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Search Results (787)

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31 pages, 13266 KiB  
Article
Emission of Total Volatile Organic Compounds from the Torrefaction Process: Meadow Hay, Rye, and Oat Straw as Renewable Fuels
by Justyna Czerwinska, Szymon Szufa, Hilal Unyay and Grzegorz Wielgosinski
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4154; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154154 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study aims to quantify total VOC emissions and evaluate how torrefaction alters the heat of combustion of three agricultural residues. The work examines the amount of VOC emissions during the torrefaction process at various temperatures and investigates the changes in the heat [...] Read more.
This study aims to quantify total VOC emissions and evaluate how torrefaction alters the heat of combustion of three agricultural residues. The work examines the amount of VOC emissions during the torrefaction process at various temperatures and investigates the changes in the heat of combustion of agri-biomass resulting from the torrefaction process. The process was carried out at the following temperatures: 225, 250, 275, and 300 °C. Total VOC emission factors were determined. The reaction kinetics analysis revealed that meadow hay exhibited the most stable thermal behavior with the lowest activation energy. At the same time, rye straw demonstrated higher thermal resistance and complex multi-step degradation characteristics. The authors analyze three types of agricultural biomass: meadow hay, rye straw, and oat straw. The research was divided into five stages: determination of moisture content in the sample, determination of ash content, thermogravimetric analysis, measurement of total VOC emissions from the biomass torrefaction process, and determination of the heat of combustion of the obtained torrefied biomass. Based on the research, it was found that torrefaction of biomass causes the emission of torgas containing VOC in the amount of 2–10 mg/g of torrefied biomass, which can be used energetically, e.g., to support the torrefaction process, and the torrefied biomass shows a higher value of the heat of combustion. Unlike prior studies focused on single feedstocks or limited temperature ranges, this work systematically compares three major crop residues across four torrefaction temperatures and directly couples VOC quantifications. Full article
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13 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Research on the Efficacy of Selected Herbicides Approved for Use in Sustainable Agriculture Using Spring Cereals as an Example
by Piotr Szulc, Justyna Bauza-Kaszewska, Marek Selwet and Katarzyna Ambroży-Deręgowska
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7090; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157090 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected herbicides permitted for use in sustainable agriculture, specifically targeting spring rye and spring barley in a no-till farming system. The application of chemical herbicide protection in the cultivation of spring rye [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected herbicides permitted for use in sustainable agriculture, specifically targeting spring rye and spring barley in a no-till farming system. The application of chemical herbicide protection in the cultivation of spring rye and barley significantly increased the yield and improved the quality parameters of the harvested grain, with the most pronounced effect observed in spring barley. The effectiveness of the herbicide treatment in reducing the number of weeds was 99.4% for spring rye and 82.39% for spring barley. The study demonstrated that the application of chemical herbicide protection had a positive impact on the quality parameters of spring barley grain. Both the thousand-grain weight and protein content were significantly higher in the grain collected from protected plots compared to the control plots. By utilizing herbicides permitted for use in integrated production (IP) in a sustainable manner, we protect the environment while minimizing the impact on crop yields and maintaining the quality of the harvested produce. Full article
24 pages, 913 KiB  
Article
Fermentation Efficiency and Profile of Volatile Compounds in Rye Grain Mashes from Crops Fertilised with Agrifood Waste Ashes
by Łukasz Ściubak, Andrzej Baryga, Maria Balcerek, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak and Stanisław Brzeziński
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3251; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153251 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with [...] Read more.
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with agrifood waste ashes derived from the combustion of corn cob, wood chips, and biomass with defecation lime. The ashes were applied at 2, 4, and 8 t/ha, separately and as mixtures of corn cob (25%) with wood chips (75%) and corn cob (50%) with biomass and defecation lime (50%). Rye mashes were prepared using the pressureless starch liberation method. The starch content in the majority of the rye grains was comparable to the control sample (57.12 g/100 g). The range of ethanol concentrations observed in the fermented mashes was from 55.55 to 68.12 g/L, which corresponded to fermentation yields of 67.25–76.59% of theoretical. The lowest fermentation yield was exhibited by the mash derived from rye cultivated on soil fertilised with a 50:50 mixture of ashes from corn cob and biomass with defecation lime at 8 t/ha. This mash contained more than double the acetaldehyde concentration and total aldehyde content compared to the other samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of using waste biomass ash as a source of macro- and microelements for rye cultivation, enabling the production of agricultural distillates. To ensure high fermentation efficiency and low aldehyde levels, ash dosage and composition need to be established based on experimental optimisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Chemistry)
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18 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Native Grass Enhances Bird, Dragonfly, Butterfly and Plant Biodiversity Relative to Conventional Crops in Midwest, USA
by Steven I. Apfelbaum, Susan M. Lehnhardt, Michael Boston, Lea Daly, Gavin Pinnow, Kris Gillespie and Donald M. Waller
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1666; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151666 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Conspicuous declines in native grassland habitats have triggered sharp reductions in grassland birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and native plant populations and diversity. We compared these biotic groups among three crop type treatments: corn, alfalfa, and a perennial native grass, Virginia wild rye, (Elymus [...] Read more.
Conspicuous declines in native grassland habitats have triggered sharp reductions in grassland birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and native plant populations and diversity. We compared these biotic groups among three crop type treatments: corn, alfalfa, and a perennial native grass, Virginia wild rye, (Elymus virginicus L.) or VWR. This crop type had 2-3X higher bird, dragonfly, butterfly and plant species richness, diversity, and faunal abundance relative to alfalfa and corn types. VWR crop fields also support more obligate grassland bird species and higher populations of dragonfly and butterfly species associated with grasslands and wet meadows. In contrast, the corn and alfalfa types support few or no obligatory grassland birds and mostly non-native insects such as the white cabbage looper (Artogeia rapae L.), the common yellow sulfur butterfly (Colias philodice Godart.), and the mobile and migratory common green darner dragonfly (Anax junius Drury.). In sum, the VWR perennial native grass crop type offers a special opportunity to improve the diversity and abundance of grassland bird species, beneficial insect species, and many native plant species within agricultural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Systems and Management)
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33 pages, 3764 KiB  
Article
Cu2+ and Zn2+ Ions Affecting Biochemical Paths and DNA Methylation of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Anther Culture Influencing Plant Regeneration Efficiency
by Wioletta Monika Dynkowska, Renata Orłowska, Piotr Waligórski and Piotr Tomasz Bednarek
Cells 2025, 14(15), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151167 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 150
Abstract
Rye regeneration in anther cultures is problematic and affected by albino plants. DNA methylation changes linked to Cu2+ ions in the induction medium affect reprogramming microspores from gametophytic to sporophytic path. Alternations in S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), glutathione (GSH), or β-glucans and changes in [...] Read more.
Rye regeneration in anther cultures is problematic and affected by albino plants. DNA methylation changes linked to Cu2+ ions in the induction medium affect reprogramming microspores from gametophytic to sporophytic path. Alternations in S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), glutathione (GSH), or β-glucans and changes in DNA methylation in regenerants obtained under different in vitro culture conditions suggest a crucial role of biochemical pathways. Thus, understanding epigenetic and biochemical changes arising from the action of Cu2+ and Zn2+ that participate in enzymatic complexes may stimulate progress in rye doubled haploid plant regeneration. The Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism approach was implemented to identify markers related to DNA methylation and sequence changes following the quantification of variation types, including symmetric and asymmetric sequence contexts. Reverse-Phase High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) connected with mass spectrometry was utilized to determine SAM, GSH, and glutathione disulfide, as well as phytohormones, and RP-HPLC with a fluorescence detector to study polyamines changes originating in rye regenerants due to Cu2+ or Zn2+ presence in the induction medium. Multivariate and regression analysis revealed that regenerants derived from two lines treated with Cu2+ and those treated with Zn2+ formed distinct groups based on DNA sequence and methylation markers. Zn2+ treated and control samples formed separate groups. Also, Cu2+ discriminated between controls and treated samples, but the separation was less apparent. Principal coordinate analysis explained 85% of the total variance based on sequence variation and 69% of the variance based on DNA methylation changes. Significant differences in DNA methylation characteristics were confirmed, with demethylation in the CG context explaining up to 89% of the variance across genotypes. Biochemical profiles also demonstrated differences between controls and treated samples. The changes had different effects on green and albino plant regeneration efficiency, with cadaverine (Cad) and SAM affecting regeneration parameters the most. Analyses of the enzymes depend on the Cu2+ or Zn2+ ions and are implemented in the synthesis of Cad, or SAM, which showed that some of them could be candidates for genome editing. Alternatively, manipulating SAM, GSH, and Cad may improve green plant regeneration efficiency in rye. Full article
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15 pages, 1843 KiB  
Article
Multidimensional Evaluation of Local Rye Bread Fortified with Whey as a Model for Food Waste Valorization: From Recipe Development to Consumer Acceptance
by Márcio Moura-Alves, João Mota, Diogo Lameirão, Ana Francisca Teixeira, Cristina Saraiva, María Ángeles Romero-Rodríguez, Alice Vilela and Carla Gonçalves
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6710; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156710 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
The growing demand for functional and sustainable foods has driven food innovation, enhancing its nutritional value. This study aimed to develop a nutritious bread using local rye from the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal and incorporating whey, a by-product of the dairy industry, as [...] Read more.
The growing demand for functional and sustainable foods has driven food innovation, enhancing its nutritional value. This study aimed to develop a nutritious bread using local rye from the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal and incorporating whey, a by-product of the dairy industry, as a replacement for water. Three bread formulations were tested: a traditional recipe with 37.5% rye flour and water (Control—CTR); the same recipe using whey instead of water (Rye Whey—RW); and a formulation with 100% local rye and whey replacing water (Full Rye Whey—FRW). Nutritional composition was assessed, including moisture, ash, protein, dietary fiber, sodium, potassium, lipids, and carbohydrates. Sensory analysis included both quantitative descriptive analysis and consumer acceptance testing. Microbiological quality was also evaluated. Whey-containing samples showed lower moisture and increased levels of ash, lipids, carbohydrates, and potassium. RW had the highest protein content (6.54 ± 0.28 g/100 g, p < 0.05), while FRW exhibited the highest dietary fiber (6.96 ± 0.15 g/100 g, p < 0.05). RW demonstrated a balanced nutritional and sensory profile, with high consumer acceptance. Overall, the combination of local rye and whey presents a promising strategy for producing nutritious bread while valorizing local agricultural resources and dairy by-products. These findings support sustainable food production practices and contribute to circular economy approaches. Full article
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19 pages, 1553 KiB  
Review
Perennial Grains in Russia: History, Status, and Perspectives
by Alexey Morgounov, Olga Shchuklina, Inna Pototskaya, Amanjol Aydarov and Vladimir Shamanin
Crops 2025, 5(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5040046 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
The review summarizes the historical and current research on perennial grain breeding in Russia within the context of growing global interest in perennial crops. N.V. Tsitsin’s pioneering work in the 1930s produced the first wheat–wheatgrass amphiploids, which demonstrated the capacity to regrow after [...] Read more.
The review summarizes the historical and current research on perennial grain breeding in Russia within the context of growing global interest in perennial crops. N.V. Tsitsin’s pioneering work in the 1930s produced the first wheat–wheatgrass amphiploids, which demonstrated the capacity to regrow after harvest and survive for 2–3 years. Subsequent research at the Main Botanical Garden in Moscow focused on characterizing Tsitsin’s material, selecting superior germplasm, and expanding genetic diversity through new cycles of hybridization and selection. This work led to the development of a new crop species, Trititrigia, and the release of cultivar ‘Pamyati Lyubimovoy’ in 2020, designed for dual-purpose production of high-quality grain and green biomass. Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is native to Russia, where several forage cultivars have been released and cultivated. Two large-grain cultivars (Sova and Filin) were developed from populations provided by the Land Institute and are now grown by farmers. Perennial rye was developed through interspecific crosses between Secale cereale and S. montanum, demonstrating persistence for 2–3 years with high biomass production and grain yields of 1.5–2.0 t/ha. Hybridization between Sorghum bicolor and S. halepense resulted in two released cultivars of perennial sorghum used primarily for forage production under arid conditions. Russia’s agroclimatic diversity in agricultural production systems provides significant opportunities for perennial crop development. The broader scientific and practical implications of perennial crops in Russia extend to climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture and international cooperation in this emerging field. Full article
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15 pages, 1025 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of the Content and Variability of Dietary Fiber Components and Alkylresorcinols of Rye Grain (Secale cereale L.)
by Anna Fraś, Magdalena Wiśniewska, Dariusz R. Mańkowski and Marlena Gzowska
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142994 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, valued for its high resistance to environmental stress and high levels of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (DF) and alkylresorcinols (ARR). The aim of [...] Read more.
Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, valued for its high resistance to environmental stress and high levels of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (DF) and alkylresorcinols (ARR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the content and variability of DF fractions and ARR in rye grain of hybrid and population cultivars. The research was conducted on grain from four rye cultivars cultivated in five locations over three consecutive growing seasons. The content of DF, its fractions, and ARR, was determined using enzymatic–gravimetric and colorimetric methods. The results showed significant variability in all analyzed traits, with environmental conditions and G×E interaction having the greatest impact on their content. Hybrid cultivars were characterized by a higher and more stable content of bioactive compounds. Notable average values for hybrids vs. populations included DF: 153.9 vs. 151.7 g kg−1, NSP: 129.4 vs. 127.7 g kg−1, lignin: 24.5 vs. 24.0 g kg−1, β-glucan: 21.7 vs. 20.6 g kg−1, and ARR: 1015 vs. 987 g kg−1. The KWS Serafino cultivar characterized by the highest and most stable content of bioactive compounds. Selecting genotypes with stable chemical profiles regardless of environmental conditions is crucial for developing nutritionally valuable rye-based products. Full article
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18 pages, 1414 KiB  
Article
Field Validation of the DNDC-Rice Model for Crop Yield, Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Carbon Sequestration in a Soybean System with Rye Cover Crop Management
by Qiliang Huang, Nobuko Katayanagi, Masakazu Komatsuzaki and Tamon Fumoto
Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141525 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
The DNDC-Rice model effectively simulates yield and greenhouse gas emissions within a paddy system, while its performance under upland conditions remains unclear. Using data from a long-term cover crop experiment (fallow [FA] vs. rye [RY]) in a soybean field, this study validated the [...] Read more.
The DNDC-Rice model effectively simulates yield and greenhouse gas emissions within a paddy system, while its performance under upland conditions remains unclear. Using data from a long-term cover crop experiment (fallow [FA] vs. rye [RY]) in a soybean field, this study validated the DNDC-Rice model’s performance in simulating soil dynamics, crop growth, and C-N cycling processes in upland systems through various indicators, including soil temperature, water-filled pore space (WFPS), soybean biomass and yield, CO2 and N2O fluxes, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Based on simulated results, the underestimation of cumulative N2O flux (25.6% in FA and 5.1% in RY) was attributed to both underestimated WFPS and the algorithm’s limitations in simulating N2O emission pulses. Overestimated soybean growth increased respiration, leading to the overestimation of CO2 flux. Although the model captured trends in SOC stock, the simulated annual values differed from observations (−9.9% to +10.1%), potentially due to sampling errors. These findings indicate that the DNDC-Rice model requires improvements in its N cycling algorithm and crop growth sub-models to improve predictions for upland systems. This study provides validation evidence for applying DNDC-Rice to upland systems and offers direction for improving model simulation in paddy-upland rotation systems, thereby enhancing its applicability in such contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Management of Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution)
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24 pages, 1159 KiB  
Review
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
by Pathumi Ariyarathna, Patryk Mizera, Jarosław Walkowiak and Krzysztof Dziedzic
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142447 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 580
Abstract
The growing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is drawing an increasing amount of attention to the health-promoting potential of whole-grain dietary fibers. Whole grains are rich sources of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), contributing distinct physicochemical properties [...] Read more.
The growing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is drawing an increasing amount of attention to the health-promoting potential of whole-grain dietary fibers. Whole grains are rich sources of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), contributing distinct physicochemical properties and playing vital roles in promoting human health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the dietary fiber compositions of various whole grains, including wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn, sorghum, and rice, highlighting their structural characteristics, physiochemical properties, and associated health benefits. The physicochemical properties of dietary fibers, such as solubility, water- and oil-holding capacity, viscosity, swelling ability, and bile-acid-binding capacity, contribute significantly to their technological applications and potential health benefits, particularly in the prevention of NCDs. Although there is growing evidence supporting their health benefits, global whole-grain intake remains below recommended levels. Therefore, promoting whole-grain intake and developing fiber-rich functional foods are essential for enhancing public health and preventing chronic diseases. Future research should focus on enhancing the bioavailability and functionality of whole-grain dietary fibers, optimizing the methods by which they are extracted, and exploring their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
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34 pages, 4095 KiB  
Article
Integrating LCA and Multi-Criteria Tools for Eco-Design Approaches: A Case Study of Mountain Farming Systems
by Pasqualina Sacco, Davide Don, Andreas Mandler and Fabrizio Mazzetto
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6240; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146240 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Designing sustainable farming systems in mountainous regions is particularly challenging because of complex economic, social, and environmental factors. Production models prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection require integrated assessment methodologies that can address multiple criteria and incorporate diverse stakeholders’ perspectives while ensuring accuracy and [...] Read more.
Designing sustainable farming systems in mountainous regions is particularly challenging because of complex economic, social, and environmental factors. Production models prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection require integrated assessment methodologies that can address multiple criteria and incorporate diverse stakeholders’ perspectives while ensuring accuracy and applicability. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) are two complementary approaches that support “eco-design” strategies aimed at identifying the most sustainable options, including on-farm transformation processes. This study presents an integrated application of LCA and MAMCA to four supply chains: rye bread, barley beer, cow cheese, and goat cheese. The results show that cereal-based systems have lower environmental impacts than livestock systems do, although beer’s required packaging significantly increases its footprint. The rye bread chain emerged as the most sustainable and widely preferred option, except under high-climatic risk scenarios. In contrast, livestock-based systems were generally less favorable because of greater impacts and risks but gained preference when production security became a priority. Both approaches underline the need for a deep understanding of production performance. Future assessments in mountain contexts should integrate logistical aspects and cooperative models to enhance the resilience and sustainability of short food supply chains. Full article
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22 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
From Wastewater to Soil Amendment: A Case Study on Sewage Sludge Composting and the Agricultural Application of the Compost
by Csilla Almási, Zoltán Veres, Ibolya Demeter, Viktória Orosz, Tímea Tóth, Mostafa M. Mansour, István Henzsel, Zsolt Bogdányi, Tamás András Szegi and Marianna Makádi
Water 2025, 17(13), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132026 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 568
Abstract
The treatment of wastewater and the utilization of the by-products of these processes are an important part of the circular economy. The sewage sludge, a result of wastewater treatment, could be used as a material for plant nutrient supply and/or soil-improving products. The [...] Read more.
The treatment of wastewater and the utilization of the by-products of these processes are an important part of the circular economy. The sewage sludge, a result of wastewater treatment, could be used as a material for plant nutrient supply and/or soil-improving products. The city of Nyíregyháza, Hungary, with 120,000 citizens, has a well-planned water treatment plant operated by Nyírségvíz Ltd., which, in cooperation with the Research Institute of Nyíregyháza, developed a municipal sewage sludge compost (SSC). The closed loop of sewage water treatment and the agricultural utilization of its by-product has been developed and managed. The compost product called Nyírkomposzt was planned for acidic sandy soils. Beyond the agronomic benefits, the sustainable and environmentally sound utilization of SSC reduces sewage sludge disposal. This active involvement of a water utility company demonstrates the potential of cross-sectoral cooperation in solving environmental problems. The quality of the compost fits the Hungarian legislation. To study the effects of 0, 9, 18, and 27 t ha−1 doses of compost on acidic sandy soil, a long-term small plot experiment was started in 2003. The cumulative effects of the regular (every third year, last treatment before sampling in 2021) application of the SSC showed positive changes in basic soil properties, depending on the doses used. Increasing values were found in the case of pH from 4.5 to 6, plant available P2O5 from 240 to 690 ppm, and plant available K2O from 180 to 200 ppm. The plant-available zinc and copper content also increased. Soil organic matter and total N content stabilized at around 0.9% and 0.08%, respectively. The grain yields of winter rye also increased in both investigated years. The yields of 18 t ha−1 treatment were about two times higher compared to the control, but only in 2022 was the difference significant. Our findings underscore the potential of well-planned SSC applications to improve the fertility of ploughed, acidic sandy soil, taking into account the theory of the circular economy by utilizing wastes and decreasing landfilling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Resource Utilization of Urban Sewage Sludge)
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27 pages, 4066 KiB  
Article
Brewers’ Spent Grain from Different Types of Malt: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Appearance, Structure, Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and Volatile Emissions
by Aleksander Hejna, Joanna Aniśko-Michalak, Katarzyna Skórczewska, Mateusz Barczewski, Paweł Sulima, Jerzy Andrzej Przyborowski, Hubert Cieśliński and Mariusz Marć
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132809 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 384
Abstract
Beer is the third most popular beverage in the world, and its production is distributed uniformly between the biggest continents. Considering the environmental aspects, the utilization of brewing by-products, mainly brewers’ spent grain (BSG), is essential on a global scale. The beer revolution, [...] Read more.
Beer is the third most popular beverage in the world, and its production is distributed uniformly between the biggest continents. Considering the environmental aspects, the utilization of brewing by-products, mainly brewers’ spent grain (BSG), is essential on a global scale. The beer revolution, lasting over a few decades, significantly diversified the beer market in terms of styles, and therefore, also its by-products, which should be characterized appropriately prior to further application. Herein, the presented study investigated the unprecedented number of 22 different variants of brewers’ spent grain, yielded from the production of various beer styles, enabling their proper comparison. A comprehensive by-product characterization revealed an almost linear relationship (Pearson correlation coefficients exceeding 0.9) between the color parameters (L*, a*, browning index) of beer and generated spent grain, enabling a prediction of BSG appearance based on beer color. Applying wheat or rye malts increased the content of extractives by over 40%, reducing cellulose content by as much as 45%. Thermal treatments of malts (kilning or smoking) also reduced extractive content and limited antioxidant activity, often by over 30%. A lack of husk for wheat or rye reduced the crystallinity index of spent grain by 21–41%, while the roasting of barley efficiently decomposed the less stable compounds and maintained the cellulose crystalline structure. All the analyzed BSG samples were characterized by low volatile emissions and very limited antimicrobial activity. Therefore, their harmfulness to human health and the environment is limited, broadening their potential application range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Re-Valorization of Waste and Food Co-Products)
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20 pages, 420 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Cultivar and Crop Protection to Support Winter Rye Yield in Continuous Cropping
by Marta K. Kostrzewska and Magdalena Jastrzębska
Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131368 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Continuous cropping (CC) of cereals leads to reduced yields due to cumulative biotic and abiotic stresses. Winter rye, Secale cereale L., is considered relatively CC-tolerant, yet it may still suffer under prolonged monocropping. This six-year study (2017–2022) aimed to assess the effects of [...] Read more.
Continuous cropping (CC) of cereals leads to reduced yields due to cumulative biotic and abiotic stresses. Winter rye, Secale cereale L., is considered relatively CC-tolerant, yet it may still suffer under prolonged monocropping. This six-year study (2017–2022) aimed to assess the effects of cropping systems (CC vs. crop rotation, CR), cultivar type (hybrid vs. population), and chemical plant protection (control treatment, herbicide, herbicide plus fungicide) on winter rye yield and yield components. The study was conducted as part of a long-term field experiment in northeastern Poland that started in 1967. Two cultivars, KWS Binntto (hybrid) and Dańkowskie Diament (population), were evaluated across treatments. Overall, CR led to significantly higher yields and better performance of all yield components than CC. The hybrid cultivar consistently outperformed the population cultivar. Chemical plant protection improved yield under CC, but was redundant under CR. The hybrid cultivar cultivated in CC protected by rational chemical treatments produced equal or greater yields than the population cultivar grown in CR. In CC conditions, hybrid rye exhibited greater yield stability and resilience to interannual weather variation than the population cultivar. These findings support the use of hybrid rye with rational chemical protection as a practical strategy to sustain productivity in CC systems without relying solely on crop rotation. Full article
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25 pages, 1529 KiB  
Review
From Nutrition to Energy: Evaluating the Role of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Grain in Sustainable Food Systems and Biofuel Applications
by Adam Kleofas Berbeć and Marta Wyzińska
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111971 - 1 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 665
Abstract
Rye (Secale cereale L.), a cereal with valuable agronomic and nutritional benefits, contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially in areas where more demanding crops cannot be cultivated due to the poor agronomic value of soil. This review explores rye grain quality optimization strategies [...] Read more.
Rye (Secale cereale L.), a cereal with valuable agronomic and nutritional benefits, contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially in areas where more demanding crops cannot be cultivated due to the poor agronomic value of soil. This review explores rye grain quality optimization strategies through production techniques. The quality and yield of grain are under the significant impact of agronomic factors, such as variety selection, crop rotation, soil tillage, fertilization, sowing practices, chemical protection, and harvest timing. It is also under the strong influence of the chosen farm’s management strategy, like organic or conventional farming system. This review emphasizes its diverse potential utilization routes, and the importance of bioactive compounds, dietary fibers, phenolic acids, phytoestrogens, and benzoxazinoids that enhance its value as a functional food. Cereal grain with quality issues cannot be used as food for humans, however, it can still be utilized alternatively as a renewable biofuel. This review showed rye grain to have a potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and at the same time build farms’ resilience through possible alternative utilization strategies. It can serve as both a food source and a sustainable biofuel, offering a dual-purpose solution within the circular bioeconomy. Full article
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