Search Results (165)

Biopolymers (BPs), obtained from urban and agricultural wastes, are known as active principles to manufacture ready-for-use finished products in several sectors of the agriculture and chemical industries. These findings prospect a biowaste-based refinery producing chemical specialities to replace products derived from fossil feedstock. The present paper reports new materials containing BPs. Composite granules containing Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate (PBAT) as a matrix and BPs as fillers are manufactured by twin-screw extrusion. The granules are used to make single-layer PBAT-BP mulch films by single-screw extrusion and three-layer Starch-PBAT-BP films by blown co-extrusion. The films are tested for mechanical properties, and for structural stability and effects in the in vitro cress germination and the in-field horticulture. The results show that both the films’ effects on plant performance and the films’ structural degradation are regulated by the BP and polymeric matrix release kinetics in the operational germination medium or the field soil, and in turn, that the kinetics depend on the mulch film structural features. The horticulture trials prove that the three-layer mulch films have adequate mechanical strength (25 MPa maximum tensile strength and 520% elongation at break) and about 6 months lifespan to maintain and/or improve the soil protection and crop production (17 t/ha) over the plant seasonal cycle. These findings widen the range of renewable chemical specialities potentially producible by the envisioned biowaste-based refinery. Full article

Microgreens have emerged as a nutrient-dense specialty crop with great potential to address global nutritional challenges through urban farming and controlled-environment agriculture. While interest in enhancing both the yield and nutritional quality of hydroponic microgreens is growing, a comprehensive synthesis of horticultural strategies is still lacking. This gap hinders the development of integrated approaches needed for efficient and targeted quality improvement. This review systematically examines the current literature on horticultural interventions for improving hydroponic microgreen production, focusing on nutrient solution management, light environmental manipulation, substrate selection, genetic potential, and emerging synergistic approaches. Nutrient solution optimization, including appropriate concentration, timing, and targeted biofortification with essential elements, enhances both productivity and nutritional density. Light spectral manipulation, particularly through red-to-far-red ratios or blue-light supplementation, enables precise control of morphology and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Substrate physicochemical properties influence nutrient availability and uptake, while genetic variability among species and cultivars provides the foundation for biofortification efforts. Emerging approaches including biostimulant application, integrated pre- and post-harvest practices, and phenotyping and artificial intelligence integration offer additional avenues for sustainable quality enhancement. This review provides a framework for optimizing hydroponic microgreen production systems to simultaneously achieve high yield and enhanced nutritional quality. Full article

This study developed a Visitor Attraction Quality Checklist to evaluate amenity infrastructure. Seoullo 7017, an elevated linear park located in the Seoul Station area, is the study region. Drawing on the literature on urban regeneration and tourism, as well as amenity-based approaches and the quality evaluation of elevated linear parks, this study develops evaluation criteria that incorporate the physical environment and safety, accessibility and convenience, landscape and identity, and social usage and experience. By applying a longitudinal analysis, on-site qualitative evaluations were conducted between August 2017 and January 2026. The findings show that Seoullo 7017 functions well as a visitor attraction, offering high-standard safety infrastructure, cleanliness, and good esthetic value to accommodate diverse visitors. However, there is a seasonal disparity in cultural programming and limited connections to the surrounding local economy. This study also reveals that rigid planter designs, a lack of tree maintenance, and insufficient shaded areas limit spatial flexibility and visitor comfort. For Seoullo 7017 to pursue sustainability, it must refine its horticultural management, integrate with local businesses, and improve its design. The Visitor Attraction Quality Checklist serves as a longitudinal diagnostic tool for managing elevated urban linear parks as an outcome of global regeneration projects. Full article

Mineral substrates for indoor horticulture systems critically determine plant water availability and irrigation demand. However, integrative assessments linking pore structure, water retention, and evaporation dynamics of commonly used mineral growing media remain scarce. A total of nine distinct mineral substrates were investigated: expanded clay, expanded slate, pumice, perlite, zeolite, vermiculite, lava granules, brick chips, and clay granules. To assess the impact of granulometry, pumice was tested in three different grain sizes (1–3 mm, 4–7 mm, 7–14 mm), resulting in a total of 11 experimental samples. Samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), suction experiments, and evaporation tests at 30%, 50%, and 70% relative humidity (RH) at 23 °C. Bulk density ranged from <0.12 g·cm⁻³ (perlite, vermiculite) to >0.99 g·cm⁻³ (zeolite, brick chips), while volumetric water content varied from 11.0 vol.% (expanded clay) to 46.6 vol.% (vermiculite). Plant-available water content (AWC) ranged from 2.7 vol.% (expanded clay) to 30.9 vol.% (clay granules). These results demonstrate that pore interconnectivity, rather than total porosity, is the decisive driver of hydraulic performance. Finer pumice fractions increased water retention by ~16% compared to coarser fractions. All substrates exhibited a two-phase evaporation profile, with initial rates ranging from 1.9 to 5.6 g·h⁻¹ at 30% RH. Clay granules showed the most temporally stable evaporation, with only a 37% rate reduction over 48 h, compared to 66% for perlite. While conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, these findings provide a quantitative basis for targeted substrate selection and blending to optimize root-zone hydration, irrigation efficiency, and hygrothermal performance in permanent indoor horticulture systems. Full article

The need to investigate ecological and sustainable approaches to weed management, as well as to reduce the negative environmental impact of chemical herbicides, is becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture and land management. Among alternative strategies, allelopathy is a natural mechanism by which particular plant species release bioactive compounds that can influence the germination, growth, and development of neighboring plants. Harnessing allelopathic interactions offers an opportunity to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic herbicides and helps preserve ecological balance within agroecosystems. This review examines the potential of allelopathic plant-derived substances for weed control in agricultural systems, with particular emphasis on managing weed populations in vegetable crops and gardens in urban and peri-urban areas. This study introduces the concept of allelopathy with definitions and general information. Subsequently, the paper analyzes the phenomenon’s presence at the plant level, its interactions, and the extracts obtained from allelopathic plants. The paper focuses on essential oils and fatty acid-derived compounds, such as pelargonic acid, which have demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on weed germination and biomass accumulation. Overall, the presented results establish a scientific basis for developing bioherbicides and support implementing sustainable, environmentally responsible horticultural practices. Full article

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) has become a key driver of vertical farming (VF), offering innovative solutions for the sustainable production of ornamental plants in urban environments with limited arable land. This review examines recent advances in VF technologies and their applications in foliage and flowering ornamental plant production. The literature indicates that precise environmental control, including optimized LED lighting spectra, hydroponic and aeroponic nutrient delivery, and automated climate regulation, can significantly enhance plant growth, morphological characteristics, color intensity, and overall market quality of ornamental species. In addition, VF systems demonstrate substantial reductions in water consumption, pesticide use, and land requirements compared with conventional cultivation methods. However, several challenges remain, including high-energy demand, economic feasibility, and the need for crop-specific environmental optimization for different ornamental species. This review synthesizes current research on VF systems, highlights the integration of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven management tools, and evaluates their potential to improve production efficiency and sustainability in ornamental horticulture. Overall, vertical farming represents a promising approach for high-quality ornamental plant production, although further research is required to optimize energy efficiency and cultivation protocols for diverse ornamental crops. Full article

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly reliant on reducing anthropogenic inputs and recycling organic waste while protecting ecosystems. In this context, this study investigated the agro-environmental properties of biosulfate, focusing on its interaction with herbicides and its effects on soil fungi and horticultural plants. Two biosulfate samples obtained from urban sewage sludge from the Barletta (BIO-BA) and Foggia (BIO-FO) treatment plants were characterized by Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption/desorption of the herbicides metribuzin (MET), S-metolachlor (S-ME) and cycloxydim (CYC) on biosulfates was evaluated by studying adsorption kinetics and isotherms. All herbicides reached adsorption equilibrium within a few hours, according to pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating a predominant chemical interaction between biosulfate and the molecules. Considering the organic C content of BIO-BA (~21%) and BIO-FO (~17%), which was less than half that commonly measured for other organic fertilizers, such as compost and digestate, their adsorption capacity was high, with Freundlich adsorption constants ranging from 772 µg g⁻¹ (S-ME on BIO-BA) to 1464 µg g⁻¹ (CYC on BIO-FO). A low hysteresis coefficient indicated a rather slow and incomplete release of the molecules from the biosulfate. Exposure of the fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii to 1, 2, 3, and 4% BIO-BA and BIO-FO stimulated mycelium growth, indicating that responses depended on fungal species and biosulfate dose. Finally, germination and early growth of lettuce and basil were generally unaffected by either biosulfate, as parameters such as germination percentage, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry biomass were not statistically different from the control. Some growth stimulation was observed in basil. Overall, biosulfate appears to be a promising soil fertilizer, as it can contribute to soil organic matter, retain xenobiotics, and exert biostimulatory effects under controlled conditions. Full article

To investigate the pollution characteristics, potential risks and source apportionment of heavy metals in soil particles from urban parks in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, thirty soil samples were collected and processed into soil particles, and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg were subsequently measured. The results demonstrated that the mean concentrations of all eight heavy metals exceeded the natural lithogenic background values of Shanxi Province, with Hg, Cr, Pb and Cd exhibiting high variability. Obvious heavy metal accumulation was observed in the central urban area of Taiyuan, and Cd in park soil particles posed moderate to heavy contamination. The coefficient of variation (CV) values for Hg, Cr, Pb, and Cd were above 35%, and their enrichment factor (EF) values were greater than 1.5, implying that contamination of these four heavy metals was predominantly influenced by anthropogenic activities. The potential ecological risk index (RI) and contamination severity index (CSI) revealed that most sampling sites exhibited strong ecological hazards. Both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with heavy metals were within acceptable thresholds for both adults and children. Compared to adults, children were identified as being more vulnerable to heavy metal exposure than adults. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified four primary sources: traffic emissions (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd), horticultural activities (Hg), natural sources (As), and industrial emissions (Cr, Ni), which contributed 33.53%, 27.03%, 15.62%, and 23.82% to the total heavy metal load, respectively. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the prevention, control, and management of heavy metal pollution in urban park soils. Full article

Potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination of urban soils poses long-term ecological and public health risks. Ornamental vegetation is increasingly discussed within green-infrastructure-based risk management. We screened and synthesised 167 field studies (>120 ornamental and horticultural plant species) to characterise the scope, reporting structure and design features of the available phytoremediation-related evidence. Studies assessed a mean of 3.21 elements (SD = 1.37); Pb, Cd and Zn were most frequently investigated (67%), whereas Ni, Cr and B occurred in <10%. Reported element richness differed by setting, averaging 3.8 ± 1.5 in wastewater-affected sites versus 2.6 ± 1.1 in urban parks. Using a study-by-element presence/absence matrix, co-reporting patterns separated three recurrent co-reporting profiles. The first three PCs explained 64.5% of variance (PC1: Pb–Zn–B; PC2: Cu–Ni; PC3: Cd–Cr). Accumulation was reported most often (56.8%), while stabilisation (17.9%) and translocation (25.3%) were less commonly addressed. For public space applications, accumulation-focused plantings require a defined maintenance pathway (pruning/harvest, biomass removal, and safe handling or disposal) to avoid recirculation of metal-bearing material within the urban environment. Sampling focused on aboveground tissues (73.4%) more than roots (28.9%). In multiple regression, environmental type was associated with element richness (Adj. R² = 0.08, p = 0.001). Here, richness is treated as an index of reporting breadth. Overall, the dominant quantitative signals reflect context-dependent reporting and study design patterns. They do not represent harmonised, concentration-based remediation outcomes. These patterns provide an evidence map to support context-aware interpretation and future study standardisation. Full article

Early flowering is a key element of the rice speed-breeding protocol that enables improved genetic gain and accelerates the cultivation of new varieties. Although far-red light (FR) is commonly used to modulate plant developmental processes, the mechanisms by which it influences flowering and growth in rice are poorly understood. In this study, the control treatment (CK) consisted of red-blue-green composite light at 300 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, while two additional treatments were applied: one with the photon flux density (PFD) increased to 350 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (HI—high intensity) under the same light spectrum as CK, and the other supplemented with 50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ of FR based on CK. The results demonstrated that both elevated PFD and supplemental FR significantly enhanced vegetative growth, as evidenced by increased plant height, tiller number, leaf area, and biomass accumulation, along with improved photosynthetic capacity and chlorophyll fluorescence. Under the FR treatment, flowering occurred 53 days after transplanting, which was 12 days and 9 days earlier than in the CK and HI treatments, respectively. Physiological profiling revealed that FR enrichment significantly increased leaf soluble sugar and starch levels, while simultaneously decreasing chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations. FR also reshaped the endogenous hormonal profile, which was marked by elevated levels of gibberellin (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA), and reduced auxin (IAA) content. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that FR enrichment activated the circadian rhythm pathway and upregulated genes associated with photoperiodic flowering and inflorescence development. In summary, FR promotes rice growth and early flowering through the integrated regulation of leaf area expansion, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, hormonal rebalancing, and activation of flowering gene expression. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for optimizing light environments and improving the economic viability of crop speed breeding systems in controlled environmental facilities. Full article

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is crucial for Hydrangea macrophylla nursery management. Traditional methods are time-consuming, and existing non-destructive studies rarely target ornamental plants or support joint N-P diagnosis at the early growth stage. A total of 339 RGB images were captured from potted hydrangeas grown under varying N and P levels at the seedling stage, with 65 phenotypic traits (color, texture, and morphology) extracted. Nutritional status (deficient, optimal, and surplus) was categorized with reference to plant nutrition indices. Discriminant models were then developed using four machine learning algorithms: convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and probabilistic neural network (PNN). The model performances were evaluated using overall accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). As a result, CNN achieved 82.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7392) for N classification, and SVM reached 83.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7357) for P classification. Color-related traits dominated the top five contributing features, indicating a stronger correlation with N and P status. This work offers a practical solution for real-time, low-cost, and non-destructive nutrient diagnosis, supporting precision fertilization and enhancing environmental sustainability in nursery production. Full article

Recently, ornamental plants in urban and unmanaged landscapes were found to be infected with several plant viruses transmitted by Brevipalpus mites. The main purpose of this research was to identify suitable tools for managing Brevipalpus yothersi in these environments by evaluating the efficacy, persistence, and rainfastness of selected biorational pesticides, as well as their compatibility with the predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis. We found that horticultural oils (i.e., petroleum distillates with varying levels of refinement, marketed as mineral or paraffinic oils) and Beauveria bassiana (Strain GHA) suppressed all developmental stages of B. yothersi at levels comparable to spirodiclofen, a commonly used acaricide for controlling B. yothersi. The paraffinic oil provided the best overall performance across the rainfastness, residuality, and greenhouse evaluations. This food-grade horticultural oil is exempt from residue tolerances and could be readily adopted for B. yothersi control in urban landscapes. Paraffinic oil had adverse effects on predatory mites. However, predator populations recovered after paraffinic oil application, and the combined treatment of paraffinic oil + A. largoensis ultimately provided better control than either the predators or the oil alone. When properly applied, horticultural oils provide a practical option for controlling populations of viruliferous Brevipalpus mites in urban and unmanaged landscapes. Full article

The Balaton region is Hungary’s most important recreational area, known for Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and its traditional vineyard and horticultural landscapes. Since 1990, vineyard and orchard abandonment and intensified shoreline urbanization have increasingly threatened both landscape character and ecological balance. This study analyses land-use changes in the Balaton hinterland and evaluates the effectiveness of regional land-use regulation between 1990 and 2018, with a focus on the 2000 Balaton Law (BKÜRT), which sought to preserve traditional land uses by permitting construction only where at least 80% of vineyard parcels remained cultivated. Spatial–temporal analysis was based on CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data from 1990 to 2018, supplemented by change layers from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service. The CORINE Land Cover classification is a three-level hierarchical system (5 Level-1 groups, 15 Level-2 classes, and 44 Level-3 classes) developed by the EEA to provide standardized, satellite-based land cover information across Europe. Land cover was aggregated into major categories (using Level-1 and Level-2 classes) relevant to the Hungarian landscape. To address CLC limitations related to representing vineyards as relatively homogeneous units despite substantial differences in the density and scale of built structures, detailed case studies were conducted in three C1 vineyard zones—Alsóörs, Paloznak, and Szentantalfa—using historical aerial photographs, Google Earth imagery, and the Hungarian Ecosystem Map (NÖSZTÉP). Despite the restrictive regulatory framework, the CLC database showed that the share of vineyards in the vineyard regulation zone (C-1, C-2) decreased between 1990 and 2018 from 45.4% to 35.8% (the share of gardens and fruit plantations had changed from 9.7% to 15.5%). In the whole Balaton region, there was an approximately 18% decline in vineyard areas. Considering the M-2 horticultural zone, the garden coverage increased from 18.9% in 1990 (17.7% in 2000) to 30.5% (share of vineyards changed from 54.3% (54.6% in 2000) to 38.8%). At the regional level, gardens and fruit plantations had a smaller decrease (3.2%). Although overall trends were more favorable than at the national level, regulatory measures proved insufficient to prevent the conversion of vineyards and orchards in sensitive areas, particularly on slopes overlooking the lake, in proximity to tourist hubs, and in areas exposed to strong development pressure. By 2018, the C1 zone had expanded spatially but became less targeted, as the proportion of vineyards within it decreased. Boundary refinements failed to substantially improve regulatory precision or effectiveness. The case studies reveal a gradient of regulatory strictness reflecting differing landscape protection priorities and stages of vineyard transformation, with Alsóörs responding to long-standing, partly irreversible changes while attempting to slow further landscape alteration. To counter ongoing negative trends, more targeted and enforceable regulations are required, including a clearer separation of cultivated and recreational land uses, a maximum building size of 80 m² for recreational properties, and a reassessment of vineyard zone boundaries to better reflect active cultivation and protect sensitive landscapes. Full article

Amid growing “nature deficit” associated with urbanization and indoor living, flowering plants are increasingly used to support psychological restoration. Yet evidence on how floral color and structural morphology jointly shape restorative outcomes remains limited. This study employed a within-subjects, repeated-measures design, utilizing physiological instruments and psychological questionnaires to investigate the physiological and psychological restorative benefits of Hydrangea macrophylla and to quantify the differences in restorative effects across five colors (blue, pink, white, mauve, red), two inflorescence types (mophead, lacecap), and two petal structures (single, double). Twenty-eight healthy young adults viewed 15 live hydrangea stimuli under controlled laboratory conditions. Multimodal outcomes combined objective measures—eye-tracking and single-channel EEG—with subjective measures (SD; POMS). Hydrangea exposure significantly reduced negative mood, and color and structure exerted distinct and interactive effects on visual attention and arousal. Red and mauve elicited larger pupil diameters than white and pink, while lacecap inflorescences were associated with lower cognitive load and improved attentional recovery relative to mophead. Double-petaled forms showed greater attentional dispersion than single-petaled forms. Interactions indicated that morphology modulated color effects. The mauve lacecap double-flowered cultivar (M02) showed the strongest observed restorative potential within this sample. These findings highlight the importance of integrating color and structural cues when selecting flowering plants for restorative environments and horticultural therapy, and they motivate field-based replications with broader samples and higher-density physiology. Full article