Search Results (3,664)

Soil salinization is a major constraint on global crop production. While organic amendments are used in mildly saline soils, their seasonal effects require further study. This research applied biochar (BC) and humic acid (HA) annually in 2022 and 2023 separately, with an unamended control (CK), to assess impacts on soil quality and wheat yield. BC significantly reduced soil salt content by 28.1% and 17.5% in 2022 and 2023 at a rate of 7.5 Mg·ha⁻¹, while increasing organic matter and total phosphorus. In contrast, HA lowered soil pH by 3.1% in 2022 and enhanced available nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Both BC and HA increased alkaline phosphatase activity by 7.6% and 6.9% in 2023, respectively. Notably, grain yield showed no direct link to soil nutrients but was positively correlated with phosphatase activity in 2023. Consequently, BC did not improve the soil quality index but raised grain yield by 12.9% and 20.7% over two years, primarily via increased 1000-grain weight. In contrast, HA both improved the soil quality index by 16.1% in 2023 and increased grain yield by 17.2%, driven by enhanced aboveground biomass. In conclusion, soil chemical properties and crop productivity were decoupled in these mildly saline–alkaline soils, highlighting the potential for site-specific application of organic amendments. Full article

Several shale oil intervals, including those in offshore China, were deposited in paralic lacustrine basins that experienced marine incursions. Marine incursions could be either favorable or unfavorable for the accumulation of organic matter (OM) and shale oil. However, the influence and specific mechanisms of seawater on OM accumulation require further in-depth investigation. During the deposition of the Triassic Chang 7 Member in the Ordos Basin, seawater from the Paleo-Tethys Ocean intruded into the basin. Taking this interval as a case study, this paper employs comprehensive analyses to reveal the influence of marine incursion on water column conditions and OM accumulation. Under humid climatic conditions, the water body was fresh to brackish, characterized by high productivity and oxic–dysoxic conditions. The OM is primarily derived from algae, and its accumulation was jointly controlled by primary productivity, redox conditions, and terrigenous input. OM accumulation is controlled by fluctuations in the relative water level (RWL) associated with third-order sequences. During the period of high RWL, seawater incursions enhanced water column productivity and reduced conditions by increasing nutrient supply and salinity, resulting in the highest OM content. During the early and late periods of the RWL, as seawater receded, OM production declined while consumption and dilution increased, resulting in a gradual decrease in its content. The RWL fluctuations at the fourth-order scale also significantly influence OM accumulation. These results can enhance the understanding of OM accumulation in paralic lacustrine basins with a history of seawater incursion. While promoting shale oil exploration in the Ordos Basin, they can also serve as a research analog for shale oil exploration in basins with similar geological backgrounds, such as the Bohai Bay Basin. Full article

Future global warming is expected to increase carbon (C) losses from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere through soil respiration (SR). However, the underlying mechanisms involving microbial communities and enzymatic responses remain unclear. A long-term field experiment was started in October 2009 to assess intensively cultivated soil in the North China Plain with an infrared-heated warming system. Soil physic–chemical and microbial properties and absolute and specific activities of enzymes were measured in 2019 (the ninth year). Compared to the control, nine years of warming increased the annual average soil temperature at a 5 cm depth by approximately 1.5 °C, with soil water contents decreasing by about 3%. Long-term warming decreased the total contents of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers by up to 40%. Microbial communities utilizing recalcitrant C were more sensitive to long-term warming compared to those targeting labile C, as indicated by the increased ratio of Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria in May and the increased ratio of fungi to bacteria in August. Long-term warming caused similar absolute activity of oxidase but higher absolute and specific activities of C-, nitrogen-, and phosphorus-acquiring hydrolase, reflecting high microbial nitrogen, phosphorus, and energy demands. We conclude that a nine-year warming period relatively enriched the oligotrophic communities and raised the nitrogen, phosphorus and energy requirements. Co-limitation of multiple nutrients and water inhibits the biomass of microbial communities, which may finally promote microbial acclimation to long-term warming. Full article

Biological wastewater treatment relies primarily on activated sludge and anaerobic digestion for the removal of organic matter. In urban wastewater treatment plants discharging into eutrophication-sensitive environments, the simultaneous removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus is required to meet increasingly stringent discharge limits. Under these conditions, the transformation of complex organic matter into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) represents a more efficient strategy than complete mineralization, as biodegradable carbon is essential to sustain biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes. In this study, an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor was operated under acidogenic conditions to promote the conversion of organic matter into VFAs. For the first time, this study demonstrates how temperature-controlled acidogenic pretreatment can reliably supply biodegradable carbon to support efficient downstream nitrogen and phosphorus removal in municipal wastewater treatment. A kinetic model was developed to describe the temporal evolution of the different carbon fractions involved in anaerobic digestion, including biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic matter, intermediate compounds, short-chain volatile fatty acids, and biogas. The model assumes first-order kinetics and constant biomass concentration and was successfully validated against experimental data, with deviations below 10%. Estimated kinetic constants exhibited a strong temperature dependence, particularly for hydrolysis and acidogenic pathways, whereas methanogenic steps showed lower sensitivity. Overall, the results demonstrate that temperature is a key operational parameter governing acidogenic performance and carbon transformation pathway. The simple and novel proposed kinetic model provides a useful tool for predicting VFA production and optimizing anaerobic pretreatment strategies aimed at enhancing downstream nutrient removal processes. Optimizing SBR operation for nutrient removal also offers sustainability benefits by improving resource efficiency and reducing energy and chemical inputs. Full article

Global demand for animal protein necessitates sustainable alternatives to soybean meal (SBM). This systematic review evaluated 177 peer-reviewed articles (2002–2023) across 12 categories to analyse the nutritional value of alternative protein sources for ruminant diets and to assess the associated environmental trade-offs. This was achieved through a targeted review, synthesising data from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to create a multi-criteria matrix for ranking sustainability profiles. Results indicate that microalgae, insects, and single-cell proteins exhibit crude protein levels comparable to SBM. Moreover, insects, seaweeds, and animal by-products (ABPs) often present superior essential amino acid profiles and high intestinal digestibility. From an environmental perspective, insects, seaweeds and microalgae offer excellent land-use efficiency and significant enteric methane mitigation (17–74.6%), though current economic viability is hindered by high processing costs and emerging supply chains. Conversely, ABPs and agro-industrial by-products effectively embody circular economy principles, enhancing local system resilience. Ultimately, replacing SBM requires a multi-objective approach through a functional hybridisation model, carefully balancing metabolic efficiency with environmental sustainability. While microalgae, insects, and seaweeds demonstrate promising nutritional and mitigation potential, addressing economic barriers and ensuring biosecurity seems essential. Future LCA frameworks should prioritise bioavailable nutrient metrics to optimise the environmental impact of ruminant production. Full article

Industrial almond by-products (ABPs, almond oil cake) and tomato by-products (TBPs, mixture of peel and seeds) are nutrient-rich residues that could enhance the nutritional value of gluten-free pasta and support sustainable waste reduction. This study investigated the impacts of ABP or TBP incorporation and the extrusion screw speed on rice-based pasta quality. Rice pasta (control) and pasta enriched with ABP or TBP at different rates (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0%) were processed by extrusion-cooking at two screw speeds (50 and 90 rpm), and their quality (cooking loss, water absorption capacity, hardness, firmness, adhesiveness and color) was evaluated, as well as energy requirements during processing (specific mechanical energy (SME)). The results showed that an increase in the ABP and TBP rates had a more pronounced positive effect on cooking loss, water absorption capacity, yellowness and redness values. Moreover, comparable hardness and firmness, but lower adhesiveness values, were recorded in cooked rice–ABP-enriched pasta. However, cooked pasta enriched with TBP had lower hardness than the control pasta. Regarding energy consumption, pasta processed with a higher by-product rate at a higher screw speed showed similar SME as compared to the control pasta. In this regard, ABP can be used successfully from 7.5 to 10.0% in rice–ABP pasta formulations without compromising its technological properties. However, the optimization of the additive rate of TBP requires further study. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is commonly managed with complex pharmacotherapy combined with dietary modification, which increases the risk of clinically relevant drug–food interactions (DFIs). Despite their potential impact on treatment efficacy and safety, patient knowledge of DFIs—particularly in the context of modern therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)—remains insufficiently explored. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge of DFIs among 103 adults with T2DM using a self-administered, expert-validated questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, anti-diabetic therapy (including GLP-1 RAs), sources of education, and attendance at dietary consultations were collected. Knowledge scores were calculated based on correct responses and categorized into tertiles (low, moderate, high). Associations were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of moderate-to-high DFI knowledge. Results: Substantial gaps in DFI knowledge were identified, particularly regarding interactions involving dietary fiber, dairy products, grapefruit juice, and nutrient deficiencies associated with long-term pharmacotherapy. Knowledge level was not significantly associated with age, educational attainment, diabetes duration, or GLP-1 RA use. Female sex was associated with higher knowledge in univariate analysis (p = 0.026); however, this association did not remain significant in the multivariable regression model. Attendance at at least one dietary consultation in the previous year was significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p = 0.041) and remained an independent predictor in multivariable analysis (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.04–5.15; p = 0.039). Most participants reported not receiving prior education on DFIs, while expressing a strong need for more frequent counseling. Conclusions: Patients with T2DM demonstrate insufficient knowledge of clinically relevant DFIs, including selected issues related to GLP-1 RA therapy. Attendance at structured dietary consultations was independently associated with higher levels of DFI knowledge; however, the directionality and causality of this relationship cannot be established. Given the cross-sectional design and the assessment of knowledge rather than behavioral or clinical outcomes, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine whether improved DFI knowledge translates into meaningful changes in dietary behavior, treatment adherence, or metabolic outcomes. Full article

A reassessment of the Trp requirements for brown laying hens using the Trp biomass source allows an update of the nutritional recommendation, in addition to assessing whether biomass has an adjuvant effect in the diet. This research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the efficiency utilization of Trp and determining the ideal Trp intake for aged brown laying hens using the L-Trp biomass 60%. A completely random design was used, with eight treatments and eleven replicates, totaling 264 hens. The diets were formulated by supplementation technique using one basal diet with 0.112% of digestible Trp, resulting in amino acid levels that ranged from 0.112 to 0.225% of digestible Trp. The variables analyzed were performance and egg quality. When the effect of Trp levels (p ≤ 0.05) was detected, the model’s linear–plateau (LP), quadratic–plateau (QP), and the first intercept of the QP in the plateau of LP were adjusted to determine the ideal Trp intake. The results obtained show an effect of the treatments (p < 0.05) only on the performance variables. The first intercept results obtained were 186.2, 174.7, 182.7, and 182.5 mg/hen per day for egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency, respectively. Dietary supplementation with L-Trp biomass 60% effectively meets the nutritional requirements of aged brown laying hens, supporting efficient nutrient utilization without impairing productive performance or egg quality. Full article

Soybean cultivation in Europe remains limited compared to major global producing regions, resulting in dependence on imported sources of plant protein. Although soybean cultivation has expanded in several European countries in recent years, production is still constrained by climatic variability, soil conditions, restricted availability of locally adapted varieties, and yield instability. To improve the stimulation of plant defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stress, and above all, to achieve yield stability, there is an increasing search for environmentally friendly products, such as biofertilizers, that can be used to rebuild and maintain a sustainable ecosystem. However, environmental intervention requires extensive research on plant species and bacteria. Therefore, increasing attention is being focused on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), among other factors. These microorganisms stimulate the growth of their host through various pathways, enabling biomass growth, and improving vitality. In the near future, this may explain the various detailed mechanisms of their interactions with plants. This article reviews the current state of soybean production in Europe and synthesizes recent advances in the understanding of PGPR–soybean interactions, with particular emphasis on both direct and indirect mechanisms of action. The roles of PGPR in nutrient acquisition, phytohormone modulation, biological nitrogen fixation efficiency, and stress tolerance are discussed alongside their capacity to suppress soil-borne pathogens and induce systemic resistance. Furthermore, recent European field and greenhouse studies evaluating seed and soil inoculation strategies are summarized to highlight region-specific responses under diverse agroecological conditions. Collectively, the available evidence indicates that PGPR application can contribute to improved soybean performance in Europe, although its effectiveness remains strongly dependent on environmental factors, strain selection, and crop management practices. Full article

Soil quality degradation and low nutrient use efficiency constrain sustainable maize–soybean rotation in the Albic soil region of Northeast China. A field experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 at Qixing Farm (Jiansanjiang, Heilongjiang, China) to evaluate chemical fertilizer combined with cattle manure or microbial inoculants. Five treatments were established: no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), chemical fertilizer combined with cattle manure (CF+CM), chemical fertilizer combined with a Bacillus subtilis inoculant (CF+CRA), and chemical fertilizer combined with a Bacillus megaterium inoculant (CF+CRB). Soil available nutrient dynamics, crop nutrient accumulation and translocation, fertilizer use efficiency, and yield were assessed. In maize, CF+CRB significantly enhanced pre-anthesis N translocation and post-anthesis P accumulation, increasing grain yield to 14,533 kg ha⁻¹ (+28.6% vs. CF). In soybean, CF+CRB produced 3328.15 kg ha⁻¹, 15.8% higher than CF. CF+CRA significantly increased soil available P during the soybean flowering-pod stage and improved K allocation at later stages. Overall, integrating chemical fertilizer with CRB improved yield and nutrient use efficiency. Based on crop-specific nutrient requirements, CRB is recommended for the maize season to strengthen nutrient translocation, whereas cattle manure or CRA can be applied in the soybean season to sustain K supply. Full article

Sustainable care of urban lawns requires methods that maintain high turf quality while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The objective of this three-year field study was to evaluate whether microbial inoculants can complement or partially substitute conventional fertilization (65–190 kg N·ha⁻¹, 33–35.2 kg P·ha⁻¹, and 124.5 kg K·ha⁻¹) required to maintain high turf quality in an intensively managed lawn system. The experiment was conducted in Poland on a degraded chernozem, classified as Haplic Phaeozem. A standard mixture of perennial ryegrass and fescue was evaluated under four treatments: (1) untreated control; three commercial microbial formulations: (2) StymGrass P+K, containing nutrient-solubilizing Bacillus spp.; (3) BioVitaGrass, combining Bacillus spp. with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); and (4) NitroGrass, containing nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter spp. with Bacillus spp. All microbial treatments improved lawn quality compared with the untreated control. Lawns receiving BioVitaGrass or NitroGrass showed the strongest responses, including denser plant cover, greener and finer leaves, reduced disease symptoms, and increased concentrations of nutrients in the plant tissue. StymGrass P+K produced smaller but still positive effects. Measurements of plant conditions, such as leaf greenness and canopy development, also indicated improved photosynthetic activity in inoculated plots. These results support the role of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient mobilization, root stimulation, and stress resilience. Although most evidence comes from crops, this study provides novel field-based confirmation of multi-functional microbial inoculant efficacy in turfgrass under this study’s conditions. Full article

Small fruits are increasingly popular among consumers and producers, with blueberries standing out for their flavour, nutritional benefits, and specific growing requirements. However, cultivation can be challenging in areas with alkaline soils, such as the mid-Adriatic region of Italy, where plant growth is limited. Soilless cultivation provides a practical and profitable solution to these issues, albeit with higher initial costs. This study examined Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’ grown in soilless conditions in the Marche region (Italy) using different concentrations of nutrient solutions. Nutrient concentration was measured by electrical conductivity (EC) in fertigation with three treatments—T1 (790 µS cm⁻¹), T2 (890 µS cm⁻¹), and T3 (990 µS cm⁻¹)—compared with irrigation water (EC = 390 µS cm⁻¹). Results showed that T2 produced the highest numbers of wood and flower shoots and the greatest yield. Although nutrient levels did not significantly affect quality parameters, plants with lower nutrient intake (T1) displayed higher anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, those with greater nutrient supply showed higher polyphenol content. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of soilless cultivation to optimize blueberry production under suboptimal soil conditions. Full article

Intensive porcine livestock production generates approximately 15 million cubic meters of slurry annually, exerting significant environmental pressure on groundwater and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The AEROFER project aims to mitigate this impact by demonstrating the conversion of nitrogen-rich waste into liquid fertilizers for soilless cultivation. Using an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled aeroponic platform controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller, this study evaluated filtration (40 microns) and ozone-based stabilization (N-Amatic technology). Three lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.)—Longifolia (Romaine lettuce), Capitata (Butterhead lettuce), and Capitata (Red leaf lettuce)—were grown to compare Filtered Slurry (FS) and Filtered–Ozonated Slurry (FOS) against a mineral control standard solution (SS). The results indicate that ozone treatment eliminated detectable E. coli and coliforms while increasing the phosphorus availability by 78% (from 30.9 to 55 mg/L), despite an 11% reduction in the potassium content (from 180 to 160 mg/L). Agronomic data reveal variety-specific responses, and mass balance analysis shows that the solutions are potassium-deficient, meeting only 32–64% of crop needs. In conclusion, while aeroponics is a viable tool for nutrient recovery and requires targeted mineral supplementation to achieve full parity with commercial fertilizers, it satisfies a substantial proportion of plant nutritional requirements. Consequently, it represents a sustainable approach to food production through waste recycling, contributing to a circular economy in the pig industry without apparent sanitary risks. Full article

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a state-of-the-art method for preserving food, offering excellent retention properties for nutrients, structure, and taste compared to other drying processes. Freeze-drying yields a product visually similar to fresh produce. However, due to the high energy requirements and operational costs associated with the process, its broader use as an industrial tool is limited. This review encompasses the optimization of all key stages, including pretreatment, freezing, primary drying, secondary drying, and storage. Process efficiency and product quality depend on a variety of factors, including raw material composition, pretreatment strategies (e.g., Pulsed Electric Fields), chamber pressure, shelf temperature, and freezing rate. These parameters are critical control points for determining the final product outcome. Optimizing these parameters is essential; as summarized by recent research, lyophilization effectively protects bioactive compounds, color, flavor, and rehydration ability in various food systems, including fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and specialty products. To achieve broader industrial adoption, this gold-standard method requires advancements in process intensification and hybrid drying systems, potentially integrated with intelligent process control. These advances are crucial to enhancing the economic viability of freeze-dried products and maintaining their reputation as the gold standard in creating high-quality, shelf-stable food products. This review consolidates current knowledge into a coherent conceptual model. The model clarifies the deterministic sequence by which adjustable processing conditions direct essential physicochemical changes within the food matrix, thereby defining the product ultimate nutritional, sensory, and stability properties. Establishing this cause-and-effect framework provides a foundation for systematic process improvement and facilitates broader commercial implementation. Full article

Degraded non-cracking soils (locally known as Naga’a) are widespread in semi-arid regions of Sudan and are characterized by severe compaction, low organic matter, poor water retention, and limited crop productivity. Sustainable rehabilitation strategies for these soils remain underexplored. This study evaluated the potential of farmyard manure compost (FYM) as a soil amendment to improve physicochemical properties, soil water retention, and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) performance in degraded Naga’a soil. Aerobic composting of FYM was conducted for two months under controlled moisture and C/N ratio conditions, producing a mature compost with enhanced organic carbon, nitrogen, and water-holding capacity. A pot experiment was conducted using five rates (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha⁻¹) of the produced compost alongside a mineral NPK treatment, assigned in a randomized complete block design. Compost application significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, saturation percentage, and water-holding capacity compared with the control and NPK treatments. The highest compost rate (20 t ha⁻¹) improved soil water-holding capacity by approximately 20% and organic carbon by over 90% relative to the control. Sorghum dry matter production and plant nutrient uptake (N, P, K, and Ca) increased significantly with compost rate, while total seasonal irrigation water requirements declined. Water productivity improved progressively with compost addition, reaching a maximum increase of 60.5% at 20 t ha⁻¹ compared to the control. Overall, FYM proved effective in restoring soil functional properties, enhancing water-use efficiency, and improving sorghum growth. The results highlight the valorization of FYM as a sustainable, low-cost strategy for rehabilitating degraded non-cracking soils in arid and semi-arid environments. Full article