Alternative Production Systems Research Articles

Productive, Physiological, and Environmental Implications of Reducing Crude Protein Content in Swine Diets: A Review.

Pig production is one of the most important providers of high-quality proteins and amino acids (AAs) to human nutrition. In this sector, feeding has an important economic and environmental impact. A strategy to reduce production costs and negative sustainability effects is reducing dietary crude protein (CP) contents with or without AA supplementation. This review addresses the different aspects related to this strategy, particularly the effects on growth performance and pork traits in piglets and growing and finishing pigs, as well as the physiological molecular mechanisms' underlying effects. Insight is also provided into the effects of dietary CP reduction on the productive performances of alternative pig production systems and breeding boars and sows. Finally, an overview is conducted on the effects of dietary CP reduction on ammonia, odor, and greenhouse gas emissions arising from pig production systems. Overall, CP reduction may lead to production losses, albeit they can be, to some extent, hindered by adequate AA supplementation. Losses are particularly relevant during the post-weaning phase, whereas in finishing pigs, it may bring additional benefits, such as high intramuscular fat contents in some markets or improved gut barrier function with benefits to the animals' health and welfare, as well as decreased ammonia emissions to the environment.

Effects of alternative production system on the growth performances of two varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.)

This paper examines the effect of an alternative production system on the growth performances of two varieties of tomatoes. Alternative farming systems provide a process for crop production using materials of natural origin to enrich soil and protect crops, thereby reducing the use of agrochemicals. Padma 108 F1 and Platinum 701 F1 tomato varieties were cultivated using both conventional and alternative farming methods in a completely randomized design. On the alternative farming method plot, cured cow dung manure was used for soil enrichment, and manual weeding was employed. In addition, insect pests’ control was achieved with a concoction of garlic (6 g/l), ginger (10 g/l), clove (5 g/l), onions (10 g/l), and dried capsicum pepper (4 g/l). Fungicidal treatment was by an infusion of leaves from Siam weed, neem, and bitter leaf (5 g/l each). Plant height, numbers of leaves, flowers, and fruits produced were determined manually for twelve weeks of observation on both plots. The highest height of 107.5 cm was observed in Padma tomato plants, while the least height (103.5 cm) was obtained for Platinum variety, at week 12. However, there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the heights of the two tomato varieties at full maturity and in between the farming systems. The same trend was observed for number of leaves, flowers, and fruits produced. The alternative farming model in this study produced similar growth performances in the two tomatoes varieties, and exhibits the potential to be a substitute for the conventional farming system of tomato as practiced by the smallholder farmers. Further studies on the bioactive components of the botanical materials used would be encouraged.

Towards better understanding the economic and environmental sustainability of alternative agricultural cropping production systems through integrated modelling

We explore and develop an integrated model to enhance understanding and evaluation of the economic and environmental sustainability performance of alternative agricultural cropping production systems. More specifically, our developed Environmentally Sustainable Residual Income Decomposition Modelling (ESRIDM) integrates accounting decomposition analysis, Water and Economic Sustainability Performance Measurement (WESM), system thinking, modular thinking, Environmentally Sustainable Residual Income (ESRI) theory, into a holistic modelling system influenced by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) approaches.The ESRIDM is theorised and applied in the context of nitrogen management in Australian Cotton production through a detailed case study and comparative analysis of three nitrogen fertiliser options. We find the ESRIDM is able to: (i) provide an overall assessment of the economic and environmental sustainability performance of each scenario modelled; (ii) increase the transparency of the production system to enable the identification of key issues which influence the likely suitability of each scenario; (iii) enable an analysis of probable outcomes under various alternatives; (iv) evaluate the feasibility of regulatory option modelled. While this paper offers a novel perspective to a specific context, ESRIDM is designed to be adapted to a variety of contexts with a view to contributing to the evolution of more sustainable systems of production more generally.

Production of recombinant human insulin from a promising Pseudomonas fluorescens cell factory and its kinetic modeling

Insulin intake is recommended for diabetics in addition to a proper diet and lifestyle to maintain adequate blood glucose level. Currently, there is a need for an alternative expression system for insulin production as the current expression systems may not meet the growing demand due to various constraints. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of human insulin in an unconventional expression system based on Pseudomonas fluorescens, a BSL 1 bacterium. Human insulin was produced in the form of proinsulin fused with fusion protein. Then, the proinsulin fusion protein was purified using Ni-NTA chromatography and converted into human insulin. The physicochemical parameters for producing proinsulin fusion protein are optimized. Glucose and ammonium chloride are determined to be suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The validity of insulin and proinsulin fusion protein is assessed using western blot and quantified using ELISA techniques. Up to 145.35 mg/l of the proinsulin fusion protein is achieved at the shake flask level. Further, MALDI-TOF and RP-HPLC analysis of the purified human insulin were observed to be close to the theoretical value and insulin standard, respectively. The expression of the recombinant fusion protein was found to be 214.7 mg/l in a batch bioreactor, a ∼48% enhancement over the shake flask level. Further, kinetic modeling was performed to understand the system regarding growth, substrate utilization and product formation, and to estimate the various kinetic parameters. This study establishes the potential of the P. fluorescens expression system for producing human insulin.

PSLBII-23 Effects of alternative production systems on growth and circulating blood profiles in Berkshire grower pigs

Abstract In this study, we compared the growth performance and circulating blood profiles of Berkshire grower pigs maintained in two different alternative swine production systems, the dry-lot production system, and the hoop structure production system. This study was conducted during a 75-d period spanning from May to July at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Swine Facility in Greensboro, N.C. Protein expression profiles associated with growth (FGF-19, PDGF-BB, IGF-1), feed intake (CCK), stress (cortisol) and the ability to handle oxidative stress (T-AOC) were analyzed in blood plasma obtained from 24 Berkshire nursery/grower pigs. Berkshire pigs (n = 12) were managed in a 12.19 m x 18.28 m hoop structure with the end walls removed for ventilation and a straw deep bedding system. Twelve additional Berkshire nursery/grower pigs were managed in a 0.08-ha dry-lot. These animals were provided with a canopy for shade and a wallowing area for evaporative cooling. All animals were provided with ad libitum ration and water. Individual body weights (BW) and blood samples were collected at 25-d intervals throughout the 75-d trial, culminating in three different time points. Plasma was isolated from the blood samples and used for ELISA and colorimetric assays. The BioTek 800 TS absorbance reader and Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager software (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA) were used to obtain and calculate the optical densities of the plasma samples, respectively. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA feature of JMP 17.2.0 software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with production system and growth period considered fixed variables, while either growth rate or protein concentration were considered as the response variable. There were four significant treatment effects observed (P < 0.05). Significantly greater concentrations of IGF-1, CCK, and T-AOC were detected in the plasma collected from Berkshire pigs managed in the dry-lot. Whereas those managed in the hoop structure production system had heavier BW. The results show that exposing pigs to higher temperatures can reduce feed intake and growth rates. However, this same stress elicits the release of hormones that promote growth, while enhancing the total antioxidant capacity in these animals. The results support the adoption of the hoop structure production system over the dry-lot production system when managing swine in regions that experience higher temperatures.

PSLBII-24 Effects of maintaining Berkshire grower pigs in alternative production systems on circulating cytokine profiles

PSLBII-24 Effects of maintaining Berkshire grower pigs in alternative production systems on circulating cytokine profiles

The LTAR Integrated Common Experiment at Upper Mississippi River Basin-Platteville.

Alternative agronomic practices are needed to address the various climatic, agronomic, edaphic, and water quality related challenges faced by the dairy farmers of the Driftless Area (DA) in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB). These practices should be innovative in nature, inclusive of regional stakeholders, and sustainable to meet the future food and climate related challenges of Wisconsin agriculture. Here, we outline our Integrated (grazing and cropland) Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Common Experiment at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm (UW-P PF) in the UMRB and describe our collaboration in this USDA network. In this field-scale experiment, we are comparing the conventional dairy production system common to this region (i.e., corn-on-corn [Zea mays L.] for 4 years, followed by alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.] for 3 years, with no cover crops) with two alternative dairy production systems-(1) soil health management with no-till, cover crops, and application of a novel manure-based nutrient-rich stable product, and (2) management intensive grazing-and rotational grazing on pastures established with diverse forage-legume mix. Meteorological, edaphic, hydrologic, and agronomic data are collected and analyzed at regular frequencies. Going forward, the experiment will continue as a form of stakeholder-driven adaptive research and receive evaluation on a regular basis to determine whether any changes are required to address the "real-world" challenges faced by the farmers in the Midwest.

Unsustainable production patterns and disease emergence: The paradigmatic case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1

Current food production systems are causing severe environmental damage, including the emergence of dangerous pathogens that put humans and wildlife at risk. Several dangerous pathogens (e.g., the 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Virus, Nipah virus) have emerged associated with the dominant intensive food production systems. In this article, we use the case of the emergence and spillover of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus H5N1 (hereafter, H5N1) to illustrate how intensive food production methods provide a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens. We also discuss how emerging pathogens, such as H5N1, may affect not only ecosystem health but also human well-being and the economy. The current H5N1 panzootic (2020–2024) is producing a catastrophic impact: the millions of domestic birds affected by this virus have led to significant economic losses globally, and wild birds and mammals have suffered alarming mortalities, with the associated loss of their material and non-material ecosystem services. Transformative actions are required to reduce the emergence and impact of pathogens such as H5N1; we particularly need to reconsider the ways we are producing food. Governments should redirect funds to the promotion of alternative production systems that reduce the risk of new emerging pathogens and produce environmentally healthy food. These systems need to have a positive relationship with nature rather than being systems based on business as usual to the detriment of the environment. Sustainable food production systems may save many lives, economies, and biodiversity, together with the ecosystem services species provide.

Broiler flocks in production systems with slower-growing breeds and reduced stocking density receive fewer antibiotic treatments and have lower mortality

In the Netherlands, the number of broiler production systems with higher welfare standards, using slower-growing broilers and decreased stocking densities, has increased over the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the effect of this change on antibiotic treatments, mortality, and footpad lesions. Data from national monitoring databases from 2013 to 2021 were used, resulting in 113,380 included flocks from 917 farms. Flocks were divided into conventional (CONV), medium-growing (MED), and slow-growing (SLOW), based on breed and slaughter age (median age: CONV 42 d; MED 50 d; SLOW 56 d). Generalized mixed-effect models were created to compare antibiotic treatments in and after the first week, total on-farm mortality, and footpad lesion scores between these 3 production systems. Year, quarter, flock size, thinning, number of houses, and regional density of poultry farms were included as fixed effects. Random effects were farm and veterinary practice in all models, with an additional random slaughterhouse effect to describe footpad lesions. Probability of treatment in the first week of age in CONV flocks overall years (7.2%, 95% CI [5.9, 8.7]) was higher than in MED (2.0%, 95% CI [1.6, 2.5]) and SLOW flocks (1.3%, 95% CI [1.0, 1.7]). Treatment probability after the first week was similarly higher in CONV flocks (14.7%, 95% CI [12.1, 17.6]) than in MED (3.2%, 95% CI [2.5, 4.0]) and SLOW flocks (2.2%, 95% CI [1.7, 2.9]). CONV flocks had a higher mean mortality (3.2%, 95% CI [3.0, 3.4]) than MED (2.0%, 95% CI [1.9, 2.1]) and SLOW flocks (1.9%, 95% CI [1.8, 2.0]). Regarding footpad lesions, CONV flocks had the highest mean scores (range 0-200) over all years, whereas SLOW flocks had the lowest scores (CONV: 46.1, 95% CI [42.1, 50.6]; MED: 21.3, 95% CI [18.9, 24.0]; SLOW: 13.2, 95% CI [11.5, 15.1]). This analysis of data from flocks over a 9-yr period indicates that switching from conventional to alternative production systems with higher welfare standards could positively affect broiler health and antibiotic use.

Climate impacts of alternative beef production systems depend on the functional unit used: Weight or monetary value

Beef production has been identified as a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agricultural sector. United States and Canada account for about a quarter of the world's beef supply. To compare the GHG emission contributions of alternative beef production systems, we conducted a meta-analysis of 32 studies that were conducted between 2001 and 2023. Results indicated that GHG emissions from beef production in North America varied almost fourfold from 10.2 to 37.6 with an average of 21.4 kg CO2e/kg carcass weight (CW). Studies that considered soil C sequestration (C-seq) reported the highest mitigation potential in GHG emissions (80%), followed by growth enhancement technology (16%), diet modification (6%), and grazing management improvement (7%). Our study highlights the implications of using carbon intensity per economic activity (i.e., GHG emissions per monetary unit), compared to the more common metric of intensity on per weight of product basis (GHG emissions per kg CW) for comparisons across differentiated beef cattle products. While a positive association was found between the proportion of lifespan on grassland and the conventional weight-based indicator, grass-finished beef was found to have lower carbon intensity per economic activity than feedlot-finished beef. Our study emphasizes the need to incorporate land use and management effects and soil C-seq as fundamental aspects of beef GHG emissions and mitigation assessments.

Benefits of Canavalia ensiformis, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and mineral fertilizer management in tobacco production

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has long been vital to Cuban agriculture, with its products renowned for their quality. Cuban tobacco is grown in soils with a long history of continuous farming using traditional fertilization methods characterized by recommended doses of mineral fertilizers. This study aims to improve the nutrition resource strategy in tobacco cultivation to ensure high yields of superior-grade tobacco leaves with adequate quality and increase fertilization efficiency. With this goal, a field experiment evaluated the traditional method of fallow with alternatives of nutrient supply systems for the production of black tobacco in Ultic Paleustalf soils. The experiment utilized Canavalia ensiformis (Can) treated with a mycorrhizal inoculum (AMF) based on the Glomus cubense strain (INCAM-4) as a preceding green manure, combined with successive mineral fertilizations for tobacco during four growing seasons in a randomized block design with factorial arrangement. Canavalia presented a positive response to mycorrhizal inoculation, significantly increasing dry biomass production (87.34%, 129.96%), mycorrhizal colonization (26.90%, 103.66%), and spore production (26.79%, 52.52%) for Can and Can+AMF treatments respectively. A biplot analysis established a strong relationship between the biomass and mycorrhizal performance of Canavalia and the growth, yield, and mycorrhizal colonization of tobacco. The results indicate that inoculated Canavalia enhances mycorrhizal performance in successional tobacco, with Can+AMF significantly increasing mycorrhization of tobacco roots by (110.06%). Moreover, the combination of Can inoculate with AMF and 75% of the recommended mineral fertilization dose consistently produced the highest tobacco yields (42.06%), growth, and mycorrhizal activity across the four years while maintaining satisfactory combustibility. In this nutrition supply system, variations of the recommended fertilizer dose significantly decreased the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization. After four growing seasons using Can + AMF and Canavalia without inoculations, soil organic matter, and availability of exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and pH increased slightly without decreasing available phosphorus and potassium contents. Consequently, we conclude that Canavalia ensiformis, with an inoculum based on the Glomus cubense strain and 75% of the recommended dose of mineral fertilizers, provides an enhanced nutrition alternative system for black tobacco production.

Efficient synthesis of limonene production in Yarrowia lipolytica by combinatorial engineering strategies

BackgroundLimonene has a variety of applications in the foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and biofuels industries. In order to meet the growing demand for sustainable production of limonene at industry scale, it is essential to find an alternative production system to traditional plant extraction. A promising and eco-friendly alternative is the use of microbes as cell factories for the synthesis of limonene.ResultsIn this study, the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been engineered to produce d- and l-limonene. Four target genes, l- or d-LS (limonene synthase), HMG (HMG-CoA reductase), ERG20 (geranyl diphosphate synthase), and NDPS1 (neryl diphosphate) were expressed individually or fused together to find the optimal combination for higher limonene production. The strain expressing HMGR and the fusion protein ERG20-LS was the best limonene producer and, therefore, selected for further improvement. By increasing the expression of target genes and optimizing initial OD, 29.4 mg/L of l-limonene and 24.8 mg/L of d-limonene were obtained. We also studied whether peroxisomal compartmentalization of the synthesis pathway was beneficial for limonene production. The introduction of d-LS and ERG20 within the peroxisome improved limonene titers over cytosolic expression. Then, the entire MVA pathway was targeted to the peroxisome to improve precursor supply, which increased d-limonene production to 47.8 mg/L. Finally, through the optimization of fermentation conditions, d-limonene production titer reached 69.3 mg/L.ConclusionsIn this work, Y. lipolytica was successfully engineered to produce limonene. Our results showed that higher production of limonene was achieved when the synthesis pathway was targeted to the peroxisome, which indicates that this organelle can favor the bioproduction of terpenes in yeasts. This study opens new avenues for the efficient synthesis of valuable monoterpenes in Y. lipolytica.

100. Synthesis: Management and welfare in alternative poultry production systems: Contributions of the PPILOW European project

100. Synthesis: Management and welfare in alternative poultry production systems: Contributions of the PPILOW European project

Affordances in crop diversification: Three cases from the Philippines

This paper investigated the viability of crop diversification as an alternative production system for Filipino rice farmers in light of the Rice Tariffication Law. Qualitative research methods were employed, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and wind-screen survey. The transcript analysis employed both inductive and deductive approaches, supplemented by auditability measures such as coding guides and informal member-checking. Using the Affordances Theory with additional insights from the Capabilities Theory and Intuitive Decision-Making Theory, the findings show that rice farmers in Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, and Tarlac shared one cognitive process and one set of variables in deciding on diversifying crops. This is despite the provincial differences in farming contexts. Affordances and anti-affordances in crop diversification are dependent on farmers’ visual and tracking experiences, which guide them in their evaluation of crop diversification as a pro-welfare farming practice. They evaluate the suitability of crop diversification for their sociocultural, economic, and farming contexts, but then shift to intuitive decision-making for their ultimate decision. Risks that are mostly external to farmer control, such as sufficiency of irrigation, financial capital, weather, and climate, make them conclude in a posture of luck after a detailed evaluation process on the practice of crop diversification. This study provides insights into using crop diversification as an alternative production system for rice farmers.

Organic Agriculture in Turkey and the World

Organic agriculture is an alternative production system that supports soil structure, fertility and conservation by protecting the ecological balance, using biological control methods against diseases and pests; based on the sustainability of living life, aiming for the highest yield with the maximum use of natural energy resources. In this context, it covers a different production process from conventional agriculture. While intensive input applications in conventional agriculture aim for the highest yield, organic agriculture prioritizes sustainability. Sustainable agriculture is defined as an agricultural practice that protects soil, water and biodiversity while meeting food, energy and natural resource needs. To ensure that organic agriculture contributes to sustainability goals, organic regulations need to focus more on environmental and best practices. Increasing demands day by day have positively affected the sustainability of organic agriculture. The common feature of most of the definitions of organic agriculture is that the products should be produced in accordance with the basic standards and that every stage from the land to the table is regularly controlled. The fact that every stage of organic agriculture is audited and documented, and that the practices operate in accordance with legal procedures are other noteworthy elements. These legal procedures provide protection at many points. Organic agriculture is not only limited to safe food production to protect human health; it is also an agricultural and ecosystem management that is environmentally friendly, effective in reducing ecological pollution, protection of water resources, prevention of erosion, protection of biodiversity, agricultural sustainability and agricultural development.

Achieving Zero Hunger under Sustainable Development Goals Concerning Organic Agriculture

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formulated to accomplish highly required overall human development without depleting the environment for future generations. Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) aims for “Zero Hunger” with eight associated targets. These associated targets set in motion the overall development of agriculture that provides healthy food and raises the living standard of smallholder farmers while maintaining the natural base. SDG2 and other SDGs are intertwined, and achieving SDG2 targets will help accomplish other goals that have been weakening due to climate change, carbon emission, excessive use of chemicals, droughts, locust attacks, and pandemics. The essence of achieving SDG2 is directly linked to food production and access. The current food production based on conventional farming harms the environment and is unsustainable in the long run. Thus, the need for an alternative food production system that ensures sustainable development is emphasized. Organic farming is a food production system based on agroecological principles and promotes sustainable development. We reviewed the role of the present organic farming as a food production system to achieve SDG2. We analyzed the four targets of SDG2 and assessed whether organic farming can achieve the sub-targets of SDG2. Besides food security, organic farming ensures economic viability for small farmers, provides nutritious food and promotes biodiversity. Innovative research, practices, stakeholder partnerships, and a comprehensive framework are recommended.

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth.

The growth of the broiler industry has been accompanied with concerns over the environmental and social impacts on intensive production systems, as well as the welfare of the animals themselves. As a result, since the 2000s, there has been growing interest in alternative production systems that improve animal welfare and sustainability. In this context, it is important to prioritize the welfare of broilers in commercial production systems and to use reliable welfare indicators to provide consumers with information about the welfare of the animals they consume. Resource-based measures (RBM) are based on assessing the resources available to the birds in terms of their housing, environment, and management practices, such as stocking density, litter quality, lighting and air quality, etc. Outcome-based measures (OBM), also known as animal-based measures, focus on assessing the actual welfare outcomes for the birds, such as footpad dermatitis, hock burn, contamination or damage to feathers, gait score, mortality, etc. These OBM-based measures are one of the more direct indicators of welfare and can help identify any welfare issues. The present review highlighted the factors that affect animal welfare indicators focused on OBMs which can be used in the commercial broiler farms.

Assessment of Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Rice-Cum-Fish Technology in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

Strengthening rice farmers’ economic profile requires seeking alternative production systems to boost their livelihood; however, of pertinent interest is the readiness of the farmers to incorporate recommended technologies into the existing production system. This paper, therefore, examines the adoption prospects of rice-cum-fish technology among rice farmers in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. The technology was piloted by the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), and targeted at rice farmers with the hope of enhancing income and food security. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire from 355 farmers, sampled from 18 communities across six local governments in the study area. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics, logit regression, and binomial tests. Results revealed the farmers were aware of some of the rice-cum-fish production technologies especially when fish enter the rice field from the river/stream (47.89%). The majority (81.13%) of the respondents expressed willingness to adopt any of the rice-cum-fish production technologies, and Binomial test results (p < 0.05) indicate this proportion was significant, compared to those who expressed unwillingness. This indicates a high prospect for the adoption of the technology among the farmers in the study area, when introduced. Significant factors found to influence the respondents’ likelihood of adopting the proposed technology were age (b=0.08), sex (b=2.91), educational level (b=-1.22), farming experience (b= -0.08), farm size (b = 0.93) and intercrop status (b=1.15). The study thus recommends proper extension targeting of farmers to convince the latter of the need to adopt the rice-cum-fish technology.

Different organic farming systems under greenhouse do not improve soil C storage but affect microbial functions across soil aggregates

AbstractVegetable crops production is usually based on organic fertilizers purchased off‐farm while the care of soil fertility based on the maintenance of adequate level of soil organic matter receives few attentions. Organic production in plastic tunnel‐greenhouses represents the most intensified organic production system. Therefore, we compared four alternative organic production systems mainly characterized by the combination of fertilizer application practices based on compost, cover crops and commercial organic fertilizers. The systems were: input substitution organic method (BAU), biodynamic method (BIODYN), organic‐agroecological (AGROEC) and a not fertilized but organically managed control (CNT). The objective of this study was to explore in a 3‐year long trial, the effects of different organic systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) balance and the possible effects on soil chemical–physical characteristics, enzymatic activities involved in the C, N and P cycling, total bacterial biomass (16S rRNA), and the microbial functional genes cbbL and amoA in bulk soil and in three aggregate size fractions (macroaggregates >250 μm, free microaggregates 250–53 μm and free silt plus clay (free‐SC) < 53 μm). The conducive microclimatic conditions for soil microbial activities under the greenhouse, together with the transition toward a more intensive rotation and tillage, determined a decrease of the SOC stock (from 5.9 Mg C ha−1 in BIODYN to 10.8 in CNT) that was only partially balanced by C input distributed to soil (from 4.6 Mg C ha−1 in CNT to 31.6 in AGROEC). The different organic systems did not seem to directly affect chemical and microbial properties in the bulk soils. The higher SOC decline in CNT, however, resulted in the degradation of soil structure but at same time led to the increase of the FDAse in the bulk soil. At aggregate level, instead, more evident effects of organic systems were observed on both chemical–physical and microbial properties. The impact of organic systems on enzymatic activities differed in the different aggregate size classes while the effect on bacterial biomass and functional genes was the same in all aggregate size classes. Interestingly, the cbbL gene abundance in soil aggregates, especially in macroaggregates, was correlated positively to OC inputs (r = .82; p < .001). The amoA gene and bacterial biomass, instead, put in evidence for BIODYN, a significant decrease in soil aggregates that seemed to be related, particularly in macro and free microaggregates, to the low amount of total N content. In soil aggregates, only AGROEC compared with CNT, determined the increment of the phosphatase in macroaggregates, while BIODYN and BAU highlighted even lower values of β‐d‐glucosidase, β‐d‐glucosaminidase and phosphatase in free‐SC. In conclusion in high‐input organic systems under tunnels, the misleading notion that a high supply of OC and TN through green manuring, compost amendment etc., improves per se soil health is challenged.

Prevalence of Salmonella in Eggs from Conventional and Cage-Free Egg Production Systems and the Role of Consumers in Reducing Household Contamination.

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide, usually related to contaminated poultry or poultry products, such as eggs. Since egg contamination with Salmonella depends on multiple factors that make it challenging to control, consumers' knowledge about food safety and the proper handling of eggs is crucial. The aims of the study were (1) to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in eggs from conventional and alternative production systems, (2) to characterize the Salmonella isolates according to phenotypic-genotypic and antimicrobial-resistant traits, and (3) to understand how consumers manage the hazards related to egg contamination in the household. A total of 426 egg samples were analyzed (conventional systems = 240; alternative systems = 186). Culture-based and molecular microbiological methods were used to identify Salmonella and bioinformatics analysis of whole genome sequences was used to determine the serotype and antimicrobial-resistant genes. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected only in eggs from alternative systems (1.1%, 2/186). Isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (100%, 2/2), and the aac(6')-Iaa gene and a mutation in the gyrA gene were identified in both isolates. Overall, consumers demonstrated knowledge regarding food safety; however, many still engage in practices that pose a risk of acquiring foodborne illnesses.