Principles Of Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Exploring the potentialities of industrial hemp for sustainable rural development

This literature review paper explores the potential sustainable applications of industrial hemp, contextualizing it within the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hemp is a dioecious, herbaceous, anemophilous (wind-pollinated) annual crop that grows from one to five meters in height. However, monoecious varieties have been developed through breeding and selection. Historically versatile, Cannabis sativa L. has faced stigmatization and unfounded prohibitions, having played crucial roles in different civilizations, including during World War I. A member of the Cannabaceae family, it is a versatile non-psychoactive crop, with low concentrations of THC. Recently, the global market for hemp has grown. It is an eco-friendly option in the food, textile, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. This study is based on bibliographic research covering primary and secondary sources, including technical reports, academic journals, and scientific repositories. The origin, characteristics and cultivation methods of industrial hemp are discussed, besides its practical applications, including the production of fibers, health food grains, medicinal phytocannabinoids, biofuels, sustainable biomass energy, and carbon offsetting. Its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and achieve SDG targets stands out, considering environmental benefits, product diversification, resistance, and integration into agroforestry systems. Regenerative agriculture is explored as a promising approach, aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture and the SDGs, aiming to restore agricultural ecosystems, promote soil health, and improve climate resilience. The research highlights the importance of reforming cannabis-related policies to achieve goals relating to health, justice, and global partnerships, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches to exploiting this natural resource.

Bioenergy and sustainable agriculture: A review of synergies and potential conflicts

The intersection of bioenergy and sustainable agriculture presents a dynamic landscape with both promising synergies and potential conflicts that demand careful consideration. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between bioenergy production and sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to elucidate the opportunities and challenges inherent in their integration. Synergies between bioenergy and sustainable agriculture are evident in their shared goal of mitigating climate change. Bioenergy crops, such as perennial grasses and woody biomass, can sequester carbon and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction, aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture that emphasize environmental stewardship. Additionally, the integration of bioenergy systems with agricultural practices can foster resource efficiency, as crop residues and organic waste become valuable feedstocks for biofuel production. However, potential conflicts arise when land-use competition intensifies. The expansion of bioenergy crops may encroach upon land designated for food production, leading to concerns about food security and biodiversity loss. Striking a balance requires careful planning, considering regional variations in land availability, climate, and socio-economic factors. Furthermore, the review delves into the technological advancements driving the coexistence of bioenergy and sustainable agriculture. Precision farming techniques, agroforestry, and innovative cropping systems emerge as tools to optimize land use, enhance resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impacts. In conclusion, the intertwining realms of bioenergy and sustainable agriculture offer a complex tapestry of synergies and potential conflicts. A nuanced and context-specific approach is essential for maximizing the benefits while minimizing adverse impacts. This review provides insights into the current state of knowledge, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, policy frameworks, and technological innovations to ensure a harmonious coexistence between bioenergy production and sustainable agriculture.

Could Aqueous Extract from Castor Plants be the Solution to Effectively Control the Pink Mealybug Nymphs?

Objective: To evaluate under laboratory conditions the potential of the leaf extract of the species Ricinus communis L. regarding its insecticidal activity on nymphs of the pink mealybug and determine the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50). Theoretical reference: Maconellicoccus hirsutus is one of the key pests of several crops and has been diagnosed in more than 350 plant species. The species was reported for the first time in Brazil in 2010 in the State of Roraima, and has since spread to other Brazilian states causing considerable economic losses to the affected areas. Method: The castor bean leaf extract was tested on M. hirsutus insects with varying concentrations. Application was done directly using an airbrush connected to a calibrated compressor. Evaluation occurred at 24, 48, and 72-hour intervals post-application. Results and discussion: As the dosage of the extract was increased, a significant increase in the mortality rate of mealybugs was observed. The lethal concentration for 50 % of the M. hirsutus population (LC50) was calculated at 6.14%, with a confidence interval between 5.40 % and 7.02 % (m/v). Implications of the research: The research proposes a sustainable approach to controlling pink mealybug nymphs, using an aqueous extract of R. communis leaves. Originality/value: This article stands out for its innovation in exploring a sustainable approach to pest control, presenting an effective alternative to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. This proposal is especially relevant to promote the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture and providing benefits for both agricultural production and the environment.

A comprehensive review of redefining agricultural economics for sustainable development: Overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in a changing world

This paper critically examines the evolving field of agricultural economics and its imperative to transition towards sustainable development. Traditional agricultural practices have often been associated with environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequities. This paper reviews the current state of agricultural economics, identifies key challenges, and proposes a framework for redefining the discipline to align with the principles of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, demonstrating a clear understanding of the issues and challenges in agricultural economics. It offers valuable insights into the role of agricultural economics in promoting sustainable development and provides a well-structured framework for redefining the discipline to meet the needs of the future. The study highlights the evolving role of agricultural economics in achieving sustainable development, with a focus on both challenges and opportunities. The methods involve a thorough literature review, analyzing principles of sustainable agriculture, economic instruments, technological innovations, and social dimensions. Case studies from diverse regions illustrate successful implementations of sustainable practices. The findings underscore the significance of agroecology, economic incentives, and market mechanisms in promoting sustainable agriculture. Precision agriculture and biotechnology emerge as pivotal technologies, but ethical considerations are paramount. Social dimensions, including rural development and gender equity, play crucial roles in achieving sustainability. The review identifies barriers to adoption and proposes future research directions to advance the field. Overall, the review advocates for a paradigm shift in agricultural economics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and sustainable approach to address global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Growing Green: Sustainable Agriculture Meets Precision Farming: A Review

Precision farming involves the use of advanced technologies such as the global positioning system (GPS), sensors and data analytics to make informed decisions on crop management. The integration of sustainable agriculture principles with precision farming techniques offers a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by modern agriculture. This review explores the convergence of sustainable agriculture and precision farming practices, aiming to enhance the efficiency, productivity and environmental sustainability of modern farming systems. The review delves into the principles of precision farming, which involves the use of advanced technologies such as GPS, sensors and data analytics to optimize resource use and improve crop yields. The integration of sustainable practices within precision farming frameworks is a central focus, emphasizing the importance of environmental supervision, soil health and biodiversity conservation. This review also highlights the collaboration between cutting-edge agricultural technologies and environment friendly farming practices, illustrating a path forward for the agriculture industry towards a sustainable and resilient nutritional security.

REVIEW: Green Morocco Plan and Moroccan legislation for the socioeconomic and sustainable development of agricultural cooperatives: Challenges and prospects

Since its inception, the Green Morocco Plan (MGP) has set as its overriding objective a strong territorial anchoring to enhance agricultural potential and make agriculture an engine of modern, competitive and inclusive economic and social development. The MGP has been designed according to the principles of sustainable agriculture and affects the plural form of all players, particularly professional agricultural organizations of all kinds. It is a national strategy that, among other things, targets socioeconomic development through several mechanisms to accompany and support the cooperative fabric. During the first years of implementation of the Green Morocco Plan, Law 112-12 governing cooperatives were enacted. Against this backdrop, we present the challenges and prospects of the government's strategy to boost agricultural cooperatives and the impact of Moroccan legislation on the development of this promising sector.

Effect of some biopesticides based on essential oil and plant extracts on postharvest mango Stem-end rot disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae

Lasiodiplodia species causing mango Stem-end rot disease (SER) are mainly controlled using synthetic products, which can harm humans and environmental health. Therefore, developing an eco-friendly control method, such as using plant extract products, is imperative. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of 3 biopesticides based on essential oils (ASTOUN 50 EC, FERCA 50 EC, and NECO 50 EC) at 300, 500, 700, 1000 ppm and Moringa oleifera leaves extracts (Methanolic and aqueous) at 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/250 ml on mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in vitro. Subsequently, 135 fruits (cv. Kent) per treatment were inoculated (1 × 105 spores/ml) and treated with each biopesticide (700, 1000 and 2000 ppm) and M. oleifera leaves extracts (15 and 20 g/250 ml) in vivo to evaluate their efficacy on mango SER development. The results showed that the biopesticides ASTOUN (Cymbopogon citratus) and NECO (Occimmun gratissimun) completely inhibited the mycelial growth of L. theobromae at 700 and 1000 ppm. Similarly, M. oleifera methanolic extract has the highest inhibitory rate (65.45 %) compared to aqueous extract (42.44%). Moreover, 1000 and 2000 ppm of biofungicides and 15 and 20 g/250 ml of M. oleifera methanolic extract significantly reduced mango SER development compared to the control. This study provides evidence that these plant extracts are effective alternatives to mango SER management that are consistent with sustainable agriculture principles, promote ecological balance, and reduce the environmental impact of conventional agriculture.

Fish Oil Substitution in Fish Feed Using Vegetable Oils, Terrestrial Animal Fats and Indonesian Local Raw Material Candidates (A Review)

Aquaculture is one of the world's most rapidly expanding producers of protein-rich diets. This is in accordance with the rising demand for feed to sustain these activities. However, the use of natural materials for fish feed, particularly fish oil, creates a paradox because it is derived from fish, therefore it is against the principles of sustainable agriculture. This article examines vegetable oils with a superior nutritional profile, palatability, digestibility, anti-nutritional factors, availability, and cost in comparison to fish oil. The ten-year-old articles selected and compiled originate from national (SHINTA) and international (Elsevier and Proquest) websites. Finding alternatives to fish oil as a source of lipids in fish diets is the result of several decades of research. Vegetable and animal sources are two main types of fish oil substitutes. Up to one hundred percent of fish oil can be substituted with vegetable oils like palm oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and olive oil. Similarly, animal sources can provide up to 75% of the lipids necessary for fish diets. Moreover, rubber seed oil has the potential to supplant fish oil in Indonesia due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is comparable to that of fish oil. The conclusion of this review is that there are multiple sources of lipids that can be used to replace fish oil, and that more consideration must be given to the type of lipid source used in accordance with the type of fish being cultivated and the location of the fish cultivation.

Экономика, организация и управление предприятиями, отраслями, комплексами

The article studies the concepts of sustainable agriculture and the factors of internal and external systems influencing its formation. Having surveyed the principles of sustainable agriculture, the author clarified that the agricultural sustainability largely depends on the efficient management of natural systems and resources. The work presents a conceptual model for sustainable agriculture and rural areas defined as a socio-economic-natural complex system that includes three subsystems as agrarian-economic, rural-ecologic, and rural-social subsystems. The purpose of the integrated system is to coordinate the interaction and interconnection between the rural subsystems and their components to achieve harmony between agricultural production, the rural environment, and the well-being of peasants and rural residents. The modern methods of sustainable agriculture, and therefore sustainable resource management, mean the resource-saving, organic, biodynamic, climatically optimized, regenerative agriculture, relate to sustainable intensification and resource-saving agriculture. To form the agricultural sustainability in the northern region, the author proposes new approaches to its development such as the integrated farming system, agroforestry, site specific crop farming, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.

Formulation and Application of Organic Fertilizer from Cow Dung to Increase Rice Yield by Applying Sustainable Agriculture Principles in Gantiwarno, Klaten

<p>Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo</em> was a cattle breeder engaged in livestock farming. Cow dung was a problem for breeders because of the large amount of cow dung that had not yet been utilized, causing air, water, and soil pollution. The Mentoring activity aims to overcome the problems faced by partners by utilizing cow dung waste from Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo</em> could be used as organic fertilizer by the Farmer’s Group <em>Sri Rejeki</em> to increase rice yield by applying the principles of sustainable agriculture. The Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo </em>problem could be solved by formulating organic fertilizer using cow dung. Furthermore, it could address the Farmer’s Group <em>Sri Rejeki</em> problem, which is an increasing need for fertilizer to increase rice yield by applying sustainable agriculture principles. The mentoring activity was in collaboration with two partners, namely the Farmer’s Group <em>Sri Rejeki</em> and the Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo,</em> located in Gesikan Village, Gantiwarno District, Klaten Regency. The method used was socialization and practice. The result of the mentoring activity for formulating organic fertilizer was that the Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo</em> could formulate organic fertilizer from cow dung, and the Farmer’s Group <em>Sri Rejeki</em> was able to apply an organic fertilizer to increase rice yield. The two partners’ capabilities could overcome problems in the Livestock Farmer Group <em>Lembu Mulyo</em> and the Farmer’s Group <em>Sri Rejeki</em>. In addition to solving the problems of the two partners by formulating organic fertilizers and their application in rice fields also applied sustainable agriculture principles.</p>

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF REDEFINING AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES IN A CHANGING WORLD

This paper critically examines the evolving field of agricultural economics and its imperative to transition towards sustainable development. Traditional agricultural practices have often been associated with environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequities. This paper reviews the current state of agricultural economics, identifies key challenges, and proposes a framework for redefining the discipline to align with the principles of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, demonstrating a clear understanding of the issues and challenges in agricultural economics. It offers valuable insights into the role of agricultural economics in promoting sustainable development and provides a well-structured framework for redefining the discipline to meet the needs of the future. The study highlights the evolving role of agricultural economics in achieving sustainable development, with a focus on both challenges and opportunities. The methods involve a thorough literature review, analyzing principles of sustainable agriculture, economic instruments, technological innovations, and social dimensions. Case studies from diverse regions illustrate successful implementations of sustainable practices. The findings underscore the significance of agroecology, economic incentives, and market mechanisms in promoting sustainable agriculture. Precision agriculture and biotechnology emerge as pivotal technologies, but ethical considerations are paramount. Social dimensions, including rural development and gender equity, play crucial roles in achieving sustainability. The review identifies barriers to adoption and proposes future research directions to advance the field. Overall, the review advocates for a paradigm shift in agricultural economics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and sustainable approach to address global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The smart village program challenges in supporting national food security through the implementation of agriculture 4.0

The purpose of this study is to: (1) look at the possible concept of agriculture 4.0 which can be an important part of the smart village program; (2) evaluate the relationship between the concept of agriculture 4.0 and the principles of sustainable agriculture in line with the achievement of the Village Sustainable Development Goals; (3) analyze the opportunities of the agriculture-based smart village program 4.0 to be able to contribute to food security. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with case study methods and is analyzed descriptively. Data is collected from written and audio-visual materials, in the form of policies, field data, opinions and experiences of experts and practitioners, and others. The results of this study show several conclusions, including; (a) The concept of agriculture 4.0 is very likely to be part of the implementation of the Smart Village program, considering that Indonesian villages in general are agricultural villages that still need digitalization in agricultural activities. (b) Agriculture 4.0 technology has characteristics that are in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture, including minimizing the use of inputs, minimizing the use of water in agricultural cultivation, and the ability to make various predictions that can provide benefits for farmers, (c) thus the opportunity to develop smart villages based on agriculture 4.0, can provide a great opportunity to be able to contribute to food security in Indonesia and can improve the welfare of rural communities.

Prospective sustainable agriculture principles inspired by green chemistry

Prospective sustainable agriculture principles inspired by green chemistry

Impact of Conservation Agriculture System on Combating Water Erosion Hazards at Wadi El-Raml, Northwestern Coast of Egypt

Conservation agriculture practices (CA) is a management for available organic matter resources and considered important measures to enable farming in accordance with the principles of sustainable agriculture. The two-years experiment were performed on the soil under wheat crop. CA practices can help to decrease the area and duration for exposed soil to water erosion by increased soil aggregate size distribution, soil porosity, soil moisture and soil organic matter. Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important indicator of soil fertility and productivity because of its crucial role in soil chemical, physical and biological properties. CA leaves a soil organic mulch at the soil surface, which decreases runoff and soil loss. On other hand, soil mulch with plant residue as a component of CA is increased soil content of SOM. The least total cost for cultivation wheat crops under rainfed agriculture of Egypt achieved at conservation agriculture with No-tillage treatment (CANT) while the highest cost achieved at traditional agriculture (TA) treatment. The best results of decreased soil loss, increased SOM and wheat crop yield obtained when continue to apply conservation practices for more than one season. Indeed, our results showed the soil loss decreased about (56%) while wheat grain yield and SOM increased about (7% and 45%) respectively when using CA at the second season compared to TA. Conservation agriculture signifies environmentally friendly technologies reduce of climate related risks.

Evaluation Of Land Capabilities For Coffee And Durian Crops To Sustainable Agriculture

The utilization of land that is not corresponding to its capabilities will accelerate land degradation. Therefore, in this study, the land capability was assessed to determine land capability classes and land use directions for applying sustainable agricultural systems in coffee and durian cultivation areas in the Wonosalam region, Jombang, East Java. The procedures included field observations, soil sampling, and laboratory analysis. Soil samples were taken at two depths, 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm, carried out by taking samples at two different points, then analyzed in a composite manner. The results showed that the class of land capability for planting coffee and durian was in class VII, which had a limiting factor in the form of slopes. Limited grazing and nature reserves are the focus of class VII land-use guidelines so that the land use direction follows the characteristics of the nature reserve and the principles of sustainable agriculture. Concerning long-term agriculture, we need to use conservation strategies both vegetatively and mechanically. Thus, the land that is the research site will be able to maintain its carrying capacity and minimize the decline in land quality and quantity on land use in the Wonosalam, Jombang area.

Study on the Potential of Forest Areas in Aspects of Land Fertility In Wonosalam District, Jombang Regency

Forests are one of the natural resources of high value for human benefit, both direct and indirect benefits. The management of forest resources does not date from the legal basis of Article 6 of Law no. 41 of 1999 (regarding Forestry) which states that natural resource management efforts in forest areas are carried out through protection, conservation and production functions by taking into account the continuity of their supply and the surrounding environment. UPN "Veteran" East Java as a State University in East Java proposes the Forest Area program with Special Purposes (KHDTK) as an effort to develop education and research as well as community service. The purpose of this research is to map forest areas based on fertility characteristics and land availability suitable for the development of KHDTK Wonosalam. The results of the research can be seen that 1. the forest area is based on the interrelation of land evaluation parameters on the distribution of forest land, the limiting factor for water availability in land use units 1, 2, and has primary obstacles in the dry season, resulting in drought and inappropriate land use. with its designation on land prone to erosion. Plants that dominate the forest area are annual plant species, including pine, clove and mahogany, while intercropping consists of coffee, banana and corn. Aspects of land fertility holistically have inhibiting factors, namely the low levels of elements C - Organic, available P and K2O. 2. Efforts to conserve land as an option for forest land management before the decline in land quality occurs by making irrigation and drainage channels to avoid water drought, applying organic fertilizers and selecting plants physiologically according to the characteristics of forest land. In addition, it is hoped that there will be an increase in water availability and land productivity by applying the principles of sustainable agriculture.

واکنش ریحان (Ocimum bacilicum L.) به سیستم‌های مختلف تغذیه در کشاورزی اکولوژیک

Introduction: The tendency to produce aromatic and medicinal plants and the demand for natural products is increasing especially in the world of ecological agriculture. Ecological agriculture of medicinal plants guarantees their quality and reduces the possibility of negative effects on their medicinal quality and yield. One of the most important medicinal plant species is basil, which is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Common basil (Ocimum bacilicum L.) is the most important economic species of Ocimum and is cultivated and consumed in almost all warm and temperate regions. Evaluation of different plant nutrition systems is one of the important principles in the production planning of medicinal plants in order to achieve high yield and quality of effective ingredients. Proper fertilizer management is one of the important factors in agricultural production. Identification of fertilizers compatible with nature and suitable for plant growth can have favorable effects on quantitative and qualitative indices of the plant. Organic fertilizers are genuine and risk-free products that can be suitable for agricultural sustainability. Soil organic matter improves fertility and water retention, provides proper ventilation, long-term storage of plant nutrients and microorganisms, so replacing chemical fertilizers with fertilizers such as vermicompost and biofertilizer can reduce the above-mentioned effects. Biofertilizers are one of the operations that is nowadays in accordance with the principles of sustainable agriculture for soil fertility. Biofertilizers include the compost of one or more types of useful soil organisms or as metabolic by-products of these organisms that are used to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs in an agroecosystem.Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of biochar and organic and biological fertilizers on the quantity and quality of Ocimum bacilicum L., a factorial experiment was done in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included two levels of biochar (0 and 20 ton ha-1) and five levels of fertilizers (vermicompost (10 ton ha-1), Mycorrhiza, Azotobacter, Pseudomonas and no fertilizer application). Prior to planting sweet basil seed, biofertilizers and vermicompost were mixed with soil to the depth of 15 cm. Mycorrhizal fungi were mixed with seed. Azotobacter and Pseudomonas bacteria were also incubated with seeds (seed inoculated). It should be added that in this study no chemicals were used to control weeds and pests. Before flowering stage, morphological traits of basil (plant height, stem diameter and number of branches) were measured. Also, to measure the dry weight of the shoots, basil was scalped from one square meter and weighed, and their fresh weight was thus determined. Then, to determine the dry weight, the samples were transferred to an oven at 70 ° C for 48 hours and finally weighed. Also in the flowering stage, the amount of total phenol and flavonoids and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were evaluated. Finally, the data were analyzed using SAS statistical software and Excel software was used to draw the graphs. Also, the means were compared by LSD test at the level of 5%.Results and Discussion: According to the results, the highest height and number of main branches was in biochar application with vermicompost (49.37 cm and 7 respectively), which was significantly better than other treatments. The intraction effect of biochar and fertilizer had a significant effect on fresh and dry weight of leaf and stem of the plant. The results of the mean comparison of treatments showed that the highest leaf and stem fresh weight were obtained in biochar + Pseudomonas application (792 and 876 g m-2, respectively), which had no significant difference with biochar + vermicompost; and also, the maximum leaf dry weight and stem dry weight were obtained in biochar with Pseudomonas application (166 and 175 g m-2, respectively). The interaction between biochar and fertilizer on phenol, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of basil showed a significant differences between treatments. ConclusionIn general, the results showed that the use of biochar and biological and organic fertilizers can be effective in both the quality and quantity of sweet bail, where, the use of the bacterium Azobacter and Pseudomonas with biochar had the greatest effect on the quality and quantity of sweet bail. Finally, it can be cocluded that the combined use of biochar with biological fertilizers have a significant impact on the quantitative and qualitative increase of sweet bail in ecological or low input agricultural.

Effect of Tillage System and Organic Matter Management Interactions on Soil Chemical Properties and Biological Activity in a Spring Wheat Short-Time Cultivation

Properly selected tillage methods and management of the available organic matter resources are considered important measures to enable farming in accordance with the principles of sustainable agriculture. Depending on the depth and intensity of cultivation, tillage practices affect soil chemical composition, structure and biological activity. The three-year experiment was performed on the soil under spring wheat (cv. Tybalt) short-time cultivation. The influence of different tillage systems and stubble management on the soil’s chemical and biological parameters was analyzed. Organic carbon content (OC); content of biologically available phosphorus (Pa), potassium (Ka), and magnesium (Mg); content of total nitrogen (TN), mineral nitrogen forms: N-NO3 and N-NH4 were determined in various soil samples. Moreover, the total number of microorganisms (TNM), bacteria (B), actinobacteria (A), fungi (F); soil respiratory activity (SR); and pH in 1 M KCl (pH) were also investigated. The results show that organic matter amendment is of greater influence on soil characteristics than the tillage system applied. Manure application, as well as leaving the straw in the field, resulted in higher amounts of organic carbon and biologically available potassium. A significant increase in the number of soil microorganisms was also observed in soil samples from the experimental plots including this procedure.

A New Method to Recycle Dairy Waste for the Nutrition of Wheat Plants

Dairy products are vital components of human food, however, they are rapidly spoiled due to their high content of organic matter which encourages the growth of decomposing microbes. The recycling of dairy wastes is an ideal solution to preserve the environment, as it is in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture. In this experiment, an organic fertilizer was extracted from dairy wastes and was used for the nutrition of wheat grown on sandy soils under two-year field studies. The application rate of the extracted organic fertilizer was 8 ton ha−1. Moreover, the same rates of N, P, and K were added from inorganic fertilizers. The extracted organic fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the wheat growth and increased chlorophyll by 11% and 16% in the first and second season, respectively, in comparison to the inorganic fertilization. The extracted organic fertilizer significantly minimized the soil pH from an initial value of 8.00 to 7.05. The tested organic fertilizer increased the uptake of N, P, and K by 55%, 49%, and 51% above the inorganic nutrition, respectively. The wheat straw and grain yield increased by 16% and 29% as a result of the addition of the organic fertilizer extracted from dairy wastes. The dairy wastes organic fertilizer caused a notable improvement in the soil quality. The extracted organic fertilizer was able to supply wheat with its nutrient requirements as it showed a remarkable superiority over the mineral fertilization. The disposal of expired dairy waste can be managed in a way that preserves the environment by converting it to organic fertilizers. Laboratory and field experiments have proven the efficiency of the extracted organic fertilizer in nutrition of wheat plants in sandy soils with low fertility.

Achieving the European Green “Deal” of Sustainable Grass Forage Production and Landscaping Using Fungal Endophytes

The European Green Deal is the EU’s latest growth strategy and action plan, which will meet the challenges concerning climate change and environmental degradation. The components of the Green Deal which are intended to prevent biodiversity loss, to reduce pollution level, and to improve food quality are: The Farm to Fork Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy. Their main aims include: Reducing the application of pesticides by 50% by 2030, reducing nutrients loss by 50% while preserving soil fertility, reducing the application of mineral fertilizers by a minimum of 20% by 2030, as well as supporting the development of organic farming to reach 25% of all the arable land in the EU. These aims are very ambitious and they pose a serious challenge. Can the European Green Deal provide an opportunity for fungal grass endophytes? This paper presented different aspects in which endophytes of the Epichloë genus affect colonized plants, as well as their possible applications in biological grass protection and in improving the performance properties of different grass biotopes. Literature was reviewed to provide evidence of how fungal endophytes might be used to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal strategy, in accordance with the principles of sustainable agriculture.