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Agronomy
Special Issues
Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate
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Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026 | Viewed by 8200

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alessandro Suardi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Engineering and Agro-Food Processing, Via della Pascolare, 16, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
Interests: agricultural mechanization; agricultural residue management; biomass; bioenergy; industrial crops; environmental assessment; life cycle assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonio Scarfone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Engineering and Agro-Food Processing, Via della Pascolare, 16, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
Interests: precision agriculture; agricultural mechanization; biomass production and procurement chains; environmenatal sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industrial crops have a long history in Mediterranean regions, where different species have been cultivated for their economic, industrial, and ecological value. In recent decades, crops such as Ricinus communis L. and Linum usitatissimum L., to name but a few, have regained interest due to their potential for sustainable production and contribution to the bio-economy. Since the early 1990s, the cultivation of various industrial crops has expanded significantly, driven by advances in breeding, variety adaptation, and agronomic practices suitable for large-scale production in the region. The increasing focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability has fostered innovations in mechanization, processing, and the valorization of crop residues and by-products. Industrial crops are also promising for carbon farming, sequestering CO2, improving soil health, and providing renewable materials that can help mitigate climate change. Their integration into sectors such as construction, bioenergy, and agro-industry enhances their environmental and economic contributions.

This Special Issue aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the production of industrial crops in Mediterranean climates, with a focus on innovative, sustainable approaches to cultivation, processing, and by-product utilization. This issue will highlight research addressing the following:

  • The genetic selection and development of crop varieties adapted to Mediterranean conditions;
  • The optimization of yields for seeds, oils, fibers, and other valuable products;
  • Advanced mechanization systems to improve the efficiency of cultivation and harvesting;
  • Innovative processing techniques for food and industrial by-products;
  • Sustainable practices to enhance crop resilience, including water use efficiency, pest management, and soil health;
  • Environmental, economic, and social impacts of integrating industrial crops into Mediterranean agricultural systems.

We are particularly interested in research that delves into the following cutting-edge areas:

  • The genetic selection and breeding of industrial crop varieties adapted to Mediterranean climates;
  • Cultivation methods to increase cultivated areas, including soil preparation, innovative sowing, and integrated pest management;
  • The optimization of crop yields and quality through advanced agronomic practices;
  • Advanced mechanization technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of production;
  • Supply chain optimization, from harvesting to processing and distribution, ensuring minimal losses;
  • Regional suitability assessments and climate analysis for the large-scale production of industrial crops;
  • Strategies for environmental sustainability, including carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and the promotion of biodiversity through crop cultivation.

We welcome submissions of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies pertaining to the following topics:

  • Mechanization systems for the cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing of industrial crops;
  • The genetic selection and breeding of new varieties suited to Mediterranean environments;
  • Agronomic practices to optimize yield, genetic expression, and resource use efficiency;
  • The valorization of by-products from seed, fiber, and oil crop production;
  • Cultivation methods that support the expansion of production areas;
  • Innovative pest management strategies and sustainable soil preparation techniques;
  • Supply chain solutions, from efficient harvesting methods to innovative processing and distribution models;
  • Sustainable practices that address the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of industrial crop production, ensuring long-term viability.

Dr. Alessandro Suardi
Dr. Antonio Scarfone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • industrial crops
  • by-products
  • fiber
  • seeds
  • oils
  • mechanization
  • circular economy
  • breeding
  • biobased products

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4880 KB  
Article
Integrating Hydraulic Properties into Irrigation Management of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L., ‘Felina 32’) Under Mediterranean Conditions
by Anastasia Angelaki, Athanasios Vogiatzis, Maria Eirini Kotsopoulou, Vasiliki Rousta, Evgenia Kriaridou, Nikolaos Kosmas and Kalliopi Chrysoula Nisioti
Agronomy 2026, 16(6), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16060649 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is versatile and rapidly developing, offering new prospects to producers as a multipurpose crop, yet limited water availability in the Mediterranean area due to climate change makes its sustainable management challenging. Although the plant’s water requirements have [...] Read more.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is versatile and rapidly developing, offering new prospects to producers as a multipurpose crop, yet limited water availability in the Mediterranean area due to climate change makes its sustainable management challenging. Although the plant’s water requirements have been studied, a significant gap remains regarding irrigation management based on the hydraulic properties that govern water movement. The present study elucidates the role of soil hydraulic parameters in water dynamics within the rhizosphere of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., ‘Felina 32’). For this purpose, a pot experiment of three irrigation treatments (100% FC, 80% FC, 60% FC; FC is the field capacity) was set up using two different soil types (clay loam CL and sandy clay loam SCL). SCL soil showed a higher Cmax of about 4 cm−1 compared to the Cmax of 0.11 cm−1 of CL soil, but dropped drastically within a narrow frame of soil moisture. CL soil resulted in about 12-fold higher diffusivity (Dmax ≈ 0.23 cm2 min−1) within a wider range of soil moisture compared to the SCL soil (Dmax ≈ 0.02 cm2 min−1), which facilitated water redistribution at CL, allowing the plant to maximize its water uptake, even at the lowest water input. As a result, the CL soil allowed more flexible scheduling and in contrast, SCL soil necessitated a high frequency irrigation protocol. The integration of hydraulic properties into irrigation planning revealed the potential of CL to apply water to plants efficiently across full and deficit irrigation, showing the peak performance of the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) (0.929 g/mm) under the 60% FC regime. The findings provide a framework for linking soil physics–agricultural hydraulics with irrigation strategies in controlled environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate)
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16 pages, 2732 KB  
Article
Tools to Produce Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for Sowing Seed: Optical Differentiation of Seed Ripening Stages Through a Portable Spectrometer
by Enrico Santangelo, Lavinia Moscovini, Simona Violino and Alberto Assirelli
Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2680; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122680 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Obtaining high-quality seeds is important for two reasons: from a nutritional point of view, for species in which the seed is the edible part; and for producing quality seeds for reproduction, which is fundamental for successful cultivation. Producing seed for reproduction in hemp [...] Read more.
Obtaining high-quality seeds is important for two reasons: from a nutritional point of view, for species in which the seed is the edible part; and for producing quality seeds for reproduction, which is fundamental for successful cultivation. Producing seed for reproduction in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), presents many challenges and requires specific precautions. The present study analyzed the ripeness of hemp fruits using a portable and low-cost VIS/NIR spectrometer that covered a spectral range of 740–1070 nm. This study proposed the first attempt to apply optical systems to the hemp seed sowing production chain. The aim is to facilitate the handling of seeds at harvest and the complex post-harvest seed management. Seeds from two monoecious European industrial hemp genotypes, Carmaleonte and Codimono, were collected at the three growth stages of fruit ripening according to the BBCH scale from 50% of ripe fruits (BBCH 85 stage) to fully ripe fruits (BBCH 89 stage). The reflectance spectra showed a decreasing order BBCH 89-87 > 85 with the most obvious difference between the curves observed at a wavelength of 955 nm. At this wavelength, the reflectance at the BBCH 85 stage was clearly lower than at the BBCH 87 and 89 stages. In terms of germination rate the seeds collected at BBCH-85 had a higher percentage respect the other growing stages. These results demonstrate that a simple, portable spectrophotometer can discriminate the different ripening stages of the hemp seeds, thus confirming the effectiveness of optical systems in improving the production of certified seeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate)
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18 pages, 5205 KB  
Article
Characterization of Hemp Hurd-Derived Biochar for Potential Agricultural Applications
by Alberto Assirelli, Elisa Fischetti, Antonio Scarfone, Enrico Santangelo, Monica Carnevale, Enrico Paris, Adriano Palma and Francesco Gallucci
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092136 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a high-yielding crop cultivated for fiber and seed production, generating substantial lignocellulosic residues such as hurds. These byproducts can be valorized through pyro-gasification, a thermochemical process that offers a sustainable alternative to combustion and produces biochar—a promising [...] Read more.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a high-yielding crop cultivated for fiber and seed production, generating substantial lignocellulosic residues such as hurds. These byproducts can be valorized through pyro-gasification, a thermochemical process that offers a sustainable alternative to combustion and produces biochar—a promising soil amendment due to its ability to enhance soil quality and mitigate drought stress. This research explores the viability of utilizing industrial hemp hurds as a direct feedstock for biochar production within the context of agricultural exploitation. The study specifically focuses on assessing the feasibility of converting raw, unprocessed hemp hurds into biochar through pyrolysis. A comprehensive characterization of the resulting biochar is conducted to evaluate its properties and potential applications in agriculture, establishing a foundational understanding for future agronomic use. Specific analysis included proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), SEM-EDS, and phytotoxicity testing. The biochar exhibited an alkaline pH (≥9), a low H/C ratio (0.37), and suitable macro- and micronutrient levels. Microstructural analysis revealed a porous architecture favorable for nutrient retention and water absorption. Germination tests with corn (Zea mays L.) showed a germination index above 90% for substrates containing 0.5–1% biochar. These findings establish a foundation for future research aimed at thoroughly exploring the agricultural potential of this material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate)
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19 pages, 8839 KB  
Article
Potential Expansion of Root Chicory Cultivation Areas in Chile
by Donna Cortez, Manuel Paneque and Celián Román-Figueroa
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071675 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1680
Abstract
Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a major source of inulin, a fiber with many dietary and medicinal uses. Chile is the only country outside Europe that produces inulin and is the third largest exporter worldwide. Root chicory cultivation has [...] Read more.
Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is a major source of inulin, a fiber with many dietary and medicinal uses. Chile is the only country outside Europe that produces inulin and is the third largest exporter worldwide. Root chicory cultivation has increased by 242% in Chile since 2006, highlighting its potential for expansion into new territories. In this study, land suitability (without restriction, mild restriction, moderate restriction, and unsuitable) for root chicory cultivation and its potential productivity were determined using Geographic Information System (GIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The regions where root chicory is currently produced (between the Maule and La Araucanía regions) showed the best suitability, as did the Valparaíso and O’Higgins regions. The potential maximum productivity ranged from 20 to 27 t DW ha−1, mainly concentrated in the Los Lagos region, despite the absence of land without restriction. This could be attributed to the high water availability in this region, which is consistent with the expected displacement of crop areas due to climate change. Field studies in the Los Lagos region are recommended to evaluate the feasibility of expanding root chicory cultivation in these areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate)
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18 pages, 2333 KB  
Article
From Waste to Resource: Mineral and Biochemical Characterization of Hemp By-Products in the Fiber and Seed Supply Chain
by Ylenia Pieracci, Laura Pistelli, Benedetta D’Ambrosio, Roberta Paris, Guido Flamini and Laura Bassolino
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030564 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1873
Abstract
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile and sustainable multipurpose plant for agroecology services and a zero-waste circular economy. While the focus has traditionally been on primary products like fiber and seeds, nowadays there is an increasing awareness of the potential [...] Read more.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile and sustainable multipurpose plant for agroecology services and a zero-waste circular economy. While the focus has traditionally been on primary products like fiber and seeds, nowadays there is an increasing awareness of the potential value of the by-products generated during hemp cultivation and processing. This article explores various methods of valorizing industrial hemp wastes, focusing on their mineral and biochemical composition, highlighting the benefits of utilizing what was once considered a mere by-product. The apical and the basal leaves of 12 industrial hemp varieties, six monoecious, and six dioecious, representing the main by-product of fiber supply chain, were assessed for their mineral (N, K, Na, Ca; Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn), chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total soluble phenols contents, as well as for their antioxidant activity. The same parameters were also evaluated in the inflorescences; the main waste was derived from both hemp fiber and seed harvesting, which were collected at three stages of flower development for four selected genotypes, together with the yield and chemical composition of their essential oils. Differences in the evaluated parameters among genotypes and tissues were highlighted, showing the potential for diversifying the utilization of industrial hemp wastes. The possible uses of these residual biomasses are discussed based on their composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Crops Production in Mediterranean Climate)
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