Search Results (136)

Since the mid-20th century, the landscapes of Mediterranean mountain regions have undergone a significant transformation, linked to the socioeconomic changes caused by the opening up of these regions to the market economy. This prompted a rural exodus, the abandoning of farmland and the reduction in livestock, so activating various reforestation processes. In parallel, the “green revolution” promoted the modernization of agrifood systems, so contributing to the decline of traditional ways of farming in mountain areas. The farms on which traditional polyculture and agroforestry are still carried out today are important agrobiodiversity reserves. In this research, we monitor the dynamics of land use and cover and the changes in the structure of the agrifood landscapes on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada (Spain) by comparing maps from 1956, 1984, 2007 and 2020. The results reveal a sharp decline in cultivated land, from 39.19% to 21.54%, and an expansion of natural covers, especially Mediterranean forest, driven by the abandonment of farmland and reforestation policies. Today, the landscape is composed of a more fragmented, less cohesive mosaic of agroecosystems. These changes indicate a reduction in agrobiodiversity at a landscape level, in line with the tendency observed at farm level in the study area. Full article

Honey bees, as vital pollinators and essential contributors to terrestrial ecosystems, play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability. Beyond their role as pollinators, honey bees are increasingly recognized as bioindicators of environmental health, with their microbiomes reflecting habitat quality, agricultural practices, and broader ecological conditions. This study examines the impact of monoculture and polyculture systems on bee-associated microbiomes, focusing on microbial diversity, composition, and functional roles. Microbial communities from floral surfaces, pollen, nectar, foraging bees, hive matrices, and bioaerosols were analyzed across three agricultural plots: a rape monoculture, a pear monoculture, and a polyculture plot. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, network co-occurrence analysis, and microbial source tracking, the findings reveal that plant species and cultivation methods significantly shape microbial dynamics (Adonis = 0.67 ***). Floral microbiomes exhibit host specificity (Adonis = 0.73 ***), while the honey bee body surface functions as a microbial hub linking environmental, floral, and hive microbial networks (average degree pear: 21.86; rape: 21.96). The polyculture system improves microbial diversity due to the diversity of nectar plants, enhancing ecosystem connectivity and potentially benefiting honey bee health. These results highlight the ecological importance of optimizing agricultural practices to preserve microbial diversity, enhance honey bee health, and maintain ecological stability. Full article

Water pollution caused by petroleum-derived volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), as well as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These contaminants, together with the organic matter and nutrients present in municipal wastewater, highlight the need for sustainable treatment technologies adapted to tropical conditions. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of BTEX, MTBE, and conventional pollutants using hybrid constructed wetlands (HCWs) that combine vertical subsurface flow (VSSF-CW) and horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF-CW) systems. Two plant species—Heliconia latispatha and Phragmites australis—were tested, along with a polyculture and an unvegetated control. The hybrid systems treated synthetic influents formulated to simulate contaminated municipal wastewater. Parameters including COD, TSS, N–NH₄⁺, N–NO₃⁻, P–PO₄³⁻, BTEX, and MTBE were monitored and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Vegetated systems achieved COD removal efficiencies exceeding 85%, compared with 72% in the control. Phragmites australis obtained the highest removal of suspended solids (92 ± 3%) and ammonium nitrogen (88 ± 2%), whereas Heliconia latispatha exhibited superior phosphorus removal (84 ± 4%). The polyculture displayed a synergistic effect, achieving removal rates of 93% for benzene, 91% for toluene, and 88% for MTBE, with statistically significant differences relative to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, hybrid constructed wetlands planted with Heliconia latispatha and Phragmites australis demonstrated high efficiency and stability in removing BTEX, MTBE, and conventional pollutants under tropical conditions, positioning themselves as a sustainable, low-cost, and esthetically valuable treatment alternative. Full article

Women’s empowerment in aquatic food systems plays a critical role in increasing production and ensuring food and nutrition security. This study used qualitative data from a mixed-method study to assess whether participation in a nutrition-sensitive homestead pond polyculture systems, targeting both women and men, strengthens women’s decision-making power in fish culture, harvesting, and household food purchase. The project promoted pond polyculture technology of nutrient-rich small and large fish species, which was adopted by the majority of project households (86.3%). Fish harvesting for family consumption and sale was more frequent in project households (24% twice/week; 54.9% once/year) compared to non-project households (13%; 47.8%). Joint decision-making by both women and men on the types of fish species to culture (80.39%) and harvesting time for sale (54.9%) was more common in project households, compared to non-project households (43.48% and 21.74%, respectively). More women in project households (41.2%) decided which fish species to harvest for family consumption, including harvested fish for family consumption (7.8%) and sale (3.9%), compared to non-project households (26.1%, 4.4% and none respectively). The findings reveal three interlinked empowerment pathways: the consumption pathway, via frequent fish harvesting, the income pathway, through fish sales, and the empowerment pathway, through enhanced decision making. Full article

Fish–mussel polyculture is a promising strategy for sustainable aquaculture. This study investigated hybrid yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco ♀ × P. vachelli ♂) and Chinese olive mussel (Solenaia oleivora) polyculture on water quality, bacterial community structure, and fish growth performance over a six-month production cycle. At harvest, polyculture fish had an 11.65% higher weight gain rate than those in monoculture. Polyculture reduced TN to 1.89–1.95 mg/L (vs. monoculture 2.74–3.44 mg/L) in July–October and kept TP at 0.29–0.73 mg/L (vs. monoculture 0.37–1.45 mg/L). The microbial α-diversity analysis revealed that the community richness and diversity of monoculture were reduced in July, whereas polyculture experienced decreased richness in October and diminished diversity in both July and October. Dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes, with Proteobacteria showing higher relative abundance in polyculture. Genus-level analysis revealed distinct successional patterns driven by season and cultivation mode. Notably, polyculture systems can effectively suppress potential pathogens. Redundancy analysis indicated that environmental factors played crucial roles in shaping the microbial community structure. More importantly, it provides scientific basis for optimizing freshwater polyculture models and offers practical technical support for promoting ecologically sustainable aquaculture through improved nutrient cycling and microbiome modulation. Full article

Shrimp aquaculture ponds are dynamic ecosystems in which water quality and microbial interactions play a central role in animal health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intestinal microbiota of Penaeus monodon and the microbial community of polyculture pond water. Shrimp and water samples were collected from polyculture ponds at four time points during the rearing period. Water-quality parameters were measured, and microbial community structures were analyzed by high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, revealed significant variations in water-quality parameters and microbial diversity among sampling stages (p < 0.05). Water quality indicators showed progressive changes from July to September, with pH decreasing from 8.1 to 7.5 but remaining within a suitable range. Nitrogen compounds, including ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, increased steadily, with total nitrogen rising from 0.71 to 1.86 mg·L⁻¹, while phosphate and total phosphorus reached 0.31 and 0.36 mg·L⁻¹, respectively, exceeding thresholds commonly associated with algal bloom risk. Microbial community profiling using Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed 166 OTUs shared between shrimp intestine and pond water, while both habitats contained more than 350 OTUs overall. Alpha diversity analysis showed higher microbial richness in water than in shrimp intestines, dominated by unclassified taxa, whereas shrimp guts were enriched in specific genera such as Vibrio. Cluster analysis indicated partial overlap but distinct grouping of gut and water microbiota, with the PMB intestinal community diverging most strongly. These findings highlight a close link between water quality and microbial composition, emphasizing the importance of pond management for maintaining ecological stability and shrimp health. Full article

Rapid population growth has increased the demand for sustainable systems to produce protein-rich foods. Aquaculture with native species offers a strategic alternative to enhance food security in the Amazon region. This study evaluated the productive performance of Liposarcus pardalis and Hypostomus hemicochliodon in polyculture with Colossoma macropomum at different stocking densities (1, 3, and 5 fish/m²) for 120 days. Both loricariid species exhibited high survival (>96%) and satisfactory growth, with optimal performance at intermediate densities (3 fish/m²). Polynomial regression estimated optimal stocking densities of 2.45 and 2.42 fish/m² for L. pardalis and H. hemicochliodon, respectively. Polycultures with H. hemicochliodon yielded the highest biomass (22.11 ± 0.09 kg) and best feed conversion efficiency (FCE = 1.4), outperforming those with L. pardalis (19.36 ± 0.19 kg; FCE = 1.9). Although monoculture data for C. macropomum were not included, comparisons with published studies indicate that polyculture did not compromise its growth. The integration of native benthic, iliophagous species improves resource use and nutrient recycling, providing a sustainable strategy to enhance productivity and environmental efficiency in tropical aquaculture systems. Full article

The propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments poses a significant threat to global health. This study compared sediment resistome profiles in river crab (Eriocheir sinensis) polyculture systems with and without stone moroko (Pseudorasbora parva). The results showed that, compared to the control group (MC group), the sediment from the polyculture system containing stone moroko (PC group) exhibited significant reductions in the total abundances of ARGs, metal resistance genes (MRGs), biocide resistance genes (BRGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Crucially, the total abundance and composition of MGEs in pond sediment were substantially correlated with ARGs, MRGs, and BRGs, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that there was only one edge between ARGs and MGEs in the PC group, whereas the MC group had eight edges. Additionally, the proportion of mobile ARGs in the PC group was significantly lower than that in the MC group. Alterations in resistome profiles were markedly associated with decreased levels of total carbon (TC) and phosphate in the sediment. All of the findings demonstrated that the introduction of stone moroko in the river crab polyculture system effectively mitigated the sediment resistome primarily by altering environmental factors and suppressing MGEs, thereby disrupting the horizontal transfer network of resistance genes. This study highlights the potential of leveraging aquatic biota as a novel biological strategy for the in situ management of environmental antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Urban gardening, particularly through food-producing green spaces, is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for addressing the complex challenges of climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and social inequity in African cities. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 47 peer-reviewed studies across sub-Saharan Africa between 2000–2025 to analyze how urban home gardens, rooftop farms, and agroforestry systems contribute to sustainable urban development. The protocol follows PRISMA guidelines and focuses on (i) plant species selection for ecological resilience, (ii) integration of modern technologies in urban gardens, and (iii) socio-economic benefits to communities. The findings emphasize the ecological multifunctionality of urban gardens, which support services such as pollination, soil fertility, and microclimate regulation. Biodiversity services are shaped by both ecological and socio-economic factors, highlighting the importance of mechanisms such as polyculture, shared labour and management of urban gardens, pollinator activity and socio-economic status, reflected in sub-Saharan urban gardens. Socioeconomically, urban gardening plays a crucial role in enhancing household food security, income generation, and psychosocial resilience, particularly benefiting women and low-income communities. However, barriers exist, including insecure land tenure, water scarcity, weak technical support, and limited policy integration. Although technologies such as climate-smart practices and digital tools for irrigation are emerging, their adoption remains uneven. Research gaps include regional underrepresentation, a lack of longitudinal data, and limited focus on governance and gender dynamics. To unlock urban gardening’s full potential, future research and policy must adopt participatory, equity-driven approaches that bridge ecological knowledge with socio-political realities. Full article

This study quantified nitrogen (N) inputs by water, feed, animals, and atmospheric gas and outputs by water, harvested animals, sediments, and gas emissions in earthen ponds used for the monoculture and integrated cultures of yellow-tail lambari (Astyanax lacustris), Amazon River prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum), and curimbata (Prochilodus lineatus), and evaluated whether epibenthic species improve N retention in harvested biomass. Three systems with four replicates were tested, lambari monoculture (L), lambari–prawn (LP), and lambari–prawn–curimbata (LPC), stocked at 50, 25, and 13 individuals m⁻², respectively. Feed N was the major input (67–75%), followed by inlet water (19–30%). Harvested biomass represented 20–23% of total outputs, sediments 25–33%, and gaseous emissions 7–29%, while outlet water contributed <3%. N lost through seepage was highest in L (70.5 ± 22.9 kg N ha⁻¹). N₂ ebullition increased with benthic species, from 10.4 ± 10.6 kg N ha⁻¹ (L) to 72.1 ± 32.4 kg N ha⁻¹ (LPC). N recovered in lambari was 43.2 ± 7.4 kg N ha⁻¹ in LPC, 36 ± 8.6 in L, and 33 ± 5.6 in LP. Considering all species, recovery of dietary N increased from 20.0 ± 4.3% (L) to 35.0 ± 5.9% (LPC), and recovery from all inputs rose from 13.0 ± 2.2% to 18.0 ± 3.4%. Integrated systems, particularly LPC, enhanced N retention in biomass and reduced environmental losses. Full article

Integrated aquaculture, centered around polyculture involving multiple species, is a typical practice for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, capable of enhancing resource utilization efficiency, environmental stability, and overall productivity through establishing symbiotic interactions among species. This study employed multi-amplicon high-throughput sequencing to assess the ecological impacts of two polyculture methods involving river crabs on sediment bacteria, fungi, and protists. One method involved polyculturing river crabs with mandarin fish, silver carp, and the stone moroko (SPC), and the other involved polyculturing river crabs with only mandarin fish and silver carp (SMC). The results showed that, compared to the SMC group, the SPC group remarkably increased the Chao1 index of bacterial communities in pond sediment and decreased the Pielou_J index of protists. The relative abundances of all fungal phyla and most dominant bacterial and protistan phyla (top 10 in relative abundance) in the SPC group were considerably different from those in the SMC group. In the co-occurrence networks of bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities, the numbers of edges and nodes were higher in the SPC group than in the SMC group, and the habitat niche breadth of bacterial community was also notably increased in the SPC group. The levels of total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and phosphates within pond sediment in the SPC group were obviously lower than those in the SMC group, and were significantly correlated with the microbial communities, with TC being identified as the primary contributor driving changes in the microbial communities. All the findings collectively demonstrate that the polyculture of river crabs with mandarin fish, silver carp, and the stone moroko enhances the stability of bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in sediment and enhances resource utilization efficiency in aquaculture, thereby preventing the environmental risks associated with excessive nutrient accumulation in sediment. Polyculture systems integrating river crabs with mandarin fish, silver carp, and the stone moroko represent a sustainable aquaculture model with significant ecological benefits. Full article

The numerous inhabited small islands of the Mediterranean basin are marginal geographic territories of high natural value. Historically, island communities have developed complex, poly-cultural agricultural systems, based on the use of native genetic resources and traditional ecological knowledge, to address the challenges linked to unfavorable climate, geology, and topography. However, economic, socio-demographic, and climatic factors have caused farmland abandonment, leading to soil and land degradation and to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to assess the state of scientific research with regard to agriculture on small Mediterranean islands. After screening records retrieved on Scopus, Web of Science, CABI, and Google Scholar, 167 articles published before July 2025 were included in the analysis. The articles covered 6 countries and 126 islands, with Greek and Italian islands being the most represented. Key topics included trajectories, drivers, and consequences of land use change, agrobiodiversity, and water resources. To complete the systematic review, 30 relevant EU-funded projects were identified and analyzed. Overall, the scientific research aimed at supporting agriculture on Mediterranean small islands tends to focus on a single issue or very few issues. However, we suggest that given the complexity of the drivers and consequences of farmland abandonment, more integrated approaches could have a greater impact. By providing a systematic overview of the current state of the research on agriculture on small Mediterranean islands, this review offers a solid basis for guiding ongoing and future research, actions, and policies aimed at building resilience in these fragile and endangered lands. Full article

To investigate the structure and successional dynamics of microbial communities in shrimp culture ponds in coastal saline–alkali regions of Hebei, China, we compared the water microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei monoculture ponds and L. vannamei–Macrobrachium rosenbergii polyculture ponds in the early, mid, and late culture stages. The results revealed clear temporal succession patterns in both the diversity and composition of microeukaryotic and bacterial communities. Distinct differences were also observed between the two culture models. Compared with monoculture, polyculture ponds showed 2.23–34.76% lower abundances of parasitic microeukaryotes, such as Rozellomycota and Perkinsida. In contrast, the abundances of carbon- and nitrogen-cycling bacterial groups (e.g., LD29, CL500-29_marine_group) and Chlorophyta were 0.24–50.94% higher in the polyculture system. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that polyculture enhanced competitive interactions and increased the network structural complexity within bacterial and cross-domain microbial networks. These findings help elucidate the mechanisms underlying efficient shrimp production in saline–alkali ponds and support the optimization of aquaculture models. Full article

Polyculture, or intercropping, is the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously in time and space. The milpa is a systematic polyculture involving the simultaneous cultivation of maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus spp.), squash (Cucurbita spp.), and other crops. Milpa polyculture initially emerged in the Mesoamerican region (Mexico and Central America) through the concurrent processes of managing, utilizing, and domesticating its constituent crops. It subsequently spread throughout the Americas via the diffusion of maize and the convergence of its domestication with that of its companion crops and other domesticated plants in the continent. Mesoamerican farmers made an outstanding contribution by domesticating and bringing together crops with contrasting morphological and physiological traits that are ecologically, agronomically, and nutritionally complementary. Despite its importance, few quantitative evaluations of this polyculture exist. However, these evaluations indicate that its productivity and land efficiency use (Land equivalent ratio = 1.34) are comparable to those of other intercrops studied on a global scale. We emphasize the importance of transdisciplinary efforts to study this polyculture and highlight its potential applications related to ecological interactions, plant microbiomes and breeding in order to reach sustainable production goals. Full article

This on-farm study evaluated the effects of a regenerative (plant polyculture) as compared to conventional (monoculture) pasture-based New Zealand dairy production system on milk and yoghurt nutraceutical properties and environmental impact. Milk and yoghurt produced by two adjacent regenerative and conventional farms were sampled throughout the year and analyzed for chemical composition, metabolomics, and microbiome. Milk samples were also collected over four consecutive days (one day after herbage sampling) on four occasions throughout lactation: early lactation (October), peak lactation (December/January), mid-lactation (March), and late lactation (May). Overall, the regenerative system had a lower environmental impact while maintaining a similar yield and the same milk composition compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, milk and yoghurt from the regenerative system had a more favourable profile of phytochemical antioxidants with potential positive benefits to human health (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). Full article