Agronomy

21 pages, 5715 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of Machine Learning Models for Stress Symptom Classification of Cucumber Seedlings Grown in a Controlled Environment

by Kyu-Ho Lee, Samsuzzaman, Md Nasim Reza, Sumaiya Islam, Shahriar Ahmed, Yeon Jin Cho, Dong Hee Noh and Sun-Ok Chung

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010090 - 31 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 956

Abstract

Stress by unfavorable environmental conditions, including temperature, light intensity, and photoperiod, significantly impact early-stage growth in crops, such as cucumber seedlings, often resulting in yield reduction and quality degradation. Advanced machine learning (ML) models combined with image-based analysis offer promising solutions for precise, [...] Read more.

Stress by unfavorable environmental conditions, including temperature, light intensity, and photoperiod, significantly impact early-stage growth in crops, such as cucumber seedlings, often resulting in yield reduction and quality degradation. Advanced machine learning (ML) models combined with image-based analysis offer promising solutions for precise, non-invasive stress monitoring. This study aims to classify environmental stress symptom levels in cucumber seedlings using ML models by extracting critical color, texture, and morphological features from RGB images. In a controlled plant factory setup, two-week-old cucumber seedlings were subjected to varied environmental conditions across five chambers with differing temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C), light intensities (50, 250, and 450 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and day-night cycles (8/16, 10/14, and 16/8 h). A cost-effective RGB camera, integrated with a microcontroller, captured images from the top of the seedlings over a two-week period, from which sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) and correlation matrices were used to streamline feature extraction. Four ML classifiers: Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Naïve Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF), were trained to detect stress symptoms based on selected features, highlighting that stress symptoms were detectable after day 4. KNN achieved the highest accuracy at 0.94 (94%), followed closely by SVM and RF, both at 93%, while NB reached 88%. Findings suggested that color and texture features were critical indicators of stress, and that the KNN model, with optimized hyperparameters, provided a reliable classification for stress symptom monitoring for seedlings under controlled environments. This study highlights the potential of ML-driven stress symptom detection models for controlled seedling production, enabling real-time decision-making to optimize crop health and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Automation and Crop Management)

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12 pages, 1313 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Liquid Culture Systems (Temporary Immersion Bioreactor and Rotary Shaker) Used During Multiplication and Differentiation on Efficiency of Repetitive Somatic Embryogenesis of Narcissus L. ‘Carlton’

by Małgorzata Malik, Ewelina Tomiak and Bożena Pawłowska

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010085 - 31 Dec 2024

Viewed by 965

Abstract

Liquid culture systems, including bioreactors, are valuable tools for the scaling up of production. Their involvement leads to the automation of the highly efficient, reproducible somatic embryogenesis of Narcissus L. ‘Carlton’. Alternative procedures for efficient embryogenic tissue and early somatic embryo multiplication have [...] Read more.

Liquid culture systems, including bioreactors, are valuable tools for the scaling up of production. Their involvement leads to the automation of the highly efficient, reproducible somatic embryogenesis of Narcissus L. ‘Carlton’. Alternative procedures for efficient embryogenic tissue and early somatic embryo multiplication have been developed. The long-term embryogenic callus of narcissus ‘Carlton’, obtained by repetitive somatic embryogenesis, was multiplicated and differentiated in different liquid culture systems. For multiplication, the Rita^® temporary immersion bioreactor and the rotary shaker at 60 rpm and 100 rpm were used, and, for differentiation, the rotary shaker at 60 rpm and solid cultures were investigated. Cultures immersed with a frequency of 15 min every 24 h during multiplication were characterized by the greatest increase in biomass (1.3), and the greatest number of embryos (152.6 embryos per 1 g of inoculum) was seen during differentiation. Higher immersion frequencies (15 min every 8 and 12 h) decreased the tissue quality and yield. The use of a bioreactor during multiplication promoted the number of embryos obtained during differentiation. In turn, cultivation in a rotary shaker during differentiation, regardless of the multiplication system, stimulated the multiplication of embryogenic tissue. The liquid medium used for the multiplication and differentiation of somatic embryos improved the synchronization of their development, which reached up to 95–99% depending on the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Somatic Embryogenesis)

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40 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Limitations of Innovative Practices in Sustainable Agriculture

by Anita Boros, Eszter Szólik, Goshu Desalegn and Dávid Tőzsér

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010076 - 30 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7141

Abstract

A transformation is needed in agricultural production to satisfy the growing population-based increased food demands and overcome food safety challenges while supporting human health and the preservation of natural resources. Improving sustainable agricultural practices is essential for developing a long-term and resilient economy. [...] Read more.

A transformation is needed in agricultural production to satisfy the growing population-based increased food demands and overcome food safety challenges while supporting human health and the preservation of natural resources. Improving sustainable agricultural practices is essential for developing a long-term and resilient economy. This systematic review with meta-analyses aims to overview sustainable agriculture’s progress, trends, and future opportunities, focusing primarily on integrating novel technologies into recently prevailing agricultural operations. As a basis, an extensive literature search was conducted, identifying nearly 45,000 records related closely to various dimensions of sustainable agriculture. Out of these, based on a thorough selection process, 291 were included in further evaluations. The temporal distribution and content analyses indicated an improvement in the number of papers and the spectrum of addressed agricultural aspects. The analysis of the publications revealed that most traditional farming practices focus on mass food production and cannot deal with further interrelated sustainability challenges. On the other hand, sustainable agricultural practices consider sustainability’s environmental, economic, and social aspects, thereby preserving environmental health and supporting economic viability and social well-being. The integrative assessment in this study suggests that adopting novel, innovative practices can achieve the most significant progress toward agricultural sustainability. At the same time, a broad range of limitations and challenges are listed, which widely hinder the penetration of sustainability initiatives. To eliminate these barriers, consistent policy regulations are required, targeting specific agricultural problems, alongside a complex, education-based support system, further boosting initiatives related to the green transition in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Systems: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Environmental Impact)

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19 pages, 9064 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Water Management in Wheat Farming in Romania: Simulating the Irrigation Requirements with the CROPWAT Model

by Dana Maria (Oprea) Constantin, Florentina Iuliana Mincu, Daniel Constantin Diaconu, Cristina Doina Burada and Elena Băltățeanu

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010061 - 29 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1196

Abstract

The development of water demand analysis methodologies to maintain agricultural crops at an optimal production level, in relation to current climate changes, is a necessity for many geographical areas. The methodology used uses CROPWAT 8.0 software, in the desire to highlight for an [...] Read more.

The development of water demand analysis methodologies to maintain agricultural crops at an optimal production level, in relation to current climate changes, is a necessity for many geographical areas. The methodology used uses CROPWAT 8.0 software, in the desire to highlight for an important agricultural region in Romania the need to optimize the water requirement for winter wheat crops. The methodology used was able to highlight this fact, as major changes are needed in future technological processes in the current context of climate change. Based on the modeling of evapotranspiration, effective precipitation, and irrigation requirements, it was obtained that the winter wheat needs four additional irrigations per year (in April, May, and July). The irrigations at critical depletion led to a 100% efficiency of reducing the harvest deficit, during the middle and late vegetation stages. The irrigation required by winter wheat depends on precipitation efficiency, and it is very important for improving crop yield up to 100%. The obtained results provide a methodological framework, but also concrete information for decision-makers in the field of agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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25 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Invasive Potential of Ornamental Plants in the Mediterranean Area: Implications for Sustainable Landscaping

by Diana-Maria Mircea, Monica Boscaiu, Radu E. Sestras, Adriana F. Sestras and Oscar Vicente

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010052 - 28 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Several ornamental species have demonstrated adaptive features that could increase their resilience to the current climate emergency but could also be linked to invasiveness in non-native environments. The present review examines the responses of ornamental plants’ grown in the Mediterranean region to relevant [...] Read more.

Several ornamental species have demonstrated adaptive features that could increase their resilience to the current climate emergency but could also be linked to invasiveness in non-native environments. The present review examines the responses of ornamental plants’ grown in the Mediterranean region to relevant abiotic stress conditions such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, heavy metal toxicity, and atmospheric N deposition, emphasising physiological and biochemical responses that allow them to adapt to unfavourable environments. These response mechanisms, although useful for landscaping under challenging climate change effects, would help non-native ornamental plants outcompete native flora, change ecosystem functioning, and ultimately contribute to a loss in biodiversity. Effective management practices for sustainable landscaping ensure the sensible use of native species and the development of non-invasive cultivars to minimise ecological risks. This review attempts to provide information on the ornamental and environmental functions of plants in landscape architecture through the relationships between aesthetic and ecological values under abiotic stress, including their negative environmental impact due to their invasive potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plants in Agroecosystems: Ecology, Surveillance, Impacts, Management and Challenges)

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21 pages, 2618 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors on Heavy Metal Mobility in an Intensively Cultivated Soil

by Nicoleta Vicar, Alina Lațo, Iaroslav Lațo, Florin Crista, Adina Berbecea and Isidora Radulov

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010049 - 28 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Urease and nitrification inhibitors represent ways to reduce nitrogen losses; their presence modifies microbial and enzymatic activity in the soil, affecting pH and organic matter (OM), which in turn affects the mobility of heavy metals. To evaluate the effect of urea with inhibitors, [...] Read more.

Urease and nitrification inhibitors represent ways to reduce nitrogen losses; their presence modifies microbial and enzymatic activity in the soil, affecting pH and organic matter (OM), which in turn affects the mobility of heavy metals. To evaluate the effect of urea with inhibitors, pH, OM content, and pseudo-total and mobile metal content (Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn) were determined in soil samples fertilized with six different urea variants with inhibitors. The modification in the pseudo-total content of heavy metals following fertilization (%) was as follows: Cu (−39.26 ÷ −8.82), Cd (10.74 ÷ 15.40), Ni (5.76 ÷ 18.84), Pb (−13.30 ÷ 12.46), Cr (−15.55 ÷ 11.60), Zn (35.10 ÷ 162.76), and Mn (−1.32 ÷ 12.17). The pH was situated in the range of 7.05 to 7.17, while OM content showed an average increase of 16%. The determined pollution indicators revealed an accumulation of Zn in the soil. The results showed a trend of accumulation of bioavailable heavy metals, with the greatest increase for Mn (43%). Only in the case of Zn, there was a decrease in mobile content with the lowest value when applying two urease inhibitors and one nitrification inhibitor. Inhibitors modify the OM content and soil pH, influencing the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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22 pages, 25722 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Geospatial Modelling Predicts Agricultural Microplastic Hotspots from Biosolid Application Risks

by Kieran McNulty and Kamrun Nahar

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010047 - 27 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1390

Abstract

Microplastics are emerging as widespread modern pollutants, posing a variety of health and environmental risks. Microplastics are found in agriculture; they are often introduced via biosolids from wastewater treatment plants and are sold as alternatives to inorganic fertilizers. In Australia, there has been [...] Read more.

Microplastics are emerging as widespread modern pollutants, posing a variety of health and environmental risks. Microplastics are found in agriculture; they are often introduced via biosolids from wastewater treatment plants and are sold as alternatives to inorganic fertilizers. In Australia, there has been limited research on the agricultural concentrations of microplastics, and there has been no predictive modelling to identify which geographies are most at risk for pollution. Based on global emerging trends, this study uses geospatial modelling to map potential high-risk areas for agricultural microplastics within an area of the Murray-Darling Basin in New South Wales, Australia. In doing so, this study demonstrates the use of a geospatial methodology that may be used in future risk assessments, both within Australia and globally. Risk index mapping was conducted for three different pollutant transport pathways: rainfall-runoff of microplastics, in-soil retention of microplastics, and groundwater infiltration of microplastics. Particular areas of risk were identified for each transport pathway, providing visualised mapping results that represent the value of the study and its methodology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Organic Wastes in Agriculture: Serving for Sustainable Agriculture)

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16 pages, 2629 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment Activity Concentrations of Rice Components (Root, Stem, Leaf, and Grain) and Transfer Factors (TF) from Paddy Soil to Rice Grain of Radionuclides ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ¹³⁷Cs Investigation in Taiwan

by Wei-Hsiang Huang, Ting-Chien Chen, Sheng-Chi Lin, Zhi-Mou Chen and Yi-Lung Yeh

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010023 - 26 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 740

Abstract

This study analyzed the activity concentrations of various radionuclides in irrigation water, rice components, and corresponding soil samples from eleven paddy fields, revealing significant findings with potential environmental and health implications. The soil exhibited high levels of activity concentrations ranging from 350 to [...] Read more.

This study analyzed the activity concentrations of various radionuclides in irrigation water, rice components, and corresponding soil samples from eleven paddy fields, revealing significant findings with potential environmental and health implications. The soil exhibited high levels of activity concentrations ranging from 350 to 829, 12.4 to 41.2, and 18.5 to 60.3 Bq/kg, with mean values of 609, 31.1, and 45.0 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th respectively. Additionally, 12 soil samples from two paddy fields showed ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations of 5.6 ± 1.3 Bq/kg. The rice plant roots accumulated the highest percentages of total activity concentrations for ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ¹³⁷Cs, ranging from 76–86%, while only 1.1–10.0% were found in the un-hulled grain. For ⁴⁰K, activity concentrations were distributed among the root (23%), stem (32%), leaf (35%), and un-hulled grain (10%). The mean activity concentrations were 99 ± 12, 0.49 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.12, and 0.10–0.31 Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ¹³⁷Cs for un-hulled rice grain, respectively. Transfer factors (TFs) from soil to un-hulled rice grain were calculated as (1.21–2.86) × 10⁻¹ for ⁴⁰K, (0.07–0.11) × 10⁻¹ for ²³²Th, (0.11–0.29) × 10⁻¹ for ²²⁶Ra, and (0.16–0.61) × 10⁻¹ for ¹³⁷Cs. Notably, significant negative correlations were observed between TFs and soil concentrations for ⁴⁰K (r = 0.92, p < 0.001, n = 11) and ²²⁶Ra (r = 0.98, p = 0.026, n = 4), suggesting that macronutrients in soil solutions may inhibit the linear transfer of natural nuclides from the soil solution to rice plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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11 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chemotactic Responses of Oscheius myriophilus to Mollusk Mucus

by Žiga Laznik, Stanislav Trdan and Klara Šavli

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123049 - 20 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 586

Abstract

Terrestrial slugs and snails can significantly harm agriculture. Due to environmental concerns associated with chemical molluscicides, biological control methods are increasingly being explored. Oscheius myriophilus (Poinar, 1986), a nematode species recently discovered in association with Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855, holds promise as a [...] Read more.

Terrestrial slugs and snails can significantly harm agriculture. Due to environmental concerns associated with chemical molluscicides, biological control methods are increasingly being explored. Oscheius myriophilus (Poinar, 1986), a nematode species recently discovered in association with Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855, holds promise as a biocontrol agent for gastropod pests. In this study, we investigated the chemotactic response and motility of O. myriophilus when exposed to the mucus of five mollusk species: Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758, Cernuella virgata (Da Costa, 1778), Deroceras reticulatum Müller, 1774, A. vulgaris, and Tandonia budapestensis Hazay, 1880. Our experiments were conducted at two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) to assess how environmental conditions influence nematode behavior. The results demonstrated that the chemoattractiveness of mollusk mucus to O. myriophilus was significantly influenced by both the species of mollusk and the temperature. Overall, nematode motility was higher at 20 °C than at 25 °C, indicating that lower temperatures may enhance the activity of O. myriophilus. Among the tested mollusk species, C. virgata mucus consistently attracted the highest number of nematodes, especially at the lower temperature. Our findings indicate that the chemotactic response of O. myriophilus to mollusk mucus may have potential for the targeted biocontrol of pest mollusks. While C. virgata demonstrated strong attractant potential at the tested temperatures, particularly under cooler conditions (20 °C), further research is needed to confirm whether this represents a consistent temperature-related effect. Future studies should aim to identify the specific chemical cues in mollusk mucus that trigger nematode attraction and examine how these signals interact with a broader range of environmental variables, including temperature, to influence nematode behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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22 pages, 2754 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Comparative Study of Agroecological Intensification Across Diverse European Agricultural Systems to Assess Soil Structure and Carbon Dynamics

by Modupe Olufemi Doyeni, Grazina Kadziene, Simona Pranaitiene, Alvyra Slepetiene, Aida Skersiene, Arman Shamshitov, Alessandra Trinchera, Dylan Warren Raffa, Elena Testani, Sebastien Fontaine, Antonio Rodriguez-Hernandez, Jim Rasmussen, Sara Sánchez-Moreno, Marjoleine Hanegraaf, Akin Un, Simon Sail and Skaidre Suproniene

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3024; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123024 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1149

Abstract

Continuous agricultural activities lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) depletion, and agroecological intensification practices (i.e., reduced soil disturbance and crop diversification) have been suggested as strategies to increase SOC storage. The study aims to assess the effect of agroecological intensification levels (lower (T1) [...] Read more.

Continuous agricultural activities lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) depletion, and agroecological intensification practices (i.e., reduced soil disturbance and crop diversification) have been suggested as strategies to increase SOC storage. The study aims to assess the effect of agroecological intensification levels (lower (T1) and highest (T2)) on the soil C pool and aggregate stability and validate the correlation between different variables compared to the control (lowest/none (T3), where agroecological intensification was not applied. The C-stock, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMB-C), SOC, water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) in bulk soil, fine and coarse soil aggregates, and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were measured during maximum nutrient uptake in plants under diversified agroecological practices across different environmental conditions (core sites: Italy (CS1), France (CS2), Denmark (CS4), Spain (CS5), Netherlands (CS6), Lithuania (CS7), Turkey (CS8), and Belgium (CS9)). The soil aggregate stability varied among the CSs and treatments. At sites CS7 and CS9, WSA was higher in T1 and T2 compared to the control; a similar trend was observed at other sites, except CS1. SMB-C differed among the core sites, with the lowest value obtained in CS5 (52.3 μg g⁻¹) and the highest in CS6 (455.1 μg g⁻¹). The highest average contents of SOC and WEOC were obtained in bulk soil at CS2 (3.1 % and 0.3 g kg⁻¹ respectively). Positive and statistically significant (p < 0.001) correlations were detected among all variables tested with SOC in bulk soil and WSA. This study demonstrates the significance of agroecological practices in improving soil carbon stock and optimizing plant–soil–microbe interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Lighting Strategies for Controlling Crop Development and Quality)

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20 pages, 4560 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Predicting Starch Content in Early Potato Varieties Using Neural Networks and Regression Models: A Comparative Study

by Magdalena Piekutowska, Patryk Hara, Katarzyna Pentoś, Tomasz Lenartowicz, Tomasz Wojciechowski, Sebastian Kujawa and Gniewko Niedbała

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123010 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 689

Abstract

Starch content serves as a crucial indicator of the quality and palatability of potato tubers. It has become a common practice to evaluate the polysaccharide content directly in tubers freshly harvested from the field. This study aims to develop models that can predict [...] Read more.

Starch content serves as a crucial indicator of the quality and palatability of potato tubers. It has become a common practice to evaluate the polysaccharide content directly in tubers freshly harvested from the field. This study aims to develop models that can predict starch content prior to the harvesting of potato tubers. Very early potato varieties were cultivated in the northern and northwestern regions of Poland. The research involved constructing multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN-MLP) models, drawing on data from eight years of field trials. The independent variables included factors such as sunshine duration, average daily air temperatures, precipitation, soil nutrient levels, and phytophenological data. The NSM demonstrated a higher accuracy in predicting the dependent variable compared to the RSM, with MAPE errors of 7.258% and 9.825%, respectively. This study confirms that artificial neural networks are an effective tool for predicting starch content in very early potato varieties, making them valuable for monitoring potato quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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12 pages, 1898 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Biochar Aging on Soil Physicochemical Properties

by Tamara Apostolović, Arthur Gross, Álvaro Fernando García Rodríguez, José María de la Rosa, Bruno Glaser, Heike Knicker and Snežana Maletić

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123007 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Biochar undergoes significant transformations in soil as a result of chemical, physical, and biological processes. These alterations can impact its initial properties, influencing both its agronomic effectiveness and its capacity for carbon sequestration. Long-term observations of biochar-aging effects in soil are limited but [...] Read more.

Biochar undergoes significant transformations in soil as a result of chemical, physical, and biological processes. These alterations can impact its initial properties, influencing both its agronomic effectiveness and its capacity for carbon sequestration. Long-term observations of biochar-aging effects in soil are limited but highly relevant, as they provide a more realistic picture of the agronomic and societal benefits of biochar than short-term studies with relatively “fresh” biochar. This study aimed to describe the aging effects of biochar and their impact on a range of soil properties at a long-term biochar experiment in Bayreuth, Germany. For this purpose, soil and biochar samples were taken 13 years after application (two variants: 1. co-composted and 2. pristine biochar) and compared with a fresh variant in which the same unaged biochar was freshly mixed with the control soil. The soil quality parameters, pH and electrical conductivity, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during biochar aging. Specifically, the pH dropped from 7.4 in freshly biochar-amended soil to 6.8 in the pristine aged biochar variant and 6.9 in the co-composted aged biochar variant. Electrical conductivity decreased from 217.0 µS cm⁻¹ in the freshly amended soil to 81.1 µS cm⁻¹ in the pristine aged variant and 87.6 µS cm⁻¹ in the co-composted aged variant. Nitrogen retention was enhanced in the soil amended with co-composted aged biochar compared to the pristine aged biochar soil. Total nitrogen (TN) was higher at 1.94 g kg⁻¹ versus 1.57 g kg⁻¹ (p < 0.05), and ammonium-N (NH₄⁺-N) was slightly elevated at 35.7 mg kg⁻¹ versus 33.0 mg kg⁻¹, although the difference was not statistically significant. The nitrate-N (NO₃⁻-N) content was significantly lower in all biochar-amended soil variants compared to the control soil. Total carbon (TC) levels decreased during biochar aging in all soil variants. However, the reduction was significantly lower in the co-composted aged biochar soil (25.0 g kg⁻¹) compared to the pristine aged biochar soil (20.5 g kg⁻¹, p < 0.05). This study identified multiple aging effects on biochar following 13 years of exposure in loamy soil. Importantly, the results showed that compared to the amendment of pristine biochar, co-composting did not diminish the TC of the treated soil, and more N could be retained, 13 years after amendment. In fact, co-composting prior to soil application is recommended to fully realize the potential agronomic benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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22 pages, 2533 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Sources of Nutrients for the Growing Ear of Winter Wheat in the Critical Cereal Window

by Witold Grzebisz, Witold Szczepaniak, Katarzyna Przygocka-Cyna, Maria Biber and Tomasz Spiżewski

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123018 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 659

Abstract

The process of winter bread wheat (WW) nutrient management in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW) has a decisive impact on yield component formation and, consequently, the grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC). This hypothesis was verified in a single-factor field experiment [...] Read more.

The process of winter bread wheat (WW) nutrient management in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW) has a decisive impact on yield component formation and, consequently, the grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC). This hypothesis was verified in a single-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 seasons. It consisted of seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha⁻¹. The mass of nutrients in ears was determined in the full flowering stage. The mass balance of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) was determined in leaves and stems. These sets of data were first used to calculate the soil nutrient uptake and then to predict the GY and GPC. Three nutrients, i.e., N, Ca, and Mg, were the main predictors of ear biomass. The set of ear nutrients significantly predicting GY and GE consisted of Ca, P, and Zn. Overall, this indirectly indicates a balanced N status for the ear. A positive nutrient balance in leaves, indicating their remobilization, was found for N, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Negative values, indicating a net nutrient accumulation in the non-ear organs of WW, were found for the remaining nutrients. The greatest impact on the GY and its components was observed for the balance of Mg and P but not N. The predictive worth of the nutrient balance for stems was much lower. The GPC, regardless of the type of indicator, depended solely on the N balance. Meanwhile, the main nutrient sources of N and Fe in ears were leaves and stems due to their uptake from the soil. For Cu, the primary source was soil, completed by its remobilization from leaves. For the remaining nutrients examined, the key source for the ear was soil, which was completed by remobilization from leaves and stems. Mg and Ca differed from other nutrients because their source for ears was exclusively soil. They were invested by WW in the ears and non-ear organs, mainly in the stems. The effective use of the yield potential of WW and other cereals requires insight into the nutritional status of the canopy at the beginning of the booting stage. This knowledge is necessary to develop an effective N management strategy and to correct and possibly apply fertilizers to improve both the yield and the GPC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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25 pages, 72113 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Sustainability of Miscanthus and Willow as Global Bioenergy Crops: Current and Future Climate Conditions (Part 1)

by Mohamed Abdalla, Astley Hastings, Grant Campbell, Heyu Chen and Pete Smith

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3020; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123020 - 18 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1106

Abstract

Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and [...] Read more.

Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and future climate scenarios, focusing on biomass productivity, carbon intensity (CI), and energy use efficiency (EUE). Under present conditions, both crops show high productivity in tropical and subtropical regions, with Miscanthus generally outperforming Willow. Productivity declines in less favourable climates, emphasising the crops’ sensitivity to environmental factors at the regional scale. The average productivity for Miscanthus and Willow was 19.9 t/ha and 10.4 t/ha, respectively. Future climate scenarios (A1F1, representing world markets and fossil-fuel-intensive, and B1, representing global sustainability) project significant shifts, with northern and central regions becoming more viable for cultivation due to warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons. However, southern and arid regions may experience reduced productivity, reflecting the uneven impacts of climate change. Miscanthus and Willow are predicted to show productivity declines of 15% and 8% and 12% and 7% under A1F1 and B1, respectively. CI analysis reveals substantial spatial variability, with higher values in industrialised and temperate regions due to intensive agricultural practices. Future scenarios indicate increased CI in northern latitudes due to intensified land use, while certain Southern Hemisphere regions may stabilise or reduce CI through mitigation strategies. Under climate change, CI for Miscanthus is projected to increase by over 100%, while Willow shows an increase of 64% and 57% for A1F1 and B1, respectively. EUE patterns suggest that both crops perform optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. Miscanthus shows a slight advantage in EUE, though Willow demonstrates greater adaptability in temperate regions. Climate change is expected to reduce EUE for Miscanthus by 10% and 7% and for Willow by 9% and 6%. This study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimise the sustainability of bioenergy crops under changing climate conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability — 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 2788 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Salt-Stress Responses in Salt-Tolerant (Vikinga) and Salt-Sensitive (Regalona) Quinoa Varieties. Physiological, Anatomical and Biochemical Perspectives

by Xavier Serrat, Antony Quello, Brigen Manikan, Gladys Lino and Salvador Nogués

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123003 - 17 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1008

Abstract

Soil salinization is an important stress factor that limits plant growth and yield. Increased salinization is projected to affect more than 50% of all arable land by 2050. In addition, the growing demand for food, together with the increase in the world population, [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is an important stress factor that limits plant growth and yield. Increased salinization is projected to affect more than 50% of all arable land by 2050. In addition, the growing demand for food, together with the increase in the world population, forces the need to seek salt-tolerant crops. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an Andean crop of high importance, due to its nutritional characteristics and high tolerance to different abiotic stresses. The aim of this work is to determine the physiological, anatomical, and biochemical salt-tolerance mechanisms of a salt-tolerant (Vikinga) and a salt-sensitive (Regalona) quinoa variety. Plants were subjected to salinity stress for 15 days, starting at 100 mM NaCl until progressively reaching 400 mM NaCl. Physiological, anatomical, and biochemical parameters including growth, chlorophyll content, quantum yield of PSII (ϕ_PSII), gas exchange, stomatal density, size, and lipid peroxidation (via malondialdehyde, MDA) were measured. Results show that chlorophyll content, ϕ_PSII, and MDA were not significantly reduced under saline stress in both varieties. The most stress-affected process was the CO₂ net assimilation, with an up to 60% reduction in both varieties, yet Vikinga produced higher dry weight than Regalona due to the number of leaves. The stomatal densities increased under salinity for both varieties, with Regalona the one showing higher values. The averaged stomatal size was also reduced under salinity in both varieties. The capacity of Vikinga to generate higher dry weight is a function of the capacity to generate greater amounts of leaves and roots in any condition. The stomatal control is a key mechanism in quinoa’s salinity tolerance, acquiring higher densities with smaller sizes for efficient management of water loss and carbon assimilation. These findings highlight the potential of Vikinga for cultivation in temperate salinized environments during winter, such as Deltas and lowlands where rice is grown during summer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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19 pages, 8392 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Changes in Plant Genetic Resources in the Southeast Region of Poland from the 1980s to 2023

by Denise F. Dostatny, Anna Bakalarska, Aleksandra Korzeniewska and Grzegorz Bartoszewski

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2992; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122992 - 16 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 725

Abstract

This paper presents data from sixteen collecting missions conducted over three decades (2000–2023) in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, located in Southeastern Poland. During these missions, 756 samples of functional plants were collected, along with accompanying species such as weeds, crop wild relatives, ornamental plants, [...] Read more.

This paper presents data from sixteen collecting missions conducted over three decades (2000–2023) in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, located in Southeastern Poland. During these missions, 756 samples of functional plants were collected, along with accompanying species such as weeds, crop wild relatives, ornamental plants, spice plants, and grafts of fruit trees. These materials were compared with those collected during six expeditions in two earlier decades (1980–1999), which resulted in the collection of 665 genotypes. The samples were primarily obtained from local farmers or gathered directly from fields. This study aims to summarise and compare the results of the collecting missions across decades. The analysis indicates that the Lubelskie region remains a place where old varieties of annual vegetable plants, rare weed species (on a national scale), crop wild relatives, and old varieties of fruit trees can still be found. However, old cereal varieties have nearly disappeared. The collected materials were characterised and stored as a base collection under long-term storage conditions at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute—National Research Institute. Vegetable plant materials were deposited in the active collection at the National Institute of Horticultural Research (INHORT). Fruit tree collections were also deposited at INHORT, as well as in the Botanical Garden of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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18 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biomethane Production from Untreated and Treated Brewery’s Spent Grain: Feasibility of Anaerobic Digestion After Pretreatments According to Biogas Yield and Energy Efficiency

by Jessica Di Mario, Alberto Maria Gambelli and Giovanni Gigliotti

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122980 - 14 Dec 2024

Viewed by 976

Abstract

The increasing global energy demand, coupled with the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions, has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. Biogas, produced from agro-industrial biomass, presents a viable solution. In beer production, brewery’s spent grain (BSG), the largest by-product by [...] Read more.

The increasing global energy demand, coupled with the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions, has intensified the search for renewable energy sources. Biogas, produced from agro-industrial biomass, presents a viable solution. In beer production, brewery’s spent grain (BSG), the largest by-product by volume, offers potential for bioenergy recovery. This study applied a biorefinery approach to BSG, extracting protein hydrolysates (PH) through mild alkaline hydrolysis and nanostructured lignin (LN) via the Ionic Liquid Method. The objective was to assess biogas production from the residual biorefinery biomass and evaluate the co-digestion of BSG with Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) and Olive Pomace (OP), by-products of the olive oil industry. Biogas was produced in lab-scale batch reactors and the quantity of biogas produced was measured via the volumetric method. Conversely, the amount of biomethane obtained was evaluated by introducing, in the production chain, an alkaline trap. Biogas yields were the highest for untreated BSG (1075.6 mL), co-digested BSG with OMWW (1130.1 mL), and BSG residue after PH extraction (814.9 mL). The concentration of biomethane obtained in the various samples ranged from 54.5 vol % (OMWW + BSG) to 76.59 vol % (BSG). An energy balance analysis considering both the theoretical energy consumed by a semi-continuous anaerobic digestion bioreactor and the energy produced as bio-CH₄ revealed that BSG after PH extraction was the most energy-efficient treatment, producing a net energy gain of 5.36 kJ. For the scope, the energy consumption was calculated by considering a PEIO index equal to 33% of the energy produced during the day, showing the highest biogas production. In contrast, the co-digested BSG with OMWW yielded the lowest net energy gain of 1.96 kJ. This comprehensive analysis highlights the energy efficiency of different treatments, identifying which process should be improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogas and Biomethane Production from Pretreated Waste Biomasses)

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14 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Salt Tolerance and Seedling Performance in Triticum durum Defs. ‘Douma 3’ Under Salinity Stress in Syria

by Nour Ali, Anikó Nyéki, Aïda Jalloul and Tarek Alahmad

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2982; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122982 - 14 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1721

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the laboratory tolerance of the durum wheat cultivar (Douma 3) when treated with two levels of ascorbic acid (5 ppm and 10 ppm, in addition to a control treatment soaked in water) under two levels of salt [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to evaluate the laboratory tolerance of the durum wheat cultivar (Douma 3) when treated with two levels of ascorbic acid (5 ppm and 10 ppm, in addition to a control treatment soaked in water) under two levels of salt stress (50 mM and 100 mM NaCl, in addition to a control). The experiment took place at the Field Crops Department labs, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Damascus, during the 2022–2023 agricultural season. The aim was to study the effect of ascorbic acid on seed reserve utilization efficiency, peroxidase enzyme activity, and its role in salt stress tolerance. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using factorial ANOVA with two replicates. The results showed significant differences between the treatments, with the priming of seeds soaked in a 5 ppm ascorbic acid solution (A1) significantly outperforming in terms of seedling dry weight (22.67 mg/seedling), remaining seed dry weight (7.5 mg/seed), seed reserve utilization efficiency (0.47 mg/mg), and salt tolerance index (89.80%). Simple correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between seedling dry weight (SDW), seed reserve utilization efficiency (SRUE) (0.881), and salt tolerance index (STI) (0.746 *). However, a negative and non-significant relationship was observed between the remaining seed dry weight (RSDW) and other traits. Moreover, SRUE had a significant positive correlation with STI (0.814). Both total soluble protein concentrations and peroxidase enzyme activity increased under salt stress conditions following pre-treatment with ascorbic acid compared to the control. The highest protein concentration and peroxidase enzyme activity were observed with the 5 ppm ascorbic acid treatment (A1). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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20 pages, 2452 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Demonstrating Agroecological Practices in Potato Production with Conservation Tillage and Pseudomonas spp., Azotobacter spp., Bacillus spp. Bacterial Inoculants—Evidence from Hungary

by Jana Marjanović, Abdulrahman Maina Zubairu, Sandor Varga, Shokhista Turdalieva, Fernanda Ramos-Diaz and Apolka Ujj

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2979; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122979 - 14 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

This study explores agroecological practices designed to improve soil quality and crop yield in small-scale agriculture, focusing on soil inoculation with beneficial bacteria over conventional fertilizers. Conducted at the SZIA Agroecological Garden MATE in Gödöllő, Hungary, the research utilizes 12 plots to evaluate [...] Read more.

This study explores agroecological practices designed to improve soil quality and crop yield in small-scale agriculture, focusing on soil inoculation with beneficial bacteria over conventional fertilizers. Conducted at the SZIA Agroecological Garden MATE in Gödöllő, Hungary, the research utilizes 12 plots to evaluate different conservation tillage methods, including minimum and no-tillage, with and without microbial inoculation. Commenced in 2022, this study centers on potato cultivation (Solanum tuberosum L.) and includes comprehensive chemical and physical analyses of soil and harvested potatoes, alongside continuous monitoring of growth. Statistical analysis using One-way Anova in R revealed p-values predominantly above 0.05, indicating no significant differences across most parameters, though variations in soil plasticity and pH (KCl) were noted. Results suggest that substantial treatmeent differences may require a longer observation period. Notably, plots with microbial inoculation exhibited higher harvest weights and tuber sizes compared to control plots. Additionally, trends and interactions were found between weed abundance, total harvest, and plant height. The findings indicate that the benefits of integrated agroecological practices, including conservation tillage, may take time to materialize, emphasizing the necessity for extended observation. This research lays the groundwork for future studies, underscoring the importance of patience in achieving improvements in soil health and crop quality through sustainable agricultural methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Inoculation with Microorganisms on Plant Nutrition, Yield and Quality)

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19 pages, 6825 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of Effective Microbial Additives Inoculation on Indigenous Bacterial Community Dynamics and Co-Occurrence Patterns During the Composting of Mixed Food Waste and Livestock Manure

by Donggyu Bang, Woojin Chung and Soonwoong Chang

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122973 - 13 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

Sustainable management of organic waste, such as food waste (FW) and livestock manure (LS), is essential for reducing pollution and promoting resource recycling. This study investigated the effects of Bacillus sp. inoculation and biochar addition on composting efficiency, microbial dynamics, and physicochemical properties. [...] Read more.

Sustainable management of organic waste, such as food waste (FW) and livestock manure (LS), is essential for reducing pollution and promoting resource recycling. This study investigated the effects of Bacillus sp. inoculation and biochar addition on composting efficiency, microbial dynamics, and physicochemical properties. Bacillus sp. accelerated the breakdown of cellulose and lignin, reduced moisture content, stabilized pH, and mitigated ammonia volatilization. Biochar reduced ammonia emissions by 17.04%, increasing to 28.89% with Bacillus sp. Next-generation sequencing revealed Bacillus sp. enhanced microbial diversity, suppressed pathogens, and promoted beneficial microbial interactions. LS treatments retained Firmicutes dominance (up to 95.17%), improving nitrogen retention, while FW treatments transitioned to Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, driving plant material decomposition. By day 35, Bacillus sp. increased late-stage microbial taxa (Deinococcota, Myxococcota), linked to cellulose degradation and pathogen suppression. In FW biochar compost (FWBC), Planococcaceae and Bacillaceae synergistically decomposed complex organic matter. LS biochar compost (LSBC) reduced anaerobic families like Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae, lowering methane and hydrogen sulfide emissions. Microbial network analysis highlighted improved cooperation under Bacillus sp., with LSBC sustaining positive interactions at higher dosages. These results demonstrate that microbial inoculants and biochar enhance composting efficiency, nutrient cycling, and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Aspects of Agro-Industrial By-Products in Circular Agriculture)

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47 pages, 5883 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Meta-Study on Sulphur Supply of Various Crop Species in Organic Farming Between 1998 and 2023 in European Countries—Part 1: Effects of Sulphur Supply on Plant Dry Biomass, Nitrogen Uptake, Legume N₂ Fixation and Sulphur Fertiliser Requirement Determinations

by Hartmut Kolbe

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2975; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122975 - 13 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1067

Abstract

Sulphur is an essential nutrient that fulfils various important functions in plants, including the formation of amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll and the support of nitrogen uptake, e.g., in legumes. The sulphur content of the atmosphere due to industrial combustion has fallen sharply in [...] Read more.

Sulphur is an essential nutrient that fulfils various important functions in plants, including the formation of amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll and the support of nitrogen uptake, e.g., in legumes. The sulphur content of the atmosphere due to industrial combustion has fallen sharply in recent decades, which has ultimately led to yield and quality deficiencies on farms. In this summarised study, data from 98 sites in Europe were recorded from 1998 to 2023. The sulphur fertiliser trials were conducted on farms, and experimental stations under organic farming conditions. A total of 1169 treatment variants and 598 standard variants without S-fertilisation were analysed. Fertilisation was carried out with various sources of sulphur in different quantities and forms, usually directly before or during crop cultivation. The amounts of plant-available S in the soil were determined at depths of 0–90 cm. Site characteristics such as S_min, N_min, soil type, pH value, precipitation and the extent of livestock farming were recorded. A sufficient amount of data was available for each experimental aspect to quantitatively describe the influence of increasing S supply to the soil or plant species groups (permanent grassland, lucerne-clover-grass, grain legumes and cereals) from severe deficiency to oversupply. The analyses therefore focused on establishing relationships between yield responses, correlations with the nitrogen uptake of crop species and N₂ fixation in legumes and the nutrient supply with plant-available sulphur. An assessment procedure was drawn up for soil supply with available sulphur that is too low (classes A, B), optimal (class C: 20–30 kg S ha⁻¹) and too high (classes D, E). The results were also used to develop practical methods for determining fertiliser requirements for different crop species and the crop rotation in organic farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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11 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hemp Cover Cropping and Disease Suppression in Winter Wheat of the Dryland Pacific Northwest

by Christina H. Hagerty, Govinda Shrestha, Nuan Wen, Duncan R. Kroese, Grayson F. Namdar, Tim Paulitz and Donald J. Wysocki

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2978; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122978 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1376

Abstract

The predominant cropping scheme for dryland wheat production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States includes winter wheat–summer fallow. Lack of crop diversification can deplete the soil organic matter and nutrients, while favoring the build-up of soilborne diseases. Cover crops [...] Read more.

The predominant cropping scheme for dryland wheat production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States includes winter wheat–summer fallow. Lack of crop diversification can deplete the soil organic matter and nutrients, while favoring the build-up of soilborne diseases. Cover crops are becoming more common within a standard rotation, primarily to provide protection against soil erosion, incorporate nutrients, and break soilborne diseases’ cycles. In this study, we investigated the potential of using hemp as a cover crop in a dryland wheat rotation to reduce soilborne diseases, and thus increase farmers’ profitability. While the benefits of barley and yellow mustard cover crops are well understood, the benefits of a hemp cover crop have not been examined in the PNW. We observed Fusarium spp. disease suppression on winter wheat following a hemp cover crop in the greenhouse studies. However, under field conditions, we did not observe a difference in pathogen abundance on winter wheat following hemp cover crop and hemp amendments in the field. Any potential to limit soilborne disease is a profitability opportunity for farmers. Our findings indicate that incorporating a hemp rotation into the PNW dryland wheat production system holds promise as a strategy to reduce soilborne diseases and improve soil health, though further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness and underlying mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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18 pages, 2909 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Light Intensity and Two Different Nutrient Solutions on the Yield of Flowers and Cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. Grown in Controlled Environment

by Petr Konvalina, Jaroslav Neumann, Trong Nghia Hoang, Jaroslav Bernas, Václav Trojan, Martin Kuchař, Tomáš Lošák and Ladislav Varga

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122960 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

Due to the typical production of Cannabis sativa L. for medical use in an artificial environment, it is crucial to optimize environmental and nutritional factors to enhance cannabinoid yield and quality. While the effects of light intensity and nutrient composition on plant growth [...] Read more.

Due to the typical production of Cannabis sativa L. for medical use in an artificial environment, it is crucial to optimize environmental and nutritional factors to enhance cannabinoid yield and quality. While the effects of light intensity and nutrient composition on plant growth are well-documented for various crops, there is a relative lack of research specific to Cannabis sativa L., especially in controlled indoor environments where both light and nutrient inputs can be precisely manipulated. This research analyzes the effect of different light intensities and nutrient solutions on growth, flower yield, and cannabinoid concentrations in seeded chemotype III cannabis (high CBD, low THC) in a controlled environment. The experiment was performed in a licensed production facility in the Czech Republic. The plants were exposed to different light regimes during vegetative phase and flowering phase (light 1 (S1), photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) 300 µmol/m²/s during vegetative phase, 900 µmol/m²/s in flowering phase and light 2 (S2) PPFD 500 µmol/m²/s during vegetative phase, 1300 µmol/m²/s during flowering phase) and different nutrition regimes R1 (fertilizer 1) and R2 (fertilizer 2). Solution R1 (N-NO₃⁻ 131.25 mg/L; N-NH₄⁺ 6.23 mg/L; P₂O₅ 30.87 mg/L; K₂O 4112.04 mg/L; CaO 147.99 mg/L; MgO 45.68 mg/L; SO₄²⁻ 45.08 mg/L) was used for the whole cultivation cycle (vegetation and flowering). Solution R2 was divided for vegetation phase (N-NO₃⁻ 171.26 mg/L; N-NH₄⁺ 5.26 mg/L; P₂O₅ 65.91 mg/L; K₂O 222.79 mg/L; CaO 125.70 mg/L; MgO 78.88 mf/L; SO₄²⁻ 66.94 mg/L) and for flowering phase (N-NO₃⁻ 97.96 mg/L; N-NH₄⁺ 5.82 mg/L; P₂O₅ 262.66 mg/L; K₂O 244.07 mg/L; CaO 138.26 mg/L; MgO 85.21 mg/L; SO₄²⁻ 281.54 mg/L). The aim of this study was to prove a hypothesis that light will have a significant impact on the yield of flowers and cannabinoids, whereas fertilizers would have no significant effect. The experiment involved a four-week vegetative phase followed by an eight-week flowering phase. During the vegetative and flowering phases, no nutrient deficiencies were observed in plants treated with either nutrient solution R1 (fertilizer 1) or R2 (fertilizer 2). The ANOVA analysis showed that fertilizers had no significant effect on the yield of flowers nor cannabinoids. Also, light intensity differences between groups S1 (light 1) and S2 (light 2) did not result in visible differences in plant growth during the vegetative stage. However, by the fifth week of the flowering phase, plants under higher light intensities (S2—PPFD 1300 µmol/m²/s) developed noticeably larger and denser flowers than plants in the lower light intensity group (S1). The ANOVA analysis also confirmed that the higher light intensities positively influenced cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) when the increase in the concentration of individual cannabinoids in the harvested product was 17–43%. Nonetheless, the study did not find significant differences during the vegetative stage, highlighting that the impact of light intensities is phase-specific. These results are limited to controlled indoor conditions, and further research is needed to explore their applicability to other environments and genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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14 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Adjusted Light Levels on Plant Growth and Flowering Characteristics of Oncidesa Cultivars

by Chia-Man Chang, Kuan-Hung Lin, Meng-Yuan Huang, Chung-I Chen, Wen-Hung Huang and Ching-Wen Wang

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2951; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122951 - 11 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 690

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and flowering characteristics of three Oncidesa cultivars under four distinct canopy treatments in a greenhouse environment. The control canopy treatment (canopy D) involved covering the greenhouse with black shade nets to reduce natural [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and flowering characteristics of three Oncidesa cultivars under four distinct canopy treatments in a greenhouse environment. The control canopy treatment (canopy D) involved covering the greenhouse with black shade nets to reduce natural light penetration. Canopy B included black shade nets in combination with a transparent plastic screen on the sides to further modify the light conditions. Additionally, two other treatments were applied: black shade nets with (canopy A) or without (canopy C) plastic sheeting, supplemented with daily lighting from high-pressure sodium lamps. Ten horticultural traits were measured to assess the impact of these canopy treatments on different cultivars at various growth stages. The results show that canopy treatments significantly affected all the measured traits of the Oncidesa cultivars, except for leaf width. Apollo plants treated under canopy A exhibited longer and thicker pseudobulbs, wider leaves, higher chlorophyll content, and a greater number of branches and florets compared to Honey Angel and Golden Star. Plants under canopy C showed superior growth traits across all cultivars, while those under canopies A and D exhibited better flowering quality. These findings suggest that different canopy treatments had varying effects on the growth and flowering traits of Oncidesa cultivars, with each cultivar showing distinct adaptability to specific canopy conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

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32 pages, 22123 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Automated Seedling Contour Determination and Segmentation Using Support Vector Machine and Image Features

by Samsuzzaman, Md Nasim Reza, Sumaiya Islam, Kyu-Ho Lee, Md Asrakul Haque, Md Razob Ali, Yeon Jin Cho, Dong Hee Noh and Sun-Ok Chung

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122940 - 10 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1022

Abstract

Boundary contour determination during seedling image segmentation is critical for accurate object detection and morphological characterization in agricultural machine vision systems. The traditional manual annotation for segmentation is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially in controlled environments with complex backgrounds. These errors [...] Read more.

Boundary contour determination during seedling image segmentation is critical for accurate object detection and morphological characterization in agricultural machine vision systems. The traditional manual annotation for segmentation is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially in controlled environments with complex backgrounds. These errors can affect the accuracy of detecting phenotypic traits, like shape, size, and width. To address these issues, this study introduced a method that integrated image features and a support vector machine (SVM) to improve boundary contour determination during segmentation, enabling real-time detection and monitoring. Seedling images (pepper, tomato, cucumber, and watermelon) were captured under various lighting conditions to enhance object–background differentiation. Histogram equalization and noise reduction filters (median and Gaussian) were applied to minimize the illumination effects. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) were used to select the clip limit for histogram equalization. The images were analyzed across 18 different color spaces to extract the color features, and six texture features were derived using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method. To reduce feature overlap, sequential feature selection (SFS) was applied, and the SVM was used for object segmentation. The SVM model achieved 73% segmentation accuracy without SFS and 98% with SFS. Segmentation accuracy for the different seedlings ranged from 81% to 98%, with a low boundary misclassification rate between 0.011 and 0.019. The correlation between the actual and segmented contour areas was strong, with an R² up to 0.9887. The segmented boundary contour files were converted into annotation files to train a YOLOv8 model, which achieved a precision ranging from 96% to 98.5% and a recall ranging from 96% to 98%. This approach enhanced the segmentation accuracy, reduced manual annotation, and improved the agricultural monitoring systems for plant health management. The future direction involves integrating this system with advanced methods to address overlapping image segmentation challenges, further enhancing the real-time seedling monitoring and optimizing crop management and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Automation and Crop Management)

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17 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

First Results of Management of Powdery Mildew in Grapevine Using Sulphur, Silicate and Equisetum arvense Formulations

by Francesco Calzarano, Giancarlo Pagnani, Leonardo Seghetti, Vincenzo D’Agostino and Stefano Di Marco

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122930 - 9 Dec 2024

Viewed by 971

Abstract

The management of grapevine from diseases is now particularly focused on the development of environmentally friendly strategies. Although sulphur is not in itself a toxic substance, its extensive use in powdery mildew, in organic vineyards especially, may cause environmental problems and plant phytotoxicity [...] Read more.

The management of grapevine from diseases is now particularly focused on the development of environmentally friendly strategies. Although sulphur is not in itself a toxic substance, its extensive use in powdery mildew, in organic vineyards especially, may cause environmental problems and plant phytotoxicity and affect the health and safety of viticultural workers. The activity of sulphur applied at doses reduced up to 50% in tank mixtures with silicates or Equisetum arvense-based products was assessed on powdery mildew in grapevine. Two-year trials were carried out applying the products every 7–10 days in the period of greatest risk for disease infections, in two organic vineyards in the Abruzzo region, Italy. In both vineyards throughout all trial years, at harvest, disease incidence and severity on leaves and bunches in the silicon + sulphur treatments were generally significantly lower compared to both the sulphur at full dose and to the control. In all trials, in both vineyards, a strong activity of silicon + sulphur mixtures towards disease on leaves was observed. This effect could be decisive in lowering the potential inoculum in the following season. In the Ari vineyard, vines treated with the mixtures always increased yield quantity and quality, given the higher contents of soluble solids and lower levels of total acidity. In the Cellino vineyard, probably due to the young age of the vines, increases in yield quantity were observed, with lesser effects on quality. The promising activity of the mixtures needs further studies to confirm these positive results. Furthermore, in both vineyards, the source of primary inoculum of the pathogen was observed as chasmothecia on the leaves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)

23 pages, 3487 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Pest Management Pathways: Control Strategies for the Olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae)—A Systematic Map

by Evangelia I. Balampekou, Thomas M. Koutsos, Georgios C. Menexes, Dimitrios S. Koveos and Nikos A. Kouloussis

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2929; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122929 - 8 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

A systematic map is a structured method for reviewing and categorizing research evidence on a scientific topic, offering a broad overview without requiring quantitative synthesis. Unlike systematic reviews, which focus on answering specific research questions, systematic maps help identify trends, gaps, and patterns [...] Read more.

A systematic map is a structured method for reviewing and categorizing research evidence on a scientific topic, offering a broad overview without requiring quantitative synthesis. Unlike systematic reviews, which focus on answering specific research questions, systematic maps help identify trends, gaps, and patterns in literature. This approach has gained increasing recognition in entomology, particularly for providing unbiased insights in fields such as medical entomology and insect biodiversity conservation. By mapping existing studies, systematic maps aid in guiding policy decisions and research priorities. This study presents a systematic map of research on olive fruit fly [(Bactrocera oleae) (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] control methods, a key pest in olive cultivation. By reviewing literature from the past sixteen years, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the various strategies tested for managing B. oleae. The main objectives are to categorize the types of studies, assess their scope, and identify trends or gaps in pest control research. The results offer a clearer understanding of the current state of knowledge and suggest directions for future research. This systematic map will serve as a valuable resource for entomologists and policymakers working on sustainable pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Water, Nutrient, and Pesticide Management of Fruit Crop)

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26 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Seed Priming: Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms Underlying Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance

by Bhupinder Singh Jatana, Sajjan Grover, Hari Ram and Gurjinder Singh Baath

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122901 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

Seed priming is a state-of-the-art, low-cost, and environment-friendly strategy to improve seed germination, seed vigor, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and the yield of field and horticultural crops. Seed priming involves imbibing the seeds in a priming solution under a desired set of [...] Read more.

Seed priming is a state-of-the-art, low-cost, and environment-friendly strategy to improve seed germination, seed vigor, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and the yield of field and horticultural crops. Seed priming involves imbibing the seeds in a priming solution under a desired set of environmental conditions for a period followed by drying before the radicle protrusion. Several seed priming approaches including hydropriming, osmopriming, bio-priming, hormonal priming, nutrient priming, nanoparticle priming, and electropriming can be effectively employed under different environmental conditions to improve crop growth and stress resilience. Seed priming is known to trigger enzymatic, hormonal, physiological, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic regulations in seed embryos during seed germination and plant growth, which leads to faster and synchronized seed germination and higher abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Furthermore, seed priming can induce cross-tolerance between abiotic and biotic stressors and induce stress memory for higher resilience of the next generation to environmental stresses. The present review paper discusses the applications of seed priming in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and the underlying abiotic and biotic stress tolerance physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of seed priming. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges/bottlenecks in the widespread application of seed priming in crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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28 pages, 19572 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Post-GWAS Prioritization of Genome–Phenome Association in Sorghum

by Debasmita Pal, Kevin Schaper, Addie Thompson, Jessica Guo, Pankaj Jaiswal, Curtis Lisle, Laurel Cooper, David LeBauer, Anne E. Thessen and Arun Ross

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122894 - 4 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1233

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely used to infer the genetic basis of traits in organisms; however, selecting appropriate thresholds for analysis remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce the Sequential SNP Prioritization Algorithm (SSPA) to investigate the genetic underpinnings of [...] Read more.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are widely used to infer the genetic basis of traits in organisms; however, selecting appropriate thresholds for analysis remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce the Sequential SNP Prioritization Algorithm (SSPA) to investigate the genetic underpinnings of two key phenotypes in Sorghum bicolor: maximum canopy height and maximum growth rate. Using a subset of the Sorghum Bioenergy Association Panel cultivated at the Maricopa Agricultural Center in Arizona, we performed GWAS with specific permissive-filtered thresholds to identify genetic markers associated with these traits, enabling the identification of a broader range of explanatory candidate genes. Building on this, our proposed method employed a feature engineering approach leveraging statistical correlation coefficients to unravel patterns between phenotypic similarity and genetic proximity across 274 accessions. This approach helps prioritize Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that are likely to be associated with the studied phenotype. Additionally, we conducted a complementary analysis to evaluate the impact of SSPA by including all variants (SNPs) as inputs, without applying GWAS. Empirical evidence, including ontology-based gene function, spatial and temporal expression, and similarity to known homologs demonstrates that SSPA effectively prioritizes SNPs and genes influencing the phenotype of interest, providing valuable insights for functional genetics research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Data, Models, and Their Applications in Agriculture)

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21 pages, 1127 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Light Intensity and Spectrum Mix on Biomass, Growth and Resource Use Efficiency in Microgreen Species

by Saad Mir, Roberts Krumins, Liva Purmale, Vaibhav Pradip Chaudhary and Bhim Bahadur Ghaley

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2895; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122895 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

Light spectrum and intensity is one of the key factors in the production of microgreens in controlled-environment agriculture and is directly related to plant growth and biomass accumulation. Hence, the objective of this research study was to investigate the biomass, growth, and resource [...] Read more.

Light spectrum and intensity is one of the key factors in the production of microgreens in controlled-environment agriculture and is directly related to plant growth and biomass accumulation. Hence, the objective of this research study was to investigate the biomass, growth, and resource use efficiencies (RUEs) in 14 different species of microgreen grown in two light recipes with 209.5 (OSRAM LED) and 45 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (INSTAGREEN LED) with a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod in a growth chamber. Under both LEDs, fresh biomass accumulation and the SPAD content were highest in sunflower. Nasturtium recorded the maximum hypocotyl length under both LEDs. The leaf area index (LAI) was significantly higher in mungbean under the INSTAGREEN LED compared to other microgreens, while the maximum LAI was measured in lentils under the OSRAM LED. This shows that the two different LEDs had species-specific effects. The RUE of the cheaper INSTAGREEN LED was more efficient in terms of light and energy use efficiency, while OSRAM LED was more efficient in terms of water and surface use efficiencies. Overall, the results showed that different species of microgreens exhibit different responses to fresh biomass accumulation and SPAD contents in the leaves, demonstrating the diversity of their growth responses. Across both LEDs (OSRAM LED and INSTAGREEN LED), the top performing microgreen in terms of biomass accumulation as well as SPAD contents in the leaves was sunflower. Consequently, a high chlorophyll content in sunflower led to a higher biomass production by enhancing photosynthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydroponics Technology for Vegetable Production: New Opportunities and Challenges)

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16 pages, 8117 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Invasive Characteristics and Impacts of Ambrosia trifida

by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122868 - 1 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1194

Abstract

Ambrosia trifida L. is native to North America, has been introduced into many countries in Europe and East Asia, and is also expanding its habitat in its native ranges. Ambrosia trifida grows in sunny and humid environments, such as grasslands, riverbanks, floodplains, abandoned [...] Read more.

Ambrosia trifida L. is native to North America, has been introduced into many countries in Europe and East Asia, and is also expanding its habitat in its native ranges. Ambrosia trifida grows in sunny and humid environments, such as grasslands, riverbanks, floodplains, abandoned places, and agricultural fields, as an invasive plant species. Ambrosia trifida has a strong adaptive ability to adverse conditions and shows great variation in seed germination phenology and plant morphology in response to environmental conditions. Effective natural enemies have not been found in its native or introduced ranges. The species is allelopathic and contains several allelochemicals. These characteristics may contribute to the competitive ability and invasiveness of this species. Ambrosia trifida significantly reduces species diversity and plant abundance in its infested plant communities. The species also causes significant yield loss in summer crop production, such as in maize, soybean, sunflower, and cotton production. Ambrosia trifida is capable of rapid evolution against herbicide pressure. Populations of Ambrosia trifida resistant to glyphosate, ALS-inhibiting herbicides, and PPO-inhibiting herbicides, as well as cross-resistant populations, have already appeared. An integrated weed management protocol with a more diverse combination of herbicide sites of action and other practices, such as tillage, the use of different crop species, crop rotation, smart decision tools, and innovative equipment, would be essential to mitigate herbicide-dependent weed control practices and may be one sustainable system for Ambrosia trifida management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plants in Agroecosystems: Ecology, Surveillance, Impacts, Management and Challenges)

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29 pages, 2584 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Innovative Organic Fertilizers and Cover Crops: Perspectives for Sustainable Agriculture in the Era of Climate Change and Organic Agriculture

by Muhammad Tahir Khan, Jūratė Aleinikovienė and Lina-Marija Butkevičienė

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2871; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122871 - 1 Dec 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8078

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities have resulted in land desertification in various regions of the world, leading to the degradation of critical soil characteristics such as organic matter (OM) content, nutrient stock, and prevailing biodiversity. Restoring such degraded soils through organic matter amendments and diversified crop [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic activities have resulted in land desertification in various regions of the world, leading to the degradation of critical soil characteristics such as organic matter (OM) content, nutrient stock, and prevailing biodiversity. Restoring such degraded soils through organic matter amendments and diversified crop rotations is thus an intrinsic part of organic farming. This review discusses a wide range of organic farming impacts on soil health and crop productivity by focusing on organic fertilizers and crop diversification. Conventional fertilizers were considered vital for agricultural production to harvest high crop yields. Nevertheless, they are now deemed as environmentally hazardous and an obstacle to sustainable agroecosystems due to intensive chemical inputs that damage the soil over time and have long-lasting impacts. Conventional fertilization results in nutrient depletion, loss of microbial diversity, organic matter reduction, and deterioration of physical characteristics of the soil. Conversely, organic fertilization makes use of naturally existing resources to improve soil health. Organic amendments such as biochar, manure, and fermented grass improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties and promote the growth and diversity of beneficial soil microorganisms—important in nutrient cycling and soil stability. They facilitate the uptake of nutrients, hinder crop pathogen growth, mitigate heavy metals, and decompose xenobiotic organic substances. Moreover, growing cover crops is also a major strategy to improve soil health. Diversified crop rotation with combinatorial use of organic fertilizers may improve soil health and agricultural yields without any detrimental impacts on the environment and soil, ensuring sustainable food production, safety, and security. This integrated approach contributes to minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and their effects on environmental health. It also contributes to reducing agricultural inputs along with enhancing OM, soil microbial diversity and biomass, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration. Therefore, cover crops and organic fertilization may offer sustainable agroecosystems and climate change mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Fertilization Application in Vegetable and Fruit Cultivation)

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20 pages, 6981 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatial, Vertical, and Temporal Soil Water Content Variability Affected by Low-Pressure Drip Irrigation in Sandy Loam Soil: A Soil Bin Experimental Study

by Mohammod Ali, Md Asrakul Haque, Md Razob Ali, Md Aminur Rahman, Hongbin Jin, Young Yoon Jang and Sun-Ok Chung

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122848 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1286

Abstract

Drip irrigation pressure is considered a key parameter for controlling and designing the drip irrigation system in sandy soils. Understanding soil water content (SWC) movements under varying pressures can enhance water use efficiency and support sustainable irrigation strategies for crops in arid regions. [...] Read more.

Drip irrigation pressure is considered a key parameter for controlling and designing the drip irrigation system in sandy soils. Understanding soil water content (SWC) movements under varying pressures can enhance water use efficiency and support sustainable irrigation strategies for crops in arid regions. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of irrigation pressure on the spatial, vertical, and temporal variability of SWC in sandy loam soil using surface drip irrigation. Experiments were carried out in a soil bin located in a greenhouse. SWC sensors were placed at depths 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm to monitor SWC variability under low, medium, and high drip irrigation pressures (25, 50, and 75 kPa) at a constant emitter flow rate of 3 L/h. A pressure controller was used to regulate drip irrigation pressure, while microcontrollers communicated with SWC sensors, collected experimental data, and automatically recorded the outputs. At low irrigation pressure, water content began to increase at 0.53 h and saturated at 3.5 h, with both values being significantly lower at medium and high pressures. The results indicated that lower pressures led to significant variability in water movement at shallow depths (10 to 30 cm), becoming uniform at deeper layers but requiring longer irrigation times. Competitively higher pressures showed uniform water distribution and retention statistically throughout the soil profiles with shorter irrigation times. The variation in water distribution resulting in non-uniform coverage across the irrigated area demonstrates how pressure changes affect the flow rate of the emitter. The results provide information maps with soil water data that can be adjusted with irrigation pressure to maximize water use efficiency in sandy loam soils, aiding farmers in better irrigation scheduling for different crops using surface drip irrigation techniques in arid environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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21 pages, 5567 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Use of Innovative Compounds to Manage Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildews: Results of a Three-Year Field Trial

by Simone Piancatelli, Marwa Moumni, Sarah Mojela Makau, Mehdiye Tunç, Gabriele Cantalamessa, Yann Davillerd, Eva Pilar Pérez-Álvarez, Teresa Garde-Cerdán, Giuliano D’Ignazi and Gianfranco Romanazzi

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2840; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122840 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1075

Abstract

Induced resistance (IR) based on elicitors application aims to strengthen plant defenses, rather than directly targeting pathogens. These compounds are less toxic than conventional pesticides and are useful in reducing their use. Strategies based on COS–OGA, Swinglea glutinosa, and low copper doses were [...] Read more.

Induced resistance (IR) based on elicitors application aims to strengthen plant defenses, rather than directly targeting pathogens. These compounds are less toxic than conventional pesticides and are useful in reducing their use. Strategies based on COS–OGA, Swinglea glutinosa, and low copper doses were tested in this three-year (2021–2023) field investigation against grapevine downy (DM) and powdery (PM) mildew. Their effectiveness was compared to copper, sulfur, untreated, and water-sprayed plants in a naturally infected vineyard. Combined treatments provided higher levels of protection. COS–OGA at 2 L ha⁻¹ combined with low copper doses and an adjuvant protected canopy and production from both DM and PM at the same level as copper and farm application (based on copper and sulfur). In favorable seasons, 2023 for DM and 2022 for PM, this strategy reduced the DM McKinney Index compared to untreated plants by 74% and 39% on leaves and bunches, respectively. Reductions observed for PM were 85% on leaves and 46% on bunches. S. glutinosa showed reductions only in one assessment against PM on bunches. This work validates IR-based DM and PM management strategies under field conditions and paves the way toward concrete reduction in copper and sulfur use in vineyards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Pathology of Viticulture)

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48 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Arthropod Pests, Nematodes, and Microbial Pathogens of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Their Management—A Review

by Samara Ounis, György Turóczi and József Kiss

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2841; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122841 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important agricultural crop of the Malvaceae family, cultivated across tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. However, okra production faces numerous challenges from diverse pest species, including insects, nematodes, arachnids, and mites, that significantly reduce its yield. [...] Read more.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important agricultural crop of the Malvaceae family, cultivated across tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. However, okra production faces numerous challenges from diverse pest species, including insects, nematodes, arachnids, and mites, that significantly reduce its yield. Major economic pests include the cotton aphid, cotton spotted bollworm, Egyptian bollworm, cotton mealybug, whitefly, cotton leafhopper, cotton bollworm, two-spotted spider mite, root-knot nematode, reniform nematode, cotton leaf roller, and flea beetle. Additionally, less prevalent pests such as the blister beetle, okra stem fly, red cotton bug, cotton seed bug, cotton looper, onion thrips, green plant bug, and lesion nematode are also described. This review also addresses fungal and oomycete diseases that present high risks to okra production, including damping-off, powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, gray mold, Alternaria leaf spot and pod rot, Phyllosticta leaf spot, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, collar rot, stem canker, anthracnose, and fruit rot. In addition to these fungal diseases, okra is also severely affected by several viral diseases, with the most important being okra yellow vein mosaic disease, okra enation leaf curl disease, and okra mosaic disease, which can cause significant yield losses. Moreover, okra may also suffer from bacterial diseases, with bacterial leaf spot and blight, caused primarily by Pseudomonas syringae, being the most significant. This manuscript synthesizes the current knowledge on these pests. It outlines various management techniques and strategies to expand the knowledge base of farmers and researchers, highlighting the key role of integrated pest management (IPM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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19 pages, 1601 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Potato Cropping System and Variety Impacts on Soil Properties, Soilborne Diseases, and Tuber Yield in a Long-Term Field Trial

by Robert P. Larkin

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122852 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 959

Abstract

Cropping systems incorporating soil health management practices such as longer rotations, cover crops and green manures, and organic amendments have been shown to improve soil and crop health. However, long-term trials are needed to fully assess the impacts and effects of these systems [...] Read more.

Cropping systems incorporating soil health management practices such as longer rotations, cover crops and green manures, and organic amendments have been shown to improve soil and crop health. However, long-term trials are needed to fully assess the impacts and effects of these systems over time. Crop varieties may also respond differently to cropping practices or systems. In field trials originally established in 2004, three different 3-year potato cropping systems focused on management goals of soil conservation (SC), soil improvement (SI), and disease suppression (DS) were evaluated and compared to a standard 2-year rotation (SQ) and a nonrotation control (PP). Results compiled over a 4-year period (2019–2022) using two different potato varieties showed that the SI system (with a history of compost amendments) improved soil properties, including organic matter and nutrient contents, aggregate stability, and microbial activity relative to other systems. The SI system also had higher total and marketable tuber yields (by 22–28%) relative to the standard SQ system. The DS system, which included a disease-suppressive green manure rotation crop, also improved yield (by 12%) and reduced soilborne diseases (black scurf and common scab). Variety Caribou Russet, a newer variety with improved characteristics, produced higher marketable yields and larger tuber size, as well as lower severity of common scab than the standard Russet Burbank variety. These results demonstrate that improved cropping systems can substantially enhance productivity relative to standard cropping systems, as well as provide greater sustainability through long-term improvements in soil health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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14 pages, 2564 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Leveraging Zero-Shot Detection Mechanisms to Accelerate Image Annotation for Machine Learning in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)

by Connor C. Mullins, Travis J. Esau, Qamar U. Zaman, Chloe L. Toombs and Patrick J. Hennessy

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2830; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122830 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1284

Abstract

This study conducted an analysis of zero-shot detection capabilities using two frameworks, YOLO-World and Grounding DINO, on a selection of images in the wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) cropping system. The datasets included ripe wild blueberries, hair fescue (Festuca filiformis Pourr.), [...] Read more.

This study conducted an analysis of zero-shot detection capabilities using two frameworks, YOLO-World and Grounding DINO, on a selection of images in the wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) cropping system. The datasets included ripe wild blueberries, hair fescue (Festuca filiformis Pourr.), blueberry buds, and red leaf disease (Exobasidium vaccinii). Key performance metrics such as Intersection over Union (IoU), precision, recall, and F1 score were utilized for model comparison. Grounding DINO consistently achieved superior performance across all metrics and datasets, achieving significantly higher mean IoUs on berries, red leaf, hair fescue, and buds (0.642, 0.921, 0.735, and 0.629, respectively) compared to YOLO-World (0.516, 0.567, 0.232, and 0.408, respectively). Evidenced by their high recall rates relative to precision, the models displayed a preference for identifying true positives at the cost of increasing false positives. Grounding DINO’s higher precision (overall mean of 0.672), despite the tendency to over-detect, indicated a better balance in minimizing false positives than YOLO-World (overall mean of 0.501). These findings contrast with the foundational study of YOLO-World where it demonstrated superior performance on standard datasets, highlighting the importance of dataset characteristics and optimization processes in model performance. The practical implications of this study include providing a solution for accelerated object detection image annotation in the wild blueberry cropping system. This work, representing a significant advancement in facilitating accurate and efficient annotation of wild blueberry datasets, guides future research in the application of zero-shot detection models to agricultural datasets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics for Digital Agriculture)

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14 pages, 2670 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Heat Stress Resistance in Chlorella vulgaris Enhanced by Hydrolyzed Whey Proteins

by Wolfram Manuel Brück, Esteban Alfonso, Markus Rienth and Wilfried Andlauer

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122854 - 28 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028

Abstract

Plant biologists have long used various model organisms, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, to study biological processes. The emergence of algal model organisms in recent years greatly facilitated plant research due to their compact genomes with a very low level of functional redundancy [...] Read more.

Plant biologists have long used various model organisms, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, to study biological processes. The emergence of algal model organisms in recent years greatly facilitated plant research due to their compact genomes with a very low level of functional redundancy and their physiological properties. Here, the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris has been used as a model organism to study the effect of whey hydrolysates against heat stress in vascular plants. Cell density in culture, as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, were monitored during an initial growth phase, followed by a heat stress phase and a subsequent recovery phase. Results showed that whey hydrolysates promoted the recovery of heat-stressed C. vulgaris and showed improved growth rates and generation times after heat stress compared to cells grown in BG-11 only. Similarly, the production of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids was improved in comparison to cells grown only in BG-11. The results may aid the development of novel biostimulants that protect crops from climate change due to higher throughput and shorter study times compared to traditional plant models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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24 pages, 92100 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Digital Mapping of Land Suitability for Main Agricultural Crops in Romania

by Cristian Valeriu Patriche, Bogdan Roșca, Radu Gabriel Pîrnău, Ionuț Vasiliniuc and Liviu Mihai Irimia

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2828; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122828 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1167

Abstract

The scientific evaluation of land potential for different uses is essential for sustainable land development. Our study attempts to quantify this potential for agricultural purposes at a national scale, using GIS techniques, high-resolution spatial data, and recent climate data. The land evaluation methodology [...] Read more.

The scientific evaluation of land potential for different uses is essential for sustainable land development. Our study attempts to quantify this potential for agricultural purposes at a national scale, using GIS techniques, high-resolution spatial data, and recent climate data. The land evaluation methodology we applied in our study was developed in the 1980s by soil scientists from the National Institute of Research and Development for Pedology, Agrochemistry and Environmental Protection (ICPA) and it is still the official approach for the assessment of land suitability for crops in Romania. In our study, the application of the methodology is based on high-resolution spatial data including the 25 × 25 m resolution EU-DEM, the CHESLA climate database from which mean annual temperatures and precipitations were extracted for the 1990–2019 period, the digital soil map of Romania, the European LUCAS soil database. Firstly, we compared the evolution of mean annual temperatures and precipitations for 1961–1990 and 1990–2019 periods and found that there is a significant warming trend (an overall increase of 1.27 °C for the entire country, ranging from 0.9 °C to 1.6 °C) among the major landform units and a slight precipitation increase throughout the country (68.8 mm yr⁻¹ for the whole country, ranging from 9.3 to 118.8 mm yr⁻¹). Then, we applied the land evaluation methodology for the recent period (1990–2019), starting with the digital mapping of 15 land suitability factors, which were further aggregated to achieve the land suitability index and classes for the main agricultural crops of Romania (winter wheat, maize, sunflower, potato, and vine for wine). The results show that the most suitable landform units for wheat, maize, and sunflower are the plain areas (Romanian Plain, Western Plain) with LSI average values over 60. For potato, the suitable areas (LSI over 50–60) are less extended, being found especially in the intra-mountainous depressions and cooler plateau areas, while vines find very suitable conditions (LSI over 70) at the contact of the Romanian Plain and the Subcarpathians. To assess the model performance, we determined the shares of land suitability classes within the areas occupied by the specific crops. A second validation was carried out by correlating the total crop production at the county level with the cumulated LSI values. We found that, apart from potatoes, the model performs well for the analyzed crops. However, a methodological revision is necessary to accommodate temperature and precipitation values, which did not manifest in the reference climate period (1961–1990), but which are now part of the current climate of Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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17 pages, 1995 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of No Tillage and Low Emission N Fertilization on Durum Wheat Sustainability, Profitability and Quality

by Michele Andrea De Santis, Luigia Giuzio, Damiana Tozzi, Mario Soccio and Zina Flagella

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122794 - 25 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 836

Abstract

Mitigation practices for cereal systems, including conservation agriculture and low emission fertilization, are required to face global challenges of food security and climate change. The combination of these climate-smart approaches was investigated for durum wheat in a dry region of the Mediterranean basin [...] Read more.

Mitigation practices for cereal systems, including conservation agriculture and low emission fertilization, are required to face global challenges of food security and climate change. The combination of these climate-smart approaches was investigated for durum wheat in a dry region of the Mediterranean basin in two crop seasons. The experimental design consisted in two different genotypes, Marco Aurelio (high protein content) and Saragolla (higher adaptability), subjected to no tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT) and to two fertilization strategies (standard vs. low emission plus an unfertilized control). Different environmental and economic sustainability parameters as well as two different technological and nutritional quality traits were evaluated. Saragolla showed a better environmental adaptability and a higher nitrogen use efficiency, evaluated as partial nutrient balance (+27%), and was associated with a lower protein content (14.5% vs. 15.6%). NT was associated with an improvement in yield (+15%) and quality, i.e., micronutrients (Fe, Zn) and antioxidant capacity (+15%), in the drier crop year. Low emission fertilization did not reduce crop performance and its combination with NT showed a higher economic net return. The combination of the two mitigation practices improved not only environmental and economic sustainability but also the health quality of durum wheat under water limited conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality)

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21 pages, 534 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fostering Sustainable Potato Production: A Collaborative European Approach

by Alicia Morugán-Coronado, María Dolores Gómez-López, Laura Meno, David Fernández-Calviño, Hilde Wustenberghs, Stefan Schrader, David-Alexander Bind, Anne Põder, Merrit Shanskiy, Eija Pouta, Annika Tienhaara and Javier Calatrava

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122762 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1128

Abstract

Potato production faces increasingly severe agronomic problems, including intensive production and pedoclimatic changes. Increasing pest/disease incidence is contributing to inadequate application of pesticides and external fertilizers. This study aims to identify critical agri-environmental challenges currently faced by potato growers in Europe, assessing the [...] Read more.

Potato production faces increasingly severe agronomic problems, including intensive production and pedoclimatic changes. Increasing pest/disease incidence is contributing to inadequate application of pesticides and external fertilizers. This study aims to identify critical agri-environmental challenges currently faced by potato growers in Europe, assessing the needs and priorities of end-users to determine the feasibility of integrating more sustainable farming practices into potato cultivation. Additionally, we identified sustainable strategies to reduce reliance on external inputs. A total of 203 potato stakeholders from six European pedoclimatic areas completed a survey in 2020 to identify agronomic and environmental problems, priorities for action, and best-suited sustainable farming practices. Statistical and multicriteria decision analysis was then performed. Subsequently, focus group meetings with stakeholders were organized to present and discuss results and validate and complement them. Stakeholders perceived that more sustainable potato production involved reducing tillage intensity, using organic nutrient sources, increasing soil organic matter and, especially, diversifying crop rotations. Barriers to adopting new sustainable practices included farmers’ lack of knowledge regarding novel farming practices and the need for expert technical advice. Some practices are complex, but also economic impediments. Therefore, thorough research, clear demonstrations, and tailored advice are crucial to farmers to lead agriculture toward profitable, sustainable systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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14 pages, 2855 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Industrial Hemp Variety Performance in Latvia Under Baltic Sea Climate

by Veneranda Stramkale, Laura Andze, Larisa Cernova, Erika Teirumnieka, Inese Filipova, Aldis Stramkalis, Edmunds Teirumnieks and Martins Andzs

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2750; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122750 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

As the world shifts towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is gaining recognition as a versatile crop with numerous applications. The Baltic Sea region is well-suited for hemp cultivation, with its temperate climate and varied soil types. [...] Read more.

As the world shifts towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is gaining recognition as a versatile crop with numerous applications. The Baltic Sea region is well-suited for hemp cultivation, with its temperate climate and varied soil types. This study evaluates the suitability of various hemp varieties for the region, focusing on their ability to produce high-quality biomass, fibers, seeds, and dual-purpose products. The findings will contribute to the development of a thriving hemp industry in the region. Five years of research was conducted to investigate the productivity of 12 industrial hemp varieties, including 7 varieties mainly developed for seed production and 5 varieties mainly designed for fiber production. The results showed significant differences in yields among the varieties, with ‘Bialobrzeskie’ exhibiting the highest biomass yield (47.2 t ha⁻¹) and ‘Futura 75’ producing the highest fiber yield (10.8 t ha⁻¹). ‘Henola’ demonstrated the highest seed yield (3.5 t ha⁻¹), while ‘KA-2-2011’ and ‘USO-31’ were identified as dual-purpose varieties suitable for fiber (3.4 and 6.4 t ha⁻¹, respectively) and seed production (2.2 and 1.3 t ha⁻¹, respectively). The calorific value of hemp shives is comparable to wood fuels, indicating their potential as a viable fuel source. The results offer farmers a crucial tool for selecting the best-suited varieties for their specific region, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomy and Utilization of Industrial Hemp)

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11 pages, 1508 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Abundance of Human Pathogenic Microorganisms in the Halophyte Salicornia europaea L.: Influence of the Chemical Composition of Shoots and Soils

by Matteo Marangi, Sonia Szymanska, Kai-Uwe Eckhardt, Felix Beske, Gerald Jandl, Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz, Julien Pétillon, Christel Baum and Peter Leinweber

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112740 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1199

Abstract

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophilic plant species belonging to Chenopodiaceae, whose shoots are used as a vegetable. Since the shoots can be eaten raw, the objective of the present study was to investigate possible controls on the abundance of human pathogenic microorganisms [...] Read more.

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophilic plant species belonging to Chenopodiaceae, whose shoots are used as a vegetable. Since the shoots can be eaten raw, the objective of the present study was to investigate possible controls on the abundance of human pathogenic microorganisms (HPMOs) in the shoots as a health risk. For this reason, the molecular-chemical composition of shoots, site-specific soil organic matter (bulk and rhizosphere), and soil pH and salinity were analyzed. Plant and soil samples were taken from two test sites with differing salinity levels in France (a young and an old marsh). We hypothesized that the chemical traits of plants and soils could suppress or promote HPMOs and, thus, serve as risk indicators for food quality. The chemical traits of shoots and bulk and rhizosphere soil were measured through thermochemolysis using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The densities of cultivable HPMOs (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes) were determined in plant shoots, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil using selective media. Negative correlations between lignin content in the shoots and the abundance of S. enterica, as well as between lignin content in bulk soil and the abundance of E. coli, are explained by the lignin-based rigidity and its protective effect on the cell wall. In the shoot samples, the content of lipids was positively correlated with the abundance of E. coli. The abundance of E. coli, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes in bulk soil decreased with increasing soil pH, which is linked to increased salinity. Therefore, soil salinity is proposed as a tool to decrease HPMO contamination in S. europaea and ensure its food safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Plant-Soil Interactions, 2nd Volume)

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20 pages, 1954 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Timing of Phosphorus Availability to Corn: What Growth Stages Are Most Critical for Maximizing Yield?

by Kwame Ampong, Chad J. Penn and James J. Camberato

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112731 - 19 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is critical for maximizing agricultural production and represents an appreciable input cost. Geologic sources of P that are most easily mined are a finite resource, while P transported from agricultural land to surface waters contributes to water quality degradation. Improved knowledge of P timing needs by corn (maize) can help inform management decisions that increase P use efficiency, which is beneficial to productivity, economics, and environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate P application timing on the growth and yield components of corn. Corn was grown in a sand-culture hydroponics system that eliminated confounding plant–soil interactions and allowed for precise control of nutrient availability and timing. All nutrients were applied via drip irrigation and were therefore 100% bioavailable. Eight P timing treatments were tested using “low” (L) and “sufficient” (S) P concentrations. In each of the three growth phases, solution P application levels were changed or maintained, resulting in eight possible combinations, LLL, LLS, LSL, LSS, SLL, SSL, SLS, and SSS, where the first, second, and third letters indicate P solution application levels from planting to V6, V6 to R1, and R1 to R6, respectively. All other nutrients were applied at sufficient levels. Sacrificial samples were harvested at V6, R1, and R6 and evaluated for various yield parameters. Plants that received sufficient P between V6 and R1 produced a significantly higher grain yield than plants that received low P between V6 and R1 regardless of the level of P supply before V6 or after R1. The grain yield of plants that received sufficient P only between V6 and R1 did not differ significantly from plants that received only sufficient P (SSS), due to (1) a greater ear P concentration at R1; (2) an efficient remobilization of assimilates from the stem and leaf to grains between R1 and R6 (source–sink relationship); (3) a higher kernel/grain weight; and (4) less investment into root biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)

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23 pages, 1407 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

How Does Herbicide Resistance Change Farmer’s Weed Management Decisions? Evidence from the Roundup Ready Experiment

by Huichun Sun, Terrance Hurley, George B. Frisvold, Katherine Dentzman, David Ervin, Wesley Everman, Jeffrey Gunsolus, Jason Norsworthy and Micheal Owen

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112720 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Adoption of diverse weed management practices is viewed as essential for slowing the spread of herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds. Yet, adoption of diverse tactics has remained low, while there has been explosive growth of resistant weeds. This study analyzes U.S.-farm-level data to identify factors [...] Read more.

Adoption of diverse weed management practices is viewed as essential for slowing the spread of herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds. Yet, adoption of diverse tactics has remained low, while there has been explosive growth of resistant weeds. This study analyzes U.S.-farm-level data to identify factors affecting adoption of diverse weed management practices. This study uses directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to consider how practice adoption is influenced by different causal pathways between farmer and farm characteristics and farmer awareness of and concern over HR weeds. This study then uses multiple regression analysis to estimate the direct and indirect pathways that influence practice adoption. Respondents relied more heavily on herbicide-based weed control methods than on mechanical or cultural methods. Concern over herbicide resistance increased the number of practices farmers adopted and the percentage of acres where farmers implemented these practices. Practice adoption was negatively associated with increasing levels of farmer risk aversion. Technological optimism—belief that new herbicides would soon be developed to counter HR weeds—discouraged diverse herbicide use practices that combat resistance, but encouraged use of some non-chemical weed control methods. Perceived weed dispersal externalities (from weed mobility) led to more diverse weed management, running counter to hypotheses that greater mobility reduces incentives for individual resistance management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)

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20 pages, 4034 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influence of Electrical Conductivity on Plant Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Phytochemical Properties of Kale (Brassica napus) and Collard (Brassica oleracea) Grown Using Hydroponics

by Teng Yang, Uttara Samarakoon, James Altland and Peter Ling

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112704 - 16 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1817

Abstract

Kale (Brassica napus) and collard (Brassica oleracea) are two leafy greens in the family Brassicaceae. The leaves are rich sources of numerous health-beneficial compounds and are commonly used either fresh or cooked. This study aimed to optimize the nutrient [...] Read more.

Kale (Brassica napus) and collard (Brassica oleracea) are two leafy greens in the family Brassicaceae. The leaves are rich sources of numerous health-beneficial compounds and are commonly used either fresh or cooked. This study aimed to optimize the nutrient management of kale and collard in hydroponic production for greater yield and crop quality. ‘Red Russian’ kale and ‘Flash F1’ collard were grown for 4 weeks after transplanting in a double polyethylene-plastic-covered greenhouse using a nutrient film technique (NFT) system with 18 channels. Kale and collard were alternately grown in each channel at four different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (1.2, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.1 mS·cm⁻¹). Fresh and dry yields of kale increased linearly with increasing EC levels, while those of collard did not increase when EC was higher than 1.8 mS·cm⁻¹. Kale leaves had significantly higher P, K, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B than the collard at all EC levels. Additionally, mineral nutrients (except N and Zn) in leaf tissue were highest at EC 1.5 and EC 1.8 in both the kale and collard. However, the changing trend of the total N and NO3- of the leaves showed a linear trend; these levels were highest under EC 2.1, followed by EC 1.8 and EC 1.5. EC levels also affected phytochemical accumulation in leaf tissue. In general, the kale leaves had significantly higher total anthocyanin, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates but lower total chlorophylls and carotenoids than the collard. In addition, although EC levels affected neither the total chlorophyll or carotenoid content in kale nor glucosinolate content in either kale or collard, other important health-beneficial compounds (especially vitamin C, anthocyanin, and phenolic compounds) in kale and collard leaves reduced with the increasing EC levels. In conclusion, the kale leaf had more nutritional and phytochemical compounds than the collard. An EC level of 1.8 mS·cm⁻¹ was the optimum EC level for the collard, while the kale yielded more at 2.1 mS·cm⁻¹. Further investigations are needed to optimize nitrogen nutrition for hydroponically grown kale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Automation and Crop Management)

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16 pages, 1635 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Alleviating Continuous Cropping Obstacles in Celery Using Engineered Biochar: Insights into Chemical and Microbiological Aspects

by Chia-Chia Lin, Ya-Hui Chuang, Fo-Ting Shen, Wen-Hsin Chung, Chi-Yu Chen, Yu-Ting Liu, Yi-Cheng Hsieh, Yu-Min Tzou and Shih-Hao Jien

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112685 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1096

Abstract

In the pursuit of environmental sustainability and food security, biochar has emerged as a promising soil conditioner to mitigate continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). This study explored the use of engineered biochar (WP400) with high adsorption capacity for phenolic acids in celery cultivation. Using [...] Read more.

In the pursuit of environmental sustainability and food security, biochar has emerged as a promising soil conditioner to mitigate continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). This study explored the use of engineered biochar (WP400) with high adsorption capacity for phenolic acids in celery cultivation. Using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) for both target and suspect analyses, along with Biolog EcoPlate™ to track the functional diversity of soil bacteria, the study examined chemical and microbiological interactions at varying WP400 application rates. WP400 enhanced celery growth, reduced disease severity, and adsorbed p-coumaric acid (COU), a potential autotoxin. Additionally, other potential allelochemicals, predominantly fatty acid-related, were identified, suggesting a broader role for fatty acids in allelopathy. WP400 also influenced soil bacterial carbon utilization and altered microbial communities. However, higher WP400 doses (0.8% w/w) may not be beneficial for celery growth and reduced bacterial metabolic potential, indicating limitations to its effectiveness. Proper application of WP400 provides a sustainable solution for alleviating continuous cropping issues, promoting both environmental sustainability and agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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15 pages, 3979 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Cultivation and Breeding in the Republic of Korea: Advances and Future Perspectives

by Dong-Kwan Kim, Kanivalan Iwar, Kingsley Ochar, Sin-Young Park, Eun-Byul Go, Kyung-Dong Lee and Seong-Hoon Kim

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2679; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112679 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1261

Abstract

The cowpea is one of the most important legume species globally, with both the grains and fresh pods widely consumed for the rich nutritional content. In the Republic of Korea, the cultivation and breeding progress of cowpeas is relatively low but gradually receiving [...] Read more.

The cowpea is one of the most important legume species globally, with both the grains and fresh pods widely consumed for the rich nutritional content. In the Republic of Korea, the cultivation and breeding progress of cowpeas is relatively low but gradually receiving interest due to its potential contribution to nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Given the changing pattern of global climatic conditions, any effort in cowpea breeding in Korea may focus on important traits such as improving yield, stress resistance, and adaptability to local climate. This review provides a discussion on the current status of the cultivation and breeding of cowpeas in the Republic of Korea, with the aim of improving crop performance, agricultural sustainability, and food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seeds for Future: Conservation and Utilization of Germplasm Resources)

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14 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Site Preparation and Planting Strategies to Improve Native Forb Establishment in Pasturelands

by David Bellangue, Jacob Barney, Michael Flessner, Jonathan Kubesch, Megan O’Rourke, Benjamin Tracy and John Leighton Reid

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2676; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112676 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1380

Abstract

Increasing the diversity of native forbs in pasturelands can benefit insect pollinator populations, which have been declining widely. Establishing native forbs into existing pasturelands can be challenging, however, and information about effective planting strategies in these systems is lacking. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Increasing the diversity of native forbs in pasturelands can benefit insect pollinator populations, which have been declining widely. Establishing native forbs into existing pasturelands can be challenging, however, and information about effective planting strategies in these systems is lacking. In this study, we evaluated several planting strategies to improve native forb establishment. Two field experiments were conducted in Virginia, USA in 2021 and 2022. Experiment 1 evaluated how six herbicide treatments and tillage affected establishment success when forbs were planted in summer or fall. Experiment 2 investigated how different seeding rates from 2.2 to 56 kg/ha and pre-seeding cold stratification affected forb establishment. In experiment 1, treatments using Roundup/glyphosate and tillage resulted in the most forb establishment. Planting in summer improved establishment with Roundup/glyphosate application. In experiment 2, native forb plant establishment was positively associated with seeding rate (p < 0.001), with a rate of 56 kg/ha resulting in almost 3x more forbs compared to the lowest seeding rate. Cold stratification also increased target plant establishment (p < 0.01), but these effects were inconsistent among species. Our results suggest that effective native forb establishment can be achieved through intensive site preparation with Roundup/glyphosate or tillage to suppress vegetation and planting at rates no higher than 11 kg/ha. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Appropriate Agriculture Management on Soil and Sustainable Crop Productivity—2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1229 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rice Production and Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Diverse Forms of Fertilization in Rice-Based Crop Rotation Systems

by Woojin Kim, Moon-Sub Lee and Jwakyung Sung

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112663 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1511

Abstract

The rising demand for climate change mitigation has brought attention to agricultural systems focused on carbon farming and reducing emissions. Composting food wastes and livestock manure not only mitigates environmental concerns but also boosts soil fertility and crop yields as an alternative fertilizer. [...] Read more.

The rising demand for climate change mitigation has brought attention to agricultural systems focused on carbon farming and reducing emissions. Composting food wastes and livestock manure not only mitigates environmental concerns but also boosts soil fertility and crop yields as an alternative fertilizer. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of different fertilizer types (chemical and organic waste compost) and crop rotations (rice–fallow, rice–Italian ryegrass, and rice–potato) on rice production, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil carbon stocks. In this experiment, soil carbon and nitrogen retention were more influenced by compost nutrient levels than by crop rotation types. Overall, as the nitrogen levels increased, the rice yields improved with both chemical and organic waste fertilizers. Among the crop rotations, the rice–Italian ryegrass rotation showed a higher nitrogen use efficiency. Optimal fertility levels, balancing nitrogen use efficiency, yield, and soil carbon were observed between 523 and 582 kg N ha⁻¹ when combined with specific crop rotations. Moreover, soil total carbon and soil total nitrogen varied among crop rotation systems. Our results indicate that organic waste compost can be a potential alternative to chemical fertilizers, while crop rotations offer a viable approach for maximizing the environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)

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