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Search Results (15,290)

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Keywords = climate and production

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25 pages, 1212 KiB  
Review
Antioxidant Capacity and Therapeutic Applications of Honey: Health Benefits, Antimicrobial Activity and Food Processing Roles
by Ivana Tlak Gajger, Showket Ahmad Dar, Mohamed Morsi M. Ahmed, Magda M. Aly and Josipa Vlainić
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080959 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic [...] Read more.
Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential. Full article
31 pages, 2983 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Management of Willow Forest Landscapes: A Review of Ecosystem Functions and Conservation Strategies
by Florin Achim, Lucian Dinca, Danut Chira, Razvan Raducu, Alexandru Chirca and Gabriel Murariu
Land 2025, 14(8), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081593 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Willow stands (Salix spp.) are an essential part of riparian ecosystems, as they sustain biodiversity and provide bioenergy solutions. The present review synthesizes the global scientific literature about the management of willow stands. In order to achieve this goal, we used a [...] Read more.
Willow stands (Salix spp.) are an essential part of riparian ecosystems, as they sustain biodiversity and provide bioenergy solutions. The present review synthesizes the global scientific literature about the management of willow stands. In order to achieve this goal, we used a dual approach combining bibliometric analysis with traditional literature review. As such, we consulted 416 publications published between 1978 and 2024. This allowed us to identify key species, ecosystem services, conservation strategies, and management issues. The results we have obtained show a diversity of approaches, with an increase in short-rotation coppice (SRC) systems and the multiple roles covered by willow stands (carbon sequestration, biomass production, riparian restoration, and habitat provision). The key trends we have identified show a shift toward topics such as climate resilience, ecological restoration, and precision forestry. This trend has become especially pronounced over the past decade (2014–2024), as reflected in the increasing use of these keywords in the literature. However, as willow systems expand in scale and function—from biomass production to ecological restoration—they also raise complex challenges, including invasive tendencies in non-native regions and uncertainties surrounding biodiversity impacts and soil carbon dynamics over the long term. The present review is a guide for forest policies and, more specifically, for future research, linking the need to integrate and use adaptive strategies in order to maintain the willow stands. Full article
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14 pages, 5995 KiB  
Article
Integrated Remote Sensing Evaluation of Grassland Degradation Using Multi-Criteria GDCI in Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, China
by Liwei Xing, Dongyan Jin, Chen Shen, Mengshuai Zhu and Jianzhai Wu
Land 2025, 14(8), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081592 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
As an important ecological barrier and animal husbandry resource base in arid and semi-arid areas, grassland degradation directly affects regional ecological security and sustainable development. Ili Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and is a typical grassland resource-rich area. [...] Read more.
As an important ecological barrier and animal husbandry resource base in arid and semi-arid areas, grassland degradation directly affects regional ecological security and sustainable development. Ili Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and is a typical grassland resource-rich area. However, in recent years, driven by climate change and human activities, grassland degradation has become increasingly serious. In view of the lack of comprehensive evaluation indicators and the inconsistency of grassland evaluation grade standards in remote sensing monitoring of grassland resource degradation, this study takes the current situation of grassland degradation in Ili Prefecture in the past 20 years as the research object and constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system covering three criteria layers of vegetation characteristics, environmental characteristics, and utilization characteristics. Net primary productivity (NPP), vegetation coverage, temperature, precipitation, soil erosion modulus, and grazing intensity were selected as multi-source indicators. Combined with data sources such as remote sensing inversion, sample survey, meteorological data, and farmer survey, the factor weight coefficient was determined by analytic hierarchy process. The Grassland Degeneration Comprehensive Index (GDCI) model was constructed to carry out remote sensing monitoring and evaluation of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture. With reference to the classification threshold of the national standard for grassland degradation, the GDCI grassland degradation evaluation grade threshold (GDCI reduction rate) was determined by the method of weighted average of coefficients: non-degradation (0–10%), mild degradation (10–20%), moderate degradation (20–37.66%) and severe degradation (more than 37.66%). According to the results, between 2000 and 2022, non-degraded grasslands in Ili Prefecture covered an area of 27,200 km2, representing 90.19% of the total grassland area. Slight, moderate, and severe degradation accounted for 4.34%, 3.33%, and 2.15%, respectively. Moderately and severely degraded areas are primarily distributed in agro-pastoral transition zones and economically developed urban regions, respectively. The results revealed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture and provided data basis and technical support for regional grassland resource management, degradation prevention and control and ecological restoration. Full article
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25 pages, 5978 KiB  
Review
Global Research Trends on the Role of Soil Erosion in Carbon Cycling Under Climate Change: A Bibliometric Analysis (1994–2024)
by Yongfu Li, Xiao Zhang, Yang Zhao, Xiaolin Yin, Xiong Wu and Liping Su
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080934 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Against the backdrop of multifaceted strategies to combat climate change, understanding soil erosion’s role in carbon cycling is critical due to terrestrial carbon pool vulnerability. This study integrates bibliometric methods with visualization tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer) to analyze 3880 Web of Science core publications [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of multifaceted strategies to combat climate change, understanding soil erosion’s role in carbon cycling is critical due to terrestrial carbon pool vulnerability. This study integrates bibliometric methods with visualization tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer) to analyze 3880 Web of Science core publications (1994–2024, inclusive), constructing knowledge graphs and forecasting trends. The results show exponential publication growth, shifting from slow development (1994–2011) to rapid expansion (2012–2024), aligning with international climate policy milestones. The Chinese Academy of Sciences led productivity (519 articles), while the US demonstrated major influence (H-index 117; 52,297 citations), creating a China–US bipolar research pattern. It was also found that Dutch journals dominate this research field. A keyword analysis revealed a shift from erosion-driven carbon transport to ecosystem service assessments. Emerging hotspots include microbial community regulation, climate–erosion feedback, and model–policy integration, though developing country collaboration remains limited. Future research should prioritize isotope tracing, multiscale modeling, and studies in ecologically vulnerable regions to enhance global soil carbon management. This study provides a novel analytical framework and forward-looking perspective for the soil erosion research on soil carbon cycling, serving as an extension of climate change mitigation strategies. Full article
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30 pages, 9116 KiB  
Article
Habitat Loss and Other Threats to the Survival of Parnassius apollo (Linnaeus, 1758) in Serbia
by Dejan V. Stojanović, Vladimir Višacki, Dragana Ranđelović, Jelena Ivetić and Saša Orlović
Insects 2025, 16(8), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080805 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The cessation of traditional mountain grazing has emerged as a principal driver of habitat degradation and the local extinction of Parnassius apollo (Linnaeus, 1758) in Serbia. While previous studies have cited multiple contributing factors, our research provides evidence that the abandonment of extensive [...] Read more.
The cessation of traditional mountain grazing has emerged as a principal driver of habitat degradation and the local extinction of Parnassius apollo (Linnaeus, 1758) in Serbia. While previous studies have cited multiple contributing factors, our research provides evidence that the abandonment of extensive livestock grazing has triggered vegetation succession, the disappearance of the larval host plant (Sedum album), and a reduction in microhabitat heterogeneity—conditions essential for the persistence of this stenophagous butterfly species. Through satellite-based analysis of vegetation dynamics (2015–2024), we identified clear structural differences between habitats that currently support populations and those where the species is no longer present. Occupied sites were characterized by low levels of exposed soil, moderate grass coverage, and consistently high shrub and tree density, whereas unoccupied sites exhibited dense encroachment of grasses and woody vegetation, leading to structural instability. Furthermore, MODIS-derived indices (2010–2024) revealed a consistent decline in vegetation productivity (GPP, FPAR, LAI) in succession-affected areas, alongside significant correlations between elevated land surface temperatures (LST), thermal stress (TCI), and reduced photosynthetic capacity. A wildfire event on Mount Stol in 2024 further exacerbated habitat degradation, as confirmed by remote sensing indices (BAI, NBR, NBR2), which documented extensive burn scars and post-fire vegetation loss. Collectively, these findings indicate that the decline of P. apollo is driven not only by ecological succession and climatic stressors, but also by the abandonment of land-use practices that historically maintained suitable habitat conditions. Our results underscore the necessity of restoring traditional grazing regimes and integrating ecological, climatic, and landscape management approaches to prevent further biodiversity loss in montane environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
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21 pages, 1932 KiB  
Article
Exploring Agronomic Management Strategies to Improve Millet, Sorghum, Peanuts and Rice in Senegal Using the DSSAT Models
by Walter E. Baethgen, Adama Faye and Mbaye Diop
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081882 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Achieving food security for a growing population under a changing climate is a key concern in Senegal, where agriculture employs 77% of the workforce with a majority of small farmers who rely on the production of crops for their subsistence and for income [...] Read more.
Achieving food security for a growing population under a changing climate is a key concern in Senegal, where agriculture employs 77% of the workforce with a majority of small farmers who rely on the production of crops for their subsistence and for income generation. Moreover, due to the underproductive soils and variable rainfall, Senegal depends on imports to fulfil 70% of its food requirements. In this research, we considered four crops that are crucial for Senegalese agriculture: millet, sorghum, peanuts and rice. We used crop simulation models to explore existing yield gaps and optimal agronomic practices. Improving the N fertilizer management in sorghum and millet resulted in 40–100% increases in grain yields. Improved N symbiotic fixation in peanuts resulted in yield increases of 20–100% with highest impact in wetter locations. Optimizing irrigation management and N fertilizer use resulted in 20–40% gains. The best N fertilizer strategy for sorghum and millet included applying low rates at sowing and in early development stages and adjusting a third application, considering the expected rainfall. Peanut yields of the variety 73-33 were higher than Fleur-11 in all locations, and irrigation showed no clear economic advantage. The best N fertilizer management for rainfed rice included applying 30 kg N/ha at sowing, 25 days after sowing (DAS) and 45 DAS. The best combination of sowing dates for a possible double rice crop depended on irrigation costs, with a first crop planted in January or March and a second crop planted in July. Our work confirmed results obtained in field research experiments and identified management practices for increasing productivity and reducing yield variability. Those crop management practices can be implemented in pilot experiments to further validate the results and to disseminate best management practices for farmers in Senegal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
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12 pages, 562 KiB  
Review
Potential of the Use of Biostimulants in Lettuce Production
by Talys Moratti Lemos de Oliveira, Janyne Soares Braga Pires, Vinicius de Souza Oliveira, Ana Júlia Câmara Jeveaux Machado, Adriano Alves Fernandes, Lúcio de Oliveira Arantes and Sara Dousseau-Arantes
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152416 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the main leafy vegetables in the world, being present in several countries. Due to its composition, which includes a substance with antioxidant action and beneficial effects on health, it is consumed constantly. However, due to [...] Read more.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the main leafy vegetables in the world, being present in several countries. Due to its composition, which includes a substance with antioxidant action and beneficial effects on health, it is consumed constantly. However, due to ongoing climate change that has had global effects, the crop has been suffering a reduction in productivity and quality. Thus, technologies aiming to mitigate the effects of climate extremes have been developed. In lettuce production, biostimulants make it possible to improve the growth and sustainable development of plants. This is due to their ability to activate physiological and biochemical processes in plants, resulting in an increase in the production of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. In addition, biostimulants contribute to improving the nutritional quality of lettuces, making them more resistant and adapted to different environmental conditions, resulting in a more sustainable development for the crop. This review aims to compile and discuss the available scientific evidence on the use of biostimulants in lettuce cultivation, addressing their mechanisms of action, the types of substances used, the results obtained in different cultivation systems, and their potential to promote more efficient and adaptable agriculture in the face of environmental changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biostimulant Use on Horticultural Crops)
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28 pages, 3909 KiB  
Article
Exploring How Climate Change Scenarios Shape the Future of Alboran Sea Fisheries
by Isabella Uzategui, Susana Garcia-Tiscar and Paloma Alcorlo
Water 2025, 17(15), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152313 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Climate change is disrupting marine ecosystems, necessitating a deeper understanding of environmental and fishing-related impacts on exploited species. This study examines the effects of physical factors (temperature, thermal anomalies, salinity, seabed conditions), biogeochemical elements (pH, oxygen levels, nutrients, primary production), and fishing pressure [...] Read more.
Climate change is disrupting marine ecosystems, necessitating a deeper understanding of environmental and fishing-related impacts on exploited species. This study examines the effects of physical factors (temperature, thermal anomalies, salinity, seabed conditions), biogeochemical elements (pH, oxygen levels, nutrients, primary production), and fishing pressure on the biomass of commercially important species in the Alboran Sea from 1999 to 2022. Data were sourced from the Copernicus observational program, focusing on the geographical sub-area 1 (GSA-1) zone across three depth ranges. Generalized Additive Models were applied for analysis. Rising temperatures and seasonal anomalies have largely negative effects, disrupting species’ physiological balance. Changes in water quality, including improved nutrient and oxygen concentrations, have yielded complex ecological responses. Fishing indices highlight the vulnerability of small pelagic fish to climate change and overfishing, underscoring their economic and ecological significance. These findings stress the urgent need for ecosystem-based management strategies that integrate climate change impacts to ensure sustainable marine resource management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystems)
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37 pages, 3005 KiB  
Review
Printed Sensors for Environmental Monitoring: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions
by Amal M. Al-Amri
Chemosensors 2025, 13(8), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13080285 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Environmental monitoring plays a key role in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement. The growth of printed sensor technologies offers an innovative approach to addressing these challenges due to their low cost, flexibility, and scalability. Printed sensors [...] Read more.
Environmental monitoring plays a key role in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement. The growth of printed sensor technologies offers an innovative approach to addressing these challenges due to their low cost, flexibility, and scalability. Printed sensors enable the real-time monitoring of air, water, soil, and climate, providing significant data for data-driven decision-making technologies and policy development to improve the quality of the environment. The development of new materials, such as graphene, conductive polymers, and biodegradable substrates, has significantly enhanced the environmental applications of printed sensors by improving sensitivity, enabling flexible designs, and supporting eco-friendly and disposable solutions. The development of inkjet, screen, and roll-to-roll printing technologies has also contributed to the achievement of mass production without sacrificing quality or performance. This review presents the current progress in printed sensors for environmental applications, with a focus on technological advances, challenges, applications, and future directions. Moreover, the paper also discusses the challenges that still exist due to several issues, e.g., sensitivity, stability, power supply, and environmental sustainability. Printed sensors have the potential to revolutionize ecological monitoring, as evidenced by recent innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) integration, self-powered designs, and AI-enhanced data analytics. By addressing these issues, printed sensors can develop a better understanding of environmental systems and help promote the UN sustainable development goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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21 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Cold Food Supply Chains for Enhanced Food Availability Under Climate Variability
by David Hernandez-Cuellar, Krystel K. Castillo-Villar and Fernando Rey Castillo-Villar
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152725 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Produce supply chains play a critical role in ensuring fruits and vegetables reach consumers efficiently, affordably, and at optimal freshness. In recent decades, hub-and-spoke network models have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing sustainable cold food supply chains. Traditional optimization efforts typically focus [...] Read more.
Produce supply chains play a critical role in ensuring fruits and vegetables reach consumers efficiently, affordably, and at optimal freshness. In recent decades, hub-and-spoke network models have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing sustainable cold food supply chains. Traditional optimization efforts typically focus on removing inefficiencies, minimizing lead times, refining inventory management, strengthening supplier relationships, and leveraging technological advancements for better visibility and control. However, the majority of models rely on deterministic approaches that overlook the inherent uncertainties of crop yields, which are further intensified by climate variability. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations, along with shifting temperature patterns and extreme weather events, have a substantial effect on crop productivity and availability. Such uncertainties can prompt distributors to seek alternative sources, increasing costs due to supply chain reconfiguration. This research introduces a stochastic hub-and-spoke network optimization model specifically designed to minimize transportation expenses by determining optimal distribution routes that explicitly account for climate variability effects on crop yields. A use case involving a cold food supply chain (CFSC) was carried out using several weather scenarios based on climate models and real soil data for California. Strawberries were selected as a representative crop, given California’s leading role in strawberry production. Simulation results show that scenarios characterized by increased rainfall during growing seasons result in increased yields, allowing distributors to reduce transportation costs by sourcing from nearby farms. Conversely, scenarios with reduced rainfall and lower yields require sourcing from more distant locations, thereby increasing transportation costs. Nonetheless, supply chain configurations may vary depending on the choice of climate models or weather prediction sources, highlighting the importance of regularly updating scenario inputs to ensure robust planning. This tool aids decision-making by planning climate-resilient supply chains, enhancing preparedness and responsiveness to future climate-related disruptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Emerging Food Safety Challenges)
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28 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Capturing the Ramifications of Poverty Alleviation Hotspots and Climate Change Effect in Nigeria: A Social Network Analysis
by Emmanuel Ikechukwu Umeonyirioha, Renxian Zhu, Collins Chimezie Elendu and Liang Pei
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157050 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Nigerian poverty research is often fragmented and focuses on samples with minimal actionable strategies. This study aims to identify essential poverty alleviation and climate change strategies by synthesizing existing research, extracting the most critical poverty alleviation and climate change factors, and assessing strategies [...] Read more.
Nigerian poverty research is often fragmented and focuses on samples with minimal actionable strategies. This study aims to identify essential poverty alleviation and climate change strategies by synthesizing existing research, extracting the most critical poverty alleviation and climate change factors, and assessing strategies to combat poverty and climate change in Nigeria. We obtained, utilizing the centrality measures of social network analysis and the visualization tools of bibliometric analysis, the research hotspots extracted from 119 articles from the SCOPUS database for the period 1994–2023, compared outcomes with other countries, and analyzed their implications for eradicating poverty in Nigeria. We find that low agricultural productivity and food insecurity are some of the essential poverty-engendering factors in Nigeria, which are being intensified by climate change irregularities. Also, researchers demonstrate weak collaboration and synergy, as only 0.02% of researchers collaborated. Our findings highlight the need to direct poverty alleviation efforts to the key areas identified in this study and increase cooperation between poverty alleviation and climate researchers. Full article
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22 pages, 2179 KiB  
Article
Conversion of Oil Palm Kernel Shell Wastes into Active Biocarbons by N2 Pyrolysis and CO2 Activation
by Aik Chong Lua
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7030066 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Oil palm kernel shell is an abundant agricultural waste generated by the palm oil industry. To achieve sustainable use of this waste, oil palm kernel shells were converted into valuable resources as active biocarbons. A two-stage preparation method involving N2 pyrolysis, followed [...] Read more.
Oil palm kernel shell is an abundant agricultural waste generated by the palm oil industry. To achieve sustainable use of this waste, oil palm kernel shells were converted into valuable resources as active biocarbons. A two-stage preparation method involving N2 pyrolysis, followed by CO2 activation, was used to produce the active biocarbon. The optimum pyrolysis conditions that produced the largest BET surface area of 519.1 m2/g were a temperature of 600 °C, a hold time of 2 h, a nitrogen flow rate of 150 cm3/min, and a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The optimum activation conditions to prepare the active biocarbon with the largest micropore surface area or the best micropore/BET surface area combination were a temperature of 950 °C, a CO2 flow rate of 300 cm3/min, a heating rate of 10 °C/min, and a hold time of 3 h, yielding BET and micropore surface areas of 1232.3 and 941.0 m2/g, respectively, and consisting of 76.36% of micropores for the experimental optimisation technique adopted here. This study underscores the importance of optimising both the pyrolysis and activation conditions to produce an active biocarbon with a maximum micropore surface area for gaseous adsorption applications, especially to capture CO2 greenhouse gas, to mitigate global warming and climate change. Such a comprehensive and detailed study on the conversion of oil palm kernel shell into active biocarbon is lacking in the open literature. The research results provide a practical blueprint on the process parameters and technical know-how for the industrial production of highly microporous active biocarbons prepared from oil palm kernel shells. Full article
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18 pages, 1256 KiB  
Article
Algae Extracts and Zeolite Modulate Plant Growth and Enhance the Yield of Tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. Under Suboptimum and Deficient Soil Water Content
by José Antonio Miranda-Rojas, Aurelio Pedroza-Sandoval, Isaac Gramillo-Ávila, Ricardo Trejo-Calzada, Ignacio Sánchez-Cohen and Luis Gerardo Yáñez-Chávez
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080902 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Drought and water scarcity are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural producers in dry environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of algae extract and zeolite in terms of their biostimulant action on water stress tolerance to obtain better growth [...] Read more.
Drought and water scarcity are some of the most important challenges facing agricultural producers in dry environments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of algae extract and zeolite in terms of their biostimulant action on water stress tolerance to obtain better growth and production of tomato Lycopersicum esculentum L. grown in an open field under suboptimum and deficient soil moisture content. Large plots had a suboptimum soil moisture content (SSMC) of 25% ± 2 [28% below field capacity (FC)] and deficient soil moisture content (DSMC) of 20% ± 2 [11% above permanent wilting point (PWP)]; both soil moisture ranges were based on field capacity FC (32%) and PWP (18%). Small plots had four treatments: algae extract (AE) 50 L ha−1 and zeolite (Z) 20 t ha−1, a combination of both products (AE + Z) 25 L ha−1 and 10 t h−1, and a control (without application of either product). By applying AE, Z, and AE + Z, plant height, plant vigor, and chlorophyll index were significantly higher compared to the control by 20.3%, 10.5%, and 22.3%, respectively. The effect on relative water content was moderate—only 2.6% higher than the control applying AE, while the best treatment for the photosynthesis variable was applying Z, with a value of 20.9 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, which was 18% higher than the control. Consequently, tomato yield was also higher compared to the control by 333% and 425% when applying AE and Z, respectively, with suboptimum soil moisture content. The application of the biostimulants did not show any mitigating effect on water stress under soil water deficit conditions close to permanent wilting. These findings are relevant to water-scarce agricultural areas, where more efficient irrigation water use is imperative. Plant biostimulation through organic and inorganic extracts plays an important role in mitigating environmental stresses such as those caused by water shortages, leading to improved production in vulnerable agricultural areas with extreme climates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimized Irrigation and Water Management in Horticultural Production)
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37 pages, 4733 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Building Performance with Dynamic Photovoltaic Shading Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Six Adaptive Designs
by Roshanak Roshan Kharrat, Giuseppe Perfetto, Roberta Ingaramo and Guglielmina Mutani
Smart Cities 2025, 8(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8040127 - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Dynamic and Adaptive solar systems demonstrate a greater potential to enhance the satisfaction of occupants, in terms of indoor environment quality and the energy efficiency of the buildings, than conventional shading solutions. This study has evaluated Dynamic and Adaptive Photovoltaic Shading Systems (DAPVSSs) [...] Read more.
Dynamic and Adaptive solar systems demonstrate a greater potential to enhance the satisfaction of occupants, in terms of indoor environment quality and the energy efficiency of the buildings, than conventional shading solutions. This study has evaluated Dynamic and Adaptive Photovoltaic Shading Systems (DAPVSSs) through a comprehensive analysis of six shading designs in which their energy production and the comfort of occupants were considered. Energy generation, thermal comfort, daylight, and glare control have been assessed in this study, considering multiple orientations throughout the seasons, and a variety of tools, such as Rhino 6.0, Grasshopper, ClimateStudio 2.1, and Ladybug, have been exploited for these purposes. The results showed that the prototypes that were geometrically more complex, designs 5 and 6 in particular, had approximately 485 kWh higher energy production and energy savings for cooling and 48% better glare control than the other simplified configurations while maintaining the minimum daylight as the threshold (min DF: 2%) due to adaptive and control methodologies. Design 6 demonstrated optimal balanced performance for all the aforementioned criteria, achieving 587 kWh/year energy production while maintaining the daylight factor within the 2.1–2.9% optimal range and ensuring visual comfort compliance during 94% of occupied hours. This research has established a framework that can be used to make well-informed design decisions that could balance energy production, occupants’ wellbeing, and architectural integration, while advancing sustainable building envelope technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Building Development and Promotion)
21 pages, 7111 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variation in Energy Balance, Evapotranspiration and Net Ecosystem Production in a Desert Ecosystem of Dengkou, Inner Mongolia, China
by Muhammad Zain Ul Abidin, Huijie Xiao, Sanaullah Magsi, Fang Hongxin, Komal Muskan, Phuocthoi Hoang and Muhammad Azher Hassan
Water 2025, 17(15), 2307; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152307 - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the seasonal dynamics of energy balance, evapotranspiration (ET), and Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) in the Dengkou desert ecosystem of Inner Mongolia, China. Using eddy covariance and meteorological data from 2019 to 2022, the research focuses on understanding how these processes [...] Read more.
This study investigates the seasonal dynamics of energy balance, evapotranspiration (ET), and Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) in the Dengkou desert ecosystem of Inner Mongolia, China. Using eddy covariance and meteorological data from 2019 to 2022, the research focuses on understanding how these processes interact in one of the world’s most water-limited environments. This arid research area received an average of 109.35 mm per annum precipitation over the studied period, classifying the region as a typical arid ecosystem. Seasonal patterns were observed in daily air temperature, with extremes ranging from −20.6 °C to 29.6 °C. Temporal variations in sensible heat flux (H), latent heat flux (LE), and net radiation (Rn) peaked during summer season. The average ground heat flux (G) was mostly positive throughout the observation period, indicating heat transmission from atmosphere to soil, but showed negative values during the winter season. The energy balance ratio for the studied period was in the range of 0.61 to 0.80, indicating challenges in achieving energy closure and ecological shifts. ET exhibited two annual peaks influenced by vegetation growth and climate change, with annual ET exceeding annual precipitation, except in 2021. Net ecosystem production (NEP) from 2019 to 2020 revealed that the Dengkou desert were a net source of carbon, indicating the carbon loss from the ecosystem. In 2021, the Dengkou ecosystem shifted to become a net carbon sink, effectively sequestrating carbon. However, this was sharply reversed in 2022, resulting in a significant net release of carbon. The study findings highlight the complex interactions between energy balance components, ET, and NEP in desert ecosystems, providing insights into sustainable water management and carbon neutrality strategies in arid regions under climate change effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Observation and Modeling of Surface Air Hydrological Factors)
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