The morphology of sheep wool applied as organic fertilizer biodegraded in the soil was examined. The investigations were conducted in natural conditions for unwashed waste wool, which was rejected during sorting and then chopped into short segments and wool pellets. Different types of wool were mixed with soil and buried in experimental plots. The wool samples were periodically taken and analyzed for one year using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). During examinations, the changes in the fibers' morphology were observed. It was stated that cut wool and pellet are mechanically damaged, which significantly accelerates wool biodegradation and quickly destroys the whole fiber structure. On the contrary, for undamaged fibers biodegradation occurs slowly, layer by layer, in a predictable sequence. This finding has practical implications for the use of wool as an organic fertilizer, suggesting that the method of preparation can influence its biodegradation rate. (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(SEM)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)X(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(EDS)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a globally prevalent disease, yet achieving dual repair of tissue and function presents significant challenges. Considering reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a primary cause of IVDD, and given the decrease of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and extensive degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during IVDD development, the present study, inspired by the seeds-and-soil strategy, has developed NPCsloaded TBA@Gel&Chs hydrogel microspheres. These microspheres serve as exogenous supplements of NPCs and ECM analogs, replenishing seeds and soil for nucleus pulposus repair, and incorporating polyphenol antioxidant components to interrupt the oxidative stress-IVDD cycle, thereby constructing a microsphere system where NPCs and ECM support each other. Experiments proved that TBA@Gel&Chs exhibited significant extra-cellular ROS-scavenging antioxidant capabilities while effectively upregulating intracellular antioxidant proteins expression (Sirt3 and Sod2). This dual-action antioxidant capability effectively protects the vitality and physiological functions of NPCs. The therapeutic effects of microspheres on IVDD were also confirmed in rat models, which was found significantly restore histological structure and mechanical properties of degenerated discs. Additionally, RNA-seq results have provided evidences of antioxidant mechanism by which TBA@Gel&Chs protected NPCs from oxidative stress. Therefore, the NPCs-loaded TBA@Gel&Chs microspheres developed in this study have achieved excellent therapeutic effects, offering a paradigm using antioxidant biomaterials combined with cellular therapy for IVDD treatment.

Erosion and seepage control is a prime concern for embankments, dams, and other hydraulic structures constructed with alluvial sandy soil due to its highly porous characteristics. Permeation grouting has been a popular solution for controlling seepage situations in such structures. In this study, unconfined compression tests and triaxial tests were performed to determine the strength properties of grouted alluvial sandy soil located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. A simple method was devised to prepare cylindrical grouted samples with water-cement ratios (W/C) of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1. Here, unconfined compressive strength test results revealed that the highest compressive strength of the grouted sandy soil samples was achieved at the 2:1 W/C ratio at all curing ages. Different failure patterns are observed for different W/C samples during unconfined compressive tests. Furthermore, triaxial tests were conducted on the grouted samples prepared at the 2:1 W/C ratio under consolidated undrained conditions. Dilation occurred during the volume change, and the pore pressure decreased with increasing confining stress. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were conducted to discern the microstructural behavioral changes and the chemical characteristics of the grouted sandy samples, respectively. Here, SEM images revealed a reduction in porosity with decreasing W/C ratio and increasing curing age. Permeation grouting leads to a reduction in permeability without disturbing the soil microstructure. Therefore, permeation grouting is a very effective technique for improving the mechanical behavior of grouted alluvial sand.

To effectively contribute to climate change mitigation, agronomists are increasingly focused on minimizing the application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while ensuring that crop yield and quality are not compromised. Plant biomass and organic fertilizers are known to improve soil quality, boost plant growth, and suppress diseases. However, their overall effectiveness remains limited, hence the need for further research to enhance their agricultural performance. This study aims to explore the potential application of two natural sources (manure digestate and crop Artemisia dubia) for crop fertilization and protection. During the growing season, winter wheat was fertilized twice (21-25 BBCH and 30-35 BBCH) with synthetic, organic (pig manure digestate), and combined synthetic-organic fertilizers. Artemisia dubia biomass was incorporated before sowing and planted in strips. The soil chemical composition, crop overwintering, weediness, and diseases were assessed after two years of the respective treatments. The results showed that the organic carbon content increased by 1-5% after fertilizing winter wheat with pig manure digestate and combining fertilizers (organic and synthetic). Additionally, fertilizer or pesticide use had a significant effect on the soil pH process. Combining synthetic and organic fertilizers increased the amount of mobile phosphorus in the soil by 38%. In conclusion, combining synthetic fertilizers with organic fertilizers is the most effective approach to maintain healthy soil conditions and prevent damage to sprouts in the soil. Overall, our findings offer more opportunities for organic and sustainable agricultural processes by integrating pig manure digestate and Artemisia dubia biomass as a natural approach to minimizing synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use.

Engineered loess-filled gullies, which are widely distributed across China's Loess Plateau, face significant stability challenges under extreme rainfall conditions. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of antecedent rainfall on the erosion and failure processes of such gullies, this study conducted large-scale flume experiments to reveal their phased erosion mechanisms and hydromechanical responses under different antecedent rainfall durations (10, 20, and 30 min). The results indicate that the erosion process features three prominent phases: initial splash erosion, structural reorganization during the intermission period, and runoff-induced gully erosion. Our critical advancement is the identification of antecedent rainfall duration as the primary pre-regulation factor: short-duration (10-20 min) rainfall predominantly induces surface crack networks during the intermission, whereas long-duration (30 min) rainfall directly triggers substantial holistic collapse. These differentiated structural weakening pathways are governed by the duration of antecedent rainfall and fundamentally control the initiation thresholds, progression rates, and channel morphology of subsequent runoff erosion. The long-duration group demonstrated accelerated erosion rates and greater erosion amounts. Concurrent monitoring demonstrated that transient pulse-like increases in pore-water pressure were strongly coupled with localized instability and gully wall failures, verifying the hydromechanical coupling mechanism during the failure process. These results quantitatively demonstrate the critical modulatory role of antecedent rainfall duration in determining erosion patterns in engineered disturbed loess, transcending the prior understanding that emphasized only the contributions of rainfall intensity or runoff. They offer a direct mechanistic basis for explaining the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of erosion and failure observed in field investigations of the engineered fills. The results directly contribute to risk assessments for land reclamation projects on the Loess Plateau, underscoring the importance of incorporating antecedent rainfall history into stability analyses and drainage designs. This study provides essential scientific evidence for advancing the precision of disaster prediction models and enhancing the efficacy of mitigation strategies.

Understanding the carbohydrate dynamics of sprouting Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L. ramets can assist in optimizing perennial weed management. However, detailed knowledge about general reserve dynamics, minimum values in reserves (compensation point) and different reserve determination methods remains sparse. We present novel insights into reserve dynamics, which are especially lacking for S. arvensis. We uniquely compare root weight changes as a proxy for carbohydrates with direct carbohydrate concentration measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In a greenhouse study, ramets of two sizes (20 and 10 cm) were planted in pots. Subsequent creeping roots of sprouted plants were destructively harvested and analyzed for carbohydrates 12 times between planting and flowering. Efficiency in storing carbohydrates and the replenishing rate of root weight and carbohydrates was much higher in S. arvensis than in C. arvense. Thus, our study urges to evaluate perennial weed species individually when investigating root reserves. Determining root reserves by either using root weight changes as a proxy for carbohydrates or directly measuring carbohydrate concentrations by HPLC differed in the minimum values of reserves referred to as compensation points. For both species, these minimum values occurred earlier based on root weight than based on carbohydrate concentrations. Cutting ramets into 20 or 10 cm sizes did not significantly affect carbohydrate concentration or root weight changes for both species. We conclude that any practical applications targeting perennial weeds by fragmenting roots into small ramets through belowground mechanical control must be evaluated for trade-offs in soil structure, soil erosion, and energy consumption.

The application of alkali-activated slag (AAS) cementing material to the curing of soft soil foundations has a good engineering application prospect and is economical and environmentally friendly. In this study, three different activators (Na2OnSiO(2), NaOH, Ca(OH)(2)) were used to alkali-activate slag powder to solidify and improve soft soil in inland port areas. In order to explore the mechanical properties and strength formation mechanism of AAS-solidified soil under different activators, mechanical properties, and microscopic tests were carried out. Firstly, with unconfined compressive strength as the evaluation index, an orthogonal test of three factors, such as the type of activator, the amount of activator, and the amount of slag powder, was designed. Then, the unconfined compressive strength, resilience modulus, shear strength, and compression modulus of AAS-solidified soil were tested with the three activators under optimal dosage. Finally, phase composition, SEM-EDS, TG-DTG, and FT-IR analyses were carried out with the three AAS-solidified soils. The results show the following: (1) The factors affecting the unconfined compressive strength of AAS-solidified soil are ordered as follows: the type of activator > the amount of activator > the amount of slag powder. In addition, the optimal factors were as follows: activator type: Na2OnSiO(2); amount of activator: 3%; and amount of slag powder: 20%. (2) In considering the macroscopic mechanical properties, the effect of the activator is Na2OnSiO(2) > NaOH > Ca(OH)(2), and the Na2OnSiO(2) AAS-solidified soil has good early strength. (3) The hydration products of AAS are mainly C-A-S-H gel, N-A-S-H gel, and C-S-H gel, which increase the strength and cohesion of solidified soil. The results show that AAS-solidified soil with 0.7-modulus Na2OnSiO(2) as the activator has good engineering characteristics and can be used for curing soft soil foundations.

Enhancing the catalytic activity of inorganic minerals is crucial for advancing wastewater treatment technologies. In this study, carbon and lab-scale minerals were combined to develop a novel carbon-based material, termed paired mineral carbon (PMC), using rice husk (RH) as the carbon source. Montmorillonite (MMt), goethite (GTt), and hybrid of goethite and MMt were utilized to prepare the PMC. The resulting material exhibited an increased specific surface area of 187 m2g-1, and demonstrated exceptional activation efficiency of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degrading diethyl phthalate (DEP). A pseudo-first-order kinetic constant (k1) of 0.923 min-1 was achieved at pH 6.0. Pairing minerals synergistically altered PMC's structure, which had the highest ID/IG ratio (0.87) indicative of abundant defective sites in its hierarchical porous structure. Reactive species such as SO4 center dot-, center dot OH, and 1O2 were identified as key contributors to DEP degradation through electron spin resonance (ESR) and quencher experiment. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed preferential radical attack on DEP at specific atomic sites (f0 values: 0.0837-0.1027). Furthermore, the lab-scale synthesized PMC costs $8.08 kg-1. More versatile than commercial activated carbon ($10 kg-1). The simple, adaptive, scalable synthesis optimizes industrial costs. Moreover, phytotoxicity assessment demonstrated that PMC/PMS treatment significantly reduced DEP toxicity, promoting healthier growth of Raphanus sativus and Zea mays seedlings. These findings highlight the potential of PMC as an eco-friendly, efficient and economical catalyst for advanced wastewater treatment, offering a sustainable approach to managing both chemical pollutant and herbicide phytotoxicity.

Weeds are an important part of the field ecosystem even though farmers perceive them only as a nuisance. However, in the agricultural landscape, weeds serve as a food source for wildlife and other organisms. The aim of this work is to evaluate the composition of weed vegetation in sugar beet stands in terms of the provision of ecosystem services and thus partially change their perception in such stands. During a twoyear evaluation, 36 weed species were found; these were mainly dominated by late spring weed species. In terms of biological relevance, weed species in sugar beet stands are less attractive to associated organisms, the dominating weed species have a relevance of up to 100 associated species. Weed species with higher relevance include Cirsium arvense, Galium aparine, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium strictum, Chenopodium album subsp. pedunculare, Chenopodium suecicum, Lamiumpurpureum, Polygonum aviculare and Stellaria media. Weed biomass and seeds provide food for insects, herbivorous mammals, and seed eating birds. The abundance of plant food is therefore the basis for a functioning food web. Overgrown sugar beet yields less, but supports populations of soil microorganisms, earthworms, seed eating beetles and birds. The biological importance and ecosystem functions of weeds need to be considered and quantified in a similar manner as when trying to quantify weed damage.

Weed control in agricultural systems is of the utmost importance. Weeds reduce crop yields by up to 30% to 40%. Different methods are used to control weeds, such as manual, chemical, mechanical, and precision weed management. Weeds are managed more effectively by using the hand weeding method, which nevertheless falls short due to the unavailability of labor during peak periods and increasing labor wages. Generally, manual weeding tools have higher weeding efficiency (72% to 99%) but lower field capacity (0.001 to 0.033 hm(2)/h). Use of chemicals to control weeds is the most efficient and cost-effective strategy. Chemical weedicides have been used excessively and inappropriately, which has over time resulted in many issues with food and environmental damage. Mechanical weed control improves soil aeration, increases water retention capacity, slows weed growth, and has no negative effects on plants. Mechanical weed management techniques have been gaining importance recently. Automation in agriculture has significantly enhanced mechanization inputs for weed management. The development of precision weed management techniques offers an efficient way to control weeds, contributing to greater sustainability and improved agricultural productivity. Devices for agricultural automated navigation have been built on the rapid deployment of sensors, microcontrollers, and computing technologies into the field. The automated system saves time and reduces labor requirements and health risks associated with drudgery, all of which contribute to more effective farm operations. The new era of agriculture demands highly efficient and effective autonomous weed control techniques. Methods such as remote sensing, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, and the use of robots or UAVs (drones) can significantly reduce labor requirements, enhance food production speed, maintain crop quality, address ecological imbalances, and ensure the precise application of agrochemicals. Weed monitoring is made more effective and safer for the environment through integrated weed management and UAVs. In the future, weed control by UAV or robot will be two of the key solutions because they do not pollute the environment or cause plant damage, nor do they compact the soil, because UAV sprays above the ground and robotic machines are lighter than tractor operated machines. This paper aims to review conventional, chemical, mechanical, and precision weed management methods.