Search Results (55)

The spatial variability of soil physicochemical properties significantly influences irrigation efficiency, nutrient availability, and the long-term sustainability of irrigated agriculture in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to quantify and model the spatial distribution of soil properties in a semi-arid irrigation district in central Mexico (Irrigation District 001 “Pabellón de Arteaga”, Aguascalientes), providing spatially explicit information for differential irrigation and fertilization management. Ninety-seven crop and four natural sampling sites were established under a stratified random design at two soil depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm). Geostatistical and machine learning models (Ordinary Kriging, OK; Generalized Additive Models, GAM; and Random Forest, RF) were applied to predict spatial patterns, and their performance was evaluated using statistical metrics. The findings reveal high spatial and vertical variability, with most properties (such as organic matter, total nitrogen, and texture) showing significant stratification with depth. In contrast, others (pH and electrical conductivity, EC) remained remarkably homogeneous vertically. Correlation patterns were identified, highlighting the negative influence of alkaline pH (≈8.0) on the availability of micronutrients (Fe²⁺ and Mn²⁺) and the positive association between EC and soluble cations (Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺). Moran’s Index confirmed significant spatial autocorrelation for most properties, reducing the effective sample size by 30–70%. The comparative evaluation of predictive models demonstrated the superiority of RF over OK and GAMs for predicting chemical properties, thanks to its ability to capture nonlinear relationships and complex interactions. However, the overall predictive performance was moderate, reflecting the multifactorial complexity of the edaphic system. This study lays the foundation for the development of an accessible, low-cost Decision Support System by providing a robust methodological framework for spatial soil characterization and contributing to more sustainable, resilient agriculture, where decision-making is based on quantitative data and predictive models. Full article

The mineral composition of Ilex paraguariensis is strongly shaped by the physicochemical characteristics and natural fertility of the soils in which it is cultivated. This study evaluated macro- and microelement concentrations in fresh leaves from fourteen rural properties in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and examined how soil texture, pH, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and aluminum saturation influence nutrient availability and foliar accumulation. Soil, leaf, and environmental data were analyzed using ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficients, Bayes factors, and principal component analysis (PCA). Sandy and dystrophic soils with low CEC and reduced organic matter showed greater variability in micronutrient retention and favored leaching, resulting in higher fluctuations in foliar Cu, Zn, and Mn. In contrast, clayey eutrophic soils with high CEC and higher organic matter promoted greater nutrient stability and more homogeneous foliar concentrations of K, Mg, and P. PCA confirmed that differences in soil geochemistry, particularly in Se, Cr, Mn, and Zn availability, were reflected in leaf composition. Chromium remained low in leaves despite elevated soil levels, indicating restricted uptake and translocation. Overall, the results demonstrate that edaphic conditions govern the nutritional profile of I. paraguariensis, emphasizing the need for region-specific soil management to maintain leaf quality in emerging cultivation areas. Full article

Zinc (Zn) is a mineral micronutrient that is essential for plant growth and development. Soil Zn deficiency or excess severely impacts plant health and crop yields. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant responses to abiotic stress, but their roles in Zn homeostasis in important crop bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remain unknown. This study investigated miRNA expression profiles in wheat roots under different Zn supply conditions using high-throughput sequencing. Phenotypic and physiological analyses revealed that high Zn promoted wheat plant growth, while low and excess Zn resulted in wheat plant growth inhibition and oxidative stress. A total of 798 miRNAs (including 70 known and 728 novel miRNAs) were identified; among them, 10 known and 122 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed. Many key miRNAs, such as miR397-5p, miR398, 4D_25791, and 5A_27668, are up-regulated under low Zn but down-regulated under high Zn and excess Zn. Target gene prediction and enrichment analysis revealed that the regulated genes of these miRNAs focused on “zinc ion transmembrane transporter activity”, “divalent inorganic cation transmembrane transporter activity”, and “cellular detoxification” processes in the low Zn vs. CK group. However, “glutathione metabolism” and “ABC transporter” pathways were obviously enriched in high Zn vs. excess Zn conditions, implying their potential functions in alleviating the oxidative damage and Zn efflux caused by Zn toxicity. Together, this study identified key miRNAs that respond to both Zn deficiency and excess Zn in bread wheat, revealing distinct regulatory patterns of the target genes in different Zn supply conditions. These findings provide a new field and valuable candidate miRNAs for molecular breeding aimed at improving zinc’s utilization efficiency in wheat. Full article

Wheat possesses inherently low concentrations and bioavailability of the essential micronutrients (EMis) zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), limiting its capacity to sufficiently address human nutritional requirements. Biofortification of wheat with EMis through agricultural methods is a strategy aimed at addressing EMi deficiencies in human populations that emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability. All EMis are usually applied foliarly as sulfates, which indicates sulfur (S)-assisted biofortification. The formation of EMi complexes provides solubility as well as protection during long-distance transport. Several small molecules are possible candidates as ligands—the S-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine among them—linking EMi homeostasis to S homeostasis, which represents another aspect of S-assisted biofortification. In this study, we delve into the S-assisted agronomic biofortification strategy by applying sulfate micronutrients coupled with a sulfur-containing amino acid and we explore the effect of the selected accompanying cation (Zn, Fe, Mn, or Cu) on the EMi metallome of the grain, along with the biofortification effectiveness, whilst the type of the incorporated surface active agent seems to affect this approach. A field experiment was conducted for two years with durum wheat cultivation subjected to various interventions at the initiation of the dough stage, aiming to biofortify the grain with EMis provided as sulfate salts coupled with cysteine or methionine as potential biofortification enhancers. The mixtures were applied alone or in combination with commercial surfactants of the organosilicon ethoxylate (SiE) type or the alcohol ethoxylate (AE) type. The performance of two relevant preparations, FytoAmino-Bo (FABo) and Phillon, has been studied, too. The interventions affected the accumulation of the EMi metallome into the grains, along with the interactions of the EMis within this metallome. Several interventions increased the EMi metallome of the grain and affected the contribution of each EMi to this metallome. Many interventions have increased Zn and Fe, while they have decreased Mn and Cu. An increase in Zn corresponded (i) to a decrease in Cu, (ii) to an increase or no increase in Fe, and (iii) to a variable change in Mn. Cys increased the metallome by 34% and Zn and Fe within it. ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ increased the metallome by 5% and 9%, whilst MnSO₄ and CuSO₄ increased the metallome by 36% and 33%, respectively. The additives improved the contribution to increasing the metallome in most cases. Without surfactant, the efficacy ranking proved to be MnSO₄ > CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of SW7 sustained the order CuSO₄ > MnSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of Saldo switched the order to CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄ > MnSO₄. In the case of Phillon, the order was CuSO₄ > FeSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > MnSO₄. The effect of Cys or Met was case-specific. The differentiations in the intensity of both the agronomic performance (grain weight, grain weight per spike, and yield) and the biofortification performance (concentrations vs. accumulations of each EMi within the grain) among the various combinations of EMis and additives are depicted by adopting a grading scale, which highlighted the intensity of the acclimation reaction of the biofortified grain to the applied intervention. Full article

An optical remote sensing approach was developed to identify areas with high and low salinity within the mangrove swamp rice system in West Africa. Conducted between 2019 and 2024 in Guinea-Bissau, this study examined two contrasting rice-growing environments, tidal mangrove (TM) and associated mangrove (AM), to assess changes in vegetation dynamics, soil salinity concentration, and soil chemical properties. Field sampling was conducted during the dry season to avoid waterlogging, and soil analyses included texture, cation exchange capacity, micronutrients, and electrical conductivity (EC_e). Meteorological stations recorded rainfall and environmental conditions over the period. Moreover, orthorectified and atmospherically corrected surface reflectance satellite imagery from PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 was selected due to their high spatial resolution and revisit frequency. From this data, vegetation dynamics were monitored using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), with change detection calculated as the difference in NDVI between sequential images (ΔNDVI). Thresholds of 0.15 ≤ NDVI ≤ 0.5 and ΔNDVI > 0.1 were tested to identify significant vegetation growth, with smaller polygons (<1000 m²) removed to reduce noise. In this process, at least three temporal images per season were analyzed, and multi-year intersections were done to enhance accuracy. Our parameter optimization tests found that a locally calibrated NDVI threshold of 0.26 improved site classification. Thus, this integrated field–remote sensing approach proved to be a reproducible and cost-effective tool for detecting AM and TM environments and assessing vegetation responses to seasonal changes, contributing to improved land and water management in the salinity-affected mangrove swamp rice system. Full article

Soybeans (Glycine max L.), a globally significant crop, play a critical role in economic, nutritional, and ecological systems, particularly in rotational farming due to their nitrogen-fixing capacity. This study investigated the residual effects of vermicompost (VC) and vermicompost tea (VCT) applied during a preceding corn cycle on subsequent soybean growth and productivity in an organic corn–soybean rotation. Soybeans were grown in raised beds previously treated with different VCT concentrations and combinations of VC+VCT, without additional fertilization during the soybean phase. Physiological traits, including leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD values) and stomatal conductance, were measured alongside biomass, yield, and plant leaves nutrient concentrations. VC+VCT treatments significantly increased biomass and yield, with VC1+VCT20 achieving the highest biomass (3.02 tons/ha) and yield (1.68 tons/ha). Leaf nutrient analysis revealed increased uptake of both macro- and micronutrients in amended treatments, while SPAD and stomatal conductance values remained consistently higher than in the control. Soil analyses confirmed improved nutrient retention and cation exchange capacity in amended plots, demonstrating the legacy benefits of organic inputs. Therefore, residual VCT and VC+VCT applications improved soybean productivity, nutrient acquisition, and physiological performance in rotational systems. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility, this strategy supports climate-smart agriculture principles and contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Full article

This study analyses the potential of artificial neural networks (ANN) in accurately predicting potato yields based on 11 parameters characterising the soil environment. Accurate yield forecasting is crucial for optimising potato production, especially in the context of potato processing. Due to the significant impact of soil properties on yield, there is a need for comprehensive predictive models that take these factors into account. The field studies (2021–2024) included an analysis of soil parameters determining potato tuber yield. The developed ANN model was highly accurate, as evidenced by the following indicators: R² = 0.8227, RMSE = 4.19 t∙ha⁻¹, MAE = 3.35 t∙ha⁻¹, MAPE = 7.34%. Global sensitivity analysis showed that cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation percentage (V), and sum of exchangeable bases (S) are key parameters influencing tuber yield. The results indicate that neural networks are effective in modelling complex relationships between soil parameters and potato yield, and that soil properties play a fundamental role in increasing yields and improving potato quality. The approach used may contribute to optimizing the nutrient content of potato tubers intended for French fry production. Future studies should incorporate climate data and micronutrients to enhance the accuracy of predictive models, potentially leading to a 10–15% improvement in yield predictions. Full article

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), remains a major constraint to global banana (Musa spp.) production, especially in tropical regions. Although soil conditions are known to modulate disease expression, the specific physicochemical drivers of FOC prevalence under field conditions are not well understood. This study investigated the relationships between soil properties and the Fusarium wilt incidence across 47 banana farms on Hainan Island, China, a tropical region dominated by highly weathered tropical soil (latosols). The disease incidence (%PDI) and FOC abundance were quantified, alongside key soil parameters, including the pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and macro- and micronutrient availability. The soils were predominantly acidic (mean pH 4.93), with low levels of organic carbon and exchangeable calcium (Ca) and elevated levels of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). The Fusarium wilt incidence ranged from 1% to 78%, with significantly higher levels observed in younger plantations (<5 years old). Statistical analyses revealed strong negative correlations between the PDI and the soil pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available K. Principal component analysis further confirmed the suppressive role of the pH and base cations in the disease dynamics. Farms older than five years exhibited better soil fertility indices and lower disease pressure, suggesting a temporal improvement in soil-mediated disease suppression. These findings underscore the critical role of soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, particularly Ca, Mg, and K deficiencies, in promoting FOC pathogenicity. Enhancing soil health offers a promising and sustainable strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in tropical banana production systems. Full article

The current study focuses on a preliminary evaluation of the use of solid residues produced from the distillation of selected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) as fertilizers for alkaline soils. Specifically, the residues of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum (Roth) G. Don), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) were added in an alkaline and calcareous soil at the rates of 0 (control), 1, 2, 4 and 8%, in three replications (treatments), and the treated soils were analyzed. The results showed that upon application of the residues, soil electrical conductivity (EC), organic C, total N and the C/N ratio significantly increased, especially at the 4 and 8% rates. The same was found for soil available P, K, B, Cu and Mn. The effects of the residues on soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and available Zn and Fe were rather inconclusive, whereas soil available N significantly decreased, which was somewhat unexpected. From the different application rates tested, it seems that all residues could improve soil fertility (except N?) when they were applied to soil at rates of 2% and above, without exceeding the 8% rate. The reasons for the latter statement are soil EC and available Mn: the doubling of EC upon application of the residues and the excessive increase in soil available Mn in treatments with 8% residues raise concerns of soil salinization and Mn phytotoxicity risks, respectively. This work provides the first step towards the potential agronomic use of solid residues from MAP distillation in alkaline soils. However, for the establishment of such a perspective, further research is needed in respect to the effect of residues on plant growth and soil properties, by means of at least pot experiments. Based on the results of the current study, the undesirable effect of residues on soil available N should be investigated in depth, since N is the most important essential element for plant growth, and possible risks of micronutrient phytotoxicities should also be studied. In addition, application rates between 2 and 4% should be studied extensively in order to recommend optimum application rates of residues to producers. Full article

Enhanced weathering of silicate rocks in agriculture is an option for atmospheric CO₂ removal and fertility improvement. The objective of our work is to characterise some of the agricultural consequences of a basaltic powder amendment on soil-crop systems. Two doses of basalt (80 and 160 t ha⁻¹) were applied to two types of slightly acid soils (sandy or silty clayey), derived from long-term trials at Bordeaux (INRAE, France) and Rothamsted Research (England), respectively. For each soil, half of the pots were planted with ryegrass; the other half were left bare. Thus, the experiment had twelve treatments with four replications per treatment. Soil pH increased with the addition of basalt (+0.8 unit), with a 5% equivalence of that of reactive chalk. The basalt contained macro- and micronutrients. Some cations extractable in the basalt before being mixed to the soil became more extractable with increased weathering, independent of plant cover. Plant uptake generally increased for macronutrients and decreased for micronutrients, due to increased stock (macro) and reduced availability (micronutrients and P), related to pH increases. K supplied in the basalt was responsible for a significant increase in plant yield on the sandy soil, linked to an average basalt K utilisation efficiency of 33%. Our general conclusion is that rock dust applications have to be re-evaluated at each site with differing soil characteristics. Full article

Soil degradation and declining fertility threaten sustainable agriculture and crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of CFMI-8, a co-fermented microbial inoculant comprising eight bacterial strains selected through genomic and metabolic modeling, on soil health, nutrient availability, and corn performance. Conducted in a randomized complete block design at Findlay Farm, Wisconsin, the field trial assessed soil biological activity, nutrient cycling, and crop yield responses to CFMI-8 treatment. Treated soils exhibited significant increases in microbial organic carbon (+224.1%) and CO₂ respiration (+167.1%), indicating enhanced microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. Improvements in nitrate nitrogen (+20.2%), cation exchange capacity (+23.1%), and potassium (+27.3%) were also observed. Corn yield increased by 28.6%, with corresponding gains in silage yield (+9.6%) and nutritional quality. Leaf micronutrient concentrations, particularly iron, manganese, boron, and zinc, were significantly higher in treated plants. Correlation and Random Forest analyses identified microbial activity and nitrogen availability as key predictors of yield and nutrient uptake. These results demonstrate CFMI-8’s potential to enhance soil fertility, promote nutrient cycling, and improve crop productivity under field conditions. The findings support microbial inoculants as viable tools for regenerative agriculture and emphasize the need for long-term studies to assess sustainability impacts. Full article

The genetic diversity of banana plants (Musa spp.) can result in different phosphorus requirements, highlighting the importance of studies performed to optimize phosphate fertilization in order to improve the productivity and sustainability of banana plantations. This study assessed the effects of phosphate fertilization on the duration of the harvest season, bunch mass, soil fertility and foliar nutrition of BRS SCS Belluna banana plants. A replicated trial was performed in two consecutive harvests, with different phosphorus levels, i.e., 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of the recommended level for the crop. Soil analyses included macro- and micronutrients, silicon, acidity, organic matter, cation exchange capacity and base saturation. Leaf tissue was analyzed for mineral content. Thermophosphate had different effects on soil fertility and leaf nutrients. Calcium and phosphorus in the soil increased linearly. In the leaf, a reduction in zinc content was mainly observed. The lower temperatures and accumulated rainfall that occurred during the second harvest season are related to a greater number of days between flowering and harvest and a lower bunch mass. These results could support fertilization programs aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of phosphorus nutrition in banana plantations. Full article

Conventional mineral fertilization (CMF) is a common practice in infertile sugarcane-cultivated tropical soils, increasing production costs and environmental concerns. Combining CMF with composted sewage sludge (CSS) could be a sustainable strategy. We aim to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties, macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the soil surface (A_p1; 0–25 cm) and subsurface (A_p2; 25–50 cm) horizons, after CSS application with or without CMF in sugarcane cultivation (first and second ratoon cane). Eleven treatments, featured by CSS increase rates and mixed with CMF at different concentrations, were tested in the first ratoon; during the second, the CSS residual effect was evaluated. Applying CSS in sugarcane-cultivated soils, improved the following: (i) soil organic matter, pH, the sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, and base saturation; (ii) overall nutrient concentrations (P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, and Zn). The treatments showing the best performances were those with 5.0 Mg ha⁻¹ of CSS. Composted sewage sludge has the potential for use as an organic natural fertilizer reducing the need for CMF. When applied in infertile tropical soils, additional positive effects can be achieved, such as decreasing production costs and providing socio-economic benefits. Full article

Edible halophytes are attracting attention due to their potential for agriculture in saline and marginal areas. The salt tolerance mechanism was analyzed in Crithmum maritimum L., based on ionic, osmotic, and redox homeostasis strategies under salt stress. The methodology involved growing C. maritimum seeds in pots under controlled greenhouse conditions and exposing them to different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM) for five months. High salinity levels decreased plant length and biomass, but the shoot-to-root length and biomass ratio increased significantly. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were quantified using spectrophotometric analysis, while macro- and micro-nutrient contents were determined via the Kjeldahl method, flame photometry, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Osmolyte accumulation, including proline and glycine betaine, was analyzed using specific biochemical assays, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POX) were measured to assess redox homeostasis. Photosynthetic pigments in C. maritimum leaves slightly increased at 100 mM NaCl, but significantly declined at 200 and 300 mM NaCl. A high Na content in the shoots indicated no restriction in mineral uptake in the roots. Nitrogen and phosphorus slightly decreased under high salinity. The cation content in the shoots varied: potassium decreased, while calcium and magnesium increased with salinity, although the Mg⁺²/Na⁺ and K⁺/Na⁺ ratios showed similar declining patterns. The micro-nutrients iron and manganese increased in the shoots, while copper remained unchanged. The content of osmolytes proline and glycine betaine significantly increased under the 200 and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POX) decreased at 100 and 200 mM NaCl, but were strongly induced at 300 mM NaCl. The total antiradical activity of the leaves increased with higher salinity levels. Our results indicated that the facultative halophyte characteristics of C. maritimum emerged after exposure to 200 mM NaCl. Increased calcium content may be a key factor in salinity tolerance. We concluded that C. maritimum employs strong osmotic adjustment and redox homeostasis mechanisms, making it a promising candidate for cultivation in saline environments. Full article

Composting is the decomposition of organic matter in an aerobic environment. The windrow turner machine is used to turn the compost piles for efficient composting. It effectively addresses important issues such as managing crop leftovers and disposing of animal waste. This paper evaluates a comparison between mechanized (pile 1) and conventional (pile 2) compost-turning processes and the need for windrow turner machines to manage waste effectively and turn it into nutrient-dense material. This approach not only delivers a practical solution, it also points out the potential for a significant increase in soil fertility and agricultural sustainability. Five samples were taken from each pile at 10 feet intervals for chemical analysis. A total 13,768 kg of the compost yield was collected from pile one and 11,512 kg from pile 2. The study’s findings show that the machine turned a greater cation exchange capacity (CEC) value than the compost manually turned. Pile 1 was turned using a compost windrow turner machine, and pile 2 was turned manually. The CEC values in pile 1 varied from 21.23 meq/100 g dry weight to 68.87 meq/100 g dry weight after eight weeks, while the CEC values in pile 2 increased from 21.23 meq/100 g dry weight to 33.28 meq/100 g dry weight. The value of electrical conductivity (EC) in pile 1 increased from 1.98 ds/m to 11.34 ds/m, whereas in pile 2 it climbed from 1.98 ds/m to 7.86 ds/m after 8 weeks. The C/N ratio of pile 1 dropped to approximately 15 and the concentration of micronutrients increased during the composting process, which indicate mature composted material. The outcomes of this research contribute that mechanical composting emerges as a highly suitable method for efficiently managing the composting process, ensuring uniform decomposition, enhanced aeration, and the production of high-quality compost. Full article