The aim of this study was to develop a systematic quality index for application in the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach mushrooms, based on the physical, chemical and biological properties (indicators) of the compost and casing layers (factors). The relative importance (weight) of each of the factors and indicators, their normalized scores, the quality index values and the correl...

In order to evaluate the possibility use of palm waste cellulose as a substitute substrate for growing pot plants, an experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with 6 replication and six treatments on Aglaonema sp. The treatments were 5 levels including 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 palm celluloid wastes mixed with different rates of some amendments such as peat, coconut coir, perl...

BACKGROUND Zinc oxide (ZnO), commonly used to control post-weaning diarrhea in piglets, has been highlighted as of potential concern from an environmental perspective. The aim of this field trial was to examine effects of different sources and levels of ZnO added to peat on average daily weight gain (ADG), fecal score in pens and serum and tissue zinc (Zn) levels around time of weaning in order...

Natural pipes are common in many upland blanket peats, yet little is known about pipe network morphology or pipeflow processes. Most information on soil piping comes from the shallow peaty podzols of the Welsh uplands, where monitoring suggests that pipes may be important contributors to streamflow. This paper presents information on piping and pipeflow from a deep upland blanket peat catchment...

Background: The composition of the planting beds and its microorganisms has a very important role on the establishment, growth and phytochemical performance of medicinal plants. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different planting beds and inoculation of mycorrhizal fungus on the changes of stevioside, rebaudioside, and morpho-physiological traits of stevia. Meth...

This study investigated why the susceptible or resistance phenotype to the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus was lost when susceptible (C57BL/6) and resistant (Balb/c) strains of mice were housed together in indoor arenas with continuous transmission of the parasite larvae present in peat trays (Scott, 1991). First, both strains expressed their normal phenotype when given a controlled challeng...

Centuries of anthropogenic releases have resulted in a global legacy of mercury (Hg) contamination. Here we use a global model to quantify the impact of uncertainty in Hg atmospheric emissions and cycling on anthropogenic enrichment and discuss implications for future Hg levels. The plausibility of sensitivity simulations is evaluated against multiple independent lines of observation, including...

The effects of repeated atrazine application (40 mg a.i.kg(-1)) on its degradation, microbial communities and enzyme activities were studied in a peat based biomixture composed by straw, soil and peat in the volumetric proportions of 2:1:1 that can be used in on-farm biopurification system. Atrazine removal efficiency was high (96%, 78% and 96%) after each atrazine application and did not show ...

Vertical peat profiles can only be used as archives of past changes in pollution levels if atmogenic elements are immobile after their burial. For mobile elements, similar pore-water concentrations can be expected at different peat depths. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Cd were determined in surface bog water and bog pore water 40 cm below surface in two Sphagnum-dominated pea...

Peatlands store an immense pool of soil carbon vulnerable to microbial oxidation due to drought and intentional draining. We used amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR to (i) examine how fungi are influenced by depth in the peat profile, water table and plant functional group at the onset of a multiyear mesocosm experiment, and (ii) test if fungi are correlated with abiotic variables of peat...