Search Results (182)

Wheat productivity and grain quality are strongly influenced by nutrient management and soil moisture availability. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) regulate biomass production, physiological stability and grain protein development. However, their efficiency varies under water-limited conditions. This study aimed to evaluate how soil moisture modulates nitrogen–potassium efficiency, nutrient partitioning, physiological responses and grain quality development in wheat. The current experiment was planned to assess the impact of varying but combined levels of N and K fertilizers on wheat crop growth and yield components as well as nutrient uptake and grain quality under different irrigation levels (i.e., normal irrigation Field Capacity (FC) 100%, partial water deficit FC75%, moderate water deficit FC50%, severe water deficit FC25%). The results of the study showed that increasing N-K supply enhanced biomass, chlorophyll contents, nutrient accumulation and grain quality under full irrigation, with N2K2 showing the highest growth, yield and quality traits. Under moderate deficit, N2K1 maintained a relatively stable yield and physiological performance, whereas severe moisture limitation markedly reduced nutrient uptake, grain development and fertilizer efficiency despite a higher NK application. Progressive reductions in irrigation also altered nutrient distribution among leaves, straw and grain, indicating moisture-regulated remobilization during grain filling. Maximum increments in values for plant height (27%), total biomass (108%), grain yield (183%), grain NPK content (38%, 6.3%, 26%), grain protein (38%) and wet gluten (38%) were noted in the N2K2 treatment at FC100%, but these parameters showed up to 80% reduction under the same treatment of N-K at FC25%. It is concluded that wheat response to N–K fertilization was moisture dependent and fertilizer rate alone did not ensure productivity under severe water deficit. Therefore, integrating nutrient supply with irrigation management is essential to sustain productivity and grain quality. Full article

Phosphorus (P) availability is currently a limiting factor for agricultural production, especially in tropical soils, and its interaction with cationic micronutrients can significantly affect physiological efficiency and nutrient uptake by plants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the uptake kinetic parameters described by the Michaelis–Menten model (Vmax, Km, and Cmin) for P as a function of the supply of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, as well as the kinetic parameters of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn as a function of P supply in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the experimental unit of CENA, in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, using individual pots. Phosphorus concentration and accumulation were reduced only under Fe and Zn deficiency, with reductions of up to 60% in the shoots and 85% in the roots. Zn deficiency caused a drastic reduction in P uptake capacity, with Vmax decreasing from 590 to 50.85 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (approximately a 12-fold reduction), accompanied by an increase in Cmin (from 269 to 1508 µmol L⁻¹). In terms of micronutrient kinetics, P omission reduced plant growth and affected only Fe and Zn uptake. For Fe, Km increased from 12.82 to 27.31 µmol L⁻¹ and Cmin from 1.03 to 20.51 µmol L⁻¹. For Zn, and Vmax decreased from 0.16 to 0.02 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (approximately 8-fold), while Cmin increased from 0.08 to 1.56 µmol L⁻¹. These results demonstrate a strong interaction between P, Fe, and Zn, highlighting their regulatory roles in nutrient uptake and providing mechanistic insights into plant nutritional efficiency. Full article

To broaden the application of biomethanation for energy storage and renewable integration, this study investigates the performance of a trickle-bed reactor (TBR) for hydrogen (H₂) utilisation in biogas upgrading, using both pure Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and biogas-derived CO₂ as substrates for methane (CH₄) production. Renewable sources such as wind and solar are inherently variable, increasing the need for scalable storage solutions. Converting surplus electricity into H₂ and CH₄ via biological methanation offers an efficient and safer alternative to direct H₂ storage. By reducing CO₂ produced by biogas plants, methanogenic archaea produce CH₄, enabling H₂ valorisation and enhanced biogas yields. This study demonstrates that TBR technology can achieve CH₄ formation rates up to 15 L-CH₄/L-reactor/day under optimised conditions. Siporax carrier material supported dense biofilm formation and effective gas–liquid mass transfer, facilitating high conversion efficiency. The system showed operational robustness, with rapid recovery after prolonged idle periods and stable production rates of 10–12 L-CH₄/L/day. Wastewater was used as a realistic medium to assess reactor performance under complex, variable conditions. Reactor design focused primarily on enhancing gas–liquid mass transfer and supporting sustained microbial activity through adequate nutrient supply, ensuring sufficient buffer capacity to maintain pH stability. These results demonstrate the potential of TBR-based systems for high-rate, stable biomethanation and highlight their applicability in future energy infrastructures for integrating H₂ through decentralised biogas upgrading. Full article

This study assessed the feasibility of cultivating Lavandula dentata in Technosols produced from fine and coarse coal mining waste, focusing on plant development, substrate functionality, essential oil production, and post-mining ecosystem restoration. The Technosols were formulated using coal waste from the Moatize Coal Mine, Mozambique, combined or not in different configurations with agricultural soil and amended with sewage sludge (3% organic matter) and chemical fertilizer to ensure adequate nutrient availability. The experiments were conducted in 30 L containers, performed in triplicate for each experimental group. All settings allowed good plant growth, although the treatment that used only fine waste presented the closest performance to agricultural soil in terms of the production of aerial biomass. In this case, the dried biomass production of the shoots reached an average of 165 g per pot over 8 months (with a standard deviation of 20.3). The study showed a positive correlation between plant development and the available water capacity of the substrates. The plant tissue of L. dentata, in all the Technosols configurations studied, presented a similar composition to the control, with a biomass composition within the standard range established by the literature. The essential oil production ranged from 0.3 to 0.7% (m/m), averaging 0.5% (m/m), with chemical characteristics also alike the control trial. Technosols composed of coal waste from Moatize appear to be an alternative, both to provide a suitable destination for mining waste and to provide conditions for the revegetation and recovery of degraded areas by coal mining. This avoids the commissioning of nearby areas to supply soil for the restoration process. L. dentata, in addition to its various medical, ornamental, and aromatic uses, has potential as an “ecological trigger” in the restoration process with environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Full article

In reclaimed and poorly drained soils, combined salinity–waterlogging stress markedly inhibits the early vegetative growth of maize. In this study, maize seedlings at 12 days after sowing (DAS) were subjected to combined stress by immersing the entire root system in 200 mM NaCl for 7 d (stress; ST), then transferred to recovery conditions and supplied potassium at equivalent activity (5 mM K⁺; soil drench) as KH₂PO₄ (ST + K + P), K₂SO₄ (ST + K + S), and potassium silicate (ST + K + Si) at 0 and 5 days after treatment (DAT). Morphological traits, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas-exchange parameters were measured at PreTR (immediately after stress termination), 5 DAT, and 10 DAT. Phytohormone, mineral nutrient profiles, oxidative stress markers and redox status, osmotic and metabolic parameters, and the expression patterns of key ion transport and stress-responsive genes were quantified at 0 and 10 DAT. The effects of K supplementation were evident across the growth- and photosynthesis-related indicators. Treatment groups (ST + K + Si, ST + K + S, and ST + K + P) exhibited significantly higher carbon fixation capacity than ST at 10 DAT. The Na/K ratio was also notably reduced in all K-supplemented groups, indicating that ionic homeostasis was restored with K supplementation through improvements in various stress response indicators such as phytohormones, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant responses. The potassium- and silicon-treated group showed the greatest recovery effect, which may reflect the physiological characteristics of cereal species. Overall, these findings provide foundational data for the development of cultivation technology to expand the cultivation area of maize. Full article

Between 2014 and 2023, Italian Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) production declined by 36% due to climate change and predation by the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), which preys particularly on small clams. Traditionally, Manila clam farming starts with seed collection from natural recruitment or hatcheries, followed by pre-fattening in raceways and/or FLUPSY (Floating Upweller Systems) to size T3 (>3 mm). The fattening phase in lagoons up to the commercial size (>25 mm) follows. Rearing juveniles in controlled conditions may ensure stable supplies of high-quality seed, reduced mortality, and increase overall yields. Furthermore, a larger pre-seeding size (e.g., T10, >10 mm) is supposed to improve resistance to predators and environmental stress. This study uses an ex-ante Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a novel and unique “sand-nursery” method under development at an Italian company. The nutrient removal potential of juvenile clams was also assessed as an ecosystem service. At full capacity, the optimised system could produce 120 t of liveweight juveniles and remove 338 kg of nitrogen and 32 kg of phosphorus. Although it has inherent limitations, the ex-ante LCA results show that electricity consumption is the main contributor to environmental impacts, with a global warming potential of 1.11 kg CO₂ eq/kg T10 clam. Further research is needed to assess impacts across the full production cycle. Full article

Small fruits are increasingly popular among consumers and producers, with blueberries standing out for their flavour, nutritional benefits, and specific growing requirements. However, cultivation can be challenging in areas with alkaline soils, such as the mid-Adriatic region of Italy, where plant growth is limited. Soilless cultivation provides a practical and profitable solution to these issues, albeit with higher initial costs. This study examined Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’ grown in soilless conditions in the Marche region (Italy) using different concentrations of nutrient solutions. Nutrient concentration was measured by electrical conductivity (EC) in fertigation with three treatments—T1 (790 µS cm⁻¹), T2 (890 µS cm⁻¹), and T3 (990 µS cm⁻¹)—compared with irrigation water (EC = 390 µS cm⁻¹). Results showed that T2 produced the highest numbers of wood and flower shoots and the greatest yield. Although nutrient levels did not significantly affect quality parameters, plants with lower nutrient intake (T1) displayed higher anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, those with greater nutrient supply showed higher polyphenol content. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of soilless cultivation to optimize blueberry production under suboptimal soil conditions. Full article

Dietary fiber (DF) is a fundamental component of animal nutrition and has been widely studied for its nutritional and physiological functions in animals. While existing studies mainly focus on the independent effects of DF on gut microbiota or bile acids (BAs), the mechanisms underlying their interactions remain poorly understood. DF interacts closely with gut microbiota, promoting the production of beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, which subsequently influence BA metabolism through microbial deconjugation and dehydroxylation processes, generating free and secondary BA essential for host health. Together, the gut microbiota and BA play key roles in mediating the effects of DF on intestinal and systemic physiology via the gut–liver axis. Although DF contributes to energy supply, nutrient digestion, and regulation of gut microbiota and BA metabolism, its physiological effects vary depending on fiber source, type, chemical composition, inclusion level, and animal species. Ruminant and non-ruminant animals differ in their capacity to utilize DF, with extensive fermentation occurring in the rumen of ruminants, whereas fermentation in non-ruminants mainly occurs in the hindgut and is more limited. Consequently, inappropriate DF supplementation may impair gastrointestinal function and overall physiological status. This review summarizes the diverse effects of different DF types in animals and critically examines the complex and bidirectional interactions among DF, gut microbiota, and BA metabolism, highlighting knowledge gaps that require further investigation to optimize DF application in animal nutrition. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint on crop growth and productivity in acidic soils, affecting root development, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic performance. The use of Si is a promising strategy to overcome the adverse effects of Al toxicity on species of agronomic interest. Between 2020 and 2026, 15 studies across nine species consistently demonstrated that silicon mitigated aluminum toxicity, regardless of their classification as silicon accumulators. In plants, Si mitigates Al toxicity through a combination of physical, chemical, and biochemical mechanisms that operate simultaneously. In the rhizosphere, Si interacts directly with Al³⁺ ions, favoring the formation of hydroxyaluminosilicates (HASs), which reduces the bioavailable fraction of Al. Evidence indicates that solution pH is a critical factor governing HAS formation, with minimal attenuation of Al toxicity observed at pH values below 4.5. Within the plant, Si modulates the antioxidant defense system by enhancing the activity of enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, thereby reducing oxidative stress typically triggered by Al toxicity. Moreover, Si influences the biosynthesis of lignin and phenolic compounds with Al-chelating capacity, contributing to detoxification at the cellular level. In soybean and rice, Si supply substantially reduced Al deposition in the root apical cell wall, with decreases of approximately 52% and 41.3%, respectively. This reduction was consistently associated with improved root elongation, maintenance of root structural integrity, mitigation of cellular deformation, and preservation of root thickness and vascular organization. Although these mechanisms have been described, a comprehensive synthesis of studies published from 2020 to 2026 has been lacking, particularly regarding the integration of in-plant processes and species-specific responses. This review fills this gap by critically examining recent findings, highlighting the multifaceted role of Si in alleviating Al stress, and discussing implications for agronomic applications in acidic soils. Collectively, the evidence underscores Si as an effective tool to enhance plant tolerance to Al; however, most available evidence is derived from early plant developmental stages and hydroponic or highly controlled systems, which limits the direct extrapolation of these findings to soil and field conditions. Future advances will require studies under soil environments, accounting for species-specific responses, soil properties, management systems, and plant developmental stages. Full article

With the continuous development of the livestock industry, the availability of high-quality roughage is becoming increasingly constrained. Therefore, the exploitation of unconventional feed resources is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector. Grape branches and leaves are a major by-product of viticulture, abundant in supply but currently underutilised. Their ensilage presents potential feed value and ecological benefits. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of Kazakh rams. Sixty Kazakh rams aged 6.0 ± 0.5 months with similar initial body weight (34.21 ± 2.13 kg) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: the control group (CG) fed whole-crop corn silage, the EG50 group where grape branch and leaf silage replaced 50% of the whole-crop corn silage, and the EG100 group where grape branch and leaf silage entirely replaced the whole-crop corn silage. Each treatment comprised four replicates with five rams per replicate. Following a 7-day adaptation period, a formal feeding trial was conducted for 120 days, after which relevant parameters were measured. Results: (1) Compared with the CG, the dressing percentage was significantly increased in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), while tail fat weight and tail fat percentage were both markedly decreased (p < 0.01). (2) Serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) levels and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities were significantly elevated in the EG100 group (p < 0.05), accompanied by enhanced total antioxidant capacity. Concurrently, levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and the oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). (3) Based on slaughter performance, jejunal microbiota analysis was performed for the CG and EG100 groups. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes increased in the EG100 group, with beneficial genera such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus becoming predominant. (4) Metabolomic analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways including primary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the EG100 group, with 20 key differential metabolites identified. Dietary supplementation with grape branch and leaf silage may improve slaughter performance and reduce fat deposition in Kazakh rams, potentially by modulating the gut microbiota structure and its metabolic functions, thereby synergistically enhancing nutrient utilisation, anti-inflammatory capacity, and antioxidant status. This study provides a theoretical basis for the feed-oriented and value-added utilisation of grape processing by-products. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between its active components and host metabolism. Full article

Sclerotium formation represents a critical transition phase in the life cycle of morel, shifting from vegetative growth to dormant structures. The capacity for sclerotium formation directly influences the yield and stability of artificial cultivation. To elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying this process, a combined transcriptomics and metabolomics approach was employed to analyze gene expression and metabolite dynamics during sclerotium development of Morchella eximia. A total of 2567 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 2314 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, primarily enriched in amino acid metabolism, lipid synthesis, and energy metabolism pathways. Amino acid metabolism facilitates protein synthesis and supplies carbon skeletons, while lipid metabolic networks, particularly de novo fatty acid synthesis from acetyl-CoA precursors, glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, play a central role in sclerotium formation. A regulatory model was constructed, focusing on signal response, transcriptional regulation, nutrient transport and metabolism, morphology transition, lipid accumulation, and membrane system remodeling, demonstrating that lipids not only provide energy storage and membrane structural components for sclerotia but also mediate developmental transitions and environmental adaptation through signaling molecules and regulation of membrane properties. These findings systematically reveal the regulatory network governing morel sclerotium formation at the multi-omics level, with particular emphasis on the central role of lipid metabolism and membrane remodeling. The results offer a theoretical foundation for improving morel cultivation yield and stability through targeted metabolic regulation strategies. Full article

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens are valued for their high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, which can be modulated under controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This study investigated the combined effects of three light-emitting diode (LED) light intensities (200, 250, and 300 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three nutrient solution concentrations (basic, enriched, and diluted) on biomass accumulation, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and photosynthetic pigments in basil microgreens. The fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), dry matter content (DM), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), and pigment levels were evaluated across nine treatment combinations. Biomass accumulation was primarily driven by nutrient availability; the highest FW (18.23 g 100 cm⁻²) was recorded under low light with elevated nutrients and was 133% higher than under high light combined with reduced nutrient supply. In contrast, the DM content increased under high light and low nutrients, reaching about 9%, which was 112% higher than in the lowest DM treatment. Increasing light intensity markedly resulted in phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity. The highest TPC (28.39 mg g⁻¹ DW) observed under 300 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ with reduced nutrients was approximately 97% higher than that under 200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ with basic nutrition. Under the same conditions, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP antioxidant activities increased by 54%, 54%, and 81%, respectively. Photosynthetic pigment responses to light and nutrient treatments were limited, with statistically significant differences observed mainly for chlorophyll b and the chlorophyll a/b ratio, while chlorophyll a and carotenoids remained largely unchanged. Principal component analysis separated high-light treatments by elevated phenolic–antioxidant profiles and low-light treatments by higher biomass and pigment levels. Overall, high light combined with moderate nutrient limitation promotes phenolic and antioxidant enrichment in basil microgreens, representing a quality-modulating strategy rather than a fully optimized cultivation regime. Full article

Rice processing generates substantial residual biomass globally—about 170 million tons of husk, 62–71 million tons of bran and 23–39 million tons of broken rice annually—which remains largely underutilized and creates environmental burdens and lost economic opportunities. This study was conducted to address the necessity for integrated sustainability assessments of rice mill biorefineries. The focus of this study is on transitioning from a global context of residual biomass generation to a local-scale application in small and medium mills (100–300 tons/day). We apply a resource-centric framework, combining process simulation, techno-economic analysis, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA—selected for its capacity to quantify trade-offs and avoid burden-shifting across multiple impact categories) with Social-LCA. Five valorization scenarios are assessed. Results demonstrate that biorefinery pathways fundamentally alter supply provision: husk cogeneration boosts energy self-sufficiency (SGI = 12.54), displacing fossil fuels, while silica and nutrient recovery create new, local material flows, substituting for virgin resources. However, chemically intensive routes increase human toxicity impacts (up to 4.0 × 10⁻¹ kg 1,4-DB eq/kg) despite product diversification. Social analysis reveals a tension between worker preferences for advanced technology and community priorities for low-chemical, employment-generating options. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis identifies a diversified configuration (oil, flour, feed, cogeneration) as most robust, optimizing overall resource productivity and circularity. This work transitions the conceptual model of a rice mill from a linear processor to a multi-output bio-resource hub, offering actionable pathways to enhance regional energy, mineral, and nutrient security through circular economy implementation. Full article

The sustainable management and valorisation of agricultural and agro-industrial residues are essential to reduce environmental impacts, enhance resource efficiency, and support circular economy strategies. In Mediterranean regions, large quantities of residual biomass are annually produced from olive and citrus supply chains, representing promising feedstocks for biochar production. In this study, biochar was obtained at 600 °C in a fixed-bed reactor under a N₂ atmosphere from four representative feedstocks: olive pruning (OPr), citrus pruning (CPr), olive pomace (OPo), and citrus peel (CPe). The resulting biochar was characterized in terms of physico-chemical, energetic, and structural properties, including proximate and ultimate analyses, fuel properties, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, elemental ratios (O/C, H/C, N/C), thermal stability, bulk density, metal content, and surface morphology (SEM), in order to assess parameters relevant to environmental potential applications. The results highlighted clear feedstock-dependent differences. OPoB and CPeB exhibited the highest thermal stability (0.56–0.66), indicating a strong potential for long-term carbon sequestration. CPeB showed the highest CEC (47.2 cmol kg⁻¹). From an application-oriented perspective, this high CEC suggests that, when applied to soil at typical amendment rates (2–5 wt%), CPeB could potentially increase soil CEC by approximately 10–30%, thereby improving nutrient retention and cation availability. Energy yields were highest for citrus-derived biochar (42.0–47.5%), while OPoB exhibited the lowest solid yield due to its higher volatile content. SEM analysis revealed marked structural differences, with OPrB retaining an ordered lignocellulosic porous structure, whereas OPoB and CPeB displayed highly irregular morphologies, favorable for surface reactivity. Overall, this study demonstrates that olive and citrus residues are suitable feedstocks for producing biochar with differentiated properties, and that a rapid screening methodology can support feedstock selection and biochar design for targeted energy, soil amendment, and carbon management applications. Full article

The concept of functional nutrition has garnered mounting attention, primarily due to growing evidence that specific dietary components have the capacity to provide health benefits that extend beyond the mere supply of basic nutrients. In this context, glucosinolate-rich species of the Brassicales order are of importance as a source of bioactive compounds, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties. The review identifies which Brassicales species may be considered as functional foods or functional ingredients. It does so by starting from their glucosinolate profile, summarizing their potential applications in disease prevention, and highlighting current strategies aimed at enhancing glucosinolate levels through agronomic practices and processing approaches. The potential applications of the main species of the Brassicales order in the prevention of cardiovascular, obesity-related and degenerative diseases, as well as in the development of functional foods, are highlighted. These species are considered both as ready-to-use functional foods and as functional ingredients that can be obtained through extraction or fermentation processes, including the valorization of agricultural waste. Full article