Current Agronomy

Chelate-induced accumulation of rare earth elements in plants grown on soil and ash-based growing media

Dominika Gmur — 2025-04-30

Phytoextraction is a phytoremediation technique that uses plants to remediate contaminated areas. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between the use of two doses of chelate (5 mM and 10 mM): CA, EGTA, and EDTA on three selected plant species which grew on two substrates (soil with increased REE content, ash). The study focused on the following rare earth elements (REE) representatives: lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), europium (Eu), and gadolinium (Gd). Three plant species were included in the study: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze). The plant were grown on two substrates, the main components of which were soil with increased REE content and ash. Plant samples, divided into aboveground part and underground part, were analyzed by ICP-MS. The obtained REE concentrations in plant tissues ranged from 0.02 to 60.20 mg kg−1 (La), 0.05 to 62.22 mg kg−1 (Ce), 0.01 to 45.91 mg kg−1 (Eu), and 0.02 to 63.60 mg kg−1 (Gd). To determine the ability of plants to phytoextract REE, two factors were calculated: the translocation factor (TF) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF). The highest TF value was obtained for D. erythrosora and A. millefolium, when they were grown on substrate with ash. In the experiment, the BCF index value was not higher than 1. In general, the effect of chelates on REE accumulation was plant-specific. The application of CA resulted in the most efficient REE accumulation by plants.

Agriculturally important groups of microorganisms – microbial enhancement of nutrient availability

Małgorzata Woźniak — 2025-04-30

The increased dependence of modern agriculture on excessive use of agrochemicals and mineral fertilizers, combined with the effects of climate change, will contribute significantly to environmental degradation and loss of soil quality. Consequently, current trends are based on the search for sustainable agricultural practices, in line with the pro-environmental elements of European policy, to reduce energy use and environmental problems, and to provide an adequate supply of high quality, healthy food for an ever growing world population. The production of healthy food is entirely dependent on the availability of nutrients, so the use of biofertilizers with microorganisms is one of the best ways to supplement and increase the availability of nutrients necessary for proper plant growth and yield. Microorganisms are a powerful tool that can provide significant benefits to crops for sustainable agriculture. The aim of this paper is therefore to review the literature on some of the most important groups of microorganisms that are components of biofertilisers. These are those that increase nutrient availability: atmospheric nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphorus-solubilising microorganisms and potassium-solubilising microorganisms. This review therefore distinguishes between different groups of microorganisms and their plant growth promoting mechanisms by which they exert their yield enhancing function to meet the demand for healthy food. Microorganisms that are involved in balanced nutrient cycling and have other plant growth promoting properties (PGP) are an effective way to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers, enabling efficient and sustainable agriculture that maintains a healthy soil for future generations.

Effect of selected osmoprotectants (betaine, ectoine and inositol) on germination and initial growth of Triticum aestivum L. under salt stress conditions – model experiment

Karolina Furtak — 2025-05-31

Climate change and increasing soil degradation are driving the need for new agricultural solutions to support crops. Drought stress and salinity are major problems in fields around the world. A promising method to support plants under osmotic stress conditions is the use of exogenous osmoprotectants. In this study, the effects of three selected osmoprotectants: ectoine (0.25 mM), betaine
(25 mM), and inositol (25 mM), on germination and initial growth of spring wheat under salinity (1% NaCl) stress conditions in model experiment on Hoagland medium were determined. Addition of ectoine showed a statistically significant positive effect on wheat root length (increase of 50.4%) under control conditions. The addition of betaine showed a statistically significant positive effect on shoot length (increase of 60.2%) under salt stress conditions. Surprisingly, the addition of the ectoine to the medium resulted in a statistically significant lower fresh weight of wheat seedlings compared to the control under unstressed conditions. The results show that exogenous application of selected osmoprotectants can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and promote growth of spring wheat, however this topic requires further, more detailed analysis.

Effect of Azotobacter salinestris on soil microbiological parameters and cucumber yield in integrated and organic farming systems

Beata Kowalska — 2025-05-30

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Azotobacter salinestris bacteria applied in the form of Rhizosum N plus preparation on the yield of cucumber cv. Gala F1 grown in organic and integrated systems. In addition, the effect of this preparation on soil microbiological parameters – Pseudomonas spp. and Azotobacter spp. number, dehydrogenases activity, biodiversity (Shannon coefficient) and microbial activity (AWCD) analyzed by BIOLOG tests – were studied.
In both cropping systems, the experiment included three treatments: control (full nitrogen fertilization); half dose of nitrogen fertilization; Rhizosum N plus preparation + half dose of nitrogen fertilization. The Rhizosum N plus formulation was applied at a rate of 25 g/ha as a spray on plants at the stage of 2–4 proper leaves. Cucumbers were harvested and segregated into the following fractions: canned, pickling and overgrown. Soil microbiological analyses and leaf analyses for Azotobacter spp. abundance were performed in three terms.
It was found that the abundance of Azotobacter sp. bacteria on cucumber leaves increased after spraying with Rhizosum N plus. The bacteria maintained a high abundance at least until 14 days after application. The preparation Rhizosum N plus had a slight effect on the increase of Pseudomonas bacteria number in the soil. No changes were found in dehydrogenases activity or in the biodiversity and functional activity of microorganisms in the soil in the treated combinations. In both cultivation systems, it was shown that the application of Rhizosum N plus had a positive effect on the yield of cucumbers. First of all, it accelerated fruit setting, which resulted in a higher yield at the first harvest. In addition, a positive effect on pickling and canning fractions was observed – a higher yield was obtained in the treatment with Rhizosum N plus + 1/2 N than in the “1/2 N fertilization” treatment.
These findings show that foliar spraying of Azotobacter salinestris in cucumber cultivation could be a sustainable way to promote plant growth and improve soil microbiological diversity.

The content of nitrates and nitrites in potato tubers depending on the earliness group and storage

Katarzyna Gościnna — 2025-07-28

To ensure the protection of consumer health and the environment, it is crucial to delve into various aspects of potato cultivation, including analysis of the nitrate and nitrite content. Understanding the influence of potato genotype and specific growing conditions on nitrate and nitrite accumulation in tubers is key to ensuring food security and yield quality. Nitrate concentration in potato tubers is genetically determined, and is also subject to variability depending on environmental factors and storage conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nitrate and nitrite content of tubers of 18 edible potato varieties belonging to different earliness groups grown under an integrated crop production system, immediately after harvest and after 6-month storage. The content of nitrates and nitrites in lyophilized raw potato tubers was determined with the application of ionoselective method with the use of a multifunctional computer device CX-721, Elmetron make. The study showed that the tested potato varieties had low nitrate content, not exceeding the established standard of 200 mg kg-1 f.m., according to FAO/WHO guidelines. The average nitrate content of the tubers ranged from 28.4 to 95.6 mg kg-1 f.m., and nitrite from 0.18 to 0.98 mg kg-1 f.m. The highest values were found in the Tacja variety, and the lowest in Wega variety. After storage under controlled conditions, a decrease in nitrates and nitrites was observed by 6.4% and 20.3%, respectively. These values vary according to the earliness group of the varieties, with medium-early varieties showing the greatest decrease.

Economic implications of digitalization and smart agriculture: A comparative study of Poland and Türkiye

Filiz Kutluay Tutar — 2025-08-30

The integration of advanced digital technologies in agriculture has led to significant improvements in productivity and sustainability. This study examines the economic implications of digital transformation in the agricultural sectors of Poland and Türkiye, focusing on the adoption of smart farming technologies such as IoT, AI, and precision farming. The research aims to explore how these technologies enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in both countries. The study employs a comparative analysis approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected from various sources, including academic literature, government reports, and case studies of successful digital agriculture implementations in Poland and Türkiye. The analysis includes a review of historical developments, current initiatives, and the economic benefits of digitalization in agriculture. Case studies were selected to illustrate the practical applications and outcomes of digital technologies in different agricultural contexts. The findings reveal that both Poland and Türkiye have made substantial progress in adopting digital tools, resulting in increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and improved resource management. However, challenges such as digital literacy, financial barriers, and the integration of traditional farming practices remain. The study concludes that continued investment in education, infrastructure, and supportive policies is essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural sectors of both countries.

Experimental analysis of a multi-magnetron microwave dryer prototype: electromagnetic field distribution and dielectric characterisation using apple pomace

Paulina Lipińska-Palka — 2025-08-30

This study focuses on design, development, and evaluation of a prototype microwave dryer equipped with ten magnetrons, intended for the uniform and energy-efficient drying of high-moisture biomass. Apple pomace, a by-product of the apple juice industry, was selected as a representative model material due to its high water content and dielectric variability. The study focuses on the characterisation of electromagnetic field distribution inside the dryer chamber and the dielectric properties of apple pomace at varying moisture contents (10% and 70%). Experimental field mapping was conducted using electric and magnetic field probes, while dielectric parameters were extracted using coaxial transmission line measurements and NRW computational methods. Simulation results revealed significant field inhomogeneity due to multimode resonances and phase discrepancies between magnetrons. Drying performance was evaluated with respect to wave penetration depth, absorption uniformity, and power matching efficiency under different material loads. The results suggest that material moisture below 50% enables deeper microwave penetration and more stable operation. Although microwave drying of moist biomass has been extensively studied in theory and at laboratory or pilot scale, no industrial-scale systems currently exist that process apple pomace. The findings offer a reference for improving the construction and electromagnetic performance of industrial-scale microwave dryers, with relevance for various bio-based applications, including feedstock stabilisation and thermal processing.

Potential health benefits of papaya (Carica papaya) in modern and traditional medicine with considering its phytochemistry and nutritional components

Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian — 2025-08-30

The plant-derived products contain different advantages over synthetic drugs, such as being readily available, being more affordable, with less adverse effects after long-term or short-term consumption. Carica papaya can be found in almost all sub-tropical and tropical regions. The aim of the study is to present and summarize knowledge about papaya in terms of its phytochemistry, nutritional value and use in traditional and modern medicine. Extensive research data from reputable sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were scrutinized to collate related information. The application of papaya in folk medicine is made possible by the phytochemicals present in the plant, which include steroids, tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, pro-anthocyanidins, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones. The seeds and leaves of papaya have high nutritional value, and are sometimes added to products like tea and flour to increase the nutritional value. Its seeds contain minerals that include zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as phenolic components such as carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, tocopherols, glucosinolates, and benzylisothiocyanate. In vivo and in vitro studies show that papaya has different pharmacological benefits such as antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, antidiarrheal, anxiolytic, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiobesity, anthelminthic, antithrombocytopenic, and contraceptive activities. Our study concluded that the extensive application of different parts of the papaya plant is needed in modern medicinal sciences as well as traditional medicine.