One particular application of recycled water is for firefighting purposes, in situations when water supply is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the guidance endorsed by the use of Queensland Class A+ or Queensland Class B recycled water for firefighting is appropriate to control potential risks to firefighters. As part of this assessment, a study of chemical contaminants was undertaken at an urban water treatment facility producing recycled water using dual reticulation to evaluate the water in terms of its use for firefighting purposes. The health risks to firefighters from recycled water mains were associated with the chemical and endotoxin composition of Class A+ recycled water produced by advanced water treatment plants relative to the potable water supply. While the coverage of microbial hazards was detailed, the specific reference to chemical hazards was limited to endotoxins and briefly mentioned the health effects from exposure to chemicals through chronic exposure to contaminated water rather than from short-term (acute) exposure. An additional objective was to identify if further study of chemical contaminants at the designated water treatment facility producing recycled water was examined to give a better understanding of less well-known contaminants (fluoride, molybdenum, and selenium). The comprehensive data set of microbiological data from another study was combined with the current chemical contaminant study in a more informed risk assessment. The overall finding from the risk assessment was that the Class A+ recycled water from the water treatment facility evaluated in this study would be safe for firefighting. The summary statement of applicability based on an extensive review and analysis of risk data through exposure to contaminated water concluded that health risks tend to manifest as a result of prolonged (chronic) exposure rather than from short-term sporadic (acute) exposure.

Since the end of the Second World War, there has been a rapid increase in agricultural specialization and industrialization in Europe. Farms are growing in size with significant and increasing reliance on external inputs such as agrochemicals with most of the inputs and farm products being transported over long distances. Many consumers, however, prefer local and environment-friendly production which has led to the establishment of small-market gardens which provide vegetables directly to local communities in and around cities and towns in Sweden. To measure and understand the sustainability of these small-market gardens and the gardeners that manage them, a credible and holistic assessment in view of the three sustainability pillars, viz Social, Environmental, and Economic, was required. This exploratory study highlights the multidimensional benefits and trade-offs of small-market gardens assessed by the use of the ‘Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation,’ developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with results then compared with several large-scale reference farms in Sweden’s Scania province. The results demonstrated that small-market gardens had greater crop diversity, more efficient resource use and management, and more synergies between components compared to large-scale reference farms. Additionally, the small-market gardens scored high in terms of responsible governance, co-creation, and sharing of knowledge, and they involved a significant number of young people through either direct employment or as interns. Small-market gardeners, however, tended to have lower incomes with higher workloads compared to the large-scale reference farms, which created a sense of insecurity for the long-term sustainability of small-market gardens. Market gardeners also reported a lack of direct government support and subsidies for their gardens. In conclusion, small-market gardens appear to be resilient, especially in relation to recent limitations in global trade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high fuel and fertilizer costs, and changing weather patterns.

Application of electrokinetic treatment powered by a 6 V solar cell (ET-6V) has been found to release essential nutrients (N, P, and K) from saturated organic soil. Additionally, this treatment accelerates the growth of Japanese mustard spinach near the anode due to oxidation reactions. However, growth inhibition occurs near the cathode due to reduction reactions. These effects may vary in unsaturated soils managed with irrigation water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of ET-6V on plant growth in unsaturated soils through laboratory experiments. Specifically, we examined changes in electrode potential and the growth rate of Japanese mustard spinach after applying ET-6V to andosol mixed with cow manure compost. Although reduction reactions occurred at the cathode, facilitating the flow of irrigation water through the soil layer maintained a stable cathode potential exceeding 0 V. Growth rate measurements revealed a 1.2–1.8-fold increase in the wet weight of Japanese mustard spinach near both the anode and cathode. Notably, the growth rate of spinach was higher in the soil located 5–20 cm from both electrodes. Surprisingly, reduction reactions did not negatively affect growth rate but instead contributed to increased Japanese mustard spinach growth in unsaturated soil. The enhancement of soil potential through irrigation water is a key driver underlying this growth. Therefore, ET-6V should be applied to upper-land soils to boost crop productivity.

Soil biota plays important roles in the storage of soil organic carbon and in the provision of many ecosystem services which significantly improve our well-being. Additionally, the soil respiration activity of soil microorganisms affects the dynamic release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. Assessing soil organisms as well as microorganism activity affecting carbon storage in the soil is essential to help understand and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate soil biota, soil biological activity, and soil carbon storage across different types of land use in the northeastern region of Thailand. Utilizing data derived from a case study of Ban Hua Bueng, Sai Mun Subdistrict, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province, we focused on six land use types including the Ban Hua Bueng community forest (Fr); two sugarcane fields - one managed with burning and chemical fertilizers (Sc) and another employing soil conservation without chemical fertilizers (Sc-O); two cassava fields - one using tillage and chemical fertilizers (Cs) and another practicing soil conservation without chemical fertilizers (Cs- O); and a paddy field (Pd). The study monitored earthworms, soil microorganisms, soil respiration by microorganisms, and carbon storage in the soil across the different land use types. The study found significant differences in the population of earthworms and soil microorganisms which were greatest in the community forest, followed by the cassava field managed by conserving the soil without the use of chemical fertilizers. Community forests contained the greatest soil organic carbon levels among all land uses studied. Microbial respiration differed significantly across land use types. While the community forest had greater respiration rates than the agricultural fields and the paddy fields, the results were not significantly different.

Northeast Thailand is a crucial rice-producing region, hosting 60% of the nation’s rice paddies, yet over 90% of its fields are rain-fed, rendering them susceptible to variations in precipitation. Therefore, there is an acute need to study the impact of changes in precipitation on rice cultivation in the region. While numerous studies have examined how climate change affects rice production, most have focused on yield variations, neglecting the fluctuation in planted areas. Additionally, previous studies have often relied on fixed planting dates without considering annual or regional variations. This leads to an overestimation of rice production, especially in rain-fed fields where the extent of the planted area is strongly influenced by the volume of precipitation. In this study, we developed a model that estimates planted areas in Northeast Thailand by a water balance approach, integrating meteorological, elevation, and surface water level data. The model not only predicts the planted area but also the planting date, incorporating daily precipitation data to anticipate the spatiotemporal expansion of planted areas. The model calculates the surface water level, designating the day it exceeds 50 mm as the planting date. Model parameters were calibrated using observed data from 2004 and 2005. We then assessed the impact of precipitation changes on planted area extents by inputting climate data from 1981- 2017. In analyzing the temporal changes in planted area and planting date, the model revealed significant differences between past and recent practices. Specifically, when comparing decadal shifts in planted areas from 1981-1990 and 2008-2017, the model revealed that during the former period, many areas were planted in June, while during the latter period, planting dates had become more variable. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of four periods of 1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010, and 2008-2017 indicated a progressive delay in the planting date over time, due to the increasing uncertainty of precipitation during the early part of the rainy season.

Smallholder producer groups are vulnerable to institutional problems when they pursue value-adding enterprises requiring capital and predictable deliveries. This paper provides insights into effective shareholding arrangements introduced by two producer groups to upgrade their business strategies from ‘transactional’ to ‘value-adding’ status. The first group offered machinery services to reduce production costs and improve the quality of smallholder paddy. The second group focused on taking advantage of a domestic niche market for non-traditional, high-value, paddy varieties. Members and directors of these producer organizations were wary of free-rider problems that undermine collective efforts to finance assets and meet supply contracts. This study draws on the New Institutional Economics concepts of ill-defined ownership rights to analyze the innovative shareholding schemes devised by these groups to prevent free riding. It treats the producer groups as case studies, and the research is both exploratory and applied set within the framework of action research. Both groups issued non-redeemable, tradable, class B shares. Class B shares are appreciable but confer no or limited voting rights, allowing members to benefit as investors and as patrons while maintaining democratic control of their organization. The key, however, is to align investment with patronage as this prevents free-riding and mitigates conflicts of interest that discourage member investment and compliance with supply contracts. The first group linked member investment to progressive discounts on the cost of machinery services, thereby creating a strong incentive for larger patrons to buy more shares. The second group treated each share as a tradable obligation to deliver a specific quantity of high-value paddy, thereby requiring larger patrons to invest in more shares. This research adds to a small pool of literature that examines the attributes of well-defined ownership rights in smallholder organizations that pursue value-adding business strategies.

Soil ecosystem services (SES) provide multiple benefits to humans. However, there is no current consensus regarding SES valuation models or a comprehensive framework to facilitate economic and other valuations. Several factors such as soil natural capital, soil properties, and supporting soil function in dynamic relations underlie the SES. Soil water storage (SWS) and soil fertility are significant determinants of SES. This study assessed the economic value of SES related to SWS and soil fertility in Khon Kaen Province, northeast Thailand. We compared SES across different land uses, including native forests and agricultural fields cultivated with cassava and sugarcane. Soil field capacity was assessed using hydraulic parameters derived from the soil water retention curve (SWRC). Field capacity (θ_FC) was then used to estimate available water capacity (θ_AWC). Soil fertility was evaluated by analyzing organic matter content and levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Results showed that forests were superior in both SWS and soil fertility. Using a market price approach, the economic value of SWS was highest in forests (5,912 baht/hectare), followed by cassava fields (5,426 baht/hectare) and sugarcane fields (4,843 baht/hectare). Soil fertility value was also highest in forests (470,346.3 baht/hectare), followed by sugarcane fields (117,754.2 baht/hectare), and cassava fields (93,205.65 baht/hectare). SWS and soil fertility were closely related, with higher SWS potentially improving fertility. The significant costs associated with maintaining soil fertility should be reflected in SWS valuations. These findings provide a starting point for improving land quality, particularly for future agricultural use.

The wood processing industry plays a pivotal role in the global economy and the environment and its preservation. Sustainability continues to gain worldwide importance, and wood processing industries are actively seeking innovative solutions to minimize waste and environmental impact. One promising approach utilizes sawdust, a byproduct of wood processing, as a substrate to produce mycelium-based biocomposites (MBCs) to create circular materials. This research explored the feasibility of utilizing sawdust derived from three different wood types, red alder, white oak, and yellow poplar, to produce MBCs. The process used fungal mycelium from the genus Ganoderma sp. (WE-CMU 011) as a biopolymer to bind the sawdust particles together. The mechanical and physical properties of the obtained MBCs were then examined and compared with traditional synthetic materials. The results include that the obtained MBCs exhibited density levels and compression strengths ranging from 167.71 to 208.28 kg/m³ and 387.28 to 562.06 kPa, respectively, surpassing those of many synthetic foams. Particularly, MBCs produced from a combination of mixed sawdust and white oak sawdust demonstrated superior compression strength and density compared to MBCs made from other wood types. Additionally, using a blend of sawdust from all three wood types during production resulted in MBCs with lower average shrinkage and volumetric swelling. The obtained MBCs demonstrated water absorption of 110.99% to 139.37%, which is higher than synthetic materials. The water-absorbing capacity of MBCs, however, may find application in agriculture for retaining moisture, in packaging materials for liquid chemicals prone to leaks during transportation, and in some housewares. Importantly, this study provides valuable insights into the wood processing industry and environmental advocates and highlights the potential of circular material production for achieving sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable practices.

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. These particles now pollute oceans, rivers, and soil worldwide, threatening ecosystems and adding to environmental contamination. This study investigated the acute toxicity of earthworms (Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) from soil contaminated with microplastics, specifically low-density polyethylene with a plastic particle size of ≤ 1 mm, (LDPE, ≤ 1 mm). Earthworms were selected related to their role as essential organisms for soil health and function. Earthworms were exposed to four different concentrations (0%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) of LDPE, ≤ 1 mm with replicates in artificial soil. Results show that the LC50 values of LDPE, ≤ 1 mm microplastics at 14 days for Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae were 5.96% and 3.60%, respectively. The microplastics affected both Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae and surface damage was observed at LDPE, ≤ 1 mm concentrations above 0.25% after 14 days of exposure. Greater than 10% mortality was observed at a concentration of 1% in Eisenia foetida, and greater than 10% mortality was observed at concentrations above 0.25% in Eudrilus eugeniae. Additionally, a decrease in earthworm weight was observed with exposure to increasing microplastic concentrations. This study has determined the concentrations of microplastics that impact earthworms and helping to fill a knowledge gap regarding microplastics’ impact on soil ecosystems. This study reveals a toxicity trend related to increasing concentrations of microplastics affecting earthworms. The findings lay a foundation for future research on the long-term impacts on earthworm and soil health as well as broader ecological impacts and potential strategies to reduce plastic pollution in soil.

Reusing wastewater for agricultural irrigation offers a solution to alleviate strain on freshwater resources. The cassava starch industry’s wastewater has been repurposed for irrigating renewable energy crops like Napier grass. However, research on how this practice affects soil organic matter and compaction remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of cassava wastewater reuse for Napier grass cultivation on these soil properties. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-50 cm from areas using cassava wastewater for Napier grass irrigation for over 10 years, compared to areas without wastewater use. Results showed significantly higher soil organic matter and lower soil compaction in areas using cassava wastewater. The highest organic matter content was found in areas influenced by cassava wastewater without Napier grass cultivation, followed by areas using a siphon system with Napier grass, pump system with Napier grass, and lastly, areas unaffected by either cassava wastewater or Napier grass. Conversely, the lowest soil compaction was observed in areas using a siphon system with Napier grass, followed by areas influenced by cassava wastewater without Napier grass, pump system with Napier grass, and finally, areas unaffected by either cassava wastewater or Napier grass. This study concludes that reusing cassava wastewater for Napier grass cultivation can enhance soil organic matter content and reduce soil compaction, contributing to improved soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.

Paddy Field Dam (PFD) is an attractive option for using paddy fields as green infrastructure for preventing inland floods. The runoff control devices used in PFD, which typically consist of 3-5 cm notch set devices in the outlet weir plate, can be manufactured for 10-50 USD per unit; they are thus both inexpensive and highly efficient, as they rely on the water storage function of rice paddies already present in the watershed. However, for such efforts to spread, the effectiveness and safety of PFD must be evaluated, and the understanding of residents and farmers of PFD must be promoted. In this study, a survey of drainage flow during heavy rainfall was conducted in a group of rice paddies along the Tomikawa drainage channel located in Fuchu-machi, Toyama City. The study area is approximately 8.8 ha in size, and rainfall and water levels in the drainage channel were continuously observed to obtain a rainfall-runoff relationship. The observation period was from May to November 2022, and the measurement interval was 10 minutes. During the observation period, relatively intense rainfall events on 23^rd July (40.5 mm) and 1^st Sept. (54 mm) were analyzed. The flow rates for the two rainfall events were simulated by using the paddy and soil water balance model, as well as the runoff flow when the PFD was implemented. Assuming the implementation of PFD with a 5 cm notch set device in the weir plate to control runoff, a peak cutoff effect of 42.9% was expected for the 23^rd Jul. event and 53.4% for the 1^st Sept. event. By using the model, the paddy water level was simulated under conditions of a historical extreme rainfall event on 5^th July 2018, and a safe design of notch size in the weir plate, dependent on the paddy field size, was proposed.

The Tadla region, in Morocco, is experiencing recurring water shortages and drought years due to climate change and increased water demand. The irrigation sector is the largest water user in the region and many farmers practice furrow irrigation methods with low water application efficiency. Consequently, it is essential to prioritize sustainable crop production practices and efficient water use. The focus should be on maximizing crop production without exceeding the limited available water resources or reducing the cropping area. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the extent to which the use of partial drip irrigation can mitigate water shortages in the Beni Amir irrigation scheme in terms of water delivery performance (WDP) indicators including adequacy, equity, and dependability. Also, crop production was assessed using the result of WDP and the concept of yield reduction rate in response to water availability. We analyzed the WDP of the prevailing furrow irrigation method with the proposed partial drip method, which irrigates only tree crops and furrows for other crops. The meteorological, hydrological, and agronomic data were collected to calculate the amount of water supply and demand, which are necessary to assess WDP for the dry seasons (April-September) of 2016, 2017, and 2018. The results showed that under the current furrow irrigation scheme 19-35% less water was supplied than required, and when the same amount of water was allocated to the irrigation scheme using the proposed partial drip method, the water supplied was sufficient to meet irrigation water requirements in all years. The proposed partial drip irrigation method also improved not only the adequacy but also the equity and reliability of the scheme’s water delivery. In addition, the improvement in WDP reduced the rate of yield reduction and increased crop production by about 20% to 30%.

This study aimed to elucidate the expectations of local governments regarding the recruitment of Local Vitalization Cooperators (LVC) in Japan. The LVC, a project supporting rural regeneration, was initiated by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, in FY 2009, with a goal to prevent mismatches in expectations between local governments and cooperators during the recruitment phase of the project. The research methodology involved collecting 5443 pieces of recruitment information from a portal site where LVC’s recruitment details were posted by 1086 local governments from FY 2009 to 2024. Activities described in the recruitment information were classified into clusters, creating an activity database for analyzing annual changes utilizing cluster analysis. Key findings revealed seven activity clusters. Cluster 1, which expected a broad range of rural community activities, decreased from 40% in 2009 to 16% in 2024. Cluster 1’s decline was attributed to ambiguity in expectations, suggesting a trial period for effective alignment Clusters 2-7 predominantly expected information dissemination, migration support, agriculture, urban-rural interchanges, tourist facility management, and others. Clusters 2 and 7 exhibited an increasing trend, reaching the highest percentage of 41% in FY 2024 despite being 20% and 0% in FY 2009, respectively. The local governments specifying narrow activities increased expectation clarity, emphasizing the need to avoid recruiting unqualified applicants even with a limited number of applicants. These findings underscore the importance of transparent expectations and suggest strategies for improving the alignment of communities and cooperators in rural revitalization projects.

Approximately 1.5 million hectares (ha) of agricultural land across the world are salinized each year. Khon Kaen province in northeast Thailand, is located in the low-lying Korat Plain where famous for its soil salinization problem. The Ban Phai district in Khon Kaen province was selected as the study site, related to its challenges managing salinized soil which has failed to improve. In Ban Phai, the average farmer’s landholding is approximately 2-4 ha. The farmland parcels are not well developed, and the flat topographical slope makes it difficult to construct a network of drainage channels to facilitate salt removal. In this study, we developed a biological salt utilization system that promotes salt management and utilization within each farmer’s farmland, without reliance on drainage channel networks. The system was implemented in June 2019, and data was obtained related to soil salinization and farmers’ cash income including the sale of salt removed in traditional salt production and in cultivating and selling Sesbania rostrata, a salt-tolerant crop. Three years after the system was installed, the electrical conductivity of the soil decreased from 1,403 mS/m to 991 mS/m. It was also evident that the use of vermicompost improved the growth of Sesbania rostrata compared to conventional cultivation. The system’s downstream component of traditional salt production using discharged salt, was effective with produced salt sold for approximately 20 baht per kilogram, which contributed to improved cash income for farmers. To promote this system, it is necessary to identify applicable land conditions including soil, hydrology, salinity, and related and to demonstrate the economic benefits to farmers.

The purpose of the study was to examine the diversity and abundance of insect pollinators. Data on insect pollinators was collected from the Plant Genetic Conservation area, Chulabhorn Dam, Chaiyaphom Province using observation techniques. The data was collected during the dry season (March 2018) and wet season (September 2018). In total, 41 species from 4 orders and 34 families were found, of which 30 species were from the order Lepidoptera, followed by Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera with 10, 8, and 3 species respectively. The Shannon index of diversity (H) was compared to a variety of insect pollinators. The diversity index showed that the species diversity of insect pollinators in the study area was low (H’ = 1.13) while the evenness index showed high dominant species (J’ = 0.30). Order Hymenoptera was the most common pollinator among the species found in this study (with 35.01% frequency compared to all obtained insect specimens).

Crayfish are consumed worldwide as a food resource. Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are not widely recognized as a food source, but signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) are consumed in Japan. Because nutritional studies and information on red swamp crayfish are scarce, comprehensive comparisons of red swamp crayfish and signal crayfish are lacking. This study aimed to determine the nutritional value of red swamp crayfish as a food source by comparing pigments in the exoskeletons of red swamp and signal crayfish and by making a comprehensive comparison of their nutrients. The exoskeleton of red swamp crayfish is typically reddish-black, whereas that of signal crayfish is brown. A comparison of the exoskeleton pigments between the two crayfish colors using thin-layer chromatography showed bands corresponding to the ester and free forms of astaxanthin in all samples. The pigments in the exoskeletons of both species were the same regardless of body color. A comparison of the three major nutrients in the tail muscles showed differences in carbohydrates and fats between the two species, but the protein content was the same. It is assumed that this is due to differences in food composition and activity levels due to the habitat in which they grow. The fatty acid composition differed between the two crayfish. A comprehensive analysis of hydrophilic compounds in the muscles was conducted using triple quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which identified 107 common components in each sample, including various sugars, nucleic acid-related substances, vitamins, and functional compounds. Principal component analysis by GC/MS showed that the clusters of both crayfish species were largely divided between samples, reflecting the differences in their nutritional components. The presence of higher nutritional components in red swamp crayfish than in signal crayfish may lead to new applications regarding the potential use of red swamp crayfish as a food resource. This study demonstrates the significant nutritional value of red swamp crayfish and can be used to promote the potential use of red swamp crayfish as a valuable food resource and to expand the culinary and nutritional options in Japan.

Cambodian Forest cover rapidly decreased from 73% in the 1960s to 41% in 2020. The research area of Tbong Khmum Province represents an extreme with a 2020 forest cover of only 20% which was primarily due to the expansion of plantations and farmlands and the excessive use of forest resources by a growing population. To strengthen the foundation for future forest conservation and sustainable community development, an international NGO has been collaborating with local schools to implement a series of participatory school greening activities aimed at environmental education in the Dambae District of Tbong Khmum Province. A significant challenge in this community-based project is how to increase the participation rate of local students in the planting and management practices of young, vulnerable seedlings to maintain their survival rate. Our research interest is therefore focused on how environmental education contributes to increasing the awareness and attitudes of local students, ultimately targeted to increase the tree survival rate. For this objective, questionnaire surveys were conducted with 402 primary and secondary school students at 10 schools that participated in environmental education activities in 2022. Additionally, in the following year 2023, a field inspection was conducted to interview schoolteachers, to monitor seedling management practices, and to evaluate the survival rates of trees at each school. Statistical analysis of key data demonstrates strong correlations between the tree survival rates and the degree of students’ awareness of the importance of forest conservation (r=0.748) as well as the percentage of students’ awareness of responsibility in tree management (r=0.708) at a 95% confident interval. Further consideration of the factors influencing local students to take responsible environmental action, as well as the effective approach to environmental education are discussed in the manuscript.

Biologically Treated Water (BTW) and Chlorinated Disinfected Water (CDW) are byproducts of wastewater treatment. Both BTW and CDW contain significant amounts of nutrients that can be used in agricultural systems. Although the use of BTW has been investigated relative to nutrient recovery, filtering treatment, and social and economic development, more research is required to determine the applicability of using CDW and BTW in hydroponic systems. This study evaluated the growth and quality of Cindy Sweet tomatoes irrigated by BTW and CDW and demonstrated the effectiveness of low application of fertilizer in hydroponic systems. The results demonstrated that tomato plants irrigated with CDW tend to have higher fresh-weight than those irrigated with BTW. Statistical analysis of fruit quality showed that the fruits of plants grown in BTW were larger in diameter and weight, but further t-test analysis showed no significant differences between water types. This study also discovered that hydroponic irrigation with BTW and CDW resulted in larger fruit clusters without a corresponding increase in fruit density. The Index for Relative Chlorophyll content (IRC) showed no difference between BTW and CDW. In contrast, despite presenting lower levels of pH, the control performed best with twice the chlorophyll content in terms of IRC. These results show that even with low IRC of plants from BTW and CDW, there were no differences in fruit size and weight among the treatments. The study also suggests that plants irrigated with CDW have higher biomass accumulation, which can be useful for comparing yields in leafy vegetables.

Strontium Isotope Ratio analysis is an established technique that is recognized as a powerful tool in provenance studies related to the inherent variation of Strontium (Sr) sources within a system. One of the isotopes (⁸⁷Sr) is the product of the radioactive decay of Rubidium (⁸⁷Rb), which denotes a system containing both Rb and Sr which will have a specific radiogenic signature or ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. Most traditional methodologies for Strontium Isotope Ratio analysis require relatively large volumes of sample to perform a multi-stage chemical separation of Rb and Sr before analysis. The vital challenge for the determination of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios by ICP-MS is overcoming the spectral overlap of ⁸⁷Sr⁺ and ⁸⁷Rb⁺ ions. The objective of this study is to determine a method for precise determination of Strontium Isotope ratios without a need for complicated pre-separation and the risk of sample contamination. It has been demonstrated that triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QQQ) can resolve this issue by utilizing reaction gases inline to form a production with the target analyte, therefore, mass shifting the analyte away from interferences leading to more accurate measurements. The ICP-QQQ technique was used to document the spatial variations in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values across the Tully River catchment in North Queensland, Australia. Routine access to Strontium Isotope ratio analysis would allow a library of data across water catchments to be built upon and be beneficial for environmental monitoring and water resource management.

Knowledge and management of soil micronutrients are vital for maximizing crop production, ecosystem health, functionality, and sustainability. This is especially relevant for the soils of Chembe enclave village, located within Lake Malawi National Park (LMNP), a world heritage site. This study obtained micronutrient baseline data for soils across various land use types and provides benchmark data for long-term monitoring and management. Local soil was measured for the concentration of a panel of micronutrients using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) after acid block digestion with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid (70% HNO₃) and Hydrogen peroxide (30% H₂O₂). Measured micronutrients included zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se). Soil samples were obtained from five different land use types, including community gardens, farmland, Dambo, bare land, and forest land at depths of 0-5 cm and 5 -20 cm. Results indicated that land use type and soil depth are essential factors impacting micronutrient concentrations. Mean soil Zn and Mn concentrations were significantly higher in the community garden (1.51 and 663 mg/kg, respectively) in the topsoil compared to the rest of the land use types (p<0.0001). On the other hand, topsoil from the forest had significantly higher levels of Cu and Fe (3.7 and 329 mg/kg respectively). The maize farmland had the highest concentrations of Se (0.28 mg/kg), while the Dambo and the community garden had the lowest levels (0.01 mg/ kg). These findings suggest that micronutrient levels are tightly linked to land use type and soil depth. Further research should investigate the impacts of micronutrient levels and changes on crop productivity and broader ecosystem-wide implications at multiple scales from the enclave village, across LMNP, and the region as a whole.

The world’s population is growing rapidly. Ensuring global food security is becoming increasingly urgent. Adapting to changes caused by climate change while maintaining food security and agricultural sustainability is difficult, and inter-state conflicts, together with energy and value chain issues, complicate food issues. There are synergies and trade-offs between agriculture and climate change which must be analyzed to inform future strategies. With the world population expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, rice consumption is expected to increase significantly. Paddy farming is essential to meet demand in Southeast Asian countries where rice is the staple food, but its expansion can cause environmental problems due to methane emissions from paddy fields and the large amounts of water required for cultivation. Paddy farming in Southeast Asia is the main source of water consumption often exacerbating water scarcity in some regions due to water competition with other sectors. This study focuses on the synergies and trade-offs related to improving paddy farming in Southeast Asia. Improving rice production requires adaptation to climate change including drought and flooding, and the availability of water resources, fertilizer management, and smarter labor, leveraging synergies among these items to increase productivity and sustainability. On the other hand, these items also involve numerous trade-offs, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions labor costs, and labor demands. Therefore, we reviewed the literature on management strategies for rice production in the context of climate change. We focused our review on farmers’ participatory water management and the application of the Alternate Wetting and Drying Method and biochar for adaptation strategies for climate change. The results indicate that farmers are taking charge of irrigation systems through Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT), giving them control over water use and maintenance. Alternate Wet and Drying (AWD) and biochar methodologies are climate change adaptation strategies for farmers that can maintain a favorable balance between synergies and trade-offs in promoting appropriate future water use in paddy fields.

Microgreens are innovative vegetable products related to their novelty and health-promoting benefits. However, growth media and light conditions affect microgreens’ nutritional content, which may limit their production in rural community settings. Brassica carinata is an essential local Kenyan vegetable, but its production and full utilization are limited by its early maturity. The potential of using B. carinata as a microgreen would be an excellent alternative production technique to minimize its early maturity limitation. This study investigated the influence of white and blue light on Vitamin C and phenol content in B. carinata microgreens grown using sand and cocopeat. B. carinata microgreens were grown for 14 days in a growth chamber using plastic punnet containers filled with cocopeat and sand under white and blue light. The capillary wick watering technique was used for irrigation. Temperature and relative humidity were monitored and maintained at 26°C± 2, and 60%, respectively. The photoperiod and intensity of light were also maintained at 12 hr and 160 ± 2.5 µmol m⁻²s⁻¹) respectively. After 14 days, microgreens were harvested and freeze-dried to analyze Vitamin C and phenol content. And. Data was subjected to ANOVA and was separated by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Results indicated that light had no significant effect on B. carinata microgreens phenol content. However, microgreens grown in locally available sand showed statistically higher amounts of phenol content than those grown using cocopeat. For vitamin C content, media and light had no significant effect. Our results show that sand medium can be used equally to produce microgreens with higher phenol content for Brassica carinata.

Japan is currently facing multiple challenges related to an aging society, including labor shortages in various sectors, especially in agriculture. Despite government support, new farmers struggle to discern and understand market trends, changing consumer behavior, and seasonal changes. This study focuses on tomatoes and aims to assist new farmers and producers in making strategic decisions by utilizing data science techniques to understand local market consumer behavior and trends. A questionnaire survey was used to identify consumer behavior based on demographic characteristics, consumer preferences, seasonal buying and consumption behaviors, spending price per purchase, and purchasing channels. We collected 316 valid data points using a questionnaire survey deployed in face-to-face interactions across multiple locations as well as online collection methods. Data was collected from May 01, 2022, to June 30, 2022. Multiple correspondence analysis and K- means cluster analysis were used to determine six consumer segments - convenient supermarket shoppers, premium salad shoppers, price-conscious tomato enthusiasts, diverse tomato tasters, quality-conscious shoppers, and gourmet tomato shoppers. The analyses revealed the unique characteristics of tomato purchasing and consumption behaviors, including variations in tomato type, consumption type, season, demographic factors, and preferred purchasing channels. This study further explored the factors influencing tomato purchasing decisions within each segment by integrating data-driven decision-making principles. This approach allows for actionable insights facilitated by understanding local consumers while empowering new tomato farmers to make informed decisions.

Reusing sewage wastewater for vegetable cultivation is becoming a solution to sustainable water utilization, particularly in water-scarce regions. Using two types of sewage wastewater, Biologically Treated Water (BTW) and Chlorine Disinfected Water (CDW), and tap water, this study aimed at making a comparison of and understanding the yield performance and chlorophyll content in three vegetables, Phaseolus vulgaris (common beans), Brassica rapa var. perviridis (komatsuna), and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), grown under hydroponics. The experiment was carried out in the hydroponics greenhouse within the Yokohama Wastewater Reclamation Center, between May 2023 and August 2023. We used a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system supplied with BTW, CDW, and tap water. The three water types served as our treatments. The plants were grown to maturity at a controlled water temperature. In comparing vegetable yield, an ANOVA test demonstrated significant differences among the treatments for common beans, komatsuna, and tomatoes. The Post hoc test showed significantly higher chlorophyll content for common beans and tomatoes grown in tap water, compared to BTW and CDW. Regarding yield, common beans performed best in the tap water hydroponic system, while tomato and komatsuna performed best in the BTW and CDW hydroponic systems. Results indicate a vegetable differential preference for the three water types used. These three vegetables can thus be cultivated concurrently. Research on the safety of vegetables grown in sewage wastewater and the economic feasibility of using treated sewage wastewater for vegetable production is urged before upscaling this technology.

In Asia, the most common method of planting rice is transplanting seedlings, but there is a gradual and progressive shift to direct seeding. In Japan, recent socioeconomic factors and the population trends of aging and migration to urban centers, have led to a decrease in labor which has forced many rice farmers to utilize direct rice seeding in their fields so that they can manage larger fields with less labor. We investigated the expansion of direct seeding in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan and discussed the technology that led farmers to accept the direct seeding methods. An early and critical turning point was the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, which required the reconstruction of paddy fields and farmers’ associations after the earthquake and the resultant highly destructive tsunami. The direct seeding area in Miyagi Prefecture occupied 1.5% of the rice planting area in 2011 just before the earthquake. The direct seeding area increased to 6.9% as of 2023. The wet seeding method of direct seeding was applied during the initial expansion stage because thermal retention by flood waters was necessary. However, one of the major constraints of wet seeding is low germination, which has led to the technological development of enhanced seeding methods. In particular, coatings applied to the seeds and specifically the iron coating used in wet seeding contributed to the initial expansion of direct seeding. The more recent expansion of direct seeding is being driven by the dry seeding method. Dry seeding in early spring was established to obtain relatively stable germination. This early spring seeding provides farmers with less work conflict in the spring. Since weeds are a common problem in direct seeding methods, technological improvement in weed management with herbicides has also contributed to this expansion. However, the expectation of high-quality rice with organic weed management requires the future development of nonchemical management strategies. Despite the socioeconomic and population changes and the technological improvements related to direct seeding, direct seeding currently accounts for only 6.9% of the total rice seeding and planting across Japan. The rice quality and recommendations and preferences of consumers as well as the price of rice, continue to be key factors determining transplanting versus direct seeding. Additional research, both technical and consumer-related, is indicated to understand and influence future trends in rice transplantation and direct seeding.

The use of nanocellulose, both in the form of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), as a reinforcement of polylactic acid (PLA) has been an interesting topic over the last decade. However, the inclusion of CNF remains a challenge, particularly in the presence of water, the lack of appropriate dispersion methodologies, and the low affinity between cellulose and PLA. This study assessed how nanocellulose-based bio-composites behave at their end of life and the feasibility of incorporating high dosages of CNF into a thermoplastic starch matrix (TPS). 10 treatments were designed by adding CNF (2% - 10%) and a blended matrix of PEG and PTB (2% - 6%) to PLA. The end-life nanofiber aimed to check the characteristics of fiber using a high-pressure homogenizer (GEA Niro Soavi, Italy) at 900 bars in 3 cycles. The results showed that the mechanical and enzymatic pretreatments CNF had properties in terms of consistency, yield, transmittance at 600 nm wavelength, and Carboxyl content at 0.725% and 0.875%, 52.51% and 58.7%, 19.9% and 16.4%, respectively, and 42 µeq g/g (the same value on both types of CNF pretreatments, respectively). The masterbatch dispersed with CNF made by enzymatic pretreatment process at 2% obtained the highest tensile strength at 44 Megapascals (MPa), followed by CNF enzymatic 4%, CNF mechanic 2%, and 4%. In terms of melt flow, the enzymatical CNF masterbatches (2% - 10%) were 38 g/10 minutes - 8 g/10 minutes, respectively, while the CNF mechanical and blended masterbatches ranged from 30 g/10 mins to 60 g/10 mins. Therefore, the mechanical properties of film made from masterbatch dispersed with 2% enzymatic CNF obtained a better result. All films can be used for food packaging according to these achieved properties.

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a synthetic aliphatic polyester, has gained prominence in the realm of biocomposites due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and relatively low melting point. To further enhance the mechanical properties of PCL, natural fibers like bleached kraft eucalyptus pulp (BKEP) have been incorporated with PCL. This study measures and presents a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of PCL/BKEP samples fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) and injection molding (IM). Commercial BKEP was compounded with PCL at varying fiber contents ranging from 0 to 30 weight percentage (wt%). The resulting composites were characterized in terms of tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus comparing FDM and IM techniques. The findings demonstrate that IM yielded superior tensile strength values for PCL/BKEP with fiber contents exceeding 20 wt% compared to FDM. At 30 wt% fiber content, IM exhibited a 17% and a 50% increase in tensile strength compared to their FDM counterparts. At 10 wt% fiber content, FDM biocomposites demonstrated a 21% and 9% enhancement in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, respectively, compared to IM counterparts. The choice between FDM and IM for fabricating PCL/BKEP depends on the desired fiber content and mechanical properties. IM is more suitable for producing high-fiber-content composites, while FDM excels for low-fiber-content composites with improved tensile strength and Young’s modulus.