Search Results (8,559)

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer usage in agriculture has prompted the exploration of sustainable strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) while maintaining crop yield and quality. Processed tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were grown for two years (2023 and 2024) following a two-way factorial randomized complete block (RCBD) design, considering three biostimulants and three N regimes as two factors, to assess their morphophysiological, biochemical, anatomical and yield performances. Nitrogen application significantly influenced biomass accumulation, the leaf area index (LAI), nitrogen uptake and yield with notable comparable values between reduced and optimal nitrogen dose, indicating improved nitrogen use efficiency. Biostimulants showed limited effects alone but enhanced plant performance under reduced nitrogen conditions, particularly improving chlorophyll content, crop growth, N uptake, yield and anatomical adaptations. Moreover, compared to 2024, biostimulant application enhanced tomato growth more evidently in 2023 due to environmental variations, likely due to the occurrence of stress conditions. Importantly, biostimulants, together with N regimes, i.e., optimal and reduced doses, showed improved anatomical traits, especially regarding leaf thickness and thickness between the two epidermises, indicating adaptive responses that may support sustained productivity under N-limited conditions. Among the biostimulants used, the processed tomatoes responded better to protein hydrolysate and endophytic N-fixing bacteria than to seaweed extract. These findings suggest that although biostimulants alone were not affected, integrating them with reduced N fertilization provides a viable strategy for optimizing tomato production, conserving resources and minimizing the environmental impact without compromising yield or quality. Full article

Our contemporary society is powered by fossil fuels, which results in environmental catastrophes. The combustion of these materials results in the release of CO₂, which accelerates the progression of climate change and its catastrophic consequences. The environmental repercussions of fossil fuel extraction have been highlighted through research into alternative energy sources. This inquiry uses the Tapio-Z decoupling approach to assess energy inputs and emissions. Furthermore, the fuzzy logic model is used to inspect the economic growth of the USA and China, as well as the impact of environmental factors, energy sources, and utilization, through decoupling effects from 1994 to 2023. The findings are substantiated by the individual perspectives of the environmental factors regarding decoupling, which ultimately lead to the acquisition of valuable results. We anticipate a substantial reduction in the total volume of CO₂ emissions in both the USA and China. Compared to China, the USA shows a significant increase in CO₂ emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. It is evident that a comprehensive transition to renewable resources and a broad range of technology is required to mitigate CO₂ emissions in high-energy zones. In their pursuit of sustainability, these two nations are making remarkable strides. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates that effective changes in economic growth, energy input, and energy utilization, particularly sustainable energy, transmute energy output, as does the sustained implementation of robust environmental protection policies. The percentage change in CO₂ emissions indicates a remarkable transformation in energy input, energy consumption, and economic growth. This transition has been most visible in the areas of energy transformation, sustainability, and the maintenance of strong environmental protection measures. Full article

The growth potential of Crinum bulbispermum was evaluated on gold mine tailings. The primary objectives were to model the species’ climatic niche in relation to gold mining regions, assess its germination success on tailings, and compare seedling survival and growth on tailings versus other soil types. Species distribution modelling identified the South African Grassland Biome on the Highveld (1000+ m above sea level), where the majority of gold mines are located, as highly suitable for the species. Pot trials demonstrated above 85% germination success across all soil treatments, including gold mine tailings, indicating its potential for restoration through direct seeding. An initial seedling establishment rate of 100% further demonstrated the species’ resilience to mine tailings, which are often seasonally dry, nutrient-poor, and may contain potentially toxic metals. However, while C. bulbispermum was able to germinate and establish in mine tailings, long-term growth potential (over 12 months) was constrained by low organic carbon content (0.11%) and high salinity (194.50 mS/m). These findings underscore the critical role of soil chemistry and organic matter in supporting long-term plant establishment and growth on gold tailings. Building on previous research, this study confirms the ability of this thick-rooted geophyte to tolerate chemically extreme soil conditions. Crinum bulbispermum shows promise for phytostabilization and as a potential medicinal plant crop on tailings. However, future research on microbial community interactions and soil amendment strategies is essential to ensure its long-term sustainability. Full article

The changing global climate and rapid urbanization make extreme rainstorm events frequent, and the flood disaster caused by rainstorm has become a prominent problem of urban public safety in China, which severely restricts the healthy and sustainable development of social economy. The weight calculation method of traditional risk assessment model is single and ignores the difference of multi-dimensional information space involved in risk analysis. This study constructs a flood risk assessment model by incorporating natural, social, and economic factors into an indicator system structured around four dimensions: hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and disaster prevention and mitigation capacity. A combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the entropy weight method is employed to optimize both subjective and objective weights. Taking the central urban area of Wuhan with a high flood risk as an example, based on the risk assessment values, spatial autocorrelation analysis, cluster analysis, outlier analysis, and hotspot analysis are applied to explore the spatial clustering characteristics of risks. The results show that the overall assessment level of flood hazard in central urban area of Wuhan is medium, the overall assessment level of exposure and vulnerability is low, and the overall disaster prevention and mitigation capability is medium. The overall flood risk levels in Wuchang and Jianghan are the highest, while some areas in Qingshan and Hanyang have the lowest levels. The spatial characteristics of each dimension evaluation index show obvious autocorrelation and spatial differentiation. These findings aim to provide valuable suggestions and references for reducing urban disaster risks and achieving sustainable urban development. Full article

This study investigates the production and economic feasibility of biochar for smallholder and family farms in Central Amazonia, with potential implications for other tropical regions. The costs of construction of a prototype mobile kiln and biochar production were evaluated, using small-sized biomass from acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) agro-industrial residues as feedstock. The biochar produced was characterised in terms of its liming capacity (calcium carbonate equivalence, CaCO_3eq), nutrient content via organic fertilisation methods, and ash analysis by ICP-OES. Field trials with cowpea assessed economic outcomes, as well scenarios of fractional biochar application and cost comparison between biochar production in the prototype kiln and a traditional earth-brick kiln. The prototype kiln showed production costs of USD 0.87–2.06 kg⁻¹, whereas traditional kiln significantly reduced costs (USD 0.03–0.08 kg⁻¹). Biochar application alone increased cowpea revenue by 34%, while combining biochar and lime raised cowpea revenues by up to 84.6%. Owing to high input costs and the low value of the crop, the control treatment generated greater net revenue compared to treatments using lime alone. Moreover, biochar produced in traditional kilns provided a 94% increase in net revenue compared to liming. The estimated externalities indicated that carbon credits represented the most significant potential source of income (USD 2217 ha⁻¹). Finally, fractional biochar application in ten years can retain over 97% of soil carbon content, demonstrating potential for sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration and a potential further motivation for farmers if integrated into carbon markets. Public policies and technological adaptations are essential for facilitating biochar adoption by small-scale tropical farmers. Full article

The intensification of anthropogenic pressures, particularly those related to agriculture driven by increasing demands for food and cash crops, generates negative environmental externalities. Assessing these externalities is essential to better identify and implement measures that promote the environmental sustainability of rural landscapes. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria assessment method of the negative environmental externalities of rural landscapes in the northern Benin agricultural basin, based on satellite-derived data. Starting from a 12-class land cover map produced through satellite image classification, the evaluation was conducted in three steps. First, the 12 land cover classes were reclassified into Human Disturbance Coefficients (HDCs) via a weighted sum model multi-criteria analysis based on nine criteria related to the negative environmental externalities of anthropogenic activities. Second, the HDC classes were spatially aggregated using a regular grid of 1 km² landscape cells to produce the Landscape Environmental Sustainability Index (LESI). Finally, various discretization methods were applied to the LESI for cartographic representation, enhancing spatial interpretation. Results indicate that most areas exhibit moderate environmental externalities (HDC and LESI values between 2.5 and 3.5), covering 63–75% (HDC) and 83–94% (LESI) of the respective sites. Areas of low environmental externalities (values between 1.5 and 2.5) account for 20–24% (HDC) and 5–13% (LESI). The LESI, derived from accessible and cost-effective satellite data, offers a scalable, reproducible, and spatially explicit tool for monitoring landscape sustainability. It holds potential for guiding territorial governance and supporting transitions towards more sustainable land management practices. Future improvements may include, among others, refining the evaluation criteria and introducing variable criteria weighting schemes depending on land cover or region. Full article

China has identified the high-quality development of its green manufacturing transition as the top priority for upgrading their industrial structure system which will lead to the sustainable development of an innovation ecosystem. To assess their progress in this area, this study selects the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021 and constructs an evaluation index system for the green transformation of the manufacturing industry from four dimensions: environment, resources, economy, and industrial structure. This not only comprehensively and systematically reflects the dynamic changes in the green transformation of the manufacturing industry but also addresses the limitations of currently used indices. The entropy value method is used to calculate the comprehensive score of the green transformation of the manufacturing industry, while the key factors influencing the convergence of the green transformation of the manufacturing industry are further explored. The results show that first, the overall level of the green transformation of the manufacturing industry has significantly improved as evidenced by an approximate 32% increase. Second, regional differences are significant with the eastern region experiencing significantly higher levels of transformation compared to the central and western regions, along with a decreasing trend from the east to the central and western regions. From a policy perspective, the findings suggest that tailored production methods for each region should be adopted with a greater emphasis on knowledge exchanges to promote green transition in less developed regions. In addition, further regulations are required which, in part, focus on increasing the degree of openness to the outside world to promote the level of green manufacturing transition. Full article

In the context of the GCC, the adoption of integrated reporting (IR) remains limited, due in part to weak regulatory enforcement, a lack of awareness of the strategic benefits of IR, and a strong focus on short-term financial results. This limited reporting context presents a significant challenge for firms to credibly demonstrate their value to the market and attract potential investors, thus communicating long-term value. Given these limitations, this study considers how IR contributes to firm value, but also examines the mediating role that firm image (FI) plays in this relationship as a reputational construct representing stakeholder perspectives of a firm’s transparency and accountability. The research employs a quantitative methodology, analysing secondary data from corporate governance and integrated reports spanning 2017–2018 to 2022–2023. Findings indicate a positive and robust relationship between integrated reporting and the firm’s value, which was assessed using Tobin’s Q. The findings highlight the significant mediating role of firm image, illustrating how IR practices, via increased transparency, accountability, and sustainability, enhance firm value. This study provides significant insights for researchers, policymakers, and corporate managers, highlighting the strategic relevance of IR in the GCC region. The findings demonstrate that integrated reporting improves transparency, accountability, and sustainability, thereby assisting corporate managers in utilising IR to enhance firm image and facilitate value creation. Policymakers can utilise these insights to develop regulatory frameworks that promote integrated reporting practices, thereby enhancing transparency and sustainable growth within the corporate sector. Full article

As urbanization processes are no longer characterized by simple linear expansion but exhibit leaping, edge-sparse, and discontinuous features, spatiotemporally continuous impervious surface coverage data are needed to better characterize urbanization processes. This study utilized GAIA impervious surface binary data and employed spatiotemporal aggregation methods to convert thirty years of 30 m resolution data into 1 km resolution spatiotemporal impervious surface coverage data, constructing a long-term time series annual impervious surface coverage dataset for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Based on this dataset, we analyzed urban expansion processes and landscape pattern indices in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, exploring the spatiotemporal response relationships of ecological environment changes. Results revealed that the impervious surface area increased dramatically from 7579.3 km² in 1985 to 37,484.0 km² in 2020, representing a year-on-year growth of 88.5%. Urban expansion rates showed two distinct peaks: 800 km²/year around 1990 and approximately 1700 km²/year during 2010–2015. In high-density urbanized areas with impervious surfaces, the average forest area significantly increased from approximately 2500 km² to 7000 km² during 1985–2005 before rapidly declining, grassland patch fragmentation intensified, while in low-density areas, grassland area showed fluctuating decline with poor ecosystem stability. Furthermore, by incorporating natural and social factors such as Fractional Vegetation Coverage (FVC), Habitat Quality Index (HQI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), slope, and population density, we assessed the vulnerability of urbanization development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Results showed that high vulnerability areas (EVI > 0.5) in the Beijing–Tianjin core region continue to expand, while the proportion of low vulnerability areas (EVI < 0.25) in the northern mountainous regions decreased by 4.2% in 2020 compared to 2005. This study provides scientific support for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, suggesting location-specific and differentiated regulation of urbanization processes to reduce ecological risks. Full article

Pimelea is one of the highly toxic plants in Australia, particularly affecting cattle. It contains simplexin, a potent toxin that can cause Pimelea poisoning (St. George Disease) in livestock. A survey was conducted to assess the current impact of Pimelea on livestock production, pasture systems, and financial losses among agricultural producers. In addition, information was also sought about the environmental conditions that facilitate its growth and the effectiveness of existing management strategies. The survey responses were obtained from producers affected by Pimelea across nine different Local Government Areas, through three States, viz., Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Pimelea was reported to significantly affect animal production, with 97% of producers surveyed acknowledging its detrimental effects. Among livestock, cattle were the most severely affected (94%), when compared to sheep (13%), goats (3%), and horses (3%). The presence of Pimelea was mostly observed in spring (65%) and winter (48%), although 29% of respondents indicated that it could be present all year-round under favorable rainfall conditions. Germination was associated with light to moderate rainfall (52%), while only 24% linked it to heavy rainfall. Pimelea simplex F. Muell. was the most frequently encountered species (71%), followed by Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. (26%). Infestations were reported to occur annually by 47% of producers, with 41% noting occurrences every 2 to 5 years. Financially, producers estimated average annual losses of AUD 67,000, with 50% reporting an average of 26 cattle deaths per year, reaching up to 105 deaths in severe years. Some producers were spending up to AUD 2100 per annum to manage Pimelea. While chemical and physical controls were commonly employed, integrating competitive pastures and alternative livestock, such as sheep and goats, was considered as a potential management strategy. This study reiterates the need for further research on sustainable pasture management practices to reduce Pimelea-related risks to livestock and agricultural production systems. Full article

Hyperloop ultra-high-speed transport presents a transformative opportunity for future mobility systems in smart cities. However, assessing its socio-economic impact remains challenging due to Hyperloop’s unique technological, modal, and operational characteristics. As a novel, fifth mode of transportation—distinct from both aviation and rail—Hyperloop requires tailored evaluation tools for policymakers. This study proposes a custom-designed framework to quantify its macroeconomic effects through changes in gross domestic product (GDP) at the city level. Unlike traditional economic models, the proposed approach is specifically adapted to Hyperloop’s multimodality, infrastructure, speed profile, and digital-green footprint. A Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) model is developed and applied at two technology readiness levels (TRL-6 and TRL-9). Case studies of Glasgow, Berlin, and Busan are used to simulate impacts based on geo-spatial features and city-specific trade and accessibility indicators. Results indicate substantial GDP increases driven by factors such as expanded 60 min commute catchment zones, improved trade flows, and connectivity node density. For instance, under TRL-9 conditions, GDP uplift reaches over 260% in certain scenarios. The framework offers a scalable, reproducible tool for policymakers and urban planners to evaluate the economic potential of Hyperloop within the context of sustainable smart city development. Full article

Urban air pollution poses a significant challenge to public health and sustainable development, particularly in mid-sized cities with limited monitoring capabilities. This study investigates the impact of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) on air quality and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Guimarães, Portugal. The first phase involves mapping pollutants and assessing European guidelines, traditional monitoring methods, and emerging tools such as sensors and satellite data. The findings indicate gaps in spatial coverage, emphasizing the importance of integrating data from Sentinel-3, Sentinel-5P, local sensors, and drones. These insights establish a foundation for the next phase, which involves predictive modeling of NBS, LST, and pollutants using machine learning techniques to support data-driven policy-making. Full article

Wind power has gained attention as a vital renewable energy source capable of reducing emissions and serving as an effective alternative to fossil fuels. Floating wind farms could significantly enhance the energy capacities of Mediterranean countries. However, location selection for offshore wind farms (OWFs) is a challenge for renewable energy policy and marine spatial planning (MSP). To address these issues, this study considers the marine space of Greece to propose a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify suitable sites for OWFs. The approach assesses 19 exclusion criteria encompassing legislative, environmental, safety, and technical constraints to determine the eligible areas. Subsequently, 10 evaluation criteria are weighted to determine the selected areas’ level of suitability. The study considers baseline conditions (1981–2010) and future climate scenarios based on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for two horizons (2011–2040 and 2041–2070), integrating projected wind velocities and sea level rise to evaluate potential shifts in suitable areas. Results indicate the central and southeastern Aegean Sea as the most suitable areas for OWF deployment. Climate projections indicate a modest increase in suitable areas. The findings serve as input for climate-resilient MSP seeking to promote sustainable energy development. Full article

Using waste biomass as a raw material for the combined production of electricity and heat offers corresponding energy, economic, environmental and resource efficiency benefits. The study examines both the performance of a system for combined energy production based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) utilizing wood biomass and the market interest in its deployment within Bulgaria. Its objective is to propose a technically and economically viable solution for the recovery of waste biomass through the combined production of electricity and heat while simultaneously assessing the readiness of industrial and municipal sectors to adopt such systems. The cogeneration plant incorporates an ORC module enhanced with three additional economizers that capture residual heat from flue gases. Operating on 2 t/h of biomass, the system delivers 1156 kW of electric power and 3660 kW of thermal energy, recovering an additional 2664 kW of heat. The overall energy efficiency reaches 85%, with projected annual revenues exceeding EUR 600,000 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 5800 t/yr. These indicators can be achieved through optimal installation and operation. When operating at a reduced load, however, the specific fuel consumption increases and the overall efficiency of the installation decreases. The marketing survey results indicate that 75% of respondents express interest in adopting such technologies, contingent upon the availability of financial incentives. The strongest demand is observed for systems with capacities up to 1000 kW. However, significant barriers remain, including high initial investment costs and uneven access to raw materials. The findings confirm that the developed system offers a technologically robust, environmentally efficient and market-relevant solution, aligned with the goals of energy independence, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

The level of participation and performance of water user associations (WUAs) in drained and irrigated areas is influenced by many factors. This paper aims to identify the main challenges to the functioning and performance of these associations in Poland and Ukraine using the methodology of international comparative analysis. We examined legal, organizational, and financial framework of WUAs performance in Poland and Ukraine based on selected case study areas. The results of the study indicate that creation of WUAs in both countries can be assessed as beneficial for sustainable water development in general. However, it is found that the actions intended to bring benefits can actually exacerbate the problem of drought and water shortages. Research shows that the lack of complete documentation on the layout of the drainage networks plays a huge constraint factor that can lead to problems with controlling the reconstruction of drainage networks and significant deterioration of water relations. Another significant problem is the restriction of the scope of WUA activities in Poland to those types of actions subsidized by the state, while lacking financial resources for other necessary activities. Full article