Article
Environmental Sciences
Friederike Ziegler, Peter H. Tyedmers, Robert W. R. Parker
Summary: Making food systems more sustainable is a major challenge for humanity. Life cycle assessment research has provided valuable insights for addressing this challenge. However, comparing the environmental impacts of different food products based on existing literature is challenging and requires more transparent and consistent methods. Through examples, we suggest best practices to enhance the aggregation of life cycle assessment studies in order to guide sustainable food systems.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vijaya Subramaniam, Soh Kheang Loh, Astimar Abdul Aziz
Summary: The greenhouse gas analysis conducted in the Malaysian palm oil industry shows that the recycling of waste can significantly reduce carbon emissions in palm oil production. By utilizing waste as fuel and fertilizer substitutes, the environmental impact of palm oil production can be reduced.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sara Vicca, Daniel S. Goll, Mathilde Hagens, Jens Hartmann, Ivan A. Janssens, Anna Neubeck, Josep Penuelas, Silvia Poblador, Jet Rijnders, Jordi Sardans, Eric Struyf, Philipp Swoboda, Jan Willem van Groenigen, Arthur Vienne, Erik Verbruggen
Summary: Enhanced silicate weathering (ESW) has been proposed as a negative emission technology with significant climate change mitigation potential. However, differences between lab and real soil conditions, as well as the impact of biological processes on weathering rates, may influence the effectiveness of ESW in sequestering CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial to include biological factors in ESW research to fully understand its climate change mitigation effects.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoxuan Zhang, Leying Wu, Xiaozhe Ma, Yaochen Qin
Summary: This study used a dynamic computable general equilibrium model to analyze the trends and structure of agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and grain production in China. The results showed that both CO2 emissions and non-CO2 GHG emissions from agriculture will continue to increase. The findings carry policy implications for China's agriculture in terms of low-carbon development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yabin Dong, Shelie A. Miller
Summary: The cold chain, which is rapidly expanding in China, has significant environmental impacts that are not well-studied. Research shows that refrigerated warehouses, the first refrigerated transportation, and the retail stage are the main sources of post-agriculture emissions in the cold chain.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesco N. Tubiello, Cynthia Rosenzweig, Giulia Conchedda, Kevin Karl, Johannes Guetschow, Pan Xueyao, Griffiths Obli-Laryea, Nathan Wanner, Sally Yue Qiu, Julio De Barros, Alessandro Flammini, Erik Mencos-Contreras, Leonardo Souza, Roberta Quadrelli, Horn Halldorudottir Heidarsdottir, Philippe Benoit, Matthew Hayek, David Sandalow
Summary: The report estimated greenhouse gas emissions from the food system, finding that pre- and post-production emissions were more important in developed countries compared to developing countries, while land use change emissions decreased. Per capita emissions decreased from 1990 to 2018, with emissions in developed countries being twice those in developing countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicola Cerutti, William F. Lamb, Monica Crippa, Adrian Leip, Efisio Solazzo, Francesco N. Tubiello, Jan C. Minx
Summary: The food system plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions and requires mitigation efforts to prevent dangerous global warming. This article summarizes the trends and drivers of food system emissions from 1990 to 2018, highlighting regional diversity and the highest global emitters. While some regions have seen stabilized emissions, global emissions continue to increase due to certain sectors and countries outweighing emissions reductions. Livestock rearing is a major contributor to global emissions, and post-production emissions are steadily increasing in all regions. The article also emphasizes the insufficient policy activity to address climate change mitigation and the specific impact of livestock and post-production emissions. The research lays the groundwork for country-level inquiries into optimal policy pathways for emission reductions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alison R. Marklein, Deanne Meyer, Marc L. Fischer, Seongeun Jeong, Talha Rafiq, Michelle Carr, Francesca M. Hopkins
Summary: This study developed a spatially explicit database of dairies in California, calculating CH4 emissions based on operating permits and California-specific reports, and estimated the impact of mitigation strategies. The results show that implementing digesters at existing or planned 106 dairies in California will significantly reduce CH4 emissions.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yan Wang, Zhisheng Yao, Yang Zhan, Xunhua Zheng, Minghua Zhou, Guangxuan Yan, Lin Wang, Christian Werner, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl
Summary: The application of lime can significantly increase crop yield and soil organic carbon stocks, while reducing soil greenhouse gas emissions. However, it also stimulates soil respiration, leading to a potentially neutral overall greenhouse gas balance.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huihui Wei, Kaiping Zhang, Ning Chai, Yue Wang, Yuling Li, Jianjun Yang, Matthew Tom Harrison, Ke Liu, Pingxing Wan, Wenjuan Zhang, Guojun Sun, Zhansheng Li, Feng Zhang
Summary: This study developed an optimized model considering crop type, meteorology, soil, and management variables to systematically evaluate the changes in crop yields and greenhouse gas emissions caused by mulching strategies across different regions in China. The results showed that mulching can increase crop yields and affect greenhouse gas emissions, with the effects being sensitive to soil fertility and environmental factors. The findings provide scientific evidence for the development of locally appropriate low-carbon agriculture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathaniel C. Lawrence, Carlos G. Tenesaca, Andy VanLoocke, Steven J. Hall
Summary: The study found variations in N2O emissions from different types of soils in the US Corn Belt, with higher emissions from soils with moderately to severely impaired drainage and lower emissions from well-drained soils. Addressing N2O emissions from wet Corn Belt soils may have greater leverage in achieving climate sustainability compared to soil carbon sequestration.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Ibonne Geaneth Valenzuela-Balcazar, Efrain Francisco Visconti-Moreno, Angel Faz, Jose A. Acosta
Summary: After changes in tillage, it is important to assess the effects on soil organic carbon dynamics. This study found that the changes in irrigation and tillage in rice cultivation did not significantly affect the input and output of organic carbon in the soil. However, compared to agroforestry, the irrigation and tillage management systems in rice cultivation showed a negative difference between carbon inputs and outputs due to increased crop root respiration and microbial activity. Agroforestry was proven to be a carbon sink.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Angel Hsu, Xuewei Wang, Jonas Tan, Wayne Toh, Nihit Goyal
Summary: Since the Paris Agreement in 2015, cities have been actively taking climate actions, but the lack of emissions data has hindered the evaluation of their performance. This study uses machine learning to predict and explore trends in city-level mitigation by utilizing spatial data and self-reported emissions data.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Franklin S. Mairura, Collins M. Musafiri, Milka N. Kiboi, Joseph M. Macharia, Onesmus K. Ng'etich, Chris A. Shisanya, Jeremiah M. Okeyo, Daniel N. Mugendi, Elizabeth A. Okwuosa, Felix K. Ngetich
Summary: This study examined the perceptions of farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya regarding climate variability and the adoption of coping strategies. The study found that farmers perceived various indicators of climate variability and its consequences, with soil and water management strategies showing stronger links with climate perceptions. Key strategies adopted by farmers included the use of fertilizer and manure in combination, terracing, and crop rotation.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE EXTREMES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Garcia-Jaramillo, Kylie M. Meyer, Claire L. Phillips, Veronica Acosta-Martinez, James Osborne, Alexander D. Levin, Kristin M. Trippe
Summary: The study showed that addition of biochar modified the chemical and physical composition of soils, increasing the bioavailability of carbon and nitrogen, but did not have significant effects on plant physiology parameters and productivity. However, a gradual decrease in wine tannins was observed in wines produced from grapes treated with biochar. Long-term field experiments are still needed to fully assess the impact of biochar on soil properties, vine physiology, productivity, and grape and wine quality.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alberto Vangelisti, Lucia Guidi, Andrea Cavallini, Lucia Natali, Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Fernando Malorgio, Rossano Massai, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini, Giovanni Rallo, Damiano Remorini, Paolo Vernieri, Tommaso Giordani
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
E. Lo Piccolo, M. Landi, T. Giordani, G. Lorenzini, F. Malorgio, R. Massai, C. Nali, E. Pellegrini, G. Rallo, D. Remorini, P. Vernieri, L. Guidi
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini, Lucia Guidi
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Marco Landi, Costanza Ceccanti, Alba N. Mininni, Luca Marchetti, Rossano Massai, Lucia Guidi, Damiano Remorini
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Agronomy
Susanna Bartolini, Ermes Lo Piccolo, Damiano Remorini
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa Caturegli, Stefania Matteoli, Monica Gaetani, Nicola Grossi, Simone Magni, Alberto Minelli, Giovanni Corsini, Damiano Remorini, Marco Volterrani
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Antonella Calzone, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Damiano Remorini, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali, Elisa Pellegrini
Summary: This study investigated the capability of hyperspectral reflectance to characterize the responses of two pomegranate cultivars under different concentrations of O3 exposure. It demonstrated that the spectroscopic approach can accurately assess early oxidative stress conditions in plants, contributing to increased plant yield and quality. Limitations of the approach were also presented and discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
G. Rallo, T. A. Paco, P. Paredes, A. Puig-Sirera, R. Massai, G. Provenzano, L. S. Pereira
Summary: This study reviews the research on FAO56 crop coefficients of fruit trees and vines over the past twenty years to update and extend standard crop coefficients. The selected literature provides indicative K-c and K-cb values for improving irrigation planning and modeling in orchards and vineyards.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Fabrizio Araniti, Marco Landi, Rossano Massai, Lucia Guidi, Maria Rosa Abenavoli, Damiano Remorini
Summary: Girdling is a widely used agronomic technique to improve fruit quality characteristics, with different girdling dates leading to varying metabolic responses in the pulp and skin of red-fleshed plum. The practice induces accumulation of sugars, organic acids, amino acids, anthocyanins, and phenols in the pulp, while the skin shows significant differences in fruit quality characteristics and metabolic changes with the 4-week girdling having the most pronounced effects. Total antioxidant activity is also increased in both skin and pulp with the 4-week girdling, indicating potential benefits for red-fleshed fruit production.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Claudia Di Bene, Mariangela Diacono, Francesco Montemurro, Elena Testani, Roberta Farina
Summary: Mediterranean agriculture is facing threats from climate change and extreme events. A study in Southern Italy used the EPIC model to evaluate the performance of agro-ecological practices as adaptation and mitigation measures. The results showed that cover crop management can effectively limit negative climate effects and improve crop yield and soil carbon stock change.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
G. Lauria, E. Piccolo, E. Pellegrini, E. Bellini, T. Giordani, L. Guidi, G. Lorenzini, F. Malorgio, R. Massai, C. Nali, L. Paoli, D. Remorini, L. Sanita' di Toppi, P. Vernieri, M. Landi
Summary: Selected light wavebands have different effects on plant development and photosynthesis. Red light and blue light promote the de-epoxidation state of xanthophylls, while green light does not induce changes in photosynthetic traits. White light enhances photosynthesis, while red and blue light suppress maximal photosynthetic rate.
Editorial Material
Agronomy
Claudia Di Bene, Rosa Francaviglia, Roberta Farina, Jorge Alvaro-Fuentes, Raul Zornoza
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Stefania Matteoli, Marco Landi, Lucia Guidi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini
Summary: A novel measurement framework using proximally-sensed leaf spectroscopic measurements and machine learning techniques is proposed for absolute total anthocyanin content (AAC) in leaves. The results show low prediction errors and improved performance with the use of both leaf reflectance and transflection spectral measurements. This framework represents a first step towards the development of a low-cost measurement system for quick and reliable anthocyanin content measurements.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Giulia Lauria, Damiano Remorini, Rossano Massai, Lucia Guidi, Marco Landi
Summary: Light pollution from streetlamp illumination can alter plant photodynamics, leading to increased chlorophyll content and active CO2 assimilation processes during the night, with higher stomatal conductance in illuminated plants.
Review
Horticulture
Ermes Lo Piccolo, Leani Martinez Garcia, Marco Landi, Lucia Guidi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini