In an international context marked by growing concerns about water pollution, this study focuses on the development of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for treating contaminated water. This groundbreaking research explores the use of aloe vera gel as an antibacterial agent and avocado peel transformed into activated charcoal to create effective biofilters capable of specifically targeting methylene blue, heavy metals, and bacteria present in polluted water. The study begins with a thorough analysis of the antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel and the adsorption of heavy metals and dyes by activated charcoal derived from avocado peel. The methodology involves precise steps in the treatment of these natural resources into effective water treatment agents. The adsorbents were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed that the optimal dye concentration for methylene blue adsorption by activated charcoal is 100 mg/l from an aqueous solution, with an adsorption efficiency of 94.9%. Following the conducted tests, it was demonstrated that activated charcoal adsorbed a significantly higher quantity of bacteria compared to aloe vera. These biofilters, utilizing natural resources, offer an organic and economical alternative for water treatment in regions affected by water contamination. The study also examined the influence of additive concentration and mass effects in the filters. This method demonstrates an exceptional ability to treat wastewater, eliminating bacteria, organic pollutants, and dyes, all at a minimal cost and without causing environmental harm.

The Douro Demarcated Region in Northeast Portugal, particularly the Douro Superior sub-region, is marked by hot, dry summers that lead to significant water shortages across the soil–vine–atmosphere continuum. Traditionally, vineyards in this area have relied solely on rainfall. However, deficit irrigation has gained recognition as an effective strategy to stabilize or improve grape yield and quality while reducing the risks associated with climate variability. To investigate this approach, a study was carried out in a commercial vineyard using Aragonez (syn. Tempranillo), a widely planted native grape variety. The vines were exposed to two levels of deficit irrigation, along with a non-irrigated control, which reflects the prevailing local practice. The objective was to examine the interactions between weather conditions, physiological responses, yield, and must quality, with the aim of informing improved water management strategies. The findings indicate that deficit irrigation can effectively reduce the adverse effects of severe water scarcity during the maturation period. Specifically, irrigation at 40% of crop evapotranspiration significantly reduced water stress and enhanced physiological performance, particularly in leaf gas exchange and vegetative balance. These results suggest that even relatively low levels of irrigation can help prevent excessive water deficits that might otherwise result in yield losses and unbalanced grape ripening.

Groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions are increasingly threatened by overextraction, climate variability, and contamination from agricultural practices. In areas where groundwater is the primary or sole source of freshwater, pesticide infiltration from intensive crop production poses a critical environmental and public health concern. This study investigates the occurrence and electrochemical removal of four widely used pesticides—lufenuron, ethoprophos, dichlobenil, and picloram—from groundwater in a semi-arid agricultural basin located in Southeastern Türkiye. Groundwater samples were collected from two distinct locations within a 1,500 km² area and analysed using gas chromatography techniques. Detected concentrations at the first sampling site were 0.54 µg/L (lufenuron), 0.14 µg/L (ethoprophos), 0.38 µg/L (dichlobenil), and 0.61 µg/L (picloram), while values at the second site were 0.48 µg/L, 0.42 µg/L, 0.26 µg/L, and 0.17 µg/L, respectively. To mitigate pesticide contamination, an electrocoagulation (EC) process using aluminium (Al) electrodes was applied. The effect of critical operational parameters—namely initial pH (6–7), current density (2.5 mA/cm²), and electrolysis duration (30 minutes)—was systematically evaluated to optimize removal performance. The EC treatment achieved outstanding removal efficiencies ranging from 98% to 99% for all pesticides tested. Post-treatment concentrations were brought well below international drinking water standards, confirming the process's effectiveness. In addition to its technical efficacy, electrocoagulation offers a low-cost and environmentally sustainable solution that can be scaled for broader application in water-stressed agricultural regions. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated groundwater protection strategies and demonstrate the potential of electrochemical technologies in addressing pesticide pollution in vulnerable aquifer systems.

Optimizing fermentation conditions is crucial in maximizing the production of bioactive metabolites and improving the consistency and efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents. This study investigates the influence of specific carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth, cyclolipopeptide (cLP) production, and antifungal activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain VFS2 against Fusarium equiseti. Batch fermentations were conducted in four media types (LB, LA, GA, and PM) across five incubation periods (0, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours). A one-factor-at-a-time approach followed by optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) revealed that the highest antifungal activity (up to 95%) was achieved in PM and LB media. HPLC profiling showed that the composition of the culture media significantly influenced the production of key cLPs, including isoforms of iturins, fengycins, and surfactins. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a strong, significant association (p < 0.001) between specific cLPs isoforms and the antifungal activity of VFS2, with media-dependent variability. These results demonstrate the potential of integrated metabolic profiling and RSM-based optimization to enhance the biocontrol performance of B. amyloliquefaciens VFS2 under tailored fermentation conditions.

Arid and semi-arid regions of the world, including Iran, are facing an escalating water crisis, environmental degradation, and socio-economic vulnerability. Historically, local communities in these regions developed ingenious indigenous irrigation systems—such as qanats, houtaks, degars, ab-bandans, and khoshk—that were thoroughly adapted to the climatic and topographic conditions of their environments. These systems played a vital role not only in ensuring sustainable water supply for agriculture and domestic use but also in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining rural livelihoods.

However, in recent decades, multiple factors such as climate change, top-down centralized policies, erosion of customary water rights, weakening of participatory governance, and population migration have led to the neglect and destruction of these systems. The consequences have included severe groundwater depletion, land subsidence, ecological disruption, rural depopulation, and threats to migratory species and ecosystem resilience.

This study, using a narrative approach and qualitative analysis of historical records and field data, examines the structural, political, and socio-cultural causes behind the decline in indigenous irrigation systems. It emphasizes the need for policy reorientation toward community-based governance and local knowledge integration. Moreover, the paper provides an in-depth review of the structure, operational mechanisms, and functionality of each indigenous system, aiming to highlight their relevance and potential for revival in the face of contemporary environmental and hydrological challenges.

Reviving indigenous irrigation systems—grounded in traditional ecological knowledge and managed through inclusive, bottom-up governance—offers a promising strategy to mitigate water crises, reduce ecological damage, and promote sustainable development in arid and semi-arid environments.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a severe gap between freshwater supply and demand of about 25 billion cubic meters annually, and this gap is projected to grow by 50 % by 2050, which threatens the region's food security, agricultural sector, and socioeconomic stability. The present annual per capita renewable freshwater share is about 450 m³ (far below the 1,000 m³ stress global threshold), with agriculture accounting for about 85 % of withdrawals. Meanwhile, the region’s annual agrifood exports exceed USD 50 billion (e.g. wheat, olives, citrus). Desalination has emerged as a strategic solution for freshwater supply. At present, MENA represents about 53% of global capacity (over 21,000 plants) led by the GCC region. Saudi Arabia and the UAE alone produce more than 20 million cubic meters daily, and the regional capacity is expected to double by 2030. Morocco aims to reach 1.7 billion m³ annually by 2030, including using new solar‑powered plants. Egypt plans to increase its desalination capacity from 860,00 m³/day at present to another 3.0 million m³/day by 2030. Jordan’s Aqaba–Amman project (about 0.85 m m³/day) will provide about 25 % of national water from 2026 onward. These developments underscore desalination’s advantages including climate invariance, growing cost-competitiveness (down from USD 5/m³ in the 1980s to ~USD 0.4–0.5/m³ at present), and synergies with renewable energy. However, desalination has some disadvantages, including high energy demand, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, brine water discharge to environment, and high capital and operation costs. Due to technological improvement, the costs are declining, but they remain high for agricultural applications. Economic modelling shows that cost-effective agricultural deployment depends on co-locating desalination with renewable power supply (solar PV/thermal), integrating innovation with irrigation, and utilizing farm-sector pricing reforms; yet, farmers often cannot return their full costs, and subsidies remain politically sensitive. Opportunities lie in leveraging declining renewable power costs, modular and solar-driven RO systems, nexus-based planning, and expanding regional financing via green bonds, PPPs, and climate funds. Key challenges include limited technical capacity, low water tariffs, governance fragmentation, and cross-border allocation tensions. It is recommended to expand renewable‑powered desalination coupled with brine water mining in targeted agricultural zones; increase water-use efficiency (e.g., drip irrigation, non‑revenue water reductions to <10 %); rationalize subsidies and tariff structures protecting vulnerable consumers; strengthen institutional frameworks with local authority over water allocation; enhance regional collaboration on data sharing, environmental monitoring, and brine valorisation and management. Only through integrated, climate-smart water–energy–food (WEF) policies can MENA sustain agricultural productivity, secure export revenues, and bridge projected food and water deficits while meeting decarbonization and environmental sustainability imperatives. Financial incentives can also significantly improve the use of desalinated water in agriculture across the MENA region by reducing operational costs, encouraging investment in energy-efficient technologies, and supporting farmers through subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax breaks. These incentives can make desalinated water economically viable, promoting sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural production in water-scarce areas.

Drought is an abiotic stress that significantly threatens global food security by reducing crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the drought tolerance of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using polyethylene glycol 6000. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to assess twenty-four barley genotypes with potential drought resilience during the seedling stage. These genotypes were subjected to four levels of drought stress, applied using PEG-6000 at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%. The experiment followed a randomized factorial design with two replications. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of genotype (p < 0.001) and PEG-induced drought stress levels (p < 0.001) on most measured traits, except for root number, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. The interaction between genotype and stress level was also significant (p < 0.001), except for shoot length, root number, SPAD readings, shoot dry weight, and shoot water content. Four barley genotypes—G16, G24, G13, and G17—exhibited the highest drought tolerance. Overall, as the PEG concentrations increased, there was a decline in germination percentage, vigour index, root and shoot length, and both new and dry weight. The identified drought-tolerant genotypes show promise for cultivation in water-limited environments, as they can maintain better growth performance under drought stress. In the future, efforts should focus on field validation, genetic and molecular research, breeding programs, and collaborative initiatives to enhance drought resilience strategies under real-world conditions.

Abstract

Due to increasing climate variability, water scarcity, and global food demand, improving irrigation efficiency is critical for sustainable crop production. Volumetric soil water content (SVWC) sensors offer potential for precise irrigation scheduling, yet their yield benefits in sandy soils remain unclear. This study assessed the impact of sensor-based irrigation on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield under varying nitrogen (N) and seeding rates in southeastern Virginia from 2022 to 2024. A Split-Split-Plot design was implemented at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (TAREC) in Suffolk, VA, with main plots consisting of three irrigation methods: 36” subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), 36” SDI with SVWC sensors, and a non-irrigated control. Sub-plots included four seeding rates (59K, 74K, 89K, and 104K ha^-1) and four nitrogen rates (133, 200, 267, and 333 kg ha^-1). Results showed that grain yield was significantly influenced by irrigation method, nitrogen rate, and seeding rate (p < 0.0001). The highest yields were observed with 36” dripline (11,466 kg ha^-1) and sensor-controlled dripline (11,051 kg ha^-1), both significantly outperforming the non-irrigated control (7,359 kg ha^-1). Although sensor scheduling did not statistically surpass conventional drip irrigation, it maintained comparable stable yields, suggesting potential efficiency benefits. Yield increased with seeding rate, peaking at 42K plants/acre (10,368 kg ha^-1), and with nitrogen rate, reaching a maximum at 333 kg ha^-1 (10,448 kg ha^-1). Sensor-based irrigation supported high yields across all N and seeding combinations, demonstrating its utility in optimizing input use. In conclusion, while sensor-based irrigation did not significantly increase yields over traditional SDI, it consistently outperformed non-irrigated systems and may enhance water use efficiency in sandy soils under future climate and resource constraints.

Biodiesel, a renewable and biodegradable fuel derived from vegetable oils, is a promising alternative to petroleum diesel due to its lower greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Optimizing agricultural practices for feedstock production is essential to ensure high-quality biodiesel and reduced environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilization and irrigation regimes on the fuel properties and engine emissions of biodiesel produced from winter rapeseed. A bifactorial field experiment was conducted in 2023-2024 in Aiton, Cluj County, Romania, on the winter variety ‘Dexter.’ Two irrigation regimes (non-irrigated, I₀; and irrigated at 50% of IUA, I₁) and four fertilization treatments (0, 100, 150, and 270 kg N/ha plus P and S) were tested in 10 m² plots. Irrigation was applied in autumn, spring, and summer, and nitrogen was split across three growth stages. Biodiesel was produced through methanol transesterification and analyzed for cetane number, sulfur content, and calorific value according to EN 14214 standards. Emissions (CO, HC, PM₁₀, NOₓ) were measured on a direct-injection diesel engine and compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel met EN 14214 standards, with favorable fuel properties. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel reduced CO emissions by 34.5–39.5%, HC by 48.8–52.2%, and PM₁₀ by 42.3–46.9%, while NOₓ emissions increased slightly (2.5–9%). The best treatment combination was I₁ × N150, which resulted in optimal biodiesel quality and reduced emissions. Higher nitrogen rates (N270) increased NOₓ emissions, and irrigation consistently improved both biodiesel properties and emissions performance compared to non-irrigated variants. Proper nitrogen and water management in rapeseed cultivation can enhance biodiesel quality and reduce harmful emissions, contributing to climate-smart, zero-pollution agricultural practices. Further research is recommended to mitigate NOₓ emissions while maintaining fuel performance.

This study evaluates the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) Zero-Dig initiative as a scalable and sustainable agricultural solution aligned with the UK's net-zero emission goals. Zero-dig farming, which avoids traditional ploughing, is assessed for its impacts on soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and economic feasibility. The method incorporates organic manure, companion planting, and greenhouse cultivation to enhance ecological resilience and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

A mixed-methods approach combined field observations from RAU’s experimental plots with qualitative analysis from stakeholder interviews. Key metrics included soil organic carbon levels, biodiversity indices, and input cost reductions.

Results indicate that zero-dig farming significantly improves soil structure, increases microbial activity, and enhances water retention. Soil samples from zero-dig plots showed higher organic carbon content than conventional tillage areas. Biodiversity, both above and below ground, was enriched through minimal soil disturbance and the integration of diverse plant species. Economically, while initial setup costs were substantial, covering greenhouses, irrigation, and composting infrastructure, the approach demonstrated long-term cost savings in synthetic inputs and labor. Market demand for organic produce further supports the financial viability of this method.

This study concludes that zero-dig farming presents a promising pathway toward sustainable agriculture. It offers tangible environmental and economic benefits, though barriers such as upfront investment and organic input logistics must be addressed. Educational outreach and community engagement have also proven crucial for adoption. The findings support broader implementation of zero-dig systems to achieve food security and environmental sustainability in temperate regions.