Letteratura scientifica selezionata sul tema "Nitrogen and calcium level"

Several recent studies, including from our laboratory, have provided evidence that by improving tuber calcium level, we can improve tuber quality such as low internal defects and better storability. The purpose of this study was to be determine the influence of supplemental calcium fertilization on tuber size and tuber number. For this purpose, plantlets of Solanum tuberosum cv. Russet Burbank raised in tissue culture were planted in 20-L pots filled with sandy loam soil with pH of 6.9 and soil calcium level of 350 ppm. All treatments received same total amount of nitrogen (at the rate of 280 kg·ha–1). Five treatments were evaluated: i) nonsplit nitrogen (from ammonium nitrate), ii) split nitrogen (from ammonium nitrate), iii) split nitrogen + gypsum, iv) split nitrogen (from liquid nitrogen) + calcium chloride, and v) split nitrogen (from calcium nitrate). The total calcium was applied at the rate of 168 kg·ha–1. Gypsum application was made at 4 weeks after planting, and other sources of calcium were applied on a split schedule (equally split at 4, 6, 8 weeks after planting). Four months after planting, tubers were harvested and evaluated. In general, all calcium treatments had lower tuber number and greater tuber size compared to the nonsplit nitrogen control. The percentage of total A-grade tubers as well as the percentage yield from A-grade tubers was increased by all calcium applications. These results suggest that calcium content I the soil can influence both potato tuber number and tuber size.

Wheat was grown under leaching conditions in a glasshouse in columns of a loamy sand soil to which nitrogen had been added in the form of calcium nitrate or organic materials containing 1, 2 or 6% nitrogen. All materials were added at a range of rates calculated on an elemental nitrogen basis, so that comparisons could be made between materials at the same level of nitrogen addition. The amount of mineral nitrogen in the soil profile 4 weeks after seeding increased with the addition of each of the sources except for the 1% nitrogen organic material which had no effect. Addition of calcium nitrate caused the greatest increase of mineral nitrogen, but did not result in the greatest plant growth because of less efficient nitrogen uptake associated with leaching. At 7 weeks after seeding, nitrogen stress, as indicated by the nitrogen content of the plant tops, had increased more where the 2 and 6% nitrogen organic materials were added than where calcium nitrate was added. This trend was also reflected in changes in the root to shoot ratios, and was the result of roots catching up with leaching nitrate from the calcium nitrate. In the columns treated with organic material, root profiles at 7 weeks after seeding showed enhanced growth at the surface, where mineralization of the added materials was occurring. Where calcium nitrate was added, a bulge in the root profile occurred at depth, associated with the leached nitrate.

Nitrogen influences numerous physiological and morphological traits of forage grasses, which ultimately interfere directly with production and forage quality. Aimed to study was to evaluate the production of dry matter and the number of tillers of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça grown with different sources and levels of applied nitrogen. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of the Espírito Santo, Campus of Santa Teresa. The experimental design consisted of a randomised block design with three replicates in a 3 x 6 factorial design and three nitrogenous fertilizers (urea, ammonium sulphate and calcium nitrate), which were applied at six different levels (0, 120, 240, 360, 480 and 600 kg ha-1) during the experimental period, for a total of 54 experimental units. Nitrogen levels were divided into seven applications, and the treatments were applied every 28 days, always after the forage was cut. The results show that Mombaça grass is responsive to nitrogen fertilization, and the response in terms of dry matter production and number of tillers for the same level of nitrogen varies depending on the nitrogen source used. Of the nitrogen sources, calcium nitrate had the best performance for the variables evaluated here. For this nitrogen source, the production of dry matter achieved at the maximum level of nitrogen was 18% and 36% higher than the dry matter achieved with the use of ammonium sulphate and urea, respectively.

The capture and reuse of nutrient-rich greenhouse effluents may be an environmentally sound option for floriculture production, which would conserve fresh water resources and reduce off-site pollution of surface and groundwaters. This study was initiated in 24 outdoor lysimeters to determine effects of salinity and varying concentrations of nitrogen on the growth, yield, and ion relations of stock [Matthiola incana (L.) R. Br.] cultivar Cheerful White. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial, partially replicated design with four irrigation water salinities (2, 5, 8, and 11 dS·m−1) and four nitrate concentrations (2.5, 3.6, 5.4, and 7.1 mmol·L−1; N = 35, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). Ammonium nitrogen was included in the nutrient solutions. Stem lengths were measured three times weekly. Measurements at final harvest were stem and inflorescence lengths, stem and floret diameters, number of axillary buds and florets, and shoot and root fresh weights. Time course of stem elongation was quantified as a function of thermal time with a phasic growth model. Salinity significantly delayed initiation of the exponential growth phase, shortened its duration, and reduced the rate of plant development. The overall effect was to delay time to harvest of marketable stems. Although length of the flowering stems decreased with increasing salinity, marketable stems (≈60 cm) were produced in all treatments. Mineral ion relations in the plant tissues were influenced significantly, but independently, by both salinity and nitrogen. Leaf sodium, magnesium, and chlorine concentrations increased with increasing salinity; calcium and potassium decreased. In response to increasing external nitrogen, both potassium and chlorine decreased; sodium increased, whereas calcium and magnesium were unaffected. We conclude that in closed-loop irrigation systems, the nitrogen requirements for stock are low and that growers could minimize costs and limit off-site pollution by reducing nitrogen inputs.

One of the critical issues in using micronutrient fertilisers is the comparison of methods and amounts of fertiliser use, which is very important from the aspect of increasing production and economic viewpoint. The aim of this research was to analyse the nutrient composition of different parts of the maize (Zea mays L. FAO 490) during the growing season with six-level nitrogen fertilisation supplies at five phenological stages. The study included essential nutrients as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S) (in first cluster) and calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (in second cluster) in treatments on different leaf stage. Growth stages have different nutrient demands based on their actual demand. The first cluster included nitrogen and sulphur and the second included calcium and zinc in the NPK treatments on the stalk of plants. Nitrogen and potassium had their maximum effect on the stalk of maize during the growing season. Magnesium and copper were the second most important and desirable factors during the different growth stages and treatments in relation to the stalk. Nitrogen and calcium had their maximum impact during the yield formation stage and nitrogen and phosphorus had their most desirable effect during the grain filling stage. The effect of nitrogen on the quantitative and qualitative properties of maize showed that nitrogen increases the production of dry matter, grain yield, and its components. The maximum amount of absorption in the plants occurs before the accumulation of applied fertiliser, which is the prelude to the production of maximum biomass.

In order to understand the effects of reduced nitrogen and sulfur on overall poinsettia plant growth and development, experiments were run to determine the relationship, if any, between nitrogen and sulfur applied and other macroand micronutrients. Cuttings of `Freedom Red' (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) were grown vegetatively in a peat:perlite:vermiculite mix during the fall and spring. Three levels of sulfur (0, 12.5, 25 ppm) were applied in combination with four levels of nitrogen (50, 100, 200, 275 ppm). The experimental design was a randomized complete block. Leaf samples were analyzed using LECO for nitrogen and ICP-ES for sulfur. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine trends in the nutrient concentration of other macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutrient analyses indicated that all nutrients were present in sufficient quantities. Leaf concentrations of nitrogen, sulfur, potassium, and copper were distinctly higher in spring and fall, while phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron concentrations were higher in fall. The typically subtle effects of sulfur were most obvious in magnesium and calcium leaf concentrations. Phosphorus and calcium concentrations increased at lower levels of applied nitrogen. Concentrations of boron, copper, and manganese also increased strikingly at lower levels of applied nitrogen. Apparently when levels of nitrogen less than 200 ppm are applied, micronutrient uptake increases, suggesting the potential of either luxury consumption or possible toxic effects if too little nitrogen is supplied.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of rapeseed expeller cake (RC) in the diet of laying hens on egg performance, egg quality, retention and excretion of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus, and metabolizability of energy. The experiment was carried out with 72 Bovans Brown hens, from 28 to 53 weeks of age. Experimental treatment consisted of four isonitrogenous and isocaloric corn-soybean diets (as calculated: 17% crude protein, 11.6 MJ/kg metabolizable energy, 0.81% lysine, 0.36% methionine, 3.60% calcium and 0.37% available phosphorus), containing 0, 4, 6 or 8% RC. The RC used was produced from double zero rapeseed and contained 29.3% crude protein, 17.4% crude fat, 10.8% crude fibre, 0.63% calcium, 0.97% phosphorus, 1.91% lysine and 0.84% methionine. During the experimental period, the dietary level of RC had no significant effects on egg performance and egg quality parameters. Boiled eggs from hens fed a diet with 8% RC were characterized by an inferior flavour to those from other groups. There were no treatment effects on nitrogen balance or metabolizability of energy, though the highest dietary level of RC negatively affected retention and excretion of calcium and phosphorus.;

A greenhouse pot experiment was performed to study the effect of phosphorus (P) on celery (Apium graveolens L.) growth, quality and nutrient uptake under different calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in substrate culture. Results showed that there were significant interactions between P and the level of Ca and Mg in the growing media. Celery above-ground fresh weight, total dry biomass, leaf area, and P, Ca and Mg concentrations in celery leaves significantly increased from 0 to 124 mg/l P application. The opposite trends were observed for root/shoot ratio, leaf chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, and nitrogen and potassium concentration in celery leaves. Medium Ca and Mg level (Ca 320 and Mg 192 mg/l) significantly increased celery above-ground fresh weight, total dry biomass and leaf area compared to low (Ca 160 and Mg 96 mg/l) and high (Ca 640 and Mg 384 mg/l) levels. This study suggested that 124–248 mg/l P applications under medium Ca and Mg level were appropriate for celery nutritional requirements.

  This study aims to reveal and to compare effect of two various systems of nitrogen nutrition, namely injection and sidedress application, on the levels of NO3– and phytohormones (cytokinins, abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) in Festulolium plants. Calcium nitrate (CN) or ammonium sulphate (AS) were used as N source in the pot experiment. The yield of Festulolium above and below ground biomass was more substantially enhanced after sidedress application of both AS or CN in comparison with injection application. The levels of endogenous cytokinins peaked 5 days after application regardless the form of N source and the method of application. The increased concentration of endogenous cytokinins as well as the enhanced content of selected free amino acid suggest that N applied sidedress can maintain better distribution patterns of nutrients and provide improved conditions for growth and nitrogen uptake. The nitrogen application affected ABA concentrations on all tested treatments. The correlation between NO3– and ABA concentrations ranged from 0.77 to 0.89. A significant IAA increase was recorded in plants after ammonium nitrogen sidedress application and it was confirmed that applications of nitrate reduced IAA concentration (correlation between NO3– and IAA for AS treatment R2 = 0.77–0.94).  

Background: Kaolin may improve quail performance by maintaining intestinal integrity and improving nutrient absorption. Objective: To evaluate the overall performance, egg quality, moisture, nitrogen and calcium content in the excreta, intestinal morphology and financial analysis of kaolin in Japanese quail feed during the production phase. Methods: A total of 192 Japanese quails, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions with eight birds each, were used. Kaolin levels added to the diet were 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%. Results: Kaolin reduced feed consumption. Additionally, egg production, feed conversion and viability increased. Moisture, nitrogen and calcium in the excreta decreased. Height and width of the intestinal villi increased with increasing levels of kaolin in the diet. Kaolin had no effect on egg quality. Inclusion level of 1.5% kaolin allowed for greater economic gains. Conclusion: Kaolin improved performance, intestinal morphology, and reduced the moisture, nitrogen and calcium contents in the excreta. Egg quality remained unchanged with the addition of kaolin, and the best economic response resulted with the addition 1.5% kaolin.

Thesis (PhD(Agric))--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A lack of defects is required for successful table grape marketing, which pre-suppose optimal vine performance, berry development and post-harvest quality. The supply of mineral nutrients affects vine development, physiology and berry quality. Despite a vast amount of research conducted over decades, there remain many unresolved issues regarding table grape vine nutrition to ensure optimal table grape quality and shelve-life. Unjustified fertilisation practices often include excessive applications of nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). A four-year field trial was therefore conducted on a sandy soil in the Paarl district of South Africa, using grafted on Ramsey, and trained to a gable trellis system. Nitrogen, potassium and calcium were applied, singular or in combination, at rates up to 300% the calculated annual nutritional requirement. The effect of these excessive applications on table grape performance under typical South African cultivation conditions was investigated for Vitis vinifera L. cv. Prime Seedless, a very early seedless table cultivar that is produced with minimum berry diameter of 18mm, with special reference to 1) vegetative growth, 2) expression of grapevine nutrient availability through foliar analyses, 3) berry nutrient accumulation patterns of this early cultivar, 4) manipulation of berry nutrient content through soil and bunch directed applications and 5) the effect of berry nutrient content on its quality. No definite vegetative growth responses (expressed as shoot length, leaf surface area and shoot mass) and leaf chlorophyll content differences were obtained for all the treatments. These results were obtained in a vineyard on a sandy soil where excessive N fertilisation caused a reduction of soil pH to detrimentally low levels and where the excessive N, K and Ca applications reduced mutual concentrations and that of Mg, in the soil. A lack of stimulation in vegetative growth may therefore be ascribed to the combined negative effect of these excessive applications on soil pH and vine nutrition. Although the N content of petioles was higher for treatments where N was applied, consistent significant increases in petiole N with N fertilisation were not observed. Petiole N concentration showed a decreasing trend throughout the season. Petiole K concentrations were significantly increased by the K fertilisation at all phenological stages. None of the K fertilisation treatments, however, succeeded to raise petiole K concentrations above the accepted maximum norms and petiole K concentration at a specific sampling stage varied significantly between the four seasons. A general decrease in petiole K concentration was found for all seasons. Calcium fertilisation did not increase soil Ca content, resulting in a lack of differences in petiole Ca concentrations between treatments. An increase in petiole Ca concentration towards harvest was obtained. Correlations between petiole nutrient concentration and berry mineral content at harvest were poor. The only way of knowing the mineral content of berries would seem to be by measuring it directly instead of deducing it from the results of leaf or petiole analyses. The dynamics of berry growth impacted on berry nutrient concentration. Early rapid berry growth, predominantly due to cell division and cell growth, was associated with the most rapid decreases in N, P and Ca concentration. Due to mobility of K and Mg in the plant, that exceeds other nutrients, the decrease in concentration of these two mineral elements was not as pronounced as that of the others. Nutrient accumulation was most rapid during the pre-véraison period, but only Ca showed a definite termination during the early ripening period. The continued inflow of N, P, K and Mg, albeit at slower rates immediately after véraison, should be taken into consideration when fertilisation is applied. As a table grape, total accumulation of each nutrient in Prime Seedless berries also far exceeded that of other cultivars studied thus far. A particular difference is that the berry flesh:skin ratio is much higher than that of previously studied cultivars, leading to higher levels of nutrient accumulation in the flesh. Slightly larger berry size was obtained for N applications and is ascribed to slight increases in early vegetative growth, allowing a better response to GA3 treatments. The use of GA3 for berry enlargement is also considered the reason why K fertilisation, resulting in increased berry K levels, did not affect berry size, as is often found for wine grapes. Higher available NO3 - in the soil on account of excessive N applications resulted in higher levels of berry N, despite sub-optimal soil pH regimes that were created by these treatments. Berry K concentration and content were increased by K fertilisation. Rapid vine K uptake and translocation to the berries seem to negate the reduced vine nutritional status as observed in petioles for situations of over-fertilisation with N. Berry Ca levels were not increased by Ca fertilisation or by bunch applied Ca. The rapid rates of berry growth, together with low rates of berry Ca uptake and Ca uptake that terminates at the onset of ripening, are assumed to be the main reasons for this result. Low levels of decay as well as a lack of consistently increased decay were obtained for N containing treatments. Nitrogen levels in the berries above which their susceptibility to fungal infection is increased, should be established. Information on specific N compounds that may lead to more susceptibility is required. Potentially increased berry browning on account of high rates of K fertilisation needs to be further investigated; indications that this may occur were observed. Neither soil applied Ca nor bunch applied Ca improved berry quality, although Ca treatments seemed to reduce decay during the only season that significant differences were obtained. The negative effect of excessive fertilisation on soil chemistry of sandy soils has again been highlighted by this study. This annuls the fertilisation, leading to inefficient fertilisation and a lack of the desired responses. As indicator of vine nutrient availability, petiole analysis, was proven unreliable and should be evaluated in parallel with soil analyses, taking seasonal variation into consideration. The danger of being only guided by published norms for leaf nutrient concentrations when establishing fertilisation practices has again been highlighted by this study. This research indicated that for a very early cultivar like Prime Seedless, nutrient accumulation dynamics can already start to change during the pre-véraison period in some seasons. This is due to different edaphic and climatic conditions as well as berry size, which leads to much higher flesh:skin ratios. Future research on table grapes would need to develop an understanding of the various factors and dynamics that determine berry nutrient concentration and accumulation of early ripening, large berry sized, seedless table grape cultivars.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suksesvolle bemarking van tafeldruiwe is ten nouste afhanklik van die beskikbaarheid van druiwe sonder defekte, wat ‘n direkte verband met optimale wingerdprestasie, korrelontwikkeling en na-oes kwaliteit inhou. Voorsiening van minerale voedingstowwe beïnvloed die stok se groei, fisiologie en korrelgehalte. Ten spyte van ‘n oorweldigende hoeveelheid navorsing wat oor dekades reeds gedoen is, is daar steeds onopgeloste kwessies aangaande bemesting van tafeldruiwe vir optimale druifgehalte en houvermoë. Die gevolg is onoordeelkundige bemestingspraktyke wat o.a. aanleiding gee tot oorbemesting met stikstof (N), kalium (K) en kalsium (Ca). ‘n Vier-jaar-lange veldproef is gevolglik op ‘n sandgrond in die Paarl distrik (Suid-Afrika) onderneem deur gebruik te maak van Vitis vinifera L. cv. Prime Seedless geënt op Ramsey en op ‘n dubbel-gewel prieelstelsel opgelei is. Stikstof, K en Ca is alleen, of in kombinasie, toegedien teen hoeveelhede gelykstaande aan 300% van die wingerd se jaarlikse behoefte. Die effek van hierdie oormatige toedienings op tafeldruif prestasie onder Suid-Afrikaanse verbouingstoestande is ondersoek, met spesiale verwysing na 1) vegetatiewe groei, 2) uitdrukking van voedingstofbeskikbaarheid deur blaarontledings, 3) die voedingstof akkumulasie patrone van korrels van hierdie vroeë kultivar, 4) manipulasie van korrel voedingstofinhoud deur grond en trosgerigte toedienings en 5) die effek van korrel voedingstofinhoud op kwaliteit. Die doel van die proef was om bemestinspraktyke van Prime Seedless, ‘n baie vroeë pitlose tafeldruifkultivar met ‘n minimum korrelgrootte van 18 mm, te verfyn. Deur die akkumulasie patrone van die druiwe uit te klaar is daar ook ondersoek ingestel of oestyd en na-oes gehalte deur oormatige toediening van voedingstowwe affekteer word. Geen duidelike verskille betreffende vegetatiewe groeireaksies (uitgedruk as lootlengte, blaaroppervlaktes en lootmassas) asook verskille in blaar chlorofilinhoud is vir die behandelings verkry nie. Hierdie resultate is verkry in ‘n wingerd op ‘n sandgrond, waar oormatige N-bemesting aanleiding gegee het tot grond pH verlagings tot die peil van nadelige vlakke. Verder het die oormatige N, K en Ca toedienings wederkerige verlagings in konsentrasies, asook op dié van Mg, in die grond teweeggebring. Die tekort aan vegetatiewe groeiresponse op die behandelings kon dus toegeskryf word aan ‘n gekombineerde effek van die oormatige toedienings op grond pH en voedingstofbalanse. Hoewel die N-inhoud van bladstele hoër was vir behandelings wat N toediening ingesluit het, was daar nie konstante toenames in die vlakke verkry nie. Bladskyf N-konsentrasie het afgeneem deur die loop van die groeiseisoen. Vir alle fenologiese stadiums was bladskyf Kkonsentrasies betekenisvol verhoog deur K-bemesting. Nie een van die Kbemestingsbehandelings het egter daarin geslaag om bladskyf K inhoud vir enige monstertyd bo die algemeen aanvaarde maksimum norms te lig nie. Verder het bladskyf K inhoud by ‘n spesifieke fenologiese stadium ook betekenisvol tussen seisoene verskil. Die K-inhoud van bladskywe het afgeneem met verloop van die seisoen. Kalsiumbemesting het nie die grond se Ca inhoud deurgans verhoog nie, wat dus die tekort aan verskille in Ca konsentrasies tussen die behandelings verklaar. ‘n Toename in Ca konsentrasie en korrel Ca inhoud is vanaf set tot oes waargeneem. Swak korrelasies tussen bladskywe se voedingstofinhoude en korrels se voedingstofinhoude is verkry. Die enigste manier waarop korrels se voedingstofinhoude dus afgelei kan word, blyk te wees deur direkte bepaling daarvan. Voedingstofinhoude van korrels is deur groeipatrone daarvan beïnvloed. Vroeë korrelgroei, hoofsaaklik a.g.v. seldeling en selgroei, het met die vinnigste afnametempo van N, P en Ca gepaard gegaan. As gevolg van die hoër beweeglikheid van K en Mg in die plant in vergelyking met ander voedingstowwe, was die afname in konsentrasie van hierdie twee elemente nie so groot soos vir die ander nie. Voedingstofakkumulasie was die vinnigste in die periode voor deurslaan. Slegs Ca het ‘n beeïndiging van opname aan die einde van hierdie periode getoon. Die voortgesette opname van N, P, K en Mg, alhoewel stadiger kort na deurslaan, moet in ag geneem word wanneer bemesting toegedien word. Vir hierdie kultivar het die totale opname van elke bemestingstof dié van die ander kultivars wat tot hede bestudeer is, ver oorskry. ‘n Spesifieke verskil is ‘n baie hoër vleis:dop verhouding as wat vir ander kultivars verkry is. Dit gee aanleiding tot baie hoër vlakke van voedingstofakkumulasie in die vleis. Effens groter korrelgroottes is verkry waar N toedienings gemaak is. Dit word toegeskryf aan klein toenames in vroeë vegetatiewe groei, wat dus beter reaksie op GA3 behandelings tot gevolg gehad het. Die gebruik van GA3 vir korrelvergroting word ook beskou as die rede waarom K-bemesting, wat tot hoër vlakke van K in die korrels aanleiding gegee het, nie korrelgrootte, soos by wyndruiwe, bevorder het nie. Hoër NO3 - in die grond (water), na aanleiding van N toedienings, het aanleiding gegee tot hoer vlakke van N in die korrels. Dit het plaasgevind ten spyte van sub-optimale grond pH wat deur die oormatige N toedienings veroorsaak is. Korrel K konsentrasie en -inhoud is deur K-bemesting verhoog. Vinnige opname en translokasie van K na die korrels het ook geblyk die rede te wees waarom die verlaagde voedingstatus van die stokke a.g.v. oorbemesting met N nie die korrels se K inhoud geaffekteer het nie. Die vinnige groeitempo van die korrels, tesame met lae vlakke van Ca opname, asook korrels se Ca opname wat tydens rypwording ophou, word as die redes vir die tekorte aan behandelingseffekte beskou. Lae vlakke van bederf, asook ‘n tekort aan betroubare tendense dat bederf deur Nbemesting verhoog word, is verkry. Daar moet vasgestel word of daar N vlakke in die korrels is waarbo hul vatbaarheid vir swaminfeksies verhoog word, en of daar spesifieke N verbindings is wat die korrels meer vatbaar maak vir bederf. Indikasies dat K-bemesting interne verbruiningsvlakke verhoog het, regverdig verdere ondersoek. Korrelkwaliteit is nie deur grond- of trosgerigte toedienings bevoordeel nie. Die negatiewe effek van oormatige bemesting op die chemiese samestelling van sandgronde is weer deur hierdie navorsing uitgelig. Dit lei tot oneffektiewe bemesting en ‘n tekort aan die verlangde effekte. Blaarontledings blyk onbetroubaar te wees as aanduiding van voedingstof beskikbaarheid. Dit moet evalueer word saam met grondontledings en ook seisoenale variasie in ag neem. Die gevaar om slegs deur gepubliseerde norme gelei te word wanneer bemestingspraktyke bepaal word, is weer deur hierdie navorsing uitgelig. Voorst is daar in hierdie navorsing gevind dat voedingstof akkumulasiepatrone van ‘n baie vroeë kultivar soos Prime Seedless alreeds voor deurslaan begin verander a.g.v. omgewingstoestande en korrelgroei wat tot ‘n veel hoër vleis:dop verhouding aanleiding gee. Toekomstige navorsing op tafeldruiwe behoort die faktore en dinamika wat voedingstofkonsentrasie en -akkumulasie in korrels van vroeë, groot korrel, pitlose tafeldruifkultivars beïnvloed verder te ondersoek.

In this thesis, a synthesis concept has been developed, which uses nitrogen-rich liquid phases for sintering of Ca-α-sialon ceramics. First, keeping the Si/Al ratios constant, the effects of N/O ratio on the properties and microstructure were investigated through a liquid phase sintering process. Second, nitrogen-rich Ca-α-sialon ceramics, with nominal compositions: CaxSi12-2xAl2xN16, x < 2.0, was synthesized and characterized. Third, mechanical and thermal properties of nitrogen-rich Ca-α-sialons were investigated in terms of high temperature deformation resistance,reaction mechanism, phase stability and oxidation resistance, and further correlated to their phase assemblage and microstructure observation. It has been found that increasing the N/O and Ca/Al ratio simultaneously in the materials could result in development of a microstructure with well shaped, high-aspect-ratio Ca-α-sialon grains, and an improvement in both toughness and hardness. For the nitrogen-rich Ca-α-sialon, mono-phasic α-sialon ceramics were obtained for 0.51 ≤ x ≤ 1.32. The obtained Ca-α-sialon ceramics with elongated-grain microstructures show a combination of high hardness and high fracture toughness. Compared with the oxygen-rich Ca-α-sialons, the nitrogen-rich Ca-α-sialons exhibited approximately 150 oC higher deformation onset temperatures and decent properties even after the deformation. The α-sialon phase was first observed at 1400 oC, however the phase pure Ca-α-sialon ceramics couldn’t be obtained until 1800 oC. The nitrogen-rich Ca-α-sialons were thermal stable, no phase transformation observed in the temperatures range1400-1600 oC. In general, mixed α/β-sialon showed better oxidation resistance than pure α-sialon in the low temperature range (1250-1325 oC), while α-sialons with compositions located at α/β-sialon border-line showed significant weight gains over the entire temperature range (1250-1400 oC).

Orientador: Kleber Tomás de Resende
Coorientador: Marcia Helena Machado da Rocha Fernandes
Banca: Rafael Canonenco de Araújo
Banca: Carla Joice Härter
Resumo: O nitrato de cálcio encapsulado (NCE) tem sido estudado nos últimos anos como uma fonte de nitrogênio não proteico (NNP) e representa uma alternativa ao uso do hidrogênio livre no ambiente ruminal, reduzindo assim a emissão de metano e possibilitando uma maior eficiência no uso da energia. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o uso do nitrato de cálcio encapsulado como substituto do farelo de soja na partição de energia, oxidação do substrato e síntese de N microbiano. Para isso, doze caprinos machos castrados em crescimento, com peso inicial de 21,95 kg ± 3,19 kg foram usados em um quadrado latino 3 x 3 quadruplicado com três períodos de 48 dias, agrupados pelo peso corporal e distribuídos aleatoriamente em um dos três tratamentos ECN0(SBM) - controle baseado em farelo de soja; ECN1.25 - 1,25% de NCE na matéria seca; ECN2.5 - 2,5% de NCE na matéria seca. Cada período consistia de 21 dias de adaptação, 5 dias de ensaio de metabolismo e 15 dias de mensuração de gases. Entre os períodos foi feito um washout de 7 dias onde todos os animais recebiam a dieta controle. Os dados foram analizados usando o procedimento MIXED do SAS (versão 9.4; SAS Inst., Cary, NC, USA). O modelo usado foi Yjkm: μ + LSi + Periodj + Ani(LS)ki + Treatm + єijkm. Quando significante, o efeito de níveis de NCE foi decomposto em dois contrastes polinomiais ortogonais (linear e quadrático). A significância declarada foi de P < 0,05. As variáveis de produção de calor (PC) e produção de calor em je... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Encapsulated calcium nitrate (ECN) has been studied in last years as a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and represents an alternative to use of free hydrogen in the ruminal environment, thus reducing the emission of methane and a higher efficiency in use of energy. Thus the aim of this study was to assess the impact of the use of encapsulated calcium nitrate as a substitute for soybean meal in the energy partition, substrate oxidation, and microbial N synthesis. For this, twelve castrated male growing goats, with initial average weight of 21.95 kg ± 3.19 kg were used in a quadruplicated 3 x 3 Latin square design with three 48-d periods, grouped by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to three diets: ECN0(SBM) - control based on soybean meal; ECN1.25 - 1.25% of encapsulated calcium nitrate (ECN) on dry matter (DM) basis; ECN2.5 - 2.5% of ECN on DM basis. Each period comprised 21 days for adaptation, five days for metabolism trial (d22 to d26) and 15 days for gas measurements (d27 to d38). Between periods, a washout period was provided for 7 d during which the control diet was fed. The data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Inst., Cary, NC, USA). The model used for each treatment was the following: Yjkm: μ + LSi + Periodj + Ani(LS)ki + Treatm + єijkm. When significant, the effect of levels of ECN was decomposed into two orthogonal polynomial contrasts (linear and quadratic). Significance was declared at P < 0.05. The heat production (HP) and fas... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Cationic lipids are efficient tools to introduce nucleic acids and proteins into cells. Elucidation of the mechanism and cellular pathways associated to such a transport has been relatively slow, even though significant progress has been made in the characterization of the intracellular trafficking of cationic lipid/DNA complexes. Surprisingly, little is known about the effects of these delivery vectors on cell functioning. In the present thesis, we show that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes strongly increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The end point of the Ca2+ increase was ~400 nM from a basal level of ~100 nM. The [Ca2+]i increase was studied using K562 and Jurkat cells cultured in vitro. This effect is weakened following addition of DNA to cationic liposomes, although remaining very large at cationic lipid/DNA ratios commonly used for cell transfection experiments. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not abolish this effect significantly and preincubating K562 cells with the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin strongly abolished intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase, indicating that Ca2+ was released mainly from internal Ca2+ stores sensitive to thapsigargin. Pretreatment of the cells with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 blocked the intracellular Ca2+ concentration rise, suggesting an inositol pathway-dependent mechanism. LDH release assay indicates that in the conditions used for fluorescence measurement and in those used to transfer DNA into cells, cationic liposomes diC14-amidine and DOTAP had no massive cytotoxic effects. Cationic liposomes showed more toxicity than their corresponding complexes; this toxicity decreases in the presence of serum. The effect of cationic lipids on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) was quantitatively assessed using phosphatidylinositol (PI) and radiolabeled phosphatidylinositol ([3H]-PI). Incorporation of diC14-amidine into PC/PI vesicle activated PI-PLC and was shown to activate the hydrolysis of PI and [3H]-PI. Our data may suggest that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by complex could have an effect on the transfection process itself. These results indicate for the first time that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes are not inert and can affect the functioning of the cells by increasing their intracellular Ca2+.

Doctorat en sciences, Spécialisation chimie
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

To combat excessive vine vigor, many vintners have employed intensive cover cropping techniques. While cover crops provide a multitude of benefits to the farming system, they can compete for nutrients and water. The seemingly ubiquitous adoption of cover crops in the Eastern United States has led to vines and grape musts which are deficient in nitrogen (N). A must that is deficient in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) can lead to the production of off aromas and stuck or sluggish fermentations. It has also been suggested that musts with limited amino nitrogen sources can result in wines with less fruity aromas than those with a higher starting amino acid content. Varying rates of calcium nitrate were applied to the soil at bloom and foliar urea was sprayed at a Sauvignon blanc and Petit Manseng (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard. Perennial White and Crimson clover as well as foliar urea applications at véraison were utilized at a Vidal blanc (Vitis spp.) site. Foliar urea was effective at significantly increasing YANs in all experiments with some year to year variation in efficacy. Foliar urea applications slightly favored the production of ammonia over primary amino nitrogen. While most of the measured amino acids in fruit increased in concentration with the application of either soil or foliar N, foliar applications were more effective at increasing fruit amino acids. Of the amino acids measured, arginine and glutamine were the most increased by foliar urea applications, whereas proline was relatively unaffected. The use of clover as a perennial under-vine cover crop did not increase berry YAN. The application of foliar urea sprays may present an effective means by which vintners can easily increase must YANs and amino acid contents.
Master of Science in Life Sciences

Extreme salinity is one of the most common environmental constraints with which legume/rhizobia symbionts must deal in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In some areas, with good management, it has been economically possible to ameliorate the saline soil with calcium. The objective of this study, therefore, was to investigate calcium amelioration of salinity (sodicity) on nitrogen fixation, stomatal resistance, potassium/sodium ratio, and total nitrogen of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Seeds of snapbeans were grown in pots under green house conditions and were irrigated with NaCl concentrations of 0, 0.4, 0.8 or 1.2 S m-1 combined with CaS04 . 2H20 or CaCl2. 2H20 , each at concentrations of 0, 4, and 8 mM . The results show that increasing NaCl concentration decreased leaf water potential, total leaf chlorophyll, shoot and root dry weight, and nitrogen fixation but increased stomatal diffusive resistance. At the highest level of NaCl, addition of CaS04to NaCl increased leaf water potential via increasing stomatal diffusive resistance. Such effects were not observed with the addition of CaCl2 to NaCl. Addition of CaS04 to all levels of NaCl increased total leaf chlorophyll. The shoot and root dry weight and nitrogen fixation was also increased when CaS04 was added to 0.4 and 0.8 S m-1 NaCl. Again, such effects were not observed with the addition of CaCl2 to NaCl. Furthermore, analysis of leaf mineral composition showed that leaf Ca2+ , Mg2+ and K+ were increased with each increase in NaCl concentration, whereas the K+/ Na+ ratio was decreased. Also, the total leaf nitrogen increased with 0.4 and 1.2 S m-1 NaCl as well as with all levels of CaS04. Neither CaS04 nor CaCl2 had any significant effect on leaf K+, Na+, or Mg2+ of the plant when they were added to different levels of NaCl. However, leaf Ca2+ increased with an increase in concentration of CaS04 or CaCl2, but only CaS04 exhibited an interaction when combined with NaCl. Speciation modeling showed that a considerable amount of S04 was complexed as the CaS04° and NaS04- species. In spite of this, CaS04 treatment had ameliorating effect on NaCl induced salinity symptoms in snapbeans.

This thesis describes a series of experiments both in solution systems and soil systems to study the precipitation of calcium carbonate in soils and the effects of the precipitation on soil pH after urea had been applied. (1) A gas bubbling system has been established which introduces ammonia at a steady rate to the reaction solution and keeps it equilibrated at 0.00484 atm partial pressure of carbon dioxide. (2) In a non-seeded system, the effects of calcium, urea, Mg (magnesium), P (phosphate), and DOC (water-dissolved organic matter) on the precipitation were examined individually and in various combinations. Calcite and vaterite were found in the 10 mM CaC1₂ solutions with and without the addition of urea. When the solutions contained Mg, P, and DOC, vaterite was not found. Aragonite was found in the reaction solution containing 5 mM Mg. In high initial concentration of P (5x10^-4 M) , the formation of calcium phosphate (amorphous by X-ray analysis) catalysed the formation of calcite. The effects of urea and Mg on the precipitation are negligible compared with the effects of P and DOC. (3) In a seeded system, 16 sets of experiments with four sizes of calcite-seeds were carried out to study the precipitation rate of calcium carbonate. This was described by the equation LR=-4.113±0.132 + 0.379±0.029 LWA + LSI where LR=log (precipitation rate, PR, in mole litre^-1 min^-1), LWA= log (newly formed calcium carbonate, g ml^-1), and LSI=log (degree of supersaturation of calcium carbonate, SI). (4) A wide range of concentrations of urea (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 M) were added to three soils (Beg., Uni., and VWH) with or without the addition of 5 per cent of calcite (10-15 μm) to establish a rate model for the precipitation of calcium carbonate in soils. The precipitation model (in logarithmic form) in soils is lnPR=-9.47±0.30 + lnK_SOIL + 0.379±0.029 InWA + InSI - 1686±703 P - 6.13±3.02 DOC + 3854±1775 (P DOC) where P and DOC are the concentrations in soil solutions, and lnK_SOIL is the effect of soils on the precipitation, which is - 1.98, 0.43, and -0.10 for Beg., Uni., and VWH soils respectively. The amount of newly formed calcium carbonate is about a third to a half of the amount of ammoniacal-N released by urea hydrolysis. It was able to reduce the increase of soil pH by more than 0.6 pH units in some circumstances.

The effects of altering pH and calcium level during whey protein extrusion were assessed by measuring the protein solubility and WHC of the textured whey protein (TWP). TWP samples were produced by extruding dry mixtures of 2/3 WPC 80 (80% protein) and 1/3 cornstarch using screw speed of 200 rpms, feed rate of 23 g/min, water flow rate of 11 g/min, and product temperature of 150°C. The levels of acid and base were adjusted by adding concentrated HCl or NaOH, respectively, to the water source. Calcium was added to the raw mix in the form of calcium chloride dihydrate before extrusion at levels of 0.4%, 0.88%, and 1.69% calcium per protein (w/w). It was shown that WHC of TWP was increased (p < 0.05) by extrusion with water. WHC was further promoted by extruding with increased levels of base. Solubility of whey protein in water was reduced by extrusion, especially when extruded with added acid or calcium. The practicality of using hydrated TWP in beef patties was determined using sensory, physical, and instrumental analysis. An open consumer panel was conducted on six beef patty samples: 1) 100% beef, 2) 30% TWP extruded with 0.2 M NaOH (TWP0.2MNaOH), 3) 30% TWP extruded with 1.69% calcium (w/w protein) added (TWP1.69%Ca2+), 4) 30% TWP extruded with water (TWPH2O) , 5) 30% TWP extruded with 0.1 M HCl (TWP0.1MHCl), and 6) 30% textured soy protein (TSP). It was found that patties containing 30% TWP0.2MNaoH were equal (p < 0.05) to 100% beef patties in tenderness, juiciness, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability, and well above the scores for patties with 30% TSP. TWP0.2MNaoH was then tested by sensory, physical, and instrumental analysis at three usage levels, 30, 40, and 50%, against 100% beef patties. Patties with up to 40% TWP0.2MNaOH were well accepted (p < 0.05) by consumers, and had higher cook yield, less diameter reduction, and less change in thickness than 100% beef patties. These results suggest great potential for the use of textured whey protein as a meat extender.

It was previously assumed that all kidney stones crystallized as urine passed through the renal tubules and were retained by means of crystal-tubular cell interactions. Recently uroscopy with papillary biopsies has shown 2 different pathways for stone formation, both mediated by calcium phosphate crystals. Kidney transplant has become the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Those benefiting from transplant included patients who would be deemed "high risk," such as those with diabetes mellitus and those older than 70 years. Anatomical changes associated with pregnancy are renal enlargement and dilatation of the calyces, renal pelvis, and ureters. Physiologic changes include a 30% to 50% increase in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow; a mean decrease of 0.5 mg/dL in the creatinine level and a mean decrease of 18 mg/dL in the serum urea nitrogen level; intermittent glycosuria independent of plasma glucose; proteinuria; aminoaciduria; increased uric acid excretion; increased total body water, with osmostat resetting; 50% increase in plasma volume and cardiac output; and increased ureteral peristalsis.

The challenges associated with the welding of high-strength pipeline steels, such as X-80 and X100, are well established. While there are many filler metals that provide either adequate strength or good impact toughness, it is difficult to find products that provide both. Add to that the need for all-position welding and high deposition rates, and the options become almost non-existent. Several years ago, Hobart® Filler Metals began working on a line of flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) consumables that are unique in the welding industry. The products have a basic slag system, but do not operate like traditional EXXXT-5 electrodes. Traditional T-5 electrodes have a low-melting, fluid slag, which makes welding out-of-position especially difficult. They also have a high level of calcium fluoride, which affects the stability of the arc and causes weld spatter. While the weld metal mechanical properties and crack-resistance are excellent, the welder appeal and ease-of-use tend to be sorely lacking in most EXXXT-5 electrodes. The new approach utilizes aluminum for deoxidation, which has the added benefit of very clean weld deposits. The composition has been carefully optimized with appropriate levels of carbon, silicon, nickel and manganese. Alternative fluorine sources are used in place of calcium fluoride, which results in very good welder appeal and all-positional capabilities, including vertical down. The novel use of aluminum in a gas shielded process results in very low oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur content, providing exceptionally clean, tough weld deposits. Although the new products have been produced over a range of strength levels, the primary emphasis of this paper is on E691T5-GC (E101T5-GC) and E831T5-GC (E121T5-GC) electrodes. Testing shows that tensile strength levels ranging from 700–880 MPa (100–128 ksi) can be achieved, with toughness levels of 120 J at −60°C (90 ft-lbs at −76°F) or better. The highly basic slag, combined with low weld metal hydrogen (less than 4 ml/100 gm), provides excellent resistance to cracking. The product can be used in all positions, including vertically down, making it an especially appealing choice for welding high-strength pipe.

Enhanced forest growth may respond to demand of woody resources and contribute to the climate change mitigation. Forest soil treatment with fertilizers, as well as drainage and thinning enhance forest growth. The analysis of needles is an established method in forest science to identify the nutrient status in the forest stand and need for forest soil enrichment with fertilizers. The aim of this research is to estimate the efficiency of forest soil enrichment with wood ash and ammonium nitrate in order to eliminate nutrient deficiency in forest stands. Forest soil was enriched with wood ash fertilizer or ammonium nitrate in 2016–2017. The current year needles were collected from fertilized and control plots, from three trees in each plot. The samples were collected in the period 2018–2019. Total nitrogen (g kg-1), calcium (g kg-1), magnesium (g kg-1), and potassium (g kg-1) were analyzed in the collected samples. The chemical properties of collected needles were compared at the individual object level to estimate the impact of fertilizer on forest stand. A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of potassium and phosphorus was detected in some plots treated with wood ash and ammonium nitrate. In addition, a correlation analysis conducted between the variables of chemical properties of needles and soil showed few significant correlations between nutrient content in needles and in soil samples.

Pesticides are used in intensive farming to help fight plant pests and diseases (insecticides, fungicides), kill weeds (herbicides), as well as accelerate the growth of seeds (defoliants), but until 1992 pesticides were kept in improperly equipped warehouses, there was no maintenance or accounting of the pesticides. Consequently, the environment of the warehouse was often polluted. Such sources of pollution are hazardous to the environment. Economic activities in the area have been carried out from 1980 to 1994. Various agricultural chemicals have been stored and used there. Later, in 1997, chemicals (fertilizers and plant protection chemicals) stored in the territory of the warehouse have been collected and removed from the territory. During the inventory of 2009, no chemical substances were found in the territory. In 2010, an investigation carried out in the territory of the pesticide warehouse revealed unacceptable levels of pollution in the soil and the groundwater by pesticides and other toxic and neutral chemicals. In 2012, the polluted territory was cleaned eliminating the remains of buildings, and removing the soil polluted by the pesticides. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the territory of the former pesticide warehouse in Kaunas District Municipality, Bubių Village on the groundwater during the period from 2012 to 2016. The results have shown that the groundwater is mostly polluted with nitrogen compounds, as well as the tendency in increase of chlorides, sodium, and calcium. Minimum and unchanging concentrations of the pesticides (DDD, DDE, DDT) were determined throughout the investigation.

Under sponsorship of the Morgantown Energy Technology Center of the Department of Energy, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Avco Research Laboratory/Textron (ARL) are developing a direct coal-fired 80-MW combustion turbine. This is to be an element in a 207-MW direct coal-fired combustion turbine combined cycle, comprising another combustion turbine, a heat-recovery steam generator, and a steam turbine. Following conceptual and economic studies, the first experimental task has been to develop a direct coal-fired slagging combustor in small scale. A year’s testing with this unit has now been accomplished. It is thus possible to discuss experimental results in the areas of slag management, general combustor operability, coal fuel feed, heat loss, pressure loss, combustion efficiency, and emissions. Westinghouse and ARL selected the slagging combustor for use in this program because of its unique ability to accept inexpensive standard utility-type coal without sending excessive pollutants and particulates to the expander-turbine. It accomplishes this by burning the coal at a temperature high enough to melt the ash, and then removing the molten slag with an impact separator. This combustor is also of the rich-lean type, which allows it to emit very low levels of NOx. Sulfur oxides are controlled through injection of a sorbent which combines with gaseous forms of sulfur in the rich zone, and then takes them out with the slag. The plan in this program is to develop the slagging combustor in small scale at 12 million Btu/h (12.66 million kJ/h) heat input, 6 atmospheres pressure, and then move to design and verification testing of a full-scale 70 million Btu/h (73.85 million kJ/h), 14-atmosphere unit. It is with the smaller burner that this paper is concerned. During this period, coals have been fed into the 6-atm combustor exclusively in the dry-pulverized form with air as the carrier gas. To date, high- and low-sulfur eastern bituminous, and low-sulfur western subbituminous coals have been evaluated, with, and without sorbents, which have included various calcium and iron containing minerals. Coal samples have been of the 200 mesh size, and have not been beneficiated. Combustor operation has been efficient and repeatable and slag flow has been symmetrical and manageable. Slag removal has been greater than 90 percent and carbon burnout has been greater than 99 percent. Nitrogen oxide emissions meet the goals of EPA’s NSPS for coal-fired plants. Current tests are focused on the goal of 90 percent sulfur removal. Although some results are available, various sorbents and injection techniques continue under test.

Lake Arakhley is located within the Lake Baikal basin in Eastern Siberia, Russia. The area is characterized by continental subarctic climate with considerate diurnal temperature range, long cold dry winters and short hot summers with more precipitation occurring during the latter half of the summer. Climatic shifts in high water years and low water years result in morphometric changes in the lake and in the chemical and physical parameters of the ecosystem. During low water years, concentrations of ammonium nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen are decreased, whereas nitrate concentration increases. High water years feature average concentrations of ammonium ions 1.5–2 times higher than the values of recent dry years. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of abiotic factors and biotic community indicated that the community structure shows the greatest correlation with physical and chemical parameters of water and biogenic elements (nitrites, ammonium, phosphates) along the first axis, and with the lake depth and transparency along the second axis. Changes in abiotic factors induce functioning and formation of characteristic communities of the primary producers in the trophic structure of the ecosystem. During low water years, with increased level of autochthonous organic matter, Lindavia comta dominance is observed, while during high water years, with increased allochthonous organic matter Asterionella formosa appeared as dominant. Currently, during low water years, the hydrophytes community is monodominant and composed of Ceratophyllum demersum. Meanwhile, such species indicating eutrophic conditions as Myriophyllum sibiricum, Potamogeton pectinatus are found in the lake vegetation.

In this report the current air quality in Finland has been assessed with air quality measurement data and satellite observations. The assessment of ambient air concentrations included following air impurities: NO2, NOx, PM10, PM2,5, SO2, CO, O3, benzo(a)pyrene, benzene, Pb, As, Cd ja Ni. For these pollutants air quality assessment thresholds are given in air quality legislation (2008/50/EY, 2004/107/EY). Assessment has been performed for air quality zones. The main data set included air quality measurements performed in Finland during 2015–2019. Satellite observations were used as an objective assessment tool in analysis of the spatial variation of NO2 and CO concentrations. Air quality measurements show that air quality has improved in Finland in many respects. Especially the need to monitor NO2 and PM10 with continuous measurements has decreased. Growing understanding of national benzo(a)pyrene concentrations has increased the monitoring needs. Efforts to decrease ozone levels still requires international actions. SO2, CO, benzene and heavy metal concentrations are on a low level in Finland outside industrial areas and other assessment methods than continuous monitoring can be used, and the number of continuous monitoring sites has already decreased. Satellite-based concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide as well as their spatial variation in Finland were analyzed using observations from the TROPOsperic Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI). The analysis of CO over Finland was carried out for the first time in this project. Results show that overall annual CO concentrations over Finland are low and spatial variability is small. Also, NO2 concentrations over Finland are rather low, but spatial patterns are more clearly visible. The highest NO2 concentrations are observed over the largest cities. By establishing a relationship between ground-based and satellite total column concentrations, surface concentrations of NO2 and CO were estimated from the satellite data for the zones. The satellite-based estimate for annual NO2 surface concentration over Helsinki metropolitan area is 28 μg/m3, and for the rest of Finland mostly between 10–15 μg/m3. For CO the differences between monitoring areas are small, with estimates varying between 160–164 μg/m3 or in other words about 0,16 mg/m3.