Enhancing Biogas Production Using Pretreated Cotton Gin Trash in Anaerobic Co-Digestion Systems

Introduction

Anaerobic digestion is a widely adopted technology for converting organic waste into renewable energy in the form of biogas. Agricultural residues and livestock waste present significant untapped potential for sustainable energy production. This study introduces the use of pretreated cotton gin trash as a co-substrate with cow manure and sludge to improve digestion efficiency and promote environmentally responsible waste management.

Characteristics of Cotton Gin Trash as a Biomass Resource

Cotton gin trash is an abundant agricultural by-product rich in lignocellulosic materials. Its high carbon content makes it a promising substrate for anaerobic digestion when properly pretreated. Understanding its physical and chemical properties is essential for optimizing co-digestion processes and enhancing methane production efficiency.

Pretreatment Methods and Their Role in Biogas Enhancement

Pretreatment techniques play a crucial role in breaking down complex organic structures in cotton gin trash. By increasing substrate accessibility to anaerobic microorganisms, pretreatment significantly improves biodegradability, accelerates digestion rates, and boosts overall biogas and methane yields during co-digestion.

Anaerobic Co-Digestion with Cow Manure and Sludge

Co-digestion of cotton gin trash with cow manure and sludge creates a balanced nutrient profile and improves process stability. This synergistic combination enhances microbial activity, reduces inhibitory effects, and leads to higher biogas productivity compared to mono-digestion systems.

Impact on Methane Yield and Process Stability

The integration of pretreated cotton gin trash positively influences methane concentration and biogas quality. Improved carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and enhanced microbial interactions contribute to stable reactor performance, reduced retention time, and increased renewable energy recovery.

Environmental and Sustainable Energy Implications

Utilizing agricultural residues through anaerobic co-digestion supports waste reduction, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustainable energy generation. This research demonstrates how waste-to-energy strategies align with circular economy principles, offering scalable solutions for clean energy production and environmental protection.

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Effect of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Nutritional Value of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) | Research Insights

 

Introduction

Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a perennial medicinal plant valued for its high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Recent agricultural research has focused on optimizing cultivation practices to improve its nutritional quality. Among these practices, fertilization and plant density play a crucial role in determining biomass yield and nutrient composition, making them key variables in nettle research.

Role of Fertilization in Nutrient Enhancement

Fertilization significantly influences the uptake of essential macro- and micronutrients in nettle plants. Research highlights how organic and inorganic fertilizers affect protein content, mineral accumulation, and secondary metabolites. Proper nutrient management can improve both yield and nutritional density while maintaining soil health.

Impact of Plant Density on Growth Dynamics

Plant density determines competition for light, water, and nutrients, directly affecting nettle growth and nutritional value. Studies indicate that optimal spacing enhances leaf development and nutrient concentration, whereas overcrowding may reduce overall quality despite higher biomass production.

Interaction Between Fertilization and Plant Density

The combined effect of fertilization and plant density creates complex interactions that influence nettle’s nutritional profile. Research demonstrates that balanced fertilization under optimal plant density maximizes nutrient efficiency, improves chlorophyll content, and enhances bioactive compounds important for medicinal use.

Nutritional and Medicinal Significance

Changes in fertilization and density practices directly affect nettle’s nutritional components such as proteins, iron, calcium, and phenolic compounds. These improvements increase nettle’s value as a functional food and medicinal resource, supporting its use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Future Research and Sustainable Applications

Future research should focus on long-term field trials, organic fertilization systems, and climate-adaptive density strategies. Sustainable cultivation of nettle can contribute to eco-friendly agriculture, food security, and expanded use of medicinal plants in global research and industry.

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35th Edition Agri Awards 2026 | 27th - 28th Feb 2026 | Singapore

Impact of Carbon–to–Nitrogen Ratio and Temperature on Antibiotic-Resistant E. coli During Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure

Introduction

Anaerobic digestion is increasingly adopted for managing poultry manure due to its potential for energy recovery and nutrient recycling. However, the persistence of antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant Escherichia coli during the process raises concerns regarding environmental safety and public health. Understanding how operational parameters such as carbon–to–nitrogen ratio and temperature affect bacterial survival is essential for optimizing digestion efficiency while minimizing microbial risks.

Role of Carbon–to–Nitrogen Ratio in Microbial Survival

The carbon–to–nitrogen ratio plays a crucial role in regulating microbial metabolism during anaerobic digestion. Imbalanced C:N ratios can limit microbial activity or create stress conditions that influence pathogen persistence. This topic examines how optimal and sub-optimal C:N ratios affect the survival dynamics of resistant and non-resistant E. coli in chicken manure systems.

Temperature Effects on Antibiotic-Resistant and Non-Resistant E. coli

Temperature is a key determinant of pathogen inactivation during anaerobic digestion. Mesophilic and thermophilic conditions exert different levels of thermal stress on microbial populations. This section discusses how temperature regimes impact the survival, adaptation, and reduction efficiency of antibiotic-resistant versus non-resistant E. coli.

Interaction Between C:N Ratio and Temperature

The combined influence of carbon–to–nitrogen ratio and temperature can significantly alter digestion performance and microbial fate. This topic explores synergistic and antagonistic interactions between these parameters, highlighting how their optimization enhances pathogen reduction while maintaining stable anaerobic digestion processes.

Implications for Environmental and Public Health Safety

The persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in digested manure poses risks to soil, water, and food safety. This section addresses the potential pathways of environmental dissemination and evaluates how improved digestion conditions can reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance from agricultural waste streams.

Future Research Directions and Sustainable Applications

Further research is needed to refine anaerobic digestion strategies that effectively control antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This topic outlines future research priorities, including advanced process control, microbial monitoring, and integrated waste management approaches to support sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy goals.

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Comparative Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Fertilization in Fenugreek Cultivation Using Nitrogen Indicators

 

Introduction

Fenugreek is an important leguminous crop valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and agronomic benefits. Effective fertilization strategies play a critical role in optimizing its growth and productivity. This research introduces a comparative framework to evaluate organic and inorganic fertilization practices in fenugreek cultivation, with a specific focus on nitrogen indicators as reliable measures of soil and plant nitrogen dynamics.

Experimental Design and Fertilization Treatments

The study employs a controlled experimental design comparing organic nutrient sources, such as compost and farmyard manure, with inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. Treatments are systematically applied to assess their influence on soil nitrogen availability, plant nitrogen uptake, and overall crop performance under standardized agronomic conditions.

Nitrogen Indicators as Assessment Tools

Nitrogen indicators, including soil nitrate levels, total nitrogen content, and plant nitrogen concentration, are used to quantify the effectiveness of fertilization practices. These indicators provide insight into nitrogen use efficiency and help identify nutrient losses or imbalances associated with different fertilizer sources.

Crop Growth and Yield Response

The research evaluates key growth parameters such as plant height, biomass accumulation, leaf chlorophyll content, and seed yield. Comparative analysis reveals how organic and inorganic fertilization regimes influence fenugreek growth patterns and productivity through their impact on nitrogen availability.

Soil Health and Sustainability Implications

Beyond yield, the study examines the long-term effects of fertilization strategies on soil health indicators, including organic matter content and nitrogen retention. Organic fertilization is assessed for its potential to enhance soil structure and sustainability, while inorganic inputs are evaluated for efficiency and environmental risks.

Research Outcomes and Future Directions

The findings contribute to improved nutrient management recommendations for fenugreek cultivation. Future research directions include integrating combined fertilization approaches, refining nitrogen indicators, and expanding field trials to diverse agro-climatic regions to support sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

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Soil Fertility, Livestock Feed & Climate Access: Mozambique vs Zambia

Introduction

This research explores critical differences in agricultural systems among small-scale farmers in Mozambique and Zambia, with particular attention to soil fertility status, access to agricultural training, local livestock feed use, and weather information availability. These factors play a pivotal role in shaping farm productivity, climate resilience, and livelihood sustainability. By adopting a comparative approach, the study aims to identify structural and knowledge-based disparities that influence agricultural performance across similar agroecological regions.

Soil Fertility Variations and Crop Productivity

Soil fertility remains a foundational determinant of agricultural output for small-scale farmers. This topic examines differences in soil nutrient management practices, organic matter use, and input accessibility between Mozambique and Zambia. The analysis highlights how soil degradation, fertilizer access, and land management strategies affect crop yields and long-term soil health, emphasizing the need for location-specific soil fertility interventions.

Role of Agricultural Training in Farming Efficiency

Access to agricultural training significantly influences farmers’ ability to adopt improved practices. This section analyzes the availability, quality, and impact of extension services and farmer education programs in both countries. It discusses how training enhances decision-making, technology adoption, and sustainable land management, while also identifying gaps that limit knowledge transfer to rural farming communities.

Utilization of Local Livestock Feed Resources

Livestock feed availability and utilization directly affect animal productivity and integrated farming systems. This topic explores how farmers in Mozambique and Zambia rely on local feed resources, crop residues, and natural grazing systems. The discussion highlights efficiency differences, seasonal constraints, and opportunities for improving feed systems to support livestock health and mixed farming resilience.

Access to Weather Information and Climate Adaptation

Timely and accurate weather information is essential for climate-sensitive agricultural planning. This section compares farmers’ access to meteorological data, early warning systems, and climate advisory services. It evaluates how weather information influences planting decisions, risk management, and adaptation strategies under increasing climate variability.

Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Development

The final topic synthesizes findings to discuss broader implications for agricultural policy, research, and rural development. It emphasizes integrated approaches that combine soil fertility management, farmer training, livestock feed optimization, and climate information services to enhance resilience and productivity among small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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