Search Results (290)

As the Italian hop industry undergoes consolidation, assessing the environmental pressure of diverse cultivation and processing models is essential for sustainable growth. This study characterizes the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of Italian hop production through a multi-case analysis of eight representative farms. A primary data collection tool was utilized to quantify resource inputs, including water management, nutritional strategies, and phytosanitary defense. Following a rigorous thermodynamic consistency screening of the field data to eliminate unrepresentative parameters, the life cycle inventory focused on two validated regional anchor cases. The findings reveal a high degree of management heterogeneity, with dry cone yields ranging from 400 to 1673 kg of dry matter per hectare. Two functional units were defined: 1 kg of fresh hop cones (FU1) to assess cultivation impacts, and 1 kg of processed products (FU2) at the brewery gate to evaluate the full supply chain. Integrating deterministic life cycle impact outputs with a probabilistic Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis, the results indicate that the environmental impact varies significantly across commercial formats: Cryogenic Powder (2.33 ± 0.34 mPt/kg) represents the most resource-intensive format, while Raw Bales and T90 Pellets from high-yield models exhibit scores as low as 1.36 and 1.55 mPt/kg, respectively. The study identifies the agricultural phase as the primary environmental hotspot, driven predominantly by water deprivation. To address these burdens, a Sustainable Italian Hop (SIH) integrated scenario was developed. By combining precision irrigation, thermal decarbonization via biomass valorization, and a direct-to-pellet processing flow, this model achieved a 70% total reduction in the environmental footprint score (0.465 ± 0.076 mPt/kg) and an 86% reduction in water use impacts. Finally, the socio-technical and financial barriers to implementing the SIH framework are qualitatively evaluated. These results provide actionable benchmarks for aligning the emerging Italian hop supply chain with European Union climate neutrality objectives. Full article

Bauhinia forficata leaves were subjected to ultrasonic pretreatment and subsequently dried using a refractance window (RW) and tray drying (TD). The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the dried leaves were evaluated under both drying methods, with and without ultrasound. RW combined with ultrasound (RW-US) resulted in the shortest drying time (90 min) and the lowest values of water activity (0.21), color difference (ΔE = 0.61), and maximum shear force (14.72 N), indicating improved drying efficiency and texture preservation. In addition, the RW-US samples exhibited the highest water solubility capacity (13.75%), water absorption capacity (5.56 g water/g dry matter), and swelling power (9.95%). With respect to structural changes, thickness showed the greatest percentage reduction during drying. The RW-US treatment also preserved bioactive compounds more effectively, yielding the highest total polyphenol content (61.96 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoid content (308.44 mg QE/g extract), antioxidant activity (60.50% by DPPH• and 70.15% by ABTS•+), and chlorophyll content (2.65 mg/g), the values of which were closest to those of fresh leaves. None of the extracts showed cytotoxic effects, with respect to hypoglycemic activity, the best treatments were RW, RW-US, and TD, which resulted in glucose reductions of 51.64%, 41.95% and 39.70%, respectively. Overall, RW-US drying preserved most of the physical, chemical, and biological properties, resulting in the production of a potential functional ingredient for foods. Full article

Developing sustainable strategies for natural resource management and conservation under shifting climatic scenarios is increasingly necessary due to exacerbated abiotic stresses, such as salinity. Under salt stress, several negative effects are observed in plants, particularly in leafy vegetables such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). To mitigate the effects of saline stress from brackish water, several strategies have been adopted, including hydroponic cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of variations in nutrient solution concentration and volume per lettuce plant cultivated in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system using brackish water. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme, combining two levels of water electrical conductivity (ECw of 0.3 and 5.0 dS m⁻¹), two nutrient solution concentrations (NSC of 50 and 100%), and two nutrient solution volumes (NSV of 1 and 2 L plant⁻¹), with four replications. Growth, production, and water productivity variables were evaluated at 20 and 25 days following the imposition of treatments. The responses of the variables to saline stress varied according to the evaluation period (20 and 25 days), depending on the NSC and NSV levels. At the end of the 25-day cycle, it can be concluded that for lettuce cultivation using brackish water, the NSC can be reduced to 50% and provide an NSV of 2 L plant⁻¹. Under these growing conditions, leaf fresh matter production loss was approximately 40% lower than under cultivation without saline stress, which yielded 144.11 g plant⁻¹ under 100% NSC and an NSV of 2 L plant⁻¹. In contrast, water productivity of fresh matter was similar, at 78.68 and 76.55 g L⁻¹, respectively. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of agro-industrial residues supports the green energy transition by converting organic matter into renewable biogas. Sugar beet pulp is a highly fermentable feedstock, although its process response may vary with chemical composition. This study examined how chemical composition affects mesophilic biogas-production kinetics of sugar beet pulp prepared under laboratory conditions from surplus sugar beet roots. The roots represented ten sugar beet varieties (A–J), and the prepared pulp was characterised for pH, dry matter, organic dry matter, mineral composition, and the relative shares of simple sugars, polysaccharides, protein, and fibre. Batch digestion tests were performed at 39 °C for 30 days. Production curves were analysed using complementary kinetic models (modified Gompertz and a two-fraction first-order model) to capture the lag phase and the contributions of rapidly and slowly degradable substrate pools. Biogas yields ranged from 126 to 141 m³ Mg⁻¹ fresh matter with 50–55% CH₄, corresponding to 64.3–76.1 m³ CH₄ Mg⁻¹ organic dry matter, while organic matter conversion reached 71.2–82.4%. Varieties enriched in simple sugars exhibited a higher share of the fast-degradable fraction and shorter lag phases, indicating faster onset and stronger methane formation. In contrast, higher fibre contents reduced the slow-fraction rate constant and lowered overall conversion, consistent with hydrolysis-limited degradation of the structural carbohydrate matrix. The mineral ion background, particularly K and Na, indicated moderate ionic buffering and stable operation without inhibition. The novelty of this work lies in integrating detailed compositional profiling with dual kinetic modelling to translate chemical fingerprints into tentative process-relevant implications. These implications include feeding strategy, organic loading control and hydraulic retention time selection, and they require further validation in continuous or semi-continuous AD systems. Full article

Soil contamination with metals is a significant environmental problem that can adversely affect the growth of crops and the quality of yields. Among potentially toxic elements, iron plays a particularly important role, as excessive amounts of it disrupt physiological processes and plant nutrition. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of varying levels of iron contamination in the soil and the effectiveness of selected neutralising substances in mitigating iron stress on the growth, mass, SPAD index and chemical composition of maize biomass. In the absence of additives, excessive iron content (750 mg Fe kg⁻¹ of soil) significantly restricted plant growth, causing a 62% reduction in plant height and a reduction in fresh and dry matter mass of 92% and 94%, respectively, compared to the control. However, the lowest dose of iron (250 mg Fe kg⁻¹ of soil) in without additions series exhibited a stimulating effect, resulting in an increase in maize height and fresh matter mass. Among the tested neutralising substances, bentonite proved to be the most effective, significantly mitigating the negative effects of iron by increasing plant height by average 92% and fresh and dry matter mass by 167% and 193%, respectively, compared to the series without additives. Bentonite and humic acids also limited the decline in the SPAD index during subsequent growth stages. Soil contamination with iron significantly altered the chemical composition of maize biomass, with the additives used correcting these changes to varying degrees. Full article

Photoperiod-sensitive sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) accumulates biomass and sugars during vegetative growth, making it a silage candidate where water limits maize production. This study examined how harvest date and nitrogen (N) rate affect its forage quality and in vitro rumen gas production under rain-fed conditions. In a randomized complete block design with three replications, we evaluated dry matter (DM) yield, morphology, and chemical composition of sweet sorghum harvested at 80 and 110 days after planting (DAP) under five N rates (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg N/ha). Each treatment was ensiled in laboratory-scale bag silos for 90 days. Silage was analyzed for silage quality and 48-h in vitro rumen gas production and fermentation parameters. Delaying harvest from 80 to 110 DAP increased DM yield and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, lignin), but reduced crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in fresh forage (p < 0.001). Increasing the N rate up to 225 kg N/ha enhanced DM yield, CP, and WSC at both harvest dates. A harvest date × N rate interaction occurred for WSC (p < 0.05). After ensiling, CP and IVDMD were higher in 80-DAP silage. Butyric acid (BA) and ammonia-N (NH₃-N) increased with N rate, but at ≥225 kg N/ha both were lower in 80 DAP silage. The highest 48-h gas production (71.2 and 61.0 mL/200 mg DM) occurred in forage and silage from 110 DAP with 150 kg N/ha. Ruminal pH remained optimal range (6.2–6.8) across treatments. Harvest date and N rate interactively influence sweet sorghum silage quality and rumen fermentability. Under rain-fed conditions, 80 DAP with 225 kg N/ha optimizes silage quality, while 110 DAP with 150 kg N/ha maximizes rumen fermentation potential. These findings support sweet sorghum as a viable silage option where maize production is constrained by water availability. Full article

This study investigated the effects of three irrigation regimes (120, 90, and 75 L plant⁻¹ day⁻¹) on the postharvest morphometric, physicochemical, colorimetric, and nutraceutical attributes of Actinidia chinensis (Planch.) ‘Gold3’ grown under Mediterranean conditions. Fruit morphometry was not influenced by irrigation level, as fresh weight, polar and equatorial diameters, and weight loss showed no significant differences among treatments. In contrast, several qualitative traits responded sensitively to water availability after cold storage. Reduced irrigation increased flesh firmness by 33–37%, enhanced total soluble solids by 4–6%, and elevated titratable acidity by 4–7%, resulting in a slightly lower TSS/TA ratio. The lowest water supply yielded DMC values approximately 8.6% higher than the fully irrigated control, while the intermediate treatment showed a 4.4% increase. Colorimetric parameters were modulated by irrigation level, with reduced water availability decreasing L*, b, Chroma, and Hue (2–9%) and increasing a* (20–35%), indicating a shift toward less bright and less yellow pulp coloration. From a nutraceutical perspective, total antioxidant capacity increased by approximately 14–17% under reduced irrigation, whereas total phenolic content remained unchanged. Principal Component Analysis revealed a dominant quality-related axis integrating compositional, structural, and colorimetric traits, while morphological variables contributed minimally to overall variance. Considering the combined effects on water saving and fruit quality, particularly the higher dry matter content and antioxidant capacity observed under the lowest irrigation level, the 75 L plant⁻¹ day⁻¹ regime can be recommended as the most effective treatment, as it maximizes qualitative improvements without compromising fruit morphology. These findings demonstrate that moderate irrigation reduction enhances several desirable postharvest attributes without compromising fruit size or commercial morphology, supporting the adoption of controlled deficit irrigation as a sustainable strategy to improve kiwifruit quality in Mediterranean environments. Full article

The reliable identification of productive and nutritionally valuable Bromus inermis Leyss. germplasm requires multi–year evaluation because forage performance is strongly influenced by genotype, stand age, and annual environmental variation. We evaluated four experimental genotypes and the cultivar WUSU as a control over three production years at a fixed alpine site on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Agronomic traits, forage yield, dry matter accumulation, and nutritional quality were measured annually. A multi–criteria TOPSIS model was used to integrate yield and quality traits for genotype ranking, while random forest analysis and piecewise structural equation modeling were applied to identify key traits and potential pathways influencing forage performance. Genotype, year, and their interaction significantly affected most agronomic, yield, and nutritional traits. Most traits reached their highest values in the third production year, indicating that this stage was critical for evaluating full productive potential. Among the tested materials, genotype 4–4 showed consistently high biomass production and favorable nutritional performance, whereas WUSU and genotype 1–10 generally ranked lower. Plant height and grass height were positively associated with fresh and hay yield, while fresh forage yield, crude protein content, and stem diameter contributed strongly to model prediction. The SEM results suggested that genotype–year interaction influenced hay yield mainly through changes in stem diameter and acid detergent fiber content. These findings indicate that combining multi–year field evaluation with multi–criteria ranking and pathway analysis can improve the identification of promising B. inermis germplasm. Genotype 4–4 represents a useful candidate for further multi–site validation and breeding for high–yield, high–quality forage production in alpine regions. These findings provide a theoretical basis and candidate germplasm for the genetic improvement of Bromus inermis Leyss. adapted to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant by-product rich in proteins and polysaccharides. This study evaluated ultrasound (US) to enhance alkaline protein extraction in 110 mM NaOH and to obtain a polysaccharide-enriched residue, with mechanical agitation (AG) as the control. First, 40 min extraction curves were evaluated at 25 and 50 °C and fitted to the Weibull model. At 25 °C, US increased the 40 min protein yield (40.8 ± 0.1 g/100 g initial protein) by 2.5-fold compared with AG; heating increased AG yield, whereas US showed negligible temperature sensitivity between 25 and 50 °C. Subsequently, extractions were performed at 25 °C in one or two 20 min cycles using fresh solvent. Extracts were recovered by pH-shift precipitation and freeze-dried. US maximised protein recovery (47.6 ± 0.1 g/100 g initial protein after two cycles) but co-extracted other compounds, reducing purity. AG extracts showed higher emulsifying activity (up to 9.6 ± 0.1 m²·g⁻¹), while US increased emulsion stability (up to 46 min). US residues showed up to ~35% lower glucose content than BSG (42 ± 2 g/100 g dry matter for BSG) and higher arabinoxylans (up to 23.5 ± 0.6 g/100 g dry matter; ~2.4-fold BSG), supporting a dual valorisation route based on the production of a protein-rich extract and an arabinoxylans-rich concentrate. Full article

Podliveni cheese is a traditional fresh cheese produced in Serbia, typically made from fresh cow’s milk. Donkey milk is recognized for its nutritional benefits, particularly its hypoallergenic properties; however, its use in cheese production is partially limited due to its specific protein composition and low casein content. In addition, information in the scientific literature regarding its application in cheese production remains limited. In this study, Podliveni cheese was produced from raw cow’s milk, while in a second experimental group, 30% milk from autochthonous Balkan and Banat donkey breeds was added to obtain a value-added Podliveni cheese. The selected proportion (30%) was based on previous studies using lower inclusion levels (10% and 20%), which demonstrated measurable but limited effects on cheese properties. The technological production process was identical in both groups and is described for each type of cheese. Microbiological parameters analyzed included total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Sensory analysis was conducted using a five-point hedonic scale with a panel of 21 participants (male and female, aged 20–60 years). The following chemical composition parameters were also evaluated: dry matter, fat content, fat in dry matter, fat-free dry matter, protein, ash, pH, and salt. The content of essential minerals and trace elements was determined, including Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, and the Ca/P ratio. The addition of donkey milk significantly affected curd formation, which required six times longer compared to cheese produced exclusively from raw cow’s milk. Furthermore, the inclusion of donkey milk reduced cheese yield and resulted in increased whey separation during storage, indicating reduced water-holding capacity. No statistically significant differences were observed in microbiological parameters, and pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) were not detected in either cheese. No significant differences were observed in most sensory attributes, except for texture. Conversely, the inclusion of donkey milk significantly affected the majority of chemical parameters and the mineral composition of the cheese. The addition of donkey milk resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in fat, fat in dry matter, fat-free dry matter, Ca, P, K, Zn, Cu content and the Ca/P ratio, while a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in dry matter, protein, salt, Na, Mg, and Fe content. The incorporation of donkey milk represents an innovative approach that expands the range of traditional cheeses without compromising the absence of tested pathogenic bacteria and preserving traditional production practices, simultaneously offering new value-added products. Further research is required to better understand the health benefits associated with the inclusion of donkey milk in cheese production. This study contributes to expanding knowledge on the use of donkey milk and supports the conservation of autochthonous breeds and the improvement of human health. Full article

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is a tropical forage with high biomass yield, making it suitable for silage production. However, its low dry matter (DM) at the recommended harvest stage may lead to fermentation problems and increased gas and effluent losses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of different additives on the fermentative profile and nutritional value of elephant grass silage. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replicates. The treatments were elephant grass without additives (control), elephant grass with cornmeal, and elephant grass with wheat bran. Elephant grass was harvested at 22.47% DM, and additives were included at 12% of fresh matter (FM). After 150 days of fermentation, DM recovery index (DMRI), gas and effluent losses, buffering capacity, ammonia nitrogen, and nutritional value were evaluated and lactic acid concentration was estimated. Including cornmeal or wheat bran in silage reduces the pH from 5.55 to 4.22. Wheat bran led to higher DMRI and lower gas losses. Both additives increased DM from 20.32% to 28.04% (cornmeal) and 27.94% (wheat bran). In addition, the use of additives reduced effluent losses (56.54 kg/t of FM) and ammonia nitrogen (mean 1.65% of total N) and increased lactic acid (mean 13.47 mg/g DM). Cornmeal produced the highest in vitro DM digestibility (ivDMd), followed by wheat bran and control. Including 12% of additives in elephant grass silage was effective in absorbing moisture, reducing fermentative losses, and improving the nutritional value. Despite the improved fermentative process with the addition of wheat bran and corn meal, future studies should evaluate these silages in animals to assess their effects on productive performance. Full article

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture contributes to environmental pollution, which has driven the search for sustainable alternatives such as organic fertilizers. Among these, biofertilizer has garnered interest due to its potential to improve crop growth and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of biofertilizer: Bio Chumbinia (standardized) and traditional biofertilizer, as well as a control treatment (water), on the morphology, growth, yield, and leaf area of Maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.). Morphological and growth variables were measured every 14 days, while yield and leaf area were evaluated in two successive periods corresponding to 42 days of growth. The results indicated that most morphological and growth parameters were significantly influenced by treatment, time, and evaluation (p < 0.05), except for tiller number, blade number, and the blade emergence rate (p > 0.05). Bio Chumbinia showed superior values compared with the control at 6.0 cm for plant height, 0.1 cm/day in the growth rate, 4.1 cm for blade length, and 1.2 mm for blade width; when compared with the traditional biol, the values were similar. The growth rate and leaf emergence peaked on day 14 and subsequently declined. The fresh and dry matter yields were consistently higher on Bio Chumbinia treatment than others (p < 0.05). Although no differences were found for blade weight and leaf area between Bio Chumbinia and the control, the leaf area in Bio Chumbinia was 1400 cm² more than the control. The second evaluation showed improved productivity, which is consistent with the higher values on the morphological characteristics. No differences were observed in the leaf-to-stem + sheath dry matter ratio. These results demonstrate the potential of Bio Chumbinia to improve the productive performance of Maralfalfa as a foliar fertilizer in sustainable agricultural systems in Peru. Full article

Under the background of a supply gap expansion for high-quality forage grass in China and the high degree of dependence on foreign countries, it is necessary to clarify the best feeding and harvesting period for Cichorium intybus in the temperate continental monsoon climate zone of Northern China. To achieve this goal, this study systematically explored the agronomic traits and nutritional quality of Cichorium intybus during the nutritional period (June–July), flowering period (July–August), and fruiting period (August–September) in the Hohhot experimental base. We measured agronomic indexes, such as the plant height and basal stem, and nutrients, such as the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP), and calculated the total digestible nutrients (TDN) and other feeding value indexes. The results showed that the plant height of Cichorium intybus increased from 54.60 cm in the vegetative stage to 204.10 cm in the fruiting stage, and the fresh grass yield increased from 8775.045 kg/hm² in the vegetative stage to 19,035.09 kg/hm² in the fruiting stage. The DM content of the stems and leaves was the lowest (stem: 8.73%; leaf: 14.04%), but the CP (leaf: 20.32%) and crude fat (EE, leaf: 5.02%) contents were the highest. The TDN was 66.78%, the relative feed value (RFV) was 255.61, the comprehensive membership function value was 0.54 for the stems and 0.60 for the leaves, and the feeding value was the best. WSC accumulation was significant during the flowering stage; the fiber content of the DM (stem: 20.52%; leaf: 20.31%) and the acid detergent fiber (ADF, stem: 42.43%) were the highest during this stage; and the CP decreased to 10.97%. A correlation analysis showed that the plant height and stem diameter were significantly positively correlated with the yield and fiber accumulation. This study confirmed that the nutritional period was the best harvest period for obtaining high-protein and high-digestibility forage, and the fruiting period was suitable for processing hay or silage. These results provide a scientific basis for the large-scale feed development of Cichorium intybus. Full article

As a result of Iraq’s scarcity of fresh water, there is a need to find alternative, non-traditional irrigation methods and technologies that would increase water use efficiency and reduce the negative impact of salinity on the tomato crop. The experiment was conducted in the field over two consecutive seasons in heavy soil using a drip irrigation system. The study employed two types of irrigation water with different salinity levels (low, symbolized as q1 = 0.8 ds m⁻¹) and high, symbolized as (q2 = 5.8 ds m⁻¹), and added in three ways: Q1 (q1), Q2 (q1, q2), and Q3 (q2). Two levels of organic matter (F2 and F3) were also used, along with a control treatment without the addition of F1. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of alternating fresh and saline water on tomato productivity, as well as to determine the impact and effectiveness of organic fertilizer in mitigating the negative effects of saline irrigation water and improving the chemical and physical properties of the soil. Statistical analysis showed that both irrigation water quality and amendments had a significant effect on the studied properties. The study year did not affect the overall characteristics of the study, but only the water conductivity and weighted diameter. The results showed an increase in water use efficiency, with averages of 20.7 and 21.13 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹. when using fresh water and a high level of organic matter addition, sequentially. The water quality treatment Q2, combined with soil amendment F3, achieved the highest yield compared to the fresh water treatment Q1 combined with a control treatment (F1), reaching 4.321 and 3.993 kg plant⁻¹, respectively. This was achieved while conserving fresh water by 50% when using moderately saline drainage water with added amendments, without a significant decrease in tomato yield. Therefore, this study proposes adopting a strategy of using saline water with medium electrical conductivity as a partial alternative to low-salinity water, while incorporating organic amendments to ensure sustainable production in water-scarce regions. Full article

In line with sustainability goals, biological alternatives to chemical fumigants are increasingly in demand to support intensive baby leaf lettuce cultivation systems. This study evaluated the combined effects of soil disinfestation strategies and foliar biostimulants on crop performance and nutritional quality. With the aim of evaluating the interactive effects of biofumigation and the application of Trichoderma spp., Ascophyllum nodosum extract, and vegetable protein hydrolysate, an experiment was conducted under controlled growing conditions, integrating microbial and foliar treatments on two lettuce cycles. Soil microbial load, plant biometric traits, ionic profiles, antioxidant activity, and polyphenolic compounds were quantified. Biofumigation induced a marked recovery of bacterial populations, while both soil treatments resulted in sustained fungal suppression and the absence of detectable Fusarium spp. Biofumigation consistently increased fresh and dry biomass, highlighting its dual sanitizing and fertilizing role. Foliar biostimulants, particularly vegetable protein hydrolysate, significantly enhanced dry matter accumulation, reduced nitrate concentration, and improved cation uptake. Antioxidant activity and phenolic metabolism were strongly stimulated by Trichoderma spp. and protein hydrolysate, with significant synergistic effects on key hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. These findings indicate that integrating biological soil disinfestation with foliar biostimulation improves yield stability and nutritional quality, supporting a sustainable framework for high-value baby leaf lettuce production. Full article