Introduction

Soil degradation and climate change are highlighting the need for sustainable weed management practices that reduce the use of synthetic herbicides and subsequent environmental pollution. Using MSW compost derived from organic waste could represent an interesting opportunity, especially within a circular economy perspective. It is well known that MSW compost contains chemical molecules that inhibit seed germination. This antigerminative property suggests potential applications for weed control in perennial crops. The goal of this work is to develop a method to evaluate the antigerminative effect of MSW compost through germination tests under controlled conditions and to hypothesize possible applications in viticulture.

Methods

During the fall of 2023, seeds of two wild species were collected: chicory (Cichorium intybus) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Also, other two commercial species were used in this test: urye (Secale cereale), and fava bean (Vicia minor). To assess the antigerminative effect of MSW compost, five treatments with varying compost extract concentrations were applied: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, and 100%. For each treatment, three replicates consisting of 10 seeds each were used. The tests were conducted under controlled growth conditions to ensure consistency and reliability of the results. To evaluate the antigerminative effect of the MSW compost, the average number of germinated seeds was measured and analyzed.

Results

The MSW compost demonstrated antigerminative effects on the small-seeded species (wild fennel, chicory, and rye), which were correlated with the concentration of the MSW compost extract. Generally, significant effects were observed starting at the 30% concentration level. In contrast, the germination of fava bean, which is used as an artificial cover crop, was not inhibited. This lack of inhibition is likely due to the large size of the seeds.

Conclusions

Soil is a fundamental component of the vineyard system, and its management requires attention and awareness. Proper weed management helps preserve soil fertility by reducing competition for limited resources (water and nutrients) in the Mediterranean environment.

In 2022, global potato production reached approximately 376 million tons. The leading producers include China, India, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. In Africa, potato cultivation produced 20 million tons, with Morocco ranking as the third-largest producer in the Maghreb region with 2.2 million tons. Annual production can vary depending on climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and other economic factors.

This study evaluated the impacts on human health in relation to potato production in northern Morocco, using life cycle assessment (LCA) with the USEtox method. The three categories ( human toxicity – carcinogenic, human toxicity – non-carcinogenic, and ecotoxicity )were assessed to identify the main hot spots and characterize the production process. To do so, the openLCA 2.1.1 software was used. Additionally, to identify the main hot spots and characterize the manufacturing process, this work gathered comprehensive data on potato production. The functional unit considered is one ton of cultivated potatoes. The results obtained are as follows: human toxicity – non-carcinogenic is 0.01171 CTU, human toxicity – carcinogenic is 1.39568×10⁶ CTU, and ecotoxicity is 1.82540×10⁴ CTU. Machinery and diesel, nitrogen have been identified as the main hot spots during the production period. This study suggests that future research should include the replacement or reduction of the machinery, diesel , nitrogen used in the production process.

A field experiment conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telanagana, India, during the rabi season (November—April) of 2022 and 2023 assessed the impact of tillage practices and nitrogen fertilizer schedules on aerobic rice energetics. Ths study employed three tillage treatments (T) and five nitrogen fertilizer schedules (N) in a strip plot design with three replications. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with R software. The Bartlett test was performed to assess homogeneity before conducting the combined (pooled) analysis. The results revealed that conventional tillage (T1) showed higher energy input (53899 MJ ha^-1), whereas zero tillage (T3) showed lower energy input (51846 MJ ha^-1). Higher gross energy output (GEO), net energy output (NEU) (143114, 89257 MJ ha^-1), energy use efficiency (EUE) (2.65%), and energy productivity (EP) (0.0832 kg MJ^-1) obtained under T1, which is statistically comparable with minimum tillage with residue retention (T2), and significantly higher over T3. Treatment T3 resulted in the highest physical energy intensity (EIP) (5.89 MJ kg^-1). Energy intensity in economic terms (EIE) was not significantly influenced by tillage practices. Among nitrogen fertilizer treatments, the treatment 100% RDN + foliar spray of 2.5 ml l^-1 nano urea at tillering and before the panicle initiation stage (N2) generally yielded the highest energy metrics, including GEO and NEO (144278, 90759 MJ ha^-1), EUE (2.69%), EP (0.0841 kg MJ^-1) and EIP (3.55 MJ kg^-1). The treatment involving 75% RDN + foliar spray of 2.5 ml l^-1 nano DAP at tillering and before panicle initiation stage (N5) showed a higher EIE (6.11 MJ kg^-1) with the lowest energy input (51728 MJ ha^-1). Treatments T1 and N2 demonstrated superior performance across various energetics, emphasizing their effectiveness in enhancing the energetic efficiency of aerobic rice cultivation. Treatment T2 showed comparable results with T1, so conservation tillage was performed similarly with conventional tillage.

Sewage sludge (SS) derived from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) represents a valuable resource rich in organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). These elements are major components of mineral fertilizers, i.e., essential macronutrients used in agri-food production. In addition, P is recognized as a non-renewable resource, mostly as a component of P-based rocks distributed in specific global regions. Therefore, recycling and recovering N and P from SS could generate value-added products such as (organo)mineral fertilizers, fuel, energy, etc., contributing to sustainable waste management practices and environmental protection. In this study, we studied, for the first time, long-term monitoring data spanning 18 years (2007–2024), focusing on the monthly dynamics of N and P concentrations in SS generated at the WWTP Zagreb, Croatia. It was confirmed that the long-term monitoring data provide valuable insights into the dynamics of N and P in SS, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in waste management practices to enhance nutrient recovery and environmental sustainability. Specifically, an analysis of variance revealed significant concentration heterogeneity (p<0.001) for both elements over the studied years: N concentrations ranged from 0.07% to 9.57%, with a mean value of 2.59% followed by a positive linear trend (y = 0.003x + 2.557), while P concentrations varied even more, from 0.03% to 20.3%, with a mean value of 2.01% and a negative linear trend (y = -0.081x + 2.784). The significant heterogeneity and opposite trends of N and P concentrations in municipal sludge highlighted that the recovery and recycling processes of those elements need to be optimized. Technological upgrades of the current secondary and tertiary phases of wastewater treatment technology could additionally enhance SS management, maximizing the recovery of valuable nutrients, strengthening water resource conservation (e.g., preventing water eutrophication), and reducing reliance on non-renewable P.

Conventional agriculture encompasses agricultural and livestock systems that are highly specialized and often associated with a negative environmental impact and external input dependency. Integrated systems are a sustainable alternative for production, where, in addition to increased diversity, nutrient recycling is promoted under a circularity approach. This research evaluated the effect of circular and agroecological practices on the yield and soil properties of an integrated corn+sheep+forage system. Four treatments were tested in a completely randomized design with three replications: maize+vetch association without fertilization (MV), maize fertilized with sheep manure (MM), maize+vetch association fertilized with sheep manure (MVM), and maize with chemical fertilization (CFM). The response variables were grain and forage yield (maize stover+vetch), soil bulk density, soil organic matter, and soil nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The results revealed significant statistical differences (P=0.003) in forage yield and soil potassium content. The combination of animal fertilizer and crop association practices (MVM) increased the grain and forage yield compared to the chemically fertilized monoculture (CFM) by 2.3 and 5.8 Mg ha^-1, respectively. In the soil, the MVM treatment increased potassium content (P=0.027), organic matter, and ammoniacal nitrogen and decreased bulk density. In conclusion, implementing circular and agroecological practices allows for a sustainable improvement in integrated systems, as production costs for fertilization and animal feed are reduced, crop yield per unit area is increased, soil quality is improved, diversity in the production unit is favored, and the environmental impact is reduced by promoting nutrient recycling.

Introduction
The Tea Bag Index (TBI) is a standardized, simple, and accessible method for assessing soil microbial activity by estimating the rate of organic matter decomposition. Compost is an organic-rich fertilizer produced through decomposition processes facilitated by microorganisms. When added to soil, compost improves nutrient content, enhances chemical and physical properties, and boosts fertility, also contributing to soil biodiversity by introducing microbial species.

Methods
We used the Tea Bag Index (TBI) method to assess the effect of compost on the soil microbial activity under different vineyard soil management practices: tilled compost, mulched compost, and tillage without compost (control). Two types of tea were used: green tea, which contains a higher fraction of degradable organic compounds, and rooibos tea, which has a higher amount of recalcitrant compounds. A tea bag of each type was weighed and then buried, midway between two vine plants, at a depth of approximately 12 cm in at least three replicates of each different soil management practice. After a 3-month burial period, the bags were retrieved, dried at 65°C for 48 hours, and then reweighed to calculate mass loss. An ANOVa was used to assess statistical differences among the different soil management practices.

Results
The use of the Tea Bag Index (TBI) according to the original method (Keuskamp et al., 2013; https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12097) was ineffective due to the apparent incompatibility of the calculation formula. Therefore, as a valid technique for determining soil microbial decomposition activity, we measured the percentage of organic matter degradation in the tea bags: [1-(final tea weight/initial tea weight)] X 100). This approach has been used in other studies as well.

Conclusions
In the two years of compost application, the response of the soil biological activity differed. Particularly in the second year, both the tilled and the mulched compost significantly increased the soil biological activity.

Hydrochar, a carbon-based material, is synthesized through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250 °C. In this study, aloe vera residues were utilized as the feedstock for the HTC process. The impacts of untreated aloe-based hydrochar were assessed at various application rates (0.5%, 1%, and 3%) in agricultural soil and at different residence times in the soil (immediately after application and after six months of weathering). Two successive sowings of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) were conducted in pots, five months apart. The investigation focused on the effects of hydrochar addition on seed germination, plant growth, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and oxidative stress biomarkers in 35-day-old tomato plant leaves. Additionally, changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soil functions mediated by microorganisms were examined. Most effects of fresh added hydrochar were dose-dependent. Notably, a reduction in germination rate and an increase in soil salinity at 3% hydrochar loading were the most concerning outcomes. The parameters most sensitive to hydrochar application were carotenoid levels and soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and ammonium oxidase) across all concentrations studied. Elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes, proteins, and malondialdehyde in the leaves were observed only at the highest dose. The most significant finding was the increase in guaiacol peroxidase activity. Over time, except for photosynthetic parameters and soil phosphatase activity, most effects, vanished (germination, protein and malondialdehyde levels, and antioxidant enzymes) or were significantly reduced (notably guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and dehydrogenase activities). This reduction is consistent with the degradation of more labile toxic components of hydrochar in the soil. These findings underscore the necessity of rigorously testing materials derived from hydrothermal carbonization prior to their application on an agricultural scale. At the highest application rate, a safety period post-application appears essential to mitigate adverse effects on soil biota.

This study evaluates the effects of Myco-Vermicompost, produced by African Night Crawlers (ANCs) from mushroom waste, on the growth performance of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Myco-Vermicompost is a high-value organic fertilizer enriched with macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, enzymes, and growth hormones, offering a promising alternative to inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of Myco-Vermicompost in combination with biochar and topsoil on the growth and productivity of Pak Choi. The Pak Choi was planted with different growing media combinations mixed with Myco-Vermicompost approximately for six (6) treatments. Six treatments were tested, which included Myco-Vermicompost (T1), rice husk (T2), and topsoil (T3), and the combinations Myco-Vermicompost+rice husk (T4), Myco-Vermicompost+topsoil (T5), and Myco-Vermicompost+topsoil+rice husk (T6). At the end of the experimental trial, the fresh weight, the dry weight of the leaves and roots, and the total fresh and dry weight of Pak Choi were recorded to assess growth performance. The results indicated that the highest fresh weight was recorded in plants treated with T4, with values of 83.58g for leaves, 16.98g for roots, and 97.48g for total fresh weight. In contrast, the lowest fresh weight was observed in plants treated with biochar only (T2), for which we recorded 20.08g for leaves, 5.58g for roots, and 25.65g for total fresh weight. For dry weight, Pak Choi planted with topsoil (T3) showed the highest readings, with 8.54g for leaves, 1.52g for roots, and 10.06g for total weight, while the lowest was recorded in biochar treatment (T2), with 1.80g for leaves, 0.50g for roots, and 2.30g for total weight. All treatments showed significant differences (P<0.05). The findings demonstrate that using Myco-Vermicompost significantly enhances growth performance, including plant dry weight, height, and leaf area, compared to normal soil treatment. Therefore, combining Myco-Vermicompost with soil presents a significant positive impact on Pak Choi’s growth performance.

Organic farming practices are increasingly being recognized for their potential to mitigate climate change by enhancing soil health, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promoting biodiversity. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of organic farming in climate change mitigation, focusing on carbon sequestration, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission reduction, and soil organic carbon (SOC) enhancement. Organic farming techniques, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments, can sequester up to 0.9 tons of carbon per hectare annually, compared to 0.3 tons in conventional systems. In Ethiopia’s Tigray Province, organic practices have doubled agricultural productivity across over 1 million hectares by improving soil fertility and SOC. Additionally, organic farming reduces GHG emissions by minimizing synthetic fertilizer use and enhancing soil health, resulting in up to a 40% reduction in N₂O emissions. Prohibiting biomass burning further reduces methane (CH₄) emissions, which constitute 12% of agricultural GHG emissions. In Europe, organic farming has led to a 20% reduction in overall agricultural GHG emissions. These findings highlight the practical implications of organic farming. It aids climate change mitigation while enhancing farm resilience and sustainability. Improved soil health increases water retention and nutrient cycling, reduces the need for chemical inputs, and promotes biodiversity. Moreover, organic farming bolsters rural livelihoods by enhancing food security and providing economic benefits through higher market prices for organic products. In conclusion, organic farming practices offer a robust strategy for mitigating climate change. They provide significant benefits in carbon sequestration, GHG emission reduction, and soil health improvement, making them crucial for sustainable agricultural development and addressing global climate challenges.

Abstract:

Organic waste constitutes the majority of waste in Lebanon, over 52%. This study aims to valorize organic waste and turn it into an environmental benefit by investigating the use of citronella (CymbopogonWinterianus) and oregano (Origanium Syriacum) residues as biochar. These plants are known for their aromatic compounds and produce substantial waste during cultivation and processing. The biochar was produced through pyrolysis at 400°C in a muffle furnace under an atmosphere devoid of oxygen, for one hour. The efficiency of oregano and citronella biochars as soil amendments (1% of soil mass 100 g) was evaluated by studying oregano plant germination and soil analysis and as adsorbant for methylene blue. Oregano biochar demonstrated the best performance, with significant improvements in plant heightof 24 cm, leaf dimensions 1.5 cm width and 1.7 cm length, chlorophyll concentrations 62.22% chlorophyll b and 37.36% chlorophyll a, and soil nutrient levels. Citronella biochar effectively removed 88.8% of methylene blue dye.After cultivation, the results show that the amendment of biochar offers an appropriate alternative strategy to achieve higher essential oil yield (higher in 30% than the other groups) in oregano plants without compromising the aroma quality of the soil. This study highlights the potential of using agricultural residues to create biochar and add it strategically as a fertilizer which has the concomitant advantage of enriching soil fertility for long-term sustainable agriculture with potential to reduce chemical fertilizer imputs, contributing to a circular bioeconomy and offering regional economic benefits.