Search Results (155)

The search for sustainable, economically viable, and effective plant protection strategies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a major challenge in modern agricultural practices. Chitosan (CS) is an abundant cationic natural biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. Its potential use in agriculture for pathogen control is a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which raise concerns regarding public health, environmental protection, and pesticide resistance. This study focused on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) through cross-linking with organic molecules, such as tannic acid (TA). Various formulations were explored for the development of stable nanoscale particles having encapsulation capabilities towards low compounds of varying polarity and with potential agricultural applications relevant to plant health and growth. The solution properties of the NPs were assessed using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS); their morphology was observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM), while analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) measurements provided insights into their molar mass. Their properties proved to be primarily influenced by the concentration of CS, which significantly affected its intrinsic conformation. Additional structural insights were obtained via infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopic measurements, while detailed fluorescence analysis with the use of three different probes, as model cargo molecules, provided information regarding the hydrophobic and hydrophilic microdomains within the particles. Full article

Soil nematodes are essential components of the soil food web and are widely recognised as key bioindicators of soil health because of their sensitivity to environmental factors and disturbance. In agriculture, many studies have documented the effects of fertilisation on nematode communities and explored their role in nutrient cycling. Despite this, a key gap in knowledge still exists regarding how fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities modify their role in nutrient cycling. We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms by which nematodes contribute to nutrient cycling and on how organic, inorganic, and recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) impact nematode communities. The literature revealed that the type of organic matter and its C:N ratio are key factors shaping nematode communities in organically fertilised soils. In contrast, soil acidification and ammonium suppression have a greater influence in inorganically fertilised soils. The key sources of variability across studies include differences in the amount of fertiliser applied, the duration of the fertiliser use, management practices, and context-specific factors, all of which led to differences in how nematode communities respond to both fertilisation regimes. The influence of RDFs on nematode communities is largely determined by the fertiliser’s origin and its chemical composition. While fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities affect their role in nutrient cycling, oversimplifying experiments makes it difficult to understand nematodes’ functions in these processes. The challenges and knowledge gaps for further research to understand the effects of fertilisation on soil nematodes and their impact on nutrient cycling have been highlighted in this review to inform sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

The use of mineral fertilisers has increased in recent years, but this has had a negative effect on the environment, including causing the water in rivers and lakes to become too rich in nutrients, a process known as eutrophication. Current research focuses on producing fertiliser materials that are environmentally friendly. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of novel specialised organic-mineral fertilisers (OMFs: NP 24-12, NP 10-10, and NP 10-10 Zn⁺) on the yield and chemical composition of maize. These fertilisers were compared with a control (no fertiliser) and with other fertilisers (mixture of commercial fertilisers (MCFs): NP 24-12 and NP 10-10) that were used as a reference. All fertilisers increased the SPAD index at the fifth leaf unfolded stage of maize, with the majority (apart from OMF NP 10-10) also increasing it at the panicle emergence stage. MCF NP 10-10 had the most positive effect on the plant height, while OMF NP 10-10 had the least positive effect. All fertilisers had a positive effect on maize growth and development, with MCFs NP 10-10 and NP 24-12 having by far the strongest effect on increasing crop yields. The yield of plants fertilised with OMFs NP 24-12, NP 10-10, and NP 10-10 Zn⁺ was lower than the yields of plants fertilised with MCF NP 24-12 and MCF NP 10-10. OMF NP 10-10 caused a greater increase in the contents of all elements, and OMF NP 24-12 caused a greater increase in most elements (except P and Ca) in maize than MCFs did at an identical NP ratio. OMF NP 10-10 Zn⁺ was found to have a significant impact on the mineral composition of maize, resulting in a decline in Ca and P levels, along with a notable increase in Mg, Zn, and Cu concentrations. The most significant differences were observed for Cu and Zn. The OMFs, notably NP 24-12 and NP 10-10, exhibited a comparatively diminished acidifying impact in comparison with the MCFs. The application of fertilisers resulted in a significant increase in soil nutrient levels, with most fertilisers increasing the soil N, P, and Zn contents. Additionally, the OMFs led to an increase in Cu. However, MCFs NP 24-12 and NP 10-10 reduced the soil Cu and Mn contents. Studies should include other species as they have different needs. Field experiments are also needed. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) comprise a diverse array of synthetic chemicals that resist environmental degradation. They are increasingly recognised as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). These chemicals, found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, and industrial waste, accumulate in human tissues and fluids, raising substantial concerns regarding their impact on female reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between PFAS exposure and reduced fertility; nevertheless, the underlying molecular pathways remain inadequately understood. This narrative review investigates the multifaceted effects of PFASs on ovarian physiology, including its disruption of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis, alteration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, folliculogenesis, and gonadotropin receptor signalling. Significant attention is directed towards the emerging association between PFASs and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), wherein PFAS-induced hormonal disruption may exacerbate metabolic issues and elevated androgen levels. Furthermore, we analyse the current data regarding PFAS exposure in women undergoing treatment based on assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), specifically in vitro fertilisation (IVF), highlighting possible associations with diminished oocyte quality, suboptimal embryo development, and implantation failure. We examine potential epigenetic and transgenerational alterations that may influence women’s reproductive capabilities over time. This study underscores the urgent need for further research and regulatory actions to tackle PFAS-related reproductive toxicity, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as women of reproductive age and those receiving fertility treatments. Full article

The intensification of olive growing has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding nutrient loss from excessive fertiliser use. In line with the European Union’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to halve the soil nutrient losses by 2030, this study evaluates the effectiveness of two sensor-based approaches—proximal sensing with a FLAME spectrometer and remote sensing via UAV-mounted multispectral imaging—compared with foliar chemical analyses as the reference standard, for diagnosing the nutritional status of olive trees. The research was conducted in Elvas, Portugal, between 2022 and 2023, across three olive cultivars (‘Azeiteira’, ‘Arbequina’, and ‘Koroneiki’) subjected to different fertilisation regimes. Machine learning (ML) models showed strong correlations between sensor data and nutrient levels: the multispectral sensor performed best for phosphorus (P) (determination coefficient [$R^2$] = 0.75) and potassium (K) ($R^2$ = 0.73), while the FLAME spectrometer was more accurate for nitrogen (N) ($R^2$ = 0.64). These findings underscore the potential of sensor-based technologies for non-destructive, real-time nutrient monitoring, with each sensor offering specific strengths depending on the target nutrient. This work contributes to more sustainable and data-driven fertilisation strategies in precision agriculture. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a dioecious species known to produce over 1600 chemical constituents, including more than 180 cannabinoids classified into 11 structural groups. These bioactive compounds are predominantly synthesised in the glandular trichomes of female inflorescences. However, sex determination in C. sativa is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, often leading to the development of male flowers on female plants. This unintended fertilisation reduces cannabinoid yield and increases genetic heterogeneity and challenges in medical cannabis production. Haploid and doubled haploid (DH) technologies offer a promising solution by rapidly generating homozygous lines from gametophytic (e.g., unpollinated ovaries and ovules) or sporophytic tissues (e.g., anthers and microspores) via in vitro culture or chromosome reduction during hybridisation. In land plants, the life cycle alternates between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte generation, both capable of mitotic division to form multicellular bodies. A single genome regulates this phase transition and encodes the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms that precisely control the developmental processes unique to each generation. While the application of haploid technology in C. sativa remains limited, through recent progress in haploid induction (HI) and CRISPR-based genome editing, the direct modification of haploid gametes or embryos enables the creation of null homozygous lines following chromosome doubling, improving genetic uniformity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous chromosome doubling may further facilitate the development of elite cannabis genotypes. Ultimately, enhancing the efficiency of DH production and optimising genome editing approaches could significantly increase the speed of genetic improvement and cultivar development in Cannabis sativa. Full article

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

Aiming to address a series of problems caused by inefficient nitrogen fixation in soybean within the maize–soybean rotation system under cold-region conditions in Heilongjiang Province, China—such as reduced crop yields, declining soil fertility, and increased dependence on chemical fertilisers—this study investigated the partial substitution of chemical nitrogen fertilisers with bio-organic fertilisers at replacement rates of 10%, 20%, and 30% during soybean cultivation. The treatments included bio-organic fertilisers (OB1, OB2, OB3), inactivated bio-organic fertilisers (O1, O2, O3), Bacillus subtilis (B1, B2, B3), and a control (CK) with the conventional application of chemical fertilisers. In the rotational maize cropping phase, a 50% nitrogen reduction was applied. The results showed that replacing 20% of soybean nitrogen fertiliser with bio-organic fertiliser (OB2 treatment) yielded the most significant increase in productivity and economic return. Compared with CK, the OB2 treatment increased soybean yield by 26.56%, maize yield by 26.69%, and nitrogen fertiliser use efficiency by 3–5%. According to the GRA-TOPSIS model, the OB2 treatment demonstrated the greatest capacity to improve quality and efficiency in the maize–soybean rotation system. At the soybean maturity stage, the OB2 treatment increased soil total organic carbon, available phosphorus, and soil protease activity by 25.36%, 22.20%, and 87.50%, respectively, compared with CK. At maize maturity, soil ammonium nitrogen and soil protease activity increased by 80.24% and 62.47%, respectively. Bio-organic fertilisers combine the benefits of organic fertiliser substrates with those of functional microorganisms. Correlation, cluster, and interaction analyses revealed that the synergistic mechanisms between maize–soybean rotation and bio-organic fertilisers in cold regions are primarily reflected in improved soil quality, enhanced nutrient cycling efficiency, increased nitrogen fixation in soybean root nodules, stimulated microbial activity, and greater resilience to environmental stress. Sustainable agricultural production in cold regions can be achieved through the integrated functioning of these system components. This study provides a theoretical basis for enhancing yield and efficiency in maize–soybean rotation systems under cold climatic conditions. Full article

Addressing the dual challenges of agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability, this study develops an integrated framework combining Lotka–Volterra dynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, and multi-objective optimisation to quantify agroecosystem responses under anthropogenic interventions. Key innovations include the incorporation of carbon sequestration dynamics and low-carbon agricultural practices into ecological–economic trade-off analysis. Our findings demonstrate the following: (1) Seasonal carbon fertilisation effects enhance producer growth by up to 30%, while energy recycling from consumer mortality offsets 22% of pesticide-induced carbon emissions. (2) The strategic introduction of dual-function species synergistically improves carbon sink capacity by 18–25% through enhanced producer efficiency and reduced chemical reliance. (3) Multi-objective optimisation reveals that integrated pest management coupled with organic amendments achieves a 51.2% net benefit improvement, while reducing agrochemical carbon footprints by 40–55%. The proposed framework bridges critical gaps in sustainable agriculture by simultaneously addressing yield stability, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation imperatives. This work advances the dynamic modelling of agroecosystems through probabilistic risk assessment and carbon-aware decision-making, providing actionable pathways for low-carbon agricultural intensification. Full article

Many of today’s innovative materials used to carry trace elements (TEs) are derived from chelates. Most of the materials used for this purpose have been produced on the basis of EDTA, which is not considered to be environmentally friendly due to its high persistence. Research is therefore being carried out to produce materials that do not pose an environmental risk. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the effects of newly developed innovative materials with embedded biodegradable and environmentally safe chelates (IDHA—iminodisuccinic acid—and N-butyl-D-gluconamide ligands) containing copper, molybdenum and iron on the yield, biometric characteristics and chemical composition of soybean and selected soil properties. It is difficult to find publications on their effects in soybean cultivation. The greatest increase in soybean leaf greenness index (SPAD) was found after the addition of pure Salmag^® (Sal.^®). The effect of the chelates on the SPAD index was lower, with Sal.^® + Fe chelate having the greatest effect during the vegetative development stage and Cu chelate having the greatest effect during the flowering stage. Sal.^® + Cu, especially with Fe, accelerated pod and seed ripening in the last vegetative stage of soybean. Sal.^® + Cu had the most favourable impact on plant height, pure Sal.^® on the pod number per plant, Sal.^® + Fe on the seed number per pod, Sal.^® with Mo and Fe chelates on soybean seed yield, and pure Sal.^® on fresh weight remaining above-ground part yield, while pure Sal.^® and Sal.^® + Fe had the most favourable impact on dry weight aerial yield. The fertiliser materials (especially Sal.^® + Cu) generally increased the N content of the tested soybean organs and the Cu content of the other above-ground soybean parts (especially those containing chelates) and had an antagonistic effect on the Mg content of the soybean above-ground parts. Sal.^® + Cu also had a negative effect on the Fe content of other above-ground soybean parts. Sal.^® + Fe had a positive impact on the iron content, and Sal.^® + Mo had a positive impact on the molybdenum content of soybean. The applied fertilisers had little effect on the contents of Cu, Mo and Fe in the soil. There was only a significant increase in the Cu content of the soil after the addition of Sal.^® + Cu and a significantly smaller increase under the influence of Sal.^® without chelates, as well as an increase in the Mo content of the soil with Sal.^®. The present study confirms the beneficial impact of the novel materials with chelates. It has been demonstrated that the presence of materials containing Mo and, in particular, Cu has a considerable effect on the yield and quality characteristics of soybeans. Full article

It has been demonstrated that organic fertilisers could be a source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils. These organic fertilisers comprise a diverse array of matrices including organic waste and by-products. Currently, there is no established methodology for the extraction of MP from these matrices. The present article aims to validate a standardised protocol for the extraction of MPs from a diverse range of complex, organic-rich samples. The protocol has been developed to ensure a high recovery of MPs, to preserve their integrity, and to eliminate organic particles that interfere with FTIR analyses. Spiked MPs sized 315–5000 µm were subjected to a two-step process involving chemical digestion (H₂O₂, 30% (w/v), 53 °C) and density separation (NaI, >1.60 g·cm⁻³). This resulted in a mean extraction rate exceeding 95%, with undigested matter remaining below 5%. No evidence of fragmentation was observed. Furthermore, the chemical nature of spiked microplastics is still perfectly interpretable from the FTIR spectra despite the different chemical treatments undergone. These findings thus validate the method for the microplastic range 315–5000 µm. However, a new method for reanalysing the project’s data produced contrasting results, suggesting a significant drop in recovery rates for size ranges below 250 µm. This reanalysis approach constitutes the second innovation of this protocol, and enables a more critical analysis of the results obtained in publications on microplastics. Full article

This study investigates the current application and ageing effects of various Zn sources on acidic Mediterranean soil. Two successive lettuce crops were grown in soil fertilised with 0, 15, 30, 60, and 140 mg Zn kg⁻¹ using commercial ZnO nanoparticles, Zn complex, and Zn sulphate. Plant growth, Zn biofortification, dietary implications, human health, and the soil Zn status were evaluated. Zinc bioavailability was influenced by the source, application rate, and chemical ageing. The bioavailability of Zn in the soil increased from 4.60 to 66.7 compared to the control treatment. Zinc applied in the form of ZnSO₄ was the most bioavailable form in the first year of cultivation. Advanced specialty fertilisers such as ZnO nanoparticles and Zn-lignosulfonate, along with the conventional fertiliser ZnSO₄, demonstrated a residual effect allowing effective Zn uptake by plants in the second crop. Zn concentrations in lettuce leaves were 3.33–34.6 times higher than the control treatment. Application of 30 mg Zn kg⁻¹ and higher of commercial ZnO nanoparticles, Zn complex, and Zn sulphate heptahydrate resulted in some toxicity. Higher application rates of these sources may pose a potential risk to the population, as indicated by the health risk index. These Zn sources represent a promising alternative for enhancing plant growth and providing a sustained release of Zn in several successive crops, making them a potential alternative to conventional fertilisers. Their unique properties can optimise nutrient management strategies and promote sustainable crop production. Full article

This study aimed to compare bacterial community structure differences in yellow paddy soil under long-term chemical/organic fertilisation and fertiliser conversion to guide farmland fertilisation strategies in yellow loam areas. Treatments included (1) continuous application of chemical fertilisers for 27 years (CF-CF); (2) application of chemical fertiliser continuously for 24 years and then application of organic fertiliser for 3 years (CF-OF); (3) continuous application of organic fertiliser for 27 years (OF-OF); and (4) application of organic fertiliser continuously for 24 years and then application of chemical fertiliser for 3 years (OF-CF). The results show that long-term fertilisation alters genus-level bacterial taxa, while fertilisation mode changes significantly increase taxa quantities at both phylum and genus levels. Different fertilisation treatments affect the relative abundance of bacteria; the relative abundance of Firmicutes in OF-OF is significantly greater than that in CF-CF, while Gemmatimonadota and Patescibacteria show the opposite trend. Compared to CF-CF, CF-OF increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreases that of Cyanobacteria, whereas OF-CF increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to OF-OF. Notably, Patescibacteria is significantly enriched in CF-CF, while Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidota are significantly enriched in CF-OF, and Firmicutes and Myxomycophyta are significantly enriched in the OF-OF treatment. The bacterial community composition of CF-CF and CF-OF is similar, while the bacterial community composition of OF-OF and OF-CF is similar. In bacterial assembly processes, OF-CF improves the heterogeneous selection process and reduces the homogeneous dispersal process compared to OF-OF. The bacterial assembly process of OF-CF gradually becomes similar to that of CF-CF and CF-OF. Further analyses indicate that fertilisation influences the soil bacterial community composition by affecting total nitrogen, organic matter, available phosphorus, and pH. Overall, long-term different fertilisation predominates bacterial community distribution, while short-term changes in fertilisation mode have a smaller but significant effect on bacterial community distribution, influencing the quantity and relative abundance of bacterial taxa; the application of organic fertilisers is more beneficial for the even distribution of bacteria. Full article

Non-chemical methods of fertilisation and protection have been gaining importance in recent years. This trend is closely linked to current European Union (EU) agricultural policy and the growing consumer awareness of the impact of nutrition on health. Newly developed biopreparations have to be tested for their agricultural efficiency alongside a quality assessment of the resulting food. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of newly developed microbially enriched fertilisers in organic strawberry cultivation had an effect on fruit chemical composition and heavy metal accumulation. In the research, five biopreparations (K2–K6 combinations) containing selected Bacillus strains and plant extracts were tested in 2021 and 2022 on three strawberry cultivars: ‘Honeoye’, ‘Rumba’, and ‘Vibrant’. After the vegetation period, the collected fruit samples were frozen, freeze-dried, and subjected to chemical analyses to determine the total carbon and nitrogen content, as well as the concentration of microelements (Mn, Fe), macroelements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, P) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn). The application of the tested biopreparations did not significantly impact the total carbon content of strawberry fruit. For most of the tested traits, cultivars reacted differently to the tested preparations. A higher total nitrogen content was found for treatments treated with biopreparations, especially for the ‘Vibrant’ cultivar—ranging from 15.2 g·kg⁻¹ K2 (BacilRoots) to 16.3 g·kg⁻¹ K3 (BacilRoots + BacilExtra) and K5 (BacilRoots + BacilExtra + BacilHumus)—being about 10–18% higher than on the control object (K1). The content of sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium did not change significantly under the influence of biopreparations. The use of the K3 and K5 treatment resulted in significantly lower iron contents when compared to those of the control (strawberries sprayed with water with no biopreparations added)—respectively, by 16.1% and 17.9%. ‘Vibrant’ treated with water (control treatment) showed the highest contents of iron, copper, and zinc when compared to those treated with biopreparations. No exceedances of the permissible heavy metal content were found in the samples tested. Full article

This study evaluates the environmental performance of stabilised sewage sludge used as a circular fertiliser across three European regions: Central, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, comparing its performance against non-renewable fertilisers. The research applies a life cycle assessment approach, considering a mix of the most used stabilisation technologies in each region, such as anaerobic digestion, chemical treatment, thermal drying, composting, and aerobic digestion. Environmental impacts were assessed based on key categories, including climate change, acidification, eutrophication, and resource use. The environmental performance of circular fertiliser production outperformed non-renewable fertilisers in all assessed categories, showcasing its potential as a sustainable alternative. Findings reveal that the choice of stabilisation process is key to the overall environmental performance of the region. High energy-driven technologies such as thermal drying present the bigger impacts. Regional disparities highlight the need for context-specific technology selection to optimise environmental outcomes. The study underscores the importance of integrating energy recovery and nutrient recycling in sludge management practices. These findings advocate for the promotion of circular fertilisers within a sustainable agricultural framework, emphasising technology adaptation based on local conditions to enhance ecological and economic benefits. Full article