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A review of organophosphonates, their natural and anthropogenic sources, environmental fate and impact on microbial greenhouse gases emissions – Identifying knowledge gaps
(Journal of Environmental Management, 2024-03-01) Furtak, Karolina; Szafranek-Nakonieczna, Anna; Furtak, Adam; Pytlak, Anna
Organophosphonates (OPs) are a unique group of natural and synthetic compounds, characterised by the presence of a stable, hard-to-cleave bond between the carbon and phosphorus atoms. OPs exhibit high resistance to abiotic degradation, excellent chelating properties and high biological activity. Despite the huge and increasing scale of OP production and use worldwide, little is known about their transportation and fate in the environment. Available data are dominated by information concerning the most recognised organophosphonate – the herbicide glyphosate - while other OPs have received little attention. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge about natural and artificial OPs is presented (including glyphosate). Based on the available literature, a number of knowledge gaps have been identified that need to be filled in order to understand the environmental effects of these abundant compounds. Special attention has been given to GHG-related processes, with a particular focus on CH4. This stems from the recent discovery of OP-dependent CH4 production in aqueous environments under aerobic conditions. The process has changed the perception of the biogeochemical cycle of CH4, since it was previously thought that biological methane formation was only possible under anaerobic conditions. However, there is a lack of knowledge on whether OP-associated methane is also formed in soils. Moreover, it remains unclear whether anthropogenic OPs affect the CH4 cycle, a concern of significant importance in the context of the increasing rate of global warming. The literature examined in this review also calls for additional research into the date of OPs in waste and sewage and in their impact on environmental microbiomes.
A study of natural radioactivity of rock meals used for soil fertilization
(2024) Łukaszek-Chmielewska, Aneta; Piotrowska, Barbara; Isajenko, Krzysztof; Lipiński, Paweł; Podleśna, Anna; Lewicka, Sylwia; Rachwał, Marzena
Granite and basalt meals (rock meals) are regarded as micronutrient fertilizers due to their rich content of macro- and microelements essential for proper development of planta. However, they also are rich in radionuclides which may pose a radioactive hazard to environment, food and people. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental and human exposure to ionizing radiation emitted by natural radioactive isotopes containing in granite and basalt meals increasingly used for soil fertilization. Gamma ray spectrometry was applied in order to determine concertation of radioactive isotopes: 40K, 226Ra and 232Th. Afterwards, radiological hazard parameters were calculated in order to assess health and environmental risks. The obtained results indicated that the average radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K of all granite meal samples were higher than their average content in the Earth’s crust. Whereas, basalt meals contained much lower natural radioactive isotopes. Similarly, the radiological hazard indices were higher and exceeded limit values in case of granite meals, thus excluding them from use in fertilization. Basalt meals were characterized by lower values of these indices, suggesting the possibility of their safe use in agriculture as soil fertilizers.
Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland
(MDPI, 2024) Wójcik-Gront, Elżbieta; Gozdowski, Dariusz; Pudełko, Rafał; Lenartowicz, Tomasz
Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic actors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.
Agricultural resilience and agricultural sustainability – which is which?
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Berbeć, Adam Kleofas
Agricultural sustainability and agricultural resilience are two related concepts focus on maintaining the productivity and functionality of agricultural systems. Agricultural sustainability, a part of sustainable development, focuses on the long-term viability of agricultural practices, with conservation and efficient use of natural resources, the promotion of biodiversity and the enhancement of ecosystem services delivery to ensure the continued productivity of agricultural systems as central point of the concept. Agricultural sustainability seeks to balance the environmental goals with economic and social aspects of agricultural operations. Agricultural resilience is a narrower concept, focusing mostly on the ability of agricultural systems to withstand and recover from specific external disturbances (negative effects of climate change, market fluctuations). The interconnections between two concepts are currently under-explored. Agricultural resilience must be seen through the lens of a specific context or challenge to which it responds. Both concepts are essential for developing agricultural systems that can thrive in the face of evolving challenges and contribute to food security, environmental protection and economic stability. Agricultural sustainability provides a foundation for resilience, while improved agricultural resilience can contribute to long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. At the same time not all sustainable agricultural systems are resilient to specific shocks and stresses, and vice-versa. The aim of the study was to identify similarities and differences between the concepts of agricultural sustainability and resilience, with particular reference to their interaction.
Anti-platelet activity of sea buckthorn seeds and its relationship with thermal processing
(MDPI, 2024-07-29) Sławińska, Natalia; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Stochmal, Anna; Olas, Beata
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a tree or shrub with small, orange berries. Sea buckthorn seeds have shown many properties beneficial to human health, including antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and retinoprotective activities. Seeds, as a component of food, are often exposed to high temperatures, which can increase or decrease their biological activity. In our previous study, we showed that both raw and roasted sea buckthorn seeds had significant antioxidant activity, which was measured in human plasma in vitro. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of extracts from raw and roasted sea buckthorn seeds on several parameters of hemostasis in vitro, including thrombus formation in full blood (measured by the Total Thrombus formation Analysis System—T-TAS), blood platelet activation (based on the exposition of P-selectin, the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on their surface and platelet-derived microparticles formation), aggregation (measured with impedance aggregometry), adhesion to fibrinogen and collagen, arachidonic acid metabolism in washed platelets stimulated by thrombin, and COX-1 activity. We also measured the levels of free 8-isoprostane in plasma and the total non-enzymatic antioxidant status of plasma. The extract from roasted seeds (50 µg/mL) significantly prolonged the time of occlusion measured by T-TAS—the AUC10 (area under the curve) value was decreased by approximately 18%. Both extracts decreased the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on the surface of platelets activated with 10 μM ADP (by 38.4–62.2%) and 20 μM ADP (by 39.7–51.3%). Moreover, the extract from raw seeds decreased the exposition of P-selectin on the surface of platelets stimulated with 20 μM ADP (by 31.2–34.9%). The adhesion of thrombin-stimulated platelets to fibrinogen and collagen was inhibited only by the extract from roasted sea buckthorn seeds (by 20–30%). Moreover, the extract from raw seeds inhibited the level of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, an indicator of enzymatic peroxidation of arachidonic acid) in washed platelets stimulated with thrombin; the activity of COX-1 was inhibited by both extracts, although the effect of the extract from raw seeds was stronger. These results indicate that sea buckthorn seeds have anti-platelet activity that is not decreased by thermal processing, but more research is needed to determine which exact chemical compounds and mechanisms are responsible for this phenomenon.
Antiaging Properties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Ethanol Extract—Ex Vivo and In Vitro Studies
(MDPI, 2024-11-25) Stefanowicz-Hajduk, Justyna; Nowak, Anna; Hering, Anna; Kucharski, Łukasz; Graczyk, Piotr; Kowalczyk, Mariusz; Sulikowski, Tadeusz; Muzykiewicz-Szymańska, Anna
Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine, linked to their remarkable medical properties. These species include Kalanchoe blossfeldiana succulents, which grow in tropical regions. Despite the great interest in this plant, there are no reports about its therapeutic effects on the skin. In this study, the antioxidant properties of K. blossfeldiana ethanol extracts and the skin permeation of a topical hydrogel containing the extract (HKB) were assessed. Additionally, the content of active compounds in the K. blossfeldiana extract was evaluated by UHPLC-MS and HPLC-UV. The extract was analyzed with three antioxidant assays: ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. Furthermore, the antielastase and antihialuronidase properties of the tested extract were assessed. Ex vivo penetration studies were performed using the Franz diffusion cells. The estimation of the cytotoxicity of HKB was performed by using an MTT assay ((4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) on the human fibroblasts HFF-1. The results obtained show that the antioxidant properties of K. blossfeldiana extract were similar to those of ascorbic acid, while antielastase and antihialuronidase tests indicated the strong antiaging and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract (IC50 was 26.8 ± 0.13 and 77.31 ± 2.44 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, active ingredients contained in K. blossfeldiana extract penetrated through the human skin and accumulated in it. The cytotoxicity test showed that HKB had no significant effect on human bibroblasts at a concentration up to 0.5%. In conclusion, the hydrogel containing the K. blossfeldiana extract can be considered as an interesting and new alternative to dermatologic and cosmetic preparations.
Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Quality of the Breads Made from Organically Grown Wheat and Legumes
(MDPI, 2024-04-18) Cacak-Pietrzak, Grażyna ; Sujka, Jerzy; Księżak, Jerzy; Bojarszczuk, Jolanta; Ziarno, Małgorzata; Studnicki, Marcin; Krajewska, Anna; Dziki, Dariusz
This study aimed to explore the feasibility of substituting wheat flour with varying levels (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) of flour derived from field bean, chickpea, lentil, and pea seeds. The investigation focused on assessing the physical properties of wheat dough and the physicochem ical characteristics of bread samples. The addition of legume seed flours significantly influenced the dough’s development time, particularly with chickpea flour causing a notable increase in this parameter. While dough stability was generally shorter for mixtures containing wheat flour and legume seed flour, chickpea flour was an exception, significantly prolonging dough stability time. Furthermore, the inclusion of legume flours resulted in increased protein, ash, fiber, fat, and phenolic contents in the enriched bread, while the carbohydrate content decreased. Additionally, the crumb exhibited increased redness and yellowness and decreased lightness due to the enrichment of the bread. Notably, the antioxidant activity of bread containing legume flour also increased, with the most significant increase observed when pea flour was utilized. Conversely, negative effects on bread volume, crumb density, and texture parameters were noted with the incorporation of legume addi tives. Taking into consideration the results of both physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluation, it is recommended that the incorporation of the specified legume flours should not exceed 15% in relation to the quantity of wheat flour used.
Assessment of Resistance of Barley Varieties to Diseases in Polish Organic Field Trials
(MDPI, 2024) Lenartowicz, Tomasz ; Bujak, Henryk; Przystalski, Marcin; Mashevska, Inna; Nowosad, Kamila; Jończyk, Krzysztof; Feledyn-Szewczyk, Beata
Leaf rust and net blotch are two important fungal diseases of barley. Leaf rust is the most important rust disease of barley, whereas net blotch can result in significant yield losses and cause the deterioration of crop quality. The best and the most environmentally friendly method to control diseases is to cultivate resistant varieties. The aim of the current study was to identify barley varieties with an improved resistance to leaf rust and net blotch in Polish organic postregistration trials conducted in the years 2020–2022. For this purpose, the cumulative link mixed model with several variance components was applied to model resistance to leaf rust and net blotch. It was found that the reference variety Radek was the most resistant to leaf rust, whereas variety Avatar outperformed the reference variety in terms of resistance to net blotch, although the difference between the two varieties was non-significant. In the present study, the use of the cumulative link mixed model framework made it possible to calculate cumulative probabilities or the probability of a given score for each variety and disease, which might be useful for plant breeders and crop experts. Both, the method of analysis and resistant varieties may be used in the breeding process to derive new resistant varieties suitable for the organic farming system.
Berberis vulgaris L. Root Extract as a Multi-Target Chemopreventive Agent against Colon Cancer Causing Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
(MDPI, 2024-04-27) Och, Anna; Lemieszek, Marta Kinga; Cieśla, Marek; Jędrejek, Dariusz; Kozłowska, Aleksandra; Pawelec, Sylwia; Nowak, Renata
Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) is a shrub that has been widely used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the hemopreventive action of the plant’s methanolic root extract (BVR) against colon cancer cells. Studies were conducted in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS180 and HT-29) and control colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. According to the MTT assay, after 48 h of cell exposure, the IC50 values were as follows: 4.3, 46.1, and 50.2 g/mL for the LS180, HT-29, and CCD841 CoN cells, respectively, showing the greater sensitivity of the cancer cells to BVR. The Cell Death Detection ELISAPLUS kit demonstrated that BVR induced programmed cell death only against HT-29 cells. Nuclear double staining revealed the great proapoptotic BVR properties in HT-29 cells and subtle effect in LS180 cells. RT-qPCR with the relative quantification method showed significant changes in the expression of genes related to apoptosis in both the LS180 and HT-29 cells. The genes BCL2L1 (126.86–421.43%), BCL2L2 (240–286.02%), CASP3 (177.19–247.83%), and CASP9 (157.99–243.75%) had a significantly elevated expression, while BCL2 (25–52.03%) had a reduced expression compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, in a panel of antioxidant tests, BVR showed positive effects (63.93 0.01, 122.92 0.01, and 220.29 0.02 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in the DPPH , ABTS +, and ORAC assays, respectively). In the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition test, BVR revealed 62.60 0.87% of enzyme inhibition. The chemical composition of BVR was determined using a UHPLC-UV-CAD-MS/MS analysis and confirmed the presence of several known alkaloids, including berberine, as well as other alkaloids and two derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic and sinapic acid hexosides). The results are very promising and encourage the use of BVR as a comprehensive chemopreventive agent (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic) in colorectal cancer, and were widely discussed alongside data from the literature.
Biodiversity assessment of segetal flora, earthworms and terrestrial invertebrates in various agricultural production systems and crops
(Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, 2024) Harasim, Elżbieta; Feledyn-Szewczyk, Beata
The functioning of societies depends on a number of goods and services provided by the natural environment. Knowledge about the benefits that humans derive from it is an important issue in the era of current environmental and climate changes. Agricultural systems and management methods (e.g., tillage, weed and pest control, fertilization, field consolidation, crop specialization and monoculture) are important for biodiversity, the presence of which is of great importance for people and the environment. The aim of this study was to assess bioenvironmentalindicators such as weed flora, earthworms and terrestrial invertebrates biomass, in selected crops in an organic, integrated and conventional farming systems in southern Poland. The results showed the highest biodiversity weeds, earthworms, and terrestrial invertebrates in crops grown in the organic system in comparison to the conventional or sustainable ones, where chemical herbicides were applied. Species diversity of weeds was, on average, twice as high in the organic system (21 species) compared to the integrated and conventional systems (10–11 species). In the organic system, the highest number of weeds (average 71 pcs m–2) accompanied spring wheat and the lowest number of weeds was observed in legume-grass mixture in the first year of use (average 28 pcs m–2). The highest biomass of earthworms in the soil was estimated under winter wheat and legume-grass mixtures. This indicator was half as much in the soil under plants grown in integrated and conventional systems. Terrestrial invertebrates were also most abundant in crops grown in the organic system, indicating that this agricultural production system is conducive to maintaining high biodiversity in agroecosystems. For winter wheat cultivated in the conventional and integrated sys- tems, the invertebrate richness index was 2.5–3 times lower than in the organic system.
Cause–Effect Modelling of Soil Liming in Poland
(MDPI, 2024-11-27) Zadrożny, Paweł; Nicia, Paweł; Wojewodzic, Tomasz; Dacko, Mariusz; Paluch, Łukasz; Płonka, Aleksandra; Janus, Jarosław; Pijanowski, Jacek; Bejger, Romualda; Ukalska-Jaruga, Aleksandra; Smreczak, Bożena; Parzych, Piotr
This research aimed to use the cause-and-effect diagram (model) as a method to describe the 15 main factors (for example, awareness, knowledge and motivation of farmers, farmers income, institutional and financial support, condition of the natural environment, healthiness of the population, etc.) leading to soil acidification, their impact on soil health and ecosystem functions, and how soil liming serves as a remedial measure. The cause-and-effect model was developed based on questionnaire studies as a part of the project ‘Opportunities and Barriers to the Use of Soil Liming for Improving the Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Reducing Eutrophication of Surface Waters’ in 2022–2023. The results showed that the effects of soil acidification and liming as well as their interrelationships are multifaceted and affect agricultural production economics, agricultural land and crop prices, environmental health and biodiversity, as well as soil productivity and food security. The causes of this situation can be attributed to social, technological–logistical– technical, and economic factors. To change the existing situation, it is necessary to take effective steps to motivate farmers to lime their soils. The most effective would be (1) offering training courses for farmers to discuss the benefits that a farmer can achieve by maintaining optimum soil pH levels while growing a specific crop species; (2) implementing liming payment programs that will be more attractive and motivating from the farmers’ perspective; and (3) linking agri-environmental payments to the necessity of systematic testing of soil pH levels and maintaining optimal pH levels under specific crops species.
Chalcones—Features, Identification Techniques, Attributes, and Application in Agriculture
(MDPI, 2024) Dziągwa-Becker, Magdalena; Oleszek, Marta; Zielińska, Sylwia; Oleszek, Wiesław
This review article is a comprehensive and current overview on chalcones, covering their sources, identification methods, and properties with a particular focus on their applications in the agricultural sector. The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has not only led to increased resistance among weeds and pests, resulting in economic losses, but it has also raised significant health concerns due to the overuse of these chemicals. In line with the European Green Deal 2030 and its Farm to Fork strategy, there is a targeted 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, emphasizing a shift towards natural alternatives that are more environmentally sustainable and help in the restoration of natural resources. Chalcones and their derivatives, with their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, appear to be ideal candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have been recognized for their beneficial health effects for many years and have applications across multiple areas. This review not only complements the previous literature on the agricultural use of chalcones but also provides updates and introduces methods of detection such as chromatography and MALDI technique.
Changes in metabolism and content of chlorophyll in common duckweed (Lemna minor L.) caused by environmental contamination with fluorides.
(MDPI, 2024) Kamiński, Jan; Stachelska-Wierzchowska, Alicja; Michalczyk, Dariusz J.; Klimkowicz-Pawlas, Agnieszka; Olkowska, Ewa; Wolska, Lidia; Piotrowicz-Cieślak, Agnieszka I.
The impact of fluorine on plants remains poorly understood. We examined duckweed growth in extracts of soil contaminated with fluorine leached from chicken manure. Additionally, fluorine levels were analyzed in fresh manure, outdoor-stored manure, and soil samples at varying distances from the manure pile. Fresh manure contained 37–48 mg F− × kg−1, while soil extracts contained 2.1 to 4.9 mg F− × kg−1. We evaluated the physiological effects of fluorine on duckweed cultured on soil extracts or in 50% Murashige–Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with fluorine concentrations matching those in soil samples (2.1 to 4.9 mg F− × L−1), as well as at 0, 4, and 210 mg × L−1. Duckweed exposed to fluorine displayed similar toxicity symptoms whether in soil extracts or supplemented medium. Fluoride at concentrations of 2.1 to 4.9 mg F− × L−1 reduced the intact chlorophyll content, binding the porphyrin ring at position 32 without affecting Mg2+. This reaction resulted in chlorophyll a absorption peak shifted towards shorter wavelengths and formation of a new band of the F−-chlorophyll a complex at λ = 421 nm. Moreover, plants exposed to low concentrations of fluorine exhibited increased activities of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and chlorophyllase, whereas the activities of both enzymes sharply declined when the fluoride concentration exceeded 4.9 mg × L−1. Consequently, fluorine damages chlorophyll a, disrupts the activity of chlorophyll-metabolizing enzymes, and diminishes the plant growth rate, even when the effects of these disruptions are too subtle to be discerned by the naked human eye.
Comparative phytochemical, antioxidant, and hemostatic studies of fractions from raw and roasted sea buckthorn seeds in vitro
(Nature, 2024) Sławińska, Natalia; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Stochmal, Anna; Olas, Beata
Various seeds, including sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seeds, are sources of different bioactive compounds. They can show anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antibacterial, antioxidant, or other biological properties in in vitro and in vivo models. Our preliminary in vitro results have demonstrated that the extracts from raw (no thermal processing) and roasted (thermally processed) sea buckthorn seeds have antioxidant potential and anticoagulant activity. However, it was unclear which compounds were responsible for these properties. Therefore, in continuation of our previous study, the extracts were fractionated by C18 chromatography. Phytochemical analysis of three fractions (a, b, and c) from raw sea buckthorn seeds and four fractions (d, e, f, and g) from roasted sea buckthorn seeds were performed. Several in vitro assays were also conducted to determine the antioxidant and procoagulant/anticoagulant potential of the fractions and two of their major constituents—isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside7-O-α-rhamnoside and serotonin. LC–MS analyses showed that serotonin is the dominant constituent of fractions c and f, which was tentatively identified on the basis of its HRMS and UV spectra. Moreover, fractions c and f, as well as b and e, contained different B-type proanthocyanidins. Fractions b and e consisted mainly of numerous glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The results of oxidative stress assays (measurements of protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and thiol groups oxidation) showed that out of all the tested fractions, fraction g (isolated from roasted seeds and containing mainly dihexoses, and serotonin) demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties.
Comparing LUCAS Soil and national systems: Towards a harmonized European Soil monitoring network
(Elsevier, 2024) Froger, Claire; Tondini, Elena ; Arrouays, Dominique; Oorts, Katrien; Poeplau, Christopher; Wetterlind, Johanna; Putku, Elsa; Saby, Nicolas P.A.; Fantappiè, Maria; Styc, Quentin; Chenu, Claire; Salomez, Joost; Callewaert, Seth; Vanwindekens, Frédéric M.; Huyghebaert, Bruno; Herinckx, Julien; Heilek, Stefan; Harbo, Laura Sofie; De Carvalho Gomes, Lucas; Lázaro-López, Alberto; Rodriguez, Jose Antonio; Pindral, Sylwia; Smreczak, Bożena; Benő, András; Bakacsi, Zsofia; Teuling, Kees; van Egmond, Fenny; Hutár, Vladimír; Pálka, Boris; Abrahám, Dominik; Bispo, Antonio
A recent assessment states that 60–70% of soils in Europe are considered degraded. Protecting such valuable resource require knowledge on soil status through monitoring systems. In Europe, different types of monitoring networks currently exist in parallel. Many EU Member states (MS) developed their own national soil information monitoring system (N-SIMS), some being in place for decades. In parallel in 2009, the European Commission extended the periodic Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) led by EUROSTAT to sample and analyse the main properties of topsoil in EU in order to develop a homogeneous dataset for EU. Both sources of information are needed to support European policies on soil health evaluation. However, a question remains whether the assessment obtained by using soil properties from both monitoring programs (N-SIMS and LUCAS Soil) are comparable, and what could be the limitations of using either one dataset or the other. Conducted in the context of European Joint Programme (EJP) SOIL, this study shows the results of a comparison between N-SIMS and LUCAS Soil programs among 12 different EU member states including BE, DE, DK, EE, ES, FR, DE, HU, IT, NL, PL, SE and SK. The comparison was done on: (i) the sampling strategies including site densities, land cover and soil type distribution; (ii) the statistical distribution of three soil properties (organic carbon, pH and clay content); (iii) two potential indicators of soil quality (i.e. OC/Clay ratio and pH classes). The results underlined substantial differences in soil properties statistical distributions between N-SIMS and LUCAS Soil in many member states, particularly for woodland and grassland soils, affecting the evaluation of soil health using indicators. Such differences might be explained by both the monitoring strategy and sampling or analytical protocols exposing the potential effect of data source on European and national policies. The results demonstrate the need to work towards data harmonization and in the light of the Soil Monitoring Law, to carefully design the future of soil monitoring in Europe taking into account both LUCAS Soil and N-SIMS considering the significant impact of the monitoring strategies and protocols on soil health indicators.
Comprehensive Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Flavonoids in Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flowers and Food Products
(ACS Publications, 2024-07-26) Jedrejek, Dariusz; Pawelec, Sylwia
Taraxacum officinale, a cosmopolitan perennial, is widely used as an edible, fodder, honey, and medicinal plant. Interestingly, detailed LC-QTOF-MS profiling of the flower extract revealed the presence of several flavonoid signals, most likely lacking literature confirmation. Targeted isolation, including extraction based on DoE planning, led to the isolation of 11 flavonoids, three of which were new (16, 18, and 33). Their structures were determined by the NMR technique. Both biflavones (16 and 18) were structured by two luteolin molecules, linked by a C−C bond through IB (C-6′) and IIA (C-6″ or C-8″) rings. Novel flavonolignan (33) was composed of tricin and an unusual carboxyl function containing a lignan moiety. The content of 28 flavonoids (glycosides, aglycones, biflavones, and flavonolignans) was determined by the LC−MS/MS method in raw flowers and dandelion syrups and tincture. Multivariate analyses showed the separation of spring and autumn flowers and a high diversity of food products and helped to identify metabolites correlated with the samples.
Crop rotational diversity can mitigate climate-induced grain yield losses
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024) Costa, Alessio ; Bommarco, Riccardo; Smith, Monique E.; Bowles, Timothy; Gaudin, Amélie C. M.; Christine A. Watson,; Alarcón, Remedios; Berti, Antonio; Blecharczyk, Andrzej; Calderon, Francisco J.; Culman, Steve; Deen, William; Drury, Craig F.; Garcia y Garcia, Axel; García- Díaz, Andrés; Hernández Plaza, Eva; Jończyk, Krzysztof; Jäck, Ortrud; Navarrete Martínez, Luis; Montemurro, Francesco; Morari, Francesco; Onofri, Andrea; Osborne, Shannon L.; Tenorio-Pasamón, José Luis; Sandström, Boël; Santín-Montanyá, Inés; Sawińska, Zuzanna; Schmer,Marty R.; Stalenga, Jarosław; Strock, Jeffrey; Tei, Francesco|; Topp, Cairistiona F. E.; Ventrella, Domenico V; Walker, Robin L.; Vico, Giulia
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) supports the sustainability of crop production and food security, and benefiting soil carbon storage. Despite the critical importance of microorganisms in the carbon cycle, systematic investigations on the influence of CSA on soil microbial necromass carbon and its driving factors are still limited. We evaluated 472 observations from 73 peer- reviewed articles to show that, compared to conventional practice, CSA generally increased soil microbial necromass carbon concentrations by 18.24%. These benefits to soil microbial necromass carbon, as as-sessed by amino sugar biomarkers, are complex and influenced by a variety of soil, climatic, spatial, and biological factors. Changes in living microbial biomass are the most significant predictor of total, fungal, and bacterial necromass carbon affected by CSA; in 61.9%–67.3% of paired observations, the CSA measures simultaneously increased living microbial biomass and microbial necromass carbon. Land restora-tion and nutrient management therein largely promoted microbial necromass carbon storage, while cover crop has a minor effect. Additionally, the effects were directly influenced by elevation and mean annual temperature, and indirectly by soil texture and initial organic carbon content. In the optimal scenario, the potential global carbon accrual rate of CSA through microbial necromass is approximately 980 Mt C year−1, assuming organic amendment is included following conservation tillage and appropri-ate land restoration. In conclusion, our study suggests that increasing soil microbial necromass carbon through CSA provides a vital way of mitigating carbon loss. This emphasizes the invisible yet significant influence of soil microbial anabolic activity on global carbon dynamics.
Development of Thyme-Infused Polydimethylsiloxane Composites for Enhanced Antibacterial Wound Dressings
(MDPI, 2024-08-27) Sarraj, Sara; Szymiczek, Małgorzata; Mertas, Anna; Soluch, Agata; Jędrejek, Dariusz; Jurczyk, Sebastian
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and flexibility but faces challenges due to its hydrophobicity and limited mechanical strength. This study explores the incorporation of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) into PDMS to enhance its properties for wound dressing applications. PDMS composites containing 2.5 wt.% and 5 wt.% of thyme were prepared and evaluated for physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, absorption tests, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, hardness, tensile testing, antibacterial activity, and cell viability assays were conducted. Thyme integration improved mechanical properties with increased absorption and preserved hydrophobicity. FTIR and DSC analyses indicated minimally altered crystallinity and chemical interactions. Hardness decreased with higher thyme content due to terpene-induced polymerization inhibition. Tensile testing showed reduced stress at break but increased elongation, suitable for wound dressings. Enhanced antibacterial activity was observed, with composites meeting bacteriostatic standards. Cell viability exceeded 70%, with optimal results at 2.5 wt.% thyme, attributed to cytokine-inducing compounds. Thyme-incorporated PDMS composites exhibit improved antibacterial and mechanical properties, demonstrating the potential for advanced wound dressings.
Differences in the Concentration of Micronutrients in Young Shoots of Numerous Cultivars of Wheat, Maize and Oilseed Rape
(MDPI, 2022) Korzeniowska, Jolanta; Stanislawska-Glubiak, Ewa
Individual species of cultivated plants differ in the content of microelements in the shoots. The aim of our research was to test the hypothesis that the variability of the micronutrient content between cultivars of the same species may be similar or even greater than the differences between species. The research material consisted of shoot samples of 12 wheat, 10 maize and 12 rape varieties collected from production fields in Poland. The smallest number of samples (replicates) within one cultivar was 10. A total of 481 wheat samples, 141 maize samples and 328 rapeseed samples were taken. Wheat samples were taken at the beginning of the stem elongation stage (BBCH 30/31); maize, when the plants reached a height of 25–30 cm (BBCH 14–15); and rape, in the period from the beginning of the main stem elongation stage to the appearance of the first internode (BBCH 30/31). All varieties of the tested crop species were grown in similar soil conditions in terms of pH, texture and TOC content. B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined in all plant samples. Wheat showed a significantly lower average concentration of all micronutrients compared to rape and maize (e.g., 10 times less B than rape). On the other hand, among the species tested, rape had the highest concentration of B, Cu and Zn, and maize had the highest concentration of Fe and Mn. In all three tested crops, the differences in the content of B and Zn were greater between species than between cultivars. In the case of Cu, Mn and Fe concentration, the cultivar differences exceeded the species differences. The results suggest that there is no need to take cultivars into account when fertilizing with B and Zn. In contrast, fertilization with Cu, Mn and Fe needs to take into account different requirements of the cultivars for these micronutrients.
Do we speak one language on the way to sustainable soil management in Europe? A terminology check via an EU-wide survey.
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024) Weninger, Thomas; Ramler, David; Bondi, Giulia; Asins, Sabina; O'Sullivan, Lilian; Assennato, Francesca; Astover, Alar; Bispo, Antonio ; Borůvka, Luboˇs ; Buttafuoco, Gabriele ; Calzolari, Costanza ; Castanheira, Nadia ; Cousin, Isabelle ; Elsen, Erik van den; Foldal, Cecilie ; Hessel, Rudi ; Kadžiulienė, Zydrė ; Kukk, Liia ; Molina, Maria J. ; Montagne, David ; Oorts, Katrien ; Pindral, Sylwia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1065-8004; Ungaro, Fabrizio ; Klimkowicz-Pawlas, Agnieszka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4529-5274
European soils are under increasing pressure, making it difficult to maintain the provision of soil ecosystem services (SESs). A better understanding of soil processes is needed to counteract soil threats (STs) and to promote sustainable soil management. The EJP SOIL programme of the EU provides a framework for the necessary research. However, different definitions of soil-related terms potentially lead to varied understandings of concepts. Furthermore, there are numerous indicators available to quantify STs or SESs. As unclear communication is a key barrier that hinders the implementation of research results into practice, this study aimed to answer the question about whether the terminology of large-scale initiatives is adequately understood within the soil-science community and nonresearch stakeholders. An online questionnaire was used to provide definitions for 33 soil-related terms in both scientific and plain language, as well as indicators for seven SESs and 11 STs. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with the definitions and indicators on a seven-grade Likert scale. The level of agreement was calculated as the percentage of ratings above 4, the neutral position. The survey was available from June to September 2023 and was distributed by a snowball approach. More than 260 stakeholders assessed the survey; 70% of respondents were researchers, and 15% were practitioners. Mean agreement levels for the definitions and indicators were generally high, at 85% and 78% respectively. However, it was apparent that the lowest agreement was found for terms that are relatively new, such as Ecosystem Services and Bundle, or unfamiliar for certain subgroups, such as ecological terms for stakeholders working at the farm scale. Due to their distinct majority, the results of this study primarily reflect the opinions of scientists. Thus, broad conclusions can only be drawn by comparing scientists with non-scientists. In this regard, the agreement was surprisingly high across all types of questions. The combined outcomes indicate that there is still a need to facilitate communication between stakeholders and to improve knowledge distribution strategies. Nevertheless, this study can support and be used by future projects and programmes, especially regarding the harmonization of terminology and methods.

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