Search Results (4,148)

This study develops a toolkit of sustainability indicators to analyze the economic, environmental, and social performance of various pasture-based production systems rearing Karagkouniko sheep (both specialized and mixed), and compares it with the intensive Lacaune production system in the same region. The analysis showed that despite the lower milk productivity, the group of specialized livestock Karagkouniko farms was more profitable compared to the Lacaune (35% higher net profit) production system, mainly due to savings in purchased feedstuff (64% lower expenses). This implies that grazing—if properly managed—can indeed enhance the profitability of farms. The group of mixed Karagkouniko farms—cultivating crops for both feedstuff and markets—was the least profitable group (−144.76 per ewe) as well as the least efficient in terms of use of energy (EUR 4.66 of output per EUR 1 of energy cost) and agrochemical inputs (537.2 kg of fertilizers and 3.3 liters of pesticides per ha). This suggests that strong organizational skills are required to effectively manage both crop and livestock production. Trade-offs were also observed between the sustainability dimensions. To address these trade-offs and ensure a transition to more sustainable agriculture, a comprehensive framework should be developed, integrating a mix of socioeconomic and agro-environmental schemes. Full article

Efficient management of soil nutrients is essential for optimizing crop production, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing the challenges posed by population growth and environmental degradation. Smart agriculture, using advanced technologies, plays an important role in achieving these goals by enabling real-time monitoring and precision management of nutrients. In open-field soil cultivation, spatial variability in soil properties demands site-specific nutrient management and integration with variable-rate technology (VRT) to optimize fertilizer application, reduce nutrient losses, and enhance crop yields. Hydroponic solution cultivation, on the other hand, requires precise monitoring and control of nutrient solutions to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth, ensuring efficient use of water and fertilizers. This review aims to explore recent trends in soil and solution nutrient sensing technologies for open-field soil and facilitated hydroponic cultivation, highlighting advancements that promote efficiency and sustainability. Key technologies include electrochemical and optical sensors, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring, and the integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive modeling. Blockchain technology is also emerging as a tool to enhance transparency and traceability in nutrient management, promoting compliance with environmental standards and sustainable practices. In open-field soil cultivation, real-time sensing technologies support targeted nutrient application by accounting for spatial variability, minimizing environmental risks such as runoff and eutrophication. In hydroponic solution cultivation, precise solution sensing ensures nutrient balance, optimizing plant health and productivity. By advancing these technologies, smart agriculture can achieve sustainable crop production, improved resource efficiency, and environmental protection, fostering a resilient food system. Full article

Accurate diagnosis of plant phosphorus nutritional status is critical for optimizing agricultural practices and enhancing resource efficiency. Existing methods are limited to qualitatively assessing plant phosphorus nutritional status and cannot quantitatively estimate the plant’s phosphorus requirements. Moreover, these methods are time-consuming, making them impractical for large-scale application. In this study, we developed an advanced phosphorus absorption model (Pabs) that integrates the phosphorus nutrition index (PNI) and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). The PUE, a critical metric for assessing phosphate fertilizer use efficiency, was quantified by comparing yields under fertilized and unfertilized conditions. Utilizing the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model, we simulated maize (Zea mays L.) phosphorus concentration (P) and aboveground biomass (Bio) under varying phosphorus application rates. The model exhibited robust performance, achieving an R² above 0.95 and an RMSE below 0.22. Based on the APSIM model simulations, a phosphorus dilution curve (Pc = 3.17 Bio^−0.29, R² = 0.98) was established, reflecting the dilution trends of phosphorus across growth stages. Furthermore, the use of vegetation indices (VIS) to evaluate phosphorus nutritional status also showed promising results, with inversion accuracies exceeding 0.70. To validate the model, field sampling was conducted in maize-growing regions of Changchun. Results demonstrated a correct diagnosis rate of 75%, underscoring the model’s capacity to accurately estimate phosphorus requirements on a regional scale. These findings highlight the Pabs model as a reliable tool for precision phosphorus management, offering significant potential to optimize fertilization strategies and support sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for rice growth, and the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an effective means to increase soil P content. However, the direct application of PSB may have minimal significance due to their low survival in soil. Biochar serves as a carrier that enhances microbial survival, and its porous structure and surface characteristics ensure the adsorption of Bacillus megaterium. Inoculating rice husk biochar-immobilized with Bacillus megaterium (BMB) resulted in dissolved inorganic and organic P levels of 39.55 and 31.97 mL L⁻¹, respectively. Subsequently, rice pot experiments were conducted to investigate the response of soil microbial P mobilization and P uptake in rice to fertilizer inputs. The organic fertilizer (OF) combined with BMB treatment (MOF) showed the highest soil available phosphorus (AP) at 38 days, with a value of 7.83 mg kg⁻¹, as well as increased the pqqC abundance while decreasing the abundance of phoD bacterial communities compared with the control. Furthermore, the bioavailable P reservoir (H₂O–Pi and NaHCO₃–Pi) in soil was greatly increased through the fertilizer input and microbial turnover, with the highest H₂O–Pi (3.66 mg kg⁻¹) in OF treatment and the highest NaHCO₃–Pi (52.65 mg kg⁻¹) in MOF treatment. Additionally, carbon utilization analysis was applied using the commercial Biolog system, revealing that the MOF treatment significantly increased the utilization of carbohydrates, polymers, and amino acid carbon sources. Moreover, compared to the control, MOF treatment significantly increased the shoot (0.469%) and root P (0.516%) content while promoting root development and thereby supporting rice growth. Our study demonstrates that the MOF treatment displayed higher P levels in both soil and rice plants, providing a theoretical basis for further understanding the role of biochar-based bacterial agents in rice P management. Full article

The application of phosphate-solubilizing microbes (PSMs) as biofertilizers in agricultural systems has not satisfactorily solved the problem of reducing our reliance on chemical phosphorus (P) fertilizers. Ongoing efforts are continually trying to translate promising laboratory results to successful deployment under field conditions, which are typically met with failure. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art research on PSMs and their role in the terrestrial P cycle, including previously overlooked molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning phosphate solubilization. PSMs capable of transforming either organic or complexed inorganic P compounds are discussed. By providing environmentally secure and environmentally friendly ways to increase the accessibility of phosphate, these bacteria effectively transform insoluble phosphate molecules into forms that plants can utilize, encouraging crop growth and increasing nutrient usage effectiveness. The use of PSMs in agriculture sustainably improves crop productivity and has enormous potential for tackling issues with global food security, reducing environmental damage, and promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Furthermore, due to resource shortages, the changing global climate and need to reduce environmental risks associated with the overuse of chemical phosphate fertilizer, PSMs have the potential to be sustainable biofertilizer alternatives in the agricultural sector. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms constitute a cutting-edge field in agriculture and environmental science. In addition, this paper elaborates on the groups and diversity of microbes hitherto identified in phosphate solubilization. Also, factors that had hitherto hindered the reproducibility of lab results in field settings are succinctly highlighted. Furthermore, this paper outlines some biofertilizer formulations and current techniques of inoculation according to the test crop/strain. Finally, laboratory, greenhouse, and field results are presented to acquaint us with the current status of the use of PSM-based biofertilizers. Full article

Different physicochemical factors have an influence on wine quality, for instance, quantity of grapes, PH, temperature, and humidity over the growing season. However, despite the weather conditions of the season, the product, grapes, is deposited in the wineries. At that time, a set of analyses are conducted to determine some chemical parameters of the grapes. This work is focused on the chemical parameters obtained at wineries to establish a method to pay farmers according to quality parameters. These parameters have been determined by the technicians at wineries, that is, the experts on wine, as well as market expectations. The idea behind this work is to introduce policies that promote quality instead of quantity, bringing about a change in the mentality of the farmers. These policies pay attention to water consumption or reduction in fertilizers that, of course, affect the chemical parameters of wine but also the sustainability of the sector and the region, in this case, Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. The application developed in this work, called DICAUVACOOP, not only promotes good practices but also introduces penalties. On the other hand, the calculations of each campaign are stored in databases that allow users to conduct comparisons among different campaigns showing the data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) as a decision-making support tool. Another effect of this process is to improve the visibility and brand positioning of Castilla-La Mancha wines on the world stage. Full article

The role of a plant root system in resource acquisition is relevant to confront drought events caused by climate change. Accordingly, nursery practices like phosphorous (P) fertilization and root pruning have been shown to modify root architecture; however, their combined benefits require further investigation in Mediterranean species. We evaluated the effect of applied P concentrations (0, 15, 60, and 120 mg L⁻¹ P) with or without chemical (copper) root pruning (WCu, WoCu, respectively) in Aristotelia chilensis and Quillaja saponaria on morpho-physiological and root architecture traits. Higher P concentration increased nutrient content in both species concurrent with higher growth. In A. chilensis, higher P concentrations only increased the length and volume of medium roots. In Q. saponaria, P additions increased root length and diameter and the length and volume of fine and medium roots. The root-to-shoot ratio declined with WCu in A. chilensis (23.1%) and Q. saponaria (15.7%). Unlike our hypothesis, fine root architecture remained unaffected with root pruning in A. chilensis, while fine root length and volume decreased with increasing P concentrations in Q. saponaria. Thus, P fertilization enhances root development more consistently than root pruning, highlighting the need for further testing under water deficit conditions to optimize nursery practices. Full article

Phosphorus (P) availability in soils is often constrained by its accumulation in non-labile phosphorus (NLP) forms, limiting its accessibility to plants. This study examines how soil physical properties, chemical characteristics, and climatic conditions influence phosphorus fractionation and the transformation of NLP into plant-available labile phosphorus (LP). Utilizing global structural equation modeling (SEM), we found that silt content enhances organic phosphorus fractions, including NaHCO₃-Po and NaOH-Po. In the upper 30 cm of soil, pH decreases the availability of NaHCO₃-Po and NaOH-Po while stabilizing NLP, highlighting its essential role in phosphorus cycling under acidic conditions. In deeper soil layers, pH facilitates phosphorus mobilization from NLP pools, with effects varying across fractions. Long-term studies on Japanese Vaccinium soils reveal that pH and electrical conductivity (EC) management significantly promote NLP-to-LP conversion, primarily through NaOH-Po, thereby improving phosphorus use efficiency. These findings underscore the critical importance of prioritizing chemical property management over physical modifications to optimize nutrient cycling, preserve soil fertility, and reduce reliance on external phosphorus inputs in agricultural systems. Our study emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to achieve sustainable phosphorus management in both natural and managed ecosystems. Full article

Agriculture’s sustainable growth necessitates the application of advanced science and technology to ensure the sensible use of resources and improve the agricultural economy’s long-term stability. In this study, apple trees were employed as research objects throughout the spring (NSS) and autumn shoot stop-growing stage (ASS), and the data source was canopy hyperspectral data of fruit trees collected using ASD near-earth sensors, which was then combined with multiple sensitive wavelength screening algorithms and machine learning models to create an efficient and accurate apple yield estimation system. This is critical for guiding fruit farmers’ production, maintaining market supply and demand balances, fostering stable agricultural economy development, and providing a scientific basis and technical support for agricultural sustainability. Firstly, the fruit tree canopy hyperspectral data and apple tree yield data were collected, and the Savitsky–Golay convolution smoothing method (SG) was used to preprocess the canopy hyperspectral data. Secondly, six algorithms—Competitive Adaptive Re-weighting Sampling (CARS), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), Uninformative Variable Elimination Algorithm (UVE), Variable Iteration Spatial Shrinking Algorithm (VISSA), and Variable Combination Population Algorithm (VCPA)—were employed to screen for the sensitive wavelengths related to apple tree yield, then preferring three methods for two-by-two combinations to determine the optimal algorithm combinations. Finally, using the best algorithm combinations, we built the apple yield linear model partial least squares regression (PLSR) and three machine learning models, Random Forest (RF), Cubist, and XGBoost, to screen for the best estimation model. The results demonstrated that ASS was the best fertility period for estimating yield; the validation set of the model constructed using each algorithm in ASS had a higher R² of 0.05–0.51 and a lower RMSE of 0.21–5.33 than those in NSS. The three algorithms preferred were CARS, GA, and VISSA. After combining the three algorithms in two combinations, the best combination of VISSA-CARS was found. The RF model established based on the best VISSA-CARS combination algorithm is the best model for apple yield estimation, with a validation set R² = 0.78 and RMSE = 6.03. The findings of this study may provide a new concept for accurately and quickly estimating apple yield, allowing fruit growers to improve production efficiency and promote agricultural sustainability. Full article

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a reliable index of nitrogen (N) management, given that it expresses the real relationships that exist between crop yield, its components, and the content of available N (N_min) in the soil in the critical stages of yield formation. This article proposes a method for calculating NUE which is based on N input (N_in) into the soil/crop system in the critical phases of yield formation in winter wheat. For the validation of this hypothesis, a field experiment with WW in three subsequent growing seasons (2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015) was used. Treatments were arranged in a factorial distribution of two factors: (1) three rates of soil-applied magnesium (Mg_s, 0, 25, 50 kg Mg ha⁻¹); (2) foliar application of Mg to winter wheat (no application—control; double-stage Mg application in BBCH 30 and in 49/50). The dose of N fertilizer (N_f) was 190 kg ha⁻¹. Two groups of N pools (soil N_min and N mass in the wheat biomass) were determined in BBCH 30, 58, and 89. These core datasets were used to calculate total N input (N_in) to the soil/crop system during the two main periods of WW growth: (1) before (vegetative mega-phase, V) and (2) after wheat flowering (reproductive mega-phase, R, or grain filling period, GFP). The number of grains per ear (GE) and the number of grains per unit area (grain density: GD) depended significantly on N_in at the onset of flowering. A N_in58 of 517 kg N ha⁻¹ resulted in a GD of 28.3 × 1000 grains m⁻², producing 9.47 t grain ha⁻¹. The NUE indices calculated in the V phase were the best predictors of GE and GY. The apparently low NUE index in this phase clearly indicates (i) the high potential of winter wheat for grain set per ear, (ii) consequently resulting in a strong depletion of N soil resources during the GFP. Therefore, the reduced NUE before winter wheat flowering is essential for the achievement of a high GD. The NUE feedback phenomenon as found in this study is a crucial condition for the effective depletion of the inorganic N pool during the grain filling period of winter wheat. It can be concluded that the NUE indices obtained in the V mega-phase actually describe the N economy in winter wheat production very well. Full article

The Mediterranean region is experiencing severe droughts and unprecedented high temperatures. In terms of salinity, about 18 million ha of land, or 25% of the total irrigated area in the Mediterranean, is salt affected. The use of halophytes as intercropping species to mitigate the effects of salt stress is attractive. Halophytes have a great capacity to maintain their productivity in this extreme environment, thus supporting climate-appropriate agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productivity of Salicornia europaea L. subsp. ramosissima (glasswort) under field conditions and high soil salinity, grown as a sole crop (monocropping) and as a companion crop (intercropping) with Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla (Swiss chard) in a 1:1 cropping pattern. The field trials were conducted in the coastal wetland “King’s Lagoon”, a private nature reserve in the Apulia/Puglia region (southern Italy), during two consecutive spring–summer seasons in 2023 and 2024 and under different management conditions of irrigation and fertilization. These were performed to test for possible interaction effects. The results showed that both glasswort and chard can be grown sustainably under slightly saline conditions (ECe range 4–8 dS m⁻¹). In contrast, strongly saline conditions (ECe > 16 dS m⁻¹) were prohibitive for chard, both as a sole crop and as an intercrop, but were largely beneficial for glasswort. Swiss chard can benefit from intercropping with glasswort when soil salinity is still tolerable (6.9 dS m⁻¹), showing an LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) ≥ 1.19. Meanwhile, glasswort did not significantly improve the growth of the companion crop (Swiss chard) when the soil was considerably saline (16.6 dS m⁻¹). Higher LER values were observed when the contribution of chard to the intercrop performance was significantly greater than that of glasswort, i.e., under slightly saline conditions. This means that glasswort can have a significant positive effect on chard growth and productivity as long as soil is still moderately saline. Glasswort can therefore be considered a valuable model crop in extreme environments. The integration of glasswort (possibly together with other local halophytes) into diversified cropping systems on saline marginal soils is a promising sustainable agricultural practice in environmentally fragile areas such as wetlands, swamps, brackish areas, and marshes. Full article

Sperm cryopreservation provides patients undergoing oncological, surgical, or infertility treatments the opportunity to conceive their own children, using assisted reproductive technologies. However, the freezing-thawing process can negatively influence both the quantity and the quality of spermatozoa, mainly due to an excessive production of reactive oxygen species and/or an impaired antioxidant defense system in sperm. Aromatic and medicinal plants synthesize essential oils with antioxidant proprieties as a part of their ecological adaptation to environmental stress, thanks to their rich bioactive phytochemical components. This study aimed to assess sperm progressive motility, viability, plasma membrane functionality, and lipid peroxidation levels of human cryopreserved normozoospermic (n = 51) and asthenozoospermic (n = 51) samples without or with the addition of Thymus satureoides (TSEO) (20 µg/mL), Artemisia vulgaris (AVEO) (48 µg/mL), and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO) (13 µg/mL) essential oils. Sperm parameters were significantly better preserved with ROEO in both normozoospermic (p < 0.05) and asthenozoospermic samples (p < 0.01). In contrast, TSEO had a negative impact for both groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant effects were observed with AVEO. In summary, the study revealed that in vitro addition of essential oils as antioxidant agents during cryopreservation can be either beneficial, which helps preserve sperm parameters and fertilizing potential, or detrimental as spermicidal agents. Full article

A time-lapse live embryo monitoring system provides a powerful approach to recording dynamic developmental events of cultured embryos in detail. By obtaining continuous short-interval images, blastocyst formation can be predicted and embryos can be selected. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphokinetic parameters of fishing cat–domestic cat interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages, and in particular, the cleavage patterns of the first division in iSCNT and IVF embryos, as these play a central role in euploidy. Domestic cat in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos were set up as controls. The results show that morula and blastocyst development rates were significantly lower in the iSCNT embryos compared to their IVF counterparts. All earlier time points of embryonic development before the onset of blastulation in the iSCNT embryos were significantly delayed when compared with their IVF counterparts. In iSCNT, normal embryos (defined as those that developed to the blastocyst stage) took a longer time to reach the morula stage, and these morulas were more likely to undergo compaction, compared to their arrested embryo counterparts. Direct cleavage in the first division is a morphological aberration, and was seen with greater prevalence in iSCNT embryos than control IVF embryos; these aberrant embryos displayed a significantly lower blastocyst development rate than embryos that had undergone normal cleavage. In conclusion, the morphokinetic parameters of fishing cat–domestic cat iSCNT embryos at early stages could be used to predict their potential for development to the blastocyst stage. A time-lapse imaging system is potentially a powerful tool for selecting early embryos with developmental potential for transfer, and hence, for improving feline iSCNT efficiency. Full article

Pig farming plays a crucial socioeconomic role in the European Union, which is one of the largest pork exporters in the world. In Portugal, pig farming plays a key role in regional development and the national economy. To ensure future sustainability and minimize environmental impacts, it is essential to identify the most deleterious pig production activities. This study carried out a life cycle assessment (LCA) of pig production using a conventional system in central Portugal to identify the unitary processes with the greatest environmental impact problems. LCA followed the ISO 14040/14044 standards, covering the entire production cycle, from feed manufacturing to waste management, using 1 kg of live pig weight as the functional unit. The slurry produced is used as fertilizer in agriculture, replacing synthetic chemical fertilizers. Results show that feed production, raising piglets, and fattening pigs are the most impactful phases of the pig production cycle. Fodder production is the stage with the greatest impact, accounting for approximately 60% to 70% of the impact in the categories analyzed in most cases. The environmental categories with the highest impacts were freshwater ecotoxicity, human carcinogenic toxicity, and marine ecotoxicity; the most significant impacts were observed for human health, with an estimated effect of around 0.00045 habitants equivalent (Hab.eq) after normalization. The use of more sustainable ingredients and the optimization of feed efficiency are effective strategies for promoting sustainability in the pig farming sector. Full article

Roots play essential roles in the acquisition of water and minerals from soils in higher plants. However, water or nutrient limitation can alter plant root morphology. To clarify the spatial distribution characteristics of essential nutrients in citrus roots and the influence mechanism of micronutrient deficiency on citrus root morphology and architecture, especially the effects on lateral root (LR) growth and development, two commonly used citrus rootstocks, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf., Ptr) and red tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco, Cre), were employed here. The analysis of the mineral nutrient distribution characteristics in different root parts showed that, except for the P concentrations in Ptr, the last two LR levels (second and third LRs) had the highest macronutrient concentrations. All micronutrient concentrations in the second and third LRs of Ptr were higher than those of Cre, except for the Zn concentration in the second LR, which indicates that Ptr requires more micronutrients to maintain normal root system growth and development. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that B and P were very close in terms of spatial distribution and that Mo, Mn, Cu, and Fe contributed significantly to PC1, while B, Cu, Mo, and Zn contributed significantly to PC2 in both rootstocks. These results suggest that micronutrients are major factors in citrus root growth and development. The analysis of root morphology under micronutrient deficiency showed that root growth was more significantly inhibited in Ptr and Cre under Fe deficiency (FeD) than under other micronutrient deficiencies, while Cre roots exhibited better performance than Ptr roots. From the perspective of micronutrient deficiency, FeD and B deficiency (BD) inhibited all root morphological traits in Ptr and Cre except the average root diameter, while Mn deficiency (MnD) and Zn deficiency (ZnD) had lesser impacts, as well as the morphology of the stem. The mineral nutrient concentrations in Ptr and Cre seedlings under micronutrient deficiency revealed that single micronutrient deficiencies affected both their own concentrations and the concentrations of other mineral nutrients, whether in the roots or in stems and leaves. Dynamic analysis of LR development revealed that there were no significant decreases in either the first or second LR number in Ptr seedlings under BD and ZnD stress. Moreover, the growth rates of first and second LRs in Ptr and Cre did not significantly decrease compared with the control under short-term (10 days) BD stress. Altogether, these results indicate that micronutrients play essential roles in citrus root growth and development. Moreover, citrus alters its root morphology and biological traits as a nutrient acquisition strategy to maintain maximal micronutrient acquisition and growth. The present work on the spatial distribution characteristics and micronutrient deficiency of citrus roots provides a theoretical basis for effective micronutrient fertilization and the diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency in citrus. Full article