Search Results (41)

Macroalgal extracts are widely recognised as biostimulants that enhance crop productivity and plant growth under both optimal and stressful conditions. They offer a sustainable approach to mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic stress on crop development. This study investigates the efficacy of macroalgal-based fertilisers in enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth, yield, and fruit quality, as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers. Different seaweed species (Sargassum muticum, Ulva ohnoi, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Ascophyllum nodosum, and a commercial A. nodosum extract) were evaluated as foliar treatments. The results showed that while the leaf fresh weight and chlorophyll content were not significantly affected, the fruit morphology and biochemical composition exhibited notable variations. Sargassum muticum-treated fruits displayed the highest °Brix (6.57), indicating superior sugar accumulation, while Ulva ohnoi maintained near-neutral pH levels (avg. 3.94), suggesting balanced acidity. Ascophyllum nodosum extracts induced the highest proline concentrations (peak: 63.77 µmol/g), but also caused extreme acidity (pH 1.39–2.58). Furcellaria lumbricalis enhanced the fruit size (axial length up to 41.4 mm), but reduced the pH sharply (1.69–2.13). The commercial product underperformed in regard to sugar content and flavour complexity. The integrative analysis revealed species-specific flavour profiles: Sargassum yielded sweet, mildly acidic fruits; Ascophyllum produced intensely aromatic, acidic tomatoes; and Ulva resulted in bland flavours. These findings underscore the importance of algal species and extraction methods in tailoring biofertilisers for target fruit qualities. This study advocates for the use of macroalgal fertilisers in sustainable agriculture, but highlights the need for optimised formulations to balance crop yield, taste, and stress adaptation. Full article

This study investigated the sustainability aspects of implementing a small-scale biogas digester project at the EARTH Centre, a horse-riding facility for the disabled, in South Africa. Firstly, an energy audit of the facility was conducted. From this exercise, energy-saving opportunities through anaerobic digestion of horse manure were identified. Biomethane potential tests (BMPs) were then performed using the Automatic Methane potential test system II (AMPTS II) of BioProcess Control (Lund, Sweden). The horse manure BMP result was 106 L/kg.VS with the biogas averaging a methane content of 40%. This BMP was lower than that of common substrates such as cow manure which can range from 150–210 L/kg.VS. The gas production rate was almost constant in the first 13 days indicating a long hydrolysis period for horse manure. The microbial species in the digester did not change much during the incubation period although small changes were visible in the proportions of each species as the reaction progressed from start to finish. The energy audit showed that 47% of the EARTH Centre’s energy requirements, which equated to 14,372 kWh/year, could be secured from biogas or solar instead of obtaining it from the national grid which is powered mainly by unsustainable coal-fired systems. As a starting point, a 10 cubic meter biogas digester was installed to produce 5512 kWh of energy per year in the form of biogas. To boost biogas production and continue running the system smoothly, it was evident that the horse manure-fed digester would require regular spiking with cow manure as a bioaugmentation strategy. The digester also produced bio-fertiliser and several sustainable development goals were fulfilled by this project. Current efforts are focused on process optimization of this technology at the Earth Centre to further improve the sustainability of the whole business. Full article

Banana is the second-highest fruit produced in the world and is a staple food for over 400 million people. Only 40% of the crop is utilised, leading to 114 million tonnes of banana waste annually. Banana peel constitutes about ~40% of the whole fruit, and it is considered a domestic and food industry waste. It is enriched with macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds, which can provide antioxidant, anti-microbial, antibiotic, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties. Banana peels also have higher nutrient value than banana pulp, and they are used in traditional medicines to treat diabetes, diarrhoea, inflammation, ulcers, burns and cough. Given its diverse bioactive properties, banana peel waste is now being explored within the framework of a circular economy to promote waste recycling and reduce environmental impact. This review highlights the nutritional and health properties of banana peel while providing opportunities for waste reduction. Potential applications of banana peels include anti-cancer and anti-fungal agents, biosorbents, natural emulsifiers, reducing agents, biofertilisers, food industry ingredients for bakery products, natural preservatives and food fortification. Exploring banana peel waste potential not only contributes to sustainable waste management but also enhances environmentally friendly innovation for the benefit of human health and the environment. Full article

Reducing the use of chemical inputs is becoming a major challenge in developing sustainable agriculture. Fungi, known as biocontrol agents (BCAs) and biofertilisers, are crucial in scientific research and are celebrated for their efficacy, eco-friendliness, and multifaceted roles. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on 5349 articles related to fungi as BCAs and biofertilisers over the past half-century using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. The publications on fungi, such as BCAs and biofertilisers, have increased significantly over the last 20 years, with a maximum growth rate of 33.7%. The USA and China lead in this field. Keyword clustering analysis revealed that entomopathogenic fungi, including Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera, can be used to manage plant pests. It also showed that fungi can be used as biofertilisers to promote plant growth. The analysis of research trends shows that Beauveria bassiana in biological control is highly significant. This study also showed that entomopathogenic fungi control plant pests by infiltrating the insect cuticles. Trichoderma spp. exert biocontrol effects by producing antibiotics. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can trigger plant defence mechanisms by modulating secondary metabolite synthesis. This study contributes to the current knowledge of fungi as BCAs and biofertilisers and can guide future research. Full article

The soil used for the field experiment was PLb-g4 Endohipogleyic Eutric Planasol. The research aimed to investigate the effects of different nitrogen fertilisation rates and biological preparations on yield structure elements and partial factor productivity of nitrogen in maize (Zea mays L.) grown for grain production. The factors studied were Factor A—nitrogen (N) fertiliser rates: (1) 100 kg ha⁻¹, (2) 140 kg ha⁻¹, and (3) 180 kg ha⁻¹, and Factor B—use of biofertilisers: (1) no biological preparations (BP) used, (2) biological preparation (AB)—nitrogen bacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa (1.0 L ha⁻¹), (3) biological preparations (AB + C)—nitrogen bacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa (1.0 L ha⁻¹) and cytokinin, and (4) biological preparations (AB + H)—nitrogen bacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa (1.0 L ha⁻¹) and humic acids. The research showed that the yield of maize grain was significantly increased not only by increasing the rates of nitrogen fertilisation but also by using biological preparations. The highest maize grain yield (11.5 t ha⁻¹) was obtained in 2020 using N₁₈₀ fertilisation, in combination with biological preparations AB + H. In all cases, the biological preparations and their combinations significantly increased the maize grain yield compared to the control field (no use of BP). The biological preparations in combination with N significantly increased the weight of 1000 grains and thus the grain yield per plant. The highest maize grain yield per plant (154.6 g) was obtained in 2020 using N₁₈₀ fertilisation, in combination with biological preparations AB + H. In most cases, positive, strong, very strong, and statistically significant correlations were observed between the different rates of nitrogen fertilisation and the indicators studied: r = 0.76–0.94 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between nitrogen fertilisation rates and the number of grains per cob (p > 0.05). The highest partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertiliser (92.0 kg of maize kg⁻¹ of N) was obtained in 2020 using N₁₀₀ fertilisation, in combination with AB + H. Increasing the nitrogen fertiliser rates and not using biological preparations resulted in a decrease in the partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertiliser. Full article

The combination of techno-economic process modelling and life cycle assessment is an integrated methodology that addresses quantitative operational data, and evaluates the emissions associated with any process under development. In particular, the valorisation of waste streams within the context of the circular economy could be considered a valid and promising approach, especially regarding techno-economic and environmental indicators. This manuscript aims to evaluate the integral valorisation of apple pomace from the processing industry into bioethanol, and vinasses (a byproduct of the distillation process) into biogas and digestate as biofertiliser. In addition to biogas production, lagooning and composting were considered as strategies for vinasse management. After the conceptual design of the process options was completed, the environmental profile of bioethanol production was estimated across different scenarios. When biogas production was integrated to reduce the biorefinery’s energy demand, the carbon footprint was 1.13 kg CO₂eq∙kg⁻¹. This footprint increased to values around four when lagooning and composting were used as vinasse management strategies. Although the economic dimension posed a significant limitation due to high investment costs, the eco-efficiency analysis showed that the scenario of the co-production of bioethanol and biogas is the best alternative. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to explore the recovery of additional co-products to develop a high-potential strategy for apple pomace. Full article

The latest World Food Security Outlook predicted stabilization in global food security by 2024; however, nearly one billion people still face the threat of food insecurity. Fertilisers, crucial for maximizing crop yields, are the subject of scrutiny due to their environmental impact and health concerns. Efforts are being made to use fertilisers more efficiently and maintain soil nutrient balance to address these issues. In this research, different solid and liquid wastes from the food industry were used to granulate organic biofertilisers with a rotary drum granulator. This included buckwheat biomass (BBM), buckwheat husks (BH), buckwheat husk ash (BHA), bone meal (BM), molasses solution (MS), and beaten eggs (BE). Using standardized fertiliser testing methods, it was found that the biofertilisers produced by the drum granulator comply with the requirements for bulk fertilisers, as they are rich in plant nutrients, the static strength of their granules is high (7–14 N/granule), and their moisture content is higher (4–8%) than that of conventional mineral fertilisers, but the hygroscopicity of the granules when stored in standard conditions (30–60% humidity, temperature of 20–25 °C) is low. Due to their slightly alkaline pH, it is likely that such fertilisers could be used in acidic soils and would have a double effect—they would improve plant growth and soil properties (increase the amount of organic matter and reduce acidity). Full article

Azolla is the only plant with a co-evolving nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacterial symbiont (cyanobiont), Nostoc azollae, resulting from whole-genome duplication (WGD) 80 million years ago in Azolla’s ancestor. Additional genes from the WGD resulted in genetic, biochemical, and morphological changes in the plant that enabled the transmission of the cyanobiont to successive generations via its megaspores. The resulting permanent symbiosis and co-evolution led to the loss, downregulation, or conversion of non-essential genes to pseudogenes in the cyanobiont, changing it from a free-living organism to an obligate symbiont. The upregulation of other genes in the cyanobiont increased its atmospheric dinitrogen fixation and the provision of nitrogen-based products to the plant. As a result, Azolla can double its biomass in less than two days free-floating on fresh water and sequester large amounts of atmospheric CO₂, giving it the potential to mitigate anthropogenic climate change through carbon capture and storage. Azolla’s biomass can also provide local, low-cost food, biofertiliser, feed, and biofuel that are urgently needed as our population increases by a billion every twelve years. This paper integrates data from biology, genetics, geology, and palaeontology to identify the location, timing and mechanism for the acquisition of a co-evolving diazotrophic cyanobiont by Azolla’s ancestor in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) of North America. Full article

Composting is a waste management practice that converts organic waste into a product that can be used safely and beneficially as a bio-fertiliser and soil amendment. Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) from composting are known to cause damage to human health and the environment. The impact of waste management on the environment and workers is recognised as a growing environmental and public health concern. Measurements of NMVOCs emitted during composting have been carried out only in a few studies. NMVOC emissions are typically reported as a group rather than as species or speciation profiles. Recognising the need to investigate the issues associated with NMVOCs, the objective of this study is to estimate variation in life cycle assessment (LCA) results when NMVOCs are considered individual emissions compared to grouped emissions and to compare midpoint and endpoint life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. In general, the ReCiPe 2016 LCIA method estimated the highest impact from the composting process in comparison to IMPACT World+ and EF 3.0 for the impact categories of ozone formation, stratospheric ozone depletion, and particulate matter formation. For ReCiPe 2016 and IMPACT World+, the NMVOC emissions were not linked to human toxicity characterisation factors, meaning that the contribution from NMVOC towards human health risks in and around composting facilities could be underestimated. Using individual NMVOCs helps to additionally estimate the impacts of composting on freshwater ecotoxicity and human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity potential. If ecotoxicity or toxicity issues are indicated, then LCA should be accompanied by suitable risk assessment measures for the respective life cycle stage. Full article

Rhizosphere bacteria can provide multiple benefits to plants, including increased nutrient supply, pathogen/disease control, and abiotic stress tolerance, but results from pot trials do not always translate to field conditions. This study tested whether rhizosphere biocontrol bacteria can also provide plant growth promotion and how benefits can be provided at a commercial farm. Commercial lettuce seeds and plants were treated with rhizosphere biocontrol bacteria Bacillus velezensis UQ9000N, B. amyloliquefaciens 33YE, Brevibacillus laterosporus 4YE, and Pseudomonas azotoformans UQ4510An. 33YE increased the head diameter, plant height, and fresh weight of the Green Moon cultivar, while 33YE, UQ4510An, and UQ9000N increased the fresh and dry weight of Liston, a more heat-tolerant cultivar, via a single seed treatment or repeat root treatments under nursery and field conditions across different inoculation schedules and growth stages. Significant growth promotion was also demonstrated when inoculating field plants after transplanting (in particular for 33YE). Applications of these microbial biostimulants to lettuce seeds or plantlets potentially enable earlier transplanting and earlier harvests. Repeat inoculations using irrigation water and long-lasting formulations may further advance the benefits of these biostimulants as microbial biofertilisers for plant growth promotions in the field. Full article

The present study evaluates the synergistic application of an anaerobic digestate for enhanced rice yield. The study utilised the digestate as a fertiliser with various inoculum-to-substrate (IS) ratios of anaerobic digestion from cow dung and water hyacinth (CW–BF) with combinations of NPK (16-22-22) fertiliser for rice yield optimisation. The outcome of the combined digestate and fertiliser application on rice cultivation was observed in terms of parameters such as the number of tillers, panicle number, panicle length, fertile panicles, and 1000-grain weight. The digestate combination of CW–BF:NPK (3:1:1) resulted in the highest grain yield (7521 kg/hectare) with increased panicle length, test weight, and more filled grains than the other combinations. Moreover, various machine-learning approaches were used to study the efficacy of the different combinations of applied fertiliser (cow dung, water hyacinth, and NPK). The gradient-boosting machine-learning model was appropriate for predicting the modelling based on the measured data. Principal component analysis revealed NPK as the first principal component with high loading values and the digestate as the second principal component, which indicates its crucial role in fertiliser preparation. Therefore, deploying such hybridised fertilisers using the proper statistical analysis and machine-learning approaches can improve rice yield, which would be essential for the socio-economic uplifting of marginal rice farmers. Full article

In sustainable agriculture, plant nutrients are the most important elements. Biofertilisers introduce microorganisms that improve the nutrient status of plants and increase their accessibility to crops. To meet the demands of a growing population, it is necessary to produce healthy crops using the right type of fertilisers to provide them with all the key nutrients they need. However, the increasing dependence on chemical fertilisers is destroying the environment and negatively affecting human health. Therefore, it is believed that the use of microbes as bioinoculants, used together with chemical fertilisers, is the best strategy to increase plant growth and soil fertility. In sustainable agriculture, these microbes bring significant benefits to crops. In addition to colonising plant systems (epiphytes, endophytes and rhizospheres), beneficial microbes play a key role in the uptake of nutrients from surrounding ecosystems. Microorganisms, especially fungi, also play a protective function in plants, enhancing the responses of defence systems, and play a key role in situations related to soil iron deficiency or phosphorous solubilisation. Plant-associated microbes can thus promote plant growth regardless of natural and extreme conditions. The most frequently used strategies for growth-promoting microorganisms are nitrogen fixation, the production of growth hormones, siderophores, HCN, various hydrolytic enzymes and the solubilisation of potassium, zinc and phosphorous. Research on biofertilisers has been extensive and available, demonstrating how these microbes can provide crops with sufficient nutrients to increase yields. This review examines in detail the direct and indirect mechanisms of PGPR action and their interactions in plant growth and resistance. Full article

In order to ensure food security worldwide in the face of current climate changes, a higher quality and quantity of crops are necessary to sustain the growing human population. By developing a sustainable circular economy and biorefinery approaches, we can move from a petroleum-based to a bio-based economy. Plant biostimulants have long been considered an important source of plant growth stimulants in agronomy and agro-industries with both macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (microalgae). There has been extensive exploration of macroalgae biostimulants. A lack of research and high production costs have constrained the commercial implementation of microalgal biostimulants, despite their positive impacts on crop growth, development, and yield. The current knowledge on potential biostimulatory compounds from algae, key sources, and their quantitative information has been summarised in the present review. Our goal is to provide a brief overview of the potential for microalgal biostimulants to improve crop production and quality. A number of key aspects will be discussed, including the biostimulant effects caused by microalgae extracts as well as the feasibility and potential for co-cultures and co-application with other biostimulants and biofertilisers. This article will also discuss the current knowledge, recent developments, and achievements in extraction techniques, types of applications, and timings of applications. Ultimately, this review will highlight the potential of microalgal biostimulants for sustainable agricultural practices, the algal biochemical components that contribute to these traits, and, finally, bottlenecks and involved prospects in commercialising microalgal biostimulants. Full article

The main goal of our study was to find an optimal combination of tested factors to achieve lettuce rich in bioactive compounds sustaining its pleasant taste. We examined three red and three green cultivars in a greenhouse using two microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho), and their combination. Plants were grown in three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Lactones accumulated in autumn, whereas phenolics’ concentration rose during winter. Red cultivars showed higher phenolics and lactone content, where chicoric acid and luteolin-7-glucoside were the most abundant in the ‘Gaugin’ winter trial. Lactucopicrin was the predominant lactone among tested cultivars with the highest value in the red cultivar ‘Carmesi’. Solely applicated, the fertiliser EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho led to significantly higher phenolic acid and dihydrolactucopicrin content, while combined, there were notably increased levels of all detected lactones. Application of single fertilisers had no effect on flavonoid content, while the combination even reduced it. A sensory analysis showed a negative correlation between overall taste and total sesquiterpene lactones, lactucopicrin, caffeoylmalic, and chlorogenic acid, indicating a less bitter taste with decreasing content of these compounds. Our findings indicate that the cultivar, fertiliser, and growing season jointly affected all of the tested parameters, highlighting the differences in the application of EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho, and their combination. Full article

This study aims to investigate the potential scope of rural bioenergy production from the valorisation of non-hazardous waste, particularly from institutional health and family planning facilities. A crude bioenergy production potential will be determined, as well as relevant interrelationships with food security, equality and inclusivity, poverty reduction, and their contribution to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Solid waste generation at LAMB Hospital in Bangladesh was assessed. Its energy yield capacity and replacement of conventional, inefficient fuel sources were estimated, analysed, and specified. Results showed that the biogas yield capacity of non-hazardous solid waste from the LAMB hospital is 62 m³, which is equivalent to the gas required to cook 31 family meals. From small-to-medium institutes, such as the LAMB hospital, derived waste has the capacity to meet the cooking energy demand of rural villages. The electrical yield capacity of this amount of gas is 124 kWh, and this amount of energy can replace the use of 41 tonnes of firewood that cause emissions, deforestation, and increases the propensity for flooding. The adoption of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) for biogas production also has an impact on waste management, stimulating improved governance and infrastructure and supporting agriculture through the production of nutrient-dense biofertiliser. Further analysis showed that biogas not only provides a clean and affordable fuel but, in turn, has benefits with regard to health issues. Emissions from traditional cooking fuels have deleterious impacts on health due to Indoor Air Pollution (IAP), which generally affects women to a greater extent. All of these factors contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. This study could help to reduce environmental pollution from the health sector and mitigate climate change impacts, and there is a potential for scaling up this study nationwide. Full article