Search Results (259)

This study aims to evaluate eco-innovative solutions in the fertilizer industry that allow for waste valorization in the context of a resource-efficient circular economy. A comprehensive reuse strategy was developed for low-rank peat and post-cultivation horticultural mineral wool, involving the extraction of valuable humic substances from peat and residual nutrients from used mineral wool, followed by the use of both post-extraction residues to produce organic–mineral substrates. The resulting products/semifinished products were characterized in terms of their composition and properties, which met the requirements necessary to obtain the admission of this type of product to the market in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of 18 June 2008 on the implementation of certain provisions of the Act on fertilizers and fertilization (Journal of Laws No 119, item 765). Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and solid-state CP-MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy suggest that post-extraction peat has a relatively condensed structure with a high C content (47.4%) and a reduced O/C atomic ratio and is rich in alkyl-like matter (63.2%) but devoid of some functional groups in favor of extracted fulvic acids. Therefore, it remains a valuable organic biowaste, which, in combination with post-extraction waste mineral wool in a ratio of 60:40 and possibly the addition of mineral nutrients, allows us to obtain a completely new substrate with a bulk density of 264 g/m³, a salinity of 7.8 g/dm³ and a pH of 5.3, with an appropriate content of heavy metals and with no impurities, meeting the requirements of this type of product. A liquid fertilizer based on an extract containing previously recovered nutrients also meets the criteria in terms of quality and content of impurities and can potentially be used as a fertilizing product suitable for agricultural crops. This study demonstrates a feasible pathway for transforming specific waste streams into valuable agricultural inputs, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable production. The production of a new liquid fertilizer using nutrients recovered from post-cultivation mineral wool and the preparation of an organic–mineral substrate using post-extraction solid residue is a rational strategy for recycling hard-to-biodegrade end-of-life products. Full article

Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effects of foliar nutrient supply and soil tillage methods on the grain nutritional composition and mineral content of winter barley. Employing a split-plot design with three replications, the experiment included four nutrient treatments (control, bio-cereal, bio-algae, and MgSMnZn blend) and two soil tillage types (i.e., plowing and cultivator). The results indicated that while protein content was not influenced by the main effects of nutrients and tillage, the levels of β-glucan, starch, crude ash, and moisture content were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the nutrient treatments and by growing year, treated as a random factor. Notably, bio-algae and bio-cereal nutrients, combined with cultivator tillage, enhanced β-glucan content. All applied nutrient treatments increased the level of starch compared to the control. With regard to grain mineral content, the iron and zinc content responded to the nutrient supply, tillage, and growing year. However, applying a multiple-nutrient composition-based treatment did not increase iron and zinc levels, suggesting that individual applications may be more effective for increasing the content of these minerals in grains. Cultivator tillage improved iron and zinc levels. Moreover, manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were predominantly affected by nutrient availability and by growing seasons as a random factor. Therefore, to improve grain quality, this study emphasizes the significance of proper nutrient and tillage methods by focusing on the intricate relationships between agronomic techniques and environmental factors that shape barley’s nutritional profile. Full article

Indonesia faces significant challenges in meeting food security targets due to rapid agricultural land loss, with approximately 1.22 million hectares of rice fields converted between 1990 and 2022. Therefore, this study developed a prediction model for the loss of rice fields by 2030, incorporating land productivity attributes, specifically rice cropping intensity/RCI, using geospatial technology—a novel method with a resolution of approximately 10 m for quantifying ecosystem service (ES) impacts. Land use/land cover data from Landsat images (2013, 2020, 2024) were classified using the Random Forest algorithm on Google Earth Engine. The prediction model was developed using a Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network and Markov Cellular Automata (MLP-NN Markov-CA) algorithms. Additionally, time series Sentinel-1A satellite imagery was processed using K-means and a hierarchical clustering analysis to map rice fields and their RCI. The validation process confirmed high model robustness, with an MLP-NN Markov-CA accuracy and Kappa coefficient of 83.90% and 0.91, respectively. The present study, which was conducted in Indramayu Regency (West Java), predicted that 1602.73 hectares of paddy fields would be lost within 2020–2030, specifically 980.54 hectares (61.18%) and 622.19 hectares (38.82%) with 2 RCI and 1 RCI, respectively. This land conversion directly threatens ES, resulting in a projected loss of 83,697.95 tons of rice production, which indicates a critical degradation of service provisioning. The findings provide actionable insights for land use planning to reduce agricultural land conversion while outlining the urgency of safeguarding ES values. The adopted method is applicable to regions with similar characteristics. Full article

Changing climatic conditions are significant determinants of agricultural productivity. Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state and the second-largest agricultural producer in Brazil. The suitability of its land for farming can be used as a proxy for agricultural and economic success, making it a pertinent case for exploring the consequences of climate change on major crop production. The latest available climate and environmental data was used to develop an agricultural Suitability Index (SI) that quantifies the suitability of land for rice, tobacco, soybean, and corn production in 2020 (present), 2050 (near-future), and 2100 (far-future) under moderate (SSP245) and extreme (SSP585) climate scenarios. SI scores for each municipality of Rio Grande do Sul consider inputs from a three-layer framework (climatic, non-climatic, and current production) to provide critical insight into potential shifts in agricultural productivity. While terrestrial suitability for crop growth varies both spatially and temporally, widespread decreases in suitability for all four crops are expected across the state under both scenarios. Soybean is expected to be the least affected crop, and rice is the most affected crop, tied to shifting patterns in precipitation, which significantly determines suitability. Local and state governments, agribusinesses, and family producers will have to adapt to environmental challenges to ensure the provision of food, labor, and economic security. Full article

Habitat manipulation through non-crop vegetation management is a strategy in conservation biological control, and using native plants is attractive because they can also help in biodiversity conservation. The potential for nectar provision of 13 flowering species native to Chile, and two introduced, was evaluated considering Mastrus ridens (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Nectar availability was studied through flower phenology, accessibility through flower and parasitoid morphology, and suitability through longevity when exposed to nectar solutions or cut flowers. Most species had long flowering periods, potentially making nectar available when adults are active, but they differed in nectar accessibility and profitability. Of the 13 native species, nectar was easily accessible for M. ridens in Cistanthe grandiflora, Sphaeralcea obtusiloba, Andeimalva chilensis, and Lycium chilense. None of the nine native species tested with nectar solutions increased longevity, but with cut flowers, parasitoids lived longer with the natives Teucrium bicolor and S. obtusiloba, and the introduced Fagopyrum esculentum, making them candidates for M. ridens conservation. Females lived longer with cut flowers of T. bicolor and S. obtusiloba than with their nectar solutions. In conclusion, using the native flowering species Teucrium bicolor and Sphaeralcea obtusiloba in agroecosystems can serve biological control and biodiversity conservation. Full article

This study, taking Anhui Province as a case study, systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics of six ecosystem services (biodiversity maintenance, water yield, carbon fixation, vegetation net primary productivity (NPP), soil retention, and crop production) from 2000 to 2020 through the integration of multi-stakeholder decision-making preferences and the Marxan model. Four conservation scenarios (ecological security priority, social benefit orientation, minimum cost constraint, and balance synergy) were established to explore the spatial optimization pathways of ecological protection zones under differentiated policy objectives. The findings indicated that: (1) The ecosystem services in Anhui Province exhibited a “low north and high south” spatial gradient, with significant synergies observed in natural ecosystem services in the southern Anhui mountainous areas, while the northern Anhui agricultural areas were subjected to significant trade-offs due to intensive development. (2) High service provision in the southern Anhui mountainous areas was maintained by topographic barriers and forest protection policies (significant NPP improvement zones accounted for 50.125%), whereas soil–water services degradation in the northern Anhui plains was caused by agricultural intensification and groundwater overexploitation (slight soil retention degradation covered 24.505%, and water yield degradation areas reached 29.766%). Urbanization demonstrated a double-edged sword effect—the expansion of the Hefei metropolitan area triggered suburban biodiversity degradation (significant degradation patches occupied 0.0758%), while ecological restoration projects promoted mountain NPP growth, highlighting the necessity of synergizing natural recovery and artificial interventions. (3) Multi-scenario planning revealed that the spatial congruence between the ecological security priority scenario and traditional ecological protection redlines reached 46.57%, whereas the social benefit scenario achieved only 12.13%, exposing the inadequate responsiveness of the current conservation framework to service demands in densely populated areas. This research validated the technical superiority of multi-objective systematic planning in reconciling ecological protection and development conflicts, providing scientific support for optimizing ecological security patterns in the Yangtze River Delta region. Full article

In this work, an innovative process chain is set up for the regular provision of fertilization consultation services to farmers for a variety of crops, within a precision agriculture framework. The central hub of this mechanism is a geographic information system (GIS), while a 5 × 5 m point grid is the information carrier. Potential data sources include soil samples, satellite imagery, meteorological parameters, yield maps, and agronomic information. Whenever big data are available per crop, decision-making is supported by machine learning systems (MLSs). All the map data are uploaded to a farm management information system (FMIS) for visualization and storage. The recipe maps are transmitted wirelessly to variable rate technologies (VRTs) for applications in the field. To a large degree, the process chain has been automated with programming at many levels. Currently, four different service modules based on the new process chain are available in the market. Full article

The provision of food in pre-Inca/Inca cultures (1000 BC–≈1532 AD) in environments near Lake Titikaka (approximately 4000 m above sea level) was possible through an agricultural technique called “Waru-Waru”, which consists of filling the space (volume) between rows of land containing plants that are cultivated (a series of earth platforms surrounded by water canals) with water, using water as thermal energy storage to store energy during the day and to regulate the temperature of the soil and crop atmosphere at night. The problem is that these cultures left no evidence in written documents that have been preserved to this day indicating the mathematical models, the physics involved, and the experimental part they performed for the research, development, and innovation of the “Waru-Waru” technique. From a review of the existing literature, there is (1) bibliography that is devoted to descriptive research (about the geometry, dimensions, and shapes of the crop fields (and more based on archaeological remains that have survived to the present day) and (2) studies presenting complex mathematical models with many physical parameters measured only with recently developed instrumentation. The research objectives of this paper are as follows: (1) develop a mathematical model that uses finite differences in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to explain the experimental and theory principles of this pre-Inca/Inca technique; (2) the proposed mathematical model must be in accordance with the mathematical calculation tools available in pre-Inca/Inca cultures (yupana and quipu), which are mainly based on arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication; (3) develop a mathematical model in a sequence of steps aimed at determining the best geometric form for thermal energy storage and plant cultivation and that has a simple design (easy to transmit between farmers); (4) consider the assumptions necessary for the development of the mathematical model from the point of view of research on the geometry of earth platforms and water channels and their implantation in each cultivation area; (5) transmit knowledge of the construction and maintenance of “Waru-Waru” agricultural technology to farmers who have cultivated these fields since pre-Hispanic times. The main conclusion is that, in the mathematical model developed, algebraic mathematical expressions based on addition and multiplication are obtained to predict and explain the evolution of soil and water temperatures in a specific crop field using crop field characterization parameters for which their values are experimentally determined in the crop area where a “Waru-Waru” is to be built. Therefore, the storage of thermal energy in water allows crops to survive nights with low temperatures, and indirectly, it allows the interpretation that the Inca culture possessed knowledge of mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, finite differences, approximation methods, and the like), physics (fluids, thermodynamics, and heat transfer), and experimentation, with priority given to agricultural techniques (and in general, as observed in all archaeological evidence) that are in-depth, exact, practical, lasting, and easy to transmit. Understanding this sustainable energy storage technique can be useful in the current circumstances of global warming and climate change within the same growing areas and/or in similar climatic and environmental scenarios. This technique can help in reducing the use of fossil or traditional fuels and infrastructure (greenhouses) that generate heat, expanding the agricultural frontier. Full article

This study presents a system framework by which cloud resources are utilized to analyze crop germination status in a 2U CubeSat. This research aims to address the onboard computing constraints in nanosatellite missions to boost space agricultural practices. Through the Espressif Simple Protocol for Network-on-Wireless (ESP-NOW) technology, communication between ESP-32 modules were established. The corresponding sensor readings and image data were securely streamed through Amazon Web Service Internet of Things (AWS IoT) to an ESP-NOW receiver and Roboflow. Real-time plant growth predictor monitoring was implemented through the web application provisioned at the receiver end. On the other hand, sprouts on germination bed were determined through the custom-trained Roboflow computer vision model. The feasibility of remote data computational analysis and monitoring for a 2U CubeSat, given its minute form factor, was successfully demonstrated through the proposed cloud framework. The germination detection model resulted in a mean average precision (mAP), precision, and recall of 99.5%, 99.9%, and 100.0%, respectively. The temperature, humidity, heat index, LED and Fogger states, and bed sprouts data were shown in real time through a web dashboard. With this use case, immediate actions can be performed accordingly when abnormalities occur. The scalability nature of the framework allows adaptation to various crops to support sustainable agricultural activities in extreme environments such as space farming. Full article

The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year study) of adding different rates of clinoptilolite zeolite, as part of an integrated nutrient management plan, and different rates of inorganic N fertilizer to improve soil and crop performance of cotton in three locations (ATH, MES, and KAR) in Greece. Each experiment was set up according to a split-plot design with three replications, three main plots (zeolite application at rates of 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹), and four sub-plots (N fertilization regimes at rates of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). The results of this study indicated that increasing rates of the examined factors increased cotton yields (seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage), with the greatest lint yield recorded under the highest rates of zeolite (7.5 t ha⁻¹: 1808, 1723, and 1847 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively) and N fertilization (200 kg N ha⁻¹: 1804, 1768, and 1911 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively). From the evaluated parameters, most soil parameters (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, and total porosity), root and shoot development (root length density, plant height, leaf area index, and dry weight), fiber maturity traits (micronaire, maturity, fiber strength, and elongation), fiber length traits (upper half mean length, uniformity index, and short fiber index), as well as color (reflectance and spinning consistency index) and trash traits (trash area and trash grade), were positively impacted by the increasing rates of the evaluated factors. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggest that increasing zeolite and N fertilization rates to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and 200 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, improved soil properties (except mean weight diameter), stimulated crop development, and enhanced cotton and lint yield, as well as improved the fiber maturity, length, and color parameters of cotton grown in clay-loam soils in the Mediterranean region. Full article

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental issue, with vast amounts of plastic waste accumulating in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic pollution poses significant risks to biodiversity by introducing toxic chemicals and disrupting biological functions. The drone fly, Eristalis tenax, is perhaps the most globally widespread hoverfly. This success is aided by its development as a rat-tailed maggot in a wide array of aquatic environments where it feeds on decaying organic matter. As an adult, E. tenax is a vital pollinator, visiting a wide range of crops and wild plants, and has been shown to vector pollen over hundreds of kilometres during seasonal migrations. Exposure to microplastics during larval stages has the potential to alter the provision of these ecosystem services and to provide a route for the long-distance vectoring of microplastics. To investigate this, we rear E. tenax in water contaminated with different concentrations of microplastic particles. We show that these plastics are retained in the gut from larval through to pupal to adult developmental stages. This contamination resulted in reductions of 33% and 60% in pupal and adult weight when exposed to the highest concentrations of microplastic particles but resulted in no detectable effects on mortality or developmental length. Our results demonstrate the potential for the vectoring of microplastics by this highly mobile species. However, the associated reductions in body size likely have profound consequences for movement capability in terms of foraging and migration and should be further investigated for their impact on ecosystem service provision. Full article

Although intensive farming practices have greatly increased food production, they have undermined the soil ecosystem services on which agriculture depends. Biochar application in soils is increasingly gaining worldwide acceptance as a means of addressing these environmental challenges while enhancing agricultural productivity. Biochar offers dual benefits that support food security and ecological well-being through enhanced soil fertility and plant nutrition. These benefits include water retention, promotion of soil microbial functioning, carbon sequestration, and nutrient absorption, among others. In spite of these known benefits, many studies continue to emphasize the roles biochar plays in enhancing soil health and crop yields but often neglect the influence of biochar characteristics, which are key in optimizing these soil ecosystem services. Thus, it is important to understand how biochar characteristics influence soil in supporting, regulating, and provisioning ecosystem services. This review offers a comprehensive and integrative assessment on how biochar’s characteristics influence key soil ecosystem services rather than examining each service individually. The focus is on how biochar feedstock material and pyrolysis temperature determine the characteristics of generated biochar and how these characteristics influence biochar’s efficacy in supplying soil ecosystem services and nutrient dynamics for enhanced crop yields. Full article

Urban agriculture is considered by many scientists and policymakers as a key strategy to build climate change-resilient communities within cities by strengthening food systems, with positive food security, biodiversity, nutrition and health outcomes. The estimated potential of urban agriculture to provide between 15 and 20% of the global food supply can be enhanced by applying agroecological principles and practices that revitalize urban agriculture cropping systems, thus leading to the design of highly diversified, productive and resilient urban farms on a planet in polycrisis. Two pillars are used in agroecology: (a) restoring spatial and temporal crop combinations that deter pests by enhancing biological control with natural enemies, and (b) increasing soil organic matter through green manures, compost and other organic practices that enhance soil fertility and beneficial microorganisms. In addition to technical and environmental obstacles, there are a series of social, economic and political barriers that limit the scaling-up of urban agriculture. For this reason, it is important to launch policies that establish mechanisms for cities to provide incentives for urban agriculture, including access to land, water, seeds and technical knowledge. The creation of producer–consumer networks around markets with solidarity is critical for local equitable food provision and consumption. Full article

Land desertification is becoming increasingly significant for the Mediterranean basin, particularly due to the rising pressures on agricultural land. Regarding the olive grove sector, intensive farming methods can have detrimental effects on the provision of various agroecosystem services. Conversely, agroecological approaches, such as reduced tillage/no tillage and the use of cover crops, can help mitigate soil degradation and enhance soil arthropod biodiversity. Herein, an experiment was conducted in a hilly olive grove in southern Peloponnese, a key olive production area in Greece. Different soil treatments were implemented across nine plots (three plots per treatment), including the following: (i) the use of a cover crop mixture (Pisum sativum, Vicia faba, Hordeum vulgare), (ii) herbicide application, and (iii) spontaneous vegetation (control). A comprehensive survey was performed at the plot level for monitoring carbon sequestration and ground-dwelling arthropod diversity. The results indicated that cover crops had a positive impact on soil fertility and structure, leading to an increase in total biomass production per plot, while also contributing to the preservation of key soil arthropod populations when compared to treatments that resulted in bare soil. The findings from this in situ study are meant to be integrated into the frames of a long-term monitoring process in order to be used for climate change mitigation and biodiversity management models, enhancing the resilience and regeneration of degraded land. Full article

This study examined how agricultural biodiversity can build climate change resilience and food security in Greece. The aims of this study were to identify and examine the role of genetic, species, ecosystem, and functional diversity in enhancing agricultural resilience against climate volatility. Data were collected from 384 agricultural specialists in Greece using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey technique. The self-administered questionnaire elicited information on the perceived effectiveness of different types of biodiversity in sustaining yield stability for crops, pest and disease control, soil conservation, and nutrient cycling. The hypotheses of this study were tested using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that genetic diversity decreases crop yield risks, species diversity lowers pest and disease vulnerability, ecosystem diversity impacts to soil and water conservation, and functional diversity can optimize nutrient cycling and ecosystem services. The regression analysis was able to explain 62.1% of the variability in agricultural resilience, underlining the importance of the conservation of biological diversity in the provision of food. This study points to the need for bio-diversity management in agriculture to address the impacts of climate change and support productivity in food production. Full article