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Functionally rich crop rotations increase calorie and macronutrient outputs across Europe
Abstract Increased crop diversity in cereal-dominated rotations can enhance crop protection, nutrient use efficiency and climate change adaptation. Nevertheless, it is argued that replacing cereals in rotations diminishes food production, threatening food security. Here we compared outputs of calories and macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) for human consumption from cereal monocultures, cereal-only rotations and rotations including two or three functionally distinct crop types (cereals plus root and oil crops, legumes or ley) in 16 long-term experiments across Europe. Rotations with three functional types produced more calories and macronutrients than cereal monocultures and cereal-only rotations with forage crops used to produce milk. Carbohydrate gains depended on growing conditions and crop choice. Advantages increased over time but were lost with forage crops used for beef or biofuel. Functionally rich rotations provided macronutrient proportions closer to recommended human diets. Our analysis shows no trade-off between functionally rich rotations and food production or agricultural land expansion.
Impact of Crop Sequence and Fertilization on Potato Yield in a Long-Term Study
The research was conducted during the years 2007–2013, on the base of a long-term study established in 1958, at the Experimental Station Brody (52°26′ N; 16°18′ E), belonging to the Poznań University of Life Sciences. Varieties of potatoes resistant to cyst nematodes were grown in a seven-course crop rotation (potato—spring barley—alfalfa—alfalfa—spring oilseed rape—winter wheat—winter rye) and in continuous monoculture. The presented study from the years 2007–2013 covers the next 8th rotation of the 7-field crop rotation (since 1958). With regard to continuous cultivation, this is the period between the 50th and 56th year of the potato monoculture. The experiment included 11 fertilization variants, of which the following 7 were included in the study: 1—control object without fertilization, 2—manure, 3—manure + NPK, 4—NPKCa, 5—NPK, 6—NP, 7—NK and 8—PK. Every year, mineral and organic fertilization was applied in the following doses per 1 ha: N—90 kg, P—26 kg, K—100 kg, manure—30 t and Ca—0.7 t. Potato cultivation in monoculture resulted in a significant reduction in tuber yield compared to crop rotation and a reduction in the number of tubers per plant and the average weight of one tuber. Manure fertilization, especially in combination with NPK mineral fertilizer, had a more favorable effect on the level of potato yielding and the content of N, P, K and Mg in tubers compared to only mineral fertilization, but decreased the content of dry matter, starch and Ca. The results of long-term experiment indicate that the most effective in potato cultivation is the combined application of both manure and full mineral fertilization (NPK) with the proper sequence of plants (crop rotation).
Agrotechnika i niechemieczne metody ochrony roślin jako działania wspomagające w zmieniającej się sytuacji geopolitycznej Unii Europejskiej – aktualne, innowacyjne badania i prace realizowane w Uniwersytecie Przyrodniczym w Poznaniu
Increasing crop rotational diversity can enhance cereal yields
AbstractDiversifying agriculture by rotating a greater number of crop species in sequence is a promising practice to reduce negative impacts of crop production on the environment and maintain yields. However, it is unclear to what extent cereal yields change with crop rotation diversity and external nitrogen fertilization level over time, and which functional groups of crops provide the most yield benefit. Here, using grain yield data of small grain cereals and maize from 32 long-term (10–63 years) experiments across Europe and North America, we show that crop rotational diversity, measured as crop species diversity and functional richness, enhanced grain yields. This yield benefit increased over time. Only the yields of winter-sown small grain cereals showed a decline at the highest level of species diversity. Diversification was beneficial to all cereals with a low external nitrogen input, particularly maize, enabling a lower dependence on nitrogen fertilisers and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen pollution. The results suggest that increasing crop functional richness rather than species diversity can be a strategy for supporting grain yields across many environments.
Fungistatyczne właściwości siarki i miedzi – nowe perspektywy w ochronie roślin przed chorobami grzybowymi
New research brings promising findings on the fungistatic properties of sulfur and copper, opening up new perspectives in plant protection against fungal diseases. Sulfur and copper, known for their properties that stimulate plant growth and development, also show intense activity against fungal pathogens. Their efficiency in diseases control makes them increasingly used in agricultural practice. However, to maximize the potential of these substances, further on study their mechanisms of action and optimized application methods are required. In addition, scientists are looking for new, more effective fungistatic compounds that could be an alternative to traditional pesticides. Further research in this area could lead to the development of innovative crop protection strategies that are more effective, safer for the environment and more sustainable for agricultural production.
The influence of Hermetia illucens L. frass on the health, stress, and development of barley
Barley cultivation faces challenges from changing climate conditions, including the increasing threat of drought. This study explored the potential of a fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens L. frass to enhance the development and health of spring barley under optimal and drought conditions. The experiment, conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, employed various fertilization treatments, including cattle manure and two doses of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer. Comprehensive assessments were made through visual observations and physiological measurements, including chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, and CO2 exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The results demonstrated that the application of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer significantly improved barley vigor and health compared to the control and cattle manure treatments, especially under drought stress. Physiological measurements revealed positive effects on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Leaf gas exchange parameters also reflected improved photosynthetic activity, with the H. illucens L. frass-treated plants outperforming others. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of insect-derived fertilizers, particularly H. illucens L. frass, as a sustainable and effective way to enhance crop resilience to drought. As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, incorporating such novel fertilizers may offer a promising avenue for sustainable crop production.
Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought
To counterbalance the growing human population and its increasing demands from the ecosystem, and the impacts on it, new strategies are needed. Use of organic fertilizers boosted the agricultural production, but further increased the ecological burden posed by this indispensable activity. One possible solution to this conundrum is the development and application of more environmentally neutral biofertilizers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two doses of Hermetia illucens frass (HI frass) with the commercial cattle manure in the cultivation of basil under drought. Soil without the addition of any organic fertilizer was used as a baseline control substrate for basil cultivation. Plants were grown with cattle manure (10 g/L of the pot volume) or HI frass at two doses (10 and 12.5 g/L). The health and physiological condition of plants were assessed based on the photosynthetic activity and the efficiency of photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence). Gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere were also assessed to verify the effect of fertilizer on soil condition. In addition, the mineral profile of basil and its antioxidant activity were assessed, along with the determination of the main polyphenolic compounds content. Biofertilizers improved the fresh mass yield and physiological condition of plants, both under optimal watering and drought, in comparison with the non-fertilized controls. Use of cattle manure in both water regimes resulted in a comparably lower yield and a stronger physiological response to drought. As a result, using HI frass is a superior strategy to boost output and reduce the effects of drought on basil production.
Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor seed treatments positively affect the physiological condition of maize under drought stress
Improvements in agricultural production are needed, as the growing human population demands more resources and exerts stronger effects on climate. Water scarcity is one of the main factors limiting the yield of maize in many regions of the world. One possible method to mitigate the negative effects of drought is seed mortars; its use improves plant development from the early stages onwards. In this study, we tested 12 various seed treatments with and without succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI; sedaxane) on maize “SY Fanatic.” Physiological parameters of germinating seeds, of young maize seedlings under drought, and of seedlings recuperated from drought were assessed and compared across 12 seed treatments and with non-stressed plants. The seed treatments varied greatly in their influence on the germination and the physiological state of seedlings under drought and after regeneration. Seeds under treatments No. 6, 11, and 12 showed the highest germination energy (97.3%). The use of SDHI-containing seed treatments significantly improved the development of the maize root system. The longest roots, ~13 cm in length, were recorded for treatments No. 6 and 12, both containing sedaxane. These treatments also boosted the functioning of plants growing under optimal soil moisture conditions and under drought stress, influencing the photosynthesis process, increasing the absorption of CO2, and improving the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to non-treated controls. Our data indicated that using substances from the SDHI group can possibly reduce the drought-related stress reactions in maize, helping this important crop to face the progressing climate change.
Convolutional neural network model for the qualitative evaluation of geometric shape of carrot root
The main objective of the study is the development of an automatic carrot root classification model, marked as CR-NET, with the use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). CNN with a constant architecture was built, consistingof an alternating arrangement of five Conv2D, MaxPooling2D and Dropout classes, for which in the Python 3.9 programming language a calculation algorithm was developed. It was found that the classification process of the carrot root images was carried out with an accuracy of 89.06%, meaning that 50 images were misclassified. The highest number of 21 erroneously classified photographs were from the extra class, of which 15 to the first class, thus not resulting in significant loss. However, assuming the number of refuse as the classification basis, the model accuracy greatly increases to 98.69%, as only 6 photographs were erroneously assigned.
Combined Biological and Chemical Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Oilseed Rape in the Era of Climate Change
This study investigates the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum and Coniothyrium minitans against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes yield losses in many plants, including oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivation. This research emphasizes the promising alternative of hybrid control, specifically using T. asperellum and C. minitans in strategy with synthetic fungicides. In vitro experiments demonstrated that T. asperellum effectively inhibited S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth, especially when combined with synthetic fungicides such as azoxystrobin. Field trials conducted over two years revealed that pre-sowing applications of T. asperellum and C. minitans, followed by fungicide treatments during the flowering stage, significantly reduced plant infection rates and improved both yield and seed quality across different oilseed rape cultivars. The results indicated an efficacy range of 81% to 100% in controlling the pathogen and highlighted the synergistic effects of combining biological and chemical controls. Overall, the research findings support the integration of T. asperellum and C. minitans into sustainable agricultural practices for oilseed rape, offering a viable strategy to enhance disease management while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. This research underscores the importance of adopting innovative biocontrol approaches to improve crop health and productivity.
How Tillage System Affects the Soil Carbon Dioxide Emission and Wheat Plants Physiological State
The cultivation or ‘tillage’ system is one of the most important elements of agrotechnology. It affects the condition of the soil, significantly modifying its physical, chemical, and biological properties, and the condition of plants, starting from ensuring appropriate conditions for sowing and plant growth, through influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis and ultimately, the yield. It also affects air transmission and the natural environment by influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially. Ultimately, the cultivation system also has an impact on the farmer, providing the opportunity to reduce production costs. The described experiment was established in 1998 at the Brody Agricultural Experimental Station belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (Poland) on a soil classified as an Albic Luvisol, while the described measurements were carried out in the 2022/2023 season, i.e., 24 years after the establishment of the experiment. Two cultivation methods were compared: Conventional Tillage (CT) and No Tillage (NT). Additionally, the influence of two factors was examined: nitrogen (N) fertilization (0 N—no fertilization, and 130 N–130 kg N∙ha−1) and the growth phase of the winter wheat plants (BBCH: 32, 65 and 75). The growth phase of the plants was assessed according to the method of the Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH). We present the results of soil properties, soil respiration, wheat plants chlorophyll fluorescence, and grain yield. In our experiment, due to low rainfall, NT cultivation turned out to be beneficial, as it was a key factor influencing the soil properties, including soil organic carbon (SOC) content and soil moisture, and, consequently, creating favorable conditions for plant nutrition and efficiency of photosynthesis. We found a positive effect of NT cultivation on chlorophyll fluorescence, but this did not translate into a greater yield in NT cultivation. However, the decrease in yield due to NT compared to CT was only 5% in fertilized plots, while the average decrease in grain yield resulting from the lack of fertilization was 46%. We demonstrated the influence of soil moisture as well as the growth phase and fertilization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the soil. We can clearly confirm that the tillage system affected all the parameters discussed in the work.
The impact of grey water on yield and aesthetic properties of perennial ryegrass
Selecting optimal turf varieties is crucial for the sustainable management of urban green areas. This study focused on enhancing the overall quality and resilience of urban, suburban, and peri-urban areas. It aimed to assess the aesthetic acceptability of perennial ryegrass turf irrigated with greywater. Sand pots containing perennial ryegrass were irrigated with semi-natural greywater and tap water at two irrigation levels of 15 and 30 mm∙week−1 to examine their effects on aesthetic properties. The experiment included two variations: with and without fertilisation. The study objectives were evaluated using a visual aesthetic scale and by measuring the total dry and wet mass yield of ryegrass. While the aesthetic properties of the grass were found to be relatively low, they were deemed acceptable. The presence of fertilisation had significant impacts on both aesthetic properties and biomass yield. The experiment demonstrated that perennial ryegrass can be cultivated effectively at relatively low irrigation levels, even in soil lacking an organic fraction. The results indicate the possibility of maintaining this type of vegetation in the form of green roofs and vegetative swells. In the case of sandy soil lawns, their purpose should not include intensive trampling due to relatively poor rooting and low soil stability. These findings underscore the potential for sustainable landscaping practices that incorporate greywater irrigation and highlight the importance of considering various factors to optimise aesthetic appeal and productivity of green spaces.
Crop rotational diversity can mitigate climate‐induced grain yield losses
AbstractDiversified crop rotations have been suggested to reduce grain yield losses from the adverse climatic conditions increasingly common under climate change. Nevertheless, the potential for climate change adaptation of different crop rotational diversity (CRD) remains undetermined. We quantified how climatic conditions affect small grain and maize yields under different CRDs in 32 long‐term (10–63 years) field experiments across Europe and North America. Species‐diverse and functionally rich rotations more than compensated yield losses from anomalous warm conditions, long and warm dry spells, as well as from anomalous wet (for small grains) or dry (for maize) conditions. Adding a single functional group or crop species to monocultures counteracted yield losses from substantial changes in climatic conditions. The benefits of a further increase in CRD are comparable with those of improved climatic conditions. For instance, the maize yield benefits of adding three crop species to monocultures under detrimental climatic conditions exceeded the average yield of monocultures by up to 553 kg/ha under non‐detrimental climatic conditions. Increased crop functional richness improved yields under high temperature, irrespective of precipitation. Conversely, yield benefits peaked at between two and four crop species in the rotation, depending on climatic conditions and crop, and declined at higher species diversity. Thus, crop species diversity could be adjusted to maximize yield benefits. Diversifying rotations with functionally distinct crops is an adaptation of cropping systems to global warming and changes in precipitation.
Development and application of a model for the automatic evaluation and classification of onions (Allium cepa L.) using a Deep Neural Network (DNN)
Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions
Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.
