Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture: Natural Bioactives and Advanced Fertilization
A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2026 | Viewed by 102
Special Issue Editors
Interests: bioactives; innovative extraction techniques; plant nutrition; alternative fertilizers
Interests: biocompounds; soil health; sustainable crop; waste reuse; antioxidants
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Amidst global challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and rising food demand, sustainable agriculture is more crucial than ever. Natural bioactives derived from plants, microorganisms, and other natural sources are vital for enhancing crop resilience and productivity. These compounds, including phytohormones, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents, stimulate plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and protect against pests and diseases. By leveraging the synergistic effects of bioactives, we can reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, promoting a more eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural approach. There has been a significant push towards sustainably sourced bioactives, utilizing by-products and waste materials from the food industry. This not only reduces waste, but also provides a cost-effective source of valuable bioactive compounds. Innovative methods like supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) are gaining popularity. These eco-friendly techniques efficiently recover bioactive compounds from various sources, including agro-industrial and marine food waste. These trends highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of bioactive research, emphasizing sustainability, health benefits, and innovative extraction methods. By harnessing these approaches, we aim to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices. This Special Issue of Plants offers valuable insights and practical solutions for advancing sustainable agricultural systems.
Prof. Dr. Isidora Radulov
Dr. Adina Berbecea
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- natural bioactives
- advanced fertilization
- plant resilience
- innovative extraction techniques
- phytohormones
- antioxidants
- soil health
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