Reduce Nutrient Losses Research Articles

Investigating Human Perception on Extent of Postharvest Spoilage of Potato in Two Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important crop that plays a vital role in providing food and income for many populations. Several factors have been identified as limiting the realization of food security in many countries around the world. Increasing food availability thus involves not only increasing agricultural productivity, but also reducing food losses. This study focused on evaluating the incidence of potato postharvest spoilage among local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments using a descriptive design methodology. Supermarkets and local store owners in Ijebu North and Ijebu Ode local governments were included as participants, and data was collected using structured questionnaires. A sample size of 150 respondents was used; the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. The findings of the study indicated that potato postharvest spoilage predominantly occurs during the wet seasons. It was observed that proper handling of potatoes during storage and the use of suitable storage areas can help reduce the incidence of potato rot diseases. In conclusion, Potato rot disease is a significant problem for potato farmers in Nigeria, and it can have devastating effects on their livelihoods. The disease has the potential to reduce crop yields, deteriorate potato quality, and even lead to complete crop failure. Therefore, implementing appropriate measures such as proper handling and proper storage practices are crucial for mitigating the occurrence and impact of potato rot diseases thus promoting food security in Nigeria.

Assessing Barriers to Supply Chain Resilience: A Case Study of Perishable Foods Among Lusaka Traders

Despite increasing global attention to supply chain disruptions, limited research has focused specifically on the barriers to resilience in perishable food supply chains (PFSCs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, where informal markets play a central role in food distribution, the lack of systematic studies on PFSC resilience presents a significant gap. This study aims to assess the key barriers undermining PFSC resilience in Lusaka, the country’s capital, and propose actionable strategies for improvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 410 perishable food traders and in-depth interviews with 10 stakeholders across key points in the food supply chain. Findings revealed that unpredictable market demand, cited by 31.2% of respondents, was the most significant barrier, followed by lack of financial resources (16.6%) and poor transportation infrastructure (15.9%). Climate change and weather variability, alongside inadequate storage facilities, further exacerbated challenges. Traders implemented strategies such as collaboration, investment in improved storage, and adoption of monitoring tools; however, their effectiveness was constrained by limited financial capacity and technical expertise. The study proposes a multi-faceted resilience framework grounded in the Supply Chain Resilience Framework (SCRF), emphasizing infrastructure development, technology adoption, and stakeholder capacity building. Key policy recommendations include targeted government investment, digital tool promotion, and the formation of public-private partnerships to facilitate sustainable PFSC operations. Addressing these barriers is critical to reducing food loss, enhancing food security, and supporting Zambia’s broader economic development goals.

A new HBT-quinolinium platform for optical detection of biogenic amines and its application in food quality monitoring.

A new HBT-quinolinium platform for optical detection of biogenic amines and its application in food quality monitoring.

Nature-inspired solutions for food loss prevention: exploring smallholder farmers' willingness to adopt solar-powered cold storage

At COP27, the United Nations made a clarion call for addressing food system inefficiencies, specifically highlighting the need for innovative research into sustainable cold storage technologies for postharvest loss reduction. Consistent with this call, we explore smallholder farmers' willingness to adopt off-grid solar-powered cold storage in Ghana using surveys with small scale vegetable growers (n = 1,001). We put in conversation with one another multiple adoption theories—economic constraints, innovation diffusion, adopter perception—in framing our analysis, enabling us to test a broad list of theoretically relevant variables. Descriptive analysis show more than two-thirds of smallholder farmers were willing to adopt solar-powered cold storage for food loss reduction. Findings from logistic regression analysis reveal farmers' willingness to adopt solar-powered cold storage mirrors a blend of drivers that cut across theoretical fronts including economic constraints (i.e., wealth and profit); innovation diffusion factors including training on postharvest management and timely access to extension services; perception variables (i.e., the extent to which farmers view food loss as a major issue and prior exposure and use of similar agricultural innovations); and contextual agricultural conditions (i.e., farm size and yield). Our findings demonstrate the complexity of technology adoption in smallholder agricultural systems and the need for agricultural policy on adoption to move beyond the predominant emphasis on economic factors to include attention to adopter perception and contextual factors. It is critical for agricultural policy to address these multifaceted drivers simultaneously to enhance the uptake of sustainable modern agricultural solutions like solar-powered coolers.

Evaluation of the altered enzymatic and pollen activity in sunflower on application of nanoparticles.

Evaluation of the altered enzymatic and pollen activity in sunflower on application of nanoparticles.

Environmental assessment of food loss and waste prevention and reduction solutions: Navigating the complexity of integrating stakeholders' decisions

Environmental assessment of food loss and waste prevention and reduction solutions: Navigating the complexity of integrating stakeholders' decisions

Establishment of regularities of biochemical transformations in grape berries during refrigerated storage with preliminary thermal treatment

The paper is devoted to the study of biochemical transformations in grapes during refrigeration storage with preliminary heat treatment. The object of the study was nine table grape varieties. Of these, white – Ganja Table, Karaburnu, Chasselas White, Agadai; pink – Nimrang, Marandi Shamakhi, Taifi Pink; red – Kyzyl Izyum and Muscat Hamburg. For better preservation of table grapes and reduction of nutrient losses before placing them in the refrigeration chamber, they were preliminarily subjected to heat treatment for 5 minutes at a temperature of 65–70 °C in a drying cabinet. Then the grapes were stored in refrigeration chambers for 6–8 months, at a temperature of 0–1 °C and air humidity of 85–95 %. Biochemical studies of the grapes were conducted before placing them and every 30–40 days until the end of storage, as well as before and after heat treatment. After heat treatment, all grape varieties show a gradual restoration of the activity of the studied enzymes during the storage period, but this activity does not reach the initial level. Studies have shown that after heating the products, reactivation is possible if at least a weak enzyme activity is preserved, and it is more intense during the first day of storage. During long-term refrigeration of grapes in a refrigeration chamber, a decrease in the catalytic activity of enzyme systems leads to a decrease in the rate of catalytic processes, that is, biochemical transformations of carbohydrates, phenolic substances, vitamins, organic acids, pectin substances and other components, and thereby contributes to the preservation of the nutritional value of grapes. However, storing grapes with preliminary heat treatment contributes to a greater decrease in the catalytic activity of enzymes, and thereby inhibition of biochemical transformations of grape nutrients. This, ultimately, contributes to better preservation of grapes, their aroma, taste, appearance and their chemical components. Marandi Shamakhi, Nimrang, Ganja Table and Karaburnu are distinguished by a smaller change in the content of vital components.

Sustainable Practices and Microbial Quality of Cattle Offal in Slaughterhouses.

As global income levels and population increase, meat consumption and production are rising, raising concerns about climate change, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Offal offers a sustainable, nutrient-rich, and economical alternative to muscle meat, providing proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This study was triggered by the scarcity of information on the microbiological quality of edible bovine offal, which is often associated with poor hygienic conditions during handling and processing at slaughterhouse. This study assessed the superficial microbiota present on cattle liver and tongue in a vertical slaughterhouse across various stages of the procurement process and on days with different slaughter volumes, with three sampling points: immediately after post-mortem inspection (Point 1); after the arrival of the viscera in the preparation room (Point 2); and in the refrigeration chamber at 3 °C (Point 3). Samples were analysed according to ISO methods for enumeration of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, generic Escherichia coli, presumptive Escherichia coli O157, and Staphylococcus aureus and detection of presumptive Escherichia coli O157, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. Microbiological counts were within the acceptability values stipulated in the amendment of Regulation EC 1441/2007 to Regulation EC 2073/2005 for cattle carcasses. In general, both viscera showed higher microbial counts on days with higher slaughter volumes, with the exception of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus counts on the tongue. There was also an increase in microorganism levels across the offal processing stages. Out of 144 samples, 20.83% were contaminated with presumptive Escherichia coli O157, 3.47% Salmonella spp., and 25% S. aureus. Therefore, although 20.83% of the samples tested were presumptive for E. coli O157, it is important to note that a considerable number of these presumptive positives may in fact have been negative after confirmation by molecular methods. However, the presence of presumptive E. coli O157 at high levels is one reason that the prevention of offal contamination requires more stringent measures. Preventing offal contamination requires stricter measures during slaughter procedures to ensure safety, reduce food losses, and enhance sustainability in meat production.

Estimating energy consumption and GHG emissions in the U.S. food supply chain for net-zero

This work provides a database of the U.S. food system’s energy consumption and GHG emissions at the national and state levels by food supply chain (FSC) stage, fuel type, and food commodity. We estimate that the U.S. FSC consumed a total 4660 TBTU (4900 PJ) of site energy, 7130 TBTU (7500 PJ) of primary energy, and generated 970 MMT of GHG emissions in 2016. Among all the stages, on-farm production is the largest energy consumer (31% primary energy) and GHG emissions contributor (70%), largely due to raising animals. Optimizing distribution can reduce the stage’s energy consumption and GHG emissions and increase products’ shelf-life. Reducing food loss and waste is another good option, as it decreases the amount of food necessary to grow, thus impacting the overall FSC. The database can help stakeholders identify stage- and region-specific strategies and measures to curtail the environmental footprint of the U.S. food system.

The Horeca Supply Chain: An analysis of the Food and Loss Waste Management literature characteristics

In this paper, a literature review about Food and Loss Waste Management in Horeca Supply Chain is developed. Some trends and characteristics of that research line are presented. Three research questions are proposed: 1) What journals and authors have published papers Food and Loss Waste Management in Horeca Supply Chain? 2) Which are the methodological characteristics of the papers on Food and Loss Waste Management in Horeca Supply Chain?and 3) What knowledge areas have been analysed? A descriptive analysis is made to identify the relevant journals and authors and the methodological characteristics (type of study, analytical techniques and sources of information). Finally, knowledge areas and the-ories are described. The general literature on supply chain in hospitality about food and loss waste is quite extensive and interdisciplinary. However, specifically on Horeca sector, it is rather scarce. The results confirm the need for further literature on the Horeca sector and its Supply Chain, due to its implications for food waste. The interest is mainly due to the large social and practical implications that can be derived in the extension of the research, moving towards the implementation of sustainable practices involving the reduction of food waste and loss.

Food loss and waste reduction by using industry 4.0 technologies: examples of promising strategies

Abstract Food loss and waste represent a significant global issue, posing a threat to food sustainability on a worldwide scale. Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted, resulting in substantial environmental impact and economic loss. However, the growing awareness among consumers and the development of emerging technologies driven by the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) present numerous opportunities to reduce food loss and waste. This article provides a comprehensive examination of recently developed strategies for reducing food loss and waste. The role of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and big data, is highlighted through examples of various promising initiatives. The results of this analysis show that the application of digital technologies to address the issue of food loss and waste is on the rise globally, with Industry 4.0 technologies revolutionizing many sectors, including the food sector. This article could assist scholars and industry leaders in comprehending the urgency and significance of implementing Industry 4.0 in the food sector. Further research is necessary, and closer collaboration between producers, distributors, consumers, and other actors involved in the food supply chain is still required to reduce food loss and waste further.

The Effect of Humalite on Improving Soil Nitrogen Availability and Plant Nutrient Uptake for Higher Yield and Oil Content in Canola.

Over the last half-century, the widespread use of synthetic chemical fertilizers has boosted crop yields but caused noticeable environmental damage. In recent years, the application of humic substances to increase plant growth and crop yield has gained considerable interest, largely due to their organic origin and their ability to reduce nutrient losses while enhancing plant nutrient use efficiency. Humalite, found exclusively in large deposits in southern Alberta, Canada, is rich in humic substances and has low levels of unwanted ash and heavy metals, which makes it particularly valuable for agricultural applications. However, its effects on canola, the largest oilseed crop in Canada and the second-largest in the world, have yet to be evaluated. This study investigated the effects of five Humalite rates (0, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kg ha-1) in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) applied at recommended levels, on canola growth, soil nitrogen availability, plant nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, seed yield, seed oil content, and nitrogen use efficiency under controlled environmental conditions. The results demonstrated that Humalite application significantly enhanced soil nitrogen availability, uptake of macro- and micronutrients (N, P, K, S, Mg, Mn, B, Fe and Zn), shoot and root biomass, net photosynthesis, and water use efficiency as compared to the NPK alone treatment. The application of Humalite also led to increased seed yield, seed oil content, and nitrogen use efficiency. Taken together, Humalite could serve as an effective organic soil amendment to enhance canola growth and yield while enhancing fertilizer use efficiency.

Microcontroller-based solar tunnel dryer for sustainable drying in Northeast India

The growing world population necessitated enhanced food availability and reduced waste. Drying has been a popular technique for extending food storage for a long time since it minimizes volume and lowers moisture and enzymatic activity, reducing food loss. This project sought to create a microcontroller-driven solar tunnel dryer designed for the prevalent rainfall and elevated humidity conditions in Northeast India. The designed solar tunnel dryer is equipped with two DHT22 sensors that assess ambient humidity inside and outside the dryer, deciding whether to let airflow with the environment or isolate it. It controls fan operation based on real-time monitoring. The dryer has 12 trays on a six-tray structure that holds 100 kg of sliced turmeric in every batch. An additional tray with a load cell was provided to record turmeric weight during drying. Without any load, the maximum internal temperature exceeded the outside by 27.1°C, while the minimum internal humidity was 30% lower than external values. The turmeric was dried from an initial moisture content of 71.62% to less than 10% (wet basis) over 101 hours and 40 minutes (5 days) with 28.63 effective bright sunshine hours. The developed solar tunnel dryer's average efficiency was 19.20%, demonstrating its ability to dry turmeric in Meghalaya, India.

The Impact of Agricultural Machinery Services on Food Loss at the Producer Level: Evidence from China

Reducing food loss can improve environmental sustainability, resource use, and food security. Agricultural machinery services have considerable advantages in enhancing the adaptability and competitiveness of farms, but little is known about its potential for addressing food loss. Here, this work attempts to reveal a strong yet under-discussed connection between agricultural machinery services and food loss. Using survey data covering 483 corn farmers in the Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces of China from October to December 2024, this study examined the extent to which participation in agricultural machinery services reduced food loss. Our results confirmed the existence of this significant causal effect and estimated 0.864% and 0.862% reductions in weight and value losses in response to a 1% increase in the purchase of agricultural machinery services. The possible mechanisms driving this relationship, including factor allocation optimization and technology introduction, were further verified. A variety of robustness tests were conducted to validate the strength and reliability of the empirical results and address endogeneity issues. Also, to better contextualize the heterogeneous effects of agricultural machinery services on food loss, the differences across production links, land fragmentation, and service quality were explored. By highlighting the important roles of agricultural machinery services in reducing food loss, our analysis contributed to contemporary debates about the long-term linkage between the wide popularization of agricultural machinery services and achieving food security, particularly providing insights for developing countries.

Food loss in Pacific Island Countries: a scoping review of the literature

Food loss and waste pose significant challenges to global food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with limited resources, being geographically isolated, and vulnerable to climate change, face unique challenges when it comes to the issue of food loss. This scoping review aims to systematically map the literature on food loss in PICs, addressing knowledge gaps and understanding specific methodological aspects. The review utilizes the PRISMA-ScR process to identify, categorize, and synthesize relevant literature, offering a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence. Studies focusing on food loss in PICs published in English from 2011 to 2023 were included. Exclusion criteria considered studies conducted outside PICs, those lacking food loss reduction interventions, and non-peer-reviewed sources. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases of JSTOR, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science. A total of 5,787 studies for food loss interventions were identified and out of these only 49 met the inclusion criteria. A notable increase in publications from 2011, with a significant surge in 2018 and 2019, indicate a growing interest on the topic. The review reveals a limited focus on this issue across individual PICs and underscores the need for more localized expertise in the region. The review also highlights critical inefficiencies in PIC food supply chains and the need for more studies outside the common root crop agricultural system. The scoping review identified three thematic categories addressing food loss in PICs, namely., the lack of infrastructure and need for innovative technology for post-harvest management; increased vulnerability to climate change and postharvest risks of newer convenient markets. The findings underscore the need for holistic and context-specific approaches to create resilient and sustainable food systems in the Pacific, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in addressing these challenges.

Quantitative and qualitative food losses of African indigenous vegetables along the value chain: A systematic literature review

African indigenous vegetables (AIV) have high densities of important micronutrients but qualitative and quantitative food losses along the value chains could threaten their nutritional potential in Africa. We conduct a systematic review of the estimations of food quality losses of AIV along their value chains. Our review reveals that there is generally limited evidence on food quality losses along AIV value chains. In addition, existing studies are often of low quality and have inadequate experimental descriptions. For our final analysis, we consider the yields and malnutrition-relevant nutrients for two major AIV, vegetable amaranth ( Amaranthus ssp) and African nightshade ( Solanum nigrum and Solanum scarbrum). We observe a consistent and substantial decrease in carotenoids and iron contents starting from selecting appropriate seed material to processing practices. Losses are particularly severe at seed selection and production. Almost half of the original potential is lost after cultivation for the reviewed nutrients. While qualitative losses appear to be significant during post-harvest, processing by consumers leads to comparatively small reductions. While our results suggest that the current value chains need to be improved to supply nutrient-rich foods to urban and peri-urban areas, better data are also needed to conduct more comprehensive assessments of nutrition-sensitive AIV value chains and to derive evidence-based interventions to reduce nutrient losses for AIV along the value chain.

Trends of Soil and Solution Nutrient Sensing for Open Field and Hydroponic Cultivation in Facilitated Smart Agriculture.

Efficient management of soil nutrients is essential for optimizing crop production, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing the challenges posed by population growth and environmental degradation. Smart agriculture, using advanced technologies, plays an important role in achieving these goals by enabling real-time monitoring and precision management of nutrients. In open-field soil cultivation, spatial variability in soil properties demands site-specific nutrient management and integration with variable-rate technology (VRT) to optimize fertilizer application, reduce nutrient losses, and enhance crop yields. Hydroponic solution cultivation, on the other hand, requires precise monitoring and control of nutrient solutions to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth, ensuring efficient use of water and fertilizers. This review aims to explore recent trends in soil and solution nutrient sensing technologies for open-field soil and facilitated hydroponic cultivation, highlighting advancements that promote efficiency and sustainability. Key technologies include electrochemical and optical sensors, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled monitoring, and the integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive modeling. Blockchain technology is also emerging as a tool to enhance transparency and traceability in nutrient management, promoting compliance with environmental standards and sustainable practices. In open-field soil cultivation, real-time sensing technologies support targeted nutrient application by accounting for spatial variability, minimizing environmental risks such as runoff and eutrophication. In hydroponic solution cultivation, precise solution sensing ensures nutrient balance, optimizing plant health and productivity. By advancing these technologies, smart agriculture can achieve sustainable crop production, improved resource efficiency, and environmental protection, fostering a resilient food system.

Reducing food losses in agri-food supply chains; a multi-faceted approach

ABSTRACT The agricultural food supply chain faces critical challenges from rising demand for fresh produce and increasing food safety concerns, resulting in significant losses. Temperature-sensitive products are especially vulnerable, worsening malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly in developing nations. This study seeks to improve the efficiency of food systems in these economies by investigating the relationship between operational capability and food loss in Ghana's cold chain for frozen fish and chicken. Using data from 298 cold storage facilities across Ghana’s key regions, the analysis reveals that operational capability alone does not significantly reduce food loss. However, when operational capability interacts with supply chain visibility, there is a substantial positive impact on cold chain integrity, leading to a reduction in food loss. These findings suggest that enhancing supply chain visibility is critical for firms to reduce losses, which has practical implications for addressing cold chain inefficiencies and improving food security in developing nations.

State-level policies alone are insufficient to meet the federal food waste reduction goal in the United States

The United States Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal seeks to reduce national food waste by 50%, down to 74 kg per capita, by 2030. Here we investigate state policies’ alignment with the federal goal across four policy categories. We develop a policy scoring matrix and apply it to wasted food solutions listed in the non-profit ReFED’s database to derive ranges of food waste diversion potential and projected generation across states. On the basis of state policies alone, no state can meet the federal target. We estimated a diversion potential of 5–14 kg per capita and a food waste generation of 149 kg per capita nationally in 2022, equivalent to the 2016 baseline. Without additional intervention at the state and federal level promoting a shift from food waste recycling towards prevention, rescue and repurposing, food generation in the United States will probably remain high.

Controlled-release nitrogen combined with ordinary nitrogen fertilizer improved nitrogen uptake and productivity of winter wheat.

Blending controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF) with ordinary nitrogen fertilizer (ONF) is a strategic approach to improve winter wheat nutrient management. This blend provides nitrogen (N) to winter wheat in a balanced and consistent manner, ensuring long-term growth, reducing nutrient loss due to leaching or volatilization, and increasing N use efficiency (NUE). CRNF aims to enhance N application suitability, optimizes soil nutrient dynamics, and its widespread use can boost crop NUE and yield. The study investigates how different CRNF and ONF blending ratios affect soil N content, winter wheat growth, and yield. The experiment used two N application rates of 192(N1) and 240(N2) kg ha-1 of ONF, with five different blending ratios CRNF. The proportions of CRNF were 0%(F1), 30%(F2), 50%(F3), 70%(F4), and 100%(F5), respectively. The effects of changes in soil nitrate concentration, dry matter accumulation, N uptake, and transportation at various growth stages and yield were analyzed. CRNF at the jointing and anthesis stages helps maintain nitrate N levels throughout the growth cycle. Compared to full CRNF application at different N rates, this method also reduces nitrate N leaching in the soil. The 0-60 cm soil layer was primarily influenced by increasing the proportion of CRNF, especially from jointing to maturity. CRNF promotes a higher plant population during the turning green and jointing stages by increasing soil N content, thereby establishing a strong yield foundation for winter wheat. It increases winter wheat N accumulation and correlates positively with soil N content during key growth stages. Winter wheat grain yield has increased, with significant yield increases observed at 70% blending with a higher amount of N at 240 kg ha-1 and achieved a 2.8% increase in NUE and a 3.0%-15.3% increase in grain yield. In order to improved winter wheat yields through effective N utilization, N2 application (240 kg ha-1) with the combination of (F4) 30% ONF + 70% CRNF would be recommended for northwest region of Shaanxi province in China. By increasing the amount of N accumulation at the anthesis stage, N transport is significantly increased after anthesis, and N accumulation and distribution ratio in grains are significantly increased at maturity.