Journals
2026 EN
Siddique Mohammad Abu Baker · Ahmed Ilias · Mahalder Balaram
+3 more
ABSTRACT Fisheries management increasingly demands robust forecasting tools to address growing environmental variability, anthropogenic pressures and complex ecological dynamics. This review systematically examines innovative modelling and forecasting approaches in fisheries, focusing on their descriptions, applications, strengths and limitations and comparative performance based on quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria. Drawing on major scientific databases with studies published between 2000 and 2023, the review covers a broad spectrum of models, including Population Dynamics Models, Ecosystem Models, Statistical and Time Series Models, Machine Learning Models, Bioeconomic Models, Simulation Models, Spatial and Habitat Models and other emerging approaches. Historically, fisheries forecasting evolved from basic observational methods to advanced computational and statistical techniques. Conventional models such as surplus production and age‐structured models remain valuable for certain stable systems with limited data. However, ecosystem‐based models (e.g., Ecopath with Ecosim, Atlantis) and machine learning techniques (e.g., neural networks, random forests, deep learning) offer enhanced adaptability and predictive accuracy, particularly under dynamic and uncertain conditions. Despite these advances, challenges persist, including data scarcity, difficulties in model validation and integration of socio‐economic and climate‐related variables. Hybrid models that combine ecological, economic and social factors, especially those incorporating real‐time data and artificial intelligence, show promise for improving fisheries forecasting. Progress in this field will require interdisciplinary collaboration, enhanced data systems and stronger policy integration to ensure sustainable fisheries management. This review provides a structured framework to guide researchers and decision‐makers in selecting and developing more adaptive, accurate and actionable forecasting tools in the face of global environmental change.
Journals
2026 EN
Dabesa Alemayehu · Takele Feyera · Debala Chala
+3 more
Abstract Despite the promising potential of soybean [ Glycine max L. (Merrill)] production in Ethiopia, smallholder farmers face challenges such as low yields and nutrient deficiencies, which limit their productivity and economic stability. Thus, the objectives of the input diagnosis/demonstration trials were to enhance the yields of smallholder soybean farmers, to explore the interaction and variations of soybean yield responses to phosphorus (P) and/or inoculant (I) applications across multiple locations, and to identify the economic benefits from phosphorus (P) and/or inoculant (I) use on the fields of many smallholder farmers, representing diverse agroecological conditions. The application of P, I, P + I, and control was evaluated on 78 farmers’ fields in 10 districts. The result indicated that the combined use of I + P and P alone enhanced grain yield by 42% and 21%, respectively. The use of the inoculant only also increased the yield by 5% over P alone. Although P + I showed the highest yield and 80% of the farmers observed positive yield, the variability was very large (0.3–5.3 t ha −1 ). Moreover, the inoculant was more profitable compared to P. Notably, 15% of the total farmers experienced relative yield increases of 142%–368% under the combined use of P and I. In addition, about 52%, 50%, and 15% of farmers achieved at least 5000 ETB ha −1 (where ETB is Ethiopian Birr) of an economic benefit with the application of corresponding P + I, I, and P. Considering price fluctuation of variable cost by assuming 30% inflation after some years, use of the of inoculant alone and then integrated use of P and I were relatively more stable as 46% and 60% of the total farmers could respectively attain benefit to cost ratio ≥2. While most smallholder farmers benefited from the use of P + I or I only, a few of them still did not benefit from the technologies. This may need further investigation, particularly for nonresponsiveness soils. Therefore, understanding the causes of yield variability helps to cluster the best bet packages to groups of farmers who are expected to benefit most, reduce yield gain instability across the farm plots, and minimize higher risk for technology adoptions.
Journals
2026 EN
PeránQuesada Rosa · CamachoRomero Miguel · SesmeroCarrasco Rafael
Abstract In recent years, the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae has spread along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, causing ecological and economic damage. However, upwelling algae could provide a valuable source of carbon biomass for circular economy applications. Marine algae, particularly brown algae, have a long history of use in agriculture as biostimulants and biofertilizers, demonstrating their effectiveness on various crops and underscoring their potential as a valuable resource for sustainable agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic effects of aqueous extracts from R. okamurae on radish growth using a rapid, cost‐effective method, with the goal of exploring potential applications for upwelling biomass. Two groups of seaweed were used: one washed with distilled water and the other unwashed. Both groups were macerated in water for 10 days, with and without a mixture of activators (chickpea flour, poultry manure, brown sugar, and fertile soil). Four liquid extracts, along with a water control, were tested on Raphanus sativus . The results showed a significantly higher biostimulant effect on germination index and plant growth (root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight) compared to the control. The greatest increase in shoot and root length was obtained with non‐washed seaweed (NWS), with improvements of + 40.6% and +68.2%, respectively. The best performance in fresh and dry plant weight was achieved with non‐washed seaweed + activators (NWS + A), which increased root fresh weight by + 160.9% and root dry weight by + 146.2%. These findings highlight the potential agronomic use of low‐cost aqueous extracts from R. okamurae as biostimulants.
Journals
2026 EN
Malimbayeva Almagul · Batyrbek Maksat · Cihacek Larry
+2 more
Abstract Enzyme activity studies provide an indicator of soil health related to soil management practices. As land area seeded to corn ( Zea mays L.) and corn yields increase in this region, demands for plant nutrients also increase to support the high yields. Phosphorus (P) is the second highest fertilizer input in corn production representing a significant input cost. Phosphatase enzymes are produced by soil microorganisms and plants and aid in the release plant available P from soil organic matter when fertilizer P is limited. This is among the first acid phosphatase (ACP) activity studies of long‐term (36 years) corn rotations with contrasting fertility regimes in the Northern Great Plains. Relationships between ACP and tillage type, nitrogen rate, and manure application under limited P fertilizer applications was evaluated in two long‐term (36 years) corn rotations in east‐central North Dakota. Acid phosphatase activity was determined on soil samples from the corn root zone from two crop rotations representing common crop mixes grown locally. Phosphatase measurement in contrasting tillage (clean‐till vs. no‐till), nitrogen (N) rates (0 and 168 kg ha −1 ), and manure (with or without) applications showed that tillage and N rate did not significantly affect enzymatic activity. Manure applications significantly reduced ACP activity by 38%–50% indicating P accumulation suppressing enzyme activity, suggesting trade‐offs of practices with soil health. Phosphatase activity was negatively affected by soil pH and soil test P ( p ≤ 0.001) but not affected by soil organic matter and appeared to be within levels found in the literature due to maintenance of soil test P at medium levels.
Journals
2026 EN
Duff Alison J. · PankeBuisse Kevin · Bleier Jonathan S.
+1 more
Abstract Productive forage with sufficient nutritive value is essential to profitable grazing operations. Application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer directly impacts pasture growth, but N rates must be carefully calibrated to minimize production costs and losses to the environment. We evaluated forage accumulation response, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and % 15 N recovery of meadow fescue [ Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv.], orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), and endophyte‐free tall fescue [ Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] in response to N rate in a controlled greenhouse environment using two soil types. Nitrogen was split‐applied at cumulative annual rates of 0, 67, 135, 202, 269, and 336 kg N/ha. The first N application was 15 N‐enriched 5% atom ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 ) solution, while the three subsequent N applications were made following harvest events with reagent‐grade NH 4 NO 3 . Nitrogen recovery from the first application was estimated from the atom % 15 N in the dry matter (DM) sample from each harvest event. For all species, DM forage accumulation increased with N rate up to 202 kg N/ha, and orchardgrass had the greatest DM accumulation at all N rates. NUE in all species declined with increased N. % 15 N recovery of the first fertilizer application was significantly different across species and N rates, ranging from 35% to 70%. In pasture systems with these species in warm summer continental climates, N fertilizer timing and application strategy should be calibrated with weather, pasture conditions, and livestock demand.
Journals
2026 EN
Avent Tristen H. · Norsworthy Jason K. · Butts Thomas R.
+2 more
Abstract Adopting targeted herbicide applications creates a dynamic problem for producers when considering the economic viability of See & Spray. Research was conducted to estimate how weed area, area sprayed, nozzle selection, sensitivity settings, crops, and regions influence potential herbicide savings with the John Deere See & Spray technology. From 2023 through 2024, producers covered over 510,000 ha and sprayed 212,000 ha with See & Spray technology in the United States. Ways to improve herbicide savings via See & Spray included using narrow nozzle angles rather than wider fan angles and adjusting the sensitivity setting to detect less weed area. Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) had a higher weed area than soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.; 16.6% vs. 5.1%]. Lower sensitivity settings tended to detect less weed area than higher settings (5.1% at the lowest setting, 9% at the medium setting, and 15.8% at the highest setting). On average, producers needed to spend >$27 ha −1 on herbicides in a single application with See & Spray Premium and >$39 ha −1 with See & Spray Ultimate to economically justify using the technology over a broadcast sprayer. Results indicate that differences in targeted herbicide cost requirements to break even were within $1–$2 ha −1 across regions and within a crop and technology. Ways to improve areas sprayed with targeted applications, factors to consider before application, and insights on ensuring producers’ profitability when adopting this technology are highlighted.
Journals
2026 EN
Crawford Ryan V. · Crawford Jamie L. · Hansen Julie L.
+2 more
Abstract This study evaluated near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for nondestructive crude protein (CP) prediction in hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) grain and validated the biological basis of spectral predictions. Note that 149 whole grain samples from 38 cultivars were collected from New York trials (2017–2021) and validated for CP by combustion. Seven preprocessing methods were tested using 100 training/testing splits, with standard normal variate transformation following Savitzky–Golay filtering selected as optimal. Comparing algorithms showed that partial least squares regression (PLSR) significantly outperformed support vector machines and random forest. The best preprocessing method and algorithm was applied to 1000 additional splits. Optimal models contained 12 components with mean performance of root mean square error [RMSE] = 9.94, r 2 = 0.84, relative predicted deviation [RPD] = 2.5, and ratio of performance to interquartile distance [RPIQ] = 3.94. More than 99% of the models had, at minimum, the ability to distinguish between high and low values, with 93.2% capable of quantitative prediction. To validate biological relevance, a protein‐focused model was developed using three known protein absorption bands (1200–1250, 1500–1550, and 2040–2090 nm). These models had substantially reduced performance with 86% of models capable of distinguishing between high and low values but only 14% of models capable of quantitative prediction. However, this targeted approach offers evidence that NIRS predictions are biologically grounded in protein‐specific spectral features rather than spurious correlations. This research demonstrates the promise and biological validity of NIRS for hemp grain CP assessment, supporting applications in breeding programs, although applications demanding more accurate prediction will require better models.
Journals
2026 EN
Midden Christina · Sizmur Tom · Harris Jim
+3 more
Abstract Global food production relies on inorganic nitrogen to meet population consumption demands. However, synthetic fertilizer production currently relies heavily on fossil fuels. Anaerobic digestate offers an alternative source of nutrients because it is produced from organic matter. Yet digestate application results in similar problems of environmental pollution that synthetic fertilizer use incurs, such as nitrate leaching and N 2 O emissions. Co‐amendment of digestate with a high carbon amendment may result in higher nitrogen use efficiency and fewer losses by adjusting the C:N ratio to encourage microbial assimilation of nitrogen. Therefore, we conducted a field plot experiment to determine the effects of adding carbon with digestate on the nitrogen uptake, yield, and quality of sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris ) grown on a calcareous sandy‐loam soil. N‐rich liquid digestate was applied at 100 kg‐N ha −1 , with carbon added as either glycerol or straw at 24 kg‐C m −3 and compared against farm standard application of inorganic nitrogen. Sugar beet yield and quality under liquid digestate application performed comparatively with synthetic fertilizer, indicating that digestate can be used to fertilize sugar beet. The addition of glycerol resulted in higher microbial biomass carbon than digestate alone in the first month after application. However, no benefit to crop or nitrogen retention in soil was recorded by adding carbon to digestate, which could be due to the low carbon addition rate. Future studies need to focus on determining the optimal amount of carbon to add with digestate to positively impact yield and reduce nitrogen losses.
Journals
2026 EN
Palmer Blake · Nachimuthu Gunasekhar · Cunningham Stacey
+2 more
Abstract Irrigated Australian cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) is primarily produced on Vertosols, which are susceptible to waterlogging due to their highwater retention capacity and poor drainage. Waterlogging inhibits root growth and depletes soil oxygen, resulting in changes to soil pH, redox, and nutrient availability. Australian cotton farmers often apply foliar nutrient sprays to counteract the adverse effects of flooding on cotton crop development, aiming to boost otherwise suboptimal lint production. During the 2021–2022 growing season, a natural riverine flooding event presented an opportunity to evaluate the impact of foliar nutrient applications on waterlogged field‐grown cotton. Foliar application treatments were as follows: T1 (control with distilled water), T2 (urea ammonium nitrate at 0.5 L/ha), T3 (monoammonium phosphate at 0.25 kg/ha), T4 (zinc sulfate at 0.8 kg/ha), and T5 (a commercial multi‐nutrient blend of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, B, Co, and Mo at 5 L/ha). Treatment effects were assessed by measuring peak crop biomass, normalized difference vegetation index, ground cover, crop disease incidence, lint yield, and fiber quality. Foliar application treatments did not improve any of these parameters ( p < 0.05). The mean lint yield was 2474 kg lint/ha (10.9 bales/ha). Disease incidence was uniformly high (38% of plants) due to the prevailing seasonal conditions. While this single season real‐world study does not account for potential year‐to‐year variability, the post‐flooding application of foliar nutrients may not always boost vegetative cotton growth and subsequent lint production.
Journals
2026 EN
Ebinuma Shota · Kunisawa Susumu · Takada Daisuke
+3 more
ABSTRACT Background Anti‐adhesion barriers are effective in reducing adhesion formation, but their impact on preventing adhesive bowel obstruction remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of anti‐adhesion barriers in preventing adhesive bowel obstruction using a nationwide medical database in Japan. Method Surgical cases for abdominal gastroenterological cancers were categorized into six categories based on procedure type (Open or Laparoscopic) and target organ (Stomach, Colorectum, and Hepatobiliary‐pancreas). Patients were classified into an anti‐adhesion barriers group (treatment) or a non‐anti‐adhesion barriers group (comparison). Propensity score matching was performed to balance baseline characteristics. Survival analysis with hospitalizations due to adhesive bowel obstruction as the outcome was conducted, and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using univariate Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 163 194 cases were analyzed. In the Open Colorectum and Laparoscopic Colorectum categories, the cumulative incidence curve for the treatment group was lower than that of the comparison group (Log‐rank test; Open Colorectum: p < 0.01, Laparoscopic Colorectum: p = 0.01). The HR was significantly lower in both categories (Open Colorectum: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.80–0.95], Laparoscopic Colorectum: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.73–0.96]). In other categories, no significant differences were found between the two groups. [Correction added on 2 February 2026, after first online publication: The p values of Open Colorectum and Laparoscopic Colorectum have been corrected.] Conclusion This study suggests that anti‐adhesion barriers use could effectively reduce the risk of adhesive bowel obstruction in Open Colorectum and Laparoscopic Colorectum surgeries, but not in Open Stomach, Open Hepatobiliary‐pancreas, or Laparoscopic Stomach surgeries. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore broader applications.