Successful cultivation of S. tuberosum L. plants require appropriate irrigation management practices and water quality assessment. This study investigates irrigation water quality parameters in two S. tuberosum L. cultivation fields (A and B), aiming to optimize water uses for sustainable production, knowing that potato is an irrigation dependent crop. A comparative analysis approach was performed, using tools such as Piper and Wilcox classification diagram with sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) index, in order to assess irrigation water quality. Key parameters were analyzed, including pH, electrical conductivity and several ion concentrations (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfate, bicarbonate, and chloride), which impact potato crop development and productivity. Results revealed slight variations in water quality irrigation between fields, which may affect soil preservation management strategies in the future. Irrigation water from both fields showed different hydrochemical facies: calcium bicarbonate for field A and calcium sulfate bicarbonate for field B. Data indicated the importance to monitoring salinity in field B due to the high water conductivity (1495 µS cm−1). SAR index of field B (2.53) indicates a greater potential for sodium accumulation in the soil, potentially causing soil sodification due to a high proportion of sodium concentration (138.9 mg L−1) compared to those of calcium (178.2 mg L−1) and magnesium (30.2 mg L−1). Field A showed a lower SAR index (0.71), indicating a relatively low proportion of sodium (38.7 mg L−1) compared to calcium (176.6 mg L−1) and magnesium (14.5 mg L−1). This lower potential for sodium accumulation can be beneficial for soil structure and plant growth. The integrated approach provides important data to decision-making about water and soil use based on physical and chemical parameters of the irrigation water.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) use has increased over the past decades. However, reports concerning ART’s low efficiency continue to emerge, citing causes related to lower embryo quality and pregnancy rates compared to their in vivo counterparts. One of the setbacks of ART is oxidative stress, which can impair embryo developmental rates. Mitochondrial redox and energetic homeostasis determine both cell survival and death, so mitochondria are a key target for therapeutic intervention strategies. In the present work, our objective was to improve the quality of viable embryos by adding new mitochondria-targeted antioxidants in the embryo culture media to reduce oxidative stress. Two naturally derived antioxidants synthesized by our team, AntiOxBEN2 and AntiOxCIN4, based on hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic scaffolds, respectively, were studied in two different experimental protocols (here called experiments). The first experiment investigated the effects of the antioxidants on embryo development to determine their optimal concentrations. The first assay of the first experiment focused on the effects of AntiOxCIN4 at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 10 μM, while the second assay focused on the effects of AntiOxBEN2 at the same concentrations. A control group without supplementation was run simultaneously. The second experiment aimed to compare the best concentrations of these antioxidant molecules in the embryo culture media and their effect on embryos’ resistance to vitrification/warming. In each experiment, the embryos were morphologically evaluated, and the total and viable cell numbers were examined. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial polarization were also evaluated using specific fluorescent dyes. In experiment 1, an increased embryo quality was identified by using 2.5 μM AntiOxCIN4 (p = 0.03) and 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN2 (p = 0.001). Moreover, blastocysts supplemented with 2.5 μM AntiOxCIN4 had higher viability (p = 0.008), while those supplemented with 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN2 presented a greater total cell number (p = 0.01). An improvement in embryo cryosurvival following the supplementation during the culture process with either antioxidant was identified in experiment 2, with superior expansion scores after vitrification/warming and culture (2.5 μM AntiOxCIN4, p = 0.056 and 2.5 μM AntiOxBEN2, p = 0.059). In conclusion, both AntiOxCIN4 and AntiOxBEN2 had a beneficial effect on embryo development and cryosurvival, suggesting a potential intervention to reduce oxidative stress in assisted reproductive technologies.

Coriander shows a wide range of bioactive components that support its nutraceutical potential that, according to the literature, can be enhanced through plant-associated microorganisms. Endophyte fungi Byssochlamys spectabilis and one fungus belonging to the Xylariaceae family were evaluated from an agronomic (i.e. dry weight), and chemical (both plant and essential oil (EO)) perspective. Endophytes were either inoculated in coriander plants or sprayed their filtrates as aerial treatment. Inoculated Xylariaceae fungus prompted higher (32%) plant dry weight also exhibiting a tendency to delay plant maturation. Inoculated plants showed higher antioxidant capacity than control, increasing tenfold with Xylariaceae, and doubling by using B. spectabilis (36.94 mg Trolox/g versus 17.32 mg Trolox/g in control plants). Regarding minerals, Zn was slightly increased after applying the B. spectabilis filtrate, while K and Fe decreased slightly after inoculation with Xylaraceae fungus. The application of B. spectabilis filtrate increased myristic acid from 1.9% to 2.6% and from <0.05% to 0.7% in young and older plants EO, respectively, while inoculation with Xylariaceae endophyte increased n-decanal and n-undecanal, from 1% to 2.6% and from 1.1% to 1.8%, respectively, in young plants. Endophytic fungi can improve both coriander production and EO metabolomic profile.

Oxidative stress during in vitro maturation of oocytes impairs mitochondrial function and reduces developmental competence. We evaluated the potential of AntiOxBEN2, a novel triphenylphosphonium-conjugated antioxidant, to enhance bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 22h in medium supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 50, or 100 μM AntiOxBEN2. Nuclear maturation rates, cleavage and blastocyst formation were assessed after in vitro fertilization, while bioenergetic parameters (lactate production, oxygen consumption rate, intracellular ATP, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), transcripts for antioxidant defense-related genes (Nfe2l2/Nqo1), and mtND5 gene copy number, as an indirect measure of mitochondrial DNA copy number, were measured in mature oocytes. AntiOxBEN2 improved nuclear maturation in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05) and maximized cleavage rate at 10 μM (79.4 ± 2.5 % versus 67.7 ± 2.7 % in control; p ≤ 0.01). At this concentration, mtND5 copy number also increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas higher doses (50-100 μM) delayed meiosis and elevated lactate without affecting ATP, ROS, or oxygen consumption. No treatment altered Nfe2l2 or Nqo1 transcript levels. These findings indicate that 10 μM AntiOxBEN2 optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances early embryo cleavage, supporting its inclusion in maturation media as a strategy to improve assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important global food crop, being greatly valued for its high carbohydrate content and nutritional profile. In response to the world population’s rapid growth and the increasing need for nutritionally enhanced food quality, potato biofortification has become a key focus of agronomic research. This study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) biofortification on two potato cultivars (Picasso and Rossi) cultivated in Portugal, assessing its impact on the photosynthetic functioning and the Ca content and distribution of tubers. At the beginning of the tuberization stage, seven foliar applications of CaCl2 or Ca-EDTA at 12 kg ha−1 were performed. The application of Ca-EDTA led to an increased Ca content in peeled tubers of Picasso (37%) and Rossi (16%), and 88% and 79% in unpeeled tubers, in the same cv. order and as compared to their controls, with Ca predominantly accumulating in the epidermis/peel region. Photosynthetic performance was negatively impacted by the Ca-EDTA treatment in Picasso but not in Rossi, which was reflected in the significant declines in net photosynthesis (Pn) and maximal (Fv/Fm) and actual (Fv′/Fm) photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Additionally, both genotypes showed negative impacts (greater in Picasso) on the quantum yield of non-cyclic electron transport (Y(II)) and photochemical quenching (qL) after five foliar applications. This contrasted with the absence of negative impacts under the use of CaCl2, which resulted in 17.1% (Picasso) and 29.5% (RFossi) increase in Ca content in peeled tubers, without any significant differences between the unpeeled tubers of both cvs. Moreover, only with CaCl2, the tuber weight and yield were not negatively impacted. These findings pointed out that, although with a lower Ca increase in the tubers, CaCl2 was the best suitable option for the Ca biofortification of these cvs. at the applied doses.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s fourth most important food crop and is considered a staple food. Nutrient absorption in potato plants is influenced by different factors such as soil properties (namely mineral element composition). This study aimed to assess Ca, K, S, and Fe dynamics in three potato cultivars (Agria, Désirée, and Red Lady) grown across different soil types. As such, soil analyses were carried out before and after cultivation, revealing different variations in Ca, K, S, and Fe content. The results demonstrated that mineral distribution in the different plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, and tubers) showed distinct patterns, with Ca accumulating preferentially in leaves, K in stems, S in roots, and Fe in leaves. Mobilization efficiency was also evaluated and followed a specific pattern across all cultivars and soil types: K > S > Fe > Ca, reflecting the mineral translocation efficiency of these mineral elements within plant tissues to tuber. No significant differences were observed in tuber weight, or minimum and maximum diameter, indicating that these quality parameters were not influenced by the soil type. Fresh weight of tuber biomass assessment showed variability among the different cultivars and soil types. Principal component analysis showed that Ca content is associated with productivity parameters as well as K, contributing to tuber yield. Overall, cultivar-based variations in mineral uptake patterns were identified, suggesting that both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in mineral element absorption and translocation efficiency. This study highlights the importance of understanding mineral element dynamics in S. tuberosum L. cultivation, in order to optimize tuber yield and quality.

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, presents a challenge for maintaining quality and shelf-life during post-harvest storage. This study investigates the impact of different temperatures (5 °C, 13 °C, and 21 °C) during 14 days of storage, on the physicochemical, microbiological, and bioactive characteristics of H. erinaceus. Respiration was measured as an indicator of physiological aging, showing that higher temperatures increased CO2 production as well as O2 depletion. Physicochemical assessments, including moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, browning index, and firmness, demonstrated that refrigeration at 5 °C best preserved the mushrooms’ quality. Storage at 5 °C effectively minimized microbial proliferation, maintaining acceptable levels until day 7 but showing increased contamination by day 14. However, higher temperatures promoted antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, likely due to moisture loss and oxidative stress. These findings highlight the critical role of low-temperature storage in preserving both the physicochemical integrity and functional bioactivity of H. erinaceus, and suggest further research into packaging solutions and preservation strategies to optimize the post-harvest handling of H. erinaceus.

Seven commercially available apples varieties in Portugal (Jongold, Pink Lady, Reineta, Fuji, Gala, Golden and Granny) were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. In this context, mineral content, height, weight, diameter, firmness, total solids soluble content, color, total lipids content and total protein content were carried out. Mineral content was assessed using X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry in apples with and without peel, revealing significant differences between each variety. Moreover, there were significant differences between height, dry weight content, density, total soluble solids content, firmness, size, colorimetric parameter. Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in Fe, Ca, K, Cl and S content as well as protein and total lipid content. Additionally, Reineta variety emerged as the sweetest variety among the studied varieties and the study also revealed that the mineral content was higher in apples with peel compared to those without peel, highlighting the nutritional importance of apple skin.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the world’s third most popular vegetable in terms of consumption and the fourth most produced. Potatoes can be easily cultivated in different climates and locations around the globe and often in soils contaminated by heavy metals due to industrial activities. This study assessed heavy metal accumulation in different organs of three S. tuberosum L. varieties (Agria, Désirée, and Red Lady) grown in different substrate formulations containing slag and waste from the Caveira polymetallic sulfite mine in Portugal. Results reveal that Cu, Pb, and As accumulation in the different organs of the plant depends on variety and substrate formulation, with tubers exceeding reference values from the literature. Tubers accumulated less Cu (varying between 17.3 and 32 mg/kg), Pb (varying between 5 and 27.6 mg/kg) and As (varying between 4 and 14.8 mg/kg) compared to other plant organs, and the Désirée variety exhibited high Pb (with a maximum of 27.6 mg/kg) accumulation in tubers compared to the remaining varieties. Although the phenological development of plants was not impacted, substrate formulation played a critical role in the plant’s metal uptake. The Agria variety presented a lower contamination risk in tubers, but potato cultivation in contaminated soils can present a risk to human health.

Climate change has intensified the frequency, severity, and simultaneous incidence of drought and heat events, threatening the sustainability of agricultural systems worldwide. This implies the use of resilient plant genotypes able to activate defense mechanisms and overcome stress damage. We examined the leaf transcriptomic, proteomic, and membrane lipid responses in two cultivars of the main coffee-producing species—Coffea arabica L. cv. Icatu and Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner cv. Conilon Clone 153 (CL153—subjected to single and combined exposure to severe water deficit (SWD) and heat (up to 42°C/30°C, day/night). Well-watered (WW) plants maintained under adequate temperature (25°C/20°C) were gradually exposed to SWD and afterward to a slow temperature increase up to 42°C/30°C, followed by a 2-week recovery (Rec14) after reestablishing temperature and water conditions. Gene regulation and the respective protein contents were often marginally correlated; however, CL153 and, especially, Icatu showed markedly greater abundance of transcripts and/or proteins of most molecules to the imposed stress conditions, along with altered lipid profiles of chloroplast membranes. A set of key complementary response mechanisms, expressed either commonly or in a genotype- or stress-dependent manner, was identified. Additionally, the common responses to all stress conditions reflected stress crosstalk and interaction. Drought (with or without heat superimposition) constituted a greater response driver than heat in both genotypes. These showed de-novo synthesis of lipids and proteins, altering the fatty acid profile and unsaturation degree of chloroplast membranes and strengthening oxidative stress protection. The latter involved several genes and their respective proteins (e.g., aquaporins, PIPs and TIPs; chaperonins, Chape 20 and 60; dehydrin, DH1; dehydration-responsive element binding protein, DREB1D-F1; early light-induced protein, ELIP; heat shock protein 70 kDa, HSP70; ascorbate peroxidases, APXs; catalase, CAT), particularly prominent in Icatu. Also, a major recovery was found, although several genes/proteins exhibited lasting effects by Rec14. Overall, we revealed newly shared and specific (genotype or stress) responses of a complex network supporting Coffea spp. resilience. The identification of reliable stress-responsive traits is crucial to ensure the sustainability of this important tropical crop facing future climate stress scenarios, in which superimposed drought and heat stresses will be more frequent.

Climatic models have projected increasing harmful impacts of climate changes on natural and agricultural ecosystems along this century. The increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) has been associated with a greater frequency of extreme weather events, as increased air temperature and heat waves, and altered rainfall patterns that boost floods and droughts more often and for longer periods. Agriculture ecosystems are expected to be greatly vulnerable to such new climatic conditions, with relevant impacts on crop productivity/quality/sustainability, and plant survival. Forecasts suggest that the coffee tree (Coffea spp.) will be strongly affected by warming and drought, with decreases in crop productivity, and biodiversity. However, several studies indicate that some coffee elite genotypes display a greater environmental resilience than what was usually believed. Moreover, elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) has been shown to remarkably attenuate the impairments associated with stressful conditions at physiological and biochemical levels, by improving the photosynthesis apparatus functioning, heightening water-use efficiency, and strengthening some protective mechanisms. Additionally, e[CO2] may also promote architectural and morphological changes, with allometric adjustments linked to biomass partitioning within plant organs and growth stimulation, and ultimately greater crop yields. In this context, here we highlight the latest studies regarding coffee response mechanisms to low water availability and elevated temperatures, and why e[CO2] can improve plant resiliency to such environmental stresses. Altogether, these findings are of utmost importance to the coffee crop sustainability under the projected future climatic scenarios.

The agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including resource inefficiency, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need for sustainable practices. These issues necessitate the application of advanced methods introduced by Agriculture 4.0 to ensure productivity and sustainability. This paper focus on the application of the Intelligent Data-Driven Decision Support System for Agricultural Systems (ID3SAS) methodology to a proximal sensing case study aimed at improving vineyard management via monitoring and predictive modeling with Artificial Intelligence. The developed system was deployed in vineyards in Portugal, and provided a robust test-bed for real-world application.

Zinc enrichment of edible food products, through the soil and/or foliar application of fertilizers, is a strategy that can increase the contents of some nutrients, namely Zn. In this context, a workflow for agronomic enrichment with zinc was carried out on irrigated Vitis vinifera cv. Syrah, aiming to evaluate the mobilization of photoassimilates to the winegrapes and the consequences of this for winemaking. During three productive cycles, foliar applications were performed with ZnSO4 or ZnO, at concentrations ranging between 150 and 1350 g.ha−1. The normal vegetation index as well as some photosynthetic parameters indicated that the threshold of Zn toxicity was not reached; it is even worth noting that with ZnSO4, a significant increase in several cases was observed in net photosynthesis (Pn). At harvest, Zn biofortification reached a 1.2 to 2.3-fold increase with ZnSO4 and ZnO, respectively (being significant relative to the control, in two consecutive years, with ZnO at a concentration of 1350 g.ha−1). Total soluble sugars revealed higher values with grapes submitted to ZnSO4 and ZnO foliar applications, which can be advantageous for winemaking. It was concluded that foliar spraying was efficient with ZnO and ZnSO4, showing potential benefits for wine quality without evidencing negative impacts.

Changes in the climate have led to the occurrence of extreme events that threaten the production of major crops, namely that of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Waterlogging imposed at the tillering stage can severely affect the yield, but several genotype features may counterbalance the negative impacts on yields. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of waterlogging on the number of fertile spikes, kernels per plant, and single kernel weight, as well as to assess the main culm and tiller participation in yields. We also investigated if the growth stages affected by stress would influence such traits. The study was conducted in climatized growth chambers using 23 genotypes from five distinct germplasm groups (Portuguese landraces, varieties with the introduced Italian germplasm, post-Green Revolution varieties with the introduced CIMMYT germplasm, advanced lines from the Portuguese wheat breeding program, Australian varieties). Variability was observed between and within the groups. Ten genotypes performed well under waterlogged conditions, showing promising results. Among these, GR-2 showed a rise in tiller yield, AdvL-3 in both the main culm and tiller yield, and the remaining ones displayed unaltered values in both the main culm and tillers. PL-1, PL-5, GR-1, GR-3, AdvL-2, Austrl-2, and Austrl-4 were able to compensate for the decreases observed for several traits, reaching harvest yield values that were unaffected in both the main culm and tillers. Rises in the tiller yield or in the tillers and main culm, GR-2 and AdvL-3 exhibited either stability or increases in all the studied parameters. Results also suggest a negative correlation between the growth stage reached during waterlogging and the effect of this stress on the number of spikes per plant, plant and tiller yield, kernel per spike (tillers), and single kernel weight (tillers). Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of wheat responses to waterlogging and to the development of solutions that mitigate the socio-economic impacts of 20–50% wheat yield reductions, thereby preserving the daily 20% supply of energy and protein required for human nutrition and global food security.

Este livro, que surge agora numa 2ª. edição atualizada e revista, procura apresentar, de forma tutorial, algumas noções básicas no âmbito da alimentação e nutrição humana. Adopta-se uma perspectiva didáctica, tendencialmente formativa, que tende a potenciar a aplicação, análise, síntese e valorização de conhecimentos dos leitores.

Zinc deficiency affects the population worldwide, being developed several strategies to mitigate this health problem, such as agronomic biofortification. The absence of an adequate amount of Zn affects growth, immunity, and reproductive system. Accordingly, a technological itinerary for Zn agronomic biofortification was outlined using grapes Vitis vinifera cv. Moscatel (i.e., with irrigation), aiming the optimization of the Zn content, and the determination of potential implications in some quality parameters. Along the production cycle, three foliar applications of ZnSO4 and ZnO fertilizers were performed at the concentrations of 0, 450 and 900 g ha─1 (with the control being sprayed with water). At harvest, all biofortified grapes showed an increase in Zn content (greater at maximum concentrations of 900 g ha─1), with ZnO-grapes achieving a 4.2-fold increase. Through the tissue analyses (µ-EDXRF) a Zn accumulation in the seeds was found after the application of Zn fertilizers. Moreover, sugar analyses presented mainly glucose and fructose within the range of 7.70–13.22

Climate changes boosted the frequency and severity of drought and heat events, with aggravated when these stresses occur simultaneously, turning crucial to unveil the plant response mechanisms to such harsh conditions. Therefore, plant responses/resilience to single and combined exposure to severe water deficit (SWD) and heat were assessed in two cultivars of the main coffee-producing species: Coffea arabica cv. Icatu and C. canephora cv. Conilon Clone 153 (CL153). Well-watered plants (WW) were exposed to SWD under an adequate temperature of 25/20°C (day/night), and thereafter submitted to a gradual increase up to 42/30°C, and a 14-d recovery period (Rec14). Greater protective response was found to single SWD than to single 37/28°C and/or 42/30°C (except for HSP70) in both cultivars, but CL153-SWD plants showed the larger variations of leaf thermal imaging crop water stress index (CWSI, 85% rise at 37/28°C) and stomatal conductance index (IG, 66% decline at 25/20°C). Both cultivars revealed great resilience to SWD and/or 37/28°C, but a tolerance limit was surpassed at 42/30°C. Under stress combination, Icatu usually displayed lower impacts on membrane permeability, and PSII function, likely associated with various responses, usually mostly driven by drought (but often kept or even strengthened under SWD and 42/30°C). These included the photoprotective zeaxanthin and lutein, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, Cu,Zn-SOD; ascorbate peroxidase, APX), HSP70, arabinose and mannitol (involving de novo sugar synthesis), contributing to constrain lipoperoxidation. Also, only Icatu showed a strong reinforcement of glutathione reductase activity under stress combination. In general, the activities of antioxidative enzymes declined at 42/30°C (except Cu,Zn-SOD in Icatu and CAT in CL153), but HSP70 and raffinose were maintained higher in Icatu, whereas mannitol and arabinose markedly increased in CL153. Overall, a great leaf plasticity was found, especially in Icatu that revealed greater responsiveness of coordinated protection under all experimental conditions, justifying low PIChr and absence of lipoperoxidation increase at 42/30°C. Despite a clear recovery by Rec14, some aftereffects persisted especially in SWD plants (e.g., membranes), relevant in terms of repeated stress exposure and full plant recovery to stresses.

Mushroom cultivation presents a viable solution for utilizing agro-industrial byproducts as substrates for growth. This process enables the transformation of low-economic-value waste into nutritional foods. Enhancing the yield and quality of preharvest edible mushrooms, along with effectively preserving postharvest mushrooms, stands as a significant challenge in advancing the industry. Implementing pre- and postharvest strategies for Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm (oyster mushroom) within a circular economy framework involves optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly production system. This review aimed to analyze the development and innovation of the different themes and trends by bibliometric analysis with a critical literature review. Furthermore, this review outlines the cultivation techniques for Pleurotus ostreatus, encompassing preharvest steps such as spawn production, substrate preparation, and the entire mushroom growth process, which includes substrate colonization, fruiting, harvesting, and, finally, the postharvest. While novel methodologies are being explored for maintaining quality and extending shelf-life, the evaluation of the environmental impact of the entire mushroom production to identify areas for improvement is needed. By integrating this knowledge, strategies can be developed for a more sustainable and circular approach to Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom cultivation, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term viability in this industry.

There is a growing need for strategic actions involving efficient water use, sustainable agricultural production, and food security. Agricultural productivity can be improved through good agricultural practices based on water-quality management, new genetically modified resources, and using precision agriculture. This study aimed to monitor the crop water (supply, irrigation, and flooding) of an advanced rice (Oryza sativa L.) line of the breeding program (OP 1509) subjected to Selenium (Se) enrichment. Water lines in a paddy rice field were monitored by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The parameters of pH, pHs, electrical conductivity, temperature, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were analyzed. According to the Piper diagram, the samples were classified as sodium chloride bicarbonate (supply) and sodium bicarbonate chloride (irrigation and flooding). The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) was calculated and indicated that waters are good to use in agricultural practices. According to the Wilcox classification, regarding agriculture use, the samples were classified as C2S1 (supply and irrigation) and C3S1 (flooding). The Selenium contents were analyzed by atomic absorption and significant differences were observed in rice grains, with a maximum content of 10 mg.kg−1. In conclusion, the water quality is in accordance with the parameters for use in this crop and the workflow used improved the grain quality.

Tackling human malnutrition resulting from mineral deficits in foods is currently an agro-industrial problem. To address this problem, an agronomic workflow to enrich Rocha pears with calcium (Ca) was considered in two orchards in Portugal. This study aims to assess quality differences in the irrigation water of two orchards (of Rocha pear) where an agronomic Ca enrichment workflow would be performed and identify possible conditioning to Ca increases in fruits. Thus, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, pHs, cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), and anions (HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42−) were attained to calculate the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) index and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and assess the agricultural use. The values of EC, pH, pHs, SAR index and LSI of both orchards varied between 1198 and 1211 µS/cm, 7.4 and 7.5, 7.7 and 8.1, 3.5 and 7.4, and −0.69 and −0.21, respectively. Regarding Piper classification, irrigation waters were classified as sodium bicarbonate (orchard 1) and sodium chloride bicarbonate (orchard 2). Both orchards presented different classifications regarding agricultural use, namely C3S1 (orchard 2) and C3S2 (orchard 1). The water of both orchards presented the same salinity hazard (C3), but the use of these irrigation waters is enabled since these trees can be considered salt-tolerant. However, regarding the alkalinization hazard to soils, the irrigation water from orchard 2 offers less danger (S1) in comparison to orchard 1 (S2). Meanwhile, a slightly inferior LSI (orchard 1) can favor a higher tendency to dissolve calcium carbonate. In conclusion, although slightly different, analysis indicated that the waters of both orchards did not induce toxicity in Rocha pear trees.