The canopy characteristics of crops are essential aspects for assessing crop growth status and conducting phenotype analysis. As one of the key indicators to measure crop growth situation, accurate canopy coverage assessment can provide a strong foundation for crop growth and yield monitoring. Considering plant growth differences, this study investigated the statistical method for assessing canopy coverage using visual technology, focusing on lettuce as the research subject. Firstly, a multi-variety and multi-growth stage hydroponic lettuce image dataset was constructed, which lays a data foundation for the construction of a semantic segmentation model. Secondly, in order to ensure the precision of semantic segmentation, this study proposed a Channel-Axial-Spatial attention mechanism module from the perspective of feature enhancement. To satisfy the lightweight demands of practical model deployment, this study replaced the original backbone network of PSPNet with MobileNetv3, greatly reduced model complexity while minimizing model performance degradation. Finally, we developed a group lettuce canopy coverage acquisition system by employing Python in conjunction with PyQt5 and embedded the pre-trained models CAS-PSPNet and MobileNetv3-PSPNet into the system for effectiveness verification. By integrating the proposed attention mechanism module with PSPNet, the integrated model outperformed FCN, Unet, SegNet, Deeplabv3+, GCN, ExFusion, ENet, BiseNet, FusionNet, LinkNet, RefineNet, LWRefineNet, and PSPNet in semantic segmentation of lettuce plant groups, achieving a Mean Intersection over Union of 0.9832. The Mean Intersection over Union of PSPNet based on lightweight improvement is 0.9717, and the model size is 9.3M. The results show that the proposed semantic segmentation method can accurately capture the crop canopy coverage, offering a feasible solution for real-time crop growth monitoring.

Intercropping, the practice of planting two or more crops in the same space, can fully utilize the potential of introducing aromatic plants to reduce pests and diseases, improve nutrient utilization efficiency and productivity. Introducing aromatic plants into intercropping systems releases volatile organic compounds that can regulate soil microbial communities, enrich beneficial microorganisms, help suppress pathogens, and enhance plant health. We compared tomato monocropping with intercropping systems intercropping and four aromatic plants - fennel, garland chrysanthemum, coriander, and chive - as well as a non-aromatic vegetable, pakchoi. These systems were evaluated with and without beneficial microorganisms to assess effects on tomato growth, soil properties, and bacterial wilt resistance. The tomato-chive and tomato-coriander combinations achieved disease control rates of 69.70% and 57.58%, respectively, demonstrating improved disease resistance. Conversely, intercropping with pakchoi suppressed tomato growth and increased disease incidence. There were positive effects of garland chrysanthemum and coriander on tomato yield and quality. The former raised yield by 11.56% and elevated soluble solids, protein, and invertase. With tomato-coriander treatment yielded 10.88% more than the control group, with significant increases in titratable acidity and lycopene content. Intercropping with aromatic plants significantly improved soil properties, particularly by increasing the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and soil dehydrogenase. Furthermore, beneficial microorganisms in intercropping systems further promoted crop growth, yield, and soil enzyme activities. Our results emphasize a positive correlation between increases in soil nutrients, organic matter, and enzyme activities in tomato-aromatic crop intercropping systems and improvements in tomato yield and quality. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

ABSTRACT Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is an essential parameter for assessing crop growth status and supporting precision agricultural management. Moderate-resolution FVC products support large-scale monitoring but lack field-scale spatial detail. High-resolution satellite imagery offers the potential to generate fine-resolution FVC estimates; however, its temporal continuity is often compromised by cloud contamination and revisit limitations. Furthermore, conventional FVC estimation approaches that rely solely on ground-truth data or radiative transfer simulations suffer from issues such as limited representativeness of field samples and the ill-posed nature of model inversion. To address these issues, this study proposes a data-fusion-based framework that integrates moderate-resolution FVC products, Sentinel-2 reflectance imagery, and deep transfer learning models. Specifically, temporally interpolated Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) and Geoland2 Version 3 (GEOV3) FVC products were matched with Sentinel-2 surface reflectance to generate robust training datasets. Long short-term memory (LSTM) and bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) models were employed to capture the complex relationship between FVC and reflectances. To mitigate potential biases originating from the source products, transfer learning techniques were applied to fine-tune the pretrained models using limited ground-measured FVC samples. The fine-tuned models were then used to generate high-spatiotemporal-resolution FVC maps based on reconstructed Sentinel-2 time-series imagery. The proposed method was benchmarked against a PROSAIL-based inversion, two machine learning algorithms, and vegetation index (VI)-based linear regression models. Results show that the fine-tuned Bi-LSTM model trained on FVC product-derived datasets achieved the highest accuracy (R 2 = 0.8799, RMSE = 0.1170), outperforming random forest, XGBoost, and the model trained on PROSAIL simulations and VI-based models. Moreover, the transfer learning approach demonstrated superior spatial transferability across regions compared to conventional models. These findings highlight the effectiveness of leveraging moderate resolution FVC products and deep transfer learning to enhance FVC estimation at high spatiotemporal resolution, providing a scalable and reliable solution for crop monitoring applications.

Root Hairs at the Frontline: Tiny Architects of Adaptive Responses to Salinity Stress.

Improving rice productivity remains essential under land constraints and rising food demand. However, spatial yield variation of super hybrid rice across agroecosystems and the mechanisms driving it is not fully resolved. We evaluated how thermal regimes, nitrogen management and genotype jointly shaped yield differences of super hybrid rice across two ecological regions. Field experiments (2021-2022) used three super-hybrid cultivars - Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ), Y-liangyou-1 (YLY1) and Y-liangyou-900 (YLY900) - under four N rates (0, 150, 240, and 330kg ha-1) at Longhui and Changsha. Averaged across varieties and years, grain yield in Longhui exceeded Changsha by 16.8% (2021) and 26.7% (2022). These site differences were associated with higher temperatures in Changsha during panicle initiation and grain filling, which were accompanied by reductions in spikelets per panicle (~ 5.6%), total spikelets (~ 7.7%) and seed-setting rate (~ 10.6%). Longhui also exhibited greater leaf area index, dry-matter accumulation, and crop growth rate, supporting superior sink formation and grain filling. Partial least squares path modeling indicated that crop growth rate, total dry weight, and seed-setting rate mediated much of the observed yield gap. Nitrogen at 240 and 330kg ha-1 narrowed inter-site yield differences by improving yield components and growth traits. Among cultivars, YLY900 achieved the highest yield, while YLY1 showed the greatest cross-site stability. Under the tested conditions, these results suggest that aligning N management with genotype selection relative to local thermal regimes can help reduce temperature-driven yield losses in super hybrid rice.

Objective: Conduct a review of scientific literature with the aim of synthesizing current knowledge on the benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in Opuntia and Agave species to propose their use in the Complementary Agriculture (AgriCom) model, strengthening semi-desert production systems. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review (2013-2025) was conducted in databases (using keywords in English and Spanish) of studies that mentioned the role of AMF in Opuntia spp. and Agave spp. Results: The review shows that symbiosis with AMF significantly improves biomass (increases of 35%-60% in Opuntia, 30-55% in Agave), nutrient uptake (especially phosphorus, by 40%-70%), and drought tolerance in both genera. AMF increase water absorption in plant tissues, reduce oxidative stress, and promote more extensive root systems. Native AMF strains often showed superior benefits compared to commercial strains. Limitations on study/implications: Most studies on Agavaceae were conducted under greenhouse conditions; therefore, further comparative field studies are required. Findings/conclusions: Scientific evidence confirms that symbiosis with AMF is a key strategy for improving the productivity and resilience of Opuntia and Agave in adverse conditions. The use of AMF in the AgriCom model can increase crop growth.

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021-22 at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, to evaluate the effect of different rates of potassium humate foliar application on rice growth and nutrient uptake. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The findings demonstrated that foliar application of potassium humate @ 3 g L-1 at tillering and panicle initiation (PI) stages (T7) significantly enhanced plant height (121.8 cm), tiller density (437.8 tillers m-2), dry matter accumulation (1079.11 g m-2), LAI (4.41), crop growth rate (18.18 g m-2 day-1), relative growth rate (40.82 mg g-1 day-1), grain yield (5234 kg ha-1) and nutrient uptake compared to other treatments. However, it was statistically at par with T9 (potassium humate @ 4 g L-1 at tillering and PI stage) and T5 (potassium humate @ 2 g L-1 at tillering and PI stage), indicating a saturation effect beyond a certain dosage. This suggests that an optimal dose of potassium humate can enhance crop performance, supporting its potential use as a biostimulant for improving rice productivity under field conditions.

Context. Dry-sowing, the practice of planting crops before autumn rains, is increasingly used to expedite cropping programs and enable crops to germinate promptly after rainfall. However, growers have reported poor crop emergence on water-repellent soils following this practice, even after subsequent substantial rainfall. Aims. To test hypotheses that, compared to wet-sowing, dry-sowing on water-repellent soils disrupts soil physical properties, increases repellency and reduces crop performance. Methods. Field experiments were conducted at Pingrup, Western Australia, from 2015 to 2017 on a water-repellent Petroferric Brown Sodosol. In 2015, an unreplicated demonstration trial was dry-sown and a similar sized area was wet-sown 5 days later after rainfall the previous day. In 2016 and 2017, rainout shelters were used to manipulate soil water at seeding and create dry- and wet-sowing conditions simultaneously in a replicated experiment established in a randomised complete block design. Crop emergence, grain yield, 1000-grain weights, soil water repellency and soil water contents were measured. Laboratory experiments assessed changes in soil properties (repellency, water infiltration, bulk density) in soils that were wetted, compacted while wet, then dried to simulate field conditions before disturbance. Key results. In 2015, the demonstration trial yielded 22% less barley (Hordeum vulgare) under dry-sowing (1.4 t ha-1; standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.02) than wet-sowing (1.8 t ha-1, SEM 0.04). In field experiments in 2016 (barley) and 2017 (lupin (Lupinus angustifolius)), dry-sowing reduced crop emergence by 42% (59 vs. 101 plants m-²; P < 0.001) and 54% (16 vs. 35 plants m-²; P < 0.001) respectively but yield impacts were small (2.1 t ha-1 vs 2.4 t ha-1; P < 0.05 in 2016; 2.4 t ha-1 vs 2.3 t ha-1, not significant in 2017), likely due to frost at vulnerable crop stages and wetter than average seasons. Compared to wet-sowing, dry-sowing significantly increased soil water repellency (mean MED of 0.6 vs 0.2; P < 0.001 in 2016 , and 0.7 vs 0.3; P < 0.001 in 2017) and reduced soil water contents in the top 0.05 m shortly after sowing (7 vs 10 % v/v; P < 0.001 in 2016, and 8 vs 10 % v/v; P < 0.001 in 2017). There were no significant differences in surface soil water content later in the season in either year. Laboratory experiments revealed that disturbing dried water-repellent Pingrup soil immediately increased water repellency (as measured by both the Molarity of Ethanol Drop (MED) test (P < 0.001) and the Water Drop Penetration Time test (P = 0.004)) and increased soil bulk density by 15% (P < 0.001). Similar changes were also observed in two additional water repellent soils collected from different locations in WA. These changes were attributed to disruption of hydrophilic pore networks needed for water infiltration. Conclusions. On water-repellent soils, sowing should occur after autumn rains commence to preserve soil pore structure and water infiltration for optimal crop performance, even where severity of repellence is regarded as low. Implications. Further research into strategies that conserve soil structure may enable successful dry-sowing on water repellent soils.

Soil heavy metal (HM) pollution poses a severe threat to ecological security and human health. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for the human body and can regulate crop growth and development as well as HM uptake in HM-contaminated soils. The regulatory mechanisms of Se on HMs are mainly reflected in four aspects: Geochemical immobilization promotes the formation of metal selenide precipitates and the adsorption of HMs by soil colloids by regulating the rhizosphere redox potential (Eh) and pH value. Rhizosphere microbial remodeling drives the enrichment of functional microorganisms such as Se redox bacteria, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) through the dual selective pressure of Se toxicity and root exudates, in order to synergistically realize Se speciation transformation and HM adsorption/chelation. Root barrier reinforcement constructs physical and chemical dual defense barriers by inducing the formation of iron plaques on the root surface, remodeling root morphology and strengthening cell wall components such as lignin and polysaccharides. Intracellular transport regulation down-regulates the genes encoding HM uptake transporters, up-regulates the genes encoding HM efflux proteins, and promotes the synthesis of phytochelatins (PCs) to form HM complexes and lastly realizes vacuolar sequestration. Finally, we summarize current research gaps in the interaction mechanisms of different Se species, precise application strategies, and long-term environmental risk assessment, providing a theoretical basis and technical outlook for the green remediation of HM-contaminated farmlands and Se biofortification of crops.

Copper and zinc thresholds in EU topsoils: Insights from LUCAS and literature datasets.

Fabrication of multifunctional PVA mulch films reinforced by hydrothermally treated corncob lignocellulose for facilitating crop growth.

Catalytic oxidative depolymerization of lignin into oligomers with multifunctional plant growth regulation in low dose.

Effects of biological and technical subsoil amelioration on root growth and crop performance in cereal crops

An improving spectral PTF for mining area soil water content prediction: combining 2D correlation spectroscopy and soil-crop indicators with ResGRU.

A calcium-mobilizing chemical biostimulant has been developed to improve crop growth and quality by promoting calcium uptake and mobilization. Although designed to be applied as a foliar spray, it can potentially be added to the nutrient solution in controlled-environment hydroponic systems. Although it has been shown to mitigate calcium deficiency–induced tipburn while maintaining biomass in hydroponic lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ), its efficacy in other emerging hydroponic leafy greens remains unclear. The objective of our study was to determine the influence of this biostimulant, when added to the nutrient solution, on the growth traits of four hydroponic leafy greens: arugula ( Eruca sativa ), ‘Astro’; kale ( Brassica oleracea var. sabellica ), ‘Starbor’; lettuce ‘Rex’; and pac choi ( Brassica rapa var. chinensis ), ‘Win-Win Choi’. After 11 days of germination and seedling propagation under indoor sole-source lighting, we transplanted seedlings of all crops into actively aerated deep-water culture trays in a summer greenhouse environment. The trays had the same nutrient solution with and without the added biostimulant at a concentration of 0.25 mL·L –1 in three blocks of a randomized complete block design. Plant growth data were collected 21 and 28 days after transplanting (DAT). At 21 DAT, the added biostimulant decreased shoot fresh and dry mass of arugula, kale, and pac choi by 21% to 31%, but increased that of lettuce by 23% to 25%. At 28 DAT, the added biostimulant also increased shoot fresh and dry mass of lettuce by 24% to 29%, did not influence shoot fresh mass of the other crops, and decreased shoot dry mass of kale and pac choi by 14% to 21%. Tipburn incidence was minimal without or with the added biostimulant at 21 and 28 DAT, although tipburn reduction was observed in arugula and pac choi with the added biostimulant. In general, the chlorophyll concentration index was unaffected by the added biostimulant, except for an 11% increase in lettuce with the added biostimulant at 28 DAT. Extension growth of all crops except lettuce had a 9% to 15% reduction with the added biostimulant at 21 DAT, but was unaffected by the added biostimulant at 28 DAT. We conclude that the added biostimulant boosted the growth of lettuce, but not the cruciferous vegetables tested, in summer greenhouse aerated hydroponics.

Maize stress-associated proteins ZmSAP1 and ZmSAP7 positively regulate salt stress tolerance.

Integration of artificial intelligence and remote sensing for crop yield prediction and crop growth parameter estimation in Mediterranean agroecosystems: Methodologies, emerging technologies, research gaps, and future directions

A sulfate-palygorskite composite amendment for saline-alkali soil: Simultaneous alkalinity reduction, nutrient enrichment, and crop growth promotion

Climate-induced hydrological changes and agricultural implications in the Laurentian Great Lakes region.

Bacillus velezensis promotes growth and flavonoid accumulation in Anoectochilus roxburghii via phytohormone signaling.