scholarly journals Indicative Value of the Dominant Plant Species for a Rapid Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Soils

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ana Cano-Ortiz ◽  
Carmelo M. Musarella ◽  
José C. Piñar Fuentes ◽  
Carlos J. Pinto Gomes ◽  
Ricardo Quinto-Canas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Rapid Evaluation ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Plant Associations ◽  
A Value ◽  
Dominant Plant Species ◽  
Hordeum Leporinum ◽  
Phytosociological Study

A study was conducted on 14 grassland communities located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and their edaphology, which is identified as specific plant associations. The edaphic study of each association allows a rapid evaluation of the nutrient content in the soil without the need for laboratory edaphic analysis. For each phytosociological relevé and soil, samplings were carried out. The field data were subjected to various statistical analysis—canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), Bayesian networks, and decision trees—to establish nutrient content. When the abundance value of the species is 9 in the Van der Maarel scale, there is an increase in the values of several soil parameters. In the case of Hordeum leporinum, when the Van der Maarel index is 9, the Kc (exchangeable potassium in cmol/kg) undergoes the greatest variation, to a value of up to 0.729 cmol/kg. The application of the decision tree to this species reveals that the soil attributes with the greatest influence in the classification are conductivity, %_si (silt texture), pH, and pF 15 atm (pressure at 15 atmospheres (water retention capacity) in %). Indeed, this interlaced edaphic and phytosociological study provides us with a high-value tool to obtain quick information on the content of nutrients in the soil.

scholarly journals Plant Organic Matter Really Matters: Pedological Effects of Kūpaoa (Dubautia menziesii) Shrubs in a Volcanic Alpine Area, Maui, Hawai’i

Soil Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco L. Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Litter Accumulation ◽  
Organic Matter Accumulation

This study examines litter accumulation and associated soil fertility islands under kūpaoa (Dubautia menziesii) shrubs, common at high elevations in Haleakalā National Park (Maui, Hawai’i). The main purposes were to: (i) Analyze chemical and physical properties of kūpaoa leaf-litter, (ii) determine soil changes caused by organic-matter accumulation under plants, and (iii) compare these with the known pedological effects of silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense) rosettes in the same area. Surface soil samples were gathered below shrubs, and compared with paired adjacent, bare sandy soils; two soil profiles were also contrasted. Litter patches under kūpaoa covered 0.57–3.61 m2 area and were 22–73 mm thick. A cohesive, 5–30-mm-thick soil crust with moderate aggregate stability developed underneath litter horizons; grain aggregation was presumably related to high organic-matter accumulation. Shear strength and compressibility measurements showed crusts opposed significantly greater resistance to physical removal and erosion than adjacent bare soils. As compared to contiguous bare ground areas, soils below shrubs had higher organic matter percentages, darker colors, faster infiltration rates, and greater water-retention capacity. Chemical soil properties were greatly altered by organic matter: Cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+), N, P, and cation-exchange capacity, were higher below plants. Further processes affecting soils under kūpaoa included microclimatic amelioration, and additional water input by fog-drip beneath its dense canopy. Substrate modifications were more pronounced below D. menziesii than A. sandwicense. Organic matter and available nutrient contents were higher under shrubs, where soils also showed greater infiltration and water-retention capacity. These trends resulted from contrasting litter properties between plant species, as kūpaoa leaves have higher nutrient content than silversword foliage. Different litter dynamics and reproduction strategies may also explain contrasting soil properties between the monocarpic rosettes and polycarpic kūpaoa. By inducing substantial substrate changes, Dubautia shrubs alter—or even create—different microhabitats and exert critical control on alpine soil development at Haleakalā.

scholarly journals Development, Physical and Sensory Evaluation of Chapathi (Indian Flatbread) Produced by Utilizing Minor Millet, Legumes, Nutri-Cereals and Wheat Flour

2020 ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Mekala Mounika ◽  
T. V. Hymavathi ◽  
Kuna Aparna ◽  
M. Sreedhar
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Evaluation ◽  
Wheat Flour ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Overall Acceptability ◽  
A Value ◽  
Swelling Capacity ◽  
Sensory Qualities ◽  
Temperature Water

In this study, the development and physicochemical of MMFM (minor millet flour mix) and sensory qualities of  MMFM chapathis (unleavened Indian flatbread) were evaluated at different proportions. Flour mixes were developed blending of minor millet flour and Nutri-cereals flours with wheat flour in different rations V1(75:25:0) (Millets: Other grains: Wheat flour), V2(60:25:15) V3 (50:25:25) V4(45:25:30), V5(30:25:45) V6(0: 75: 25) V7(100) and V8 (100 without gums) respectively and 100% wheat flour used as control. The functional properties of flours mixes were tested and results revealed that swelling capacity, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, gelatinization temperature, water retention capacity and bulk density were increased with an increase in the incorporation of other flours with wheat flour. Further, the color values of millet-based chapathis showed significant changes when the level of millet flour substitution was increased. The L* and b* values decreased while a* value increased. Regarding sensory properties, control wheat chapathis had better acceptability than the composite chapathis. Sensory evaluation revealed that overall acceptability for millet and nutricereals flour-based chapathis was awarded the highest score for V6 followed by V5, V4, and V3 as compared to control Chapathi. All chapathis were coinciding the range of ‘like moderately’ to ‘like very much’ for control chapathis while ‘like slightly’ to like moderately’ for experimental chapathis. Based on the generated results, novel chapathis could be formulated by substituting wheat with more than 50% flour.

Evaluation of Resistant Starch Quality from Different Types of Banana in Batter Coating Formulation to Reduce Oil Absorption in Fried Food

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Karissha Fritzi Della ◽  
Mutiara Pratiwi ◽  
Purwa Tri Cahyana ◽  
Maria DPT Gunawan-Puteri
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Starch ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Oil Absorption ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Fried Food ◽  
Musa Paradisiaca ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Coating Formulation

Fried food is convenient for many people due to its pleasant texture and taste. On the other hand, it comes with the risk of high oil absorption which might lead to certain health problems. Resistant starch (RS) has been known to have a functionality of reducing oil absorption. Three different types of banana: Kepok (Musa paradisiaca formatypica), Raja Bulu (Musa paradisiaca L.) and Ambon (Musa paradisiaca L. var sapientum) were evaluated on its performance when utilized as source of resistant starch especially on their application in reducing oil absorption in fried food. Tempeh was used as the food model. Banana starch (RS2) was isolated through water alkaline extraction process, continued with modification process through three repeated cycles of autoclaving-cooling process to obtain the RS3. RS3 was added into the batter coating formulation at three substitution ratios (10%, 30% and 50%) and then used to coat tempeh before frying. Evaluation of resistant starch in batter and battered productwas conducted on the following parameters: fat content, water retention capacity (WRC), coating pick up and sensory analysis. The result of this study revealed that Raja Bulu showed the most effective result on reducing oil absorption in the food tested. In the three bananas used, the ratio of 50% performed best in coating pick up (highest), WRC (highest) and fat content(lowest) parameters, but not significantly different with the 30% ratio. In terms of sensory acceptance, using Raja Bulu as the selected banana type, 30% of substitution ratio was significantly more preferable by the panelists in crispness, oiliness, and overall acceptance attributes compared to control and other substitution ratios.

scholarly journals Kombucha Tea as a Reservoir of Cellulose Producing Bacteria: Assessing Diversity among Komagataeibacter Isolates

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1595
Author(s):  
Salvatore La China ◽  
Luciana De Vero ◽  
Kavitha Anguluri ◽  
Marcello Brugnoli ◽  
Dhouha Mamlouk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Combined Model ◽  
Discrimination Power ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
High Mechanical Strength ◽  
Kombucha Tea ◽  
Typing Methods ◽  
Fermented Beverage ◽  
Tea Production

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is receiving a great deal of attention due to its unique properties such as high purity, water retention capacity, high mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, the production of BC has been limited because of the associated high costs and low productivity. In light of this, the isolation of new BC producing bacteria and the selection of highly productive strains has become a prominent issue. Kombucha tea is a fermented beverage in which the bacteria fraction of the microbial community is composed mostly of strains belonging to the genus Komagataeibacter. In this study, Kombucha tea production trials were performed starting from a previous batch, and bacterial isolation was conducted along cultivation time. From the whole microbial pool, 46 isolates were tested for their ability to produce BC. The obtained BC yield ranged from 0.59 g/L, for the isolate K2G36, to 23 g/L for K2G30—which used as the reference strain. The genetic intraspecific diversity of the 46 isolates was investigated using two repetitive-sequence-based PCR typing methods: the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) elements and the (GTG)5 sequences, respectively. The results obtained using the two different approaches revealed the suitability of the fingerprint techniques, showing a discrimination power, calculated as the D index, of 0.94 for (GTG)5 rep-PCR and 0.95 for ERIC rep-PCR. In order to improve the sensitivity of the applied method, a combined model for the two genotyping experiments was performed, allowing for the ability to discriminate among strains.

scholarly journals Buoyancy control in ammonoid cephalopods refined by complex internal shell architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Peterman ◽  
Kathleen A. Ritterbush ◽  
Charles N. Ciampaglio ◽  
Erynn H. Johnson ◽  
Shinya Inoue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Functional Explanation ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Biomechanical Stress ◽  
Liquid Retention ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Functional Explanations ◽  
Hydrophilic Coatings ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe internal architecture of chambered ammonoid conchs profoundly increased in complexity through geologic time, but the adaptive value of these structures is disputed. Specifically, these cephalopods developed fractal-like folds along the edges of their internal divider walls (septa). Traditionally, functional explanations for septal complexity have largely focused on biomechanical stress resistance. However, the impact of these structures on buoyancy manipulation deserves fresh scrutiny. We propose increased septal complexity conveyed comparable shifts in fluid retention capacity within each chamber. We test this interpretation by measuring the liquid retained by septa, and within entire chambers, in several 3D-printed cephalopod shell archetypes, treated with (and without) biomimetic hydrophilic coatings. Results show that surface tension regulates water retention capacity in the chambers, which positively scales with septal complexity and membrane capillarity, and negatively scales with size. A greater capacity for liquid retention in ammonoids may have improved buoyancy regulation, or compensated for mass changes during life. Increased liquid retention in our experiments demonstrate an increase in areas of greater surface tension potential, supporting improved chamber refilling. These findings support interpretations that ammonoids with complex sutures may have had more active buoyancy regulation compared to other groups of ectocochleate cephalopods. Overall, the relationship between septal complexity and liquid retention capacity through surface tension presents a robust yet simple functional explanation for the mechanisms driving this global biotic pattern.

scholarly journals Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Dietary Fibre Concentrates from Winemaking By-Products: Skins, Stems and Lees

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1510
Author(s):  
María Ángeles Rivas ◽  
Rocío Casquete ◽  
María de Guía Córdoba ◽  
Santiago Ruíz-Moyano ◽  
María José Benito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Functional Properties ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Oil Retention ◽  
High Antioxidant Activity ◽  
By Products

The objective of this study was to evaluate, from a technological and nutritional point of view, the chemical composition and functional properties of the industrial winemaking by-products, namely skins, stems and lees. The chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the functional properties (fat and water retention and swelling capacity, antioxidant capacity, and their prebiotic effect), of the dietary fibre of these by-products were studied. The results showed that the skins, stems, and lees are rich in fibre, with the stem fibre containing the highest amounts of non-extractable polyphenols attached to polysaccharides with high antioxidant activity and prebiotic effect. Lee fibre had the highest water retention capacity and oil retention capacity. The results reveal that winemaking by-products could be used as a source of dietary fibre with functional characteristics for food applications.

Host preferences of low-trunk vascular epiphytes in a cloud forest of Veracruz, Mexico

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 651-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Mehltreter ◽  
Alejandro Flores-Palacios ◽  
José G. García-Franco
Keyword(s):  
Water Retention ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Host Preferences ◽  
Host Group ◽  
Vascular Epiphytes ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Tree Ferns ◽  
Epiphyte Species

The diversity, abundance and frequency of vascular epiphytes on the lower trunk were compared between two host groups of a Mexican cloud forest: angiosperm trees (n = 72) and tree ferns (n = 28). The bark of the five most frequent host trees and the root mantle of the two tree ferns were analysed for their thickness, water content, water retention capacity and pH. A total of 55 epiphyte species and 910 individuals were found on the 27 host species. On hosts with a dbh range of 5–10 cm, epiphytes were significantly more diverse (4.3±0.9 species per host) and more abundant (12.5±2.2 individuals per host) on tree ferns than on angiosperm trees (1.9±0.2 species per host and 3.9±0.6 individuals per host). However, these differences were not significant for the dbh class of 10–20 cm, because epiphyte numbers increased on angiosperm trees with larger host size, but not in tree ferns. Most epiphyte species had no preference for any host group, but four species were significantly more frequent on tree ferns and two species on angiosperm trees. The higher epiphyte diversity and abundance on tree fern trunks of the smallest dbh class is attributed to their presumably greater age and to two stem characteristics, which differed significantly between host groups, the thicker root mantle and higher water retention capacity of tree ferns. These bark characteristics may favour germination and establishment of epiphytes.

Effect of boiling on nutritional, antioxidant and physicochemical properties of edible plants (Malva parviflora and Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

2021 ◽  
pp. 510
Author(s):  
Sandoval-Gallegos Eli Mireya ◽  
Arias-Rico José ◽  
Cruz-Cansino Nelly del Socorro ◽  
Ramírez-Ojeda Deyanira ◽  
Zafra-Rojas Quinatzin Yadira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Total Phenolic ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Total Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Malva Parviflora

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of boiling on nutritional composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical and morphological characteristics of two edible plants Malva parviflora (mallow leaf) and Myrtillocactus geometrizans (garambullo flower). The plants had an important nutritional composition as carbohydrates (48-70 %), dietary fiber (36-42 %) and protein (13 %), as well as total phenolic compounds (468-750 mg GAE/100 g db) with a high antioxidant capacity. However, boiling originated the decrease of soluble compounds, carbohydrates, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties. Plants changed to dark colors and physicochemical properties were affected, except to water retention capacity, oil retention capacity and viscosity, which had the same values in mallow leaves (raw and boiled), but increased water retention capacity in garambullo flowers, it may be by changes in the morphology observed. Therefore, is to suggest the raw consumption or with minimal cooking of these plants to avoid changes caused by thermal treatment.

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