Impact of nitrogen application and crop stage on epiphytic microbial communities on silage maize leaf surfaces.

This study aimed to examine the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on phyllosphere microorganisms in silage maize (Zea mays) to enhance the production of high-quality silage. The effects of different N application rates (160, 240, and 320 kg ha-1) and maturity stages (flowering and dough stages) on microbial diversity, abundance and physiochemical properties of the leaf surfaces were evaluated in a field experiment. The results showed that N application rates did not significantly impact the abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), aerobic bacteria (AB), yeasts, or molds on the leaf surfaces. However, these microbes were more abundant during the flowering stage compared to the dough stage. Furthermore, the N application rate had no significant impact on inorganic phosphorus, soluble sugar, free amino acids, total phenolic content, and soluble protein concentrations, or pH levels on the leaf surfaces. Notably, these chemical indices were lower during the dough stage. The abundance of Pantoea decreased with higher N application rates, while that of other microorganisms did not changes significantly. The abundance of AB, LAB, yeasts, and molds were positively correlated with soluble sugar, soluble protein, inorganic phosphorus, free amino acids, and total phenolic concentrations on leaf surfaces. Moreover, water loss was negatively correlated with the abundance of AB, LAB, yeasts, and molds, whereas water retention capacity and stomatal density were positively correlated with microbial abundance. We recommend applying an optimal N rate of 160 kg ha-1 to silage maize and harvesting at the flowering stage is recommended.

Continuous monitoring for leaching of calcium sulfoaluminate cement pastes incorporated with ZnCl2 under the attacks of chloride and sulfate.

Ionic zinc is considered as an environmental pollutant. This work systematically investigated leaching mechanisms of calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) pastes incorporated with/without ZnCl2 under the attacks of chloride and/or sulfate. The leaching behaviors of CSA pastes in the leaching solution are in-situ and continuously monitored by innovative non-contact electrical impedance measurement (NCEIM) and pH meter. The dissolution and diffusion during the leaching process are experimentally identified. Other techniques are also performed to verify the finding of NCEIM: the ion chromatograph and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer reveal the leaching or decomposition sequence of CSA pastes during the leaching process. Besides, results from XRD and SEM techniques demonstrate that main solid products in CSA pastes are ettringite and calcium monosulfoaluminate hydrates. The incorporation of Zn in the pastes has great impact on the decomposition of CSA pastes in the temperature elevation. External chloride and/or sulfate attacks significantly alter the pore structure of CSA pastes during the leaching process.