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Chronic kidney disease alters the immune response in humans and dogs and it is thought to be one of the causes of immunosuppression in cats. Haematological, biochemical, and immunological examinations were performed on blood samples obtained from 20 cats with chronic kidney disease, and were compared with the results of 18 healthy cats. In cats with chronic kidney disease, statistically significantly lower numbers of total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), especially T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), were observed. When the results were compared with the lymphocyte transformation test in healthy cats, decreased responses to phytohaemaglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were found in cats with chronic kidney disease. Our results document an alteration of counts and activity of lymphocytes in cats with chronic kidney disease. Thus, higher susceptibility to infection may be expected in these patients.

The objective of this research is the identification of burned forest areas that occurred in Syria from September 2^nd to October 15^th, 2020. Forest fire risk classes were determined using Sentinel-2 images. Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR), and Burned Area Index for Sentinel-2 (BAIS2), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used for the identification how much the forests have been destroyed and to establish fire risk classes. According to the study results, the size of the vegetation area that was destroyed due to fire was determined, and the probability of the forest fire exposure of these areas was established. The fires also altered some chemical properties in the soil during the combustion process. Thus, this study was focused on the impact of fire on the availability of soil nutrients. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm) under the forest land a month after the fire in three locations: Al-Fazeen, Sawda and Gard Al-rihan. Pine (Pinus brutia) trees cover these areas. The results of this study indicated that the fire increased pH, EC and sand, the fire also led to an increase in the solubility of the available major soil elements N, P and K. There was an increase in the solubility of the soil microelements Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe while the content of organic material and silt and clay ratio decreased at the three sites in comparison with unburned soil.

The study aimed at an evaluation of fattening and slaughter performance as well as meat quality of the native Złotnicka Spotted (ZS) pigs and its crosses with Duroc pigs. The experimental material comprised 60 fatteners, divided into three genetic groups of 20 animals (100% ZS, 75% ZS and 50% ZS). The specific character of conservative breeding results in low values of fattening and slaughter performance traits observed in ZS breed. Among the analysed groups, animals with 100% share of ZS genes in their genotype were characterised by low daily weight gains (0.59 kg), considerable backfat thickness (34.96 mm), slight muscle thickness (48.05 mm), and low leanness (41.83%). These parameters were higher in both groups of crosses. Differences between the 100% ZS group and the 50% ZS group were significant for backfat thickness and highly significant for leanness. Acidity and colour parameters analysis showed that meat from all the genetic groups analysed was characterised by a good quality. The highest pH₄₅ values were in the 75% ZS group, and meat from this group had the darkest colour (L* = 49.73) and the highest red colour share (a* = 5.11). Statistical analyses showed that ZS breed retained its original traits through the years of breeding. It was confirmed that meat of Złotnicka Spotted breed is characterised by excellent quality. The results indicate that ZS and Duroc breeds crossing improves fattening and slaughter performance, while maintaining good meat quality in their crosses. Results of this study may also be used by breeders. They indicate that crosses of both the breeds kept in extensive breeding may be successfully used in high quality meat production. Pork from such animals may be a raw material for market niche production, such as regional products. The use of meat from crosses in meat processing may improve both quality of the processed products and efficiency of production based on the native Złotnicka Spotted breed.

The effect of individual nanometals (Co, Fe, Cu, Ge) carboxylates (NMC) as components of the suspension for seeds inoculation with rhizobia on the nitrogen fixation rate and the parameters of CO2 and H2O gas exchange in soybean plants grown under different water conditions was investigated. The scheme of trials included the following variants: 1 - seeds + strain B1-20; 2 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-cobalt carboxylate); 3 - seeds + (strain В1-20 + nano-ferrum carboxylate); 4 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-cuprum carboxylate); 5 - seeds + (strain B1-20 + nano-germanium carboxylate). The results showed that during the flowering period, drought (30% field capacity) significantly reduced the rates of nitrogen fixation (Nfx), CO2 net assimilation (An), and transpiration (Tr) in soybean plants. Inoculation of seeds by rhizobia with NMC before sowing reduced the negative effect of drought on these physiological processes. Close correlations were found between the rates of Nfx and An and the stomatal conductance for CO2 and An rates. It was concluded that pre-sowing treatment of seeds by rhizobia with NMC mitigates the negative effect of drought on the main components of soybean-rhizobia symbiosis productivity formation - nitrogen fixation and CO2 assimilation, and also contributes to their recovery after the removal of the stressor. The most effective for this was the use of Ge and Fe nanoparticle carboxylates.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a potential circulating mediator connecting nutritional factors and fat metabolism, however, information is lacking on the exact role of ANGPTL4 on triglyceride metabolism in the thigh muscles and livers of broilers. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the triglyceride metabolism in the thigh muscles and livers of broilers injected intravenously with ANGPTL4. In experiment 1, 36 male Arbor Acres broilers at 35 days of age were randomly allocated into six treatments with six replicates. The broilers were subjected to intravenous injection of polyhistidine-small ubiquitin-related modifier-ANGPTL4 (His-SUMO-ANGPTL4) once at a dose of 0, 20, 100, 500, 2 500, or 12 500 ng/kg body weight (BW), respectively. The results showed that the injection of His-SUMO-ANGPTL4 at a dose of 500, 2 500 and 12 500 ng/kg BW decreased (P < 0.05) the broilers' heart-fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) mRNA expression in the thigh muscle. All of the His-SUMO-ANGPTL4 broiler injected groups had a lower (P < 0.05) adipocyte-fatty acid-binding protein mRNA expression in the thigh muscle. In experiment 2, 18 male Arbor Acres broilers at 35 days of age were randomly allocated into three treatments with six replicates. The broilers were given an injection of normal saline (NS), His-SUMO, or His-SUMO-ANGPTL4 (500 ng/kg BW) once. The results showed that the broilers receiving an injection of ANGPTL4 at a dose of 500 ng/kg BW decreased (P < 0.05) the H-FABP mRNA expression in the thigh muscle. Besides, the broilers given an injection of ANGPTL4 at a dose of 500 ng/kg BW increased (P < 0.05) the fatty acid synthase mRNA expression and activity and decreased (P < 0.05) the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein mRNA expression in the liver. However, the concentrations of the high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, insulin, growth hormone and leptin in the serum were not affected by the ANGPTL4 injection. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 has the ability to change the triglyceride metabolism in the thigh muscles and livers of broilers.

A long-term (18 years) effect of different fertilization and tillage management practices- fallowing treatment (no fertilizer, no cultivation); CK (no fertilizer, cultivation); N (nitrogen fertilizer); NP (nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer); NK (nitrogen and potassium fertilizer); PK (phosphorus and potassium fertilizer); NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer); M1NPK (chemical fertilizer plus manure); 1.5M1NPK (1.5 times M1NPK); NPKS (mineral fertilizer plus straw); Rot (3-year crop rotation of maize-maize-soybean with M1NPK), and M2NPK (2 times manure plus mineral fertilizer) - on the content of total nitrogen and organic forms of nitrogen and the nitrogen content in different particle-size fractions were studied in topsoil (0-20 cm) in Black Soil of NE China by using the methods of Bremner. The results showed that the combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers could significantly increase the contents and proportions of total nitrogen and organic nitrogen forms in soil. Comparing to CK treatment, the content of total nitrogen and hydrolyzable nitrogen increased in the fallow and organic materials treatments. Compared with M1NPK treatment, rotation was more beneficial to increasing organic nitrogen content, especially remarkably increasing amino acid nitrogen. The nitrogen response of sand, silt, and clay was most sensitive on manure; the effects of fallow and manure treatments on sand were notable, the nitrogen content in sand with NPKS increased by 40.86% compared with CK treatment. Our results imply that fallow/rotation managements, and manure/straw application can improve soil fertility.

Two cases of granulomatous colitis in two French bulldogs were found to be unresponsive to fluoroquinolones. The granulomatous colitis diagnosis was made on the basis of PAS-positive histiocytes in the lamina propria of the colonic mucosa in biopsy samples taken at colonoscopy. Remission of granulomatous colitis has been reported using fluoroquinolones leading to the idea that invasive Escherichia coli strains in the colonic mucosa are involved. Oral enrofloxacin (Baytril 150 mg, Bayer, Spain) at 10 mg/kg per day for eight weeks was prescribed to both dogs in this study. A first course of therapy resolved the problem in dog No. 1, which, however, was followed by relapse three months later without enrofloxacin response. No clinical remission was seen in dog No. 2 and 4.4 mg/kg marbofloxacin (Marbocyl P 20 mg, Vetoquinol, Spain) per day for 10 weeks was administered but without any response. From both dogs, biopsy samples from the colonic mucosa were taken during colonoscopy. Samples were homogenised for microbial culture in different agar media to identify invasive microbes. Escherichia coli were largely isolated and antibiotic sensitivity testing (MIC of E. coli to selected antimicrobials, CLSI 2013) was carried out. In both cases, E. coli was resistant to fluoroquinolones. In dog No. 1 E. coli was susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, amikacin and gentamicin whereas in dog No. 2 it was susceptible to doxycycline and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Clinical remission was achieved in dog No. 1 with amoxicillin-clavulanate (Synulox 250 mg, Pfizer, Spain) therapy for eight weeks. No response was found in dog No. 2 with any of the antimicrobials alone or combined with metronidazole.

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of feeding graded levels of whole barley (WB) on broiler chicken growth and carcass performance, gastrointestinal morphology, and function. A total of 800 male Ross 308 broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with four replicate pens of 50 birds each. Diets differed in their WB dosage: without WB (NO-WB); low WB amount (LOW-WB) dosages: 4% (1-7 days of age), 8% (8-21 days of age), 15% (22-35 days of age); medium WB amount (MEDIUM-WB) dosages: 6% (1-7 days of age), 12% (8-21 days of age), 20% (22-35 days of age); high WB amount (HIGH-WB) dosages: 8% (1-7 days of age) 16% (8-21 days of age), 25% (22-35 days of age). Body weight, average daily gain, and mortality of chickens did not statistically differ between treatments (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was higher in the treatments diluted with WB. There were no differences in ammonia nitrogen concentration except for increased butyrate concentration in the caecum and reduced digesta viscosity in the broiler ileum in groups fed LOW-WB, MEDIUM-WB, and HIGH-WB diets (P < 0.05). The high WB amount in the diets increased Lactobacillus spp. in the ileal contents and improved ileum morphology (P < 0.05). The inclusion of graded levels of WB in the diets had no effect on carcass performance but it seemed to enhance the gastrointestinal tract development.

Phenolic compounds limit micropropagation of many orchids in vitro. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of activated charcoal (AC);1, 2 or 4 g/L) or ascorbic acid (AA; 10, 20 or 30 mg/L) added to the half strength MS medium on the growth and o-dihydroxyphenols content in Paphiopedilum insigne in vitro. A positive effect of AC on the shoot and root formation has been found. The highest multiplication rate (5.6 shoots/explant) and rooting frequency were obtained on medium containing 2 g/L of AC. However, AC reduced the leaf number as compared to the control. The lowest content of o-dihydroxyphenols was marked in Paphiopedilum insigne leaves when the shoots were grown on medium with 10 mg/L AA, followed by AC at 1 or 2 g/L.

The natural regeneration of the sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.] is an important aspect of sustainable forest management, especially given the ongoing global climate change and the need to maintain forest stand stability and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various regeneration methods on the growth of naturally regenerated sessile oak in the Masaryk Forest Training Enterprise Křtiny, Czech Republic. The research was conducted in seven forest stands where regeneration felling was applied after masting in 2022 (winter 2022/2023) using clear-cut (CC) and shelterwood (S) systems. A total of 531 seedlings were collected from these seven research plots, and the following morphological traits were measured: shoot length, root collar diameter, and biomass allocation. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in shoot length, main root length and total seedling length between the CC and S variants. However, there were no significant differences in root collar diameter or any of the dry-mass parameters between the clear-cut with standards (CC1) variant and the shelterwood plots. Individuals from the CC variants have a 10.3–47.0% wider root collar diameter, 22.3–91.4% more dry mass of the root system, and 51.7–90.4% more dry mass of the aboveground part than individuals in the S variants. These results indicate that the early growth of sessile oak seedlings is greatly influenced by light availability: full sunlight stimulates the development of above- and below-ground parts, whereas canopy cover restricts early growth, particularly in terms of height. The findings highlight the need to consider light and site conditions when planning silvicultural treatments aimed at establishing stable and vigorous oak stands in the face of changing climate conditions.

This study aimed to examine consumer satisfaction and repurchase intention for a chicken soup meal kit. Thus, this study was conducted on 135 Korean adults in their twenties and older who purchased a chicken soup meal kit from August 1 to August 31, 2021. In this study, after excluding 7 questionnaires who responded insincerely, the questionnaires of 128 people were finally analysed. For the collected data, frequency analysis, reliability analysis, factor analysis, and correlation analysis were performed using the statistical package SPSS 20.0, and multiple regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesis. Convenience (β = 0.442) and price (β = 0.337) among the selection attributes of chicken soup meal kit products had a significant effect on satisfaction, while diversity (β = 0.0.27) and quality (β = 0.047) were not significant. Also, convenience (β = 0.504) and price (β = 0.337) affected repurchase intention among the purchasing attributes of the meal kit. However, diversity (β = 0.101) and quality (β = 0.045) did not exert any significant effects on repurchase intention. Finally, it was confirmed that satisfaction with the meal kit had a significant effect on the repurchase intention. Therefore, this study predicts that enhancing convenience and price competitiveness rather than quality or variety among chicken soup meal kit purchasing attributes will increase consumer satisfaction and repurchase intention.

Fifty-five healthy conscious dogs were included in a prospective randomised double-blinded clinical study. The dogs allocated to one of four groups received intravenous bolus followed by infusion of fentanyl (FEN-group), or ketamine (KET-group), or lidocaine (LID-group), or saline (SAL-group). The intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil size (PS), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured prior to and at 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min after initiation of the drug administration. The data were analysed using an analysis of variance and the Steel-Dwass test. No significant difference in the IOP within or between the groups was detected. In the FEN-group, the PS decreased significantly at all the measured times. In the KET-group, the PS increased significantly at 2, 5 and 10 minutes. The PS was significantly smaller in the FEN-group compared to the KET-group at 2, 5, 10 and 20 min, compared to the SAL-group at 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. In the FEN-group the HR significantly decreased compared to the baseline and was significantly lower compared to the KET-group and LID-group. Fentanyl, ketamine or lidocaine administered at the doses studied as a bolus followed by a 30-min infusion seem to cause no effect on the IOP in healthy conscious non-painful dogs without ocular abnormalities. Fentanyl decreased and ketamine transiently increased the PS.

Afforestation, settled before 60-90 years and adjacent solonetzic grasslands, representing the natural vegetation cover were compared in this study based on their basic soil characteristics (pH, CaCO3 content, soil organic carbon (SOC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP)) up to 2 m depth. The assumption was that the plantings of arbour vegetation can change soil characteristics of sodic soils not only in superficial layers but even in larger depths. Grasslands and forest soils were compared by standardised depths. Afforested soils showed lower pH in the depth at 0-100 cm, and slightly higher SOC content in subsoil (20-100 cm). CaCO3 content was significantly different (higher) only at the depth of 50-100 cm in afforested soils. Remarkable differences in ESP values were measured. Afforestation had in almost every layer (0-20, 20-50, 50-100 and 150-200 cm) a significant lower ESP value than grassland soil samples from the same depths. As the value of the ESP is relevant from soil classification purposes as well, the leaching of sodium also can change the taxonomic status of the soils from soils with natric horizon, to soils with Sodic or Bathysodic qualifiers.

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Streptomyces sp. TOR3209 induces plant tolerance in a wide range of stress conditions. However, the protection of photosystem under cold stress has not been fully understood. Here we reported that the photochemistry activity of photosystem II (PSII) was increased in tomato plants receiving TOR3209 treatment, including the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), PSII operating efficiency (ΦPSII), PSII maximum efficiency (Fv’/Fm’), and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Microscopic study revealed that the integrity of chloroplast structure was greatly improved by TOR3209, which was damaged at low temperature. Moreover, TOR3209 treatment resulted in good protection on leaf stomatal and guard cell size. In response to TOR3209 treatment, the intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) and stomatal limitation values (Ls) were decreased while the mesophyll conductance (g_m) and chloroplast CO₂ concentration (Cc) were increased. The carotenoid content in TOR3209-treated tomato was accumulated at a higher level, which was involved in photoprotection and biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), as well as the increased amounts of ABA in the leaves were subsequently verified in the plants treated with TOR3209. These results demonstrated that TOR3209 treatment comprehensively protected tomato photosynthesis at low temperatures.

Changes in genetic diversity of peas bred in the Czech Republic and in former Czechoslovakia since the mid-20^th century were analysed using 38 molecular marker loci, including retrotransposons and microsatellites, differentiating a total of 84 alleles. Both marker types were comparably effective in revealing the genetic diversity, with a high correlation (r = 0.81), although the pairwise genetic distances of each marker type differed. In total, 175 accessions, selected from the Czech pea gene bank collection and representing the pea cultivars collected or bred in the country, were divided into three groups according to their date of sampling or variety registration. The first group contained 70 old cultivars and landraces collected prior to 1961. The second group contained 46 cultivars released from 1961 to 1980. The third group contained 59 cultivars released between 1981 and 2004. In spite of the decline in several diversity measures, differences in allele frequencies and even allele loss in three microsatellite loci were recorded over the 70-year period, while these differences between the groups were not statistically significant. In addition, genetic heterogeneity was detected in 29 accessions (15%). This indicates that although no genetic erosion could be observed since then, it is important to monitor the genetic diversity, furthermore it highlights the vital role of germplasm collections for the crop diversity conservation.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) allows efficient biological confinement of transgenes if pollen-mediated gene flow has to be reduced or eliminated. For introduction of CMS maize in agricultural practice, sufficient yields comparable with conventional systems should be achieved. The plus-cultivar-system in maize offers a possibility for biological confinement together with high and stable yields whereas pollinator amount and distribution within the CMS crop is crucial. The aim of this EU-funded study was to identify the best proportion (10, 15, and 20%) and spatial arrangement (inserted rows, mixed seeds) of the pollinator within the CMS maize cultivar under field conditions in the Czech Republic, in Germany and in Spain. In Germany and in the Czech Republic, a pollinator proportion of 10% produced significantly lower yield than the treatments with a pollinator proportion of 15% and 20%. Differences in yield between row and mix arrangements were not detected. No differences between the tested arrangements occurred in Spain. With respect to practical conditions, a pollinator proportion of 15% can be recommended for achieving a satisfactory yield. CMS maize cultivar released no or merely a small amount of pollen and self-pollinated plants developed no or only a small number of kernels indicating that currently recommended isolation distances between genetically modified (GM) and non-GM fields can be substantially shortened if the CMS confinement tool is used.

This study was conducted in order to determine the antioxidant activities of certain apple varieties. 'Galaxy Gala', 'Scarlet Spur', 'Fuji', 'Pink Lady' and 'Granny Smith' were characterized in this study. The antioxidant activities among the varieties were determined via three different procedures. Antiradical activity figures of the apple varieties were between 0.592 ('Galaxy Gala') and 0.802 ('Scarlet Spur'). Inhibition levels of chelating activity with Fe⁺² varied between 40.20-55.50%; 'Scarlet Spur' and 'Pink Lady' extracts had the highest inhibition with 55.50% and 'Granny Smith' extract had the lowest with the level. Among the extracts showing H₂O₂ clearance effect, Granny Smith (62.54%) and Scarlet Spur (44.67%) extracts had the highest inhibition levels. In this study conducted on apple varieties, total phenolic matter levels were determined in 'Scarlet Spur', 'Pink Lady', 'Fuji', 'Galaxy Gala' and 'Granny Smith'.

Mastitis is a complex, common and economically problematic issue in dairy cattle production. In this study, breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) genes were taken as candidate genes for mastitis resistance. This study investigated whether BRCA1 and TLR1 genes were associated with milk production traits (daily milk yield, fat, and protein content) and somatic cell score (SCS). A total of 105 cows (25 Holstein, 48 Simmental, and 32 crossbred Holstein) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. Cows with the BRCA1 c.46126G>T GG genotype had significantly lower SCS than the other genotypes. The TLR1 g.60438363C>T SNP influenced the protein content in all cows, with genotype CC having a higher content than TC. The same SNP in the Simmental breed showed that cows with the CC genotype had significantly higher SCS than the heterozygote. Cows with the GG genotype of TLR1 g.60437324A>G had significantly lower SCS and higher fat and protein content than the heterozygote. The results of this study indicate that BRCA1 c.46126G>T and TLR1 g.60437324A>G SNPs could be useful for improving mastitis resistance in dairy cattle through marker-assisted selection.

Despite various treatment options for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), therapeutic limitations still exist, including adverse effects and low absorption ratios. This study evaluated the effects of a membrane-free stem cell extract (MFSCE) on the clinical signs of atopic dogs. Thirty client-owned dogs previously diagnosed with cAD were separated into placebo (n = 10) and MFSCE-treated groups (n = 20). The dogs were treated with a cream (MFSCE and placebo) via dermal administration twice daily for 14 days, and the clinical response was recorded on days 0, 7, and 14. The MFSCE-treated group showed significantly decreased severity of pruritus on day 14 compared to that on day 0. In addition, the erythema, pigmentation, skin dryness, and thickness were remarkably decreased in the MFSCE-treated group on day 14 compared to those on day 0 whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo-treated group. No general clinical signs or adverse effects were observed in this study. These results suggest that MFSCE could be a surrogate treatment option for cAD.

Sugar beet yield loss was predicted from early observations of weed density, relative weed cover, and weed biomass using non-linear regression models. Six field experiments were conducted in Germany and in the Russian Federation in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Average weed densities varied from 20 to 131 with typical weed species compositions for sugar beet fields at both locations. Sugar beet yielded higher in Germany and relative yield losses were lower than in Russia. Data of weed density, relative weed cover, weed biomass and relative yield loss fitted well to the non-linear regression models. Competitive weed species such as Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus caused more than 80% yield loss. Relative weed cover regression models provided more accurate predictions of sugar beet yield losses than weed biomass and weed density.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a plant typical mainly for temperate climate and develops best at about 20°C. Heat stress due to increased temperatures is an agricultural problem in many areas in the world. The aim of our work was to assess the response of selected new potato cultivars to heat and drought stress during the subsequent stages of plant growth starting from buds forming. The pot experiment was carried out over the course of two years with the following early cultivars: Lord, Miłek, Gwiazda, Hubal, Oberon and Tetyda. The impact of heat (38°C/25°C) and drought stress on potato plants was tested in four periods of two weeks. In these periods half of the plants were watered to a level close to optimal while the other half remained without irrigation. Our studies demonstrated that tested potato cultivars' response to heat stress depends on the growth stage, in which the temperature acts on the plants and on the soil moisture. Besides the decrease in yield and tubers' diminution, the biggest problem was the presence of tubers with physiological defects, particularly of immature tubers. The response of cultivars was differentiated.

Long-term single tillage causes serious deterioration of land quality and reduction of crop yield. Tillage rotation can alleviate the problems caused by long-term single tillage. However, the effects of different tillage rotations are still very limited. A tillage rotation experiment was conducted in the North China Plain to evaluate the impacts of tillage rotation on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN) and crop yield. There were eight treatments with two main factors: tillage practice (four types: rotary tillage (R, 2002-2017), subsoiling tillage (S, 2002-2017), rotary to subsoiling tillage (RS, 2015-2017) and subsoiling to rotary tillage (SR, 2015-2017)) and straw management (two types: straw return (F) and straw removal (0)). RSF treatment yielded the highest SOC, at 12.53 g/kg. RSF significantly increased SOC by 41.4% compared to RF, while SRF significantly reduced SOC by 11.1% compared to SF. In addition, RSF significantly increased STN content by 21.7% compared with that under RF. Compared with SF, SRF promoted the uniform distribution of soil nitrogen in the 0-20 cm soil layer. Among the treatments, the RSF treatment yielded the highest SOC stock (SOC_S) and STN stock (STN_S), which were 67.68 t/ha and 6.63 t/ha, respectively. Compared with RF treatment, RSF treatment greatly increased SOC_S, by 31.7%. Both tillage rotation treatments increased STN_S by 13.3% under RSF compared to RF, and by 2.3% under SRF compared to SF. In 2016, the annual yield was highest under RSF treatment at 19.80 t/ha. In 2017, the annual yield was highest under SF treatment at 21.37 t/ha, and next highest under RSF at 20.94 t/ha. In summary, long-term rotary tillage followed by subsoiling tillage combined with straw return (RSF) can significantly increase SOC, STN and crop yield. The rotation of rotary tillage to subsoiling tillage combined with the straw return is an effective measure for improving soil quality and increasing crop yields in the North China Plain.

Indonesia's current potato cultivation areas are mainly in the highlands (1 000 m above sea level - a.s.l.). However, there are obstacles to potato cultivation in the highlands, including erosion, declining land productivity, limited area, and high production costs (i.e. labour wages, fertilisers, and pesticides). This study was aimed at analysing the effects of both an ethanol application and moderate altitudes on the potato production and quality. This study was conducted at the Horticulture Seed Station in the Ulu Ere subdistrict, Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A split randomised plot design with two factors was used. The main plots were set at two elevation levels: 500 and 700 m a.s.l. The split plots were subjected to the addition of four ethanol concentration levels: 0, 10, 20, and 30%. The results showed that the ethanol application did not significantly affect the potato growth at the moderate elevation, except for the tuber diameter. Moreover, the 20% ethanol concentration produced better results than the 0% ethanol concentration. The application of 10% ethanol at an altitude of 700 m a.s.l. and 30% ethanol at an altitude of 500 m a.s.l. resulted in the best growth and yield among the studied treatments.

Salinisation threatens the sustainability of irrigated olive orchards in Tunisia. Electromagnetic induction measurements and soil spectral index calculations could help to survey the soil salinity. This study aimed to map changes in the soil salinity spatial pattern using geostatistical techniques and soil spectral index regression. The study area is located in Sminja, Tunisia. It is a 665 ha olive orchard, landscaped in ridges and furrows and managed following a very high-density planting system (1.5 × 4 m²). Electromagnetic readings measured in situ with an electromagnetic device (EM38) that was fitted, in turn, to the electrical conductivity of the saturated paste of five soil depths namely: 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm and to the average electrical conductivity of the saturated paste of the 0-100 cm soil depth. Both the ordinary kriging and universal kriging performed similarly and well in mapping the soil salinity. (R²= 0.86 and 0.89 for the 0-20 cm and the 0-100 cm depths, respectively). Our results prove that mapping the soil salinity based on electromagnetic induction and kriging methods is an effective approach, which allows one to monitor the soil salinity within permanent croplands in semi-arid conditions. Salinisation that reaches intolerable values by olive trees, is especially accumulated on the top of the ridges, where the drippers are installed. Furthermore, based on two Landsat 8 images acquired on April 30, 2019 and May 16, 2019, respectively, we calculated seven soil spectral indices. Nevertheless, multiple regression models between the electromagnetic readings and various combinations of soil spectral indices were poor. In the coming investigations, under permanent land cover, spectral index regression models should integrate not only the soil, but also vegetation indices.

The effect of glutamine and/or probiotic (Enterococcus feacium) supplements on piglet performance, intestines structure, and microbial status was estimated on 181 piglets (16 litters) of Polish Landrace. The piglets were allocated to 2 groups with 8 litters in each, kept in group pens, and fed a standard feed mixture (negative control, group C) or the same mixture supplemented with 2% of glutamine (Group GT). In each group half the animals received Cylactin^® added in the amount of 0.35 × 10⁹ CFU per kg feed. The probiotic consists of dehydrated cells of Enterococcus faecium strain NCIMB 10415. Feed and water were available ad libitum. The piglets were weaned at 28 days of life. At 60 days of life, 6 piglets from each subgroup were slaughtered and their intestines were taken for analysis. Digesta from the digestive tract was removed and the length and weight of particular parts of the intestines were measured. The structure of ileum mucosal epithelium was examined. The acidity of the digesta and the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) content of chyme from the jejunum and caecum were analyzed. Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens counts in these parts of the intestines were also estimated. At the beginning of the experiment, the glutamine significantly improved and the probiotic lowered the piglet body weight gains. Later the probiotic improved but the glutamine lowered weight gains. There was no difference in feed intake or feed utilization. The intestines of the piglets receiving glutamine were lighter and shorter than those of the control ones. The total content of SCFA was significantly higher in the caecum of the piglets fed probiotic than in the control animals. Supplements had no effect on villi height, but both had strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. There was no synergy in the effect of glutamine and probiotic.

Grasslands are the main land use types in China, but their reclamation into croplands can influence the terrestrial carbon and, consequently, impact the global carbon balance. The long-term reclamation of alpine-cold grasslands to croplands are expected to decrease the soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. Here, we conducted an in situ systematic study to measure the SOC and its fraction in soils sampled in an alpine-cold grassland with a gradient of cultivation history from 0 to 40 years. The SOC and its fractions significantly decreased after reclamation (P < 0.05), and the changes in the 0-20 cm soil layer were the greatest among the three sampling depths. After 40 years of reclamation, the SOC content and storage at 0-20 cm decreased by 74 and 60%, respectively. The decreases in the soil labile carbon fractions were more rapid and apparent than the SOC, especially the particular organic carbon (POC), which decreased by 82%. The soil humus carbon fractions also decreased, particularly the humic acid carbon (HAC), which decreased by 81%. The reduction rates of SOC and its fractions gradually decreased with an increase in the cultivation history. Besides, the ratios of the optical densities or absorbances of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) solutions at 465 and 665 nm (E₄/E₆ ratios) and the hue coefficient (Δlog K values), which is the logarithm disparity between the 400 and 600 nm absorbance of the HA (FA) substance, in the solution gradually decreased, indicating that the quality of the soil humus decreased. The reclamation significantly decreased the SOC and its fractions in the alpine-cold soils, which should not be underestimated in the impact on the terrestrial carbon cycles and balance in the long run.

The eastern foot of Helan Mountains in Ningxia belongs to the semiarid area and has been identified as the best wine grape producing area in China. In order to solve the problems of a high sugar content, organic acid falling too fast and severe shortage of acidity in the berries during ripening, which lead to lack of wine harmony, this study took Vitis. vinifera L. cv. 'Cabernet Sauvignon' as the experimental material and expanded nine treatments from setting to harvest. Nine rows were selected and divided into three groups, treated with mild (-0.20 MPa ≥ Ψb ≥ -0.40 MPa), moderate (-0.40 MPa ≥ Ψb ≥ -0.60 MPa), severe (Ψb ≥ -0.60 MPa) water stress from setting to veraison separately. From veraison to harvest, within each group, the mild, moderate, severe water stress were set, forming light-light (CK), light-medium (T1), light-heavy (T2), medium-light (T3), medium-medium (T4), medium-heavy (T5), heavy-light (T6), heavy-medium (T7), heavy-heavy (T8) treatments. The results showed that when the medium treatment was used from setting to veraison and the medium or severe treatment was used during post-veraison to harvest, it would facilitate the transportation and accumulation of sugar and improve the fruit quality.

In Hawaii, past use of arsenical pesticides has left elevated levels of arsenic (As) in some soils. Sorption isotherms of an Andosol and an Acrisol showed that the former required 1100 mg/kg, and the latter 300 mg/kg of added As to maintain 0.20 mg As/L in solution, the maximum allowable As level in streams/rivers in Hawaii. Greenhouse experiments were conducted on an Andosol (315 mg/kg total As), which was amended with 0, 5 g/kg compost, 5 g Fe/kg as amorphous Fe(OH)₃, or 250 mg P/kg as Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, and on a low-As (15 mg/kg) Acrisol, which was spiked with 0, 150 or 300 mg As/kg as Na₂HAsO₄.7 H₂O. Brake fern (Pteris vittata L.) was used as the test plant. Arsenic concentration in the fern fronds averaged 355 mg/kg in the Andosol, and 2610 and 1270 mg/kg (from consecutive plantings, 2 and 12 months after As addition, respectively) in the Acrisol spiked with 300 mg/kg of As. Chemical reactions, as suggested by sequential extractions, likely controlled the availability and uptake of soil As. Mehlich-3 extraction could be used to identify As-contaminated soils and potential phytoremediation as it correlated well with bioaccessible As and with As in fern fronds.

This study aimed to evaluate the multiple-factor associative effects (AEs) of concentrate (C) to sunflower straw (SS) to alfalfa (A) ratios, concentrate to sunflower plate (SP) to alfalfa ratios, concentrate to sunflower seed shell (SSS) to alfalfa ratios at 40 : 60 : 0, 40 : 45 : 15, 40 : 30 : 30, 40 : 15 : 45, 40 : 0 : 60 and 30 : 70 : 0, 30 : 55 : 15, 30 : 40 : 30, 30 : 25 : 45, 30 : 10 : 60, 30 : 0 : 70, respectively, by using an in vitro gas production (GP) method. Thirty-three feed combinations and nine single feeds C, SS, A; C, SP, A; C, SSS, A were incubated respectively for 72 h in a GP tube. A total of 42 treatment combinations were tested, including 33 feed mix combinations [(5 + 6) × 3] and nine single raw materials, a total of 42 sample culture tubes. Each sample culture tube was repeated 20 times, totalling 840 (42 × 20) sample culture tubes. In this study, a total of 12 batches of in vitro culture tests were carried out. Seventy sample tubes and six blank tubes were cultured in each batch (eliminating systematic errors). A total of 912 sample culture tubes were used. The GP values of 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 h were recorded. The GP parameters a, b, c, a + b were calculated by a single exponential equation. The AE values were calculated based on 72 h GP and weighted estimation value of 33 feed combinations. In the incubation fluid pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) after 72 h incubation were determined and dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD) were measured in the residue. The single-factor associative effects index (SFAEI) and multiple-factor associative effects index were calculated. The results indicated that groups 40 : 45 : 15 (C:SS:A), 30 : 25 : 45 (C : SS : A), 40 : 60 : 0 (C : SP : A), 40 : 45 : 15 (C : SP : A), 30 : 40 : 30 (C : SP : A), 40 : 45 : 15 (C : SSS : A), 40 : 30 : 30 (C : SSS : A), 30 : 25 : 45 (C : SSS : A) and 30 : 10 : 60 (C : SSS : A) had higher a, b, GP_72h, NH₃-N, DMD, OMD, moreover, higher SFAEI (the AE of GP_72h, NH₃-N, total VFA, DMD and OMD) than other groups (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the optimal feed combinations occurred when concentrate/sunflower straw/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 45 : 15 and 30 : 25 : 45; concentrate/sunflower plate/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 60 : 0, 40 : 45 : 15 and 30 : 40 : 30; concentrate/sunflower seed shell/alfalfa ratios were 40 : 45 : 15, 40 : 30 : 30, 30 : 25 : 45 and 30 : 10 : 60.

Arundo donax L. is an energy crop with the potential use as a renewable fuel. This study focused on the drying process of the canes in field and laboratory conditions to determine the effect of the harvest conditioning on the kinetics parameters of whole and slashed canes. The lab drying test was conducted in a thin layer dryer at temperatures between 30 and 80 °C and a 0.5 m.s^-1 air velocity. The whole and slashed canes showed faster water evaporation rates as the temperature increased, but the slashed canes achieved a lower final moisture content in a shorter time. The effective diffusion coefficient varied between 3.67 × 10^-12 and 1.28 × 10^-11 m².s^-1 and showed a significant effect of the temperature, but not between samples; its temperature dependence was determined by the Arrhenius equation giving activation energies of 24.4 and 20.2 kJ.mol^-1 for the whole and slashed canes respectively, not significantly different. The modelling of the experimental drying data to six thin layer drying models achieved good performance (R² > 95.9%), although the Logarithmic model showed the best fit for both samples (R² > 99.4%). In addition, a temperature dependent equation for the drying constant was included in the Logarithmic model for the whole and slashed canes which predicted with good performance (R² > 97%) the moisture loss. The developed tools constitute an adequate model for the simulation of the drying process of Arundo donax L. that could be useful for the design of various equipment and systems.