A precise evaluation of soil quality (SQ) is important for sustainable land use planning. This study was conducted to assess soil quality using multivariate approaches. An assessment of SQ was carried out in an area of Dakhla Oasis using two methods of indicator selection, i.e., total data set (TDS) and minimum data set (MDS), and three soil quality indices (SQIs), i.e., additive quality index (AQI), weighted quality index (WQI), and Nemoro quality index (NQI). Fifty-five soil profiles were dug and samples were collected and analyzed. A total of 16 soil physicochemical parameters were selected for their sensitivity in SQ appraising to represent the TDS. The principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to establish the MDS. Statistical analyses were performed to test the accuracy and validation of each model, as well as to understand the relationship between the used methods and indices. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that soil depth, gravel content, sand fraction, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were included in the MDS. High positive correlations (r ≥ 0.9) occurred between SQIs calculated using TDS and/or MDS under the three models. Moreover, the findings showed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) among SQIs within and between TDS and MDS. Approximately 80 to 85% of the total study area based on TDS, as well as 70 to 75%, according to MDS, were identified as suitable soils with slight limitations on soil quality grade (Q3, Q2, and Q1), while the remaining 20 to 30% had high to severe limitations (Q4 and Q5). The highest sensitivity (SI = 2.9) occurred by applying WQI using MDS and indicator weights based on the variance of PCA. Furthermore, the highest linear regression value (R² = 0.88) between TDS and MDS was recorded using the same model. Because of its high sensitivity, such a model could be used for monitoring SQ changes caused by agricultural practices and environmental factors. The findings of this study have significant guiding implications and practical value in assessing the soil quality using TDS and MDS in arid areas critically and accurately.

In order, to assess the effects of foliar spry time by different micronutrients
nanoparticles on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivar, Sakha-53, a field experiment
was organized in a randomized complete block design using strip plot
arrangement with three replications during 2019 and 2020 seasons at Agronomy
Department Farm, Agriculture Faculty, Assiut University, Egypt. Three different
foliar spraying times of different micronutrients nanoparticles were allocated
horizontally while eight treatments of spraying with different Micronutrient
nanoparticles (2 gm/L) were arranged vertically. The results showed that foliar
spraying twice after 30 and 50 days from sowing was significantly increased
plant height, stem diameter and head diameter in both seasons. In addition, the
highest mean values of seed yield (t fed.-1) and oil yield (kg fed.-1) were recorded
when foliar spraying was done threes after 30,50 and 70 days from sowing.
Foliar application of Iron, Manganese, and Zinc nanoparticles was superior all
other treatments in this respect and registered the highest mean values of all studied
yield attributes, seed yield, and oil yield in both seasons. The interaction between
spraying time numbers and micronutrients nanoparticles significantly affected
all sunflower yield attributes in both growing seasons. The highest mean
values of seed yield (3.47 and 3.55 t fed-1) and oil yield (1765.88 and 1770.67 kg
fed-1) were obtained from the interaction between T3 × S7 (foliar spraying three
times after 30, 50 and 70 days from sowing date × spraying with Iron, Manganese
and Zinc). It was concluded that foliar spray threes time at 30, 50 and 70
days from sowing using Iron, Manganese and Zinc nanoparticles could be used
as a suitable method for improving seed yield and its attributes of sunflower cultivar,
Sakha-53.

Currently, the evidence of the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by organisms or the accumulation in different environmental compartments has been achieved using several methodological procedures. However, its uses have not been standardized across studies. In this study, we aim to assess and validate a protocol that can be useful for optimizing the identification and quantification procedures of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) in biological samples. Initially, considering that numerous studies filter samples previously digested in cellulosic membranes for isolation and analysis of MPs, we evaluated whether washing these membranes with different reagents could contribute to the complete detachment of particles, as well as to their dispersion in the obtained solutions. However, none of the tested reagents (dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, ethyl alcohol and chloroform), including purified water, was able to completely remove the MPs adhered to the membranes or facilitate their dispersion in the solutions. On the other hand, we observed that the digestion of the membranes by acetonitrile constituted a procedure that prevents the loss of particles due to adherence, in addition to promoting good dispersion of MPs. Subsequently, we evaluated the use of Neubauer chambers for the quantification of MPs, having observed a good recovery rate (>92%) and results with insignificant variation, in PE MPs solutions with different concentrations (0.15; 0.075 and 0.0375 mg/mL). Ultimately, the validation of the proposed procedures took place from the evaluation of the accumulation of PE MPs in Astyanax spp. juveniles, having demonstrated the efficiency and sensitivity of the method proposed for this purpose. Subsequently, our study provides a methodological alternative that can optimize MPs quantifications in biological samples and reduce the generation of biased or unreliable results.

Despite plastic ingestion has already been reported in several bird species, its physiological impacts have been little inspected, especially in representatives of the Cathartidae family. Thus, in this study, we aimed to identify, characterize, and evaluate the effects arising from the ingestion of plastic materials by Coragyps atratus adults, that captured in landfill areas. Herein, a total of 51 individuals were captured, the frequency of plastic intake being higher than 40%. The plastic materials consisted mainly of low-density polyethylene and film-type polystyrene, as well as presenting irregular shapes and diameters between 10 and 30 mm. Biochemically, we observed in animals that contained plastics in the stomach ("plastic" group) high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) - especially in the intestine, muscle and brain - whose activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not sufficient to counteract the oxidative stress. Moreover, in the liver of these same animals, we observed high production of nitrite and nitrate, suggesting a hepatic nitrosative stress. Plus, we observed a cholinesterase effect in animals from the “plastic” group, marked by increased activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (in the brain) and muscle and cerebral acetylcholinesterase (AChE). On the other hand, the biochemical changes perceived were not significantly correlated with the identified plastic material concentrations (2.808 ± 0.598 items/g of stomach content and 0.276 ± 0.070 items/g of stomach – fresh weight), body condition of the animals, size, and shape of the identified plastic materials. Hence, our study sheds the light on the toxicity of plastics deposited in landfills and their ingestion by C. atratus, which reinforces the hypothesis that these materials are harming the health of these birds and, consequently, the dynamics of their populations.

Pollution with heavy metals is a common problem worldwide that affects the growth of important crops and human health due to the consumption of contaminated crops. In the recent study, a set of 103 diverse spring wheat genotypes were evaluated for their tolerance to two important metals (lead and tin). The effect of these metals on kernel traits was measured to select tolerant and high-yielding genotypes. A great reduction in kernel length, kernel diameter, kernel width, and thousand kernel weight were found due to the effect of both metals. However, a highly significant correlation between the studied kernel traits was found suggesting their efficiency to indirectly select high yielding genotypes under heavy metals stress. In addition, the effect of the studied heavy metals on the physiological process was investigated and different responses to each metal were found suggesting that there are two different tolerant systems that the plant used to resist lead and tin. The selection of superior genotypes was done based on eight indices calculated for each studied kernel trait. Superior genotypes are those that were found to be tolerant based on all kernel traits. Based on this, one genotype, Gimmiza_11, was found to be highly tolerant to Sn and could be used as a parent in breeding for Sn tolerance. However, one genotype, BeniSweif_7, was found to be moderately tolerant to Pb based on only three kernel traits. Hence, searching for other sources of Pb tolerance in spring wheat is urgently needed. No genotype was found to be tolerant to both metals.

Purpose Enhancing agricultural and environmental benefits of biochar through physical, chemical, or thermal modifications is frequently employed, but information on the concentration, transformation rate, and half-life of available phosphorus (P) in chemically modified-biochar amended P-fertilized calcareous soils is yet lacking. For this reason, we investigated here the effect of citric acid–modified biochar (CAMB) derived from low-ash agricultural wastes (wheat straw) on P transformation and changes in its plant availability indices in a calcareous sandy soil.Methods An incubation experiment comprising three biochar treatments, viz. control (CK, unamended soil), soil amended with 4% CAMB (CAMB1), and soil amended with 8% CAMB (CAMB2), was conducted under laboratory conditions. The soil samples were incubated at 80% soil moisture (v/w) for 9, 18, 27, 36, 46, and 54 d at 25 ± 1 °C, and Olsen-P was meas-ured after each incubation period. Soil pH and EC were also measured after 9 and 54 days of incubation. To describe the release of P and to determine its rate of transformation, first-order equation, parabolic diffusion, power function, and simple Elovich were used.Results Parabolic equation exhibited a good ability to describe the decrease in P release in soil (0.82 R2 and 0.2 SE). Plant available P in CAMB-amended soil was substantially higher than the unamended soil. The lower pH and P transformation rate indices and the release of available P for a more extended period were found in CAMB-amended soils. The half-life of available P in the CAMB-amended soils exceeded 80% over unamended soil. The rate of P diffusion in CAMB-amended soils was lower (0.05–0.06  day−1) than the unamended soil (0.2  day−1).Conclusion Integrated use of citric acid–modified biochar with inorganic P in calcareous sandy soil acts as a slow-release fertilizer, has a low cost, and is a clean alternative to mineral fertilization.

The goals of the current study were to examine the effect of different kinds of acidic biochar [orange peel biochar (OPB),
sorghum panicle biochar (SPB), and wood chips biochar (WCB)] and doses as well as incubation periods on (1) carbon
emission, (2) carbon mineralization kinetic, and (3) soil properties in calcareous sandy soil. One hundred grams of air-dried
soil was placed in plastic jar for this experiment, which is composed of 10 treatments: control (unamended treatment), 1%
OPB, 3% OPB, 6% OPB, 1% SB, 3% SB, 6% SB, 1% WCB, 3% WCB, and 6% WCB. The biochar was added at three levels:
1, 3, and 6% (w/w). All the treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The doubleexponential equation described the kinetics of carbon mineralization better than first-order and second-order equations. The
half-lives of the carbon remaining in the soil were 2.13, 3.13, 4.79, 6.76, 3.33, 5.66, 7.77, 3.50, 5.39, and 7.75 years for
control, 1% WCB, 3% WCB, 6% WCB, 1% SPB, 3% SPB, 6% SPB, 1% OPB, 3% OPB, and 6% OPB treatments, respectively.
The results revealed that the biochar application at different levels significantly decreased soil pH compared with the control
treatment. Applying WCB at all levels and 1% SPB caused a significant decrease in electrical conductivity compared to the
control. Available phosphorus and potassium in the soil are significantly enhanced via adding different types and doses of
biochar compared to unamended soil. Our study is useful when using acidic biochar producing at low temperature in soils
with high pH. That can be improving chemical properties, supplying available nutrients, and carbon sequestration of infertile
soils in arid regions. Additionally, biochar applications into the soil are relatively cheap.
 

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different
pyrolysis temperatures on the properties of produced bovine bone char
and to evaluate their suitability as phosphorus resources in P-poor sandy
soil. An incubation experiment was performed and comprised of five
treatments: unamended soil (CK), soil amended with the bovine bone
(SBB), soil amended with bovine bone char at 300 °C (SBBC300), soil
amended with bovine bone char at 500 °C (SBBC500), and soil amended
with bovine bone char at 700 °C (SBBC700). Our findings demonstrate that
pyrolysis temperature greatly affects the chemical properties of bovine
bone char. The results obtained from the incubation experiments showed
that adding bovine bone char produced at different temperatures significantly increased Olsen-P in P-poor sandy. Olsen-P concentrations
increased significantly with increasing incubating period. The highest
Olsen-P values existed in SBBC500 treatment at all incubation periods.
Compared to unamended soil, adding SBBC500 to the soil increased
Olsen-P by 41.7%, 42.9%, 35.5%, and 31.6% after 7, 15, 29, and 47 days
of incubation, respectively. Consequently, use of bovine bone char produced at 500 °C may be an alternative option for phosphorus as
a renewable, economical, and environmentally friendly source.
 

The study was performed to evaluate the influence of coating and wrapping treatments used singly or in combination on improving postharvest quality of Manfalouty pomegranate cultivar during 2019 and 2020 seasons. Fruits were coated with any of turmeric oil or ginger oil at 10% and wrapped with waxed paper then stored under cold conditions at (7°C) with R.H 85-90% and analyzed at 2-week intervals to study the changes in physical and chemical quality of fruits. The obtained results revealed that by prolong storage period all the studied fruit properties (fruit weight loss %, fruit decay %, total soluble solids % and reducing sugar %) were increased significantly. However, total acidity % was decreased. All tested treatments had a significant effect on reducing changes in the above mentioned quality parameters but the coating with essential oils, when combined with waxed paper surpassed other treatments in controlling weight and decay. Also, the highest content of total acidity and the lowest percentage of total soluble solids and reducing sugar were recorded in fruits treated with essential oils when combined with waxed paper. Therefore, it could be recommended to use turmeric and ginger essential oils coating in combination with the waxed paper wrapping for improving quality and prolong the storage life of pomegranate fruits. Moreover, the previous treatments can provide a safe and healthy product as they are an alternative to harmful chemical applications

Orange is one of the most important citrus crops in Egypt. It subsists plentiful of impact issues such as pesticide residues regardless of the unwise use of pesticides. Herein, determination and quantification analyses of pesticide residues were determined by using LC-MS/MS and quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method in orange samples marketed in El Badari, Assiut city, Manfalut, El Qusiya, and Dairut that located in Assiut governorate, Egypt. As a result, 14 pesticide residues were found in total. one pesticide residue exceeded the maximum residue levels (MRLs) in two cities, i.e. El Badari and El Qusiya, (Fluzilazole 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg, respectively). Pyridaben was the most frequently found pesticide residue in 3 cities (Assiut city, Manfalut, and Dairut). Further, there was no health risk index appeared among the pesticide residues. Consequently, a regular pesticide residue analysis program is recommended to monitor pesticide residues in orange samples to retain the food safe, especially in upper Egypt.