Search Results (83)

Mushroom production is a sustainable practice but requires improvements, such as in Lentinula edodes (Berk) Pegler cultivation, which has high water and labor demands. In this context, this study proposed replacing the traditional primordia induction method by submersion with a water injection method. Two primordia induction methods (submersion and injection) and two cultivation block formats were compared: rectangular cube (2 kg) and cylindrical (3.5 kg). The substrate, composed of eucalyptus sawdust (72%), wheat bran (12.5%), rice bran (12.5%), CaCO₃ (1%), and CaSO₄ (2%), was inoculated with strain LED 19/11 and incubated for 80 days at 26 ± 5 °C and 85 ± 15% humidity. After this period, the blocks were washed and transferred to the production environment. Fruiting was induced either by submersion or water injection, and production was evaluated over four harvest flushes. The 2 kg blocks had higher yields with submersion (16.62%), while the 3.5 kg blocks responded better to injection (13.01%), showing more homogeneous production. Increasing the substrate quantity contributes to greater harvest stability across production cycles. Water injections proved to be a viable alternative, reducing handling and facilitating large-scale production. The use of this technique demonstrates great importance in reducing water use and also the need for labor in cultivation. Full article

The conventional agricultural industry largely relies on pesticides to maintain healthy and viable crops. Application of fungicides, both pre- and post-harvest of crops, is the go-to method for avoiding and eliminating Botrytis cinerea, the fungal pathogen responsible for gray mold. However, conventional fungicides and their residues have purported negative environmental and health impacts. Natural products, such as essential oils, are viewed as a promising alternative to conventional fungicides. The current research is an in vitro study on the antifungal activity of a natural water-based fungicide (N.F.), which uses a blend of essential oils (ajowan, cassia, clove, eucalyptus, lemongrass, oregano) as the active ingredients against B. cinerea. Compared to conventional fungicides tested at the same concentration (50 μL/mL), those with active ingredients of myclobutanil or propiconazole; the N.F. demonstrated significant (F(3,16) = 54, p = <0.001) and complete fungal growth inhibition. While previous research has largely focused on the antifungal properties of single essential oils and/or isolated compounds from essential oils, this research focuses on the efficacy of using a blend of essential oils in a proprietary delivery system. This research is of importance to the fields of agronomy, ecology, and health sciences. Full article

Silvopastoral systems, integrating trees, forages, and livestock, are recognized as a sustainable approach to livestock production. This study evaluated the effect of shade vs. open-field conditions on the yield and nutritive value of Brachiaria decumbens in three systems—Inga edulis (guaba), Eucalyptus torrelliana (eucalyptus), and Cedrelinga cateniformis (tornillo)—in the Peruvian Amazon. A 3 × 2 factorial design with three replicates was used to analyze forage production (mass and mass by harvest), quality (NDF, protein, digestibility, metabolizable energy), and soil variables (bulk density, pH, organic matter, moisture, porosity, etc.). Most interactions were non-significant, except forage mass by harvest (FMH, p = 0.0328). B. decumbens in the guaba system under shade had the highest FMH (1406 kg DM ha⁻¹), while the tornillo system showed elevated protein (10.63%). Protein was significantly higher under shade (9.55%) than in open field. Eucalyptus increased neutral detergent fiber (69.72%), whereas guaba provided the greatest metabolizable energy (8.08 MJ kg⁻¹ DM). Soil analyses revealed improved moisture and CEC under guaba, while tornillo boosted soil phosphorus. Principal component analysis confirmed these associations (82.3% variance). B. decumbens grown under the shade of guaba or tornillo appears to enhance forage productivity and soil fertility, representing a promising strategy for sustainable tropical livestock management. Full article

The current study researched the biostimulant impacts of a natural-based solution (NBS) that contained eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils on cucumber crops. The effects of NBS (one time-NBS1; two times-NBS2) application on plant development and physiological attributes (chlorophylls, stomatal conductance), total phenolics, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities, leaf minerals content, cucumber quality attributes at harvest and after one-week storage were assessed through experiments. NBS1 spraying was less effective than NBS2 application because it resulted in a decrease in mineral accumulation (like reduced nitrogen) and other physiological characteristics (like chlorophylls). The plants’ enhanced oxidative stress and activation of several enzymatic antioxidant systems were reflected in the use of a commercial solution (CS) based on amino acids and biostimulants, which also boosted stomatal conductance, reduced nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium accumulation, and antioxidant capacity. No differences were found in plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass, chlorophyll fluorescence, total phenols, and various fruit quality attributes, including firmness, fresh weight, respiration rates, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, decay, and marketability among the treatments. In fact, the effects of both CS and NBS treatment on cucumber plants and fruits were less pronounced, suggesting that more than two applications should be explored in the future. Full article

The establishment of forest stands after harvest requires an understanding of biomass and nutrient dynamics to support management decisions and ensure system productivity and sustainability. This study evaluated biomass and nutrient accumulation in Eucalyptus urophylla aged 2 to 5 years under planting and coppicing systems. A total of 1152 trees were assessed across eight treatments, combining four ages and two management systems. Aboveground biomass was estimated using 10 trees per treatment, while root biomass was assessed in 8 trees at ages 3 and 5. Nutrient concentrations were determined using three intermediate-diameter class trees per treatment. Biomass data were analyzed using Tukey’s test (5%), and biomass expansion factors (BEF) and the root-to-shoot ratio (R) were used to estimate root carbon. Total biomass was higher in the coppicing system (153 Mg ha⁻¹) compared to the planting system (119 Mg ha⁻¹), with greater root accumulation and carbon sequestration (≈17.2 t C ha⁻¹). The biological use coefficient (BUC) increased with age, except for Mn. Planted stands showed higher BUC for N and P, while coppiced stands were more efficient in Mg use. These results reinforce the need for distinct fertilization strategies for each system, aiming at productivity, nutrient efficiency, and carbon stock enhancement. Full article

Honey is a multifaceted substance whose composition is intricately affected by various biotic and abiotic elements generated in the bee colony’s surroundings, including botanical and geographical origins, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and beekeeping techniques. Monofloral honeys are identified by pollen analysis and are derived from the nectar of a predominant plant species, exhibiting rich sensory and nutritional profiles, making them food matrices with unique characteristics and excellent qualities. To explore the monofloral honey potential harvested in different regions of Portugal, a comprehensive study was conducted including the determination of phenolic composition and the assessment of biological activities. In addition to this evaluation, the inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) was used to help differentiate honeys by botanical origin. The phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods, observing, in general, differences between monofloral honeys. The honey from Citrus sinensis (Silves) exhibited the lowest phenolic content, including total phenols, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids, whereas honeydew (Vinhais) showed the highest values. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, honey from Lavandula stoechas (Almodôvar) presented the lowest values, while honeydew (Vinhais) displayed the highest values for both DPPH and FRAP assays. In relation to the ABTS assay, the honey from Metrosideros excelsa (Aveiro) exhibited the lowest values, whereas the honey from Eucalyptus spp. (Arouca) showed the highest. The ISSR marker analysis allows the distribution of the samples based on the honey’s botanical origin, suggesting its potential role in honey authentication. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the mean individual volume per tree (MIV) on the productivity of forwarder machines and the production cost in eucalyptus plantations located in southern Bahia, Brazil. MIV positively influenced the productivity and production costs, promoting a more attractive cost in the latter when the individual volume per tree increased. The machine’s productivity for MIV of 0.13 m³ was 42.06 cubic meters per effective working hour (m³Ewh⁻¹), while the productivity for the MIV of 0.58 m³ reached 60.97 m³Ewh⁻¹, corresponding to an increase of 42.59% between the minimum and maximum MIV classes. The extracted cost (m³) decreased by 30.12% from USD 2.49 to 1.74, respectively, when comparing the minimum and maximum MIV classes. The coefficient of determination obtained in the forwarder productivity modeling was significant (R² = 92%), indicating the machine’s productivity can be explained by the mean individual volume per tree. The highest forwarder yields in the highest average volume per tree (MIV) classes provided better energy efficiency indices for the machine; that is to say, when the forwarder became more productive, the ratio between fuel consumption per cubic meter of timber harvested decreased, providing better performance for the respective index. There was a difference in extraction costs of USD 147.83 per hectare between the lowest and highest productivity forests (MIV varying from 0.15 to 0.58). The mechanical availability and mean operational efficiency of all forwarders evaluated were above 80%, which contributed to effective machine productivity performance. Maintenance and repairs represented the largest portion of operational costs (33.59%), followed by labor (22.49%), depreciation (14.33%), and fuel (10.11%). Full article

Integrating different ecosystem services (ES) to determine when to harvest a forest stand is still challenging. This is due to the difficulty of obtaining information, models, and methods to quantify those ES and achieving an adequate valuation of these services. In this study, we propose a methodology comprising two different models that could allow for different ES integration with the optimal silviculture to calculate the optimal economic rotation. We have applied both models to eucalyptus plantations in Brazil considering two ES: wood with four different assortments and carbon sequestration. For both models, we calculated a ranking with previously defined management alternatives, with decreasing trees-per-hectare compared to traditional plantations. For the first model, when the ES are measured in monetary units, the optimal rotation corresponds to fewer trees per hectare than the traditional plantations and greater associated profitability. The second model incorporates the ES in physical units through a multi-criteria decision-making model and results in a longer rotation with again fewer trees per hectare. This study suggests that optimum forest rotation analysis should consider ES other than timber production integrated with silvicultural alternatives, such as spacing. Full article

The harvesting period is determined by forest maturity. However, there are few studies on the continuity of assessing cultivation duration based on both growth and wood quality, especially for Eucalyptus plantations. This study measures growth traits, such as the diameter at breast height (DBH), oblateness, and other characteristics, as well as wood properties like density and crystallinity, and axial surface growth strain levels at four age stages (6, 10, 22, and 34 years) of Eucalyptus cloeziana (E. cloeziana). By analyzing these factors, particularly the changes in growth strain throughout the tree’s development, the study aims to determine the optimal cultivation period for using E. cloeziana as solid wood. The survey revealed a two-stage pattern in the annual change rate of DBH, tree height, and oblateness: a decrease from 6 to 22 years followed by an increase from 22 to 34 years. In E. cloeziana, heartwood percentage and density rapidly declined during the first 6–10 years, then stabilized between 10 and 34 years. This suggested differential rates of growth and maturation. By analyzing the growth strain, it was observed that the growth strain of E. cloeziana exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease with age. It reached its peak at 22 years and then gradually declined. Remarkably, at 34 years, the growth strain was even lower than that of 10-year-old E. cloeziana, measuring only 2148 με. This reduction in growth strain is advantageous for minimizing defects such as brittle core formation, cracking, and warping during harvesting. In practical cultivation aimed at solid wood utilization, harvesting can be conducted between 22 and 34 years based on management strategies to reduce operating costs. However, with close-to-nature management practices and sufficient financial resources, extending the cultivation period to 34 years or beyond may result in superior wood quality. We aim to achieve the sustainable utilization of resources, foster the long-term development of the wood processing and solid wood utilization industries, and guide the entire sector towards the goal of sustainable development. Full article

Mechanization in timber harvesting has improved the comfort and safety of operator workstations. However, there is an imminent ergonomic risk in relation to the repetition of movements, which can cause musculoskeletal injuries. The aim of this study was to apply infrared thermography to identify musculoskeletal overload in the hand region of harvester operators. This study was conducted on wood harvesting of homogeneous Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis stands using a forestry harvester tractor. Thermographic images were taken of seven operators at the beginning and end of the working day during six days of the shift. The maximum, average, and minimum temperatures were measured in 14 hand regions of interest (ROI), verifying the existence of a difference between the beginning and the end of work (p-value < 5%) by using the Mann–Whitney test. The operators presented hyperradiant temperature variation in the hand region after work, with a variation above 2.5 °C, indicating a high degree of abnormality. There was greater temperature variation in the right hand (3.7 °C) due to the greater concentration of commands on the machine’s right joystick. Infrared thermography has proven to be an important tool for functional imaging diagnosis, contributing to the reduction in risks of developing Repetitive Strain Injury/Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (RSI-WMSD). Full article

Global construction activity remains the least responsive large economic sector to the exigencies of global climate change. The focus has centered on operating emissions of buildings, while upfront embodied emissions in building materials remain unabated. Softwood timber, a commonly used building material, can remove and store atmospheric carbon in buildings for decades. However, the upfront climate benefits of using softwoods in building frames are limited due to the multi-decadal growth and harvest cycles of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that fast-growing Eucalyptus is a superior carbon sequestration feedstock for building materials compared to slow-growing softwoods. We quantified the relative carbon benefits of Eucalyptus to a group of commonly used North American softwoods in an all-carbon-pools, risk-adjusted model that compares the net present value of carbon flows over a 100-year period. Using a novel carbon benefit multiple metric, the analysis shows that short-rotation, high-yield Eucalyptus plantations are 2.7× to 4.6× better at sequestering atmospheric carbon than softwoods, depending on the various risk perception scenarios. The results indicate that building decarbonization can be enhanced by using fast-growing and high-yielding Eucalyptus species plantations. Full article

We studied the effects of stand age on the allocation of biomass and allometric relationships among component biomass in five stands ages (1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 years old) of two eucalypts hybrids, including Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis and E. urophylla × E. tereticornis, in the Leizhou Peninsula, China. The stem, bark, branch, leaf, and root biomass from 60 destructively harvested trees were quantified. Allometric models were applied to examine the relationship between the tree component biomass and predictor variable (diameter at breast height, D, and height, H). Stand age was introduced into the allometric models to explore the effect of stand age on biomass estimation. The results showed the following: (1) Stand age significantly affected the distribution of biomass in each component. The proportion of stem biomass to total tree biomass increased with stand age, the proportions of bark, branch, and leaf biomass to total tree biomass decreased with stand age, and the proportion of root biomass to total tree biomass first decreased and then increased with stand age. (2) There were close allometric relationships between biomass (i.e., the components biomass, aboveground biomass, and total biomass per tree) and diameter at breast height (D), height (H), the product of diameter at breast height and tree height (DH), and the product of the square of the diameter at breast height and tree height (D²H). The allometric relationship between biomass and measurement parameters (D, H, DH, D²H) could be applied to the biomass assessment of eucalypts plantation. (3) Allometric equations that included stand age as a complementary variable significantly improved the fit and enhanced the accuracy of biomass estimates. The optimal independent variable for the biomass prediction model varied according to each organ. These results indicate that stand age has an important influence on biomass allocation. Allometric equations considering stand age could improve the accuracy of carbon sequestration estimates in plantations. Full article

The objectives of this work are (i) to classify soybean cultivars under different irrigation managements using hyperspectral data, looking for the best machine-learning algorithm for the classification and the input that improves the performance of the models. The experiment was implemented in the 2023/24 harvest in the experimental area of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Câmpus Chapadão do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, and it was conducted in a strip scheme with seven cultivars subjected to irrigated and rainfed management. Sixty days after crop emergence, three leaves per plot were collected for evaluation by the hyperspectral sensor. The spectral data was then separated into 28 bands to reduce dimensionality. In this way, two databases were generated: one with all the spectral information provided by the sensor (WL) and one with the 28 spectral bands (SB). Each database was subjected to different machine-learning models to ascertain the improved accuracy of the models in distinguishing the different eucalyptus species. The models tested were artificial neural networks (ANN), decision trees (DT), linear regression (LR), M5P algorithm, random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of machine-learning models in differentiating soybean management under rainfed and irrigated conditions, highlighting the advantage of hyperspectral data (WL) over selected spectral bands (SB). Models such as the support vector machine (SVM) showed the best levels of accuracy when using the entire available spectrum. On the other hand, artificial neural networks (ANN) performed well with spectral band data, demonstrating their ability to work with smaller data sets without compromising the classification. Full article

Land management is critical for the conservation of natural resources, particularly in agroforestry systems which rely heavily on land productivity and availability. Optimizing land utilization is critical for sustainable biomass production and is a key component of achieving effective, long-term sustainable land management. This study assesses the resource efficiency of agroforestry production systems with a novel exergy-based indicator (ΔEF). The indicator was used in the Biobío and Ñuble regions to assess the resource balance between six agricultural and two forestry production systems. The ΔEF values ranged from positive to negative, with positive values indicating better resource usage and negative values suggesting the opposite. Eucalyptus globulus had higher ΔEF values (18.06–19.5 MJex/m².yr) than Pinus radiata (−2.71 to −1.47 MJex/m².yr), indicating better sustainability due to its high biomass yields and lower harvesting period and resource consumption. Sugar beet, wheat, and potatoes were the most sustainable (8.57–154.6 MJex/m².yr) because of their high yields and less intensive harvesting methods. Disparities in biomass yield, potential net primary production (NPP_pot), and land management intensity drive differences in ΔEF across regions. Our findings enhance the understanding of local and non-local resource efficiency in agroforestry systems, revealing significant drivers to encourage more sustainable land management practices. Full article

In Eucalyptus plantations, coppice rotations often yield less than initial rotations. The TECHS project (Tolerance of Eucalyptus Clones to Hydric, Thermal and Biotic Stresses) studied short rotation coppicing across a 3000 km gradient. The main objective of this work was to compare the survival, sprouting, and initial growth of Eucalyptus clones managed and to examine factors that might influence the productivity of the coppice rotation: climate, genotypes, and stocking. Eight of the TECHS sites spread from latitudes 6° S to 30° S were included in the coppice study, with 17 genotypes at each site. The initial rotation had been planted at a 3 m × 3 m spacing and also in a spacing trial at densities from 500 to 3500 trees ha⁻¹. Six months after harvesting the initial Eucalyptus rotation, average survival was 88%, with tropical clones showing over twice the sprouting biomass (6.7 vs. 2.9 Mg ha⁻¹) and four times the woody biomass compared to subtropical clones (4.7 vs. 1.1 Mg ha⁻¹). Greater initial water deficits had stronger sprouting and growth. Clones with higher belowground carbon allocation in the initial rotation performed better in coppicing, and precipitation became more influential after 12 months. Drought and spacing trials significantly affected growth. Full article