Search Results (1,111)

The return of mushroom residue to the field is an effective measure to improve soil fertility and maintain agroecosystem productivity. We investigated the effects of returning Auricularia auricula residue to the field on the soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in rice–A. auricula rotation farmland. The return of 67.5 ton/ha A. auricula residue to the field significantly increased the contents of ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, total potassium, total phosphorus, available potassium (QK), available phosphorus, and organic matter by 180.49%, 70.41%, 16.3%, 54.35%, 137.33%, 38.84%, and 59.29%, respectively. The activities of urease, sucrase, β-glucosidase (β-GC), and acetyl-β-d-glucosidase significantly increased by 32.98%, 407.78%, 206.85%, and 186.26%, respectively; catalase and leucine aminopeptidase activities increased by 244.42% and 130.90% with the return of 54 ton/ha residue. Mushroom residue return increased the Chao1 and Shannon indices of the bacterial community but decreased the diversity of the fungal community. Redundancy analysis showed that QK, β-GC, and urease were closely associated with shifts in microbial community structure. Therefore, returning 67.5 ton/ha (149,925 bags) A. auricula residue to the field can enhance soil ecological functions by improving soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure. Full article

The valorization of agri-food by-products represents a promising approach to advancing sustainable agriculture while contributing to climate resilience efforts. Leguminous crops, cultivated extensively across diverse agroecological zones, play a central role in global food systems and soil fertility dynamics. Waste from leguminous crops can contribute essential nutrients to the soil, such as nitrogen, helping the growth of associated or subsequent crops, thereby reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, they can help improve soil biological activity, physical soil properties, and increase nutrient availability. As nitrogen-fixing crops, the waste obtained after threshing pulses probably still contains large amounts of nutrients, which can replenish part of the nutrient needs required for other crops. However, there is little information available about the amount of nutrients these residues may contain, as well as their decomposition rate and release. In this review, we explore the role of agri-food waste, particularly leguminous residues, in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, identifying main knowledge gaps in legume crop residue characterization (i.e., nutrient content and decomposition rates). We also identify potential risks in using leguminous waste and discuss mitigation strategies for using these residues safely. Additionally, we propose new strategies to promote more sustainable agricultural practices and highlight future research directions. Full article

In response to the growing demand for agricultural production and the need for more sustainable practices, the use of biofertilizers based on the valorization of agricultural residues is presented as an alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. This approach seeks to minimize environmental impact and improve soil health in agroforestry systems. The present work studies the effect of two plant growth-promoting bacterial strains (PGPB), Bacillus pretiosus (C1) and Pseudomonas agronomica (C2) on Quercus ilex (holm oak) seedlings. Taxonomic diversity was evaluated by massive sequencing of amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene, as well as the metabolic diversity and antibiotic resistance profile of the bacterial communities. The study also evaluated the impact of PGPB strains on the development of Quercus ilex seedlings. On the other hand, the effect of the biofertilizer on soil bacterial communities was evaluated. The results showed that the addition of biofertilizer significantly improved plant development compared to the addition of traditional irrigation (water) or the addition of fertilizer without the strains. In the same way, it was observed how the addition of the strains reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the rhizospheres of the treated individuals compared to traditional irrigation. The metagenomic analysis of the rhizospheric communities revealed the survival of the strains in the soil after their addition in any of the chemical treatments without altering the alpha and beta microbial diversity of the rhizospheric communities. Full article

Sustainable fertilization strategies are critical under climate change and the European Green Deal, particularly for Mediterranean cereal systems. Organic fertilizers derived from agro-industrial residues offer promising alternatives to conventional mineral inputs. This study evaluated RecOrgFert, a novel fertilizer composed of sulfur–bentonite and citrus-processing residues, in comparison with NPK (15-15-15) and horse manure across two years in Central Macedonia (Greece) and Apulia (Italy). Using a randomized complete block design, soil chemical and biological properties, plant growth, yield, and grain quality were assessed. RecOrgFert outperformed conventional fertilizers by enhancing soil fertility—raising organic matter 25–27% above control and further increasing it from 2023 to 2024 (up to +75% in Italy, +38% in Greece)—while improving cation exchange capacity, enzymatic activity, and soil water content. Wheat grown with RecOrgFert showed higher protein (up to 15.2%), antioxidant activity (DPPH > 37%, ABTS⁺ > 26%), and phenolic and flavonoid content, with yields comparable to NPK. The unique sulfur and orange-residue composition distinguish RecOrgFert from standard fertilizers, promoting nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and bioactive compound accumulation. It represents a novel, circular, and climate-smart solution aligned with EU sustainability and circular economy objectives. Full article

The low fertility of tropical Oxisols challenges sustainable agriculture. While biochar-based granular fertilizers (BBGFs) offer a solution, the influence of different organic binders is unclear. This study investigated how BBGFs formulated with bio-oil (BO), pyroligneous extract (PE), and cassava wastewater (CW) impact soil enzyme activities and nutrient dynamics over time. Eucalyptus biochar (B) and natural phosphate (NP) were granulated with three binders at four doses. These treatments, plus controls (unfertilized soil, NP, B with NP, and B alone), were incubated in an Oxisol, assessing soil samples after 10 and 40 days of incubation. All BBGFs significantly enhanced β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and arylsulfatase activities over controls, with increases exceeding 8%. While the BBGFs-BO formulation sustained the highest enzymatic activity, BBGFs-PE at 125% maximized acid phosphatase at 10 days, with a subsequent decline, and inhibited arylsulfatase at the 150% dose. BBGFs-CW was most effective for increasing P availability (up to 24.0 mg kg⁻¹). BBGFs-BO and BBGFs-PE also enhanced soil organic carbon and cation exchange capacity by up to 430% and 163%, respectively. The BBGFs-BO at 150% dose is the most effective and stable formulation to enhance nutrient cycling and soil health, offering a viable pathway to convert agricultural residues into high-value fertilizers. Full article

Effective residue management is crucial for maintaining soil organic carbon (SOC) in upland rice systems, particularly under diverse fertilization and planting management practices. This study investigates the impacts of residue management in upland rice fields using the CQESTR model through simulation of SOC dynamics over a 20-year period. The first 10 years served as a spin-up period for carbon pool stabilization in the model, followed by simulations under varying nitrogen (N) application rates and planting date management strategies. Experiments for various N application rates and planting times were conducted during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. In 2019, 30% and in 2020, 100% of the residue was returned, and these data were used for evaluating model performance. Subsequently, we modeled predictions for residue retention levels of 100%, 70%, 50%, and 30% to assess their effects on SOC. The results indicated a good agreement between the simulated and observed data for model performance evaluation with an MSD value of 9.13. Lack of correlation (0.44) accounted for 5% of MSD, indicating a good agreement between the simulated and observed SOC values. The highest change in SOC was observed at 100% residue return under moderately delayed planting, potentially due to higher crop productivity and residue retention, and moderate climatic conditions. Reduced residue retention gradually declined the SOC stocks, especially under low N input. Delays in planting exacerbated negative impacts, possibly due to low crop productivity and reduced residue return. Despite the limited number of years of data and inconsistent management practices, the overall trends highlight the importance of residue retention under different N fertilization and planting management strategies. This research serves as a preliminary study for sustainable management practices to enhance long-term soil carbon sequestration in upland rice systems in southern Thailand. Long-term evaluations are necessary using the observed data and the CQESTR model application for applicable recommendations. Full article

Soybeans (Glycine max L.), a globally significant crop, play a critical role in economic, nutritional, and ecological systems, particularly in rotational farming due to their nitrogen-fixing capacity. This study investigated the residual effects of vermicompost (VC) and vermicompost tea (VCT) applied during a preceding corn cycle on subsequent soybean growth and productivity in an organic corn–soybean rotation. Soybeans were grown in raised beds previously treated with different VCT concentrations and combinations of VC+VCT, without additional fertilization during the soybean phase. Physiological traits, including leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD values) and stomatal conductance, were measured alongside biomass, yield, and plant leaves nutrient concentrations. VC+VCT treatments significantly increased biomass and yield, with VC1+VCT20 achieving the highest biomass (3.02 tons/ha) and yield (1.68 tons/ha). Leaf nutrient analysis revealed increased uptake of both macro- and micronutrients in amended treatments, while SPAD and stomatal conductance values remained consistently higher than in the control. Soil analyses confirmed improved nutrient retention and cation exchange capacity in amended plots, demonstrating the legacy benefits of organic inputs. Therefore, residual VCT and VC+VCT applications improved soybean productivity, nutrient acquisition, and physiological performance in rotational systems. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility, this strategy supports climate-smart agriculture principles and contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Full article

This study provides a comparative analysis of agricultural practices, water resource management, and environmental risks in two rural communes of Transylvania, Romania—Ceanu Mare (Cluj County) and Chețani (Mureș County). Data were collected in June 2025 through structured questionnaires administered to 430 households in Ceanu Mare and 184 households in Chețani, representing over 30% and 20% of the total households, respectively. The research examines the structure of agricultural activity, use of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation methods, and the local perception of pollution and subsidy programs. Both communes exhibit small-scale, household-based agriculture, but notable differences exist: Ceanu Mare demonstrates higher use of chemical inputs and environmental awareness, while Chețani relies more on organic fertilizers and private wells for irrigation. In addition to survey-based data, the study incorporates direct chemical analysis of household well water, assessing concentrations of nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), and pH levels as indicators of groundwater quality and public health risk. The results reveal that NO₃⁻ remained below the 50 mg/L standard in all wells, while NO₂⁻ approached or slightly exceeded 0.50 mg/L in a few Ceanu Mare villages, underscoring the vulnerability of shallow wells to diffuse agricultural inputs and sanitation deficits. The study also characterizes the main agrochemical compounds used and discusses their potential impacts on water and soil quality, emphasizing nitrate leaching, phosphate runoff, and the persistence of pesticide residues as major risks. These findings underscore the necessity of integrated management strategies, regular monitoring of groundwater quality, and targeted policy interventions to ensure sustainable rural development and environmental protection in similar Central and Eastern European contexts. Full article

Bioponics is a promising agricultural system designed to integrate circular economy principles by recovering nutrients from organic waste. In this context we implemented a tri-trophic circular system, where insect larvae fed on crop residues and fruits were processed into insect meal for fish feed. The water used in fish rearing then irrigated tomato crops in an aquaponic setup, closing the nutritional loop. Tomato was cultivated in this system with the aim of thoroughly evaluating its applicability via assessing the dynamics of growth, yield, and functional responses of the crop across three treatments: coupled aquaponics (CAP), decoupled aquaponics (DCAP), and hydroponics (HP, as control). DCAP matched HP in all parameters assessed and even outperformed it in fertilizer use efficiency by 31%. In contrast, CAP showed reduced growth and yield (by 38%) and limitations in photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic performance, likely due to significant deficiencies in potassium and phosphorus (9-fold and 2-fold lower than in HP, respectively). DCAP demonstrated strong potential to achieve similar crop outcomes to conventional hydroponics with enhanced resource efficiency. Overall, adopting the DCAP variant of aquaponics in this circular nutrition system is a promising alternative to conventional hydroponics, supporting a transition toward more environmentally resilient farming practices. Full article

The rehabilitation of coal mine sites in semi-arid environments is a step in combating desertification. A promising rehabilitation approach involves the development of anthropic soils that can support vegetation. However, reliable soil quality indicators are needed to evaluate long-term sustainability of rehabilitation strategies. In a coal mine area in northeastern Spain, two anthropic soils (0.5 m thick) were constructed by layering fine-textured coal residues at the bottom, topped with coarse overburden materials. Chemical fertility was enhanced using combinations of semi-liquid manure (25 or 60 mm) and straw (0 or 15 Mg ha⁻¹), resulting in four treatments randomly distributed across both soil surfaces. Two abiotic indicators were selected for sustainability assessment: soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and microstructure. Seven years after rehabilitation activities were completed, SOC fractions were analyzed. In addition, two years later, soil porosity and specific pore perimeter were also assessed in soil thin section images. The results indicated that the lower manure rate promoted more efficient SOC stabilization, evidenced by a 4–5-fold increase in specific pore perimeter at 0–5 cm depth, and lower fulvic acid content at 5–20 cm depth, compared with the higher manure rate. Micromorphological analysis proved to be a sensitive method for detecting early improvements in the physical quality of anthropic soils, highlighting the importance of adjusting manure rates for sustainable coal mine rehabilitation. Full article

Koelreuteria paniculata is an amenity landscape tree whose seed extracts and cold-pressed oil are proven biopesticides and biodiesel feedstocks. However, the residual seed cake phytochemical profile has not been systematically assessed or evaluated for multifunctionality across pesticidal, fertilizing, and nutritional domains. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive chemotyping of K. paniculata seed cake and evaluate its potential for use as a biopesticide, biofertilizer, and feed additive, contributing to sustainable and circular agricultural systems. Detailed analyses of the defatted seed cake included moisture, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, and crude fiber determination, as well as amino acid and fatty acid composition determination, supplemented with HPLC and antioxidative capacity investigation. Results delivered a comprehensive chemotyping of K. paniculata seed cake, revealing a nutrient-rich profile with moderate protein (20.01%), substantial monounsaturated fatty acids (75.8%, mainly eicosenoic and oleic), and significant phenolic content, including ellagic acid, rutin, catechin, and gallic acid. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) confirmed moderate radical scavenging activity, indicating that bioactivity is retained after cold-press extraction. These compositional and functional traits highlight the potential of the seed cake as a raw material for natural biopesticides, biofertilizers, and value-added agro-industrial products. However, due to its unusual fatty acid profile and possible anti-nutritional factors, feed applications should proceed with caution and be preceded by targeted safety evaluations. Full article

Returning crop residues to soil is fundamental to sustainable agriculture, yet its adoption in cold-climate regions is hampered by an agronomic paradox: surface mulching conserves water but suppresses the spring soil temperatures required for crop establishment. In the present study, through a nine-year field experiment in a Mollisol under continuous maize cultivation, it was demonstrated that the method of maize straw incorporation, not merely its rate, is the decisive factor in resolving this conflict. While surface mulching maximized water conservation, it induced severe soil cooling and showed minimal gains in soil fertility. In contrast, incorporation via rotary tillage or deep plowing mitigated this cooling effect and proved superior for nutrient cycling. Among all strategies, rotary tillage of 50% residue (ROT-50) delivered the most balanced performance: it achieved the highest total nitrogen, substantially increased soil microbial biomass, and maintained one of the highest levels of Shannon diversity among incorporation treatments. These biogeochemical enhancements were driven by a fundamental, method-induced shift in the bacterial community from an oligotrophic to a copiotrophic structure. These findings shift the paradigm from a focus on residue quantity to one on incorporation method, providing a robust framework for reconciling crop productivity with long-term soil health in temperate agroecosystems. Full article

Background: Chromosomal instability (CIN) may underlie a subset of idiopathic infertility, and chronic periodontitis could contribute to genomic fragility. We tested whether periodontal status is associated with cytogenetic instability in adults with idiopathic infertility. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 60 adults aged 20–40 years, comprising idiopathic infertility (n = 30) and fertile controls (n = 30), each with 18 women and 12 men. Significant exclusions included systemic inflammatory disease, pregnancy/lactation, recent antibiotics/NSAIDs, and periodontal therapy within 6 months. Periodontal examination recorded probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Cytogenetic testing used mitomycin C-induced chromosomal breakage to derive the Breakage Index (BI); CIN was defined as BI ≥ 4.0. Analyses compared infertile with CIN (n = 19), infertile without CIN (n = 11), and controls (n = 30). Results: Infertile participants with CIN had a higher periodontitis burden compared to infertile participants without CIN and to controls (moderate–severe: 89.5% vs. 54.5% vs. 26.7%); mean BI also differed (5.2 ± 0.9 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2). Periodontal measures followed the same gradient, with greater CAL and PD in CIN-positive infertility. Conclusions: In idiopathic infertility, CIN was cross-sectionally associated with more severe periodontitis, and the BI correlated with CAL, PD, and BOP. Causality cannot be inferred and residual confounding cannot be excluded. Periodontal screening is a feasible adjunct that may help identify a modifiable inflammatory burden; prospective and interventional studies are warranted. Full article

This study evaluates the application of circular economy principles in the wine sector through a demonstrative case developed within the LIFE Climawin project. The initiative focuses on the local valorization of vineyard residues by producing biochar from vine pruning and using it to enrich compost derived from winemaking by-products and sheep manure. The combined application of these soil amendments aims to improve soil structure, enhance carbon sequestration, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. A systemic evaluation was conducted using the Ecocanvas methodology—a conceptual framework for mapping circular business models across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The analysis integrated a targeted literature review, examination of technical data, direct field observations of composting and biochar production, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Results indicate multiple benefits from localized residue valorization, including improved compost quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, potential contributions to long-term soil health, and enhanced resource efficiency. The analysis also highlights economic opportunities, such as reduced dependency on external inputs, and social value creation through local stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the study identifies factors that enable or constrain the replication and scaling of this model. These findings contribute to frameworks for advancing circular, economically viable, and socially inclusive climate-resilient agricultural systems. Full article

The urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural inputs, alongside the rising cost and limited availability of mineral fertilizers, has encouraged the exploration of organic waste materials as alternative nutrient sources. This review examines how organic and nutrient-rich waste streams—from livestock excreta and food industry residues to sewage sludge and combustion by-products—can be converted into effective fertilizers through biological, thermal, and chemical processes, reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers and supporting more circular and resilient cropping systems. It also analyzes the agronomic performance of these waste-derived materials in terms of nutrient release dynamics, impact on soil functions, and crop response under different management conditions. Examples of commercial waste-derived fertilizers are included, together with their effects on soil quality and crop productivity, and regulatory frameworks and commercialization challenges are considered, with emphasis on current European policies and real-world product examples. The broader contribution of these practices to climate mitigation, resource recovery, and rural development is also discussed. While promising, the implementation of waste-based fertilization strategies requires further efforts in standardization, safety assurance, and farmer engagement. This article provides an integrated overview of the topic and identifies key areas for future research, innovation, and policy development in support of sustainable nutrient management. Full article