar industry. But several years ago, foresters began noticing that the crowns of the big trees appeared unhealthy, with bare limbs and little new growth. “They were losing trees before they could harvest them.” (…)

--

Great Lakes Worm Watch has some fun links and resources:

You can download a comprehensive key that helps identify earthworm species. Available for free, via Great Lakes Worm Watch:

Text from Great Lakes Worm Watch: “Different plant species respond to earthworm invasions differently. Some native plants appear to be very sensitive, so much so, that they can rapidly disappear when earthworms invade a forest. Some examples of these plants include…” 

Worm Watch: “If earthworm invasion leads to changes in the mycorrhizal community of fungi, the diversity of plants that make up the understory would be dramatically changed. Fungi are a preferred food of many earthworm species and they graze it heavily, which could dramatically impact the abundance and composition of fungi in the soil.  By grazing fungi on or near plant roots, the earthworms not only can damage the roots, but they prevent the plant and fungi from forming the symbiotic relationship where mycorrhizal fungi exchange nutrients and water for carbohydrates with green plants.  If the fungi can't get enough food, they will die back even further.  For some of the native plants that need mycorrhizal fungi, especially when the plant is young and small, survival will be difficult if earthworms prevent this relationship from being formed.”

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NO MUSHROOMS

[chicuahtliteotl]

Inherently any permaculture you design will be resistent to any climate change or conditional change because the idea of permaculture and indigenous methodologies to agricultural or agroforestry, hinge on working so closely with the land that you must take into account what was native and how the native ecosystem adapts as well what was needed to support it through such conditions.

This doesn't mean methods of ancestors aren't allowed to change, change is part of how we all exist, blending of methods or applying methods that weren't once used in an area is common.

Our community's usage of microbial solutions for soil management and mycoremediation is fairly innovative by some standards but it was the obvious next step, if we understood there was life in every where we saw then the ancestors would understand our desire to also bring the community of that which we can't see without tools, to also thrive.

The mythos of indigenous people being some how backward is failure to understand, that we had founded a notion and concept that understood that were was more to what we know, to observe, to learn and understand. Science is inherently indigenous because before it was even defined as even a concept by western worlds, many communities were already perfecting the scientific theory, in different words perhaps but same end concept.

A common rain collection method in our nahua community is pachoā ātl, for water to roost like a hen where it desires. We terrace the land a day after watching the heavy rain fall because this tells us where water is being ran off, lead to, etc. From here we form divots, swales, etc. Why we call it pachoā ātl is because when the water collects and seeps into the ground, it appears like a hen roosting in a random divot it has found, splaying it's feathers out.

By leading and creating a place for where to roost we allow the water to seep into the ground deeper than it would normally. This fostering deep water collection and focused guiding of water allows us to conserve and be efficient with the water we wish to use.

Creating natural rivers, ponds, etc in your land scape is possible no matter the size.

[irispublishersagriculture]

Iris Publishers - World Journal of Agriculture and Soil Science (WJASS)

Biofertilizer Impacts on Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Cultivation: Improved Soil Health and Quality, Igbariam, Nigeria

Authored by Ayodele A Otaiku

Introduction

Many diseases are caused by pathogens, whose damage symptoms appear on the leaves, stems and storage roots [1] during cassava cultivation. The common diseases of cassava are cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacterial blight, cassava anthracnose disease, cassava bud necrosis and root rot. Some of these diseases attack the leaves and stems of cassava plants while others attack the storage roots [2]. Cassava mosaic disease is caused by the African cassava mosaic virus which occurs inside the leaves and stems and causes yield reductions of up to 90 percent [3]. Economical damage by diseases, pests and weeds of cassava is relatively moderate, although white flies can be a menace in some regions, if the problem is not identified early, and remedial action not implemented in a timely manner (Figure 1). Correct identification of the pest and an understanding of its behaviour, including its most vulnerable stages would provide insights into its management affects crops yield and development. Care must be then taken if pesticide application is contemplated, since there is the likelihood of high residual levels remaining in the product after harvest if an inappropriate formulation is not used.

Biopesticides can exert fungicidal, insecticidal, or nematocidal action via the microbial inoculate in the biofertilizer, a combination of them and possibly other auxiliary functions such as bird and mammal repellents or herbicides. According to recent classifications [4,5]. Bio-control action is due to multiple synergic mechanisms, generally including: i) production of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites (e.g., phenazines by Pseudomonas spp., lipopeptides by Bacillus spp., and hydrocyanic acid by Rhizobia); and ii) secretion of lytic and defense enzymes (e.g., chitinases, glucanases, peroxidases, polyphenol oxidases, and phenylalanine ammonia lyases produced by Trichoderma, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Serratia, Streptomyces and Bacillus strains) [6,7]. The drawback of using living microorganisms is that their efficacy is often unpredictable under changing field conditions, and their fitness is reduced by the presence of an indigenous microbiota difficult to displace by non-native microorganisms [7,8]. Additionally, the antagonistic interactions occurring in formulations containing more than one microbial species limit their potential in integrated pest management strategies [9,10].

Climate change and soil biological health

It is commonly observed that applying only N or N + P can lead to a decline in particulate organic matter (>53 m fraction) and soil biological activity (soil respiration, microbial biomass C and N). These however improved significantly by moving towards balanced application through the addition of NPK or NPK+ organics [19]. Also, actual field studies on microbial diversity and activity are few. Contrary to a hypothesis that leaf litter produced under elevated CO2 and having a high C: N ratio would be difficult to decompose, the microorganisms were found to adapt to changing soil carbon input under elevated CO2 and there was no effect on their turnover and behaviour [20]. Expectedly, under 15 elevated CO2, increased immobilization of fertilizer N by stimulation of mineralization (SMB) of soil organic matter (SOM) nitrogen was observed [21].

Thus, greater microbial demand for N (>27%) was observed under elevated CO2 [22]. As warmer temperatures are maintained, the less efficient use of carbon by the microbes causes them to decrease in number, eventually resulting in less carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere [23] via an agricultural soil vis-à-vis a desert soil (warmed in real world over time) attests this reality. Mycorrhizal and N2-fixing relationships are generally enhanced by CO2 enrichment, but effects of warming are highly variable [24]. There are reports proving that soil resistance and resilience is linked to soil biodiversity [25] and ‘higher’ soil diversity protects the soil against ecosystem malfunctions under stress or disturbance: an ‘insurance hypothesis’ linked to soil biodiversity [26].

Unfortunately, some African soils lack essential nutrients. In Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania low yield of crops was attributed mainly to poor soil fertility [27]. For instance, Zn is deficient in most West African soils, especially the lowland areas [28] while plant viable P is unavailable in the iron-rich tropical soils of Africa due to low pH and high level of iron and aluminum oxides [29]. The soil lacks Ca, Mg and K, and when acidic, has a high level of free Mn, which is toxic to crops. Buhmann, et al. [30], some South African soils are deficient in K and P, making it unsuitable for cultivation. Africa has lower fertilizer consumption when compared to other regions of the world. In 2002, sub-Saharan Africa had about 8 kg/ha of fertilizer consumption which increased to 12 kg/ ha in 2010 and 18 kg/ha in 2013 (Sommer et al., 2013). This is far below that of other regions of the world such as North America, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific which were estimated at 127.9 kg/ha, 151.8 and 337.0 kg/ha respectively (World Bank Fertiliser Consumption, 2013).

Sub-Saharan Africa fertilizer market lacks basic infrastructure for sustainability, efficient pricing and competition (Sommer et al., 2013). Biofertilizers should not be misunderstood for organic fertilizers such as compost, animal manure and plant manure or extracts [31,32]. However, whether the beneficial microbes improve crop accessibility to nutrients [6,33] or replenish soil nutrients (Shridhar, 2012; Thamer et al., 2011), if the overall nutrient condition of crop and soil has been improved, such substances containing the beneficial microorganisms are considered as biofertilizers [32]. The objectives are:

• How biofertilizer functional architecture links system design (microbial inoculant) impacts on the cassava crops nutrient use efficiency.

• To use the outcome indicators (crop yield, soil organic matter) as a determinant of soil health and quality and soil nutrient facility management.

• How the microbial inoculant impacts on the integrated soil management?

• What are the indicators of soil quality?

Methodology

Biofertilizer functional models - soil health and quality

The environment-centric view (biofertilizer impacts) considers function as its effects (biofertilizer). The device-centric view considers function in term of internal parameters of the object (cassava crop physiology). The device-centric functions are the outcome (yield, soil health and quality) of the deployment of the environment centric functions. Eppinger and Browning, 2012 define. Underrating the biofertilizer system architecture of cassava crop cultivation within the agro-ecology, their relationships to crop development, evolution and outcome (yield, soil health and quality). Models are representations of the current understanding of a phenomenon or process of interest [34,35]. Functional models describe the relationship among variables using the simplest description of causal relations possible that still provides a useful description of the process or phenomenon [36]. A functional model would describe the components of the biofertilizer system and how they interact soils and crops cultivation. A mechanistic model would describe the properties of the biofertilizer contained in the components of the soil systems during cultivation. Information is also required on the driving forces that impact the variables controlling outcomes This driving force-outcome-response framework (or pressure-state- response framework) is widely used in environmental assessment [37].

Biofertilizer is dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in the cassava (independent variable or manipulated variable) field experiment. The independent variable (cassava crop) effect on the dependent variable is observed and recorded. Indicators can be used to communicate information on driving forces, outcomes, or responses. Driving force indicators communicate information on the causes of a problem, which may provide incentives for appropriate responses or be used to monitor the efficacy of responses. Outcome indicators communicate information on the effects of a problem on a goal. Outcome indicators are often slow to respond but are directly related to the issue and are useful for assessment and planning. Response indicators communicate information on the extent to which remedial actions are implemented. Response indicators respond quickly, but their effects are not evident until much later. Indicators may communicate information on level, change or structure [38]. An indicator of structure provides information on industry or policy structures related to driving force (e.g., average farm size) or response (e.g., proportion of farms with an environmental farm plan). Water quality: watersheds with the greatest risk of non-point pollution are identified based on leaching and runoff vulnerability indices calculated for pesticides and nutrients (Figure 3).

For example, vulnerability indices for nutrients are obtained from estimates of excess nutrient levels (manure or commercial fertilizer sources) combined with estimates of leaching (based on precipitation and hydrologic factors) or estimates of run-off, Figure 2 reported by Kellogg et al. [39]. In the United States to develop soil ratings based on measured soil properties for the comparison of land management systems [40] and the approach, soil quality is considered an inherent property of the soil that can be determined from measurable soil attributes [41]. When a soil quality parameter declines below an acceptable limit, an appropriate response is required to increase soil quality. Acceptable limits depend on land use, soil characteristics, landform and climatic conditions. Many potential parameters of soil quality, measurable at various scales of assessment, have been proposed (Table 1). Wander & Bollero [42] concluded that particulate organic matter, mean wet weight diameter of aggregates, bulk density and penetration resistance may be good indicators of soil quality because they are sensitive to management and environmentally relevant.

Acton & Gregorich [43] defined soil quality as “the soil’s fitness to support crop growth without resulting in soil degradation or otherwise harming the environment”. Larson & Pierce [41] stated that “soil quality describes how effectively soils: 1) accept, hold, and release nutrients and other chemical constituents; 2) accept, hold, and release water to plants, streams and groundwater; 3) promote and sustain root growth; 4) maintain suitable biotic habitat; and 5) respond to management and resist degradation”. Karlen et al. [44] defined soil quality as “the capacity of a specific kind of soil to function, within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation”.

Soil quality and health

Soil quality can be defined as the fitness of a specific kind of soil, to function within its capacity and within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation [45]. Soil quality is related to soil functions and soil health concepts views soil as a finite and dynamic living resource [46]. Plant health is clearly a component of soil health but necessarily not of soil quality [47]. Baker & Cook [48] described the soils in which disease severity or incidence remains low, in spite of the presence of a pathogen, a susceptible host plant and climatic conditions favorable for disease development, as suppressive soils. Soil biota like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a significant role in improving plant nutrition but also act as bioprotectants against pathogens and toxic substances [49]. Thus, there is a considerable degree of overlap in the meaning of soil quality and soil health (Doran, 2002), though soil health perceptions tend to focus more on biotic components of soil [50]. Soil degradation or deterioration in soil health or quality implies loss of the vital functions of soil: (i) providing physical support, water and essential nutrients required for growth of terrestrial plants; (ii) regulation of the flow of water in the environment and (iii) elimination of the harmful effects of contaminants by means of physical, chemical and biological processes, i.e., environmental buffer or filter [38,51]. The quality and health of soil determine agricultural sustainability and environmental quality, which jointly determine plant, animal and human health [21,52].

Results and Discussion

Biofertilizer - mechanism of action

The absence of a population of degrading microorganisms can be overcome by the inoculation of the plant rhizosphere with pollutant degrading strains and biosurfactants during crop cultivation via biofertilizer. This approach successful in reducing the levels of benzene, ethylene, toluene xylenes, hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides in polluted environments [50,53] especially in Africa poor soil profile. The rhizosphere is defined as the volume of the soil over which roots have influence, and which is shared with soil bacteria. Plants release exudates in the rhizosphere likely to serve as carbon source for microbes [54]. Consequently, rhizosphere microbes can promote plant health by stimulating root growth via production of plant growth regulators, enhance mineral and water uptake. Some bacteria, especially fluorescent pseudomonads, produce siderophores that have very high affinities for iron as compared to fungal siderophores [55] and can sequester this limited resource from other microflora thereby preventing their growth [56].

Earlier reports have demonstrated the importance of P. fluorescens siderophores in disease suppression [57,58], Figure 4. However, many endophytic bacteria are facultative plant colonizers and have to compete well in the rhizosphere before entering the plant [59] and might be therefore equipped with a rich arsenal of metabolites involved in defense as well as in interaction with the plant. Many bacteria with the capacity of colonizing plants utilize the nutrient niche of root surfaces in the rhizosphere and most of them might even actively switch from root surface to endophytic lifestyles [59,60]. These bacteria comprise several well characterized species of Bacillus and Pseudomonas and a number of metabolites, particularly lipopeptides synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthesases, have been described to be important for rhizosphere bacteria for antibiosis and for inducing plant defense mechanisms (Figure 5). Biofertilizer characteristics (Table 2) and biosurfactants (Table 3) applied in the filed cassava cultivation requires no chemical pesticide. This was as a result of might be cassava plant-associated lifestyle requires adaptation to several niches, in which different metabolites act as signals for interaction (communication) with the plant and host specific plants nutrient and crop protection.

To read more about this article: https://irispublishers.com/wjass/fulltext/biofertilizer-impacts-on-cassava-manihot-esculenta-crantz-cultivation-improved-soil health.ID.000578.php

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Iris publishers google scholar citations: https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=irispublishers&btnG=

[sciencespies]

Salt marsh plants may signal carbon capture capacity

https://sciencespies.com/environment/salt-marsh-plants-may-signal-carbon-capture-capacity/

Salt marsh plants may signal carbon capture capacity

Coastal wetlands like seagrass meadows, mangroves, and salt marshes play vital roles along the shoreline, from providing a buffer against storm surges, to providing critical habitat for animals, to capturing atmospheric carbon.

We are still just beginning to comprehend the intricate workings of these highly productive ecosystems and their role in mitigating the climate crisis, but UConn researchers are one step closer to understanding how salt marsh vegetation, their bacterial communities, and vegetation can help predict a marsh’s potential to be a blue carbon reservoir. The research was recently published in the journal Estuaries and Coasts.

“Coastal marshes are increasingly recognized as important ecosystems because they sequester and store a lot of carbon. There is increasing interest in understanding these blue carbon ecosystems because of our current climate crisis,” says Beth Lawrence, co-author and College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources Assistant Professor of Wetland and Plant Ecology in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Science and Engineering.

Lawrence explains how salt marshes serve as focal ecosystems in conservation and restoration. They are habitat for a wide range of species, including endangered species like the salt marsh sparrow. Located at the interface between land and sea, these ecosystems buffer storm energy and perform other important functions, like the removal of excess nitrogen from water making its way to estuaries where it may otherwise lead to algal blooms and oxygen-deprived “dead zones.”

Development leads to changes in the movement of water (see side bar) and Lawrence says that, often, tide-restricted salt marshes become less salty and wet, leading to shifts in what plants grow there. Plants that thrive in these brackish conditions can be invasive, like Phragmites australis, which has become the bane of coastal managers, Lawrence says.

Tidal restoration aims to reconnect marshes cut off from the ocean to improve habitat. Increasing the size of culverts underneath roads, railroads or bridges or removing tide gates can restore tidal flow and the organisms that rely on it.

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To observe how tidal restoration may alter carbon cycling and soil microbes, the researchers sampled from several marsh locations in Connecticut, including less-disturbed “reference” marshes, and formerly restricted marshes that have since undergone restoration.

“Tidally restored and the unrestored references differed in carbon density and how much carbon is in the soil. Highly restricted sites presumably had dried out to some degree and lost some carbon,” says Lawrence.

This makes sense, Lawrence says, because in wetter soils, microbes do not break down carbon-rich plant material as efficiently as in dry soil, therefore the material and the carbon within it remains. When microbes can feast away on the plant matter in drier, more oxygenated conditions, the carbon is lost to the atmosphere in the form of carbon gas, in a process called mineralization.

Other measurements between tidally restored and undisturbed marshes were the same across the suite of parameters used in the researchers’ measurements, including soil chemistry, plant biomass, and microbial communities. However, there were large differences across vegetation zones.

“The key difference we saw were across plant communities,” Lawrence says. “We saw differences in microbial respiration as well as the microbial communities living in the soils in different vegetation zones. These findings suggest that both plants and microbes are responding to differences in environmental conditions.”

With the knowledge of which plants thrive where, the researchers can get a glimpse into the biological processes at play within the marsh by noting which plants are present.

“I think one of the key takeaways from our study is that these bands of vegetation are good indicators of what’s going on hydrologically and biogeochemically,” says Lawrence. “For example, if we see native Spartina alterniflora growing, we know the environment is saltier than where Phragmites is growing. These soils are likely to have different bacterial community composition and process carbon and nitrogen differently than in a higher, drier community.”

Considering the importance of salt marshes and the need for further restoration work, Lawrence says managers could use satellite imagery or drones to look at the vegetation at greater spatial scales to get an indication of growing conditions as well as a system’s carbon capture capacity. This could help in focusing restoration efforts and monitoring.

“Managers are really interested in scaling up,” Lawrence says. “Quantifying carbon and nutrient cycling is very time-consuming and detailed so an important implication of this work is that the dominant vegetation in salt marshes can be used as a proxy for some biogeochemical processes. We have to carefully consider how we’re spending our limited conservation dollars.”

#Environment

[tanadrin]

Some planets

Description of some of the notable worlds surveyed by the Frontier vessel DSEV Soliton during its mission spinward along the Orion-Cygnus arm:

FEC 2953-CD5a: The only planetary-mass body orbiting a B-type star; possibly an abandoned superengineering project by an alien civilization. Remarkable only in that it is utterly unremarkable: the surface is extremely smooth and covered by a worldwide sea less than one meter deep, with virtually no variation in surface composition, albedo, or density of any kind. The atmosphere is entirely inert gases, mostly nitrogen and helium, with small amounts of various noble gases. No signs of life were found, and no tectonic activity.

The lack of cratering would suggest that the surface of CD5b is extremely young - Surveyor-Xenologist Kulnai has also posited some kind of alien asteroid defense mechanism, but no indication of alien technology was found on the surface or in orbit. However, Surveyor-Astronomer Harlon has also pointed out that no asteroid-mass objects orbit CD5b’s parent star except very close in, with the vast majority of orbiting mass consisting of a fine dust of minerals and ice particles, and that under such circumstances, the only possible impactors would be rare extrastellar objects. Surveyor-Planetologist Yun insists that there is no reason to think the planet is not simply a rare natural phenomenon, a remark which caused such controversy that Surveyors Tal and Uparan were forced to send Kulnai, Harlon, and Yun to their quarters and to forbid further discussion of the question except in private logs.

FEC 2968-R3He: A small, rocky world with a highly eccentric orbit, probably of extrastellar origin. A surface exploration drone indicated that beneath the shallow regolith, the planet is a single immense piece of diamond, possibly ejected from the core of a massive gas giant. On visiting the surface, Surveyor Yun sarcastically proposed to Surveyor Harlon, who surprised everyone by accepting; in consequence of the impending nuptials, the planet has been provisionally designated Harlon’s Engagement Ring.

FEC-2991-PHKc: A world with a dense atmosphere rich in hydrogen and methane. While PHKc has a diverse microbial biosphere, it also appears to be undergoing its own Great Oxygenation Event, with exposed iron deposits having recently reached a point of saturation that can no longer absorb the excess O2 generated by marine life. Oxygen blooms in the small, shallow seas trigger massive periodic fires that sweep over much of the planet, which will presumably continue until the hydrogen and methane in the atmosphere are depleted; the burning of hydrogen in particular will likely cause the seas to grow substantially, possibly creating a true planetwide ocean.

FEC-3030-59Jd II: 59Jd is a gas giant; its moon, 59Jd II, is a small, dry world kept very seismically active by the tidal stresses of its parent body. The lack of plate tectonics means that there are massive periodic energy releases that are capable of liquefying huge parts of the crust, resulting in intermittent lava seas that resurface huge portions of the landscape. When these seas form, unique extremophile organisms flourish, whose metabolism is based on unusual high-temperature chemistry; as the lava seas cool, they die off en masse, leaving behind deposits of crystalline sand, and retreat to subsurface magma pockets and isolated shield volcanoes to await the next great seismic event.

FEC-3042-373a: An almost tidally locked planet orbiting a red dwarf. The ratio of the orbital period to the revolutionary period is not quite 1, meaning that the day-night line on the surface processes slowly. 98% of the native biomass is found in this habitable zone, trapped between scorching temperatures on the day side and freezing temperatures on the night; as a consequence, almost every organism found on the planet during the survey was capable of some kind of locomotion, resulting in an entire biosphere that marches slowly across the planet, under the stormy skies where night meets day.

Of the sessile natives, most notable were the lightning-trees, adapted to draw down bursts of electricity from the clouds; their night forms withstand the freezing temperature of the nightside through a kind of hibernation; when trapped on the day side, their shoots bury themselves deep in the bedrock, waiting for the temperature to fall enough to sprout again.

FEC-3061-HJAy: The largest terrestrial planet among a veritable swarm around a massive O-type star. The ruins on the surface indicate it was once colonized by a now long-forgotten alien race, apparently obsessed with working out the complex motions and subtle perturbations of the other bodies in the system. Their entire mythology became based on this peculiar astrology, and though they were not native to this system (indeed, had no major colonies in it besides one observatory and its supporting structures), they were convinced that it was the influence of these planets and these alone that governed the courses of their lives.

FEC-3083-0C2c: A pulsar planet, formed in the aftermath of its parent star’s demise, in the manner of PSR B1257+12. 0C2c is low-mass and contains large internal voids that form a planetwide subterranean cavern system. Thus shielded from the worst of the pulsar’s scouring radiation, these caverns host an entire low-gravity radiotrophic biosphere, including an entire sentient civilization.

After careful study of the indigenous iconography, Surveyor-Xenologist Ellana advanced the tentative hypothesis that the sentient inhabitants of 0C2c were not aware of the existence of other stars, and only partly understood the nature of space and the existence of their own star. They seem to view 0C2c as a malevolent, infernal being, from which the personification of stone and darkness, a kind of Earth-mother figure, has protected them by enclosing them in its shell. Given the difficulty of communication, it was decided by the crew that the Soliton could not make productive first contact at this time, and the matter has been delegated to a joint-species Frontier committee for further review.

FEC-3112-HJAc: A terrestrial planet shattered by a massive impact, whose surface is now split by huge crevasses. The result is a planet divided starkly between vast, airless highlands, and impossibly deep, foggy valleys into which the remaining atmosphere has drained. Each is a biosphere completely sundered from the others by millions of years of evolution--each almost as alien to the others as to another world.

FEC-3126-96A: A rogue gas giant with five Earth-sized moons. One, 96A III, hosts the frozen remains of a civilization that arose there and colonized three of the other moons as well. The builders of these ruins did not die out, but in the countless millennia since their civilization fell, and the biospheres of their worlds drastically contracted, they have evolved to fit their new environment. Their distant descendants on each moon are distinct varieties of nonsentient deep-ocean dwellers who cluster around volcanic vents fed by tidal tectonic activity

FEC-3139-9JVd: An extremely rapidly rotating planet with days only a couple of hours long; because of the high speed of rotation, the surface is wracked by blisteringly fast winds. These winds are so intense that they whip the water up into a dense surface-level fog, with no clear distinction between land, air, and sea.

FEC-3150-CCQb: In most respects, an unremarkable terrestrial planet with a rich biosphere. Notable primarily for the life cycle of its one sentient species: like Earth’s cicada, they spend the majority of their life dormant beneath the soil, emerging every decade or two in great swarms, during which they marry and reproduce and feed in a frenzy of activity that lasts only a few months. As their population and their mastery of tool use has increased, each emergence has caused more and more environmental devastation, which has induced worry among their leaders and strife among different political factions. The politics of the world are further complicated by the fact that different broods have different periods of hibernation, and were not aware of one another (unless two swarms happened to coincide) until quite recently in the planet’s history.

The tacticle-electric system of communication used by the natives proved opaque, but standard first contact greeting protocols were exchanged. The inhabitants of CCQb seemed to be aware that alien life was a possibility, but have made no attempts to travel into space themselves.

FEC-3156-AHBc: Despite being located dozens of lightyears from CCQb, the Soliton was astonished to discover that AHBc hosted a biosphere chemically identical to CCQb, with a native population that was, to all external appearance, identical to the swarmers encountered already, albeit with a dramatically different life cycle and culture. The inhabitants of AHBc professed no knowledge of CCQb, nor of any interstellar visitors before the Soliton’s arrival. There is no indication either on CCQb or AHBc that the species found there--including the sentient ones--did not evolve in situ. After considering the problem for a number of weeks, Surveyor-Geneticist Tal was observed to throw up her hands in frustration, to exclaim several blistering oaths, and to lock herself in her quarters. Efforts to coax her out are ongoing.

FEC-3171-275d: A planet notable in that intelligent life has appeared on it not once, but twice. 275d has an extremely high average surface temperature, varying between about 40C at the poles and regularly reaching 70C at the equator. The current planetary civilization, derived from arboreal stock, has conducted extensive archeological and climatological investigations of 275d’s past, and believes that a mass extinction 25 million years ago was accompanied by a massive carbon spike, the result of an industrial civilization burning fossil fuels. Whether by foolhardiness or deliberate action, they did not slow their rate of fossil fuel consumption as the planet began to warm up; several positive feedback loops subsequently triggered, accelerating the temperature increase of the surface further, and leading to the establishment of a new equilibrium where the average surface temperature was about 25C warmer. The last enclaves of the previous civilization were found at the poles, and ceased to exist at around 12 degrees of warming; as this civilization left behind no durable records of its culture, history, or beliefs, little has been ascertained as to why no effort was made to avert this warming.

The subsequent rise to sentience of the current dominant species was made possible by the great environmental shifts triggered in the process, though, although their growth has been somewhat hampered by the lack of access to readily available high-energy fuels. The Soliton made a gift of fusion and solar-powered generators to the natives before departure.

Xenologist Bulan appends this note:

It is easy for the layperson to interpret the history of alien civilizations according to the patterns of our own, to read a clear environmentalist’s moral into the fate of the first inhabitants of 275d. I caution against this. Humanity has had close contact with four alien species now, and made passing first contact with over a dozen, and the one constant is that--even among civilizations closely aligned in values with our own--the alien mind is nonetheless alien, and often driven by motivations and goals which are absurd, self-defeating, or opaque to us. It is by no means safe to assume 275d owes its present condition to arrogance, stubborness, or foolishness: these human vices are predicated on having a humanlike mind. It is not conceivable that a civilization able to induce climate change of the scale we have seen we not understand the cause of such climate change. It is entirely plausible--indeed it seems to me likely--that the architects of 275d’s warming saw it (and their own subsequent extinction) as in some sense a necessary, valuable, or important outcome on its own. Why? Neither we nor 275d’s current inhabitants can know.