Reduce Nutrient Losses Research Articles

Combined role of ground cover management in altering orchard surface‒subsurface erosion and associated carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus loss.

The combined role of ground cover management in controlling soil erosion and nutrient loss from new orchards is still less understood. In this study, four ground cover management practices, orchard with grass cover (OG), orchard with interplant cover (OI), orchard with straw cover (OS), and orchard with bare ground (OB), were designed to identify their impacts on soil erosion and associated carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus loss in new orchards by rainfall simulation tests with rainfall intensities of 60, 90, and 120mmh-1 and 90min rainfall duration. The results showed that OS had the lowest surface flow coefficient (6.6%) and highest subsurface flow coefficient (32.5%). The highest soil loss rate occurred in the OB plot (65.4gm-2min-1), and the lowest soil loss rate occurred in the OS plot (0.5gm-2min-1). OS plot showed better effectiveness in improving soil erosion. However, the increased infiltration capacity was facilitated in terms of causing non-point source pollution. The C-N-P ratios of surface flow in different cover measures (OB, OI, OG, and OS) were 1.4:1.2:0.9:1, 1.8:1.7:1.2:1, and 2.3:1.9:1.2:1, respectively. The ratios of sediment in different cover measures were 7.3:9:2.3:1, 2:1.5:1.2:1, and 1.2:1:0.8:0.7, respectively. Cover management plots play an active role in reducing nutrient loss in surface flow and sediment, but the increased infiltration in covered management plots is associated with the risk of groundwater contamination in subsurface flow. The C-N-P ratios of subsurface flow in OB and covered managed plots (OI, OG, and OS) were 1:3.3:1.6:2.7, 1:1.5:2.2:2.4 and 1:1.2:1.5:1.3, respectively. Therefore, when managing the phenomenon of soil erosion through ground cover measures, attention should also be focused on the function of cover measures in regulating non-point source pollution underground, such as subsurface flow. This research recommends a combination of cover management measures to further mitigate erosion and the risk of groundwater contamination.

Unveiling the factors influencing transparency and traceability in agri-food supply chains: an interconnected framework

PurposeThe global food industry is faced with the dilemma of finding a balance between food wastage and food shortage. Approximately one-third of food produced globally goes to waste, while about 800 million people suffer from undernourishment. Given this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the unresolved challenges related to enhancing transparency associated with products of high perishability and low shelf life.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted 25 interviews with global agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) experts to ask what impedes the progress of the current technologies, such as blockchain, to enable transparency and traceability (T&T) in AFSCs.FindingsThe findings indicate barriers at the individual, firm and supply chain levels. Based on these barriers, the authors propose an interconnected framework to explain technologically-driven T&T and guide on barrier removal from AFSCs. The authors conclude that by applying technology (i.e. blockchain) the authors can resolve the tension of supporting T&T in AFSCs. This can enable the efficient and transparent tracking of goods, reduction of food waste and loss, as well as promotion of the use of recyclable packaging and further sustainable practices and materials, all of which are aligned with a range of UN Sustainable Development Goals (2, 8, 10 and 12). Moreover, the authors see that some factors are interrelated. Based on these factors, the authors build an interconnected framework to guide on barrier removal from AFSCs. Managers in AFSC would find the findings especially relevant.Originality/valueDrawing on industrial network theory and signalling theory, the authors propose an interconnected framework for explaining barriers (challenges) and potential solutions (opportunities) to T&T in AFSCs. This framework is developed by examining the interconnections of barriers at micro, meso and macro levels and applying signalling theory to explain how solutions address these barriers. The specific contributions of this study are: the list of barriers that impede the implementation of technological solutions for T&T in AFSCs; and a three-stage framework that explains how to remove the barriers for T&T. The study is limited by the focus on blockchain, which calls for future research once the next decentralised technology becomes available.

Plant-soil synchrony in nutrient cycles: Learning from ecosystems to design sustainable agrosystems.

Redesigning agrosystems to include more ecological regulations can help feed a growing human population, preserve soils for future productivity, limit dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and reduce agriculture contribution to global changes such as eutrophication and warming. However, guidelines for redesigning cropping systems from natural systems to make them more sustainable remain limited. Synthetizing the knowledge on biogeochemical cycles in natural ecosystems, we outline four ecological systems that synchronize the supply of soluble nutrients by soil biota with the fluctuating nutrient demand of plants. This synchrony limits deficiencies and excesses of soluble nutrients, which usually penalize both production and regulating services of agrosystems such as nutrient retention and soil carbon storage. In the ecological systems outlined, synchrony emerges from plant-soil and plant-plant interactions, eco-physiological processes, soil physicochemical processes, and the dynamics of various nutrient reservoirs, including soil organic matter, soil minerals, atmosphere, and a common market. We discuss the relative importance of these ecological systems in regulating nutrient cycles depending on the pedoclimatic context and on the functional diversity of plants and microbes. We offer ideas about how these systems could be stimulated within agrosystems to improve their sustainability. A review of the latest advances in agronomy shows that some of the practices suggested to promote synchrony (e.g., reduced tillage, rotation with perennial plant cover, crop diversification) have already been tested and shown to be effective in reducing nutrient losses, fertilizer use, and N2 O emissions and/or improving biomass production and soil carbon storage. Our framework also highlights new management strategies and defines the conditions for the success of these nature-based practices allowing for site-specific modifications. This new synthetized knowledge should help practitioners to improve the long-term productivity of agrosystems while reducing the negative impact of agriculture on the environment and the climate.

Prebiotic Activity of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Shell on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: A Medicinal Food Ingredient.

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

STUDY OF GRAIN THERMOMETRY DURING STORAGE

Grain thermometry is a process of measuring the temperature of grain masses during their storage. Key aspects that emphasize the importance of temperature control to ensure quality preservation: Prevention of self-ignition: prevention of fungal and bacterial growth, maintenance of moisture stability, reduction of nutrient loss, preservation of color and flavor, minimization of insect and pest growth. Overall, temperature control in grain storage is an important strategy for maintaining product quality, reducing losses, and ensuring storage safety. Modern monitoring and automation technologies allow for effective temperature control in storage facilities. The temperature of the grain in the storage can depend on a number of weather conditions and factors. Key factors that can affect grain temperature: air temperature, air humidity, solar heat, technical equipment of storage, natural conditions of grain, day and night temperature fluctuations. The temperature of the air around the storage has a significant effect on the temperature of the grain. In winter, cold weather can lead to a decrease in the temperature of grain masses, while in summer, high temperature can contribute to its increase. Air humidity is also important. High humidity can lead to condensation of moisture in storage, which in turn can increase the temperature of the grain through chemical processes such as decomposition. Solar heat can directly or indirectly affect the grain temperature, especially if the storage is located under direct sunlight. Storage efficiency and technical equipment, such as ventilation and air conditioning systems, can affect the distribution and retention of heat in the storage. The grain itself can affect its temperature through chemical and biological processes such as respiration and heat generation. Day and night temperature fluctuations can contribute to the distribution of heat in the storage. We conducted a study of grain temperature changes during storage at an enterprise in the Odesa region and established the influence of various factors on grain temperature changes.

Reducing Nutrient Loss with Struvite Fertilization

Reducing Nutrient Loss with Struvite Fertilization

Mapping Food Losses in International Supply Chains: A Case Study of India’s Marine and Meat Exports

Food losses in international supply chains (ISCs) have garnered attention in global policy discussions due to their profound implications for global food security, livelihoods, and sustainable development. This study utilizes insights from knowledge informant interviews related to India’s two most exported food products to China and Vietnam. It comprehensively overviews the entire journey of these exportable and imported food products, from the export packing stage to final tradable point(s) of delivery while examining the nature, causes, and stages of food losses in ISCs. The study findings highlight that reducing food losses in marine and meat products requires various strategies, such as incentivizing reefer container manufacturing, facilitating capacity building and targeted training programs, and fostering public–private partnerships for trade infrastructure development, establishment of cold supply chains, and harmonization of rules, regulations, and standards through mutual recognition arrangements. Additionally, greater collaboration and synergy among stakeholders in ISCs are deemed crucial.

Climate Smart Agriculture: The Role of Fertilizer Innovations and Efficient Plant Nutrient Management

Climate change has emerged as a significant threat to the global agro-economy, adversely affecting agricultural productivity, food security, and local and global agricultural development goals. To ensure sustainable crop productivity and meet future demands, it is essential to take prompt actions to address the current challenges of lower agricultural productivity due to climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a novel concept that offers a promising approach to tackle these challenges by introducing sustainable farming practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and enhance resilience to climate change. It involves realigning current agricultural practices and introducing smart techniques to reduce the adverse effects of agriculture that contribute to climate change and higher carbon footprints. The importance of climate-smart fertilizers in agricultural productivity cannot be overemphasized, as the soil is susceptible to structural changes and alterations in nutrient availability due to climatic impacts. Therefore, the implementation of proper nutrient management mechanisms and advanced fertilizer innovations has become a top priority in implementing the concepts of CSA. Consequently, there has been a greater focus on introducing more climate-adaptive and resilient plant nutrient delivery systems and technologies in recent times. For instance, nanofertilizer, bio-based controlled-release and slow-release fertilizers have provided a more sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic fertilizers. Despite the innovations, challenges remain in implementing CSA practices and practices of climate-smart fertilizers at scale. This is largely attributed to the lack of proper knowledge and a streamlined policy framework on climate resilience in agriculture and fertilizers. This article seeks to review the role of fertilizer innovations and nutrient management in CSA, targeting the reduction of nutrient losses due to climate changes. It also examines the current status of climate-smart fertilizers with a particular emphasis on the current implementation challenges and future prospects in fertilizer production, leading to global food security by adapting to climatic changes. By highlighting specific examples of modern climate-smart agriculture and fertilizer management, this article aims to provide insights into the potential benefits and challenges of implementing CSA practices and encourage further research and development in this important field.
 Keywords: Climate-smart agriculture, Climate-smart fertilizers, Climate change, Nutrient Management, Innovations in fertilizers

Australian Sheep Producers' Knowledge of and Attitude towards Post-Harvest Feedback: A Mixed-Methods Case Study.

Reducing food loss is a key target for Sustainable Development Goal 12-responsible consumption and production. This study aimed to explore Australian sheep producers' knowledge of and attitude towards post-harvest feedback and how these influence pre-consumer losses in the Australian sheep meat value chain. A mixed-methods approach was taken, using a structured survey and focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was performed on the completed structured surveys and framework analysis was performed on the focus group discussion transcripts. The structured survey results showed that sale method was the main factor influencing the quality of feedback received on carcases. No respondents reported receiving feedback on edible offal. Most producers indicated that they wanted more detailed feedback on carcases and all respondents wanted more detailed feedback on edible offal. Four themes emerged from the focus group discussions: situation, knowledge, and attitudes of producers to the feedback system; factors, enablers, and barriers in the feedback system; equity in the feedback system; and sustainability of the value chain. In addition, several short-to-medium- and long-term strategies were identified by the authors to reduce pre-consumer losses in the Australian sheep meat value chain, based on the results of this study.

Field-scale evaluation of struvite phosphorus and nitrogen leaching relative to monoammonium phosphate.

Struvite (MgNH4 PO4 ·6H2 O) is a wastewater-derived phosphorus (P) fertilizer with potential to reduce P as well as nitrogen (N) losses due to its low water solubility. To test hypothesized lower P and N losses from struvite relative to monoammonium phosphate (MAP), field experiments with a randomized-complete block design were conducted in central (Urbana) Illinois on an Endoaquoll-Argiudoll complex and in southern (Ewing) Illinois on a Fragiudalf-Hapludalf complex. Fertilizer was broadcast applied in the fall prior to spring planting of soybean (Glycine max L.) at a maintenance rate of 29.5kg P ha-1 (Urbana) and 22.0kg P ha-1 (Ewing). In the spring, soil extractable N and Mehlich 3-P at 0- to 15-cm and 15- to 35-cm depths were determined, and leached N and P were estimated using fall-installed ion-exchangeable resin (IER) lysimeters. At Urbana, soil extractable nitrate-N was higher under MAP than struvite at 0- to 15-cm depth. At Ewing, soil Mehlich 3-P under struvite was lower than MAP at both depths. At Urbana, leached P was 10-fold lower, and leached N was twofold lower under struvite than MAP. Soybean yields were similar between MAP and struvite at Urbana (4.1-4.3 Mg ha-1 ) and Ewing (3.2-3.5 Mg ha-1 ), but at Ewing yields were 23% higher under struvite compared to the P-unfertilized control. Off-season yield-scaled P and N losses under struvite were lower than MAP by 51% at Urbana and by 10% at Ewing. Our results support the hypothesized potential of struvite to reduce nutrient losses while meeting crop P needs. Additionally, we identify disproportionally greater reductions in N leaching and yield-scaled N losses by substituting struvite for MAP in fall applications, indicating that struvite can offer greater relative benefits for N loss reduction than P loss reduction.

Biochar preparation and its effects with reduced compound fertilizer on nutrients, phenolic acid and fungal community in tobacco rhizosphere soil

Biochar is a carbon-rich soil conditioner produced from pyrolysis of biomass, it has been widely used to enhance soil quality because of its physical adsorption as well as water and fertilizer conservation functions. This work aimed to improve the soil quality of continuously cropped flue-cured tobacco fields using biochar prepared from agricultural waste. To explore the impact of reduced compound fertilizer with biochar application on nutrients, phenolic acid contents and fungi diversity in the rhizosphere soil, 4 treatments were set: regular compound fertilizer application (T1), and biochar with reduced compound fertilizer in different proportions (T2, T3, T4, with 100, 75, 50% of compound fertilizer, respectively). The physicochemical properties of the prepared biochar were characterized and observed using electron microscopy. The results indicated that, a noticeable increase in the content of soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in T2 treatment compared to T1 treatment. Moreover, T2 treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in the contents of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK), with increases of 9.29%, 15.85% and 25.42% compared to T1 treatment, respectively. While a gradual decrease in soil AN, AP, and AK content was observed with the reduction of compound fertilizer application (T2–T4), there was no obvious difference between T3 and T1. For total phenolic acid, the content in T2 treatment significantly decreased by 35.99% compared to T1 treatment, while T3 and T4 treatments showed significant reductions of 15.30 and 18.73% respectively, compared to T2 treatment. Biochar application could enhance the fungal community’s abundance and diversity in the rhizosphere soil. Fungal community exhibited the highest richness under T3 treatment, while the relative abundance ofFusariumandMortierellareduced as the decrease of compound fertilizer (T2–T4). In conclusion, the reduced compound fertilizer with biochar application could reduce nutrient loss, phenolic acids accumulation, and improving the abundance of fungal community in the rhizosphere soil. This paper provides a reference for biochar combined with compound fertilizer to improve soil from the regulation of allelochemicals and soil fungi.

Variations in the Major Nutrient Composition of Dominant High-Yield Varieties (HYVs) in Parboiled and Polished Rice of Bangladesh.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the principal staple food, a fundamental component of food security, a significant source of energy and major nutrients, and a key player in the overall nutritional status in Bangladesh. Parboiling is a common rice-processing treatment in Bangladesh. Recently, polishing has also become a common practice among millers seeking to attract consumers. Polishing may influence the nutrient composition of rice. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of parboiling and polishing on the nutritional content of the five High Yield Varieties (HYVs) of rice (BR11, BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan49, and BRRI dhan84) and their percent contributions to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of vitamins and minerals. All of the rice samples were analyzed for proximate parameters, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate), and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Na, K, P). Moisture, ash, fat, and total dietary fiber (TDF) were determined gravimetrically, according to the AOAC Official Methods; protein was measured by the Kjeldahl method; B-group vitamins were measured using Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography; and mineral content was determined by ICP-OES. The energy, protein, fat, and total dietary fiber (TDF) content of the samples ranged between 342-357 kcal/100 g, 6.79-10.74 g/100 g, 0.31-1.69 g/100 g, and 2.59-3.92 g/100 g respectively. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxin, and folate content ranged from 0.11-0.25 mg/100 g, 0.01-0.05 mg/100 g, 2.82-6.42 mg/100 g, 0.12-0.30 g/100 g, and 5.40-23.95 g/100 g respectively. In a comparison of parboiling and polishing, macronutrients and vitamin retention were higher in parboiled unpolished rice than in polished unparboiled rice. The minerals (mg/100 g) Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Na, K, and P were in the ranges 32.82-44.72, 30.69-58.34, 0.51-0.70,1.83-2.79, 5.00-5.36, 106.49-112.73, and 162.23-298.03. Minerals of BRRI dhan84 were unaffected by polishing and parboiling. BRRI dhan84 contributed a higher percentage of RDA of all B vitamins and minerals. Therefore, to reduce nutrient loss in rice, industries and consumers should be encouraged to avoid polishing or limit polishing to 10% DOM and to consume unpolished rice, either parboiled or unparboiled.

Cover crop impacts water quality in a tile-terraced no-till field with corn-soybean rotation

Cover crops (CCs) are a recognized best management practice to reduce surface water runoff and nutrient loss from agroecosystems. This 4-yr study was conducted in a tile-terraced field to assess the effects of CCs on nutrient loss compared to without CC (no CC) in a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. The 3xCCmix (wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. Sativus), and turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. Rapa)) was aerial seeded in soybean at R6 in 2018 and 2020. Cereal rye (Secale cereale) was drill seeded after the corn harvest in 2019 and 2021 (corn-cereal rye-soybean-3xCCmix). Water samples from individual flumes were collected using automated samplers and analyzed for concentrations and loads of nitrate-N (NO3-N), total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (PO4-P), and total suspended solids (TSS). The 3xCCmix and cereal rye had 16% and 12% lower discharge, respectively, than no CC. The 3xCCmix reduced TSS load 50% compared to CC, while cereal rye had no effect. Cover crops reduced NO3-N load 20%, 54%, and 68% during the corn, cereal rye, and soybean growing periods, respectively. Over the full rotations, cumulative discharge and nutrient loads were greater during the 2018–20 crop rotation year because of increased precipitation in 2019. The variability in effectiveness of CCs in reducing nutrient losses was likely affected by different climatic and management factors including CC planting and termination dates. This study highlights the benefits of CCs for reducing sediment and nutrient loss over crop rotation, as well as the continued need for enhanced fertilizer management systems to reduce nutrient loss.

NUTRIENT TRANSFORMATION THROUGH NANOFERTILIZERS IN SOIL

Global population growth during the past ten years has compelled the agricultural industry to boost crop yield to meet the requirements of billions of emerging nations. Widespread nutrient shortage in soil has caused a major nutritional value decline and substantial financial losses for farmers. Agriculture can only grow by using modern innovations wisely to raise output. The application of nanotechnology to plant science and agriculture has increased recently. The development of nanotechnology has made it easier to produce physiologically significant metal nanoparticles on a large scale. These nanoparticles are currently utilized to enhance fertilizers formulation for greater plant cell absorption and reducing nutrient loss. Ongoing study provides a fresh impression of nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesis, their use as nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides, their application in agriculture, and their contribution to improving the performance of bio factors. An overview of NPs-plant interactions, the destiny and fate of nanomaterials in plants, and the role of NPs in reducing the negative impacts of toxicity and stress has been provided. The information in the current review paper is essential for identifying the restrictions and potential uses of nano-fertilizers as a replacement for traditional fertilizers in the future.

Mitigating and preventing food insecurity: a scoping review of the current EU policies

Abstract Background Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health concern, due to its association with a variety of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study is to provide a picture of the EU policy response and adherence to the international recommendations in terms of FI mitigation and prevention. Methods A scoping review was carried out based on PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews method. By using specific queries/keywords, Pubmed and Scopus were searched and also institutional databases: EUR-Lex, WHO Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition. The search was supplemented by a review of a list of organizations’ official websites, including Cordis, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund and World Food Programme. Results The search on PubMed and Scopus produced a list of 8 articles, 3 concerning agriculture policies in EU, 4 related to intervention on the school lunch and 1 focused on the introduction of a tax on unhealthy drinks. Based on the search on EUR-Lex and WHO Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition, 4 EU-wide statutory policies were collected covering school meals, food loss reduction, food waste prevention and food crisis and humanitarian aid operations. The institutional website's review returned 18 documents in the form of ‘soft law’ measures, including action plans, action tools and projects. Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that currently, at EU level, a coherent specific policy framework on FI is lacking. The policy fragmentation is mainly due to the multidimensional nature of FI, which has interconnections with multiple and different areas of food system-food availability, food accessibility, food safety and food quality and healthiness. The outputs also show that to date EU has failed to adhere to the international recommendations (above all, WHO recommendations) on FI mitigation and prevention. This has significant implications in terms of public health. Key messages • Policies design and implementation have the potential to create living environments conducive to good health and to lead to concrete health gains. • Health gains resulting from strategies and policies implementation against FI reduce healthcare costs associated with the treatment of the FI-related diseases.

Research on a random sampling method for bulk grain based on the M-Unet and SGBM algorithms

In response to the challenge of limited real-time capability in identifying and positioning sampling points during random sampling of bulk grains in industrial settings, this paper introduces a novel approach. It combines the utilization of a lightweight neural network model, known as M-Unet, with the Semi-Global Block Matching (SGBM) algorithm to achieve the random sampling of bulk grains. The process commences with the deployment of a binocular camera to capture image data from the grain loading area, followed by binocular correction. Recognizing the constraints associated with the traditional U-Net network model, characterized by large parameters and suboptimal real-time performance, we introduce the M-Unet network, which is a more efficient alternative. M-Unet incorporates MobileNet as a substitute for the U-Net network encoder, resulting in a significant improvement in real-time performance and segmentation quality. Subsequently, the M-Unet network is employed to partition the corrected left image into multiple regions based on predefined sampling principles, and random sampling points are generated within each region. To determine the three-dimensional spatial positioning of these sampling points, we employ the SGBM algorithm, a semi-global stereo matching technique, on the left and right images of the corrected grain loading area. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits robust real-time performance and effectively recognizes grain loading areas. Furthermore, this method is suitable for deployment on portable devices, offering novel insights and methodologies for automating and advancing the intelligence of grain sampling processes. This innovation effectively addresses the challenges associated with low efficiency and human-related factors in traditional grain sampling. The findings presented in this paper carry substantial significance in safeguarding the interests of grain farmers, reducing food losses, minimizing waste, and enhancing the intelligence of sampling processes.

Potential Energy and Environmental Footprint Savings from Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Europe: A Scenario-Based Multiregional Input-Output Analysis.

Food loss and waste (FLW) contribute significantly to the global food system's economic and environmental burdens, including substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resource depletion, and waste management challenges. In alignment with the European Commission's sustainability objectives and U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, this study explores the potential energy and environmental footprint savings achievable by halving FLW in Europe by 2030. Using a multiregional input-output model, we estimated the total global energy and environmental footprint savings across all stages of the food supply chain, considering industry-specific FLW rates and proportion weights. The findings reveal substantial environmental savings across Europe, with aggregate savings potentially reaching 51 Mt CO2e (0.09 t CO2e/p), 4,620 Mm3 (8 m3/p) of blue water, 106,446 km2 (179 m2/p) of cropland, 55,523 km2 (93 m2/p) of grassland, and 0.47 EJ (0.54 TJ/p) of energy. The greatest potential for savings was found in Western Europe, specifically in France, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. However, countries with a lower per capita GDP, such as Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, also demonstrate significant per capita savings potential, indicating that wealth does not necessarily correlate with higher environmental savings. Agricultural production emerged as the stage with the highest footprint reduction potential for GHG and resource footprints across Europe, while the foodservice and institutional stages offer the greatest energy-saving potential. Geographical disparities underscore the need for region-specific policies. These results challenge the wealth-sustainability correlation and advocate for adaptable policies that transcend national wealth and accommodate regional disparities, underlining the pivotal roles of the agricultural production and consumption stages in footprint savings.

Microbiome and transcriptome analyses reveal the influence of calcined dolomite application on Eriocheir sinensis in a rice–crab co-culture system

Co-culture systems of rice and aquatic animals can contribute to the ecological intensification of agriculture by reducing nutrient loss and the need for N fertilizer application and by enhancing nutrient-use efficiency. However, the input of high-protein diets into paddy fields, to facilitate the growth of aquatic animals, has been found to increase N pollution and acidification of the soil. Although soil amendments have been widely used to ameliorate acidic soils, reduce N2O emissions, and improve agronomic production, the relationship between soil amendments and aquatic animal remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of calcined dolomite (hereafter referred to as dolomite) as an acidic soil amendment and Ca–Mg supplement in rice–crab co-culture using Eriocheir sinensis crabs (Chinese mitten crabs). High-throughput sequencing was used to examine crab bacterial community composition and crab hepatopancreas biology. Although the water pH was significantly increased in the dolomite group, the number, composition, and diversity of bacteria identified in crab gut microbiome did not vary significantly between the dolomite and control groups. In the dolomite group, the probiotic agents Candidatus Hepatoplasma and Lactobacillus were highly abundant in the crab gut, and immune- and retinol metabolism-related genes were significantly upregulated in the crab hepatopancreas. Overall, dolomite application increased crab health and water pH. Dolomite is a low-cost amendment, with better stability, compared to other soil amendments, thus making it ideal for sustainable and clean rice–aquatic animal co-culture.

Research Note: Reducing food loss in the manufacturing process of chickens by reconditioning dropped raw poultry carcasses with peroxyacetic acid and sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) solution

Food waste and food loss has been a growing concern in the manufacturing industry with a gap between identifying the problem and implementing a solution. The manufacturing process of chicken is largely automated by conveyor belts and machines in which initial application of either peroxyacetic acid (PAA) or sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) solution is utilized to reduce the microbial load and prevent food borne illnesses on the chicken products as they are processed and packaged for distribution. However, during this automated process whole chickens can drop from the manufacturing line and become contaminated leading to the disposal and waste of the product. A solution to reduce food waste was to analyze a reconditioning procedure within the manufacturing process. The study evaluated the aerobic microbial growth on salvaged marinated deli raw whole chickens without giblets (WOGs) from conveyor belt loss reconditioned in either PAA or sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) solution to undropped chicken WOGs. Chicken rinsate and segmented samples were collected from each parameter and tested for microbial growth using Petrifilm aerobic plate count (APC) plates and converting results into log colony forming units (CFU). A difference (P < 0.05) was observed with the reconditioning of the WOGs in PAA (0.71 log10 CFU/mL) compared to the control (1.45 ± 0.26 log10 CFU/mL), for rinses. Of the segmented samples, the trussing strings displayed a significant decrease in APC counts for both chlorine (2.30 ± 0.49 log10 CFU/g) and PAA (2.3 ± 0.49 log10 CFU/g) reconditioning compared to the control (2.72 ± 0.39 log10 CFU/g). Reconditioning of salvaged deli chicken WOGs in chlorine or PAA is comparable to or better than the conventional process for the reduction of APC, it is an effective strategy to reintroduce dropped marinated deli chicken WOGs to the manufacturing line and can reduce food waste at a manufacturing level.

Flavonoid Extracts from Lemon By-Products as a Functional Ingredient for New Foods: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review seeks to highlight, from the published literature about the extraction and application of lemon by-products rich in flavonoids, which works use environmentally friendly technologies and solvents and which ones propose a potentially functional food application, according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WoS and SCOPUS were used as scientific databases for searching the documents, which were evaluated through 10 quality questions according to their adherence to our purpose (5 questions evaluating papers devoted to lemon flavonoid extraction and 5 concerning the application of such by-products in new foods). Each question was evaluated as "Yes", "No", or "does Not refer", according to its adherence to our aim. The analysis reported 39 manuscripts related to lemon flavonoid extraction; 89% of them used green technologies and solvents. On the other hand, 18 manuscripts were related to the incorporation of lemon by-products into new foods, of which 41% adhered to our purpose and only 35% evaluated the functionality of such incorporation. Conclusively, although the bibliography is extensive, there are still some gaps for further investigation concerning the extraction and application of lemon by-products to reduce food losses in an environmentally friendly way and the possible development of new functional foods, which must be performed following the SDGs.