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Item An Innovative Approach for Maximum Recovery of Isoflavones from Glycine max by the Design of Experiments Method(MDPI, 2025-07-30) Bibow, Aleksandra; Dresler, Sławomir; Oleszek, MartaIsoflavones are the main phenolic compounds of soybean that affect its biological activity. The quantity of these valuable compounds extracted from plant material can significantly vary, influenced by the chosen extraction method and the specific extractants employed. Moreover, in cosmetics and pharmacy, the application of non-toxic, eco-friendly solvents is very important. This study aimed to develop the best mixture of extractants to maximize the recovery of individual isoflavones from soybean seeds by optimization of the proportion of three components: ethanol, water, and propanediol. The design of experiments (DOE) method was strategically employed. The extracts were obtained through accelerated solvent extraction and meticulously analyzed for isoflavone content using advanced electrospray ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) profiling. The predominant isoflavones were daidzin, genistin, malonylgenistin, malonyldaidzin, and malonylglycitin. Our experiment demonstrated that employing three extractants in a balanced 1:1:1 v/v/v ratio resulted in the highest isolation of isoflavones compared to all other mixtures tested. Nevertheless, a detailed exploration of approximate values and utility profiles revealed a more effective composition for extraction efficiency. This optimal mixture features 32.8% ethanol, 39.2% water, and 27.8% propanediol, maximizing the yield of isoflavones from soybean seeds. The innovative use of mixture design and triangular response surfaces has proven to be a powerful approach for developing this superior three-component extraction mixture. This innovative approach not only enhances extraction efficiency but also paves the way for improved processing methods in the industry.Item The Impact of Cereal-Based Plant Beverages on Wheat Bread Quality: A Study of Oat, Millet, and Spelt Beverages(MDPI, 2025) Wirkijowska, Anna; Zarzycki, Piotr; Teterycz, Dorota; Leszczyńska, DanutaCereal-based plant beverages have gained attention as functional ingredients in bakery formulations, offering both nutritional and technological benefits. Replacing water with these beverages may improve the nutritional value of bread by increasing its fiber and unsaturated fatty acid content, while also introducing functional components that affect dough rheology and bread texture. This study examined the effects of substituting water with oat (BO), millet (BM), and spelt (BS) beverages in wheat bread formulations at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels. Thirteen bread variants were prepared: one control and four substitution levels for each of the three cereal-based beverages, using the straight dough method, with hydration adjusted according to farinograph results. Farinograph tests showed increased water absorption (up to 64.5% in BO100 vs. 56.9% in control) and improved dough stability (10.6 min in BS100). Specific bread volume increased, with BS75 reaching 3.52 cm3/g compared to 3.09 cm3/g in control. Moisture content remained stable during storage, and crumb hardness after 72 h was lowest in BO100 (9.5 N) and BS75 (11.5 N), indicating delayed staling. All bread variants received favorable sensory ratings, with average scores above 3.75 on a 5-point scale. The highest bread yield (149.8%) and lowest baking loss (10.9%) were noted for BS100. Although BO breads had slightly higher fat and energy content, their nutritional profile remained favorable due to unsaturated fatty acids. Overall, oat and spelt beverages demonstrated the greatest potential as functional water substitutes, improving dough handling, shelf-life, and sensory quality while maintaining consumer appeal.Item Evaluation of the Egner–Riehm DL and Mehlich 3 Tests for the Determination of Phosphorus: The Influence of Soil Properties on Extraction Efficiency and Test Conversion(MDPI, 2024-10) Korzeniowska, Jolanta; Stanislawska-Glubiak, EwaThe leaching of phosphorus (P), together with nitrogen (N), into deep water and runoff from fields into surface water has caused the dangerous phenomenon of eutrophication, which threatens the Baltic Sea. This process has led to a revision of fertilizer recommendations for farmers in most European countries. The basis for proper recommendations is the determination of soil P using a soil test. There are many different soil tests used in Europe for the determination of plant-available P in soil, which is primarily the result of the different soil conditions in the individual countries. In Poland, two soil P tests are currently used: the Egner–Riehm DL (DL) test and the Mehlich 3 (M3) test. The aim of our study was to determine the extraction efficiency of the DL and M3 tests, to explore the possibility of converting the results of one test to another, and to compare the diagnostic value of the tests. For this purpose, a collection of 237 soil–plant sample pairs was taken from maize fields in Poland. The phosphorus content was determined in all the soil and plant samples, with two methods used in the soil samples: DL and M3. The results of our study show that it is not possible to state unequivocally which test extracts more P from the soil. The extraction efficiency of the tests depends on the specific soil properties, particularly pH and texture. The most reliable conversion of DL test results to M3 is possible for soils that contain a 21–35% fraction characterized by particles less than 0.02 mm in diameter, regardless of soil pH. Furthermore, the DL test has better diagnostic value than M3, especially for alkaline soils.Item The Effect of pH on Fertilizer Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Sandy Soil(MDPI, 2025-07) Korzeniowska, Jolanta; Stanislawsla-Glubiak, Ewa; Brosig, JoannaSoil pH strongly influences phosphorus (P) availability and, consequently, plant response to P fertilization. This study aimed to assess how soil pH affects P availability, uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) grown under controlled conditions. A pot experiment was conducted using three soil pHKCl levels (4.2, 5.2, and 6.4) and five P application doses (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g P pot−1). Each pot contained 10 kg of soil. Results showed that soil P concentration after harvest increased with both P dose and pH, with the highest values recorded at pH 6.4. Maize grain and straw yields responded differently to P fertilization depending on pH. At pH 5.2, the highest grain yield and agronomic efficiency (AE) were observed at the 0.5 g P dose, while higher doses led to yield reductions. At pH 4.2, P fertilization significantly increased both grain yield and P uptake, but excessive doses reduced yields. In contrast, at pH 6.4, yield increased steadily with rising P doses, though AE and apparent phosphorus recovery (APR) were lowest. The highest APR was observed at pH 4.2 and the lowest at pH 6.4. Overall, the results suggest that optimal maize response to P fertilization occurs near pH 5.2, where both yield and efficiency indices peak.Item Chitosan/Perlite System as a Microbial Carrier in Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste: Characteristics and Impact of the Additive Materials(MDPI, 2025) Pilarska, Agnieszka; Marzec-Grządziel, Anna; Makowska, Małgorzata; Kolasa-Więcek, Alicja; Jambulingam, Ranjitha; Kałuża, Tomasz; Pilarski, KrzysztofThis study aims to evaluate the effect of adding a chitosan/perlite (Ch/P) carrier to anaerobic digestion (AD) on the efficiency and kinetics of the process, as well as the directional changes in the bacterial microbiome. A carrier with this composition was applied in the AD process for the first time. A laboratory experiment using wafer waste (WF) and cheese (CE) waste was conducted under mesophilic conditions. The analysis of physico-chemical properties confirmed the suitability of the tested carrier material for anaerobic digestion. Both components influenced the microstructural characteristics of the carrier: perlite contributed to the development of specific surface area, while chitosan determined the porosity of the system. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), the study examined how the additive affected the genetic diversity of bacterial communities. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the degradation rate depended on both the carrier and the substrate type. Consequently, the presence of the carrier led to an increase in the volume of biogas and methane produced. The volume of methane for the wafer waste (WF–control) increased from 351.72 m3 Mg−1 (VS) to 410.74 m3 Mg−1 (VS), while for the cosubstrate sample (wafer and cheese, WFC–control), it increased from 476.84 m3 Mg−1 (VS) to 588.55 m3 Mg−1 (VS).Item Interaction of lensoside Aβ with lipids and proteins of HeLa cells(Elsevier, 2025-06-19) Kapral-Piotrowska, Justyna; Wawrzyniak, Agata; Pawelec, Jarosław; Zarzyka, Barbara; Paduch, Roman; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Sławińska-Brych, Adrianna; Zdzisińska, Barbara; Pawlęga, Bartłomiej; Wójcik-Załuska, Alicja; Baranowska-Wójcik, Ewa; Jakubowicz-Gil, Joanna; Gruszecki, Wiesław I.; Pawlikowska-Pawlęga, BożenaLensoside Aβ (LAβ) is a quercetin derivative isolated from the leaves and stems of the Lens culinaris cultivar Tina. Flavonoid-membrane interactions are crucial for their physiological and pharmacological activity. We have demonstrated the impact of LAβ on EYPC liposomes resembling the lipid phase of tumor cell membranes with the use of the 1H NMR technique and have examined its activity on HeLa cells for the first time. To study the interactions of the tested compound with lipids and proteins at the molecular level, the FTIR technique was applied. To reveal changes in morphology and ultrastructure as well as examine its effect on apoptosis induction and cell viability, SEM, TEM, light, and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry analysis, LIVE/DEAD assays were employed. The ability of LAβ to induce oxidative stress was determined by staining with DHR123. The FTIR analyses indicated that LAβ interacts with the PO2− groups in the polar head region. Moreover, a decrease in the relative protein concentration and changes in protein spectral profile in the amide I region were noted. Flavonoid reduced the viability of HeLa cells, which was correlated with the induction of apoptosis supported by SEM and TEM observations. Moreover, the addition of lensoside Aβ induced oxidative stress. These results confirm that lensoside Aβ may be used in novel therapeutic approaches for treating cervical cancer.Item The Effects of a Cultivar and Silicon Treatments on Grain Parameters and Bioactive Compound Content in Organic Spring Wheat(MDPI, 2025) Kowalska, Iwona; Kowalczyk, Mariusz; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Pawelec, Sylwia; Radzikowski, Paweł; Feledyn-Szewczyk, BeataTo address the need for improved nutritional value of organically grown wheat, this study investigated the impact of silicon treatments (AdeSil, ZumSil) on yield, health status, and bioactive compound content in spring wheat cultivars. The 2019–2020 research evaluated different application variants: seed dressing, foliar sprays, and their combinations. Comprehensive seed dressing combined with two foliar treatments, (variant B) and two foliar treatments (variant C), significantly increased yield (by an average of 8.9% and 7.6% vs. control, respectively). These variants beneficially affected fungal disease resistance mainly in the stressful 2019; in optimal 2020, they showed no clear advantage over the control, which performed similarly or better. Seed dressing (variant D) increased total phenolic acids (PAs) content and antioxidant activity, with the spelt cv. Wirtas exhibiting the highest levels. Silicon treatments modified alkylresorcinols (ARs) content, but effects depended on the year, cultivar, and application variant, not always exceeding the control. Silicon treatments, especially when applied in combination (seed dressing and foliar application), can improve spring wheat yield and favorably modify PAs content, enhancing grain nutritional value. However, the plant response regarding health status and ARs content is strongly conditioned by cultivar specificity and the prevailing environmental conditions of the growing year.Item Soil Quality Indicators in Agroecological Practices: Lessons From a Systematic Review of Long-Term Experiments(Wiley, 2025) Maienza, Anita; Buttafuoco, Gabriele; Biancofiore, Gherardo; Ün, Akin; Renovell, Javier; Pisarčik, Martin; Fuksa, Pavel; Grabiński, Jerzy; Lumini, Erica; Di Lonardo, Sara; Kushnir, Michelle; Hakl, Josef; Vilkiene, Monika; Mockeviciene, Ieva; Dirnena, Baiba; Asins-Velis, SabinaIn recent decades, there has been increasing recognition of soil as a vital and non-renewable natural resource that provides essential environmental, economic, and social benefits. Agronomic and soil management practices—such as tillage systems, crop rotation, and nutrient applications—significantly influence near-surface soil properties and related ecosystem services. There is growing interest in defining soil quality and establishing specific indicators regarding conservation practices. This systematic review was focused on Long-Term Field Experiments (LTEs) conducted in seven countries: Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Turkey. The review examined the most frequently studied soil quality properties related to agroecological practices. Our goal was also to standardize the results based on the advanced works in recent years on soil ecosystem services. The findings underscore the strong interest in sustainable production with a particularly high presence of agroecological soil practices in Long-Term Field Experiments (LTEs), especially in Italy and the Czech Republic. Cereals are among the most extensively studied crops under organic amendments and tillage intensity trials in the reviewed papers. Soil properties related to climate and environmental services (such as organic carbon) are the main indicators studied. Additionally, the review highlights a significant gap in soil biodiversity indicators in the agroecological long-term studies analysed. As a future direction, it is crucial to develop new, holistic soil quality indicators that encompass chemical–physical and biological aspects for soil monitoring and conservation.Item The effect of soil tillage and sulphur fertilisation on content and ratios of macronutrients in the grain of spring triticale(Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2025) Klikocka, Hanna; Podleśna, Anna; Narolski, Bartosz; Podleśny, JanuszThe aim of the experiment was to determine the yield, content and uptake of macronutrients and their ratio in spring triticale, Milewo cultivar. The field experiment was conducted in the years 2014–2016 on Cambisols. The first experimental factor was a system of soil tillage (traditional (TRD) and reduced (RED)), and the second was sulphur fertilisation (0,25 and 50 kg S/ha). Based on the study, it was found that the application of conventional tillage and the addition of sulphur fertilisation to NPK significantly increased spring triticale grain yield. The application of reduced tillage positively affected the increase in content and uptake in grain dry matter (DM) of N, S, P, K, Mg and Ca. Adding sulphur (S) to NPK fertilisation favourably increased the content and uptake of N, S, Mg, and Ca and did not affect the content of P and K. The application of reduced tillage expanded the ionic ratio of N : S, P : S while it narrowed the N : P ratio. However, the tillage system did not affect the ionic ratios Ca : P, K : Mg, K : (Ca + Mg) and molar K : (Ca + Mg). Adding sulphur to NPK fertilisation narrowed the N : S and P : S ratios while expanding the N : P and Ca : P ratios. Weather conditions during the 2016 growing season (relatively dry, k = 1.71) favoured spring triticale yield and uptake with dry grain weight of N, S, P, Mg and Ca. The highest N, S, P, K and Ca content in grain dry matter was shown in the 2014 season (relatively humid, k = 1.96). Numerous correlations were found between grain yield and the content, uptake and reciprocal ratios of elements in grain.Item Dissipation and Adsorption behavior together with Antioxidant Activity of Pinocembrin Dihydrochalcone(MDPI, 2025-07-01) Dziągwa-Becker, Magdalena; Oleszek, Marta; Ukalska-Jaruga, Aleksandra; Kucharski, Mariusz; Kozłowska, Weronika; Białas, Marcel; Zielińska, SylwiaThe excessive use of synthetic pesticides has not only resulted in increased resistance among weeds and pests, leading to significant economic loss, but has also raised serious health and environmental concerns. Chalcones and their derivatives, known for their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, are emerging as promising biobased candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have long been recognized for their beneficial health effects and wide-range applications. However, their limited concentration in plants, along with poor solubility and bioavailability, brings challenges for their development. The aim of this study was to examine the properties of a synthetic substance, pinocembrin dihydrochalcone (3-phenyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanone), including its soil dissipation and adsorption. Additionally, we evaluated its antioxidant activity through the DPPH assay and FRAP experiments. This analysis aims to provide insights into its potential classification as a low risk pesticide.Item Microbial Hazard in Cultivated Soils Located in the Floodplains of the Vistula River Valley, Poland—Preliminary Research(Springer, 2025) Furtak, Karolina; Marzec‑Grządziel, AnnaWorldwide research in flood-affected areas is primarily concerned with the control of microbial contamination of soils and waters by Salmonella sp., Clostridium sp., Escherichia sp. However, it should be borne in mind that areas periodically inundated by river waters can be a reservoir of other potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, these areas, due to the presence of fertile soils, are often used for agricultural purposes. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in agriculturally cultivated river silts located in the Vistula River valley in Lublin Province, and to analyze changes in their abundance occurring as a result of simulated flooding conditions. The results obtained confirm that microorganisms potentially dangerous to humans are present in riverine soils used for agricultural purposes: representatives of the families Arcobacteraceae, Erwiniaceae, and Yersiniaceae, and representatives of the genera Aliarcobacter, Pantoea, Pseudarcobacter, Serratia, Treponema and Vagococcus, and their abundance changes as a result of flooding.Item Yield, Polyphenol and Carotenoid Content, and Mycotoxin Occurrence in Grains of Four Winter Barley Varieties Grown in Different Nitrogen Fertilization Conditions in Poland(MDPI, 2025-06-19) Kazimierczak, Renata; Średnicka-Tober, Dominika; Kopczyńska, Klaudia; Wojtczak, Julia; Żebrowska-Krasuska, Małgorzata; Hallmann, Ewelina; Leszczyńska, Danuta; Nowacka, Anna; Hołodyńska-Kulas, Agnieszka; Tobiasz-Salach, Renata; Gnusowski, BogusławBarley has consistently been ranked among the four most grown cereals in the world. Integrated agronomic approaches, combining a selection of optimal genotypes and growing conditions, may help to provide high yields of quality and safe barley grains. This study aimed to assess the yield, polyphenol and carotenoid content, and mycotoxin presence in grains of four winter barley varieties—Hobbit, Zoom, Galation, and Sandra—grown under different nitrogen (N) fertilization levels. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze bioactive compounds, while liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to determine mycotoxin occurrence. Results showed that Hobbit and Zoom had higher yields, with Hobbit benefiting from higher N fertilization levels. While no significant differences in phenolic acids (sum) were observed among the barley varieties tested (av. 80.50 ± 6.78 mg/100 g), higher N levels raised flavonoid content (46.78 ± 4.35 vs. 38.82 ± 3.54 mg/100 g). Zoom was characterized by the highest total polyphenol levels (130.45 ± 12.50 mg/100 g). Among the 14 mycotox tested, only two were frequently found in the grain samples (DON and 15-Ac-DON), with Sandra being the least and Galation the most susceptible. The N fertilization doses did not significantly impact mycotoxin levels in grains. The insights gained from this study can inform the development and selection of barley varieties and growing conditions that offer optimized yields, enhanced nutritional value, and reduced susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination, tailored to the producers’ and consumers’ expectations and to sustainable farming goals.Item From Nutrition to Energy: Evaluating the Role of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Grain in Sustainable Food Systems and Biofuel Applications(MDPI, 2025) Berbeć, Adam Kleofas; Wyzińska, MartaRye (Secale cereale L.), a cereal with valuable agronomic and nutritional benefits, contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially in areas where more demanding crops cannot be cultivated due to the poor agronomic value of soil. This review explores rye grain quality optimization strategies through production techniques. The quality and yield of grain are under the significant impact of agronomic factors, such as variety selection, crop rotation, soil tillage, fertilization, sowing practices, chemical protection, and harvest timing. It is also under the strong influence of the chosen farm’s management strategy, like organic or conventional farming system. This review emphasizes its diverse potential utilization routes, and the importance of bioactive compounds, dietary fibers, phenolic acids, phytoestrogens, and benzoxazinoids that enhance its value as a functional food. Cereal grain with quality issues cannot be used as food for humans, however, it can still be utilized alternatively as a renewable biofuel. This review showed rye grain to have a potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and at the same time build farms’ resilience through possible alternative utilization strategies. It can serve as both a food source and a sustainable biofuel, offering a dual-purpose solution within the circular bioeconomy.Item Signal molecules and enzymes produced by Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains originating from the subpolar and temperate climate zones as elements of adaptation to low temperature stress(Elsevier, 2025) Janczarek, Monika; Adamczyk, Paulina; Gałązka, Anna; Marzec-Grządziel, Anna; Wójcik, Magdalena; Polakowski, Cezary; Maciejczyk, Natalia; Bieganowski, AndrzejRhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii is a soil bacterium capable of establishing a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Trifolium spp. (clover) plants. In this study, two subpopulations of Rlt strains derived from the subpolar and temperate climate zones were characterized with respect to different physiological and metabolic traits. In addition, the influence of temperature on these processes was examined. Our results indicated that all the rhizobial strains grew at pH 5–9, tolerated salinity, and were sensitive to a majority of antibiotics. Moreover, the subpolar strains proved to be more tolerant to salinity than the temperate strains. A great majority of the strains (83.8 %) produced acyl-homoserine lactones in a wide range of temperatures (10–25 ◦C). Although no difference in the frequency of this trait between the subpopulations was found, more highly efficient AHL-producers were found among the temperate strains. In terms of the production of iron-chelating compounds and phosphate solubilization, half of the studied Rlt strains exhibited these traits, but more effective isolates were identified within the temperate subpopulation. These rhizobia also synthesized high amounts of indole-3-acetic acid and exhibited ACC deaminase activity, which is important for the regulation of the plant hormone ethylene. Some differences in phenotypic profiles between the individual strains were observed. The temperature range of 20–25 ◦C was optimal, whereas lower temperatures negatively affected the production of these molecules. In addition, the Rlt population exhibited a large diversity with respect to the auxiliary genetic content and metabolic potential. In conclusion, the Rlt strains produced a large set of signal molecules and enzymes and utilized a variety of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur sources, which ensures their successful adaptation to various environments.Item Bacterial osmoprotectants - a way to survive in saline conditions and potential crop allies(Oxford Academic, 2025-05-16) Goszcz, Aleksandra; Furtak, Karolina; Stasiuk, Robert; Wójtowicz, Joanna; Musiałowski, Marcin; Schiavon, Michela; Dębiec-Andrzejewska, KlaudiaSoil salinization, affecting 6.5% of arable land, deteriorates soil properties, reduces microbiota activity, hinders plant growth, and accelerates soil erosion. Excessive salt induces physiological drought and toxicity stress in plants, causing chlorosis, ion imbalances, and enzyme disruptions. This paper discusses microorganisms’ resistance mechanisms, plant responses to salt stress and summarizes current knowledge on bacterial osmoprotectants and their functions. It also reviews emerging agrobiotechnological strategies using microbial osmoprotectants to remediate salinized soils and enhance plant growth and productivity under salt stress. Osmoprotectants stabilize proteins, buffer redox potential, and retain water, thus alleviating osmotic stress and promoting bacteria and plants growth. Their application improves soil properties by enhancing aggregate formation, water permeability, moisture content, cation exchange capacity, and ion availability. Despite extensive literature on the function of osmoprotectants, the knowledge about their role in soil environments and agrobiotechnology applications remains limited. This paper indicates proposed research perspectives, including discovering new osmoprotectants, their correlation with soil fertilization, interactions with the soil microbiome, and plant responses. It also identifies significant knowledge gaps in these areas, highlighting the need for further studies to consolidate existing data and assess the potential of this approach to enhance soil health and crop productivity in saline environments.Item The Impact of Fresh Blueberry Addition on the Extrusion-Cooking Process, Physical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Potato-Based Snack Pellets(MDPI, 2025-05) Combrzyński, Maciej; Soja, Jakub; Oniszczuk, Tomasz; Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina; Kręcisz, Magdalena; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Biernacka, BeataThe aim of the study was to develop a new generation of potato-based snack granules enriched with fresh blueberries and evaluate the extrusion-cooking process along with selected physical properties. Blueberries were added in varying amounts (10%, 20%, and 30%) as an ingredient for the semi-finished product. The analysis focused on the impact of moisture content, screw speed, and blueberry concentration on extrusion efficiency and product properties. The results showed significant effects of blueberry addition on extrusion-cooking efficiency (14.40 to 37.12 kg/h) and energy consumption (0.003 to 0.021 kWh/kg). Durability, bulk density, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) were evaluated with values ranging from 95.46 to 97.61%, 345.07 to 547.37 kg/m3, 2.90 to 3.88 g/g and 8.23 to 18.52%. The incorporation of blueberries also eliminated the need for drying, reducing water consumption and energy demand. Additionally, the antioxidant potential of the blueberry-enriched samples was assessed, indicating improved health benefits (DPPH from 22.71 to 94.22%). Based on the results, the incorporation of up to 30% blueberries is recommended for optimal physical properties and enhanced antioxidant activity.Item Effect of innovative mineral-organic mixtures on enzymatic activity, ecotoxicity, and microbial communities in contaminated soil(Elsevier, 2025-05-13) Jarosz, Renata; Klimkowicz-Pawlas, Agnieszka; Biel, Karolina; Mokrzycki, Jakub; Musiałowski, Marcin; Dębiec-Andrzejewska, Klaudia; Mierzwa-Hersztek, MonikaThe sustainable use of fertilizers to enhance food production while minimizing environmental impact is a pressing global challenge. Soil regeneration is especially critical for soils poor in organic matter and contaminated with heavy metals. This study investigated the effect of mineral-organic mixtures containing zeolite composites and organic additives (lignite/leonardite) on soil enzymes activity, ecotoxicity, and microbiological properties. Various doses of zeolite composites and organic additives were tested in a two-years pot experiment using soil with elevated levels of cadmium, zinc, and lead. Soil enzymes activity (dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase) were quantified, and soil ecotoxicity was assessed using Microtox®, Phytotoxkit, and Ostracodtoxkit assays. Microbial abundance, diversity, and community structure were analyzed via culturable methods and DNA sequencing. Mixtures containing zeolite-vermiculite composite had the most pronounced positive effect on enzymes activity. Notably, mixture with 3 % zeolite-carbon composite and 3 % leonardite significantly enhanced urease activity after the 2nd year (111 %). Mixtures containing zeolite–vermiculite composite showed an average GMea index about 10 % higher than those with zeolite–carbon composites. The GMea index proved more sensitive than TEI in assessing total enzymes activity and soil quality. Soil microbiological studies showed that the quantity and overall structure of the microbiome remained stable after the application of mineral-organic mixtures. The dominant taxa at the phylum level were Proteobacteria (16.17–18.73 %), Planctomycetota (16.17–18.73 %), Chloroflexi (14.99–18.49 %), and Actinobacteriota (11.28–14.86 %). The mixtures did not affect the diversity of soil microorganisms, suggesting a neutral effect on the soil ecosystem. The greatest reduction in water-soluble Cd, Zn, and Pb was achieved with the mixtures containing zeolite-carbon composite and lignite. The results demonstrate the impact of mineral-organic additives on soil ecotoxicity, which is of significant importance from an environmental and sustainable soil management perspective. The outcomes of this study may prove to be a factor in the formulation of effective remediation strategies for contaminated soils.Item Cereal and Rapeseed Yield Forecast in Poland at Regional Level Using Machine Learning and Classical Statistical Models(MDPI, 2025) Okupska, Edyta; Gozdowski, Dariusz; Pudełko, Rafał; Wójcik-Gront, ElżbietaThis study performed in-season yield prediction, about 2–3 months before theharvest, for cereals and rapeseed at the province level in Poland for 2009–2024. Variousmodels were employed, including machine learning algorithms and multiple linear regression.The satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and climaticwater balance (CWB), calculated using meteorological data, were treated as predictors ofcrop yield. The accuracy of the models was compared to identify the optimal approach.The strongest correlation coefficients with crop yield were observed for the NDVI at thebeginning of March, ranging from 0.454 for rapeseed to 0.503 for rye. Depending on thecrop, the highest R2 values were observed for different prediction models, ranging from0.654 for rapeseed based on the random forest model to 0.777 for basic cereals based onlinear regression. The random forest model was best for rapeseed yield, while for cereal, thebest prediction was observed for multiple linear regression or neural network models. Forthe studied crops, all models had mean absolute errors and root mean squared errors notexceeding 6 dt/ha, which is relatively small because it is under 20% of the mean yield. Forthe best models, in most cases, relative errors were not higher than 10% of the mean yield.The results proved that linear regression and machine learning models are characterized bysimilar predictions, likely due to the relatively small sample size (256 observations).Item The Influence of Integrated and Intensive Grain Production on the Content and Properties of Chemical Components in Rye Grain(MDPI, 2025) Buksa, Krzysztof; Sułek , Alicja; Skrzypek, MichałThe effect of integrated and intensive grain production technologies on the contentand properties of chemical components in rye (Secale cereale L.) grain of new varietiesis not known. This study aimed to examine the effect of production technology on thecontent and properties of chemical components of rye grain. Grain from four Polish ryevarieties obtained as a result of integrated and intensive production was examined. Ingeneral, the use of intensive technology resulted in receiving a 7.9% higher yield of grainwith a 3.7% higher content of starch, characterized by a higher share of amylose and lowermolar mass compared to grain cultivated using the integrated method. Moreover, grainfrom intensive production contained 0.6% more water-soluble arabinoxylan of a high molarmass but a lower content of ferulic acid, compared to grain obtained by the integratedmethod. Rye grain from intensive production contained 0.4% more protein, 0.3% moresoluble dietary fiber, and similar amounts of phytates than grain cultivated using the integratedmethod. Regardless of the production method, the hybrid varieties KWS Vinettoand KWS Bono had the highest grain yield and grain with a low content of protein, totaland soluble dietary fiber, and extractable arabinoxylan of a high molar mass but low contentof ferulic acid.Item Comparison of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties grown in organic farming conditions: lodging and plant height(The Scientific Agricultural Society of Finland, 2025) Lenartowicz, Tomasz; Bujak, Henryk; Przystalski, Marcin; Nowosad, Kamila; Jończyk, Krzysztof; Feledyn-Szewczyk, BeataLodging is one of the main factors influencing yield reduction in both organic and conventional systems. In the organic system, lodging is mainly controlled by selecting varieties with increased resistance to lodging, by regulating sowing density, or by cultivation of varieties of appropriate height. The present study aimed to compare ten varieties tested in the years 2020–2022 in organic trials in terms of plant height and resistance to lodging in two growth phases (milk and harvest). Depending on the analyzed trait, a linear or cumulative link linear mixed model was fitted on plot data. The analyses showed that variety Farmer was the most resistant to lodging in the two growth phases, whereas varieties KWS Vermont and Rubaszek were less resistant to lodging in two growth phases than Farmer, but only at the milk phase, the differences were significant. Furthermore, Radek was the tallest among the tested varieties, whereas Farmer was classified as mid-tall. According to Wricke’s ecovalence coefficient, Bente was the most stable, while Farmer ranked third. Therefore, varieties that are the most resistant to lodging and are the most stable in terms of height, should be promoted for cultivation.