Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research

Predicting prices and boosting digitalization to reinforce the farmer position in the agrifood value chain: Huelva strawberry case, Spain

2026-06-04T14:16:42+02:00

Aim of study: A real-time monitoring and prediction system for Huelva strawberry (Spain) price is proposed, based on data from the Andalusian Observatory of Agrifood Prices (AOAP) of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Government of Andalusia, Spain. This system can support farmer decisions to increase their revenues and accelerate digitalization adoption aiming at improving equity and sustainability of the agrifood value chain. Area of study: Huelva province (Spain) is leading Europe’s strawberry sales from January to April and the sector is highly relevant in economic and development terms for this territory. Material and methods: Analysis of AOAP data and value chain of the strawberry sector, development of a statistical predictive model and monitoring real-time surveillance system to create the seed of a dashboard to support farmer market decisions, in the context of artificial intelligence predictive models and data space requirements. Main results: AOAP includes important sectoral data under a reasonable governance model that can be a starting point to develop useful decisions support tools. The developed predictive price model based on traditional tools allows for maximizing farmer revenue and thus becomes a framework to build transdisciplinary knowledge joining the agricultural domain expertise and the artificial intelligence tools in parallel with the needed big data and data spaces development. Research highlights: 1) The proposed predictive and monitoring system can improve the farmer’s position in the value chain and thus it can also be useful to foster the adoption of digital tools by farmers. 2) Predictive systems require a huge amount of data that is not currently available. AOAP have some interesting characteristics as starting point for a data space that can contribute to fill this gap.

Assessing the sensitivity of global sustainability indicators to different composite index methods: application to cereal farming in Catalonia

2026-07-02T13:40:09+02:00

Aim of study: Forward-thinking farming must become more efficient and sustainable to address the multitude of challenges it faces. This study examines the sensitivity of sustainability assessments to different composite index construction methodologies. Area of study: We compare five distinct approaches to composite sustainability index (CSI) construction using Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN)-EU data from 2012 to 2022. Environmental, economic, and social dimensions are incorporated to provide comprehensive sustainability assessments for cereal farming in Catalonia, Spain. Material and methods: Through random effects generalized least squares regression and variance-based sensitivity analysis, we demonstrated that methodological choices significantly influence sustainability outcomes, with some methods showing greater robustness and theoretical consistency than others. Our analysis operated within the weak sustainability paradigm using additive aggregation methods. Main results: Our findings revealed that expert weighting produced results remarkably similar to equal weighting in this context, while factor analysis with min-max normalization offered the most theoretically consistent results. Principal component analysis provided strong statistical stability but had limitations for quantitative data applications. Research highlights: This study provides the first systematic integration of variance-based sensitivity analysis with econometric validation for agricultural sustainability indices, developing a quantitative robustness scoring framework that enables evidence-based method selection. The methodological insights contribute to enhanced transparency and reliability in agricultural sustainability assessment within the weak sustainability framework.

Charge-to-mass ratio measurement in agricultural electrostatic spraying: critical review and design insights

2026-06-16T14:42:39+02:00

Electrostatic spraying technology has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance droplet deposition, improve coverage uniformity, and reduce pesticide waste. Accurate evaluation of charging efficiency using standardized apparatuses is essential for optimizing electrostatic spraying systems and enabling consistent comparisons across different studies. This review systematically explores methodologies for measuring the charge-to-mass ratio, with a particular focus on Faraday cages and conductive plates. Key design considerations, such as material selection, geometric configuration, insulation from external influences, and measurement sensitivity, are discussed for their impact on measurement accuracy and reliability. By analyzing these factors, this review contributes to the development of a standardized charge-to-mass ratio measurement system, promoting consistency in evaluating electrostatic spraying technologies. Its novelty lies in the comparative evaluation of existing techniques and the identification of critical parameters influencing measurement reliability. Additionally, this review serves as a practical resource for researchers, especially newcomers, providing guidance on designing and evaluating electrostatic charging systems without requiring extensive experimentation

Forecasting of wheat yield through statistical models for different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India

2026-06-24T12:05:52+02:00

Aim of study: The objective was to construct weather-based forecasting models that can estimate wheat yield well in advance at pre-harvest stages. Area of study: This study primarily focused on diez wheat-growing areas in Himachal Pradesh, India. Material and methods: The forecast model was developed using long-term data on yield and meteorological parameters spanning from 1990 to 2020. The models were then validated using data from the remaining two years, 2021 and 2022. The yield projection for wheat was derived for ten districts at two growth stages, namely vegetative stage (F1) and pre-harvest stage (F2). The stepwise regression analysis was conducted using a trial and error strategy to determine the optimal combination of predictors that were statistically significant at a 5% level. Multiple regression techniques were employed to fit the model, with the best fit determined by the highest coefficient of determination (R2) value and the lowest percentage error. Main results: The findings indicated that the constructed forecast model successfully accounted for 43 to 93% of the variability in wheat output. The crop yield forecasting models provided accurate projections, with a percentage deviation ranging from 1.2 to 9.8 at the F1 stage and from 0.2 to -9.1 at the F2 stage. These deviations fell within the allowed limit of ±10%. Throughout both years of validation, the observed yield closely matched the anticipated wheat output for all ten districts. Research highlights: The characteristics that had the greatest impact on wheat yield were temperature and relative humidity. The crop forecasting models provided accurate estimates of wheat yield throughout all stages of the forecast for the majority of districts.

Sunlight, LED and HPS lighting modulate Bacillus mycoides response to shade stress in perennial ryegrass

2026-06-04T21:38:52+02:00

Aim of study: To investigate the combined effects of supplemental lighting technologies, light-emitting diode (LED) and high-pressure sodium (HPS), perennial ryegrass cultivars, and Bacillus mycoides inoculation on early turfgrass establishment under stadium-like shade conditions, addressing critical renovation timelines in professional sports venues. Area of study: Greenhouse facility at Ege University’s Bayındır Vocational School, Izmir, Türkiye. Material and methods: Three perennial ryegrass cultivars Lolium perenne L.’Presidian’, Lolium perenne L. ‘Apple SGL’, and Lolium × boucheanum Kunth. ‘Solstice II’, were grown in washed sand (0-2 mm) under four light environments: Sunlight, 70% Shade, Shade + LED, and Shade + HPS. B. mycoides strain BM02 was applied at 2 L ha⁻¹ to half the treatments. Both supplemental lighting systems provided 100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ photosynthetic photon flux density. Parameters measured included canopy cover, growth rate, root development, Dark Green Colour Index (DGCI), and chlorophyll content over five weeks using a 4×3×2 factorial design with four replicates. Main results: Significant three-way interactions dominated most responses. Shade yielded poorest performance across all parameters. LED lighting achieved canopy cover approaching sunlight levels (43.5-51.2% vs 48.6-57.3%), while HPS resulted in significantly lower coverage (20.2-28.3%) despite promoting vertical growth. B. mycoides enhanced canopy cover (5.8-21.3%) and fresh root weight (23.4-28.5%) under supplemental lighting but reduced canopy cover (11.3-12.8%) and DGCI (11.3-24.2%) under sunlight conditions. Research highlights: LED lighting provides superior establishment outcomes with 40% energy savings compared to HPS. B. mycoides benefits are maximized under stress conditions rather than optimal environments.

Dietary incorporation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes cocktail and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) herb synergistically enhances immunity and carcass traits in sheep

2026-06-23T13:35:03+02:00

Aim of study: To assess the effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) herb (WH) added individually and in-combination in diets of sheep on immune responses and in vivo carcass traits. Area of study: Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Material and methods: Crossbred sheep (n = 20) were distributed equally to 4 dietary groups fed total mixed rations for three months as basal feed (control), or added with EFE cocktail and WH either individually at 6.0 g/kg (EFE) and 45.0 g/kg dry matter (WH), respectively or in combination (EFE + WH) after which the animals were tested. Main results: Monoterpenes hydrocarbons (Chrysanthenyl acetate and L- β- Pinene) were the most abundant bioactive components found in WH. In humoral immune assay, WH added diets (WH and EFE + WH) increased (P < 0.01) mean antibody titers at different days post-immunization. Similarly, the cell mediated immune response of sheep fed WH added diets was higher (P < 0.01) on average as well as at each time point post-challenge. Ultrasonographic scanning revealed larger (P < 0.05) longissimus dorsi muscle area and wider rib flank streaking, while body biometric measurements depicted higher height at withers, thoracic circumference (P < 0.05), and heart girth (P < 0.01) in sheep of EFE+WH group compared to those of the control group. Paunch girth was higher (P < 0.01) in EFE incorporated groups (EFE and EFE + WH) compared to those of the control group. Research highlights: Dietary combination of EFE and WH synergistically could enhance carcass characteristics of sheep compared to the individual additions, while WH beneficially modulates immune response either incorporated alone or in-combination.

Characterization and assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of Algerian propolis against American foulbrood and Nosema disease in honeybee

2026-06-19T12:24:09+02:00

Aim of study: Like all insects, honeybees (Apis mellifera) are vulnerable to infectious diseases. American foulbrood and nosemosis are among the most widespread diseases affecting this species worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of propolis from different beehives in Algerian apiaries against these major honeybee diseases. Area of study: Propolis harvesting was conducted in three regions of M’sila province in Algeria: Bousaada, Ouled Madhi, and Maadid. Material and methods: The chemical characterization of Algerian propolis was performed by HPLC-DAD, a simple and highly effective technique for the identification of polyphenolic compounds. Paenibacillus larvae was isolated from hives showing clinical signs of infection. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Algerian propolis was assessed according to the Mueller-Hinton disc diffusion method, using the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OT) as a positive control. Screening of infected individuals for Nosema spp. was conducted and infection intensity was determined by spore quantification. Main results: HPLC-DAD analysis of propolis revealed the presence of 13 phytochemical compounds, suggesting a high chemical quality. All tested ethanolic propolis extracts have shown a notable inhibitory activity against diseases affecting Apis mellifera. Concerning the antagonistic activity against Paenobacillus larvae, we found that the propolis extract from the Bousaada region (EEP3) showed the largest inhibition zones (45.05±3.40 mm) followed by extracts from Ouled Madhi (EEP1; 32.05±7.30 mm) and Maadid (EEP2; 22.16±8.51 mm). Moreover, propolis treatment resulted in a clear reduction on the activity of Nosema spp. spore counts, indicating its potential effectiveness against nosemosis. Research highlights: The study highlights the chemical composition of propolis and its potential benefits for bee health, aiming to exploit it in natural pest management strategies in apiculture.

Influence of dietary protein levels and biofloc system on the nursery performance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

2026-07-02T14:39:56+02:00

Aim of study: To assess the performance of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) during the nursery phase under different culture systems (water exchange ‑ WES and biofloc ‑ BFS) and varying crude protein levels, using high‑density culture conditions (2,500 post‑larvae m^‑³). Area of study: This study was conducted at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, in Brazil. Material and methods: The experimental design followed a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, in which the initial variable corresponded to the type of rearing system, while the second one referred to the dietary crude protein content (35% and 40%), yielding in the combinations WES 35, WES 40, BFS 35, and BFS 40. Main results: The results demonstrated that the BFS 35 combination exhibited the lowest basic variable production cost and a substantial reduction in water footprint, ten times lower than the WES combinations. Furthermore, the BFS 35 system achieved a notable improvement in net benefits (2,876 USD 1000 m^‑³), which was approximately twice that of the WES 35 (1,441 USD 1000 m⁻³) and nearly three times that of the WES 40 (1,006 USD 1000 m⁻³). Research highlights: The BFS 35 system can significantly reduce both the water footprint and the crude protein content in commercial feed, while simultaneously enhancing economic returns. These results suggest that the biofloc system with a 35% protein level is a viable and more sustainable option for the nursery phase of M. rosenbergii, offering a promising alternative to traditional systems.

Effects of maize, ryegrass and sorghum silages on performance, meat quality and some blood variables of lambs

2026-07-06T11:44:38+02:00

Aim of study: This study evaluated the effects of ad libitum feeding of maize, sorghum and ryegrass silages on growth performance, blood gas and biochemical variables, and carcass characteristics of Ile de France male lambs. Area of study: The experiment was conducted in Sakarya province, Türkiye. Material and methods: Twenty-four lambs (2-3 months old; 26.53±0.21 kg) were individually housed and randomly assigned to four dietary groups. The control group received straw ad libitum, while the other groups were fed maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) or Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage ad libitum for 70 days, together with a standard concentrate-based basal ration. Average daily gain was calculated for each lamb as the slope of the linear regression of live weight on time over the entire experimental period. Blood gas and biochemical variables were measured on days 35 and 70 using an EDAN i15 VET analyser. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood variables were analysed using appropriate statistical models, including repeated measures analysis for blood data. Main results: Dietary group did not affect growth performance, average daily gain, carcass characteristics, blood gas variables or biochemical profiles (P > 0.05). Several blood variables showed significant changes over time (P < 0.05), but these changes were consistent across all dietary groups and were not diet-dependent. Meat colour, texture properties and water activity of the musculus longissimus dorsi were similar among experimental groups. Research highlights: Feeding maize, sorghum and ryegrass silages ad libitum maintained normal metabolic status and resulted in comparable growth performance and carcass traits in lambs. Under the conditions of this study, all three silage types can be considered nutritionally safe forage alternatives for intensive lamb-fattening systems.

Residual heights alter forage production parameters and nutritional value of dwarf elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone]

2026-07-06T13:24:13+02:00

Aim of study: This study aims to ascertain the appropriate residual height for the dwarf elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] ʻBrs Kurumiʼ by concurrently evaluating its forage production, morphological composition, and nutritional value. Area of study: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Material and methods: The dwarf elephant grass ʻBrs Kurumiʼ was evaluated over four consecutive growing seasons in a randomized complete block design with five treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of residual cutting heights (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm), with a target management height of 80 cm. Parameters assessed included forage production and its morphological composition, population density of basal tillers, and nutritional value. Main results: The relationship between morphological components and nutritive value was highlighted. Residual cutting heights between 40 cm and 50 cm modified the pasture structure to balance the quantity [accumulated total dry matter production ranged from 8,242 kg/ha (40 cm) to 6,916 kg/ha (50 cm)], while nutritive value (crude protein content remained stable at 14.6% for both heights. Research highlights: Dwarf elephant grass ‘Brs Kurumi’ exhibited changes in forage production, morphology, and nutritional value across residual cutting heights. At recommended levels (50 cm and 40 cm, or 60% and 50% of the target height), the grass responded similarly to disturbance, suggesting that plants’ phenotypic plasticity helped balance morphological components and nutritive value, facilitating to their adaptation to imposed residual heights and reflecting ‘Brs Kurumi’ ability to adjust its growth and sward structure to sustain adequate forage production, a high leaf proportion, and nutritive value.

From seed to harvest: Salinity priming improves pea growth and yield under rainfed conditions

2026-07-08T13:47:36+02:00

Aim of study: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of salinity-based seed priming on the growth, reproduction, and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to determine its potential for enhancing drought resilience. Area of study: The field experiments were conducted over two vegetative seasons in Idvor, South Banat, Republic of Serbia. Material and methods: Pea seeds were subjected to pre-sowing salinity priming treatments using two concentrations of NaCl (40 mM and 80 mM), alongside a non-primed control group. The study assessed plant height, biomass, root growth, pod formation, and final yield. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the influence of salinity levels and seasonal variations. Main results: Moderate salinity priming (40 mM NaCl) significantly enhanced plant height, biomass, and pod formation, suggesting that mild stress-induced adaptive mechanisms can improve performance. Conversely, high salinity (80 mM NaCl) inhibited germination and root development, leading to a complete loss of yield due to ion toxicity. ANOVA revealed that salinity concentration was the dominant factor influencing all examined traits, while seasonal variations had a significantly lesser impact. Research highlights: Optimizing salinity concentrations in seed priming is crucial for balancing stress adaptation; while 40 mM NaCl improves pea growth traits, concentrations as high as 80 mM are detrimental and lead to total reproductive failure.

Salt tolerance of ‘Hass’ avocado grafted onto the West Indian ‘Nachar’ rootstock

2026-07-01T15:08:56+02:00

Aim of the study: The nowadays avocado cropping world burst confronts water quality constraints as it unfolds throughout semi-arid climates. Therefore, many salt-tolerant rootstocks have been developed, with those from the West Indian avocado subspecies such as ‘Nachar’ standing out. However, the salt-tolerance of ‘Nachar’ had not been characterized and this study fills this knowledge gap. Area of study: Accordingly, an open-air trial was performed in Moncada (València). Material and methods: ‘Nachar’ seedling rootstocks grafted with ‘Hass’ avocado were irrigated with five nutritive solutions differing in chloride (Cl^-), but with low sodium (Na⁺) adsorption ratio (SAR). Plant development and leaf nutrient status, including Cl^- and Na⁺, were monitored, and the ‘Nachar’ salt-tolerance was characterized based on the accumulation rates of leaf Cl^- and Na⁺ as a function of, respectively, Cl^- and SAR in the irrigation water. These parameters are seldom expressly assessed but are argued here as providing better insight into the actual Cl^- and Na⁺ exclusion ability of rootstocks than the usual maximum permissible, —to avoid leaf injury— leaf Cl^- and Na⁺. Main results: The ‘Nachar’ was found to rank high and very high in, respectively, Cl^- and Na⁺ exclusion ability, when compared to other avocado rootstocks. However, more salt-driven leaf injuries and potential yield losses would still be expected in avocado grafted onto the ‘Nachar’ in comparison to other salt-sensitive woody crops. Research highlights: The ‘Nachar’ seems an interesting starting point in further rootstock improvement for salt-tolerance in avocado. However, if unproperly carried out, the propagation of salt-tolerant avocado rootstocks such as ‘Nachar’ and others may also result in the loss of the previously achievements of salt-tolerance.

Growth response of barley to short-term combined application of sewage sludge and conventional fertilizer

2026-06-26T13:47:54+02:00

Aim of study: Agricultural nitrogen (N) losses from synthetic fertilizer significantly impact soil-plant-water system. The use of sewage sludge (SS) as a fertilizer presents a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, aiming to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, while boosting crop productivity. Area of study: The research was conducted at the National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests, Tunisia. Material and methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted in rhizotrons to assess the impact of SS applied alone (T3: 100% N SS) or combined with three levels of mineral fertilizer (MF) (T4: 30% N MF + 70 % N SS, T5: 50 % N MF + 50 % N SS, and T6: 70% N MF + 30% N SS) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth and production, compared with the sole application of MF (T2), and an unfertilized control (T1). Main results: SS, whether applied alone or in combination with MF, significantly promoted tillering and shoot growth compared to control and chemically amended plants. The increases in the tiller number reached 90% and 56% in T4, compared to T1 and T2, respectively. Biomass production was also highest in SS treatments. The greatest above-ground biomass accumulation occurred in T4 and T3, with increases of 119% and 78% over T1 and T2, respectively. Research highlights: When applied in strict compliance with regulatory standards, SS demonstrates significant agronomic value by improving forage biomass yield and productivity at a lower cost, while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Reduction of the disease caused by Meloidogyne chitwoodi on tomato with nitrogen-based fertilizers

2026-07-02T11:37:48+02:00

Aim of study: Tomatoes are among the most widely cultivated vegetables globally. Meloidogyne chitwoodi Golden, O’Bannon, Santo & Finley, 1980 is a significant yield-reducing factor in many tomato production areas. Owing to the detrimental effects of pesticides on the environment and living organisms in the management against plant parasitic nematodes, it is imperative to develop alternative methods for the management of plant parasitic nematodes. For this reason, the relationship between chemical fertilizers and plant-parasitic nematodes were investigated to determine whether these fertilizers could be utilized within the scope of an integrated pest management (IPM). Area of study: The study was conducted in vitro and in the growth chamber of the Nematology laboratory at the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University. Material and methods: The effects of five different nitrogen fertilizers at seven dosages on the M. chitwoodi tomato pathosystem were studied. Main results: In vitro results demonstrated that all doses of urea ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, and ammonium sulphate induced 100% mortality in M. chitwoodi second-stage juveniles (J2) at 72 hours while, calcium nitrate fertilizer induced 80% mortality at the 1600 ppm dose. However, no mortality was observed for the urea treatment. Pot experiments showed that urea ammonium nitrate completely suppressed M. chitwoodi at 50 ppm and above. Ammonium sulphate and nitric acid demonstrated significant suppressive effects exceeding 80% at doses of 100-1600 ppm. Calcium nitrate had a suppressive effect of over 80% at doses of 800-1600 ppm. Petri dish experiments showed that urea fertilizer had no noticeable effect. However, pot experiments indicated that urea fertilizer exhibited a suppressive effect exceeding 80% at doses above 200 ppm. Research highlights: It was found that the use of some doses of these fertilizers negatively affected the development of M. chitwoodi.

Assessment and simulation of crop water productivity under different soil moisture conditions in irrigated fields

2026-07-07T13:02:08+02:00

Aim of the study: To assess and simulate crop water productivity (CWP) under different soil moisture conditions in irrigated fields. Area of the study: The study was undertaken in Bontanga irrigation scheme in the Northern Region of Ghana. Materials and methods: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design. Three irrigation blocks were selected. Each block had two plots of chilli pepper and two plots of okra such that each crop was subjected to water stress and non-water stress conditions under furrow irrigation. At the end of the growing season, the collected data on crop yield and the amount of water applied were used to estimate CWP. The AquaCrop model was applied to simulate CWP under non-water-stress and water-stress conditions. Main results: Results revealed that, by maintaining an ideal volumetric moisture content of 15.4–22 % in sandy loam soils, CWP values of 2.08 and 1.40 kg m^-3 can be attained for okra and chilli pepper, respectively. However, under water stress conditions with a volumetric moisture content in the range 12–15.4 %, simulated results showed that CWP could drop to 1.82 and 1.34 kg m^-3 for okra and chilli pepper, respectively. Research highlights: The study underscores the importance of soil moisture management in agricultural fields in order to improve CWP. These efforts will help in implementing sustainable water management strategies aimed at maximizing crop yield per water drop under changing climatic conditions, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 6, and 13.