Search

The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of innovative approaches to cereal cultivation in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The study used the latest plant varieties, efficient irrigation systems and biological products to increase crop yields and resilience. The wheat varieties used were Stepova 1 and Dniprovska 1, as well as Pivdennyi 1 barley, which are highly resistant to drought and high temperatures. Drip and sub-surface irrigation systems were used, as well as bio-fertilisers and organic composts to improve soil structure and increase soil fertility. The main results of the study showed that wheat yields in the experimental groups reached 5.2-5.7 tonnes/ha, which is 1.8-1.9 tonnes/ha more than in the control groups. Water consumption in the experimental groups was reduced by 35-40%, and the cost of plant protection products by 45-50%. The protein content of wheat in the experimental groups was 14-15% and the fibre content was 30-32%, while in the control groups it was 11-12% and 25-27%, respectively. Soil analysis in the experimental groups showed higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which indicates the effectiveness of biofertilisers. In addition, the use of biological products helped to reduce the chemical load on the environment. The results obtained indicate a significant increase in productivity, reduced resource use and improved environmental sustainability with the introduction of innovative methods of growing crops in this region, which is important for ensuring food security and economic development in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microalgae and seaweed have been consumed as food for several decades to combat starvation and food shortages worldwide. The most famous edible microalgae species are Nostoc, Spirulina, and Aphanizomenon, in addition to seaweeds, which are used in traditional medicine and food, such as Nori, which is one of the most popular foods containing Pyropia alga as a major ingredient. Recently, many applications use algae-derived polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose, fucoidan, mannan, laminarin, ulvan, and xylan as gelling agents in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Moreover, pigments (carotenoids particularly astaxanthins, chlorophylls, and phycobilins), minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, peptides, proteins, polyphenols, and diterpenes compounds are accumulated under specific cultivation and stress conditions in the algal cells to be harvested and their biomass used as a feedstock for the relevant industries and applications. No less critical is the use of algae in bioremediation, thus contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. This review will explore and discuss the various applications of microalgae and seaweeds, emphasising their role in bioremediation, recent products with algal added-value compounds that are now on the market, and novel under-developing applications such as bioplastics and nanoparticle production. Nonetheless, special attention is also drawn towards the limitations of these applications and the technologies applied, and how they may be overcome.

Microalgae and seaweed have been consumed as food for several decades to combat starvation and food shortages worldwide. The most famous edible microalgae species are Nostoc, Spirulina, and Aphanizomenon, in addition to seaweeds, which are used in traditional medicine and food, such as Nori, which is one of the most popular foods containing Pyropia alga as a major ingredient. Recently, many applications use algae-derived polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose, fucoidan, mannan, laminarin, ulvan, and xylan as gelling agents in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Moreover, pigments (carotenoids particularly astaxanthins, chlorophylls, and phycobilins), minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, peptides, proteins, polyphenols, and diterpenes compounds are accumulated under specific cultivation and stress conditions in the algal cells to be harvested and their biomass used as a feedstock for the relevant industries and applications. No less critical is the use of algae in bioremediation, thus contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. This review will explore and discuss the various applications of microalgae and seaweeds, emphasising their role in bioremediation, recent products with algal added-value compounds that are now on the market, and novel under-developing applications such as bioplastics and nanoparticle production. Nonetheless, special attention is also drawn towards the limitations of these applications and the technologies applied, and how they may be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilisers maintain agricultural productivity for world needs, Despite the numerous advantages of controlled release fertilisers (CRFs), production expenses and impacts on the environment and soil quality limit widespread adoption. This research focuses on valorising agro-industrial waste through a biotransformation process (anaerobic and aerobic digestion). The resulting biofertilisers, when associated with phosphogypsum (PG) using the simplex-centroid design, create organo-mineral fertilisers with controlled nutrient release. A balanced formulation with 33.33% of each component (digestate, compost, and phosphogypsum) demonstrates a promising sustainable approach, contributing nutritional elements with exceptional control and sustained release characteristics, all without the previous use of coating materials. This environment-friendly approach accords with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 2, 3, 12, and 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Limitation in soil organic matter interferes with plant growth and productivity. Chemical fertilisers can provide limiting nutrients to plants, especially in barren soil, but they have detrimental *Correspondence to: Sedat Çam Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harran University, Haliliye, S¸anlıurfa 63050, Turkey Email: sedatcam@harran.edu.tr effects on living organisms; therefore, plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria may be an alternative to synthetic fertilisers to improve plant tolerance to nutrient stress. Aims. This study evaluated the effects of single and co-inoculation of two PGP rhizobacterial strains with macroalgae (Cladophora glomerata) extract on barley growth. We also tested the ability of the respective strains to produce biofilm and exopolysaccharide (EPS) at different pH values under in vitro conditions. Methods. Plants were cultivated in an organic matter-limited alkaline soil under Handling Editor: Caixian Tang field conditions. Key results. All treatments increased barley growth parameters to some extent. Growth parameters increased most in Bacillus + macroalgae extract (B + MA) and Bacillus + Azotobacter + macroalgae extract (B + A + MA) treatments. These two treatments significantly enhanced shoot length by 22.9-25.7%, dry weight of shoot + spike by 118.2-154.5%, total weight of grains by 76.5-78.1%, and number of grains per spike by 94.8-112.1% in comparison with the control. The respective two treatments also increased biofilm formation and EPS production in response to alkaline pH. Conclusions. Barley productivity may be increased by using PGP strains with greater potential to produce biofilm and EPS, and inoculating them with macroalgae extract. The B + MA treatment could be applied singly or in combination with Azotobacter. Implications. Single or co-inoculation of such PGP bacteria with macroalgae extract may be commercialised to enhance barley productivity in organic matter-limited soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Catha edulis, commonly called as khat or chat is an evergreen plant cultivated in Ethiopia for its stimulant leaves. The young leaves are chewed as a part of social recreation and the older leaves along with the twigs are discarded. This forms the major part of municipal solid waste that is dumped in large quantity in Harar region. The present study was carried in Haramaya University, Ethiopia to decompose the khat wastes along with crop residues and different animal manures (cow dung, goat manure, poultry manure and swine manure) using the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Methods The collected khat wastes along with crop residues and different animal manures were vermicomposted and assessed for nutrient contents using standard procedures. Results The result of the experiment indicated that all the parameters were improved by the decomposition using earthworms and the C/N ratio was within the limits that indicate the maturity of the compost. The organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and manganese contents were analyzed and found to be improved after decomposition. The added crop residues and animal manures enhanced the decomposition process and manurial value of the khat leaf waste. Conclusion The nutrient content of the vermicomposts revealed khat to be a suitable substrate for vermicomposting thereby making efficient utilization of solid wastes. This can be an effective technology to reduce the solid waste and the resultant product can be used for improving soil fertility and crop production by the farmers.

Cabbage is one of the most important vegetables from the Brassicaceae family to which biofertilisers are increasingly applied following the current trend in cabbage organic farming. The main goal of our study was to examine whether solely applicated biofertilisers enhance head weight and other morphological parameters in cabbage. Experiment with three Bejo Zaden cultivars ('Farao' F1, 'Tiara' F1, and 'Excalibur' F1) were conducted under the open field conditions from April to June 2019. Two different microbiological fertilisers, Organic balance and FitoHelp, were applied foliar, six times during the vegetation period, with a battery sprayer. After harvest, several parameters were estimated: head weight, width and height, number of leaves, internal core height and width. The results showed the highest value of head weight (1264.89 g), head width (15.06 cm), head height (15.57 cm), number of leaves (22.56), internal core height (8.01 cm) and internal core width (3.51 cm) in cultivar 'Excalibur' F1 compared to other two cultivars for fresh market. Application of both fertilisers led to increased levels of all tested parameters compared to the control. Furthermore, fertiliser Organic balance showed the highest impact on all tested parameters, resulting in an increasing value of head weight by 78.6%. This study revealed that mixed culture fertiliser showed a greater impact in terms of head weight, number of leaves, and internal core width compared to fertiliser containing a single strain of bacteria. Accordingly, with an exception in head and internal core height, all examined factors showed a statistically significant impact on tested parameters, including their interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of our study was to find an optimal combination of tested factors to achieve lettuce rich in bioactive compounds sustaining its pleasant taste. We examined three red and three green cultivars in a greenhouse using two microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho), and their combination. Plants were grown in three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Lactones accumulated in autumn, whereas phenolics' concentration rose during winter. Red cultivars showed higher phenolics and lactone content, where chicoric acid and luteolin-7-glucoside were the most abundant in the 'Gaugin' winter trial. Lactucopicrin was the predominant lactone among tested cultivars with the highest value in the red cultivar 'Carmesi'. Solely applicated, the fertiliser EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho led to significantly higher phenolic acid and dihydrolactucopicrin content, while combined, there were notably increased levels of all detected lactones. Application of single fertilisers had no effect on flavonoid content, while the combination even reduced it. A sensory analysis showed a negative correlation between overall taste and total sesquiterpene lactones, lactucopicrin, caffeoylmalic, and chlorogenic acid, indicating a less bitter taste with decreasing content of these compounds. Our findings indicate that the cultivar, fertiliser, and growing season jointly affected all of the tested parameters, highlighting the differences in the application of EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho, and their combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact produced by agrochemicals on periurban agriculture soils generates an environmental concern. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of native plant growth-promoting bacteria to recover the horticultural soil quality for bioinoculant design using Eisenia andrei as bioindicator. Total phosphorus determination and bioassays with E. andrei cholinesterases, carboxylesterases and glutathione S-transferases as biomarkers were performed. Glutathione S-transferase levels were significantly augmented (~ 30%) evidencing the risk of uncontrolled use of agrochemicals. Native Pseudomonas migulae S1-2, Sphingobium yanoikuyae SP-3 and Leucobacter aridicollis RP-7 exhibited plant growth-promoting properties. Indole-3-acetic acid production of 14.0 ± 0.1, 69 ± 1 and 6.4 ± 0.1 µg mL−1 and phosphorus solubilisation of 46, 133 and 158 mg P L−1 were obtained from culture supernatants. Bacterial supernatants increased the root elongation of Lactuca sativa seeds up to 10%. These selected bacteria demonstrated their potential to design a biofertiliser formulation to restore deteriorated horticultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With population growth and the contamination of ecosystems by pesticides and chemical fertilisers, agriculture faces the challenge of increasing productivity in a sustainable manner. In response to this demand, the global ecological transition has promoted the use of bio-inputs, such as fungi and bacteria, which are essential for agricultural sustainability. However, the extensive use of herbicides in modern agriculture may compromise the effectiveness of these bio-inputs by interfering with their biochemical pathways. This review compiles and analyses information on the compatibility between herbicides and bio-inputs, focusing on the effects of herbicides on microbiological control agents and biofertilising bacteria. Based on scientific publications from the past four decades, the results indicate that herbicides can significantly interfere with different groups of microorganisms, depending on the variables assessed and the selectivity of the products. To mitigate these impacts, the prioritised use of selective herbicides, bio-inputs protected by specific molecules, and management practices that avoid direct contact between herbicides and bio-inputs is suggested. This study contributes to the understanding of interactions between herbicides and bio-inputs, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices aligned with global objectives for food security and environmental preservation. [Display omitted] • Herbicides compromise bioinoculants, microbial diversity and nitrogen fixation. • Selective herbicides and protective bioinput formulations are crucial for coexistence. • Herbicides threaten microbiological agents unique to sustainable agriculture. • Excessive use of herbicides related to biological pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biostimulants, sometimes referred to as biofertilisers or plant enhancers, are ingredients stimulating plant nutrition processes independently of the product's nutrient content with the sole aim to improve the agronomic performance of a plant. Many of these biostimulants contain microorganisms. Although most of these microorganisms are supposed to only promote plant growth, some have plant protection properties. We reviewed commercial microbial plant biostimulants with regard to their potential effects on insects. This revealed 483 different products and 245 microorganisms registered as microbial plant biostimulants in Hungary, Switzerland, Spain, France, Indonesia, and/or Canada (181 ± 157 products, 64 ± 27 species per country). Among the products, 82% contained bacteria (133 ± 106 products), 63% contained fungi (77 ± 59) and 14% contained protista including algae (23 ± 24). About 1/3rd of products contained mixes of either bacteria, fungi, and/or protista; and 48% contained more than one microorganism. About 53% of products (137 ± 121) contained microorganims that had been reported to have insecticidal properties and 36% of species (23 ± 9), although the underlaying mechanisms often remain unknown. About 67% of products (149 ± 133) contained microorganisms reported to defend a plant from insects, and 54% of species (35 ± 10). The most common biostimulant microorganisms with reported insecticidal effects were strains of Rhizophagus irregularis, followed by Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Bacillus megaterium, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. licheniformis, Penicillium bilaiae, B. pumilus and Ascophylum nodosum. In conclusion, growers may profit from, but should be made aware of the multiple effects of microbial plant biostimulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional logic behind effective microorganism is based on a media inoculation with mixed cultures of beneficial microorganisms to create a more favorable environment for plant growth and health when the media is the soil. Following this rationale, other research works have been focused on studying the effect of effective microorganisms when they are used as manure stabilizing agents, in some cases by including them in animal diets, reporting, in all cases, beneficial properties. However, the use of effective microorganisms is not yet widespread. One reason may be that no rigorous research has so far been done on the actual utility of these mixed cultures on manure stabilization and crop production. In this work, the potential uses of effective microorganisms are shown with the focus on evaluating the influence of these mixed cultures on the biostabilization of manure before its use as fertilizer. This work also presents some new perspectives on the role and application of effective microorganisms as microbial inoculants to achieve a microbiological balance of manure so that it can improve its quality, increasing production and protection of crops when applied as fertilizer, helping to conserving natural resources and creating a more sustainable agriculture and environment. Finally, this document also reviews strategies on how to improve the effect of effective microorganisms after their inoculation into the soil as part of the manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of our study was to find an optimal combination of tested factors to achieve lettuce rich in bioactive compounds sustaining its pleasant taste. We examined three red and three green cultivars in a greenhouse using two microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho), and their combination. Plants were grown in three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Lactones accumulated in autumn, whereas phenolics’ concentration rose during winter. Red cultivars showed higher phenolics and lactone content, where chicoric acid and luteolin-7-glucoside were the most abundant in the ‘Gaugin’ winter trial. Lactucopicrin was the predominant lactone among tested cultivars with the highest value in the red cultivar ‘Carmesi’. Solely applicated, the fertiliser EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho led to significantly higher phenolic acid and dihydrolactucopicrin content, while combined, there were notably increased levels of all detected lactones. Application of single fertilisers had no effect on flavonoid content, while the combination even reduced it. A sensory analysis showed a negative correlation between overall taste and total sesquiterpene lactones, lactucopicrin, caffeoylmalic, and chlorogenic acid, indicating a less bitter taste with decreasing content of these compounds. Our findings indicate that the cultivar, fertiliser, and growing season jointly affected all of the tested parameters, highlighting the differences in the application of EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho, and their combination.

Biofertiliser is considered a promising biofortification intervention that can integrate with plant breeding as well as agronomic measures to overcome malnutrition in regions where the staple diet is cereal. This study was conducted to improve maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and biofortification with zinc (Zn) through the application of Zn-solubilising biofertilisers. Four pre-isolated, promising Zn-solubilising Bacillus strains, Bacillus sp. ZM20, B. aryabhattai ZM31, B. aryabhattai S10 and B. subtilis ZM63, were coated on maize seeds by forming slurry-based sole- and co-inoculated biofertilisers. The treated maize seeds were grown in a spring season (Trial I) and the experiment was repeated the following year on the same field (Trial II). The seed-applied co-inoculated Bacillus biofertiliser formulations significantly promoted antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), growth and yield attributes, and nutrient accumulation in maize grains during both field trials compared with sole-inoculated biofertiliser formulations. Application of ZM31–ZM63 biofertiliser formulation showed a greater increase in these attributes than other biofertiliser formulations, as well as an increase in grain iron (Fe) concentration (up to 1.69-fold in Trial I and 1.77-fold in Trial II) and Zn concentration (up to 1.50-fold in Trial I and 1.41-fold in Trial II) relative to the uninoculated control. Fe and Zn concentrations in maize grains resulting from the application of seed-based Bacillus biofertiliser formulations could fulfill the minimum required level of these nutrients for daily intake. From the study, recommendation can be made to apply Zn-solubilising bioinoculants for the biofortification of maize grains to overcome malnutrition issues in regions with cereal-based staple diets. Plant growth-promoting bacteria are considered a possible promising biofortification intervention to address micronutrient malnutrition. Seed-applied zinc-solubilising Bacillus biofertiliser improved antioxidant enzyme activities and growth and yield attributes of maize, and biofortified maize grains under field conditions. Micronutrient biofortification in maize grains via biofertiliser application could be implemented to overcome malnutrition issues in regions with cereal-based staple diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field trial was conducted to study the effects of biohumus, biofertiliser, and soil conditioner application on spelt grain yield in different regions (plain, hilly, and mountainous regions) in Serbia. An analysis of economic efficiency indicators of spelt production in organic farming systems was also performed. The field experiment had a randomised complete block design with three replicates in each of the three regions. One winter spelt cultivar was also studied. The largest differences in spelt yield compared to control were found in the plain region in the biohumus + biofertiliser treatment (28.0%) and the hilly region in the organic fertiliser + zeolite treatment (28.8%). The differences in grain yield between control and treatment conditions in the mountain region were insignificant. Analysis of the economic effects of organic spelt production found a significantly lower gross margin in treatments with expensive organic fertilisers (3955.05 and 1104.75 € ha–1) than the control (5094.31 and 1833.85 € ha–1), leading to the conclusion that their application was not economically justified despite the increases in grain yield. The highest production costs (3569.71 € ha–1) were observed in treatments in the hilly region, resulting in the lowest benefit-cost ratio (0.1), while the greatest benefit-cost ratio was recorded in treatments in the mountainous region (2.1). Following the economic analysis results, a significant negative correlation between the benefit-cost ratio and the total production costs (r= –0.91**) was determined and a positive correlation between the gross margin and grain yield (r=0.66*). These results lead to the conclusion that the management strategy of spelt production in organic farming systems should be harmonised with the soil and agro-ecological characteristics of the region and directed at decreasing the costs and share of external inputs. In this case, organic spelt production can be economically profitable. Highlights - Organic fertilisers and soil conditioners affect spelt grain yield. - The analysis of the economic effects of organic spelt production concluded that fertiliser application was not economically justified despite the increases in grain yield. - Treatments in the plain region displayed the best production results compared to mountain region treatments, but these did not have the best benefit-cost ratio. - Knowledge of production costs is an important element in improving the economic efficiency of organic farming systems.

Purpose: Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) shortages inhibit crop production, and soil borne plant diseases such as root rot by Fusarium spp. can cause extensive damage to crops. Streptomyces bellus (SB) and S. saprophyticus (SS) solubilize P and K and inhibit sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) associated Fusarium strains in laboratory conditions. Methods: To address their performance in vivo, their effects on sugar beet growth and root rot development was tested. Results: The tested strains showed a significant beneficial effect on growth and yield parameters of sugar beet when mixed in the soil with insoluble natural rock phosphate (RP) and/or K mineral orthoclase (OT). Compared to the non-inoculated treatment, the highest shoot and root dry biomass were recorded with RP+OT+SB. Highest P and K levels in leaves were with OT+SB and RP+SB, and the treatment RP+OT+SB increased both soil P and K. Interestingly, these SS and SB strains exhibited high protection effects of 100% and 75%, respectively, when the soil was infested by F. equiseti and F. fujikuroi, causal agents of root rot disease of sugar beet in Beni Mellal region. Conclusions: These results can be exploited to mitigate the detrimental impacts of nutrient limitation for and disease susceptibility of sugar beet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of agricultural wastes valorisation to fertilizers is attracting growing attention because of the increasing fertilizer prices of fertilizers and the higher costs of waste utilization. Despite the scientific and political interest in the concept of circular economy, few studies have considered the practical approach towards the implementation of elaborated technologies. This article outlines innovative strategies for the valorisation of different biobased wastes into fertilizers. The present work makes a significant contribution to the field of new ideas for waste biomass management to recover significant fertilizer nutrients. These results emphasize the importance of the biomass use as a base of renewable resources, which has recently gained special importance, especially in relation to the outbreak of pandemia and war. Broken supply chains and limited access to deposits of raw materials used in fertilizer production (natural gas, potassium salts) meant that now, as never before, it has become more important and feasible to implement the idea of a circular economy and a green deal. We have obtained satisfactory results that demonstrate that appropriate management of biological waste (originating from agriculture, food processing, aquaculture, forest, pharmaceutical industry, and other branches of industry, sewage sludge) will not only reduce environmental nuisance (reducing waste heaps), but will also allow recovery of valuable materials, such as nitrogen (especially valuable amino acids), phosphorus, potassium, microelements, and biologically active substances with properties that stimulate plant growth. The results reported here provide information on production of biobased plant protection products (bioagrochemicals) from agri-food waste. This work reports an overview of biopesticides and biofertilisers production technologies and summarizes their properties and the mechanisms of action. • New approach to bio-based organic and organo-mineral fertilizer technology have been proposed. • Different methods of valorisation of agri-food waste have been reported. • Practical aspects that limit commercialisation have been highlighted. • The prospects for bioagrochemicals that combat biotic and abiotic stress have been shown. • Introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main social and economic challenges of the 21st century will be to overcome the worlds' water deficit expected by the end of this decade. Microalgae based wastewater treatment has been suggested as a strategy to recover nutrients from wastewater while simultaneously producing clean water. Consortia of microalgae and bacteria are responsible for recovering nutrients from wastewater. A better understanding of how environmental and operational conditions affect the composition of the microalgae-bacteria consortia would allow to maximise nutrient recoveries and biomass productivities. Most of the studies reported to date showed promising results, although up-scaling of these processes to reactors larger than 100 m2 is needed to better predict their industrial relevance. The main advantage of microalgae based wastewater treatment is that valuable biomass with unlimited applications is produced as a co-product. The aim of the current paper was to review microalgae based wastewater treatment processes focusing on strategies that allow increasing both biomass productivities and nutrient recoveries. Moreover, the benefits of microalgae based agricultural products were also discussed. [Display omitted] • Microalgae based wastewater treatment is sustainable and economically viable. • Raceway reactors allow processing large volumes of wastewater. • Operational conditions can influence the microalgae-bacteria consortia. • Up-scaling of current processes to over 100 m2 reactors is required. • Microalgal biomass can be used to produce high-value agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]