Artículos (Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/10829

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Southern Iberian Rock Art: The Territory That Holds the Clues to Decipher the Whole Symbolic Path of Humanity
(MDPI, 2026) Monge, Guadalupe; Carretero León, María Isabel; Ruíz Muñoz, Francisco; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
This article reviews key data in the context of the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian perspective: a region of significant importance that boasts the highest concentration of rock art sites containing prehistoric paintings and engravings spanning the full spectrum of human rock art, from its inception to the recent historic period. This area is of exceptional value for investigating the replacement of hunter–gatherer–fisher groups by tribal community societies over time, as well as the transition from Neanderthals to Homo sapiens on both sides of the Strait. Current understanding of this resource is analysed and the main threats to it are addressed alongside possible solutions.
Soil microbial community structure and carbon dynamics in response to compost and livestock management in grassland soils
(Elsevier, 2026) Sosa, Laura L. de; Carpio, María José; Gil Martínez, Marta; Thevenot, Mathieu; Mathieu, Olivier; Madejón, Engracia; Panettieri, Marco; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE); Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid
Organic amendments are widely promoted to restore soil fertility in degraded agroecosystems, yet their effects may depend strongly on land-use history. We evaluated the interactive influence of composted olive mill waste (alperujo) and three grazing management regimes—livestock exclusion, ovine, and equine grazing—on soil chemical properties, microbial communities, and carbon (C) mineralization in a Mediterranean dehesa. Across treatments, livestock exclusion consistently increased soil C and N contents compared with grazed areas, with total C (TC) 42 % higher than in equine-grazed plots and 52 % higher than in ovine-grazed plots, and total nitrogen (TN) 18 % higher than in equine plots (with similar TN levels in ovine plots across samplings). Compost addition further increased plant-available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by 243 % and 270 % in the more degraded equine-grazed soils. Compost did not significantly increase TC or TN but induced marked shifts in bacterial and fungal community composition, with responses modulated by grazing legacy and initial fertility. Taxonomic changes were most pronounced within oligotrophic and copiotrophic bacterial groups (e.g., Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobiota) and certain fungal phyla (e.g., Rozellomycota, Ascomycota), although overall microbial diversity remained largely unchanged. Functionally, compost reduced both initial C mineralization rates and cumulative respiration, as well as the priming effect, especially in exclusion and ovine soils. This suppression likely reflects the compost’s high chemical stability, low labile C content, and its influence on microbial carbonuse strategies. Spatial heterogeneity of organic inputs remained a challenge in grazed systems, but compost partially mitigated nutrient depletion in under-enriched areas. Our findings highlight that the effects of organic amendments are context-dependent, shaped by grazing legacy and nutrient status. They underscore the importance of integrating organic amendments with tailored grazing management to optimize nutrient balance, microbial function, and long-term soil C sequestration in Mediterranean rangelands. However, as this study was conducted at a single site with one compost type over a short-term period, further research across sites, compost types, and longer time scales is needed to generalize these findings.
Taphonomic analysis of storm-influenced shallow-marine deposits in the Tubul Formation (Pliocene-Pleistocene), Chile
(Elsevier, 2025-09-03) Volosky, Diego; Vargas, Camila; Cisterna, Katherine; Encinas, Alfonso; Gordillo, Sandra; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Buatois, Luis A.; Zambrano, Patricio; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
The Upper Pliocene – Lower Pleistocene Tubul Formation of south-central Chile contains one of the richest pre-Holocene marine faunas of the southeastern Pacific margin. While its fossil content, particularly the mollusk assemblages, has been extensively studied taxonomically, the unit has received little attention from a sedimentologic perspective, leaving uncertainties about its depositional setting and processes. Interpretation is further complicated by its largely homogeneous, fine-grained lithology and the scarce preservation of sedimentary structures. However, the fossil content provides several clues. The mollusk-dominated fossil assemblages occur predominantly as fossil concentrations, enabling the use of a taphonomic approach for their study. Integrating taphonomic, sedimentologic, and ichnologic evidence reveals deposition in the lower shoreface to upper offshore zones of a wave-dominated but protected coastline, with low sedimentation rates and sporadic storm influence. This setting promoted pervasive bioturbation by benthic organisms. Vertical changes in faunal composition (i.e., an increasing dominance of brachiopods) and a slight fining-upward trend suggest a marine transgression during the deposition of the upper succession. The Tubul Formation fossil concentrations and their taphonomic analysis prove to be a useful tool in the study of storm-influenced shallow-marine deposits, particularly as a case in which the lack of other well-preserved sedimentary structures and a relatively homogenous succession make its study difficult. This underscores the value of an integrated sedimentologic, ichnologic, and taphonomic approach in paleoenvironmental and paleoecologic studies.
Trait-Based Modeling of Surface Cooling Dynamics in Olive Fruit Using Thermal Imaging and Mixed-Effects Analysis
(MDPI, 2025-07-30) Plasquy, Eddy; García, José M.; Florido Fernández, María del Carmen; Verhasselt, Anneleen; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Effective postharvest cooling of olive fruit is increasingly critical under rising harvest temperatures driven by climate change. This study models passive cooling dynamics using a trait-based, mixed-effects statistical framework. Ten olive groups—representing seven cultivars and different ripening or size stages—were subjected to controlled cooling conditions. Surface temperature was recorded using infrared thermal imaging, and morphological and compositional traits were quantified. Temperature decay was modeled using Newton’s Law of Cooling, extended with a quadratic time term to capture nonlinear trajse thectories. A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to log transformed, normalized temperature data, incorporating trait-by-time interactions and hierarchical random effects. The results confirmed that fruit weight, specific surface area (SSA), and specific heat capacity (SHC) are key drivers of cooling rate variability, consistent with theoretical expectations, but quantified here using a trait-based statistical model applied to olive fruit. The quadratic model consistently outperformed standard exponential models, revealing dynamic effects of traits on temperature decline. Residual variation at the group level pointed to additional unmeasured structural influences. This study demonstrates that olive fruit cooling behavior can be effectively predicted using interpretable, trait-dependent models. The findings offer a quantitative basis for optimizing postharvest cooling protocols and are particularly relevant for maintaining quality under high-temperature harvest conditions.
Metabolomic analysis of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. plant response to organic and inorganic fertilization
(Julius Kuhn Inst - JKI, 2025-05-23) Boukour, Basma; Rachidi, Farid; Florido Fernández, María del Carmen; Soria Díaz, María E.; Valderrama, Rocío; Amallah, Lamiae; Bouazza, Fatima; Skalli, Souad; Skalli, Ahmed; El Faiz, Chaouki; Hassikou, Rachida; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Aloe vera is well known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties and is relatively undemanding in terms of growing conditions. However, the impact of fertilizers on the quality of its bioactive compounds remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effect of three types of fertilizers (one nitrogen-based inorganic fertilizer and two organic fertilizers) on the the metabolomic profiling and pathways of Aloe vera. Using the MetaboAnalyst 5.0 platform, 61 metabolites or more and 54 metabolic pathways were identified as being affected by the treatments. The results show that the inorganic treatment significantly increased fatty acids, particularly palmitic and stearic acids, while organic fertilizers (compost and compost-humus) stimulated the production of essential amino acids such as leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine. Additionally, compost-humus enriched 45 metabolic pathways, mainly related to amino acid metabolism, whereas inorganic nitrogen induced 33 pathways, predominantly related to fatty acid biosynthesis. The study reveals that organic fertilizers enhance the enrichment of amino acid metabolism, thus improving Aloe vera’s medicinal and cosmetic properties. In contrast, inorganic nitrogen optimizes fatty acid production, known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings highlight the need for targeted fertilization strategies to maximize specific metabolites for industrial applications.
Plant-to-plant carbon transfer responds to the density of the arbuscular mycorrhizal mycelial network
(Elsevier, 2025-10-30) Sokolovaite, Ieva Marija; Kjoller, Rasmus; Gil Martínez, Marta; Michelsen, Anders; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) engage with plants in one of the most important and ubiquitous mutualisms on Earth. Within plant communities, mineral resources and photosynthates are allegedly relocated from plant to plant through the common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Most studies which investigate resource relocation within CMN have taken a plant-centered approach, but our perspective focuses on the fungal side. We ask how the properties of CMN itself shape the functioning of mycorrhizal symbiosis in terms of inter-plant carbon (C) transfer. Specifically, we inquired whether different levels of mycelial network’s physical density affected the amount of C transported from donor plant into receiver plant. Manipulation of CMN density was achieved by varying fungal inoculum potential by diluting soil from 100 % to 30 % and 5 % of the growing medium. Growth systems were constructed in which two crimson clover plants were grown separated by meshes that only allowed mycelial interconnection but prevented direct root contact. Changes in hyphal density were measured as the intensity of root colonisation, soil hyphal proliferations and shared AMF sequence variants between neighbouring plants. Directional photosynthate distribution was manipulated by shading the receiver plant, and subsequent C fluxes were tracked using 13C labelling. Significantly higher amounts of C (6.7–57.9 %) were transferred from donor to receiver plants in 100 % soil, corresponding to a denser hyphal network, than in 30 % (1.9–11.3 %) or 5 % (1.9 %) soil, corresponding to less dense networks. This suggests that the physical properties of the mycorrhizal system may contribute to the quantitative aspect of nutrient redistribution.
Gold as Pollution Tracer in Holocene Sediments of the Doñana National Park, the Largest Biological Reserve in Europe
(MDPI, 2025-07-30) Romero, Verónica; Ruiz, Francisco; González-Regalado, María Luz; Carretero León, María Isabel; Pozo, Manuel; Monge, Guadalupe; Cáceres, Luis Miguel; Rodríguez Vidal, Joaquín; Abad, Manuel; Gómez, Gabriel; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Universidad de Huelva
Estuaries are excellent containers for the prehistorical and historical pollution that develops in their river basins. This paper studies the Au contents obtained by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry of two cores extracted from the Doñana National Park (Guadalquivir Estuary, SW Spain). Concentrations of this precious metal have been associated with the different prehistoric and historical stages of exploitation of the Iberian Pyritic Belt. The three detected peaks correspond to the first mining operations in the area around the park, the first systematic Tartessian mining and strong exploitation during the Roman period. Consequently, Au is an appropriate marker of the contamination phases prior to its current extraordinary biological diversity.
New vertebrate tracksites from the Last Interglacial dune deposits of coastal Murcia (southeastern Spain): ecological corridors for elephants in Iberia?
(Elsevier, 2025-12-01) Neto de Carvalho, Carlos; Jiménez Espejo, Francisco J.; Moreira, Noel; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Belo, João; Gutiérrez Meseguer, Jorge; Camuera, Jon; Cortés Sánchez, Miguel; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Prehistoria y Arqueología; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Huelva; Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation
Analysis of new vertebrate tracksites from the Last Interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) dune deposits along the southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Murcia, Spain, enabled to identify the likely presence of a medium-sized mustelid, wolf, large artiodactyls, an equid and the straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus. These eolianite successions offer valuable ichnological evidence beyond the traditional body fossil record, illuminating the presence and behaviors of several Pleistocene mammals in coastal dune and beach environments. Detailed fieldwork, geological mapping, digital photogrammetry, paleoenvironmental reconstruction and morphometric analyses provided ichnotaxonomic and behavioral ecology data from vertebrate tracks preserved in the oolitic dune systems at Calblanque (Cartagena) and Torre de Cope (Águilas). The mammalian ichnoassemblages reflect the proximity of a Last Interglacial mixed forest ecosystem on the coast of southeastern Iberia, with forest-adapted species thriving near coastal dunes stabilized by shrub vegetation. The presence of the track-inferred producers highlights a mosaic of habitats influenced by climate shifts toward more oceanic conditions during MIS 5. The straight-tusked elephant tracks suggest an episodic presence in the coast, possibly related to seasonal congregation or transit. Obtained evidence has been compared with other Pleistocene sites with straight-tusked elephants in Iberian Peninsula, pointing to the use of beaches and dune systems as travel corridors for this species during interglacials, likely associated to main Neanderthal site distribution.
Influence of the quality of organic amendments on Mediterranean agricultural soils following a drought episode
(Elsevier, 2025-04) Morales Salmerón, Laura; Fernández Boy, María Elena; León, R.; Navarro Fernández, Carmen M.; Domínguez, M.T.; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; RNM365: Edafología Ambiental
Soil organic matter loss is a major concern in agricultural Mediterranean soils due to its influence on soil water retention and hence increased susceptibility to drought conditions. An experiment was conducted to study the influence of organic inputs’ quality on the resistance of a C-poor soil to drought. Four organic materials were added to the soil in a mesocosm experiment: 1) leonardite; 2) earthworm humus; 3) biosolid compost; and 4) dry biomass of Vicia faba, simulating the incorporation of a legume cover crop. Pots were sown with a forage mixture (Lolium perenne and Medicago polymorpha), and 45 days following C-addition a drought episode (30 % reduction in water inputs) was simulated in half of the replicates. Soil resistance was evaluated by measuring soil chemical properties, biological activity (enzyme activities and respiration rate), biomass and the fungi:bacteria ratio in the microbial community, and plant productivity. With the exception of earthworm humus, organic-C addition had positive effects on soil chemical properties and water retention. V. faba biomass was the most effective material for enhancing water retention (16.5 % higher than in the non-amended soil), microbial activity and abundance (2.5 and 8.4 times greater bacterial and fungal abundances than in the non-amended soil, respectively), and soil N and P availability. Soils enriched with V. faba biomass also had the highest fungi:bacteria ratio by the end of the experiment. Drought reduced plant productivity, but all soil function indices showed a high resistance to drought, regardless of the organic matter quality or the fungi:bacteria ratio.
Geochemical evolution and elemental behaviour of playa sediments: impacts of natural weathering and agricultural practices
(Springer Nature, 2025-09-15) Halmos, László; Delgado Rodríguez, Joaquín María; Rodríguez Rodríguez, Miguel; Jiménez Bonilla, Alejandro; Díaz Azpiroz, Manuel; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Playas are predominantly alkaline wetlands common in arid and semi-arid regions. These unique ecosystems are heavily influenced by climatic and hydrological processes, such as high evapotranspiration rates and negative water balance. Numerous studies have documented the ecological degradation of these saline ecosystems due to both anthropogenic and natural processes. The present research analyses the mineralogical and elemental changes in six representative playas at different degradation stages in the western External Betics. Chemical weathering and element fractionation were examined to identify the key geochemical factors involved in the degradation of these playa wetlands. A novel methodology for calculating the Fractionation Index (FI) has been developed and applied alongside established geochemical indices, such as the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), and Vogt’s Residual Index (VRI), as well as analyses of elemental distribution. This approach allows for a comprehensive differentiation of the geochemical processes occurring in nonsaline-alkali, saline-alkali, and degraded playas. The study highlights the role of alkalinity in promoting clay mineral formation, with Na+ and Ca2+ dominating the cationic composition. These findings provide insights into the dynamics of playa ecosystems and inform conservation strategies for managing these vulnerable environments.
Geological constraints on the distribution of naturally occurring uranium and thorium in soils of southwestern Spain
(Springer Nature, 2025-07-04) Martín García, Domingo; Fernández Caliani, Juan Carlos; Romero Baena, Antonio; Delgado Rodríguez, Joaquín María; González Díez, María Isabel; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Naturally occurring uranium (U) and thorium (Th) concentrations in soils of southwestern Spain were explored to assess their spatial variability, establish regional geochemical baselines, and identify anomalies. A total of 505 soil and 95 bedrock samples were collected from distinct geological domains across the Iberian Massif, Betic Cordillera, and Guadalquivir Basin. Total U and Th concentrations (size fraction < 2 mm) were determined by ICP-OES, with median values of 2.30 mg kg−1 for U and 8.80 mg kg−1 for Th in topsoil, slightly exceeding those in subsoil and bedrock. Parent rock lithology was found to be the primary factor controlling U and Th concentrations in soils. The highest contents were observed in Cambisols developed on granitic rocks over the Central Iberian Zone and the Ossa-Morena Zone of the Iberian Massif. Geochemical baselines were established, with upper limits of 18.0 mg kg−1 for Th and 4.7 mg kg−1 for U in topsoil, and 16.1 mg kg−1 for Th and 4.2 mg kg−1 for U in subsoil. Anomalies exceeding these threshold values were mainly observed in samples from monzogranites of the Los Pedroches batholith and tonalites of the Santa Olalla stock. Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between Th and light rare earth elements, suggesting that Th is primarily hosted by monazite. The variability in U and Th concentrations could have environmental monitoring implications, as elevated levels may influence radiation exposure. Future work should integrate high-resolution mapping, mineralogical analysis, and radiological assessments to refine anomaly detection and evaluate potential risks.
Effect of soil temperature and moisture on degradation of the oxyfluorfen herbicide
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-08-12) Paneque Macías, Patricia Isabel; Gómez Parrales, Isidoro Ángel; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Orts Gómez, José María; Tejada Moral, Manuel; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
We have studied the combined effect of temperature and moisture on a soil contaminated with the oxyfluorfen herbicide at a dose of 4 l ha−1 in terms of the biochemical activity (dehydrogenase activity and ergosterol content) of said soil, as well as on the concentration of said herbicide over a 90-day period in a laboratory setting. Two degrees of moisture were used: (1) irrigated soils maintained at 60% of their water retention capacity and (2) non-irrigated soils (non-watered soils, without irrigation). These treatments were subjected to three temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C, respectively). In all cases, the oxyfluorfen caused a toxic effect on both the dehydrogenase activity and ergosterol content of the soil. However, this toxic effect was greater in non-watered soils, possibly due to the combined effect of the herbicide toxicity and the soil drought conditions. With regard to temperature, the results indicate that dehydrogenase activity and ergosterol content in soil were more negatively affected when samples were incubated at higher temperatures (40 °C). Statistical analysis suggests that temperature may have a greater specific weight or influence than soil moisture, since a variation in temperature causes a variation in soil moisture.
Neanderthal coasteering and the first Portuguese hominin tracksites
(Springer Nature, 2025-07) Carvalho, Carlos Neto de; Cunha, Pedro Proença; Belo, João; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Baucon, Andrea; Cachão, Mário; Finlayson, Clive; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). Portugal
Multiple sources of evidence for the systematic use of coastal ecosystems and resources by Neanderthals are known. Fossil hominin footprints offer direct portraits of individual or social group presence and locomotor behavior, and interspecific interactions, in the coastal ecospace. Here we describe the first two hominin tracksites found in the southwestern most region of Europe. At Monte Clérigo, dated to 78 ± 5 ka, trackways of three individuals demonstrate how Neanderthals navigated dune landscapes. These behaviors suggest route planning, with dune systems serving as advantageous settings for ambush hunting or stalking prey. A single footprint at Praia do Telheiro site, dated to 82 ± 5 ka, sustains the presence of Neanderthals in the dune ecosystem during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5a. Network analysis provided dietary preferences and ecological interactions of Neanderthals in coastal areas. A review of the Neanderthal coastal sites associated with faunal evidence shows that their diet was primarily centered on cervids, horses and hares. The consistent presence of these mammal taxa highlights their role as reliable food sources, irrespective of the varying environments inhabited by Neanderthals. In addition, the Neanderthal diet also incorporated animals from neighboring littoral habitats, indicating a broad foraging strategy that capitalized on local biodiversity.
Seafaring megaliths: A geoarchaeological approach to the Matarrubilla giant stone basin at Valencina (Spain)
(Elsevier, 2025) Cáceres Puro, Luis Miguel; Donaire Romero, Teodosio; Lozano Rodríguez, José Antonio; Díaz-Guardamino, Marta; Martínez-Sevilla, Francisco; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; García Sanjuán, Leonardo; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Prehistoria y Arqueología; Riksbankens Jubileumsfon. Sweden
A broad multidisciplinary approach is deployed to study an exceptional megalithic feature: the stone basin that presides over the chamber of the Matarrubilla tholos, part of the Valencina Copper Age mega-site (Sevilla, Spain). The study, including geoarchaeological characterisation and sourcing of the stone, traceological analysis of its surfaces based on photogrammetry and morphometrics, digital image analysis as well as OSL dating, leads to a number of substantial findings of great relevance to understand the significance of this stone basin, the only of its kind documented to this date in the Iberian Peninsula, with parallels only in Ireland and Malta. Among the most relevant conclusions, it is worth noting the fact that the gypsiferous cataclasite block the basin was made of was brought from the other side of the marine bay that five thousand years ago extended across the south-east of Valencina, this is the first evidence of waterborne transport of a megalithic stone in the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, the basin appears to have been put where it stands today sometime in the first half of the 4th millennium BC, long before any tholoi were built at Valencina, which suggest a prior history of still poorly documented monumentality at this mega-site.
Compost and vegetation cover drive soil fertility, microbial activity, and community in organic farming soils
(Springer Nature, 2025-06-26) Gil Martínez, Marta; Madejón, Paula; Madejón, Engracia; Sosa, Laura L. de; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Aims Organic amendments and vegetation cover enhance soil health, biodiversity, and resilience in organic farming. However, their differential effects on microbial biomass, activity, and community structure vary, requiring tailored management. This study examines compost and vegetation interactive effects on soil quality, fertility, and microbes over short (4 months) and medium (12 months) periods, evaluating their combined impact over time. Methods A pot experiment was conducted using soil from an organic olive farm. A 2×3 factorial design was applied to 36 pots, testing for interactive effects between two factors: (1) compost application (~50 t ha−1), and (2) three vegetation covers: Herbaceous, Herbaceous+shrub, and Natural. Soil properties,microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and community structure were measured at both times. Results Compost significantly increased total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and microbial biomass, with stronger effects after 12 months. Initially, it reduced dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase activity (by 50% and 20%), though this effect lessened over time. Compost enhanced bacterial diversity and evenness but slightly reduced fungal diversity and markedly decreased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi richness. Compost-amended soils had higher plant pathogen abundance, likely due to pre-existing populations. Vegetation cover had a smaller effect but influenced fungal community composition, with spontaneous vegetation promoting saprotrophic and mycoparasitic fungi. Conclusions Compost and vegetation cover combined application did not consistently produce synergistic or non-additive effects across all evaluated parameters. Alone, compost presented the highest impact on soil properties highlighting the need to monitor biological quality of amendments, while vegetation cover presented moderately effects mainly on fungi. These results stress integrated management that balances benefits and potential microbial tradeoffs in organic farming.
Lupin-barley Intercropping: Root to Root Interactions Drive Nitrogen Transfer from Legume to Cereal
(Elsevier, 2025) Massa, Anna; Gil Martínez, Marta; Michelsen, Anders; Dresbøll, Dorte Bodin; Kjøller, Rasmus; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Intercropping cereals and legumes is a means to reduce fertilizer input in agriculture. Transfer of biologically fixed N often occurs in cereal-legume intercropping and this study aims to understand the mechanism behind. Lupins are legumes of agronomical interest due to their high protein content and effective soil P extraction. However, as lupins are commonly described as non-mycorrhizal the transfer route of N from lupin to barley remains to be elucidated. We investigated the growth and nutrient content of barley intercropped with lupins, to test whether transfer of symbiotically fixed N from lupins to barley occurs, with focus on any role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in this transfer. Lupin species and barley were grown in pots (as sole crop or intercropped) ± mesh enclosures restricting mycelial and/or root growth between compartments. Plant growth and AM fungal root colonization were recorded, and plant 15N natural abundance was measured to determine potential transfer routes of fixed N from lupin to barley. Intercropped treatments showed increased barley growth and N contents, most pronounced if root-root intermingling of the two species was allowed. Also, 15N natural abundance in plants corroborated N transfer from lupins to barley. As lupin roots remained non-mycorrhizal, even in presence of a mycorrhizal donor plant, hyphal translocation of N was unlikely. We conclude that N transfer from non-mycorrhizal lupins to mycorrhizal barley primarily occurred through bulk flow, stimulated by interspecific root-to-root contact. This may contribute to the success of lupin and barley intercropping.
Does an Enhanced Microbial Diversity Promote the Resistance of Soil Multifunctionality against Drought Events in Amended Soils?
(Springer, 2025) Morales Salmerón, Laura; Fernández Boy, María Elena; Herrador, B.; León, R.; Domínguez Núñez, María Teresa; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
A large fraction of the Mediterranean soils is threatened by losses of organic matter and biodiversity, which could compromise the provision of soil ecosystem services and the stability of ecosystems in the face of climate change. In this work we explore several hypotheses related to the role of C inputs and microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality and its resistance to drought in degraded Mediterranean soils. We designed a factorial experiment to test the effect of the addition of an organic amendment and of microbial diversity (using four inoculants with different abundance and diversity of soil microbiota), on the resistance of soil functionality against drought in pot mesocosms. Pots were sown with a forage mixture (Lolium rigidum and Medicago polymorpha), and plant productivity, soil chemical properties, and microbial activity and diversity were measured before and after a simulated drought event. The amendment favored soil moisture, enhancing the stability of the productivity of M. polymorpha. In contrast, the manipulation of inoculation load had a limited effect on the resistance of microbiological activity. Indeed, microbial functioning was highly resistant to reduced water inputs, probably related to the prevalence of Gram positive bacteria. Besides, the effect of microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality was limited. Structural equation modelling confirmed that the enhancement of multifunctionality after soil amendment was attributed to the direct effect of organic C on soil moisture and chemical fertility. In these degraded soils, physico-chemical limitations are the major drivers of soil multifunctionality rather than bacterial or fungal diversity.
Assessing the Impact of Groundwater Extraction and Climate Change on a Protected Playa-Lake System in the Southern Iberian Peninsula: La Ratosa Natural Reserve
(MDPI, 2025-05-08) Rodríguez Rodríguez, Miguel; Halmos, László; Jiménez Bonilla, Alejandro; Díaz Azpiroz, Manuel; Gázquez, Fernando; Delgado Rodríguez, Joaquín María; Yanes, José Luis; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Junta de Andalucía
We modeled the water level variations in a protected playa-lake system (La Ratosa Natural Reserve, S Spain) comprising two adjacent playa-lakes: La Ratosa and Herriza de los Ladrones. For this purpose, daily water balances were applied to reconstruct the water level. Model results were validated using actual water level monitoring over the past 20 years. We surveyed post-Pliocene geological structures in the endorheic watershed to investigate lake nucleation and to improve the hydrogeological model. Additionally, we investigated the groundwater level evolution in nearby aquifers, which have been profusely affected by groundwater exploitation for domestic and agricultural use. Then, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios were applied to forecast the future of this lake system. We found that the playa-lake hydroperiod will shorten, causing the system to shift from seasonal to ephemeral, which appears to be a general trend in this area. However, the impact on the La Ratosa-Herriza de los Ladrones system would be likely more severe due to local stressors, such as groundwater withdrawal for urban demand and agriculture, driving the system to complete desiccation for extended periods. These results highlight the sensitivity of these protected ecosystems to changes in the watershed’s water balance and underscore the urgent need to preserve watersheds from any form of water use, other than ecological purposes. This approach aims to support informed decision-making to mitigate adverse impacts on these fragile ecosystems, ensuring their ecological integrity in the context of climate change and increasing water demand for various uses.
Polyurethane wastes conversion into a plant biostimulant via ozonolytic attack: An innovative strategy for waste management and sustainable agriculture
(Elsevier, 2025-06-07) Orts Gómez, José María; Orts Gómez, Ángel; Naranjo Fernández, Emilia; Castaño Navarro, Angélica; Tejada Moral, Manuel; Gómez Parrales, Isidoro Ángel; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
A novel, non-toxic plant biostimulant has been developed through the depolymerization of polyurethane (PU) foams via an aqueous ozonolysis process. This method yields a water-based extract rich in small, soluble molecules, referred to as oxidized liquid extract (OLE), which acts as a growth-promoting substrate for pepper plants (Capsicum annuum). This approach not only enables the conversion of PU waste into plant biomass but also represents an innovative model for circular economy implementation. When applied at low concentrations (diluted 1:5 and 1:10), OLE elicits a hormetic response, enhancing photosynthetic performance, protein content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Additionally, it stimulates the accumulation of industrially relevant secondary metabolites such as terpenoids and capsaicinoids an effect likely linked to the extract’s high nitrate content. Although short-chain polyols were detected in the fruits of plants treated with the 1:5 dilution, these compounds are biodegradable and widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Moreover, OLE induces favorable shifts in rhizospheric microbial communities, promoting the enrichment of biofertilizing bacterial genera capable of transforming extract derived compounds and enhancing the adsorption of biomolecules secreted by plant roots. This sequential chemical and biological transformation facilitates the complete valorization of a highly recalcitrant polymeric waste, resulting in a bioactive extract that supports plant growth and development. Taken together, this strategy offers a promising and sustainable solution that integrates waste management with agricultural productivity, aligning with the core principles of the circular bioeconomy.
From the jaws of the 'Leviathan': A sperm whale tooth from the Valencina Copper Age Megasite
(Public Library of Science, 2025-05-14) Ramírez-Cruzado Aguilar-Galindo, S.; Luciañez-Triviño, Miriam; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Cáceres Puro, Luis Miguel; Toscano Grande, Antonio; Díaz-Guardamino, Marta; Rodríguez Vidal, Joaquín; García Sanjuán, Leonardo; Prehistoria y Arqueología; Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Junta de Andalucía. Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento; HUM694: Atlas. Territorios y Paisajes en la Prehistoria Reciente de Andalucía
During the excavations undertaken in 2018 at the Nueva Biblioteca sector of the Valencina Copper Age mega-site, in south-west Spain, an exceptional sperm-whale tooth was found inside a non-burial pit. This remarkable object is the first of its kind ever found for Late Prehistoric Iberia. Due to its rarity and importance, a multidisciplinary study was carried out, including photogrammetric 3D modelling, as well as taphonomic, paleontological, technological and contextual analysis. This led to a full characterisation of the artefact through the analysis of its bioerosion traces, anthropogenic marks, depositional context and socio-cultural background. The ensuing discussion covers the history and processes the tooth went through from the death of the animal and disposal on the seabed, through the disarticulation of the tooth to its collection in a coastal environment and its subsequent use and deposition in the pit.

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