Abstract In light of global sustainability challenges and the limited availability of conventional protein sources for livestock, it became essential to find alternative protein sources. In this context, the reintroduction of grain legumes into crop production systems may represent a promising strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by Lupinus albus, on gut microbiota modulation in weaned piglets’ diet. Twenty weaned piglets (Landrace x Large White) were involved in the trial for 28 days. Animals were divided into two experimental groups balanced per weight and sex: the control (CTRL, n = 10) receiving basal diet with 7.3 % soybean meal and the treatment (LUP, n = 10) receiving 10 % of Lupinus albus ( L. albus ) meal. Microbiota analysis showed a limited modulation in terms of richness and evenness in LUP group compared to CTRL group. However, the dietary inclusion of lupin seed meal resulted in changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial genera, with higher abundances of Methanobrevibacter , a hydrogenotrophic methanogen associated with microbial fermentation, as well as Allobaculum and Romboutsia , which have been associated with the utilization of fibre and complex carbohydrates. In conclusion, the inclusion of L. albus as a replacement for soybean meal, in piglets’ diets could represent a viable strategy to reduce dependence on soybean protein by supporting local protein production systems, particularly suitable for organic farming as well as for extensive livestock systems supplying local markets.
Abstract Understanding how large-scale climate teleconnections affect staple crop yield is essential for anticipating production risks and strengthening food security in a warming world. This study examines the influence of major teleconnection patterns on potato yield across Europe, where potatoes remain a key component of the food supply. To account for differences in cropping calendars, Europe was divided into three regions (North, Center, South) based on potato growing season timing. Nine machine learning techniques were applied to model regional yield responses using a dataset spanning 1961–2023, incorporating multiple teleconnection indices with lags of up to 36 months. Among all models, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) performed best in every region, with the highest accuracy in the South ( R 2 = 0.79) and lower but still robust skill in the North ( R 2 = 0.62). Explainable artificial intelligence using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) showed that the East Atlantic (EA) and East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) patterns were consistently the most influential predictors, although their importance varied regionally. Lagged EA indices emerged as particularly significant, indicating a strong climate-memory effect in potato production. Despite the highest prediction accuracy in the South, this region exhibited the lowest historical yield levels, likely reflecting combined heat and water stress. By demonstrating that regional potato yield is strongly modulated by specific teleconnection patterns, these findings highlight the value of teleconnection-aware prediction systems for climate-risk management and underscore the need to integrate climate indices into long-term agricultural and food security planning in Europe.
Abstract The cultivation of elephant grass [ Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] may help mitigate dry-season forage shortages due to its high regrowth potential and nutritive value. In this context, cultivar selection and harvest frequency are key factors affecting forage accumulation and nutritive value. This study evaluated the nutritive value of elephant grass cultivars of different plant sizes (two tall: Elephant B and IRI 381; and two dwarf: Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) under irrigation and two harvest frequencies (60 and 90 days) during dry and rainy seasons. The experiment was conducted under tropical conditions in Brazil, from September 2019 to May 2022. The experimental design used was randomized complete block with split plots arrangement and four replications. Greater crude protein (CP) concentrations (109.9 vs. 89.1 g/kg DM) were observed during both rainy and dry seasons under 60-day harvest frequency. Ether extract and hemicellulose concentrations were greater during the rainy season, while total carbohydrates and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were greater in the dry season. Tall-size genotypes exhibited greater neutral and acid detergent fibre concentrations in leaves, whereas the dwarf-type Mott showed lower stem fibre fractions and greater stem IVDMD. In general, harvesting every 60 days improved forage nutritive value, while extending the regrowth period promoted genotype- and season-dependent changes in CP and fibre fractions. Overall, harvest frequency exerted a greater influence on forage nutritive value than plant size, indicating that harvest management should be adjusted according to genotype and seasonal conditions.
As salt-sensitive crops, the performance of legumes in resisting salinity should be improved through accessible, less expensive and commonly practiced alternatives. Our study investigated the potential benefits of coupling the activation of endogenous phosphate-solubilizing bacteria with calcium phosphate amendment, focusing on saline soil fertility, the activation of the plants' antioxidant defense mechanisms, and the phosphate solubilization efficiency of the PSBs in plants growing under salinity conditions. There were four factors in the experimental treatments; i) control (C), ii) two levels of salinity (NaCl) 0.3% and 0.9%, iii) two levels of calcium-phosphate (Ca-P): (21% Ca x 41%P), (48% Ca x 92% P) and iii) combined application (NaCl x Ca P), applied at the seedling stage. Salinity significantly reduced water uptake, physiological parameters and affected root growth strategy (-60%). PCA confirmed that stressed plants showed a positive association between antioxidant parameters which could related to overproduction of ROS, decreased phosphate solubilizing activity, destroyed soil and reduced plant tolerance to salt stress. Application of combined (NaCl x Ca-P) significantly improved the antioxidant response with accumulation of proteins and proline, increase in water uptake, chlorophyll pigments, maintain cell turgor, root hair density (70%), root hair length (71%), complete histological root formation, improved the physicochemical quality of the soil where EC decreased by about 20 % and pH became neutral, and increased the PSB number (80%). The use of Ca-P with salinity could reestablish physiological homeostasis, complete anatomy, and better plant growth. It also enhanced the physicochemical and biological properties of the saline soil. Interactivity in the plant-soil-rhizobacteria system could be a viable option to positively influence plant resilience against salt stress and saline soil rehabilitation.
Sustainable development is among the most important global goals. In this context, economic, environmental, and social sustainability constitute three important components. Green growth is among the main focuses outlined in the COP30 Agenda. COP30 places great emphasis on a green growth approach that takes environmental issues into account and pays attention to combating the climate crisis. This study focuses on the determinants of green growth in the G7 countries, which stand out as the most developed group of countries. Within this scope, the role of agriculture and artificial intelligence is highlighted. Using data from 2010-2022 for G7 countries, the study investigates the relationship between green growth and agriculture, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, environmental taxes, and economic freedoms. Panel data techniques that consider cross-sectional dependence are used in estimating the broad empirical model. In this context, the PANIC Fourier unit root test and panel cointegration tests that take structural breaks into account are used. The empirical findings reveal that agricultural value added, artificial intelligence, renewable energy consumption, and environmental taxes have a statistically significant and positive effect on the green economic growth index; while the effect of the economic freedom index is statistically insignificant. These results highlight the leading role of the agricultural sector and artificial intelligence in achieving green growth. On the other hand, the importance of renewable energy and environmental taxes in preventing negative externalities of economic growth has also been demonstrated. These results offer important policy implications for G7 countries, shedding light on the factors that pave the way for sustainable development.
