Coconut Coir as a Sustainable Nursery Growing Media for Seedling Production of the Ecologically Diverse Quercus Species

Norfloxacin adsorption by torrefied coco peat biochar as a novel adsorbent in a circular economy framework

The current study reported torrefied coco-peat biochar treated at 200 °C, as a novel adsorbent exhibiting phenomenal norfloxacin (NFX) adsorption efficiency. The CHNS analysis confirmed the carbon abundance in the biochar (36.45%), however, XRF analysis indicated a significant presence of K2O (27.73%) and chlorine (7.49%). The XRD and Raman spectral analysis confirmed the amorphous structure of the biochar. Multilayer topology was evident in the SEM micrograph of biochar contributing to its large effective surface area. Additionally, the mesoporous structure of the adsorbent was verified by BET. The adsorption mechanism was predicted to be non-ionic since the zeta potential of both adsorbent and adsorbate was found negative. The process parameters were optimized at 30 °C, pH 6.9, dosage 7 g/L, antibiotic load 494.25 mg/L, and time of 89 min for a maximum of 99.52% adsorption of NFX using Central Composite Design, Analysis of Variance, and Response Surface Methodology. The adsorption process was exothermic, and spontaneous obeying the pseudo-second-order kinetics, while the bulk process was confined to surface adsorption. Isotherm study of NFX adsorption revealed the process to be a favorable, monolayer, and homogeneous adsorption. The NFX molecules were desorbed with an efficiency of 89.19% using 80% ethanol and upon recrystallization, 87.76% of the initial NFX was recovered as crude crystal. Moreover, the NFX removal efficiency was consistent across various water systems, tap water (99.02%), seawater (99.56%), river water (98.92%), pond water (98.26%), and distilled water (99.17%). The techno-economic analysis identified bulk expense as the biochar preparation ($0.82/kg) and the process will be profitable having recovered NFX sold at $6/kg instead of the present retail price ($71/kg). Thus, the study successfully demonstrated a zero-waste, self-sustainable, and revenue-generating water treatment process implementing the circular economy framework.

Advancing horizons in vegetable cultivation: a journey from ageold practices to high-tech greenhouse cultivation-a review

Vegetable cultivation stands as a pivotal element in the agricultural transformation illustrating a complex interplay between technological advancements, evolving environmental perspectives, and the growing global demand for food. This comprehensive review delves into the broad spectrum of developments in modern vegetable cultivation practices. Rooted in historical traditions, our exploration commences with conventional cultivation methods and traces the progression toward contemporary practices emphasizing the critical shifts that have refined techniques and outcomes. A significant focus is placed on the evolution of seed selection and quality assessment methods underlining the growing importance of seed treatments in enhancing both germination and plant growth. Transitioning from seeds to the soil, we investigate the transformative journey from traditional soil-based cultivation to the adoption of soilless cultures and the utilization of sustainable substrates like biochar and coir. The review also examines modern environmental controls highlighting the use of advanced greenhouse technologies and artificial intelligence in optimizing plant growth conditions. We underscore the increasing sophistication in water management strategies from advanced irrigation systems to intelligent moisture sensing. Additionally, this paper discusses the intricate aspects of precision fertilization, integrated pest management, and the expanding influence of plant growth regulators in vegetable cultivation. A special segment is dedicated to technological innovations, such as the integration of drones, robots, and state-of-the-art digital monitoring systems, in the cultivation process. While acknowledging these advancements, the review also realistically addresses the challenges and economic considerations involved in adopting cutting-edge technologies. In summary, this review not only provides a comprehensive guide to the current state of vegetable cultivation but also serves as a forward-looking reference emphasizing the critical role of continuous research and the anticipation of future developments in this field.

Cultivation Using Coir Substrate and P or K Enriched Fertilizer Provides Higher Resistance to Drought in Ecologically Diverse Quercus Species

Nursery cultivation practices can be modified to increase resistance to water stress in forest seedlings following field establishment, which may be increasingly important under climate change. We evaluated the morphological (survival, growth) and physiological (chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf water potential) responses to water stress for three ecologically diverse Quercus species (Q. robur, Q. pubescens, and Q. ilex) with varying traits resulting from the combination of growing media (peat, coir) and fertilization (standard, P-enriched, K-enriched). For all species under water stress, seedlings grown in coir had generally higher growth than those grown in peat. Seedlings fertilized with P performed better, particularly for survival; conversely, K fertilization resulted in inconsistent findings. Such results could be explained by a combination of factors. P fertilization resulted in higher P accumulation in seedlings, while no K accumulation was observed in K fertilized seedlings. As expected, the more drought-sensitive species, Q. robur, showed the worst response, while Q. pubescens had a drought resistance equal or better to Q. ilex despite being classified as intermediate in drought resistance in Mediterranean environments.

The changes of willow biomass characteristics during the composting process and their phytotoxicity effect on Sinapis alba L

This study evaluated in 2019–2021 the use of willow chips for compost production and its effect on Sinapis alba L. germination index and seedling growth. Peatlands and peat are of very important economic but above all environmental significance. The conservation of peatland resources is one of the most crucial future challenges. Composts and other forms of lignin-cellulosic biomass are potentially the best renewable alternative to peat in its economic use. Composted lignin-cellulosic biomass can replace peat and be used as a substrate for vegetable transplant production. The impact of modifying the willow lignin-cellulosic biomass composting process has not been well analysed. A compost experiment with willow biomass was conducted to study its effect on selected compost indexes (particle size structure in %, bulk density (kg m^-3), and total nitrogen content). The quality assessment of the willow composts was determined after six months of composting process based on the N content and morphological characteristics of tested plant in vegetative chamber. Sinapis alba L. was germinated on a water extract made from willow compost using the following additives to willow biomasses: W0—without additives, WN—with the addition of nitrogen, WF—with the addition of mycelium, WNF—with the addition of nitrogen and mycelium. During the composting process, samples were taken after each mixing of the biomass pile to assess their maturity through the use of a bioassay. Willow biomass did not have a negative effect on biological evaluation parameters, and in some indicators, such as the length of embryonic roots in the VI period of the measurements, it was stimulating (61–84% longer in W0 and WF than in the control). The addition of nitrogen during the composting process, especially in the initial composting period, had a strong inhibitory effect.

Effect of Stock Plant Growing Medium and Density upon a Cutting Propagation System for Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia

To offer a viable alternative to seedling deployment of tea tree, clones will require the development of an efficient, robust, and vegetative propagation system for the large number of plants needed for plantations (i.e., typically 33,000 plants/ha). This study investigated the productivity of an intensive management system for tea tree stock plants and rooted cuttings grown in a subtropical environment (Lismore, NSW, Australia). Three stock plant densities (30, 100, and 200 plants/m²) were tested in coir and potting mix media (consisting of peat+perlite+vermiculite), with 11 settings of cuttings undertaken between April 2019 and March 2020. All stock plants in each media type survived 11 harvests and remained productive; however after 13 months, many plants in the coir media, appeared chlorotic and showed symptoms of iron deficiency. Rooting and cutting survival rates using the mini cutting technique were high, ranging from a maximum mean monthly setting value of 87.7% ± 4 at 84 days post-setting in potting mix, to a minimum of 80.4% ± 3.7 in coir. The most productive treatment was at high stock plant density in potting mix which had the potential to produce 13,440 plants/year/m². Overall coir appeared less productive, but the pattern of difference among treatments was similar. For the highest system productivity, it is recommended to grow stock plants in potting mix at high densities and modulate temperatures to between 18 °C and 28 °C. Late spring and early summer were the best time for harvesting and setting tea tree mini cuttings in the subtropics.

The Scientific Basis of the Target Plant Concept: An Overview

Reforestation and restoration using nursery-produced seedlings is often the most reliable way to ensure successful establishment and rapid growth of native plants. Plant establishment success—that is, the ability for the plant to develop within a set period of time with minimal further interventions needed—depends greatly on decisions made prior to planting, and yet nursery-grown plants are often produced independently of considering the range of stressors encountered after nursery production. The optimal plant or seedling will vary greatly with species and site (depending on edaphic and environmental conditions), and in having the biological capacity to withstand human and wildlife pressures placed upon vegetative communities. However, when nursery production strategies incorporate knowledge of genetic variability, address limiting factors, and include potential mitigating measures, meeting the objectives of the planting project—be it reforestation or restoration—becomes more likely. The Target Plant Concept (TPC) is an effective framework for defining, producing, and handling seedlings and other types of plant material based on specific characteristics suited to a given site. These characteristics are often scientifically derived from testing factors that are linked to outplanting success, such as seedling morphology and physiology, genetic source, and capacity to overcome limiting factors on outplanting sites. This article briefly summarizes the current knowledge drawn from existing literature for each component of the TPC framework, thereby helping land managers and scientists to meet objectives and accelerate reforestation and restoration trajectories.

The High Cost of the Low-Cost Polybag System: A Review of Nursery Seedling Production Systems

An important strategy for meeting global landscape restoration goals is nursery production of high-quality seedlings. Growing seedlings with attributes that promote post-planting survival and growth can be dramatically influenced by the nursery container system. In many countries, nurseries produce seedlings in polybags filled with excavated soil. These seedlings often develop deformed roots with limited fibrosity which can lead to poor survival and growth after outplanting. Polybags are initially inexpensive but using these single-use plastic containers accrues expenses that are often untracked. Comparisons among nursery production systems must account for factors such as container longevity, labor efficiency, and seedling field performance. A more holistic approach to account for environmental, economic, social, logistic, and cultural elements in the cost–benefit equation that influences nursery production systems is needed. Converting to a modern container system requires concomitant adjustments in nursery scheduling and culturing matched to the new stock type. Doing so provides an opportunity to align nursery production techniques and resulting seedling attributes with anticipated field conditions. This article describes and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of nursery production systems and provides recommendations and case studies to aid nurseries in improving seedling quality toward meeting restoration goals in a cost-effective and timely manner.