Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingxiang Hou, Jiarui Zhang, Xuezhi Liu, Yingying Ma, Zhenhua Wei, Heng Wan, Fulai Liu
Summary: In order to deal with the challenges of salinity and drought in agriculture, new management strategies are needed to improve crop water use efficiency. The combination of bio-char amendment and reduced irrigation regimes has been found to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and drought and improve the growth and yield of cotton plants. A split-root pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different biochar amendments and irrigation schemes on the growth, physiology, and water use efficiency of cotton plants under different salinity levels. The results showed that biochar amendment and partial root-zone drying irrigation had positive effects on plant growth and yield, especially under salt stress conditions. Therefore, the combined application of wheat straw pellets biochar and partial root-zone drying irrigation could be a promising strategy for sustainable cotton production under drought and salinity stress.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhe Zhang, Runya Yang, Zhenhua Zhang, Yajun Geng, Jinjin Zhu, Junna Sun
Summary: The effect of subsurface drip irrigation on root growth and root morphology by diameter (& phi;) in response to different levels of irrigation water containing chemical fertilizer and dissolved oxygen is still poorly understood. This study investigated the role of oxygenated irrigation factors in shaping root microstructure, morphology, and distribution in tomato seedlings. It was found that root-zone aeration led to an increase in the length and surface area of & phi;0-2 mm roots, and the morphology of these roots was positively correlated with aboveground biomass and fruit yield. Higher aeration rate and irrigation volume favored the distribution of & phi;0-2 mm roots in deeper soil layers, contributing to the enhancement of crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The optimal oxygenated irrigation regime for greenhouse tomato crops was determined through multi-objective optimization using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingxiang Hou, Heng Wan, Kehao Liang, Bingjing Cui, Yingying Ma, Yiting Chen, Jie Liu, Yin Wang, Xuezhi Liu, Jiarui Zhang, Zhenhua Wei, Fulai Liu
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms by which biochar amendment in combination with reduced irrigation affects sodium and potassium uptake, root morphology, water use efficiency, and salinity tolerance of cotton plants. The results showed that biochar amendment decreased Na+ concentration, increased K+ concentration, and improved root morphology, especially when wheat straw biochar was used in combination with partial root-zone drying irrigation. This strategy can be promising for drought and salinity stress management in cotton production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xu-yu Feng, Jing-xuan Pu, Hai-jun Liu, Dan Wang, Yu-hang Liu, Shu-ting Qiao, Tao Lei, Rong-hao Liu
Summary: Alternate partial root-zone drip fertigation (ADF) combines alternating irrigation and drip fertigation to save water, increase nitrogen (N) fertilizer efficiency, and improve tomato yield. Through a 2-year greenhouse experiment, the effect of different fertigation frequencies on soil moisture, nutrient distribution, and tomato yield under ADF was evaluated. The study found that a fertigation frequency of 6 days resulted in the highest tomato yield while maintaining water savings of 40%. This highlights the potential of ADF as a sustainable irrigation and fertigation technique.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Agronomy
Minghui Cheng, Haidong Wang, Junliang Fan, Shaohui Zhang, Zhenqi Liao, Fucang Zhang, Yanli Wang
Summary: This meta-analysis shows that deficit irrigation (DI) and alternate partial root-zone irrigation (APRI) can improve crop yields and water use efficiency under different irrigation conditions, particularly for fruit crops. The effectiveness of irrigation methods varies depending on soil and environmental conditions.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Abdulaziz G. Alghamdi, Abdulrasoul Al-Omran, Arafat Alkhasha, Abdulaziz R. Alharbi
Summary: The results of the study indicate that the application of biochar significantly improves the characteristics of sandy soil and contributes to water conservation.
Review
Agronomy
Ashish Vasant Sonawane, Prashant Kumar Shrivastava
Summary: Water scarcity is a major constraint in crop production worldwide, leading to the need for new irrigation methods to improve water use efficiency. Deficit irrigation and partial root zone drying are two improved methods that enhance water use efficiency by controlling water stress.
IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Maryam Slamini, Mohamed Sbaa, Mourad Arabi, Ahmed Darmous
Summary: Water availability is a major constraint for crop production, causing conflicts in freshwater allocation. Conventional irrigation is unsustainable due to water depletion, leading to the need for improved water-saving irrigation methods. Partial Root-zone Drying is an effective irrigation technique that saves water but can affect plant root activity.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
You Wu, Shicheng Yan, Junliang Fan, Fucang Zhang, Youzhen Xiang, Jing Zheng, Jinjin Guo
Summary: The research found that with increasing irrigation amount, aboveground biomass, leaf area index, plant height, and fruit yield all increased. However, the lowest levels of soluble solids, vitamin C, and soluble sugar in tomato fruits were found under the W1 irrigation regime. Deficit drip irrigation has the potential to support tomato growth, improve marketable yield and water use efficiency.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Xuezhi Liu, Zhenhua Wei, Jingxiang Hou, Heng Wan, Qiang Zhang, Yingying Ma, Fulai Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biochar and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD) on the growth and physiology of tobacco plants. The results showed that PRD reduced leaf area and water content, but increased nitrogen content and intrinsic water-use efficiency. Addition of biochar increased leaf area and dry matter, but decreased water content. Furthermore, PRD and biochar application regulated the hormone levels and antioxidant system of the plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Heng Wan, Xuezhi Liu, Qimiao Shi, Yiting Chen, Miao Jiang, Jiarui Zhang, Bingjing Cui, Jingxiang Hou, Zhenhua Wei, Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Fulai Liu
Summary: Biochar amendment improves crop growth and nutrient utilization in the soil, specifically in terms of root morphology and nutrient uptake in maize plants. Although biochar has a negative effect on soil phosphorus, it positively affects nitrogen, potassium, and calcium. While biochar lowers nutrient concentrations in shoot tissues, it increases total nutrient uptake and biomass. The use of limited root irrigation methods, such as alternate partial root-zone drying, enhances root-to-shoot ratio.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdulwahab Abdulrazak Al-Kayssi
Summary: A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of alternate partial root-zone drying (APRD) on the growth and water use efficiency of maize. The results showed that compared to conventional irrigation, APRD increased water use efficiency by 38.93% and maize yield by 4.62-20.71%. Thus, APRD can enhance water productivity and improve maize adaptation to water shortages.
INTERNATIONAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Pascual Romero, Josefa Maria Navarro, Pablo Botia Ordaz
Summary: This study reviews different physiologically-based water-saving irrigation strategies and methods, and discusses how integrating these practices with sustainable soil management and agroecological practices can enhance efficiency, quality, and resilience in Mediterranean vineyards. Analysis includes deficit irrigation strategies, latest advances in regulated deficit irrigation and partial root zone drying, and other less common irrigation methods to improve water use efficiency and quality in vineyards. The research also explores sustainable soil management practices and their potential benefits in creating more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems in semi-arid areas.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Amirsaleh Baghdadi, Farzad Paknejad, Farid Golzardi, Masoud Hashemi, Mohammad Nabi Ilkaee
Summary: The study found that intercropping sorghum and amaranth can improve the yield and quality of feed under limited irrigation water availability, but the water-saving irrigation methods used in the study could impact the final yield and quality.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Mahmoud Mohamed Abdalla Mahmoud, Atef Mohamed Fayad
Summary: The study found that partial root drying (PRD) and organic mulching can enhance tomato growth and yield, as well as increase irrigation water and energy productivity.
IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ida Di Mola, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the response of Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. plants to salinity stress and biostimulant application. The findings highlight the importance of considering growing conditions and cropping periods when applying biostimulants under salinity stress. The effect of biostimulants on antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, mineral profile, and nitrate content depends on the combination of factors.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Mariateresa Cardarelli, Antonio El Chami, Paola Iovieno, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: The effects of three organic fertilizers on greenhouse lettuce were assessed in terms of morpho-physiological and agronomic traits as well as soil enzyme activity. Results showed that organic fertilizers increased lettuce yield and resistance to soil salinity, with vinasse-based fertilizer being the most suitable. It was also found that organic fertilizers reduced the concentration of toxic heavy metals in lettuce and enhanced soil enzyme activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Cristofano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youry Pii, Luigi Lucini, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Protein hydrolysate biostimulants are environmentally friendly options for reducing nitrogen input, but their plant growth-promoting mechanisms are still not fully understood.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francesco Cristofano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youry Pii, Luigi Lucini, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Salinity is a critical issue for water and soil, and using biostimulants is an effective strategy to protect crops from yield losses caused by salinity. The research shows that protein hydrolysate biostimulants have positive effects on yield and photosynthetic performance, and their effectiveness is dependent on the source material.
Article
Plant Sciences
Michele Ciriello, Valerio Cirillo, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Stefania De Pascale, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: This study evaluated the adaptability and post-harvest performance of six types of basil in a closed-loop hydroponic system. Russian basil showed the highest productivity, while Thai and Mexican basil exhibited the best water retention after harvest.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Youssef Rouphael, Giandomenico Corrado
Summary: This article analyzes the aroma profile of three different cultivars of Genovese basil grown in the open field or floating raft system during two successive harvests using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. The research shows that agronomic factors such as cultivation method, genotype, and harvesting method have a significant impact on the aroma and flavor of basil plants.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sara Rajabi Hamedani, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Andrea Colantoni, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: In response to the environmental consequences of fertiliser production, organic biofertilisers are being promoted to maximize resource use and align with circular economy principles. This study focuses on the environmental performance of two iron-based fertilisers (Fe-biochelate and Fe-EDDHA) through life cycle assessment. The results show that Fe-biochelate has lower impacts on global warming, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and fossil resource scarcity compared to Fe-EDDHA, making it a more eco-friendly alternative.
Review
Plant Sciences
Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Pradeep Kumar, Sadiya M. M. Choudhary, Hira Singh, Komal Adab, Rafia Kosser, Isha Magotra, Ranjeet Ranjan Kumar, Monika Singh, Rajni Sharma, Giandomenico Corrado, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide that enhances plant tolerance to stress. It counteracts free radicals and detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated under unfavorable conditions. GSH also acts as a cellular signal and interacts with phytohormones to modulate acclimatation and tolerance to abiotic stress in crops.
Article
Horticulture
Christophe El-Nakhel, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Ida Di Mola, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: Nowadays, biostimulant application is a sustainable practice with which to reduce inputs while maintaining crop yield and quality. Furthermore, the successive harvesting technique is also adopted to increase overall yield and reduce production costs in leafy vegetables.
Review
Horticulture
Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Michele Ciriello, Leo Sabatino, Lorena Vultaggio, Sara Baldassano, Sonya Vasto, Youssef Rouphael, Salvatore La Bella, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been important sources of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds in the produce. This review discusses the latest findings on agronomic biofortification, focusing on increasing the concentration of crucial minerals in edible portions of vegetables. The effects on human health and the influence of other compounds were also analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emiliana Valentini, Andrea Taramelli, Chiara Marinelli, Laura Piedelobo Martin, Marco Fassari, Stefano Troffa, Nada Mzid, Raffaele Casa, Stefano Pignatti
Summary: This study explores the value added by existing hyperspectral data in detecting topsoil texture properties and finds a close correlation between the data and soil texture classification.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chrystalla Antoniou, Marios C. Kyriacou, Angelos C. Kyratzis, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Chromatic variation in carob flour is influenced by altitude and genetic background, with higher altitudes and grafted trees producing lighter-colored flours with higher antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds. The presence of certain volatile organic compounds is also correlated with flour color. L* value can serve as a reliable indicator for assessing key compositional attributes in carob flours.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Giordano, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Marios C. Kyriacou, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: The success of space missions and colonization of extraterrestrial environments require ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and independence from terrestrial resources. Microgreens, such as tatsoi, coriander, green basil, and purple basil, can provide a balanced diet and improve the overall nutraceutical profile of astronaut meals. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) at different concentrations increased the level of iodine (I) in the microgreens, resulting in improved antioxidant activity and increased concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Article
Horticulture
Beatriz H. Paschoalinotto, Nikolaos Polyzos, Maria Compocholi, Youssef Rouphael, Alexios Alexopoulos, Maria Ines Dias, Lillian Barros, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study evaluated the response of S. hispanicus plants to different fertilization regimes and found that high phosphorus and potassium fertilization increased plant yield, while low phosphorus and potassium fertilization improved the chemical composition of the plants.
Article
Horticulture
Alexios A. Alexopoulos, Anna Assimakopoulou, Panagiotis Panagopoulos, Maria Bakea, Nikolina Vidalis, Ioannis C. Karapanos, Youssef Rouphael, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study tested the effect of salinity on plant growth, nutritional composition, and quality features of Hedypnois cretica and Urospermum picroides. The results showed that high salinity severely decreased the fresh yield and mineral profile of leaves and roots of both species. However, leaf pigments and total phenolic compounds content were not significantly affected by salinity. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased with increasing salinity in most cases, while free proline content increased and nitrates' content decreased. It was concluded that tailor-made nutrient solutions could allow the cultivation of tolerant species with low-quality irrigation water.