Biochar is now gaining awareness as a sustainable tool for soil health improvement, boosting carbon (C) storage and the enhancement of nutrient cycling in agricultural soils. This study assesses the effects of biochar on soil respiration, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) in savanna soils over a 45-day incubation trail in the laboratory. Four different biochar treatments (0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha) were used in the study. The treatments were established at 26°C, and after 2, 5, and 10 days, the CO2 levels were recorded. After incubation for 0, 5, 10, and 45 days, the EC and pH were assessed. As the rate of application of biochar increased, the rate of CO2 evolution increased as well. During the first two days of incubation, the CO2 evolution rate rose by a value of 129 at 2 t/ha biochar, 146 at 4 t/ha biochar, and 168 ug CO2/g soil/d at 6 t/ha biochar above the 0 t/ha biochar. Following five days of incubation, the amounts of CO2 evolution that were higher than the control were 99 with 2 t/ha, 116 with 4 t/ha, and 120 ug CO2/g soil/d with 6 t/ha of biochar. The increase in CO2 evolution above the control treatment at 10 days of incubation was 61 with 2 t/ha, 79 with 4 t/ha, and 87 ug CO2/g soil/d with 6 t/ha of biochar. Analogously, rising patterns in CO2 emissions were noted. Throughout the whole incubation period, the biochar treatments' soil EC and pH were greater than those of the control treatment. After applying biochar, there were increases in the evolution of CO2, however after 10 days of incubation, the percentage of C evolved from the addition of biochar decreased as the rates of biochar increased. At two t/ha, four t/ha, and six t/ha, the percentage C developed was 1.74 %, 1.66%, and 0.82% of the applied biochar C, respectively. Although the CO2 evolved ratio to the total amount of biochar C typically reduced with increasing biochar rates, this study shows that the addition of biochar increases soil respiration, EC, and pH.

This study investigated the effects of different plant protein sources incorporated into feed concentrates on the live weight gain and feed conversion ratio of Morkaraman lambs by days 28, 42 and 56 of fattening, and presents a cost-benefit analysis. The study animals included 24 male Morkaraman lambs with a mean age of 9 months, which were assigned to 3 study groups. The dietary plant protein sources provided to the animals were soybean meal and safflower meal in Group I, wheat gluten in Group II, and corn gluten in Group III. The total feed intake values (kg) of Group I, Group II and Group III were 40.75±1.08, 39.18±0.88, and 37.67±0.62, respectively, during the period between days 0-28 of fattening; 62.77±1.67, 60.14±0.96, and 57.54±1.28, respectively, during the period between days 0-42 of fattening; and 83.31±1.89, 77.79±1.43, and 75.97±1.67, respectively, during the period between days 0-56 of fattening (p<0.05). The live weight gain values (kg) of Group I, Group II and Group III during the period between days 0-56 of fattening were 14.82±0.84, 11.97±0.51, and 13.71±0.91, respectively (p<0.05). The feed conversion ratio was observed not to have a statistically significant effect on production yields (p>0.05). In conclusion, while the highest income from live weight gain during the period between days 0-56 of fattening was achieved with the use of soybean meal and safflower meal as dietary plant protein sources, the lowest fattening cost was achieved with the use of corn gluten.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rearing quails in different rearing systems on egg production, egg quality characteristics, and incubation results. The 360 quails were distributed equally to 3 different rearing groups (cage, enriched cage, and floor) in a male:female mixed at the age of 3 weeks. The eggs were individually weighed and recorded one by one daily (5487 eggs) for 3 months. To determine egg quality and incubation characteristics, 750 eggs were broken, and 3284 eggs were incubated, respectively. The results showed that female quail in the floor group have lower body weight at 6 weeks old (177.19 g), and they reached sexual maturity (age of first egg laying) later (65.36 day, P<0.01), The lowest egg production (61.14%) occurred in the floor group during the 3-month egg production period (P<0.05). The lowest average egg weight (9.07 g) was determined in the floor group (P<0.05). It was determined that the eggs of quails raised in the enriched group had a rounder shape index because they have larger widths (P<0.01). While the highest average yolk height (11.24 mm) was determined in the enriched cage group (P<0.01), the highest averages of albumen length (72.41 mm) and lowest averages of yolk index (48.43%) were determined in the cage group (P<0.01). The lowest average values (113.17) in Haugh unit were detected in the floor group (P<0.05). The highest fertility rate (98.44%) was in Floor♂:Cage♀, the highest hatchability of fertile egg rate (94.67%) was obtained from Enriched♂:Cage♀, and the highest hatchability (89.10%) was obtained from Floor♂:Cage♀ pairing (P<0.05). The lowest fertility rate (88.00%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Floor♀, the lowest hatchability of fertile egg rate (86.01%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Enriched♀, and the lowest hatchability (75.62%) was obtained from the Enriched♂: Enriched♀ groups. As a result, it has been revealed that the effect of various rearing systems is different on egg production, egg quality traits, and hatching results in quails. Thus, it has been shown that different programs at the rearing period to be applied to the male and female quails can achieve better incubation results and reproductive success.

The research methodology was based on determining the soil moisture consumption per unit of photosynthesis productivity, establishing the influence of the moisture consumption coefficient on the productivity of photosynthesis on the yield of sunflower genotypes. The aim of the research was to determine the physiological characteristics of the formation of plant productivity of different sunflower samples and use them in assessing and creating genotypes for cultivation in arid conditions. The conducted investigations allowed to determine physiological factors and properties of plants that determine the level of formation of the weight of seeds of the head and the yield of sunflower. The weight of seeds of the head is determined by the amount of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity. Between the indicators of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity at the stage of formation of the head - the beginning of flowering, a direct negative correlation interdependence was established. Sunflower varieties with a minimum consumption of soil moisture per unit of net productivity of photosynthesis of 1.01-1.05 m-3 g m-2 per day form in arid conditions of the Steppe of Ukraine the maximum level of weight of seeds of the head of 58.7-78.7 g, which ensures obtaining a high yield within 2.68-3.49 t ha-1. The conducted assessment of genotypes by indicators of soil moisture consumption per unit of net productivity made it possible to create highly productive varieties of sunflower Emelard, Igolya, Orlik.

Bu çalışmada, tahıl depolaması amacıyla farklı sac kalınlıkları ve destek elemanlarına sahip 85 adet silo modeli oluşturulmuştur. Silo boyutları,1500×3000 mm sac tabakalar kesilmeksizin kullanılarak çapı 4,77 metre ve yüksekliği (çatı hariç) 10,5 olarak belirlenmiş ve araştırma süresince sabit tutulmuştur. Çalışmanın temel amacı, çelik siloların maliyetinin büyük kısmını oluşturan yapı malzemesini azaltarak maliyeti düşürmek için optimizasyon yapmaktır. Oluşturulan modeller için kaynaklanabilirlik, işlenebilirlik ve maliyet yönünden uygun malzeme olarak St44 yapı çeliği seçilmiştir. Silonun stabilitesini artırmak ve olası yapısal sorunları minimize etmek amacıyla, NPU ve lama destek elemanları tasarıma dahil edilmiştir. Oluşturulan silo modellerinin yapısal analizleri ANSYS sonlu elemanlar yazılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. ANSYS yazılımı kullanılarak yapılan analizlerde, her bir silo modeli için statik yükleme koşulları altında oluşan toplam deformasyon, gerinim ve gerilme değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca, her bir tasarımın toplam ağırlığı da değerlendirilmiştir. Bu analizler sonucunda elde edilen veriler karşılaştırılarak, en uygun performans ve maliyet dengesini sağlayan optimum silo tasarımı belirlenmiştir. İmalat sırasında sac kalınlığını artırmadan, yeterli destek elemanlarının kullanılması ile genel ağırlığın %58 oranında azaltılabileceği tespit edilmiştir. Bu bulgu, imalat sırasında malzeme maliyetlerini önemli ölçüde düşürmekte ve yapısal performansı koruyarak ekonomik bir çözüm sunmaktadır.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in chromium (Cr) concentrations in Picea orientalis L., across different directions (north, east, south, and west) and plant organs (outer bark, inner bark, and wood) in a forested region. The research, conducted over eight age periods spanning 1980 to 2020, aimed to assess the effectiveness of Picea orientalis L. as a biomonitor for Cr pollution. The highest Cr concentrations were observed in the east direction, particularly in the inner bark and wood, while the lowest levels were found in the west. The study was conducted in an urban area near the industrial zone and highway, as well as in forested regions. A total of 100 trees were selected for the study, with samples collected from three different organs: outer bark (OB), inner bark (IB), and wood. Samples were taken from each organ at breast height (approximately 1.3 meters above the ground) to ensure consistency. The sampling covered various age periods, specifically 1980–2020, to analyze temporal changes in Cr concentrations. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in Cr concentrations across most directions and periods, with notable increases during certain periods, especially in the west direction. These variations can be attributed to several factors, including the proximity to industrial sources of pollution, which typically release higher levels of chromium into the environment. The eastern direction likely experiences greater exposure to these emissions due to prevailing wind patterns and urban runoff, leading to increased accumulation in Picea orientalis L. Additionally, seasonal changes, temperature fluctuations, and soil characteristics may influence the bioavailability of chromium, affecting its uptake by the tree. The results suggest that Picea orientalis L. can effectively reflect Cr pollution levels, with significant directional and temporal variations that highlight the influence of these environmental factors on Cr accumulation. This study underscores the potential of Picea orientalis L. as a valuable tool for monitoring and managing Cr pollution in forested environments.

Dünya üzerinde yaşayan en kalabalık canlı grubu olan böcekler, doğal yaşam alanlardan başka yerlere taşınmaları durumunda önemli sorunlara neden olabilmektedirler. Son elli yılda Türkiye’de başka ülkelerden ve hatta kıtalardan taşınan böcek ve mantarların da aralarında bulunduğu birçok biyotik unsur önemli düzeyde hasara neden olmuş ve olmaya da devam etmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’den kayıtları belirtilen ve istilacı olduğu tespit edilen Coleoptera takımına ait; Phoracantha semipunctata (Fabricius, 1775), Phoracantha recurva (Newman, 1840), Cordylomera spinicornis (Fabricius, 1775), Xylotrechus stebbingi (Gahan, 1906), Phryneta leprosa (Fabricius, 1775), Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771), Anoplophora malasiaca (J. Thomson, 1865), Batocera rufomaculata (De Geer, 1775), Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann, 1794), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say, 1824), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773), ve Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff, 1875) taksonlarının; taksonomisi, biyomorfolojisi  ekofaunası, Türkiye ve dünyadaki dağılımı belirtilerek, ülkemizdeki istilacı türlerin varlığı, etki alanları ve riskleri analiz edilerek değerlendirilmeleri amaçlanmaktadır.

Ağır metallerin biyolojik olarak ıslahında alternatif bir çözüm olarak funguslar etkili bir yöntem olarak kabul edilmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, uzun süreli ağır metalle kontamine olmuş Samsun Organize Sanayi Bölgesi ve Adalar Orman bölgesinden alınan Pinus brutia ibrelerinde karşılaştırmalı olarak ağır metal konsantrasyonlarını belirlemek ve potansiyel biyoremediatörler olabilecek mantar mikobiyomunu değerlendirmekti. Çalışma sonucunda ibre numunelerinde Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Se, As, Li, V ve Co elementlerinin analizleri yapılmış, bu elementlerden Ni, As, Li, V ve Co element konsantrasyonları belirlenebilir limitlerin altında kalmıştır. Diğer elementlerin tamamında ise Samsun OSB’de elde edilen konsantrasyonlar, Adalar bölgesinde elde edilen konsantrasyonlardan daha yüksek seviyededir. Bunun yanı sıra metagenomik analiz sonucunda, Samsun OSB P. brutia ibrelerinde sırasıyla Aureobasidium (%27,5), Gibberella (%20,7), Cladosporium (%14), Articulospora (%5,8), Helicoma (%3,1), Alternaria (%1,7), Hazslinszkyomyces (%1,6) ve Lasiodiplodia (%1) cinsleri belirlenirken Samsun Adalar mikobiyomunda sırasıyla Phaeococcomyces (%22,8), Hormonema (%19,1), Aureobasidium (%13,8), Cladosporium (%6,5), Alternaria (%4,6), Neosetophoma (%3,1), Rachicladosporium (%3), Ophiosphaerella (%2,1), ve Phaeosclera (%1,8) cisleri saptanmıştır. Sonuçlar element konsantrasyonundaki fazlalığa dirençli olduğu bilinen taksonların ortamda dominant olduğunu göstermektedir. Gelecekte bu çalışma sürdürülebilir temiz bir çevre için ağır metal kirliliğinin biyolojik kaynaklar kullanılarak iyileştirilmesi yaklaşımlarına yönelik yenilikçi stratejilerin geliştirilmesine referans teşkil edebilir.

Anıt ağaçlar, korunması gereken doğal miraslardır. Fiziksel ve sosyo-kültürel özellikleri ile sıradan ağaçlardan ayrılırlar. Bir ağacın yüksekliği, taç çapı, gövde çapı ve yaş ölçümleri, ilginç kök ve gövde oluşumları, dağılım alanının aşırı sınırlarda bulunması ve yörede ağaca atfedilen hikayeler, tarihte özel bir yerinin bulunması o ağacı olağanüstü yapan özelliklerdir. Doğanın mirası olarak adlandırılan bu ağaçlar, bilimsel çalışmalarda kullanılabilir, insanların çevre bilincini arttırabilir ve ekoturizm faaliyetlerine katkı sağlayabilir. Bu nedenle anıt ağaçların belgelenmesi ve korunması gerekmektedir. Bu çalışmada Ordu İli sınırları içerisinde tescillenmiş 49 adet anıt ağaç, bulundukları çevre ile birlikte değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışmada kullanılan verilere Sit Alanlar Yönetim Sistemi (SAYS)ve 2022 yılı Çevre Durumu Raporundan ulaşılmıştır. Tescillenmiş anıt ağaçların nitelik ve nicelik bilgileri ile elde edilen bulgular, bulundukları konum ve güzergâh bilgileri ve ekoturizme katkı sağlayan diğer kaynak değerleri hakkında bilgi verilmiştir. Güzergahlar ve diğer doğal kaynakların birbirleri ile uzaklıkları dikkate alınarak Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS) ortamında rota oluşturulmuştur. Yapılan çalışma mevcut anıt ağaçların korunması ve tanıtılmasına katkı sağlamayı hedeflemektedir. Ayrıca, anıt ağaçlar hakkında bilinç oluşturmayı amaçlamaktadır.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rearing quails in different rearing systems on egg production, egg quality characteristics, and incubation results. The 360 quails were distributed equally to 3 different rearing groups (cage, enriched cage, and floor) in a male:female mixed at the age of 3 weeks. The eggs were individually weighed and recorded one by one daily (5487 eggs) for 3 months. To determine egg quality and incubation characteristics, 750 eggs were broken, and 3284 eggs were incubated, respectively. The results showed that female quail in the floor group have lower body weight at 6 weeks old (177.19 g), and they reached sexual maturity (age of first egg laying) later (65.36 day, P<0.01), The lowest egg production (61.14%) occurred in the floor group during the 3-month egg production period (P<0.05). The lowest average egg weight (9.07 g) was determined in the floor group (P<0.05). It was determined that the eggs of quails raised in the enriched group had a rounder shape index because they have larger widths (P<0.01). While the highest average yolk height (11.24 mm) was determined in the enriched cage group (P<0.01), the highest averages of albumen length (72.41 mm) and lowest averages of yolk index (48.43%) were determined in the cage group (P<0.01). The lowest average values (113.17) in Haugh unit were detected in the floor group (P<0.05). The highest fertility rate (98.44%) was in Floor♂:Cage♀, the highest hatchability of fertile egg rate (94.67%) was obtained from Enriched♂:Cage♀, and the highest hatchability (89.10%) was obtained from Floor♂:Cage♀ pairing (P<0.05). The lowest fertility rate (88.00%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Floor♀, the lowest hatchability of fertile egg rate (86.01%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Enriched♀, and the lowest hatchability (75.62%) was obtained from the Enriched♂: Enriched♀ groups. As a result, it has been revealed that the effect of various rearing systems is different on egg production, egg quality traits, and hatching results in quails. Thus, it has been shown that different programs at the rearing period to be applied to the male and female quails can achieve better incubation results and reproductive success.