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A growing world population means greater pressure on earth’s resources. Currently, 30% of food is wasted, which poses a significant risk to both humans and the environment. One way to offset the growth in food waste (FW) is through the process of microbial bioconversion, whereby FW is transformed into a range of nutrient-dense biofertilisers. This approach not only promotes a highly desirable circular economy, but it can also reduce the use of inorganic fertilisers, which adversely impact the environment through increased greenhouse gases, changes in soil and water characteristics, and loss of biodiversity. The bioconversion of FW to biofertiliser relies on the processes of aerobic (composting) and anaerobic digestion. Recently, alternative decomposition techniques included growing specific beneficial microbes, such as effective microorganisms, to speed up the breakdown process. Microorganisms can act as biostimulants and biodecomposers, possessing nutrient-fixing abilities and providing protection from biotic and abiotic stresses, thus enhancing plant growth and overall health. The potential uses of FW are complex and diverse, but research is actively done to effectively utilise this resource for biofertiliser applications.

Bisphenols (BP) are pollutants that are globally and widely distributed and adversely affect the health of humans. However, knowledge of their presence in animals, especially farm animals such as pigs, remains limited. In this study, the incidence of bisphenol A (BPA) and its five analogues – bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol Z (BPZ) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) – was monitored in lactating sows on an actual pig farm. The urine samples of 27 sows were collected twice on the 3^rd day after parturition, and stored at –20 °C until analysis using MDGC/MS. None of the lactating sows produced bisphenol-free urine. In contrast, the urine of all sows contained at least two bisphenols (eight females), most often five (10 females) or all six bisphenols (five females). The average concentrations of bisphenols in urine were in the order of BPB > BPA and BPS > BPZ > BPAF > BPF. The most frequently detected bisphenol was BPB (96.0% of samples) followed by BPA (89.0%), BPAF (78.0%), BPS (63.0%), BPF (52.0%) and BPZ (37.0%). Additionally, the proportion of BPB in the total bisphenol concentration in urine samples was the highest (28.74 to 93.85%) while that of BPF was the lowest (2.33 to 16.70%). Estimated daily intakes of bisphenols as well as hazard quotients were much lower than risk thresholds established for the human population, indicating safe doses for the health status of lactating sows. However, these findings are limited as the mechanism of BPA analogue’ activity is still unclear, and the long-term effects of small doses of bisphenols and the potential harmful impact of BP mixtures are unknown. Knowledge of the occurrence of bisphenols in pig farming may contribute to the elimination of BPA and its analogues from this sector, which is crucial for the safety of animal products as well as the welfare of pigs.

Aquatic foods such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish are important human nutrient sources. However, aquatic foods spoil quickly during processing and storage due to spoilage bacteria and endogenous enzymes. Ultra-high-pressure (UHP) technology, as an advanced non-thermal treatment method, is an effective preservation technique for aquatic foods. The mechanism of UHP technology is to destroy non-covalent bonds by UHP, which leads to the change of cell membrane permeability and the destruction of high-level structure of proteins, making apoptosis and enzyme inactivation. The technology can effectively sterilise and preserve food's colour, taste and nutritional value. The paper provides an introduction to the working principles, types, sources and equipment and describes the progress of the research and application of UHP technology in pascalisation, enzyme inactivation, parasite inactivation and quality modification of aquatic products. Potential limitations and prospects of the technology are also outlined. We hope to lay the theoretical groundwork for using this technique in aquatic product processing and provide guidance for its application in industrial production.

This study aimed to determine the potential of Wallachian sheep in quantitative and qualitative indicators of milk production under extensive conditions of the Western Beskids mountains. Milk samples were collected from the group of 38 non-dairying sheep selected from the basic 120-head flock. Ewes were monitored during four control days (from 27^th April, the average 42^nd day of lactation to 4^th August, the average 142^nd day of lactation) to cover the whole lactation period. Ewes were investigated for their milk production and for milk quantity parameter. Milk quality indicators included percentage estimation of milk components (fat, protein, casein, lactose, dry matter), somatic cell count (10³ cells/ml), vitamin A and E content (mg/kg), and K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu (mg/kg) content. Milk production ranged from 1 017.37 g (early stage of lactation) to 416.87 g (late stage of lactation period). The milk contained high fat (6.06–8.44%) and protein (4.68–5.68%) percentages, low somatic cell count and favourable distribution of minerals and vitamins. In general, results of this study indicate a possibility for low-productive traditional grazing system with extensive sheep breeds not only for cultivating the area but also for the purpose of high nutritional food with beneficial aspect on human health.

This work aims to differentiate the rural land of Slovakia in view of the possibility of effective sunflower growing. The differentiation is based on pedo-climatic and production-economic parameters. Soil categorisation took into account the correlation between the site properties (soil and climatic conditions) and the biological and agrotechnical requirements of the crops. Sunflower requirements were included in yield databases using software filters such that a given site property excluded or limited sunflower growing, which was reflected in predicted production. The prediction was subsequently interpolated into four suitability categories: soils unsuitable for sunflower growing, less suitable soils, suitable soils and very suitable soils. A map of categories of soil suitability for sunflower growing was created using a Geographic Information System on the distribution of soil parameters in Slovakia. According to our calculation in Slovakia, 18.8% of farmland is very suitable for sunflower growing, 24.9% is suitable, 16.6% is less suitable, and 39.7% is unsuitable for sunflower growing. These categories are characterised and specified in detail in the paper in terms of geographical, soil, climatic, production and economic parameters. The analysis of the actual sowing of sunflowers between 2018 and 2021 showed that 51% of the areas were located in very suitable soils, 32% in suitable, 10% in less suitable soils and 7% in unsuitable soils for cultivation.

Galicia is one of Spain's leading regions regarding agricultural and livestock production. In the light of the COVID-19 crisis, the permeability to the economic shocks of these sectors led to an unprecedented recession, given the heterogeneity of their characteristics, resulting in widespread losses. The main objective of this article is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 in the agricultural and livestock sectors in Galicia and, at the same time, identify the degree of affectation in each of these sectors, determine the impact of the pandemic in each province and study the institutional responses to the COVID-19 crisis. For this purpose, financial analysis of these sectors will be carried out through a sample of 998 companies. The results show a variation in operating income of -16.41% in the agricultural sector and -9.15% in the livestock sector in Galicia, although they are mixed across the different provinces of the region. Despite the articulation of a network of public aids and the adoption of new commercialization strategies, there are sub-sectors with high losses, such as the ornamental plant industry and the subsector dedicated to the production of beef.

The basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) superfamily is the most widespread family of transcription factors in eukaryotic organisms, which can activate the expression of genes by interacting with specific promoters in the genes. The bHLH transcription factors direct the development and metabolic process of plants, including flowering initiation and secondary metabolite production, by attaching to specific sites on their promoters. These transcription factors are essential for encouraging plant tolerance or the adjustment to harsh environmental conditions. The involvement of bHLH genes in anthocyanin formation in fleshy fruit-bearing plants, as well as the role of these genes in response to stimuli including drought, salt, and cold stress, are discussed in this article. New concepts and goals for the production of stress-tolerant fruit species are suggested. Furthermore, solid evidence for the critical role of bHLH genes in the growth and development, as well as anthocyanin biosynthesis in fleshy fruit plants, are also presented in this article. This review identifies several future research directions that can shed light on the roles of bHLH genes in fruit-bearing plants and will assist the use of these genes in efforts to breed fruit crop varieties that are more resistant to stress. Generally, there has been little research carried out on the role of bHLHs transcription factor family genes in fleshy fruit-bearing plant species and more in-depth studies are required to fully understand the diverse role of bHLH genes in these species.

This study aimed to determine the nano-emulsion of virgin coconut oil (n-VCO) formula that can produce the best size and zone inhibition of antimicrobial activity. The VCO was formulated with the different percentages of Tween 80 (P1: 24%, P2: 25%, P3: 26%) and sorbitol (P1: 36%, P2: 35%, P3: 34%). The particle size of the n-VCO emulsion was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity test of the n-VCO was determined by a challenge test using Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The data were analysed by a one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). The significant data were furthermore tested by Duncan’s multiple ranges (SPSS v26.0). This study showed that the P3 formulation (26% Tween 80 and 34% sorbitol) produced the best n-VCO among all the treatments showing a particle size of 5–100 nm. Formulas P1 and P2 produced particle sizes of about 500–1 000 nm. The antimicrobial test showed that the P3 formula had a strong inhibitory effect on S. Typhi (7.442 ± 0.52 mm), S. aureus (8.380 ± 0.49 mm), and E. coli (6.490 ± 0.82 mm). This study concluded that the formula of the detergent strongly influences the particle size of the n-VCO. The n-VCO has enormous potential to be used as an alternative antimicrobial.

Drought stress is among the significant forms of abiotic stresses that unfavourably affects maize survival as well as the development from germination to maturity. This paper, therefore, reviewed drought stress effects in maize plants and expatiated on the plausible adoptable mitigation measures to employ in curbing these effects as well. Water shortage prompts drought stress that alters the morphological, physiological and biochemical activities in maize plants. The major drought stress implications on the plant’s survival are mostly in the area of altered metabolic functions, including nutrient metabolism, cell membrane integrity, water relationships, plant yield, photosynthetic processes, osmotic adjustment, and the pigment content. Mitigating strategies, such as the breeding of drought-tolerant varieties, genomic applications for drought tolerance enhancement in maize plants, as well as the use of rhizobacteria and endophytic bacteria, can be employed in alleviating drought stress and ensuring optimal maize productivity.

Biochar is a carbonaceous material derived from the pyrolysis of carbon-rich biomass that has attracted increasing research and attention because of its ability to enhance soil carbon storage, increase soil fertility, fix and transform pollutants in soil, and improve the soil environment. These enhancements directly or indirectly affect soil microorganisms’ metabolic activities and community structure. This paper reviews the effects of biochar on soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, nutrients, contaminants, and related microbial activities. In addition, this work summarises the possible mechanisms involved in the interaction between biochar and microorganisms and the potential hazards associated with biochar use. Finally, this study aims to provide a theoretical basis for future related research.

The application of nutrient solutions to the foliage of plants is an alternative means to fertilise crops. Foliar fertilisation is used to overcome the disadvantages of soil applications. Variable plant responses to these foliar fertilisation spray solutions have often been described in the literature. However, knowledge about the penetration mechanisms, the role of a leaf-applied inorganic or organic solution, and the results obtained by its application is still limited. The complex character of the factors determining the effects of sprays hinders the development of suitable foliar fertilisation strategies, applicable under variable local conditions and for various plant types. This review describes some basic factors involved in the penetration process of foliar sprays in olive (Olea europaea L.) trees. Chemistry, leaf penetration, and plant nutrition principles will be merged with the aim of clarifying the constraints, opportunities, and future perspectives of sprays to cure olive tree nutrient deficiencies and, hence, both increase the yield and improve the fruit quality.

Development of methods for bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum products is one of the most urgent tasks of our time. This task is more difficult to perform in high-mountainous landscapes, at an altitude of more than 4 000 m a.s.l. Moreover, these high-mountain ecosystems are the most vulnerable to various kinds of anthropogenic impacts, and therefore the relevance of bioremediation is obvious. The research was conducted in the high-altitude ecosystems of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Kumtor mine. In this study was carried out on the bioremediation of oil contaminated soil using biostimulation, bioaugmentation and biostimulation + bioaugmentation remediation techniques for 90 days in the climatic conditions of high mountain region. The biostimulation treatment showed the highest total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) biodegradation percentage 62.78% compared to the bioaugmentation 50.63% and biostimulation + bioaugmentation 49.11%. Thus, the method of biostimulation proved to be the most effective method for bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum products. The application of this method could be one of the successful methods of recycling contaminated soils. This study demonstrated the possibility of restoring TPH-polluted soils using biological methods of soil treatment in climatic cold conditions of high mountains.

This study identified three soil bacteria (NRRU-BW3, NRRU-BW3, and NRRU-TV11) that degrade chlorpyrifos, produce indole-3-acetic acid, and exopolysaccharides under pesticide stress. The results revealed that soil bacteria were identified as Priestia megaterium NRRU-BW3, Bacillus siamensis NRRU-BW9, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRU-TV11. These strains showed the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in chlorpyrifos. Moreover, these bacteria can degrade chlorpyrifos (CP) in an aqueous medium, and a 33–52% degradation rate was observed after 14 days of incubation. Inoculation with the NRRU-TV11 significantly increased (P < 0.05) plant height, root length, biomass and vigour index of rice seedlings compared to uninoculated controls in chlorpyrifos-contaminated soil. The findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of indigenous NRRU-TV11 on rice seedling development and chlorpyrifos degradation and recommended this strain as a potential replacement for plant growth improvement and environmental bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated agricultural soils.

Abies hidalgensis is an endemic species from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, that has been registered only in nine fragmented relict populations that have a total of 1 000 individuals among them. Intensive forest management takes place in five of the populations under specific programs focused on Pinus spp. Still, it is necessary to know the impact of these activities on the genetic diversity of the threatened species, if restoration and conservation strategies are to be proposed. The aim of this work was to estimate the effect of forest management on the genetic structure of A. hidalgensis using seven nuclear molecular markers developed for A. guatemalensis (Ab07, Ab08, Ab09, Ab12, Ab15, Ab20, Ab23). The species was sampled growing under two different conditions; (i) areas under forest management and (ii) conserved areas. Two indexes of genetic diversity were evaluated, observed and expected heterozygosity. The genetic structure was determined by an analysis of molecular variance and a Bayesian assignment model. A bottleneck analysis was also carried out. The populations were found to have a common genetic base (differen­tiation coefficient F_ST = 0.056, number of mi­grants per generation Nm = 43), which suggests recent fragmentation of the distribution, which in turn increases the bottleneck effect in managed areas (Wilcoxon probability Wp = 0.007 and 0.016). This explains the apparently high heterozygous level (H_e = 0.69) and low inbreeding. Our results are important as they may be used to design strategies for management and conservation of A. hidalgensis.

Apples are available all year round since they can be stored for long time. However, the expression of the major apple allergen Mal d 1 can increase in the fruit during storage and incease so the risk of allergies in sensitive consumers. Therefore, we studied the change in the expression of the Mal d 1 gene during storage in the modern cultivar UEB 32642 (known under the brand name Opal^®) and the cultivar Gala Brookfield (cv. Gala) as a reference. The cultivars were stored under two different conditions, ultra-low oxygen (ULO) and standard cold conditions. The gene expression was evaluated both in fresh fruits and in fruits stored for four, six, and nine months. Nine isoforms of the gene Mal d 1 with the highest published expression were quantified using real-time PCR. The most expressed isoforms Mal d 1.01, Mal d 1.02 and Mal d 1.06A were found in the fresh and also in the stored fruits. The expression of the Mal d 1.03G and Mal d 1.06D isoforms was higher the sored fruits. Our study confirmed that (i) Opal^® had a lower overall expression of the Mal d 1 gene than cv. Gala, both in the fresh and stored fruits; (ii) standard cold storage is superior in preserving lower Mal d 1 levels in Opal^®apples compared to the ULO conditions; and (iii) less expressed isoforms may be responsible for the general increase in the Mal d 1 gene expression during storage.

The present study was aimed at measuring the concentration of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the milk of Holstein Friesian cows, its effect on the milk quality and seasonal trends, as well as to investigate the efficacy of a commercial clay-based toxin binder. For this purpose, milk samples from dairy cows (n = 72) were collected and assayed for AFM1 before employing a clay-based toxin binder. The milk samples (n = 72) were collected from selected animals, revealing that 69.4% of the milk samples had AFM1 levels above the United States permissible limit (0.5 µg/kg). The incidence of AFM1 in milk during the winter and summer was 82.5% and 53.1%, respectively. Owing to the presence of AFM1, the level of milk fat, solids-not-fat, and protein were found to be low. Subsequently, the affected animals were divided into two groups, i.e., AFM1 positive control (n = 10) and the experimental group (n = 40). The experimental group of animals were fed the clay-based toxin binder at 25 g/animal/day. A progressive decrease of 19.8% in the AFM1 levels was observed on day 4 and on day 7 (53.6%) in the treatment group. Furthermore, the fat, solids-non-fat and protein increased significantly in the milk. In conclusion, a high level of AFM1 contamination occurs in the milk in Pakistan, affecting the quality of the milk production. Clay-based toxin binders may be used to ensure the milk quality and to protect the animal and consumer health.

Soil macroarthropods, as a component of the soil community, directly feel the impact of land use changes. Not only the density but understanding the soil macroarthropods distribution pattern will help in providing an insight into the quality of soil health. The sampling process was carried out using the pitfall trap methods on the forest, logged forest areas, mixed gardens, and monoculture gardens in the tropical rainforest of Bukit Pinang-Pinang Padang, Indonesia. The results showed that the forest as a natural habitat supported the density of soil macroarthropods among other land use types. The density in the forest, logged forest area, mixed garden, and monoculture garden sequentially is about 20.29, 13.18, 15.2 and 12.21 indv/m2. The presence frequency high value of soil macroarthropods was found in the forest, and for some soil macroarthropods, such as Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Araneits, the importance value increases when their habitat is disturbed. The fertile soil in intensive monoculture gardens does not support the individuals’ total number, types, and density of soil macroarthropods. On the other side, the dominant soil macroarthropods prefer disturbed soil conditions and will decrease their presence frequency if chemical compounds are introduced into the soil. Land use change in the Bukit Pinang-Pinang tropical rainforest area causes changes in the distribution pattern of soil macroarthropods. The changing tendency of distribution patterns in fragmented habitats is due to nutrient availability, limited resources and land treatment. Habitat fragmentation affects not only the abundance and density of individuals and types of soil macroarthropods but also the distribution pattern, which not only threatens their existence and the environment but also has the potential to regenerate.

Quantification of soil health dynamics relative to grazing can inform both agriculture and conservation. We conducted an experiment near Lingle, Wyoming, USA, on a semi-arid northern mixed-grass prairie from 2017–2019. Three grazing density treatments (NG – not grazed; MRG – moderate rotationally grazed a herd of 4 Angus heifers, and UHD – ultra-high density rotationally grazed a herd of 33 Angus cow-calf pairs) were replicated four times in a randomised complete block design across twelve – 0.405 ha paddocks. Soil sampling was conducted prior to grazing in June 2017, one-week post grazing in July 2019, and six weeks post grazing in August 2019 and included a suite of forage, ground cover, soil chemical, soil physical, and soil microbiological measurements. Grazing treatment did result in lower vegetation structure but had no effect on any soil variables (P > 0.05). Conversely, the sampling interval was more influential for predicting fluctuations in chemical (15 variables significantly different within at least one treatment) or microbiological (13 variables significantly different within at least one treatment) variables than grazing treatment. The study was conducted in an intact native prairie with initial and final values indicating "Very Good" soil health, including the saturated : unsaturated fatty acid ratio, an indicator of stress.

Companies must provide economic, environmental and social added value based on innovation strategies, design and creative thinking in a globalised and competitive world characterised by rapid change and constantly evolving technologies. In this context, this paper analyses the role of design practice in companies in the agri-food sector (i.e. what is the design component present like; what are its relevance and importance?) An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted with 30 companies in southeast (SE) Spain’s fruit/vegetable sector. The findings reveal that all the surveyed companies make financial investments in design and positively value this (7.6 out of 10), which indicates they recognise its strategic and operative importance. However, integration, training and design promotion in the agri-food sector remains somewhat limited. Most companies lack an in-house design department or design professionals as staff members and perform mainly design activities limited to the visual and communication tasks related to marketing initiatives. These results unveil opportunities for enhancing design incorporation and appreciation in the agri-food sector, which could boost its competitiveness and differentiation in the market. Finally, this study can be considered a starting point for future development in line with the horticultural sector’s theory, practice, and design management policies.

To improve the quality and enrich the flavour of fermented sardine, Tetragenococcus halophilus, Staphylococcus xylosus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were used as a mixed starter for sardine fermentation. And their proportions were optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). The highest sensory score was obtained when the proportions of T. halophilus, S. xylosus, and S. saprophyticus were 1 : 1 : 1. The optimised fermented sardine had the lowest levels of histamine content (0.0190 μg·g^–1), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN, 208 μg·g^–1), and was richer in volatile compounds (308). The results may provide important evidence that T. halophilus, S. xylosus, and S. saprophyticus may be satisfactorily used as a mixed starter to improve the quality and flavour of fermented sardines.

This study aimed to analyse the influence of adding Lycium ruthenicum Murr. fruit (LRF) on physicochemical, sensory characteristics and antioxidant capacity in goat milk yoghurt (GMY) during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Three different yoghurt formulations were processed using varying amounts of added LRF (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%). LRF supplementation improved some of the physicochemical characteristics and sensory characteristics of GMY. With the increase of LRF addition, the pH of GMY showed a downward trend, and the titrated acidity showed an upward trend. The corresponding number of colonies in the storage period was higher than that of yoghurt without LRF. The addition of a concentration of 1.0–2.0% LRF played a role in the proliferation of lactic acid bacteria, and viscosity and hardness increased with increasing LRF addition. Although the susceptibility to syneresis of GMY showed a downward trend with increasing LRF addition, the scavenging rate of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), •OH (hydroxyl free radicals), and the reducing power of Fe³⁺ of the corresponding concentration of GMY increased. In general, GMY with LRF addition can combine the two nutrients and have higher nutritional value, which is a good supplement to the same types of products in the market.

The aims of this study were to examine bacterial communities in relation to the rumen digestion of rice straw and to understand how concentrate supplements affect gut bacteria involving the digestion of a rice straw-based diet. The substrates were rice straw (RS) alone (experiment 1) and RS with 25% concentrates (barley and kidney beans) (experiment 2). The genomic DNA was collected to determine bacterial diversity by conducting denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). V6–V8 region group-specific (Clostridium and Bacteroides) primers were employed in the analyses. The DGGE band pattern was subjected to cluster analysis to demonstrate the similarity and difference between dietary treatments and solid-liquid fractions. Fibre digestibility, gas production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were increased with incubation time. The differences between solid and liquid fractions were great in total bacteria, Clostridium, and Bacteroides communities. Clostridium and Bacteroides communities appeared unaffected by incubation time, whereas great differences existed between solid and liquid fractions throughout incubations (experiment 1). Barley and kidney bean supplements increased gas production and lowered rumen fluid pH, whereas changes in VFA concentration were significant only for kidney bean supplement. The Clostridium, and Bacteroides groups were affected by barley and kidney beans in the liquid fraction. However, the solid fraction was stable (experiment 2). These results indicate a rigid and stable community structure of Clostridium and Bacteroides groups involved in the digestion of rice straw-based diets in the rumen. Distinctive differences between solid and liquid fractions were described; hence, separate analyses of two fractions may greatly help understand the relationship between fermentation patterns and microbial communities in the rumen.

This study focused on drying moringa leaves using a cabinet dryer. The impact of the 40, 50, and 60 °C drying air temperatures on the moisture content of the leaves at a constant air velocity with variation in weight (40, 80, and 120 g) was considered. Ten drying models were fitted to the drying data to describe the drying parameters of moringa leaves. The best model was chosen based on the highest coefficient of determination (R²), and the lowest sum of square error (SSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. The Henderson and Pabis model best described the drying characteristics of the moringa leaves having the highest R² (0.9888) and lowest SSE (0.0401) and RMSE (0.0604). The effective moisture diffusivity increased with the temperatures ranging from 8.72 × 10^–9 to 1.40 × 10^–8 m²·s^–1. The activation energy ranged from 90.4636, 40.4884, and 22.7466 KJ·mol^–1 for 40, 80, and 120 g, respectively.

Grassland as a part of farmland is important for agrobiodiversity, soil protection and agricultural production (grazing, hay production). In the Czech Republic, grassland area increases with increasing altitude. In this study we evaluated the period 1966–2021 and the change in grassland area in different locations in South Bohemia region: fertile lowlands (Písek, České Budějovice, Tábor districts) and marginal uplands (Český Krumlov, Prachatice districts). Data on land use including the share of grassland were obtained from the Czech Cadastral and Surveying Office and Czech Statistical Office. In the upland districts, there is the largest share of grassland areas in the whole region. The prevalence of grasslands is probably due to the geographic and climatic conditions, which are challenging here. Our research shows the results of changes in grassland areas between 1967 and 2021, with regard to the assessed districts. The difference in the percent area of grassland in 2021 compared to 1967 is –0.04 to –1.77 for lowlands, and +1.45 to +5.99 for uplands. Despite this, uplands farmers practice relatively extensive farming methods and extensive grazing due to low ruminant numbers. Although farmers maintain relevant carbon sinks, it is unlikely to increase the carbon stocks per hectare of extensive grasslands on an annual basis, which would be a barrier to participation in a carbon farming system.

Sustainable intensification (SI) is a widely discussed concept that aims to increase agricultural production without harming the environment. This study assessed the process of SI that took place in the EU regions from 2004 to 2018 and the impact of structural and weather-related factors. In doing so, a single index based on DEA environmentally adjusted efficiency and kernel regression were applied to data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) Public Database and the Agri4Cast resource portal. The study found an overall positive trend of SI in the EU regions in which land and animal concentration had a significant impact on this process. Sun radiation, as the only significant weather variable, had a decreasing impact on efficiency due to potential droughts. The findings emphasise the need for political support for regions with a low degree of SI and for those particularly affected by climate change.

A precise merchantable stem volume model of Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] is missing in the Czech Republic. The aim of this study was to fit a new model through the reparametrization of volume equations (used in the Czech Republic or in other countries). We tested four volume equations (two from the Czech Republic, one from France and one from British Columbia) in the form of a nonlinear least squares model (NLS), weighted least squares model (WLS), and nonlinear mixed effects model (NLME). In all the tested models, the diameter at breast height of a tree and the total height of a tree were used as independent variables. Models were fitted on a dataset of 185 felled sample trees from eleven research areas with ages between 19–113 years. We have found that the model according to Omule et al. (1987) fits the merchantable stem volume as the best in the version of WLS model. Median value of the relative error of the final model was only –0.53%, which is less than the errors of models which are still used in the Czech Republic today.

The tillage depth plays a critical role in solving soil compaction - a global problem of soil degradation. However, to date, there are few research reported about tillage depth, and the standard of optimum tillage depth is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the effect of tillage depths on crop yield across a global scale, and then to analysis their influence factors such as local climate, soil properties, and managements. Moreover, a global distribution of the optimal tillage depths was estimated by using a random-forest model. Overall, our result demonstrated that crop yield first increased within tillage depths from 25 to 35 cm, and then reduced under higher depth of deep tillage compared to conventional tillage, according to 1109 wheat, maize and soybean (WMS) yield observations from 202 studies and 109 publications. Visibly, 35 cm hence became the optimum tillage depth of WMS across the world, while it varies with different regions. Furthermore, higher crop yields observed in areas with a humid climate, high clay contents, and large bulk density under the optimal depth 40, 35 and 45 cm, respectively. In contrast, a lower yield was observed in areas with arid climates, silty and sandy soils, and lower bulk density within optimal depth of 25 cm, 30 cm, and 25 to 35 cm. Human management efforts, including fertilizer addition, irrigation, straw returning, and changing of cropping system or crop species mostly increased the crop yield under deep tillage. Particularly, our meta-analysis indicated that straw returning needs a greater depth. Finally, we predicted the distributions of optimum depths, which showed that 30 and 35 cm were the optimum tillage depths in the temperate and tropical regions, and the total crop yields of global WMS increased by 2689 million tons per year under the optimal tillage depth, compared with the conventional tillage.

The effect of drip irrigation on the origin and size fraction of soil organic carbon was studied in the soils of an apple orchard (Malus domestica Borkh.) on hilly (20%) terrain in northeastern Slovenia in three slope positions (upslope, midslope and downslope), comparing irrigated with non-irrigated soils. Physical fractionation of soil organic carbon was performed on three soil layers (0–0.05, 0.05–0.15 and 0.15–0.30 m) in three size fractions: fraction A (> 0.0002 m), fraction B (0.0002‒0.00005 m) and fraction C (< 0.00005 m). Fraction A was the richest in soil organic carbon (7.7%), but fraction C was the dominant fraction in the total soil volume (86‒92%), making it the largest source of soil organic carbon (73%). The δ¹³C signature was performed to determine the existence of two different types (origins) of soil organic carbon: fresh and sedimentary. Fresh organic carbon dominates in the A fraction, while sedimentary organic carbon dominates in the C fraction and may contribute to higher structural stability, besides higher carbonates in the finest fraction. Irrigation mainly contributes to the higher stock of soil organic carbon (predominantly fresh and less sedimentary) in the coarse A fraction (21.14 t/ha in irrigated and 14.17 t/ha in non-irrigated soils).

Insects like housefly (Musca domestica L.) are future feed resources for economic animals because insects can improve growth performance by promoting the immune function and gut microbial balance. However, little is known about research reports on housefly larvae extracts containing an antibacterial peptide. This study investigated the effect of feeding diets supplemented with housefly larvae extract (HLE) containing antibacterial peptides on the growth performance of broiler chickens. Nine hundred broilers (Ross 308) were fed diets containing HLE for 35 days. Treatment groups consisted of CON (control without HLE), PC (positive control, 8 ppm of avilamycin), HLE50 (diet containing 50 ppm of HLE), HLE100 (diet containing 100 ppm of HLE), HLE150 (diet containing 150 ppm of HLE), and HLE200 (diet containing 200 ppm of HLE). Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HLE150 and HLE200 groups compared to those in the CON group. Spleen weights were higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups than in the CON group. Caecal bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus counts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups whereas E. coli and coliform bacteria counts were higher in the CON group. Caecal acetic acid, propionic acid, and total short-chain fatty acid levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HLE150 and HLE200 groups than in the CON group. These results show that feeding diets containing 150 ppm of HLE containing antimicrobial peptides could replace antibiotics to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens.

By using jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthetic inhibitor ibuprofen (IBU), we investigated the roles of JA in the process of lanthanum nitrate (La(NO3)3)-regulated ascorbic acid (AsA) content and metabolic enzymes responsible for AsA metabolism in strawberry fruit. Findings demonstrated that La(NO3)3 markedly improved AsA content by enhancing the activities and transcript levels of glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH), and inhibiting the activities and transcript levels of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO). In comparison with La(NO3)3 alone, all the concentrations of IBU plus La(NO3)3 markedly inhibited the activities and transcript levels of DHAR, MDHAR, GalLDH and AAO, and improved the activities and transcript levels of GR and APX, which further reduced AsA content. Besides, La(NO3)3 increased JA content and IBU decreased JA content induced by La(NO3)3. Meanwhile, the results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that JA content had significant correlations with the activities and transcript levels of DHAR, MDHAR and GalLDH. Above findings implied that La(NO3)3 induced JA production, which further increased AsA content in fruits by mainly up-regulating the activities and transcript levels of DHAR, MDHAR and GalLDH.