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Agronomy
Volume 16
Issue 8
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Agronomy, Volume 16, Issue 8 (April-2 2026) – 76 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Reducing chemical fertilizer is key for sustainable farming, but maintaining yield and soil health remains a challenge. A three‑year vegetable rotation study in southeast Spain tested whether cutting mineral fertilizer by up to 50%—alone or with beneficial microbes—could keep crops productive and improve soil indicators. Potato, broccoli, and melon yields remained stable across all treatments. Reduced fertilization also lowered production costs by about 9%. Adding microbes slightly improved tuber firmness and altered some soil nutrients (e.g., a 217% rise in ammonium) without affecting profits. These findings suggest that combining lower fertilizer rates with microbial inoculants can support economically viable, more sustainable vegetable production in Mediterranean systems. View this paper
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20 pages, 1941 KB  
Article
Field Evidence of Commercial Mycorrhizal Inoculum Mix Effects on Rhizosphere Microbiome and Lettuce Performance
by Borbála Kuchár, Ákos Juhász, János Balogh, Sándor Takács, Attila Ombódi and Katalin Posta
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080844 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely applied as bioinoculants to enhance crop performance, yet their broader ecological effects on rhizosphere microbial assembly under field conditions remain insufficiently understood. Here, we evaluated the impact of a commercial AMF inoculant and its carrier material on [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely applied as bioinoculants to enhance crop performance, yet their broader ecological effects on rhizosphere microbial assembly under field conditions remain insufficiently understood. Here, we evaluated the impact of a commercial AMF inoculant and its carrier material on lettuce performance and rhizosphere microbial communities in an open-field experiment. We hypothesized that both viable AMF propagules and formulation components contribute to shifts in rhizosphere processes. Active AMF inoculation significantly increased root colonization and fresh biomass at harvest, confirming successful establishment and enhanced plant performance under field conditions. Colonization levels in the heat-inactivated carrier treatment were comparable to the non-inoculated control, indicating that the carrier did not inhibit indigenous AMF activity or induce nutrient-mediated suppression of symbiosis. Plant physiological responses were stage-dependent, supporting the context-dependent nature of AMF effects in dynamic field environments. High-throughput sequencing revealed no significant treatment effects on bacterial or fungal alpha diversity. However, beta-diversity analyses demonstrated significant compositional restructuring of rhizosphere communities, particularly within the bacterial domain. A stable core microbiome persisted across treatments, yet relative abundances and community evenness were altered by both active inoculation and carrier application. These results suggest that AMF inoculation reorganizes microbial community structure predominantly via shifts in ecological niche occupation. Collectively, our results show that AMF inoculation functions not only as a symbiotic nutrient-acquisition strategy but also as a driver of rhizosphere microbial reorganization under field conditions. Integrating plant performance with microbiome dynamics provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding and optimizing microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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24 pages, 6350 KB  
Article
Bioactive Gum Arabic Enriched with Carvacrol or Caffeine Coatings Improve Antioxidant Capacity and Marketability of ‘Murcott’ Mandarins During Cold Storage
by Ahmed F. Abd El-Khalek, Ashraf M. S. Tubeileh, Gehan A. Mahmoud, Basma S. Salama, Nahed M. Rashed, Saleh M. Alturki, Alaa S. Alharbi, Amal A. Matar, Mostafa Y. Nassar and Mohamed S. Gawish
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080843 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 728
Abstract
Gum arabic (GA)-based edible coatings enriched with natural bioactive compounds offer a promising strategy for reducing postharvest losses and maintaining fruit quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of GA coatings supplemented with carvacrol or caffeine in preserving the physicochemical quality, antioxidant status, and [...] Read more.
Gum arabic (GA)-based edible coatings enriched with natural bioactive compounds offer a promising strategy for reducing postharvest losses and maintaining fruit quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of GA coatings supplemented with carvacrol or caffeine in preserving the physicochemical quality, antioxidant status, and marketability of ‘Murcott’ mandarins during cold storage (5 ± 1 °C, 90–95% RH) for 60 days followed by 4 days of shelf life. Fruits were treated with distilled water (control), GA (10%), GA + imazalil (2000 ppm), GA + carvacrol (200 ppm), and GA + caffeine (200 ppm). Key quality parameters, including weight loss, decay incidence, firmness, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), were evaluated. The results demonstrated that GA-based coatings, particularly GA + carvacrol, significantly reduced weight loss and decay while maintaining firmness and visual quality compared to the control. Coated fruits exhibited lower electrolyte leakage and MDA levels, indicating improved membrane integrity and reduced lipid peroxidation. In addition, the treatments enhanced antioxidant capacity, as reflected by increased phenolic and flavonoid contents and higher CAT and POX activities. Multivariate analysis further confirmed the strong association between coating treatments and improved quality attributes. In conclusion, GA coatings enriched with carvacrol or caffeine effectively improved postharvest quality and extended the shelf life of ‘Murcott’ mandarins, highlighting their potential as safe and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional postharvest treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology and Postharvest Management Strategies to Improve the Quality and Shelf-Life of Horticultural Products)
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14 pages, 2065 KB  
Article
Nitrogen Form Regulates Aluminum Partitioning and Physiological Responses in Young Highbush Blueberry Plants Grown in Acidic Volcanic Soil
by Pamela Artacho, Paulina Fernández, María Ignacia Arias and Claudia Bonomelli
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080842 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 668
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) toxicity constrains plant performance in acidic volcanic soils, yet nitrogen (N) fertilization may influence Al availability and plant responses. This study evaluated the effects of N source and rate under contrasting soil liming conditions on vegetative growth, mineral nutrition, and physiological [...] Read more.
Aluminum (Al) toxicity constrains plant performance in acidic volcanic soils, yet nitrogen (N) fertilization may influence Al availability and plant responses. This study evaluated the effects of N source and rate under contrasting soil liming conditions on vegetative growth, mineral nutrition, and physiological performance of non-bearing northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Blue Ribbon®) plants. A split–split-plot experiment was conducted in southern Chile using urea or potassium nitrate applied at 0, 20, or 40 kg N ha−1 to plants grown in unlimed soil or soil amended with calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide. Vegetative growth, tissue mineral composition, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf chlorophyll were monitored during the first season. Growth responded primarily to soil liming rather than N supply, indicating low N demand and substantial soil N mineralization under the experimental conditions. Foliar N increased from 1.36 to 1.70% with increasing N rates. Urea nutrition reduced foliar Al concentration by 12% compared with nitrate. Under unlimed conditions, representing maximal soil Al availability, urea fertilization was associated with 70% higher Al retention in roots relative to nitrate. Chlorophyll content was consistently higher under urea supply, while the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II remained unaffected. These findings indicate that N form influences plant Al partitioning independently of growth responses. Although the underlying mechanisms were not directly assessed, the observed patterns suggest that urea fertilization may reduce Al translocation to shoots under conditions of high Al availability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Anatomical Responses of Crops to Environmental Factors)
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23 pages, 354 KB  
Article
Impact of Nitrogen and Sulphur Fertilisation on Phosphorus and Silicon Content and Uptake by Biomass of Spring Wheat
by Hanna Klikocka, Anna Podleśna and Janusz Podleśny
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080841 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 665
Abstract
Nitrogen and sulphur are among the most important plant nutrients (along with C, H, and O) and the main elements comprising the organic substance of plants. In this study, it is assumed that light soils (Cambisols) do not naturally meet the nitrogen and [...] Read more.
Nitrogen and sulphur are among the most important plant nutrients (along with C, H, and O) and the main elements comprising the organic substance of plants. In this study, it is assumed that light soils (Cambisols) do not naturally meet the nitrogen and sulphur needs of spring wheat and, consequently, impact the phosphorus and silicon content in the plant biomass. Therefore, to determine the effect of N and S on the content and uptake of these elements at specific growth stages (BBCH 30–31: in leaves, BBCH 55–59: in whole plants, BBCH 89–90: in grain and straw), a three-year field experiment was conducted using different doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1) and sulphur (0, 50 kg ha−1). The results show that fertilisation with N and S had a significant effect on increasing the content and uptake of P and Si by phytomass in the phenostages studied. In general, as the N fertilisation dose increased, the yields of phytomass and grain increased. A beneficial effect of S on increases in green weight, straw, and spring wheat grain was found. A significant effect of N and S fertilisation on the growth of the Si:P ratio in individual parts of plants in the studied stages was also observed. A significant positive correlation between P and Si content was proven, indicating that the two elements do not act antagonistically towards each other. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the P content in plants and their Si uptake. Si is taken up more strongly by plants under conditions of N and S fertilisation, as evidenced by the increase in the Si:P ratio and the fact that plants accumulated on average 3.5 times more Si than P. The highest Si content was found in the green parts of plants in the BBCH 30–31 and BBCH 55–59 stages, while in BBCH 89–92, straw had nearly half that amount and grain contained a thousand times less silicon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phosphorus–Silicon Crosstalk in Plants: Enhancing Nutrient Efficiency and Alleviating Stress)
23 pages, 2606 KB  
Article
Subsoiling with Liquid Manure Injection Enhances Soil Carbon Retention, Soil Quality, and Yield Sustainability in a Wheat–Maize System in the North China Plain: Results of a 2-Year Field Experiment
by Yuanfeng Hao, Xuebai Guo, Yifan Zhang, Hongjuan Lu, Jian Zhang, Shuo Li, Guanglan Di, Xiaohui Chen and Yunhua Zhang
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080840 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 611
Abstract
Optimizing tillage and fertilization practices is of vital importance for enhancing soil carbon retention, improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity in the intensive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping system (WM). However, the combined effects of subsoiling [...] Read more.
Optimizing tillage and fertilization practices is of vital importance for enhancing soil carbon retention, improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity in the intensive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping system (WM). However, the combined effects of subsoiling (ST) and liquid manure (LM) application on yield sustainability and the dynamic changes in labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions (LOCs) remain insufficiently quantified in WM in the North China Plain (NCP). A two-year field experiment evaluated the responses of grain yields, the sustainable yield index (SYI), soil organic carbon (SOC), LOCs, C pool management indexes (CPMIs), and the soil quality index (SQI) to both patterns of tillage [conventional shallow rotary tillage (RT) and ST] and fertilization [conventional fertilization (CF), LM broadcast (LMB), and LM injection (LMI)] in WM in the NCP. Compared with RT, ST significantly enhanced crop grain yields (3.5~4.1%) and the annual SYI (4.1%) (p < 0.05). The contents of SOC, total labile OC (TLOC), high LOC (HLOC), and medium LOC (MLOC) and the values of SQI were higher in soil layers at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm under ST than those under RT. Compared with CF, LMI significantly enhanced grain yields (5.8~6.1%) and the annual SYI (5.4%). LMI significantly increased the contents of SOC, TLOC, HLOC, and MLOC and the SQI values in both soil layers relative to CF, while no significant difference was observed for grain yields, the annual SYI, and the SQI between LMB and CF. The higher contents of SOC and LOC led to an increase in the values of CPMIs based on TLOC (TCPMI), HLOC (HCPMI), and MLOC (MCPMI). The combination of both ST and LMI enhanced SOC retention through the increase in recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC) content and the transformation process of LOCs. It was obvious that HLOC and MLOC affected SOC, HCPMI, and MCPMI in the soil layers at both 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, and thus can be regarded as sensitive indicators reflecting the dynamic changes in SOC and soil quality. Therefore, the combination of subsoiling and liquid manure injection can promote labile OC transformation, SOC retention, soil quality, and yield sustainability, providing an effective management strategy for the achievement of sustained agricultural production in the NCP or other regions with similar conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
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17 pages, 8622 KB  
Article
Biochemical Signatures Linked to Rice Blast Severity Under Acibenzolar-S-Methyl, Jasmonic Acid and Combined Treatments in Upland Rice
by Eugenio Miranda Sperandio, Helson Mario Martins do Vale, Marcio Vinícius de Carvalho Barros Cortes and Marta Cristina Corsi de Filippi
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080839 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 515
Abstract
Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), a salicylic acid (SA) analog, and jasmonic acid (JA) are chemical inducers of plant defenses, yet crosstalk between SA- and JA-associated pathways may result in antagonistic outcomes. Here, we assessed how ASM and JA, applied alone or in combination, are associated [...] Read more.
Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), a salicylic acid (SA) analog, and jasmonic acid (JA) are chemical inducers of plant defenses, yet crosstalk between SA- and JA-associated pathways may result in antagonistic outcomes. Here, we assessed how ASM and JA, applied alone or in combination, are associated with rice blast severity and defense-related responses in an upland rice cultivar. Plants of rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. Primavera) were treated with JA, ASM or JA + ASM and subsequently challenged with Magnaporthe oryzae. ASM treatment was associated with reduced leaf blast severity (LBS), whereas JA treatment was associated with increased LBS. Antagonistic outcomes were observed in the combined treatment: LBS in JA + ASM plants was higher than in ASM-treated plants but lower than in JA-treated plants. Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was induced by JA and positively correlated with LBS, indicating that higher LOX activity aligned with greater susceptibility under the tested conditions. In contrast, ASM-treated plants showed higher peroxidase (POX) activity, which was associated with lower LBS. Disease outcomes were also linked to secondary defense metabolism and phenylpropanoid-related components, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), salicylic acid (SA) and phenolic compounds (PC). Overall, these results provide an integrated biochemical profile of how ASM, JA and their combination are associated with contrasting blast outcomes in upland rice, consistent with antagonistic interactions between JA- and SA-associated defense responses. These findings may inform the use of defense inducers and the interpretation of defense markers in upland rice systems where blast management is a major constraint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
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19 pages, 1841 KB  
Article
Initial Soil Organic Carbon Level Governs Contrasting Carbon Responses to Fresh-Straw Input in Long-Term Straw-Returned Soils
by Yonghua Li, Xidan Zhang, Jiaqiao Luo and Peng Ning
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080838 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 522
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) responses to straw return are strongly influenced by active carbon dynamics and extracellular enzyme responses, yet how these processes vary with initial SOC status and long-term straw-return history remains unclear. To address this question, we conducted a controlled incubation [...] Read more.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) responses to straw return are strongly influenced by active carbon dynamics and extracellular enzyme responses, yet how these processes vary with initial SOC status and long-term straw-return history remains unclear. To address this question, we conducted a controlled incubation experiment using soils from long-term straw removal (CK) and straw return (SR) plots at two sites with contrasting SOC levels: a carbon-poor fluvo-aquic soil in Quzhou (QZ) and a carbon-rich black soil in Gongzhuling (GZL). Three fresh-straw input levels were imposed, and CO2 release, SOC, labile C and N pools, extracellular enzyme activities, and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry were determined. Fresh-straw input markedly stimulated carbon mineralization in both soils, but SOC responses differed substantially. In QZ, SOC increased 12.1–15.7% at day 7 (vs. T0) and remained 6.7–12.1% above the control at day 90 under the long-term straw-return background. In contrast, GZL showed only minor early SOC responses, and doubled straw input reduced SOC 4.9–9.5% at day 90 despite a stronger dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pulse and greater cumulative CO2 release. Enzyme responses also differed between soils: higher straw input in QZ enhanced β-cellobiohydrolase (CBH), β-xylosidase (BX), and especially L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), accompanied by lower ecoenzymatic C:P and higher vector angle, whereas GZL showed later activation of CBH, BX, and NAG with only slight changes in vector angle. Overall, our results indicate that initial SOC status and long-term straw-return history jointly regulate whether fresh-straw input promotes net SOC accumulation or enhanced mineralization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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22 pages, 943 KB  
Article
Substrate-Dependent Responses of Radish to Anaerobically Fermented Furcellaria lumbricalis Biostimulant Under Reduced Mineral Fertilization
by Ilze Vircava, Inese Skapste, Kristiana Skutele, Uldis Žaimis and Gunta Grinberga-Zalite
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080837 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 535
Abstract
Modern agriculture is increasingly reliant on imported fertilizers and subject to price volatility, compounded by environmental pressures arising from the overuse of synthetic fertilizers. This study assessed the impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis algal biostimulant, produced by anaerobic fermentation, on dry matter yield and [...] Read more.
Modern agriculture is increasingly reliant on imported fertilizers and subject to price volatility, compounded by environmental pressures arising from the overuse of synthetic fertilizers. This study assessed the impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis algal biostimulant, produced by anaerobic fermentation, on dry matter yield and plant development indicators of garden radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) in five soil substrate types. Biostimulant doses aimed at reducing mineral fertilizer application to 75% of the full rate while maintaining or improving yield were evaluated; yet no statistically significant effect on dry matter yield was observed, and the hypothesis was therefore not statistically confirmed. The experiment included five substrate types (sandy clay, sandy clay with organic matter, sand, sand with organic matter, and peat) and six fertilizer/biostimulant treatments, including 75% mineral fertilizer combined with 3%, 6%, and 12% algal biostimulant concentrations. Linear mixed models showed that substrate type (F = 19.58; p < 0.001) and fertilizer variant (F = 5.00; p < 0.001) had statistically significant effects on total dry matter yield, but their interaction was not statistically significant. All 75% and 100% mineral fertilizer variants with and without biostimulant produced statistically significantly higher yields than the unfertilized control (p = 0.0016–0.0337). The leaf development indicator (AtLeaf) index was statistically significantly higher in all biostimulant variants compared to the unfertilized control. Principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that substrate type determines the primary structure of the substrate–plant system, while biostimulant effects were expressed as modulation of existing processes within the substrates. The results indicate substrate-specific responses to Baltic Sea algal Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate with statistically significant effect observed only in peat, consistent with previous findings, while no significant effects were detected in other substrates. Although the effects of the biostimulant on dry matter yield were not consistently statistically significant, the observed trends in plant development indicators and substrate–plant system responses suggest that Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate may have potential as a nutrient recycling component within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies for Enhancing Soil Health and Food Quality)
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16 pages, 16919 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profiling of the HvLEA Family Genes Under Salt Stress, and Prediction of Their Protein–Protein Interaction Networks in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
by Yiru Mao, Nan Li, Duo Zhao, Lufei Li, Ye Yang, Ao Qian, Jiaying Wang, Xuqi Zheng, Yi Hong, Chao Lv, Baojian Guo, Feifei Wang, Rugen Xu and Juan Zhu
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080836 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Salt stress is a major abiotic factor that significantly limits crop yields worldwide. Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, which are widely present across diverse organisms, play critical and multifaceted roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. However, only a few salt tolerance-related HvLEA [...] Read more.
Salt stress is a major abiotic factor that significantly limits crop yields worldwide. Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, which are widely present across diverse organisms, play critical and multifaceted roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. However, only a few salt tolerance-related HvLEA genes have been identified in barley. In this study, we characterized 107 HvLEA proteins in barley, which were classified into eight groups and found to be distributed across all seven chromosomes. RNA-Seq analysis of root and leaf tissues from the cultivar “Golden Promise” at 12, 48, and 120 h after salt stress treatment identified 69 differentially expressed HvLEA genes across both tissues. Among these, 41 HvLEA genes were commonly differentially expressed in leaves and roots. Six genes (HvDHN2, HvDHN5, HvDHN10, HvLEA1.1, HvLEA1.6, and HvSMP2) were extremely up-regulated after salt stress in both roots and leaves, with log2FC values exceeding 10, indicating their potential key roles in salt stress response. qPCR validation of selected genes confirmed expression trends consistent with the RNA-Seq data. Database predictions and co-expression network analysis suggested that, in addition to potential protein interactions within the same family, these genes may interact with partners such as cysteine-rich receptor kinases, zinc finger proteins, calcium-binding EF-hand family proteins, NAC domain-containing proteins, and glycosyltransferases. This study identified key HvLEA genes involved in salt stress response and provided valuable genetic resources for improving barley tolerance through molecular breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Network of Crop to Environmental Stress: Genetic and Biochemical Characterization)
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16 pages, 6023 KB  
Article
The Effect of Litter Addition on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions with Intensified Grassland Degradation
by Shitong Wei, Chunying Fan, Junqi Zuo, Lingfeng Rui, Jianan Li, Wenjing Tang and Pingting Guan
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080835 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 792
Abstract
Litter decomposition plays a critical role in the formation and turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. However, the effects of litter on SOC dynamics across grassland degradation remain poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the responses [...] Read more.
Litter decomposition plays a critical role in the formation and turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. However, the effects of litter on SOC dynamics across grassland degradation remain poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the responses of SOC and its fractions, including particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), to litter decomposition in lightly, moderately, and highly degraded grasslands. A 240-day incubation experiment using Leymus chinensis litter incubated on day 0, 23, 60, and 240 was conducted to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors regulating SOC stability. Grassland degradation significantly reduced POC and MAOC concentrations; moreover, litter addition in degraded grasslands further reduced SOC. In the lightly and moderately degraded grasslands, litter addition modulated POC and MAOC via both microbial and physicochemical pathways. In the highly degraded grasslands, litter addition influenced POC and MAOC not only indirectly through microbial and physicochemical pathways but also directly by promoting MAOC formation. Overall, although litter decomposition altered SOC and its fractions, its effects were constrained by the degree of grassland degradation. These findings indicate that restoration strategies should prioritize enhancing microbial biomass and activity in lightly and moderately degraded grasslands while increasing litter inputs in highly degraded grasslands to improve soil carbon sequestration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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22 pages, 19706 KB  
Article
Future Scenario-Based Planning for the Food–Water–Land–Ecosystem Nexus in Dryland Agricultural Landscapes of Central Asia
by Mingjie Shi, Wenjiao Shi, Hongtao Jia, Gongxin Wang, Qiuxiang Tang, Tong Dong, Yang Wang, Xuelin Zhou, Xin Fan, Panxing He, Ping’an Jiang and Hongqi Wu
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080834 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 662
Abstract
Analyzing the dominant drivers of the Food-Water-Land-Ecosystem (FWLE) nexus in the future is important for improving sustainable development in dryland ecosystems. However, the future trajectories of food–water–land–ecosystem interactions in typical drought-prone regions remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study coupled the [...] Read more.
Analyzing the dominant drivers of the Food-Water-Land-Ecosystem (FWLE) nexus in the future is important for improving sustainable development in dryland ecosystems. However, the future trajectories of food–water–land–ecosystem interactions in typical drought-prone regions remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study coupled the Gray Multi-Objective Programming with Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (GMOP-PLUS) model and applied spatial analysis methods (including longitudinal and zonal statistical analysis, trade-off synergy analysis, and redundancy analysis) to examine the spatiotemporal differentiation patterns of the FWLE nexus in Xinjiang under different development scenarios. Over the past two decades, water yield in Xinjiang’s agricultural landscapes has declined by 57.4%, primarily due to land-use and land-cover changes. Under the 2030 sustainable development scenario, a custom optimization developed via the GMOP model that balances economic and ecological objectives, crop production and habitat quality are projected to increase by 47.9% and 55.1%, respectively. Moreover, redundancy analysis results indicate that the driving contribution of precipitation on the FWLE nexus is expected to reach 76.9% by 2030. These findings provide a clear delineation of priority spatial units for improvement within Xinjiang agro-ecosystem and offer a strategic pathway for balancing ecological conservation and economic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water-Carbon Processes and Management in Agronomic and Agroforestry Systems)
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17 pages, 1706 KB  
Article
Comparisons of Soil C–N Pools and Microbial Communities Among Saline–Alkali, Straw-Returning, and Conventional Farmlands in the Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation District, China
by Huirong Zhang, Tianyi Chen, Chuhan Yang, Xuantong Zheng, Man Wang, Taotao Zhan, Xuxin Ding, Ping Wang, Qingqian Yao, Fang Wang and Jinpeng Liu
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080833 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 604
Abstract
The Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation District in China has long been influenced by flood irrigation and intensive fertilizer input under its particular geological and climatic constraints, and this region is characterized by low soil organic matter, poor nutrient status, low permeability, high pH, [...] Read more.
The Ningxia Yellow River Irrigation District in China has long been influenced by flood irrigation and intensive fertilizer input under its particular geological and climatic constraints, and this region is characterized by low soil organic matter, poor nutrient status, low permeability, high pH, and widespread salinization. This cross-sectional field study compared the soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities among saline–alkali soil (SAS), straw-returning farmland (SR), and traditionally managed farmland (FM). EC was higher in SAS (approximately 4.21 dS·m−1) than in SR and FM (approximately 0.23 and 0.30 dS·m−1, respectively), whereas TOC and C/N were higher in SR (approximately 1.00% and 10.58, respectively) than in FM (approximately 0.78% and 8.69) and SAS (approximately 0.43% and 8.81). Bacterial and fungal communities showed different distribution patterns among the three farmland types. Compared with fungi, bacterial community structure and richness varied more clearly across soils differing in salinity and organic matter status. Variations in microbial community composition were accompanied by differences in soil salinity and carbon- and nitrogen-related properties. Acidobacteriota was positively correlated with soil carbon and nitrogen variables and negatively correlated with pH and EC, while Ascomycota was positively correlated with total carbon (TC) and TOC. These results show that straw-returning farmland differed from saline–alkali soil and traditionally managed farmland in both soil properties and microbial community characteristics, highlighting potential soil–microbe associations in saline-affected agricultural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Farmland Soil)
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19 pages, 2463 KB  
Article
QTL Mapping of Grain Quality Traits in Bread Wheat Using the Avalon × Cadenza Double Haploid Mapping Population Across Three Contrasting Regions of Kazakhstan
by Akerke Amalova, Simon Griffiths, Aigul Abugalieva, Saule Abugalieva and Yerlan Turuspekov
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080832 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Grain quality in bread wheat is a complex trait determined by multiple genetic factors and their interaction with environmental conditions. This study investigated the genetic architecture of key grain quality traits in the Avalon × Cadenza double haploid (DH) population under contrasting climatic [...] Read more.
Grain quality in bread wheat is a complex trait determined by multiple genetic factors and their interaction with environmental conditions. This study investigated the genetic architecture of key grain quality traits in the Avalon × Cadenza double haploid (DH) population under contrasting climatic conditions in Kazakhstan. A set of 101 spring-type DH lines was evaluated over three years in three major wheat-growing regions of Kazakhstan, representing northern, central, and southern environments. Grain yield and nine grain quality traits were assessed, including amylose content (Amc, %), test weight per liter (TWL, g/L), grain protein content (GPC, %), gliadin content (Gli, %), glutenin content (Glu, %), grain hardness (GH, %), grain vitreousness (GV, %), falling number (FN, s), and sedimentation value determined in a 2% acetic acid solution (SV, mL). The objectives were to characterize phenotypic variation, examine trait relationships, and identify major and environmentally stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain quality. QTL mapping identified 89 QTLs associated with the nine studied traits, including 82 major QTLs explaining more than 10% of phenotypic variation and 16 stable QTLs detected in two or more environments. The largest numbers of QTLs were found for GPC, SV, and TWL. Stable QTLs were distributed across all three wheat genomes, with important regions detected on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 6A, and 7D. Several stable QTLs co-localized with genomic regions previously associated with grain quality and developmental regulation, including loci near Wx-B1, Rht-D1, and Ppd-D1, suggesting biologically meaningful links among gluten composition, starch biosynthesis, plant development, and grain physical properties. These results improve understanding of the genetic control of wheat grain quality across diverse environments in Kazakhstan and provide promising targets for marker-assisted selection to combine improved end-use quality with wide environmental adaptation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Phenotype to Gene: A Holistic Approach to Improving Crop Agronomic Traits)
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24 pages, 4808 KB  
Article
A Case Study on Assessing the Potential Contribution of Agrivoltaics System to Vegetable Production and Economic Benefit in the Mountainous Island Ovalau in Fiji
by Sumin Kim, Sung Yoon and Sojung Kim
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080831 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Fiji, with its many islands and mountainous terrain, has only about 11% of its total land area (2000 km2) suitable for cultivation. Therefore, it aims to meet both energy and food production simultaneously through agricultural photovoltaic (APV) systems. This study proposed [...] Read more.
Fiji, with its many islands and mountainous terrain, has only about 11% of its total land area (2000 km2) suitable for cultivation. Therefore, it aims to meet both energy and food production simultaneously through agricultural photovoltaic (APV) systems. This study proposed an optimal agricultural management of APV system to increase farm income and solve the problem of low vegetable production. The practice is planned based on the data from farmer surveys, field study, simulation analysis, and agricultural market analysis. Firstly, a farmer survey was conducted to gather data on the agricultural activities and income of local farmers. Based on the survey results, field studies with various vegetables were conducted in an APV system. In simulation, yields of lettuce, taro, long bean, and cucumber were estimated in the APV system with different cropping management techniques (planting schedule and plant density). With the average yields of lettuce, taro, long bean, and cucumber at highest plant densities being (72.4, 71.1, 3.9, and 10.8) Mg/ha, respectively, according to economic analysis, the highest gross margin was achieved in taro in the APV system. This study shows that the APV system can increase farmers’ annual household income by 1.19 to 1.38%, which represents a meaningful absolute gain given the low average income levels identified in the farm survey. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)
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15 pages, 1893 KB  
Article
Metabolic and Ionomic Responses of Different Crops to Phosphorus Fertilizers Containing Potentially Toxic Elements Under Soil with and Without Liming
by Mariana Rocha de Carvalho, Valdelice Oliveira Lacerda, Aline Aparecida Silva Pereira, Thiago Adorno de Almeida, Gustavo Avelar Zorgdrager Van Opbergen, Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro Marchiori and Luiz Roberto Guimarães Guilherme
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080830 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 810
Abstract
The occurrence and concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in fertilizers are a concern in tropical regions, and soil properties affect their bioavailability for crops. Cadmium is the most easily bioavailable for plants and so the food chain, and it represents a stepping-stone [...] Read more.
The occurrence and concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in fertilizers are a concern in tropical regions, and soil properties affect their bioavailability for crops. Cadmium is the most easily bioavailable for plants and so the food chain, and it represents a stepping-stone toward safe food production. So, this study aimed to evaluate the ionomics, metabolism, and growth of potato, tobacco, and rice in response to liming and to monoammonium phosphates (MAP) from different geographic origins and PTE contents (MAP 1, MAP 2, MAP 3). For this, independent experiments were conducted with each crop using MAP fertilizers as a phosphorus source applied to a Red-Yellow Latosol, with and without liming. Our findings indicated that physiological changes were primarily influenced by liming rather than PTE. Most acidic soils negatively impacted plant growth and sugar content and induced metabolic adjustments related to proline. The higher level of Cd in MAP 3 reduced manganese and zinc and increased sugar in plant shoots. Rice also had a lower Cd bioaccumulation than potato and tobacco, followed by a higher tolerance to acidic soil. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Cr present in fertilizers did not impair the growth and life cycle of the evaluated plants; however, metabolic adjustments were observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Agricultural Strategies: Win–Win Solutions for Climate Change Challenges)
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27 pages, 10161 KB  
Article
The Impact of Climate Change on the Suitability of Rainfed Crops in the Near East
by Chafik Abdallah and Hadi Jaafar
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080829 - 18 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 771
Abstract
Climate change poses an escalating threat to food security in the Near East, a region characterized by water scarcity, rapid population growth, and heavy dependence on rainfed agriculture. Despite extensive research on climate change impacts on crop yields, the effects on rainfed crop [...] Read more.
Climate change poses an escalating threat to food security in the Near East, a region characterized by water scarcity, rapid population growth, and heavy dependence on rainfed agriculture. Despite extensive research on climate change impacts on crop yields, the effects on rainfed crop suitability—the fundamental capacity of a region’s climate to support crop growth—remain insufficiently explored, particularly across transboundary river basins. This study assesses the impact of climate change on the suitability of seven rainfed crops in the Near East, specifically the Nile, Levant, and Tigris-Euphrates River basins. Using the EcoCrop model and climate projections for 2041–2060 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, we analyzed changes in crop suitability relative to a 1970–2000 baseline. Results project significant temperature increases (2.1–3.8 °C) and precipitation reductions (8–20%) in the Levant by mid-century, leading to alarming declines in crop suitability. While the Nile Basin is projected to gain substantial rainfall (+214 billion m3 under RCP 8.5 by 2050), the Fertile Crescent faces a significant rainfall decrease (−24 billion m3 under RCP 8.5 by 2050). Contrary to the negative impacts predicted for the Levant and parts of the Fertile Crescent, the Tigris-Euphrates basin shows potential suitability gains for maize and olives (up to +30% under RCP 4.5 for maize), with olives also showing increased suitability in other basins. However, the suitability of the remaining five rainfed crops is projected to decline across all basins under both emission scenarios. These findings highlight the complex and regionally diverse impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity in the Near East and provide critical information for cross-border food and water security policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)
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18 pages, 5141 KB  
Article
Balanced Ammonium–Nitrate Supply During Tillering Stage by Drip Fertigation Improves Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat
by Zhanhong Hao, Kun Wang, Songlin Ye, Dongyu Cai, Yinghao Tian and Guohua Mi
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080828 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 712
Abstract
Optimizing nitrogen form under drip fertigation may improve wheat productivity by regulating the root-zone inorganic N environment during early vegetative growth. A two-year field experiment evaluated nitrate-dominant (N1), balanced ammonium–nitrate (N2), and ammonium-enriched nitrogen strategies (N3) during GS13–GS31, with conventional farmer practice (CK) [...] Read more.
Optimizing nitrogen form under drip fertigation may improve wheat productivity by regulating the root-zone inorganic N environment during early vegetative growth. A two-year field experiment evaluated nitrate-dominant (N1), balanced ammonium–nitrate (N2), and ammonium-enriched nitrogen strategies (N3) during GS13–GS31, with conventional farmer practice (CK) and a zero-N control (N0) for comparison. Nitrogen-form regulation markedly altered the soil NH4+-N ratios, especially in the 0–20 cm soil layer, with N3 highest, N1 lowest, and N2 intermediate. Compared with the nitrate- or ammonium-dominant strategy, the balanced treatment N2 improved spike formation rate and maintained relatively higher N accumulation at GS31 and GS65, and showed greater N translocation and contribution of translocated N to grain N than N1. Correlation analyses indicated that spike formation rate was closely related to spike number (R2 = 0.764) and N accumulation at GS31 was positively related to Ntrans (R2 = 0.588). N2 showed the most favorable overall performance, with the highest numerical values for grain yield, nitrogen recovery efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, and net profit among the fertigation treatments. However, the advantages of N2 over N3 in grain yield and SPAD-AUC were modest and not consistently significant. These results indicate that balancing ammonium and nitrate supply during GS13–GS31 under drip fertigation can improve root-zone N conditions and support better overall agronomic performance in winter wheat under the alkaline soil conditions of the North China Plain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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28 pages, 2113 KB  
Review
How Novel Biostimulants Enhance Resilience and Quality in Hydroponic Crop Production—A Review
by Gaosheng Wu, Tongyin Li, Genhua Niu, T. Casey Barickman, Joseph Masabni and Qianwen Zhang
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080827 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Hydroponic cultivation is expanding rapidly as a resource-efficient alternative to soil-based farming, but challenges related to nutrient management, abiotic or biotic stresses, and organic production still limit the system’s performance and efficiency. Biostimulants are increasingly being explored as a promising strategy to support [...] Read more.
Hydroponic cultivation is expanding rapidly as a resource-efficient alternative to soil-based farming, but challenges related to nutrient management, abiotic or biotic stresses, and organic production still limit the system’s performance and efficiency. Biostimulants are increasingly being explored as a promising strategy to support productivity and sustainability in soilless systems. This review summarizes the current evidence on the use of plant biostimulants to support crop performance in hydroponic systems. Microbial biostimulants, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Trichoderma spp., have been reported to promote root growth by synthesizing phytohormones, enhance nutrient uptake, and reduce the impacts of salt and heat stress, with reported improvements in biomass and nutrient use efficiency. Seaweed extracts and protein hydrolysates modulate plant hormonal balance, improve antioxidant defense, and have been associated with improvements in yield and quality. Humic and fulvic acids increase micronutrient bioavailability through chelation and stimulate root activity through auxin-like effects. In organic hydroponics, biostimulants may help address the nutrient gap by accelerating organic matter mineralization. Existing key challenges include the lack of hydroponic-specific dosage guidelines and high commercialization costs. Future efforts should further evaluate system-specific strategies, including emerging tools such as artificial intelligence-optimized strategies and the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-edited microbes to support the long-term sustainability of controlled environment agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Different Biostimulants and Biochars on Crop Production and Quality)
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24 pages, 2989 KB  
Article
Sensory Profiling of Advanced Bulgarian Mutant Potato Lines After Steaming and Oven-Frying
by Dida Iserliyska, Emiliya Nacheva and Nasya Tomlekova
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080826 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Potato sensory quality is a key determinant of consumer acceptance and processing suitability; however, it remains insufficiently explored in Bulgarian potato breeding programs. This study aimed to characterize the sensory profiles of advanced Bulgarian mutant potato lines developed through induced mutagenesis, in comparison [...] Read more.
Potato sensory quality is a key determinant of consumer acceptance and processing suitability; however, it remains insufficiently explored in Bulgarian potato breeding programs. This study aimed to characterize the sensory profiles of advanced Bulgarian mutant potato lines developed through induced mutagenesis, in comparison with their parental genotypes and untreated controls, after steaming and oven-frying. A trained descriptive sensory panel evaluated attributes related to appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, taste, and aftertaste, and the resulting data were explored using principal component analysis (PCA). Steamed samples were mainly associated with potato identity, earthy and raw potato peel aromatics, and potato-like flavor, whereas oven-fried samples were more strongly associated with overall sweet impression, buttery, earthy, and potato flavors, together with nutty aftertaste. Texture-related attributes were expressed in both culinary preparations, while undesirable bitter, sour, and astringent aftertastes occurred less frequently and were mainly linked to specific genotypes rather than to the overall sensory profile. Exploratory PCA supported the visualization of genotype-related sensory tendencies across both datasets. Several mutant lines showed favorable sensory profiles aligned with desirable parental characteristics, whereas others were more often associated with less favorable attributes, including increased bitter and astringent aftertastes. Overall, steaming emphasized inherent potato like, earthy, and raw-related notes, whereas oven-frying enhanced color development, sweet–buttery flavor impressions, and richer texture expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breakthrough and Innovation of Mutants in Genetic Improvement of Crop Varieties)
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18 pages, 1235 KB  
Article
Biochar and Nitrogen Synergistically Regulate Soil Carbon Mineralization by Enhancing Aggregate Stability and Altering Microbial Function in Intensive Vegetable Systems
by Xi Zhang, Chenchen Xue, Xiaoxiao Liu, Lihong Xue and Zhengqin Xiong
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080825 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 820
Abstract
Intensive nitrogen (N) fertilization in greenhouse vegetable systems degrades soil structure and accelerates soil carbon (C) mineralization. Biochar application can alleviate these adverse effects by enhancing aggregate stability and mediating microbially driven nutrient cycling, yet its effects across aggregate fractions remain poorly understood. [...] Read more.
Intensive nitrogen (N) fertilization in greenhouse vegetable systems degrades soil structure and accelerates soil carbon (C) mineralization. Biochar application can alleviate these adverse effects by enhancing aggregate stability and mediating microbially driven nutrient cycling, yet its effects across aggregate fractions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how biochar (0, 20, 40 t ha−1) and N interact to affect aggregate stability, C mineralization, nutrient status, and microbial properties in bulk soil and four aggregate classes (large macroaggregates: LMA, > 2000 μm; small macroaggregates: SMA, 250–2000 μm; microaggregates: MA, 53–250 μm; silt + clay: S + C, < 53 μm) in vegetable soil after a 60-day incubation. Results showed that biochar–N co-application increased mean weight diameter by 27.4–30.5% and elevated soil total organic C (TOC) in LMA by 9.11–12.0% and in MA by 8.77–20.2% relative to the N-only treatment. It also reduced β-glucosidase and oxidase activities, as well as fungal and G−-bacterial abundance. Biochar amendment suppressed TOC mineralization by 2.7–24.6% in bulk soil and aggregate fractions, while boosting potentially mineralizable C pools by 12.5–155.7%, and thereby increasing overall mineralization potential. Structural equation modeling revealed the size-dependent regulatory mechanisms underlying these observations. Aggregate stability directly inhibited CO2 emissions in bulk soil and SMA, while the effects in MA and S + C fractions were mediated by shifts in nutrient stoichiometry and hydrolase activities. Our findings clarified the size-dependent mechanisms by which biochar–N co-application promoted soil C sequestration, providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of intensive vegetable systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 3381 KB  
Article
Functional Characterization of the VvPHT1 Gene and Its Promoter in Vicia villosa
by Shuqin Tang, Linlin Mao, Ruili Zhu, Moli Zheng, Shaojun Qiu, Dali Song and Jingwen Sun
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080824 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Phosphorus deficiency in the environment induces phosphate (Pi) starvation responses of plants, in which the phosphate transporter is one of the most critical functional genes in this response mechanism. As a prevalent green manure crop in China, Vicia villosa plays a critical role [...] Read more.
Phosphorus deficiency in the environment induces phosphate (Pi) starvation responses of plants, in which the phosphate transporter is one of the most critical functional genes in this response mechanism. As a prevalent green manure crop in China, Vicia villosa plays a critical role in sustainable agricultural systems, and the expression of its phosphate transporter gene (VvPHT1) is modulated by soil phosphorus availability, highlighting its key adaptive function in nutrient acquisition and utilization under low-Pi conditions. Functional studies of this gene and its promoter contribute to exploring the molecular mechanisms of the tolerance of green manure crops to low phosphorus stress and to improving phosphorus-efficient V. villosa varieties. In this study, analysis of the VvPHT1 promoter sequence revealed a 1524 bp region containing multiple root-specific cis-regulatory elements, including five NODCON2GM, one NODCON1GM, six OSE2ROOTNODULE, one OSE1ROOTNODULE, and fifteen ROOTMOTIFTAPOX1 motifs. Histochemical GUS staining of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) showed that the VvPHT1 promoter directed root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene. A fusion expression vector pCAMBIA1300-VvPHT1--GFP was constructed and transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells for subcellular localization analysis, indicating that the protein encoded by VvPHT1 was localized to the plasma membrane. To quantify its expression, VvPHT1 transcript levels in VvPHT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis (OEPHT1) lines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) under different phosphorus supply conditions. The results demonstrated that under low-Pi conditions, the expression of VvPHT1 was significantly upregulated in the OEPHT1 lines compared to those of normal-Pi conditions. Furthermore, under low-Pi treatment, the OEPHT1 lines showed significantly increased fresh weight, primary root length, phosphorus content, and chlorophyll content compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis (WT), while no such differences were observed under normal-Pi conditions. In conclusion, the VvPHT1 promoter exhibits root-specific activity, and the VvPHT1 gene encodes a plasma-membrane-localized phosphate transporter that is strongly induced by phosphorus deficiency. Its overexpression enhances phosphorus uptake and plant growth under low-Pi conditions, suggesting that VvPHT1 likely functions as a high-affinity phosphate transporter involved in the adaptation to phosphorus starvation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)
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13 pages, 1885 KB  
Article
Identification of Sources of Resistance to Aphanomyces euteiches in Common Vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) Germplasm
by Mario González, Ángela Molina, Sara Rodriguez-Mena and Diego Rubiales
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080823 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 916
Abstract
Aphanomyces root rot is a major threat to legume production worldwide, mainly in pea and lentil, crops on which extensive research programs are targeting the management of the disease. However, other legumes such as common vetch, although known to be severely affected by [...] Read more.
Aphanomyces root rot is a major threat to legume production worldwide, mainly in pea and lentil, crops on which extensive research programs are targeting the management of the disease. However, other legumes such as common vetch, although known to be severely affected by the disease, remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify sources of resistance within V. sativa subsp. sativa accessions. A total of 211 genetically diverse accessions were screened under controlled conditions following inoculation with isolate RB84. Disease progression was monitored through periodic foliar assessments and final root symptom evaluation. To assess resistance stability, a subset of 13 accessions representing contrasting response levels was further inoculated with three additional isolates (Aph-1, AE11, and AE12). In this multi-isolate assay, disease severity was quantified, shoot biomass was recorded, and root system architecture traits were determined using WinRHIZO image analysis. A high correlation between foliar and root symptoms at 20 days indicated that foliar symptom assessment provides a reliable, non-destructive indicator of root health. Considerable variation in disease response was detected, with several genotypes maintaining consistently low symptom levels and three exhibiting near-complete resistance across all isolates. Root architectural traits further corroborated visual disease assessments, showing patterns consistent with resistance and susceptibility responses. Overall, this study demonstrates the presence of genetic variability in the response of V. sativa to A. euteiches, with a subset of accessions showing resistance to the four isolates tested. This resistance potential can be directly used in breeding programs focused on improving tolerance to root rot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 2000 KB  
Article
Impact of Aquaponic Cultivation on the Nutritional, Mineral, and Antioxidant Profile of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
by Neli Hristova Grozeva, Roksana Mineva, Galina Gospodinova, Denitsa Georgieva, Silviya Hristova, Milena Tzanova, Svetoslava Terzieva, Georgi Beev, Neven Terziev and Zvezdelina Yaneva
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080822 - 17 Apr 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 870
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste transformation within the system. Water quality parameters and microbiological testing confirmed efficient nitrification and system safety, with no Escherichia coli detected. Results showed that aquaponic cultivation yields a high nutritional value of Swiss chard, yielding high crude protein (31.4% DW) and mineral-rich biomass (ash 22.8% DW). Substantial concentrations of essential elements were recorded, including Ca, Mg, Fe (253.7 mg/kg DW), Zn, and Cu, suggesting high ionic bioavailability in the recirculating system. Physiological stability was reflected by a chlorophyll a content of 4.74 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the plants exhibited a robust phytochemical profile, with total phenolics (4.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (5.18 mg QE/g DW) driving strong antioxidant activity (93.1% ABTS inhibition). These findings demonstrate that integrated aquaponic systems function as effective nutrient bioreactors, supporting high plant functional quality while supporting sustainable food production. The results validate aquaponics as a viable, climate-smart strategy for high-quality leafy vegetable cultivation within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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19 pages, 7184 KB  
Article
Comparing Horizontal and Vertical Soil Resistance in No-Till and Tilled Fields Following Multiple Tractor Passes
by Miroslav Mojžiš, Radoslav Majdan, Eva Matejková, Zdenko Tkáč, Katarína Kollárová, Rudolf Abrahám, Soňa Masarovičová, Jozef Krilek, Ján Kováč and Milan Helexa
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080821 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 609
Abstract
Despite various technical measures, the soil is negatively affected by the passage of agricultural machinery. This study presents soil resistance measured by a horizontal on-the-go soil resistance force sensor and a vertical penetrologger on a medium-plasticity clay loam (41% particles < 0.01 mm, [...] Read more.
Despite various technical measures, the soil is negatively affected by the passage of agricultural machinery. This study presents soil resistance measured by a horizontal on-the-go soil resistance force sensor and a vertical penetrologger on a medium-plasticity clay loam (41% particles < 0.01 mm, organic matter 5.43%) in Krakovany village (Western Slovakia). The field has been managed using a no-till system since 2013, with no seedbed preparation performed since 2017. In-track data after multiple passes of a tractor were compared with out-track data. The results indicate that the most significant increase in horizontal soil resistance force occurred after the first pass, with each subsequent increase being smaller than the previous one. The no-till field showed the smallest percentage increase in soil resistance force after one tractor pass compared to conventionally tilled fields previously studied using the same methodology in the same soil region. Out-track SRF reached values similar to those of the conventionally tilled field after harvest. Vertical penetration resistance showed the lowest increase at depths of 9 to 25 cm in the no-till field compared to tilled fields. The highest values were observed at a depth of 9 cm, whereas at 25 cm, the values approached their minimum in comparison with tilled fields. These findings suggest that long-term no-till management may contribute to reducing machinery-induced soil compaction compared to conventional tillage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)
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29 pages, 6215 KB  
Article
Mobile Application for Signal Processing and Abnormality Detection of Ambient Environmental Sensors in a Smart Greenhouse
by Emmanuel Bicamumakuba, Md Nasim Reza, Hongbin Jin, Hyeunseok Choi and Sun-Ok Chung
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080820 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 665
Abstract
IoT-based smart greenhouse sensing, real-time signal conditioning and abnormality detection are still predominantly executed at gateway or cloud levels, limiting responsiveness and increasing vulnerability to noise-induced false alarms. This study proposes and experimentally validates a mobile-edge signal processing and abnormality detection framework executed [...] Read more.
IoT-based smart greenhouse sensing, real-time signal conditioning and abnormality detection are still predominantly executed at gateway or cloud levels, limiting responsiveness and increasing vulnerability to noise-induced false alarms. This study proposes and experimentally validates a mobile-edge signal processing and abnormality detection framework executed entirely within an Android-based smartphone application, eliminating dependence on continuous cloud-side analytics. Environmental data from 27 wireless sensor nodes measuring temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration, and light intensity were processed in real time using a sliding-window moving-average filter (N = 6) implemented with O(1) computational complexity. Abnormal conditions were determined via thresholding combined with temporal majority voting validation to suppress transient violations. Performance was also evaluated with direct threshold-based detection on raw signals to assess the effect of mobile-side filtering and temporal majority validation on abnormal sample counts, event fragmentation, and detection consistency. Mobile application side signal conditioning reduced short-term variance by 35–55% while maintaining an effective delay below two sampling intervals. Event-level analysis demonstrated substantial consolidation of noise-induced detections, reducing abnormal event frequency by up to 69% and increasing median event duration from 5 to 38 min for temperature, with negligible detection bias (±1.1%). End-to-end processing latency remained bounded under sustained multi-node streaming, with median delays of 1.0–1.6 s and 95th-percentile delays below 4.0 s. These results demonstrate that lightweight mobile-edge signal conditioning can significantly enhance detection robust-ness, reduce false alarms, and achieve low-latency environmental monitoring in green-houses. The proposed framework provides scalable and computationally efficient architecture for real-time abnormality detection in precision agriculture systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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21 pages, 8274 KB  
Article
Study on the Mechanism of Pyrimoxsulam Resistance in Highland Barley
by Yun-Zhuo Qin and Hua Weng
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080819 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Highland barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum), a member of the genus Hordeum in the family Poaceae, represents a unique cultivated crop adapted to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Weed infestation has long posed a serious threat to the yield and quality of highland [...] Read more.
Highland barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum), a member of the genus Hordeum in the family Poaceae, represents a unique cultivated crop adapted to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Weed infestation has long posed a serious threat to the yield and quality of highland barley, and the lack of effective weed management strategies has become a major constraint in its production. Pyroxsulam is an acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicide widely used for weed control in highland barley fields. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of highland barley to pyroxsulam by integrating physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. ALS activity assays showed that the resistant variety ‘Qing0306’ exhibited a significant increase in relative ALS activity within 1–4 days after pyroxsulam treatment. qRT-PCR analysis revealed a rapid induction of HvnALS expression, which was significantly higher in ‘Qing0306’ than in ‘Qing0160’ on the first day after treatment (p < 0.01), indicating that resistance is primarily associated with target-enzyme overexpression rather than target-site mutations. Moreover, transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing HvnP450 and HvnGSTs displayed enhanced tolerance to pyroxsulam, as evidenced by an increased root length and fresh weight compared with wild-type plants. This study provides mechanistic insights that support the genetic improvement of pyroxsulam-resistant highland barley. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)
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18 pages, 11011 KB  
Article
Low-Cost Design Proposal of a Modular Telescopic Autonomous Agricultural Robot
by Durga Prasad Babu Nasika, Joel Rafael Romero Muńoz, Ali Hamedy, Tobias Redlich and Ralf Otterpohl
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080818 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
The application of autonomous robotics in food production is still in its infancy but bears significant potential, especially in the sector of precision farming. Here we present the results of a survey conducted during the years 2022–2023 with local farmers in Northern Germany [...] Read more.
The application of autonomous robotics in food production is still in its infancy but bears significant potential, especially in the sector of precision farming. Here we present the results of a survey conducted during the years 2022–2023 with local farmers in Northern Germany to identify the challenges that are being faced by both conventional and organic farming practices due to climate change and increased food production regulations in the EU region. Additionally, a pilot study with a medium-sized (Demeter) farm is presented, identifying the real needs and problems organic farmers face during their food production chain from seeding, weeding, and maintaining the equipment till bringing in the harvest. The results indicate a strong demand for modular, autonomous, and digitized solutions to address key challenges in agricultural production. To address these challenges we propose a novel mechanical robotic platform design that has been developed in accordance with the Fab City principles of open and local production resulting in a low-cost open-source solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances of Agricultural Robotics in Sustainable Agriculture 4.0)
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13 pages, 1008 KB  
Article
Genotype-by-Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Four Functional Compounds in Tea Chrysanthemums: A Three-Year Study
by Yidi Shen, Xinyi Ning, Dawei Wang, Xinli Zhang, Zhiyong Guan, Weimin Fang and Fei Zhang
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080817 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 585
Abstract
Chrysanthemum contains numerous active compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, with its dried capitula widely used for tea and medicinal applications. The content of functional compounds is readily influenced by environmental factors, and the use of varieties with high-level and stable bioactive compounds [...] Read more.
Chrysanthemum contains numerous active compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, with its dried capitula widely used for tea and medicinal applications. The content of functional compounds is readily influenced by environmental factors, and the use of varieties with high-level and stable bioactive compounds is essential for sustainable cultivation. However, a key challenge is identifying genotypes that consistently perform well for functional-component traits in contemporary breeding activities. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and stability of functional components in tea chrysanthemums across multiple years. Total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, luteoloside, and isochlorogenic acid A were investigated in 24 tea chrysanthemum accessions across three growing years of 2018, 2021, and 2022. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model analysis revealed significant genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects for all functional traits across three growing years. The GEI accounted for 63.58% to 80.82% of the variation across the four components in the AMMI model. Based on the AMMI stability value (ASV) parameter, the tea chrysanthemums showing the most stable concentrations of total flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, luteoloside, and isochlorogenic acid A were identified. Based on phenotypic values and stability results, Suju-6, Hongxinju, Wangongju, and Baixiaoxiangju performed relatively well across the functional components investigated, making them promising candidates for future breeding and promotion programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of functional elements in tea chrysanthemum and will contribute to further genetic improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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19 pages, 4649 KB  
Article
Design and Performance Study of a Terrain-Adaptive Fixed Pipeline Pesticide Application System for Mountain Orchards
by Zhongyi Yu and Xiongkui He
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080816 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Mountain orchards in southern China are characterized by fragmented and complex terrain with a wide slope variation range (5~30°), which easily leads to uneven pesticide distribution and pesticide accumulation on gentle slopes. These issues give rise to core technical bottlenecks such as low [...] Read more.
Mountain orchards in southern China are characterized by fragmented and complex terrain with a wide slope variation range (5~30°), which easily leads to uneven pesticide distribution and pesticide accumulation on gentle slopes. These issues give rise to core technical bottlenecks such as low pesticide utilization rate, poor operational efficiency, and unclear atomization mechanism, hindering the optimization of pesticide application parameters, causing pesticide waste and environmental pollution, and restricting the sustainable development of the mountain fruit industry. To address this problem, this study designed a slope-classified pipeline layout and developed a high-efficiency fixed pipeline system for phytosanitary application in mountain orchards, featuring stable operation, low labor intensity, and easy intelligent transformation. Following the technical route of “theoretical design-atomization mechanism analysis-parameter optimization-laboratory verification-field application”, ruby nozzles with high wear resistance, uniform droplet distribution, and long service life were selected and optimized to meet the demand for long-term fixed pesticide application in mountain orchards. High-speed imaging technology was used to real-time capture the dynamic atomization process of nozzles, providing support for clarifying the atomization mechanism. Advanced methods such as fluorescence tracing were adopted to quantitatively evaluate key indicators including droplet deposition in canopies, and the system performance was verified through laboratory and field tests, laying a scientific foundation for its popularization and application. Field test results showed that the optimal spray pressure should not be less than 8 MPa. The XR9002 nozzle can generate fine droplets to achieve pesticide reduction while forming a stable hollow cone atomization flow. Fluorescence tracing analysis indicated that the droplet deposition on the adaxial leaf surface decreases with increasing altitude (presumably affected by wind speed), while the initial deposition on the abaxial leaf surface is low and shows no significant variation with altitude. Deposition on the adaxial leaf surface decreased with canopy height, while abaxial deposition was much lower (8.9–14.9%). This technology enables high-precision quantitative analysis of droplet deposition. The core innovations of this study are: clarifying the atomization mechanism of ruby high-pressure nozzles under pesticide application conditions in mountain orchards, constructing a slope-classified terrain-adaptive pipeline layout model, and establishing a closed-loop technical system of “atomization mechanism-pipeline layout-parameter optimization-deposition detection”. This study provides theoretical and technical support for green and precision pesticide application in mountain orchards, and has important academic value and broad application prospects for promoting the intelligent upgrading of the fruit industry in southern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrochemistry and Application of Natural Products to Agricultural Research: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1025 KB  
Article
Shifts in Soil Nutrient Availability and C:N:P Stoichiometry During Long-Term Vegetation Restoration in Mu Us Sandy Land
by Chi Zhang, Xingchang Zhang and Na Zhao
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080815 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 683
Abstract
Vegetation restoration profoundly impacts soil carbon (C)-nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P) cycling in arid sandy lands, with vegetation type critically regulating accumulation patterns. However, the magnitudes of soil nutrients and stoichiometry for different vegetation types are still largely unknown. Thus, we conducted a regional-scale study [...] Read more.
Vegetation restoration profoundly impacts soil carbon (C)-nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P) cycling in arid sandy lands, with vegetation type critically regulating accumulation patterns. However, the magnitudes of soil nutrients and stoichiometry for different vegetation types are still largely unknown. Thus, we conducted a regional-scale study to evaluate the soil nutrients and nutrient stoichiometry under four typical vegetation types in the Mu Us Sandy Land (MUS), including monoculture arbor (MA), monoculture shrub (MS), arbor-shrub mixed (MAS), and monoculture herbaceous (MH), with cropland (Cr) and bare sand (Bs) controls. Our results showed that vegetation type significantly affected SOC and TN content. MS (30–40 years), MA (>40 years), and MH exhibited significant increases of 285.5–305.8% in SOC and 293.6–374.6% in TN in the topsoil, respectively. MS (30–40 years) and MH demonstrated increases of 399.1% and 283.3% in SOC and 250.2% and 162.8% in TN in the subsoil. However, MAS had no significant effect on SOC and TN. MA (>40 years) resulted in a higher TP in the subsoil. Compared to Bs, humic substances significantly increased by 111.1–171.6% under MA (>40 years), MS (>40 years), and MH, exhibiting positive correlations with SOC. Moreover, MAS treatment resulted in a higher C:N, while the MH resulted in a higher C:P and N:P in the topsoil. Despite stable total phosphorus (TP), elevated C:P and N:P ratios under MH indicated emerging P limitation in restoration. Therefore, long-term monoculture shrub, arbor, and herbaceous vegetation effectively enhances soil fertility in arid sandy lands through long-term SOC accumulation and humic substance formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Amendments to Low-Fertility Soils: Current Status and Future Prospects)
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