scholarly journals Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 330
Author(s):  
Hoda Fakour ◽  
Shang-Lien Lo ◽  
Nathan Thadeo Yoashi ◽  
Angelbetter Marselian Massao ◽  
Nelson Naboth Lema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Soil Ecosystems ◽  
Farmland Soils ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
And Function

While microplastics (MPs) have been identified extensively in aquatic ecosystems, their presence remains largely unexplored in soil ecosystems. Considering the potential effect of MPs on soil biodiversity and function, the present study investigated and analyzed the abundance and characteristics of MPs in soil profile. Taking soil samples from Tainan city farms, as one of the hotspots of agricultural practices in Taiwan, concentrations, types, compositions, pathways, and sources of MPs in farmland soils were quantified. Results showed that MPs were found in all soil samples in different depths ranging from 12–117 items/m2 and MP abundance in farms adjacent to the suburban roads was about three times more than in enclosed farms separated from roads. Fragment and fibers were the main forms and low-density polyethylene was the dominant polymer of detected MPs. Historical land use, extensive application of plastic mulch, and utilization of fruit protection foams were identified as the main sources of MPs in farmlands. This study identifies the presence of MP emissions in farmland soils and investigates its features, which could serve as a framework for future studies into the ecological effects of MPs in the terrestrial environment.

Soils

2019 ◽  
pp. 67-90
Author(s):  
Nicola P. Randall ◽  
Barbara Smith
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Soil Formation ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Soil Processes ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Productive Land ◽  
And Function ◽  
Agriculture And Food

This chapter gives a basic introduction to soil formation and fundamental soil processes in agroecosystems. The types of soils found in agroecosystems and their importance for agriculture is explored, with a principal focus on soil biodiversity, i.e. soil-dwelling organisms, their variety and function, and the interaction between soil biology, agriculture, and food production. The chapter describes some of the issues associated with soils in agroecosystems. These include interactions between agricultural practices and soil erosion and soil quality issues such as salinization and desertification. The major challenges to maintaining ‘healthy’ soils on productive land are outlined, and approaches and techniques for managing soils described.

scholarly journals Sources of Light Density Microplastic Related to Two Agricultural Practices: The Use of Compost and Plastic Mulch

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Benjamin van Schothorst ◽  
Nicolas Beriot ◽  
Esperanza Huerta Lwanga ◽  
Violette Geissen
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Organic Waste ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Light Density

Microplastics (MPs) constitute a known, undesirable contaminant of the ecosystems. Land-based pollution is considered to be an important contributor, but microplastics in the terrestrial environment remains largely unquantified. Some agriculture practices, such as plastic mulch and compost application, are suspected to be major sources of microplastics as plastics are exposed to weathering or are present in organic fertilizers. The overall aim of this research is to bridge the terrestrial plastic contamination information gap, focusing on light density microplastics in two vegetable production systems in Southeast Spain and in the Netherlands. The selected farmer in Spain used plastic mulch for more than 12 years whereas the two farmers in the Netherlands annually applied 10 t ha−1 compost for the past 7 and 20 years. Samples from two different depths were collected: 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm. High quality compost samples originating from municipal organic waste and from garden and greenhouse waste were obtained from two Dutch compost plants. All samples from both Spanish (n = 29) and Dutch (n = 40) soils were contaminated by microplastics, containing 2242 ± 984 MPs kg−1 and 888 ± 500 MPs kg−1, respectively. Compost samples from municipal organic waste (n = 9) were more contaminated than the ones from garden and green house wastes (n = 19), with, respectively, 2800 ± 616 MPs kg−1 and 1253 ± 561 MPs kg−1. These results highlight the need for studies focusing on the effects of microplastics in the environment and the need for monitoring campaigns and the implementation of thresholds to regulate the microplastic contamination.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Soil-transmitted Helminths from Selected Dumpsites and Farmlands in Calabar, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-22
Author(s):  
Edema Enogiomwan Imalele ◽  
Effanga Emmanuel Offiong ◽  
Usang Anok Ukam ◽  
Aramushu Willington Urimaneh ◽  
Henshaw Victoria Utibe
Keyword(s):  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Farmland Soils

Aims: The present study investigated the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth contamination in dumpsite and farmland soils in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methodology: Soil samples were randomly collected from selected dumpsites and farmlands from July to December 2019. 200 soil samples (100 samples each from dumpsites and farmland) were collected. Soil samples were analysed using Zinc sulphate flotation technique whereas soil nematode extraction for hookworm and Strongyloides larvae was carried out using the modified Baermann technique. Results: Of the 200 soil samples examined, 131 (65.5%) were positive for ova/larvae of one or more parasites. Dumpsite soils were highly contaminated with ova/larvae of soil-transmitted helminths than farmland soils with a prevalence of 79% (n=79) and 52% (n=52) respectively (P=.02). Farmlands had the highest mean intensity (6.75±1.88) of contamination with ova/larvae of soil-transmitted helminths compared to dumpsite soils (1.68±0.14). Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest occurrence (35.5%) (P=.003) in soil samples examined. A. lumbricoides (40%) and Trichuris trichiura (6%) contamination was higher in dumpsite soils, while Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (34%) and hookworm (10%) contamination was higher in farmland soils. Dumpsite soils recorded the highest number of parasites (84%) in the wet season, while farmland soils recorded the highest number of parasites (92%) in the dry season (P=.11). Generally, parasitic ova/larvae were more prevalent in the dry season (91%) than in the wet season (73%) (P=.33). S. stercoralis (33%) was more prevalent in the wet season followed while A. lumbricoides (43%) recorded highest occurrence in the dry season. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential health risk of contracting soil-transmitted helminth parasites in soils around farmlands and dumpsites in Calabar, Nigeria. It is therefore important that a combination of sanitation and health education be put in place for effective control of soil-transmitted helminths.

scholarly journals Implications of Climate Change on Soil Functions: A Case for Achieving Local Coconut Sufficiency from Sustainable Agricultural Practices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu Egbunike ◽  
Nonso Okoye ◽  
Okoroji-Nma Okechukwu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Climate change is a major threat to agricultural food production globally and locally. It poses both direct and indirect effects on soil functions. Thus, agricultural management practices has evolved to adaptation strategies in order to mitigate the risks and threats from climate change. The study concludes with a recommendation the coconut farmers should explore the idea of soil biodiversity in a bid to mitigate the potential negative impact of climate related risk on the farming. The study proffers the need for adopting sustainable agricultural practices to boost local coconut production. This can contribute to the simultaneous realisation of two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations: SDG 2 on food security and sustainable agriculture and SDG 13 on action to combat climate change and its impacts. The study findings has implications for tackling climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa and in particular Nigeria in order to boost local agricultural production and coconut in particular without negative environmental consequences and an ability to cope with climate change related risks.

scholarly journals The role of ecosystem engineers in shaping the diversity and function of arid soil bacterial communities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Capucine Baubin ◽  
Arielle M. Farrell ◽  
Adam Šťovíček ◽  
Lusine Ghazaryan ◽  
Itamar Giladi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Ecosystem Engineers ◽  
Soil Microbiome ◽  
Desert Ecosystems ◽  
Arid Soil ◽  
Soil Bacterial Communities ◽  
Ant Nests ◽  
Soil Bacterial ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTEcosystem engineers (EEs) are present in every environment and are known to strongly influence ecological processes and thus shape the distribution of species and resources. In this study, we assessed the direct and indirect effect of two EEs (perennial shrubs and ant nests), individually and combined, on the composition and function of arid soil bacterial communities. To that end, top soil samples were collected in the Negev Desert Highlands during the dry season from four patch types: (1) barren soil; (2) under shrubs; (3) near ant nests; or (4) near ant nests situated under shrubs. The bacterial composition was evaluated in the soil samples (fourteen replicates per patch type) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, together with physico-chemical measures of the soil, and the potential functions of the community. We have found that the EEs differently affected the community composition. Indeed, barren patches supported a soil microbiome, dominated by Rubrobacter and Proteobacteria, while in EE patches the Deinococcus-Thermus phylum was dominating. The presence of the EEs similarly enhanced the abundance of phototrophic, nitrogen cycle and stress- related genes. In addition, only when both EEs were combined, were the soil characteristics altered. Our results imply that arid landscapes foster unique communities selected by each EE(s), solo or in combination, yet these communities have similar potential biological traits to persist under the harsh arid conditions. Environments with multiple EEs are complicated to study due to the possibility of non-additive effects of EEs and thus further research should be done.IMPORTANCEEcosystem engineers are organisms that can create, modify, or maintain their habitat. They are present in various environments but are particularly conspicuous in desert ecosystems, where their presence is tightly linked to vital resources like water or nutrients. Despite their key role in structuring and controlling desert ecosystems, joint engineering, and their effect on soil function, are unknown. Our study explores the contributions of key ecosystem engineers to the diversity and function of their soil microbiome allowing better understanding of their role in shaping habitats and engineering their activity

scholarly journals The Effect of Organic Matter Application on Phosphorus Status in the Calcareous Soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Extractable P ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
Phosphorus Status ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Soil Constituents

A field experiment is conducted to study the effect of different levels of peat (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Mg ha-1 to uncropped and cropped soil to wheat. Soil samples are taken in different period of time (0, 3, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after cultivation to determine (NaHCO3-Exteractable P at 3 different depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm). Field Experiment is conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Wheat, Al-Rasheed variety, is cultivated as a testing crop. The entire field is equally dived in two divisions. One of the two divisions is cultivated to wheat and the second is left uncropped. The effect of five levels of peat namely 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 Mg ha-1 is investigated. Soils are fully analyzed to determine its physical and chemical characteristics. The soil samples are collected after 3, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days for determining essential parameters and indicators that reflect the effect of the level of peat applications. Sodium bicarbonate - extractable P in uncropped and cropped soils at all depths, markedly decreases with time after peat application which has been attributed to plant uptake and rapid reaction of P with soil constituents. Sodium bicarbonate - extractable P with time in soil receiving 50 Mg ha-1 in both uncropped and cropped soil linearly decreases with the time of cultivation

Abstract WP196: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) for Depression and Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thirumalaivasan Dhasakeerthi ◽  
Muhammad Ishfaq ◽  
Balaji Krishnaiah ◽  
Andrei Alexandrov ◽  
Georgios Tsivgoulis
Keyword(s):  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Post Stroke Depression ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
And Function ◽  
Ssri Treatment

Background: Post-stroke depression is common and it impedes rehabilitation and function recovery after stroke, and numerous trials evaluated SSRI’s for depression prophylaxis. The objective of this study is to assess the use of SSRI for prevention of poststroke depression and the potential effect on functional recovery after stroke. Methods: We searched electronic databases up to July 2019 for randomized controlled trials of SSRI’s for patients with stroke versus placebo. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs by using random-effects models. The primary end points were depression and good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) at 90 days post-randomization. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Twelve randomized control trials assessing 4,887 patients have been included in the meta-analysis. SSRI treatment after stroke decreased the odds of depression compared to control group (OR = 0.48, 95% CI - 0.30 to 0.78, p=0.003). There was no heterogeneity between the trials (Cochran’s Q statistic 4.623, df 5; P = .337, I 2 =5.626%). The proportion of subjects who achieved mRS 0-2 at 90 days was similar between SSRI and control groups (OR= 3.471, 95% CI - 0.59 to 20.38, p=0.168). Conclusion: SSRI treatment for the stroke patients reduces the incidence of depression but it does not increase the odds of good functional recovery.

scholarly journals Long-term acidification of pH neutral grasslands affects soil biodiversity, fertility and function in a heathland restoration

CATENA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 180 ◽  
pp. 401-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Tibbett ◽  
Marta Gil-Martínez ◽  
Tandra Fraser ◽  
Iain D. Green ◽  
Sarah Duddigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Study on Carbon Stock of Leasehold Forests of Katakuti VDC, Dolakha District

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Tshering Dolma Lama ◽  
Ram Asheshwar Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Carbon Stocks ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Different Depths ◽  
Total Carbon Stock

A study was carried on ten leasehold forests of Katakuti VDC, Dolakha district to estimate the carbon stock. Random sampling was used to collect the biophysical data of trees/ poles, sapling, root and leaf litter, herb and grass. Then, the biomass was calculated using the respective equation and the calculated biomass stock was converted into carbon stock multiplying with 0.47. Similarly, the soil samples were collectewd from different depths of 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm to determine the soil organic carbon. Lastly, all analyzed data were compiled to get total carbon stocks. The result showed that the estimated total carbon stock per ha was found to be highest in Srijana leasehold forest with 125.493 t C/ha. The estimated total carbon stock of 10 leasehold forest was found to be 1439.033 tons. Here, Leasehold forests have been an emerging and successful example in conserving forests in epal. So, it is recommended to extend such studies in other parts of Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v5i0.10255   The Initiation 2013 Vol.5; 63-67

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