Search Results (66)

This study proposes an integrated framework for sustainable tropical agriculture by combining biochemical waste valorization with spatial carbon footprint estimation in ‘Phulae’ pineapple production. Peel and eye residues from fresh-cut processing were enzymatically converted into rare sugar, achieving average conversion efficiencies of 35.28% for peel and 37.51% for eyes, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.56 and an estimated unit cost of USD 0.17 per gram. A complementary zero-waste pathway produced functional gummy products using vinegar fermented from pineapple eye waste, with the preferred formulation scoring a mean of 4.32 out of 5 on a sensory scale with 158 untrained panelists. For spatial carbon modeling, the Bare Land Referenced Algorithm (BRAH) and Otsu thresholding were applied to multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and THEOS imagery to estimate plantation age, which strongly correlated with field-measured emissions (r = 0.996). This enabled scalable mapping of plot-level greenhouse gas emissions, yielding an average footprint of 0.2304 kg CO₂ eq. per kilogram of fresh pineapple at the plantation gate. Together, these innovations form a replicable model that aligns tropical fruit supply chains with circular economy goals and carbon-related trade standards. The framework supports waste traceability, resource efficiency, and climate accountability using accessible, data-driven tools suitable for smallholder contexts. By demonstrating practical value addition and spatially explicit carbon monitoring, this study shows how integrated circular and geospatial strategies can advance sustainability and market competitiveness for the ‘Phulae’ pineapple industry and similar perennial crop systems. Full article

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a climacteric fruit with high postharvest perishability, limiting its export potential. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a natural protein–polysaccharide edible coating—comprising whey, agar, cassava starch, and glycerol—on maintaining the physicochemical quality of green bananas during 28 days of refrigerated storage (13 °C, 95% RH). Seven formulations were tested, including an uncoated control. Physicochemical parameters such as weight loss, firmness, fruit dimensions, peel color, titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solids (°Brix) were systematically monitored. Significant differences were observed among treatments (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The most effective coating (T5), composed of 16.7% whey, 16.7% agar, 33.3% cassava starch, and 33.3% glycerol (based on 30 g/L solids), reduced weight loss by 58.8%, improved firmness retention by 48.4%, and limited sugar accumulation by 17.0% compared to the control. It also stabilized pH and acidity, preserved peel thickness and color parameters (L*, a*, b*), and delayed ripening. These findings confirm the coating’s capacity to form a cohesive semipermeable barrier that modulates moisture loss and respiration, making it a functional and sustainable alternative for extending banana shelf life in tropical supply chains. Full article

In Thailand, nipa palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) is considered a plant of great value to communities due to its social, environmental, and economic benefits. Effective management of the supply chain of products derived from nipa palm resources is essential to providing communities with suitable channels for selling each type of product and deriving maximum benefits. This study sought to map the supply chain structure of six different nipa palm products. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 farmers and 20 middlemen engaged in nipa palm cultivation and marketing. The analysis focused on the characteristics of the products, challenges associated with production and marketing, and the current supply chain dynamics. The findings revealed that among six products, palm sugar had the highest production volume. The most significant challenges identified were related to labor shortages and limited marketing channels. To achieve sustainable supply chain management, it is crucial to maintain a balance between the supply and demand of nipa palm products. This study recommends exploring appropriate marketing channels for each product, with particular emphasis on online platforms that allow communities to sell directly to consumers without intermediaries. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of sustainable supply chain management at the community level, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and income generation. They also highlight the need to expand knowledge and propose policy support for existing community enterprises through targeted investment in infrastructure, skill development, and the promotion of inclusive, community-based marketing strategies. Full article

With increasing discussions about energy security and sustainable electricity generation, the supply of biomass resources, such as sugarcane energy, has become increasingly important for regional development. In this study, the impact of spatial dependence and distribution of the supply of sugar-energy bioelectricity in Brazil was examined using a spatial econometric model. Data from ANEEL’s Generation Information System were utilized to represent the Brazilian territory. Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) was employed as a method, with both bivariate and univariate correlations evaluated. In the scenario analysis, the results indicated a 133% increase in the number of sugarcane bagasse-based power plants in Brazil over the past twenty years (from 189 to 442 power plants), along with a 229% increase in GW potential (from 4.11 to 13.55 GW) over the same period. The results demonstrated that the Brazilian sector is expanding rapidly. Regarding spatial dependence, the results indicated that in Brazil, there is no clear correlation between electricity consumption and sugarcane supply, but the univariate analysis revealed that power availability is spatially connected, with the presence of high-supply clusters in the country. The spatial agglomerations showed an I_{Moran_Global} of 0.543 for intermediate regions and 0.453 for immediate regions. Spatial agglomeration may have a positive effect on improving regional performance by reducing the challenges involved in site selection, licensing, and grid connection. Thus, this work contributes by analyzing the spatial distribution of supply, which can be useful for energy planning. Furthermore, spatial differences and disparities complicate the management and formulation of public policies aimed at regional energy development, requiring spatial methods that identify areas with similar characteristics, such as the one applied in this study. Full article

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) is a seasonal vegetable (also known as courgette) characterized by health properties due to the content of several bioactive molecules. For this reason, the consumption of zucchini is highly recommended as a part of the Mediterranean diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible influence of a specific compost supply for shifting the characteristics of an integrated agriculture toward a biodynamic standard following Demeter^® certified rules. In particular, an approach based on ¹H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) was applied to analyze the differences between the metabolic profiles of the zucchini samples (with the same cultivar, Vitulia), obtained from three different agronomical practices: two focused agricultural systems (compost supplied and integrated), as well as the used benchmark (Demeter biodynamic certified). The obtained results showed that the samples from the plots managed with biofertilizer from compost showed similar behaviour to the samples managed under Demeter biodynamic certification, with higher content of some amino acids, such as arginine, and lower content of sugars than the samples from integrated farming. The concentration of twenty elements was then determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The averaged results of the elemental data appear almost parallel to the trend observed with the metabolomics approach. In the present case, the use of a specific compost as a biofertilizer has shown to promote the transition to the quality standards of the Demeter certification, significantly improving the crops’ sustainability. Full article

Corn, as a raw material supplying energy, plays an important role in animal husbandry. But in recent years, problems related to insufficient energy supply from corn have attracted increasing attention. Therefore, it is highly important to develop new energy-supplying materials to replace corn in animal diets. To study the feasibility of replacing corn with fermented corn straw in ruminants, 16 Yichang white goats were divided into two groups: those kept on a grain-based diet with dry corn straw (DS) and those fed a grain-based diet with fermented corn straw (FS). Corn in the FS group was replaced with fermented corn straw at a ratio of 1.3:1. By increasing the surface area (p = 0.035) and width (p = 0.024) of the rumen epithelial papillae of Yichang white goats, the absolute enzyme activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and the relative enzyme activity of microcrystalline cellulase in the rumen contents increased with fermented corn straw, and the rumen digestibility of cellulose and the whole intestinal apparent digestibility of CP, CF, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose increased. The timely removal of excess calcium through feces and urine prevented liver and kidney damage, improved the heart index and liver index, and sustained goat health. Due to an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as f-Lachnospiraceae and c_Bacilli in the rumen fluid and colon contents, the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria such as s_Turicibacter decreased. Through the rumen pentose phosphate pathway, carbon metabolism, the AMPK signaling pathway, pathways of neurodegeneration, multiple diseases pathways, vitamin b6 metabolism in the colon, the biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars, and the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways, rumen fermentation and metabolism are regulated in the goat body, promoting animal health. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of replacing corn with fermented corn straw on the carcass index, organ index, calcium and phosphorus contents in tissues, serum biochemical parameters, nutrient digestibility, rumen epithelium and intestinal development, rumen fermentation, and microbial enzyme activity of the rumen contents of Yichang white goats. By combining these approaches with microbial 16S amplicon analysis of rumen fluid and colon contents, along with nontargeted metabolome analysis, we demonstrated the feasibility of substituting corn with fermented corn straw in ruminant feed, providing a new approach for the substitution of energy-supplying feed materials. Full article

In line with environmental awareness movements and social concerns, the textile industry is prioritizing sustainability in its strategic planning, product decisions, and brand initiatives. The use of non-biodegradable materials, obtained from non-renewable sources, contributes heavily to environmental pollution throughout the textile production chain. As sustainable alternatives, considerable efforts are being made to incorporate biodegradable biopolymers derived from residual biomass, with reasonable production costs, to replace or reduce the use of synthetic petrochemical-based polymers. However, the commercial deployment of these biopolymers is dependent on high biomass availability and a cost-effective supply. Residual forest biomass, with lignocellulosic composition and seasonably available at low cost, constitutes an attractive renewable resource that might be used as raw material. Thus, this review aims at carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the use of residual forest biomass as a source of new biomaterials for the textile industry, identifying current gaps or problems. Three specific biopolymers are considered: lignin that is recovered from forest biomass, and the bacterial biopolymers poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) and bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be produced from sugar-rich hydrolysates derived from the polysaccharide fractions of forest biomass. Lignin, PHA, and BC can find use in textile applications, for example, to develop fibers or technical textiles, thus replacing the currently used synthetic materials. This approach will considerably contribute to improving the sustainability of the textile industry by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable materials upon disposal of textiles, reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the integration of residual forest biomass as renewable raw material to produce advanced biomaterials for the textile industry is consistent with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy and offers potential for the development of innovative materials for this industry. Full article

Post-harvest deterioration of fruit quality represents a significant challenge in the dried fruit industry, particularly affecting the preservation of nutritional compounds and sensory attributes during the drying process. This research examined the potential protective effects of exogenous melatonin supplementation on the preservation of selected quality metrics and antioxidant characteristics in sun-dried apricots, utilizing a comparative analysis across disparate melatonin concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 µM). Our research findings demonstrated that melatonin treatment, particularly at 100 µM concentration, significantly enhanced quality preservation in sun-dried apricots. Specifically, the treatment resulted in improved color retention (increased L*, a*, and b* values), reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA and H₂O₂), and optimized sugar composition (glucose: 18.99 g/100 g, fructose: 12.58 g/100 g, sucrose: 15.52 g/100 g). The melatonin treatment at 100 µM concentration proved particularly effective, revealing the most significant results. Specifically, this concentration resulted in the highest β-carotene levels, reaching 223.07 mg/kg. These findings suggest promising applications for commercial-scale implementation through either dipping or spraying methods. The non-toxic nature of melatonin and its demonstrated efficacy in preserving fruit quality parameters position it as a valuable post-harvest treatment option in the fruit supply chain. This research contributes significantly to advancing sustainable post-harvest preservation strategies, though further investigation into melatonin stability and standardization of application protocols remains necessary for optimal commercial implementation. Full article

Lactic acid (LA) is a versatile, optically active compound with applications across the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, largely driven by its role in producing biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). Due to its abundance, lignocellulosic biomass is a promising and sustainable resource for LA production, although media derived from these matrices are often rich in xylose and contain growth inhibitors. This study investigates LA production using a xylose-rich medium derived from Cynara cardunculus L. altilis DC stalks treated through steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis. The lactic acid bacteria strains Lacticaseibacillus casei, Paucilactobacillus vaccinostercus, and Pediococcus pentosaceus were grown on natural media, achieving yields of 0.59, 0.57, and 0.58 g LA/g total carbon consumed, respectively. Remarkably, on xylose-rich media, all supplied sugar was consumed, with LA yields comparable to those on complex media. These findings highlight the adaptability of these strains in the presence of inhibitors and support the potential of lignocellulosic biomass as a low-cost and sustainable substrate for effective PLA production. Full article

Exploring the temporal evolution dynamics of different soil organic nitrogen (N) components under different water–N management practices is a useful approach to accurately assessing N supply and soil fertility. This information can provide a scientific basis for precise water and N management methods for greenhouse vegetable production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of optimized irrigation and nitrogen management on the dynamics of soil organic nitrogen fractions, soil properties, and crop growth. This research was conducted from 2017 to 2023 in a greenhouse vegetable field in North China. Four treatments were applied: (1) high chemical N application with furrow irrigation (farmers’ practice, FP); (2) no chemical N application with drip irrigation (DN0); (3) 50% N of FP with drip irrigation (DN1); and (4) 75% N of FP with drip irrigation (DN2). The volume in drip irrigation is 70% of that in furrow irrigation. The results showed that in 2023 (after seven years of field trials), compared with FP, the soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and water use efficiency of the DN1 and DN2 treatments increased by 15.9%, 11.4%, and 11.3% and 7.7%, 47.2% and 44.6%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the total crop yield except in the DN0 treatment. Soil organic N was mostly in the form of acid-hydrolyzed N (AHN). After seven years of optimized irrigation and N management, the DN1 treatment significantly increased the content of ammonium N (AN) and amino sugar N (ASN) in AHN compared with the FP treatment. The results of further analysis demonstrated that SOC was the main factor in regulating AHN and non-hydrolyzable N (NHN), while the main regulatory factors for amino acid N (AAN) and ASN in the AHN component were dry biomass and water use efficiency, respectively. From a time scale perspective, optimization of the water and N scheduling, especially in DN1 (reducing the total irrigation volume by 30% and the amount of N applied by 50%), is crucial for the sustainable improvement of soil fertility and the maintenance of vegetable production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Improved global data allow for a new understanding of what impact the food we produce, eat and dispose of has on the environment, human health and Nature’s resources. The overall goal is to guide decision-makers and individuals by providing in-depth knowledge about the effects of their dietary preferences on human and environmental health. Methods: The method is to investigate ways to reduce environmental degradation and to secure healthy food supplies in an urbanizing world, and to quantify the options. Results: Reviewed articles show that by eating less meat-based food and more plant-based and soilless food, as well as reducing food waste and recycling urban-disposed nutrients as fertilizers, we could reduce agriculture’s land requirement by 50% to 70% while still securing a healthy food supply. Less land under cultivation and pasture would reduce global emissions to air and water to a similar extent, and allow Nature to reclaim freed areas in order to catch more carbon and rejuvenate biodiversity. Thus, we could avoid further environmental degradation such as the current clearing of new fields needed under a business-as-usual regime. Presently, some 17 million people die each year due to poor diets, which is more than double the 7 million deaths since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A return to more plant-based diets with unchanged intake of proteins but less calories, sugar, salt and fat combined with less red meat and ultra-processed food would reduce foremost non-communicable diseases by up to 20% and prolong life. The article suggests that the international focus has gradually turned to the food sector’s big contribution to climate change, biodiversity loss and harmful chemicals as well as to poor human health. It argues that this century’s rapid population growth and urbanization give urban residents a pivotal role in food’s impact on agricultural areas, which today cover half of the globe’s inhabitable areas. Their food demand, rather than the activities of farmers, fishermen or loggers, will guide remedial measures to be taken by individuals, industry and the public sector. A tool to calculate the potential environmental footprints of individual or societal measures is presented. Conclusions: Measures to make the agrifood sector more sustainable are still pending full recognition in international fora such as the UN COP Summits. Smart cities fitted with infrastructures to recycle macro- and micro-nutrients and organic matter have the potential to ameliorate human-induced impacts such as emissions to air and water bodies, crossing planetary boundaries, and polluting extraction of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). Rapid results are within reach since dietary change and the turn-around time of nutrients in food is short compared to decades or centuries for recycled materials in cars or buildings. Full article

Cocoa prices are predicted to rise continually, as demand remains high and there are supply issues caused by crop yield fluctuations. This study aimed to develop a sustainable plant-based sweet spread using functional plant-based ingredients, chickpeas and carob, as a cocoa and sugar alternative. Recipe optimisation resulted in the production of a control sample made using cocoa and three experimental samples containing varying proportions of carob (50%, 75%, and 100%). The samples were analysed for their physicochemical characteristics (water activity, pH, colour, and texture) and proximate composition (moisture, ash, carbohydrate, sugars, starch, protein, fat, and energy). Using carob as a cocoa substitute significantly decreased the pH, firmness and stickiness, fat and energy contents. On the other hand, increasing the percentage of carob led to a substantially higher sugar content in the sweet spreads. The results show the possibility of developing an innovative sustainable plant-based chocolate-flavoured spread with favourable physicochemical characteristics and nutritional profiles using carob powder and syrup as a cocoa and sugar replacement. Full article

Food loss and waste constitute a substantial threat to global food system sustainability, representing 38% of energy consumption in the supply chain. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights a vision integrating social, economic, and environmental pillars. Addressing environmental impact requires recycling (destruction for new creations) and upcycling (converting waste into valuable products). This review highlights nonthermal green extractions and sustainable techniques in upcycling raw materials such as olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee, which are widely used in the food industry. Nonthermal processing efficiently extracts bioactive compounds and utilizes waste. Key approaches for its valorization include life cycle assessment, environmental footprint analysis, energy efficiency strategies, digitalization, and sustainability considerations. However, challenges remain in calculating their environmental impact. Waste and by-product valorization from raw materials address disposal issues, offering economic and environmental benefits. Nonthermal techniques show optimistic opportunities in green extraction and sustainable upcycling. The focus is on raw materials including olives, red beetroot, sugar beet, and coffee byproducts, and possible product development. There are powerful connections offering industry tools for impactful sustainability management and guiding decisions on waste-to-value or ‘upcycling’ products. The review contributes to filling the gap in usage of nonthermal processing in upcycling of waste and by-products. Full article

Biofuel has received worldwide attention as one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Particularly, in many countries such as the U.S. and Brazil, first-generation ethanol from corn and sugar cane has been used as automobile fuel after blending with gasoline. Nevertheless, in order to continuously increase the use of biofuels, efforts are needed to reduce the cost of biofuel production and increase its profitability. This can be achieved by increasing the efficiency of a sequential biofuel production process consisting of multiple operations such as feedstock supply, pretreatment, fermentation, distillation, and biofuel transportation. This study aims at investigating methodologies for predicting feedstock yields, which is the earliest step for stable and sustainable biofuel production. Particularly, this study reviews feedstock yield estimation approaches using machine learning technologies that focus on gradually improving estimation accuracy by using big data and computer algorithms from traditional statistical approaches. Given that it is becoming increasingly difficult to stably produce biofuel feedstocks as climate change worsens, research on developing predictive modeling for raw material supply using the latest ML techniques is very important. As a result, this study will help researchers and engineers predict feedstock yields using various machine learning techniques, and contribute to efficient and stable biofuel production and supply chain design based on accurate predictions of feedstocks. Full article

As a significant global source of vegetable oil, the oil palm’s ability to withstand abiotic stresses, particularly drought, is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This is especially significant in tropical regions, where water scarcity is becoming more common. Nitrogen, a vital nutrient, plays an essential role in various physiological and biochemical processes in plants, directly influencing growth and stress tolerance. This study investigates the interaction between nitrogen sources (ammonium vs. nitrate) and drought stress in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seedlings, which is critical in enhancing productivity in this economically important crop. The experiment evaluated five commercial oil palm genotypes, which were supplied with nitrogen solutions (15 mM NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻) for 46 days, followed by 30 days of progressive drought. The results showed that drought conditions universally reduced the biomass, with ammonium-fed plants exhibiting greater shoot biomass sensitivity than nitrate-fed plants. Drought also significantly decreased the chlorophyll a, PhiPS2, and root-reducing sugar levels—critical indicators of photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health. The effects on the root architecture were complex, with ammonium nutrition differentially influencing the lateral root length under well-watered versus drought conditions, highlighting nitrogen forms’ nuanced role in root development. Importantly, substantial genotypic variability was observed in most traits, affecting the responses to both the nitrogen source and drought stress. This variability suggests that certain genotypes may be better suited to cultivation in specific environmental conditions, particularly drought-prone areas. In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate interplay between nitrogen nutrition, genotypic variability, and drought tolerance in oil palm seedlings. These findings highlight the need to integrate these factors into agricultural management strategies to improve resilience and productivity in oil palm plantations. Full article