Impact of salinity and fertilization on soil properties, and root development in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) cultivation

Salinity is a paramount factor that poses challenges to agricultural productivity and sustainability. At the same time, fenugreek is valued as a forage crop for its medicinal properties in addition to its extensive edible use. The objective of this study is to explore how fertilization and salinity impact soil physical properties and root system development in fenugreek cultivation. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during growing seasons 2019-2020 (1st GS) and 2020-2021 (2nd GS) in a split-splot design with the 2 main salinity treatments (High salinity; HS & Conventional salinity; CS) and 5 fertilization treatments (biocyclic-vegan (BHS), manure (FYM), compost (COMP), inorganic fertilization (11-15-15) and the control (C).  Soil porosity was statistically significantly affected by both salinity (p<=0.05) and fertilization (p<=0.001). Also, organic matter was significantly affected by fertilization (p<=0.001). HS (59.78±2.65) resulted in 20.02% fewer nodules on plant roots compared to CS treatments (71.75±2.65). The maximum number of nodules was recorded in the FYM treatment (68.93±0.77). In addition, mean root diameter was affected by fertilization (p<=0.01) COMP (2.92±0.31 mm) and NPK treatments (2.83±0.31 mm) resulted in 19.52% and 23.32% smaller root diameter respectively compared to BHS, while FYM (2.68±0.31 mm) resulted in a 30.22% smaller diameter. A significant increase of seed yield was noticed under organic fertilization where the highest yield of 2.1 t ha−1 was recorded in BHS (2nd GS). Although fenugreek was affected by high salinity, it demonstrated considerable resistance and maintained its yields, rendering it a crop suitable for challenging soils

Effect of Topping on Growth Development and CBD Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Pot Culture

In hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation, an important management factor is apical cut (topping) as this modulates plant architecture, plant biomass allocation as well as the yield of inflorescences and cannabinoids per plant and area. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topping treatment on agronomical and quality characteristics of two monoecious hemp varieties, ‘Fedora 17’ and ‘Felina’, A greenhouse pot experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD), with two topping treatments (untreated and topped). The results revealed that plant height of both varieties was negatively affected by topping treatment and the higher values were recorded in the untreated (137.02 and 134.56 cm for Fedora 17 and Felina, respectively). The highest values of dry weight per plant and bud dry weight per plant were noticed for topped plants. In conclusion, the findings of the present study implied that the hemp had a positive response to applied topping for all studied cultivars and the CBD content was higher in topped plants as topping stress increased cannabidiol (CBD) content

Integrating UAV Multispectral Indices (NDVI) with Yield Data for Optimizing Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Cultivation

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), is a multipurpose crop, grown for fiber, seeds, and oil. This study aims to assess flax growth dynamics and agronomic traits using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps generated from multispectral imagery captured by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Conducted at the Agricultural University of Athens, the field experiment followed a split-plot design with four replicates, encompassing various sowing distances (30 and 40 cm, between rows) and fertilization treatments (urea fertilization, urea with inhibitors, organic fertilizer). NDVI index maps were produced at key growth stages (60, 90, 120, 150, and 179 Days After Sowing) to facilitate comprehensive growth analysis. The findings indicate that while fertilization treatments and sowing densities influenced early growth stages, no significant differences were observed post 90 DAS. NDVI values correlated with agronomic traits, particularly during the early vegetative phase, highlighting the potential of UAV-based NDVI mapping for precise flax cultivation monitoring

Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Quinoa Seed Production in Greece

Population growth has led to an increase in food production, resulting in an increase in agricultural products in terms of quantity and quality. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) cultivation is prevalent in most areas of the world due to its high-quality grain and its potential to produce high yields under tough growing conditions. This study aimed to investigate all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by quinoa seed production in Greece and their relationship with farm-related factors, from fertilizer production to energy consumption for all cultivation techniques. The amount of all GHG emissions was estimated using Cool Farm Tool software. In order to collect data, a questionnaire including questions regarding cultivation details, soil characteristics, inputs, fuel, and water use was distributed and completed by forty quinoa producers from Central Greece. Accordingly, the estimated carbon footprint values per hectare and per kilogram of quinoa seed were 1,159.65 and 0.48 kg CO2-eq, respectively. The present research also found that the highest CO2-eq emissions per kilogram of quinoa seed were found to be associated with the production of fertilizers, with a value of 0.20 kg CO2-eq corresponding to 40.88% of the total emissions per kilogram of produced seed. Consequently, attention must be given for the mitigation of the environmental impact of quinoa seed production. It is particularly important to manage chemical fertilizers and agricultural machinery properly in order to ensure the sustainable cultivation of quinoa

Seed oil content, oil yield and fatty acids composition of black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] in response to fertilization and plant density

The cultivation of black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] has recently become increasingly popular and there is a raising demand for its oil and seeds from the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. A 2-year experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications, two main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m-2) and four sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors, and compost) to evaluate the fertilization and plant density effect on seed oil content, oil yield, and fatty acids composition of black mustard under Mediterranean environment. The seed yield, oil content and yield were positively influenced by the increase of available nitrogen and negatively by the increase of plant density, with their highest values recorded in the low-density and urea with double inhibitors. In response to the quality characteristics of seed oil, low-density compost application raised the quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In conclusion, plant densities higher than 46 plants m-2 result in lower seed yield, oil content and yield, while the inorganic fertilization effect, specifically with urea with double inhibitors, was equally important in seed and oil yield; however, when the seed and/or oil are used for their nutraceutical and medicinal value, the use of compost is recommended, resulting in a significant increase in PUFA content

Combined Effect of Biocompost and Biostimulant on Root Characteristics of Cannabis sativa L.

The use of earthworms in bio-composting (vermicomposting) is gaining popularity as a bio-waste management approach for producing nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. Furthermore, the use of seaweed extracts as biostimulants changes the physical, biochemical, and biological aspects of the soil, as well as the architecture of plant roots, allowing for more effective nutrient uptake and increasing plant development and yields. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of biocompost and biostimulant on the development of the root system of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) plant. An outdoor pot experiment was set up a completely randomized design, with four treatments including vermicompost, vermicompost amended with seaweed-based biostimulant, vermicompost mixed with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and cattle manure (CM) compost, and vermicompost mixed with SMS+CM compost and amended with seaweed-based biostimulant. The results revealed that the highest values of root length density, root diameter, and nitrogen content in roots (1.36 cm cm-3, 1.29 mm, and 1.23%, respectively) were found in plants grown in the substrate of vermicompost mixed with SMS+CM compost and amended with seaweed-based biostimulant, pointed this out as a recommended treatment for increased biomass production, which is important in the processing of cannabis for medicinal purposes

Carbon Footprint Analysis of Processing Tomato Cultivation in Greece

Agriculture contributes to global warming through the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs). As one of the most important horticultural crops, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is of great economic importance.  Approximately 80% of the tomatoes grown around the world are processed into sauces, juices, ketchup, canned tomatoes, and soups. The goal of the present study was to assess the carbon footprint of commercially grown processing tomatoes in Greece. The emissions were calculated by using the Cool Farm Tool software. For data collection, a questionnaire was distributed to processing tomato producers. The questionnaires were completed by 40 producers from the main processing tomato-growing regions of Greece. The estimated total carbon footprint value of tomato cultivation for a mean area of 7.16 ha (producing 94.8 tn of tomatoes per ha) was 1,369,700 kg CO2-eq. Specifically, the estimated carbon footprint values per hectare and kg of fruit were 191,298.88 and 0.20 kg CO2-eq, respectively. In addition, the current study revealed that the highest CO2-eq emissions per tonne of fruit were observed in energy use (fuel consumption) for field operations, corresponding to 40.49% of the total emissions per tonne of product

Effect of Land-Use Intensification on Soil Properties and Plant Species Diversity in the Mediterranean Agroecosystem

In recent decades, agriculture in Greece has undergone significant changes due to the intensification of land use. This intensification, contrary to the sustainable land management, has an impact on the healthiness of the environmental agroecosystem. This study aimed to investigate if these cultivation systems influence some of the main edaphic properties and plant species diversity and which are the main anthropogenic interventions which may have a decisive role in the changes of soil physicochemical properties and the reduction of plant species. To assess the environmental implications among different types of land-use, the most sensitive and reliable edaphic indicators were measured and plant species diversity was recorded. Three land-use types such as maize crops, alfalafa and abandoned land were selected and ten fields with an area of approximately 1 ha in each land use type were taken. The results indicate that among the edaphic parameters pH, sand, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), NO3- as well as Ca+2 and Cu+2 soil concentration presented statistically significant differences among thirty cultivated fields. Among three different land uses, the edaphic variables EC, SOM, BD, Cal & Na concentrations presented significant differences. A higher soil organic matter content was observed in abandoned land while bulk density and electric conductivity value as well as Na+ concentrations were lower compared to other land uses. In total 122 taxa belonging to 30 families were recorded, while the families with the greatest species diversity were Poaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae in all land uses. Therophytes was the dominant life-form, followed by the Hemicryptophytes and Geophytes. The findings of the present study imply that different agronomic practices influence soil quality parameters, which are likely to affect species diversity and the environmental implications among different land uses

Performance of two cotton interspecific hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum L. × G. barbadense L.) in Greece: A comparative case study

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most prominent and important industrial crops. In Greece, cotton farming occupies a significant share of the agricultural sector. However, the adverse effects of climate change have raised concerns regarding its performance in the near future, thus it is crucial to develop adaptation strategies for the production of cotton in Greece. One such alternative is the adoption of interspecific hybrids (G. hirsutum × G. barbadense). These hybrids have been suggested to be more resilient and to outperform their parental varieties. In order to evaluate the potential of such hybrids, a field experiment was conducted in two sites in Greece. Two novel cotton hybrids (1432 and 701) and a conventional variety (‘Elpida’) were farmed in two different plant densities (8 and 13 plants m2) and their agronomic traits (biomass, LAI), yield and yield components (seed cotton yield, lint yield, seed yield, ration lint/seed cotton, and ratio seed/seed cotton), and quality traits were assessed. The agronomic traits and the yield of the hybrids were equal or superior in comparison to ‘Elpida’. Similar findings were also observed in the majority of the quality traits. Based on our results, interspecific cotton hybrids are promising for the European cotton sector. 

Influence of Urea Fertilization with and without Inhibitors on Growth and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Different Tillage Practices

Nitrogen fertilization is important for plant development. Because of the problems caused by urea, which is mainly used in nitrogen fertilizers, new types of fertilizers have inhibitors, that control the fertile disposal in soil. In addition, tillage practice is important in order to maintain soil productivity and prepare a good seedbed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of implications of urea fertilizer with and without nitrification (MPA) and urease inhibitor (NBPT), and conventional and no-tillage systems on plant growth and yield of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) crop. A field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four replications, two main plots (conventional and no-tillage system), and three sub-plots (control, urea with and without nitrification and urease inhibitors). The results indicated that fertilization significantly affected plant height, dry weight, seed yield and number of capitula and the highest values observed with urea with urease inhibitor. Tillage practice influenced the number of capitula and number of seeds per capitulum, and the higher numbers were found under conventional tillage. The findings of the present study imply that urea fertilizer with nitrification and urease inhibitors was very efficient and contributed a notable impact on the plant growth and yield of safflower