2025, Vol. 23, No. 1

Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/10055

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 22

Agroindustrial wastewater: recent advances and perspectives on the use of constructed wetlands
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Castelo, L.L.; Cecchin, D.; do Carmo, D.F.; Hüther, C.M.; Rodrigues, C.P.; Machado, T.B.; da Silva, L.D.B.; da Silva, F.C.; da Silva, J.P.; Hamacher, L.S.
The treatment of wastewater generated by agro-industrial activities, such as dairy production and animal slaughter, represents a significant environmental challenge due to the complexity of pollutants. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on recent advances in the application of constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater from agro-industrial activities. The bibliographic survey was carried out using the Scopus database, where the following keywords were used: ‘Cattle wastewater’, ‘Fertigation’, and ‘Constructed Wetlands’, covering the period from 2014 to 2024. After applying filters and inclusion/exclusion criteria, the search resulted in 82 articles. The distribution of publications over the analyzed period was examined, and a keyword co-occurrence map was created using the VOSviewer software. The results indicate that the use of constructed wetlands combined with techniques such as photobioreactors and anaerobic digestion demonstrates high efficiency in pollutant removal while enabling resource recovery, such as biogas and nutrients. The analysis of the co-occurrence map revealed interconnected themes, suggesting a convergence of studies around hybrid solutions for wastewater treatment in dairy production, livestock farming, and slaughterhouses. Finally, the study highlights the main challenges related to the removal of emerging contaminants and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for rigorous monitoring and the implementation of effective public policies to ensure environmental safety and the sustainable use of water resources.
Application of microwave and infrared treatment to reduce antinutrients in lupine seeds
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Sterna, V.; Jansons, I.; Jansone, Z.; Zhylina, M.
Lupins are group of legumes that produce seeds containing up to 40% protein, making them an excellent source of food or feed. However, the nutritional value of legumes can be adversely affected by the presence of various anti-nutrients, including phytic acid, alkaloids etc. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of microwave and infrared radiation to reduce the levels of anti-nutrients - alkaloids and urease activity - in lupine seeds. The seed treatment was carried out using two different applications - microwave with time regimes 2 minutes or 6 minutes and infrared toplight with time regimes: 10 minutes at 25 °C and 30 minutes at 35 °C. Content of protein, fat, amino acids, alkaloids and urease activity were determined. The results show that in the samples of lupins the alkaloid content decreased from 0.07% to 0.05% after 6 min of microwave treatment and from 0.07% to 0.03% after 10 min of infrared treatment. Concluded that both treatments reduced the content of alkaloids and urease activity in lupine seeds, without significantly changing either the protein content or the amino acid composition and can be used for antinutrient reduction without loss of nutrients.
Constructive solution of battery swapping unit in service station for unmanned agricultural robot
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Jevtuševski, Andrei; Ihnatiev, Yevhen; Lillerand, Tormi; Virro, Indrek; Olt, Jüri; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Technology. Chair of Biosystems Engineering
The fully automated battery swapping unit is an essential part of unmanned agricultural robot service, ensuring the continuous operation of the robot by allowing the agricultural vehicle to replace its depleted battery with a fully charged one without human intervention, enabling it to continue its work cycle in the field. Thus, the battery swapping unit is part of service station systems, along with fertilizer filling, water supply, energy generation, and storage systems. This article describes a unique prototype of a battery swapping unit that safely replaces a depleted battery with a fully charged one in 223.5 seconds. The main role is played by the moving battery cart, which transports the battery between the charging and robot positions using a gripper equipped with an electric lock, attached to the actuator, and a V-belt transmission driven by an electric motor. The selection of the optimal rotation frequency of the motor is also discussed in this article.
The effect of growth stimulants based on humic acids from Ukrainian lignite and biochar from agricultural residues on the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Zhylina, M.; Karnozhytskyi, P.P.; Miroshnichenko, D.; Konohrai, V.; Sterna, V.; Ozolins, J.
Significant amounts of plant-based waste are generated annually in the agricultural and food industries, including straw, corn residues, nutshells, and fruit pits. Disposing of this waste often relies on basic methods that avoid further processing, presenting an urgent environmental challenge. One efficient solution is converting biomass into biochar, which serves as a soil amendment. Developing cost-effective recycling methods has become critical with the increasing scarcity and rising cost of raw materials. The Dnipro Lignite Coal Basin in Ukraine offers extensive lignite reserves, enabling the production of affordable, high-quality humates for soil enhancement. In this study, wheat and barley straw were pelletized with barley bran at a 90:10 ratio. Pyrolysis was conducted at 500 °C with a heating rate of 5 °C·min⁻¹ and a one-hour holding time. The resulting biochar was added to a lettuce cultivation substrate at a 1:10 biochar-to-peat ratio. Humic substances derived from lignite were applied in 3% and 9% aqueous solutions, and environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, were monitored throughout the 35-day trial. Results showed that granulated biochar increased lettuce rosette diameter by 7.5% compared to perlite substrates and by 11.6% compared to peat. Additionally, 3% humate solutions enhanced rosette diameter by 11.6% and biomass weight by 25.77%. These findings confirm that biochar from agricultural residues and lignite-derived humates effectively boost lettuce yield and quality.
Effect of the incorporation of ‘Marrubium Vulgare L.’ in Yogurt: Physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Terki, L.; Aissaoui, O.; Khelouia, L.; Hadjout, L.; Boukhari, N.; Madani, K.
The research work on the incorporation of Marrubium vulgare extract in the yogurt formulations and its effects on physicochemical and sensory properties were conducted. The obtained results revealed that the incorporation of Marrubium vulgare extract did not negatively influenced physicochemical parameters, with pH values varied from 4.37 ± 0.01 in natural Yogurt to 4.31 ± 0.01 in the 4% Marrubium yogurt, and titratable acidity varied significantly from 99.3 ± 0.5°D to 105.3 ± 1.2°D (p < 0.05). The water holding capacity (WHC) improved slightly, but significantly from 20.40 ± 0.03% to 20.67 ± 0.07% (p < 0.05). The results suggest a slight increase in titratable acidity, WHC, and viscosity (especially, at higher extract concentrations); however, further research is needed to refine this trend. Nutritionally, total solids, protein and fat content remained largely unchanged (p > 0.05), but led to a significant increase in ash content, from 0.63 ± 0.03% to 0.93 ± 0.03% (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total phenolic content was significantly increased from 5.25 ± 0.31 mg per 100 g to 7.30 ± 0.27 mg per 100 g (p < 0.05) and the antioxidant activity from 2.71 ± 0.19 mg per 100 g to 4.42 ± 0.24 mg per 100g (p < 0.05). The sensory evaluation revealed that Marrubium-enriched Yogurt received significantly higher ratings in flavor and overall acceptability (p < 0.05) compared to plain Yogurt. Texture ratings remained similar (p > 0.05). This study highlights the potential of Marrubium vulgare as a functional ingredient for Yogurt fortification, enhancing antioxidant properties, mineral content, and consumer acceptability.
Effect of using Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria, Glomus mosseae fungus and liquid organic fertilizer on soil available nitrogen and phosphorus and some characteristics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) and choline seed content
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Al-Silmawy, N.A.; Abd, E.H.; Shahad, R.F.; Mohammed, R.J.
A factorial pot experiment was conducted during the fall season of 2023–2024 in the fields of the College of Agriculture/University of Wasit, according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors and three replicates. The first factor is the bacterial inoculum Pseudomonas fluorescens at two levels (addition B1 and without addition B0), the second factor is the fungal fertilizer Glomus mosseae at two levels (addition M1 and without addition M0), and the third factor is the liquid organic fertilizer at two levels as well (addition O1 and without addition O0) added in two batches, thus we have eight treatments with three replicates so that the number of experimental units is 24 experimental units (pots). Available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, plant height, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, seed content of active substance choline, and biological yield were measured. The triple interaction treatment of the three factors (B1M1O1) gave the best results for the mentioned traits, followed by the dual interaction treatment between bacteria and fungi (B1M1), then the dual interaction treatments between bacteria and liquid organic fertilizer B1O1 and between fungi and liquid organic fertilizer M1O1, then the single treatments B1, M1, and O1, and finally the control treatment without additives (B0M0O0), which gave the lowest results. The mycorrhizal reliability was calculated for each of the plant heights, number of pods, and biological yield and was 22.2, 68.25, and 33.00%, respectively.
Enabling semantic interoperability for smart farming
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Smaili, N.; Kabbaj, A.
The strain on food security, environmental health, ecosystems, and fertile land, driven by a growing global population, can be alleviated through sustainable agriculture. To navigate this critical situation, it is essential to leverage existing technologies. The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the evolution of the internet have opened up new possibilities such as precision agriculture, IoT-based farming, and data-driven analytics for the agriculture sector. One promising approach is the utilization of semantic web technologies in smart farming. This article presents an ontology-based method designed to enable semantic interoperability across various smart farming systems. By merging and integrating existing domain ontologies, a unified framework is proposed, that facilitates seamless data exchange, enhances decision-making, and addresses key challenges in sustainable agriculture.
Evaluating the efficiency, environmental impact, and operator benefits of GPS guidance and autosteer technologies in agricultural field operations
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Haapala, H.; Sarvela, K.; Kalmari, J.; Appelgrén, I.; Linna, P.
This study evaluated the benefits of GPS guidance and autosteer technologies in agricultural operations through a three-year field experiment conducted at the Smart Bioeconomy Testbed in Central Finland. Adjacent fields were sown either with or without the use of GPS guidance and autosteer, while all other variables were standardized to isolate the impact of the technologies. The movement of the tractor–seeder combination was precisely tracked using RTK GPS with centimetre-level accuracy, and operational parameters were recorded via ISOBUS, supplemented by external measurements of environmental and agronomic factors. Key findings demonstrated that GPS-guided autosteer operations reduced total work time by 9.7% (p < 0.01), primarily due to a 21% (p < 0.01) decrease in overlap and unnecessary movement. This operational efficiency translated into a 20% (p < 0.01) reduction in fuel consumption and a corresponding decrease in CO₂ emissions per hectare. Moreover, GPS-based automation produced more uniform traffic patterns, mitigating localized soil compaction. Operator well-being also improved, with a 10% (p < 0.01) reduction in average heart rate, suggesting reduced physical strain. These benefits were particularly significant in small, irregular fields typical of Finnish agriculture. In conclusion, GPS guidance and autosteer technologies significantly enhance operational efficiency by reducing fuel use, field time, and emissions. These benefits are particularly pronounced in smaller fields, such as those typical in Finland, where improved manoeuvrability yields greater returns. While the technologies contribute positively to operator well-being, individual responses may vary. Further research is needed to assess long-term impacts, explore integration with advanced technologies such as robotics and AI-driven decision support systems, and address the challenges associated with broader adoption.
Evaluation of grain morphometry and gliadin diversity among twenty accessions of the genus Aegilops from the National collection of Bulgaria
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Desheva, G.; Petrović, G.; Valchinova, E.; Deshev, M.; Kyosev, B.; Pencheva, A.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in twenty Aegilops accessions belonging to five plant species with respect to specific grain morphometric parameters and gliadin proteins, employing digital image analysis and A-PAGE electrophoresis. The considerable variation was observed among accessions for grain morphometric traits - area, perimeter, length, width and colour of grain. A total of 96 gliadin polymorphic bands were identified, with the number of bands varying between 13 and 22 per accession. The overall genetic diversity in the samples based on the patterns observed for each of the four gliadin regions showed that the ω, γ and β regions had high genetic variation index (H = 0.950), while α regions (H = 0.938), respectively. The mean genetic diversity estimate was high (H = 0.947). The average genetic similarity between all 20 genotypes ranges from 0.14 to 0.93 with a mean of 0.56, indicating that the studied accessions exhibited considerable genetic variability. The study found that the clustering of Aegilops genotypes was not linked to their geographic origin. Two-dimensional Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) based on the gliadin and morphometric analyses revealed wide genetic dissimilarity between most of the genotypes, explaining 97.16% of the variations, with the model explaining 97.16% of the observed variation. Of this, PCo1 accounted for 93.65% and PCo2 for 3.51%. Genotypes with analogous genomes were grouped in close proximity within the phylogenetic tree, indicating that their evolutionary relationships may have originated from the same parental lineage.
Influence of pasture feed chemical composition on growth performance of Latvian darkhead lambs
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Griķe, K.; Kairiša, D.; Bārzdiņa, D.
Lamb fattening on pasture feed is widely used in the world and in Latvia as most of Latvian darkhead (LT) breed lambs are grazed on pasture with some addition of hay and straw. Clarifying the variable pasture grass chemical composition during the grazing season and comparing with growth performance of lambs can enable farmers to predict the fattening pace. The experiment was conducted during grazing seasons of year 2020 and 2021 at the ram breeding station owned by the Latvian Sheep hearder association. Pasture of 60% grasses and up to 20% of legumes and other broadleaf low grasses is recultivated every 4 to 5 years, grass is cut once a year, grazing is organized in rotational system of fenced paddocks where animals are moved periodically to ensure better feed quality as well as letting the previous paddock regrow. Total of 24 male LT breed lambs were used in the experiment. Pasture feed chemical composition was analysed from 13 samples in year 2020 and 9 samples in year 2021. The authors analysed pasture feed samples for nutritional content (dry matter - 27.1%, within a kg of dry matter protein - 12.5%, fiber - 26.2%, metabolizable energy - 10.8, etc.) and measured lamb growth parameters (average daily gain - 256.4 g d-1, fattening duration - 78.6 days, end liveweight - 45.1 kg). The research demonstrates that pasture feed quality varies significantly between years and affects lamb growth performance, with lower feed quality prolonging fattening duration. Despite this variation, the authors conclude that pasture grass feed utilization for lamb growth performance was optimal, with lambs reaching target weights within acceptable timeframes. Practical conclusion of this research is that by using rotational grazing system lambs can be fattened to reach target liveweight, even with lower pasture grass feed quality due to weather conditions and fattening period takes longer, the target weight is sufficient. Utilitarian suggestion is to organize lamb weaning and begin the fattening period as early in the season as possible to avoid the decreased grass quality in autumn.
Insight on the impacts of brassinosteroid- and seaweed-based biostimulants on glyphosate-resistant commercial crop growth, yield and soil microorganisms: A scoping review
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Tandathu, T.E.; Van Der Watt, E.; Kotzé, E.; Khetsha, Z.P.
Globally, compliance with the chemical regulations on the use of herbicides, particularly glyphosate, remains a challenge. Glyphosate controls various broadleaf, annual, and perennial grasses in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Although glyphosate targets weeds, it can also influence non-target soil microorganisms and high-value plants through earlyseason broadcast, pre-plant application, or indirectly via foliar application by droplets falling to the ground. In plants, glyphosate impacts various physiological and physiochemical processes, inhibits auxin transport, and enhances auxin oxidation in plants. Hence, biostimulants serve as a gateway in alleviating such problems. Biostimulants are agricultural products manufactured from natural materials that contain active compounds, which stimulate growth when applied in minute volumes under different growth conditions. In the past, a major focus was directed toward biostimulants' effects on commercial crops under abiotic stress conditions such as drought, heat, and salinity. However, less emphasis has been placed on the stress caused by herbicide applications. Therefore, this review focuses on future studies to explore brassinosteroid and seaweed-based biostimulants' impact on glyphosate-resistant commercial crop growth and soil microorganisms. Conclusions and recommendations could be reached using the pool of research material, which consists of research articles, reviews, book chapters, theses, research short communications, and industrial short communications from at least the last ten years.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) in construction materials – Review
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Carvalho, J.G.R.O.; Cecchin, D.; de Azevedo, A.R.G.; do Carmo, D.F.; Paes, J.L.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Hamacher, L.S.; Costa, K.A.; Rossi, G.; Bambi, G.
The construction industry is one of the most impactful sectors in terms of natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, demanding more sustainable and efficient solutions. This study systematically reviews the applicatication of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate sustainable materials and practices within the construction sector, emphasizing the replacement of tradicional materials with recycled, bioeconomic, and low-carbon alternatives. A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus database, covering studies published between 2020 and September 2024. The methodology included the use of VOS viewer software to generate keyword co-occurrence maps, aiding in the identification of emerging trends and patterns. Key findings indicate substantial environmental benefits from incorporating industrial wastes, agricultural by-products, and bioeconomic materials, demonstrating substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and natural resource usage. The analysis also highlights emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, as innovative tools that further enhance sustainability in construction. However, challenges persist, including limited availability of reliable regional data, methodological complexities, and gaps in integrating socio-economic variables into LCA analyses. This paper contributes to advancing sustainable construction by identifying critical gaps and challenges, proposing strategies for improved data collection, recommending enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and suggesting increased governmental support and regulatory frameworks to promote broader adoption of LCA in industry practices.
A literature review of plants with antiparasitic properties against horse endoparasites
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Eberharde, P.A.; Bandere, D.; Teterovska, R.
In light of the expansion of anthelmintic resistance, this literature review focusses on plant use against common endoparasites in horses: strongyles, cyathostomins, and ascarids, all of which negatively impact the horse's quality of life. Evidence-based literature from databases such as ScienceDirect and PubMed and search engines such as GoogleScholar was selected, and publications that met the criteria were included in the review. The plants included in the review are native species in Europe or can be easily grown in the provided climate. The search provided a total of 5936 publications from which, after evaluation, only 12 were included in the review. The main aim of the research was to compare the efficacy of selected plants by evaluating the information of the study design, a plant component or preparation and its concentration used in the investigation, and the results obtained, while also describing the bioactive compounds that are responsible for the potential antiparasitic effect. The search covered commonly mentioned plants with anthelmintic potential for equines, and in the result, only eight of the plants had their effectiveness evaluated in the form of research, Artemisia absinthium, Hippophae rhamnoides, Onobrychis viciifolia, Allium sativum, Inula helenium, Zingiber officinale, Cichorium intybus and Pimpinella anisum. The results emphasize the necessity for further explorations to be made - the results tend to be inconsistent with each other, showing that there might be a possibility for the plants to become a part of routine anthelmintic therapy, but many of the findings have not been convincing enough so far.
Metabolic hormone profiles pre- and post-fattening in sheep breeds in Latvia with varying feed efficiency
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Trapina, I.; Plavina, S.; Krasņevska, N.; Paramonovs, J.; Kairisa, D.; Paramonova, N.
In sheep production, livestock fattening constitutes a major source of income, with overall economic efficiency largely determined by feed efficiency (Fe). Feed efficiency, in turn, is influenced by the hormone-regulated physiological state of the animal. Monitoring hormone levels as biomarkers can significantly optimise the lamb fattening process, improving outcomes. The study aims to analyse levels of hormone IGF-1, insulin, total T4, ACTH, haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb), and glucose in sheep breeds raised in Latvia at different ages or fattening periods and corresponding Fe indicators. Blood samples and phenotypic data were collected from 76 and 92 intensively fattened lambs at ~81 and ~150 days of age, respectively, with ~60% representing the Latvian Dark-Head breed. Post-fattening levels of IGF-1, insulin, haematocrit, and haemoglobin were statistically higher, while glucose was elevated pre-fattening. IGF-1 and insulin varied significantly across five and three breeds; HCT and Hb levels differed significantly in one breed each. Pre-fattening IGF-1 and glucose levels correlated with feed efficiency traits. Regression analysis showed that pre-fattening hormone levels explained 24.7% of FCR, 22.8% of RGR, and 31.6% of KR variance. Results demonstrate breed-specific hormonal differences in Latvian sheep and indicate the potential of hormone levels as biomarkers for assessing and optimising feed efficiency, emphasizing the need to study hormone levels across breeds and at different fattening stages.
Molecular Identification and Characterization of Botrytis spp. from Strawberry in Morocco
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Hammoumi, S.; Bentata, F.; Khalifi, H.; Karim, S.; Maafa, I.; Elwahab, F.; Gaboun, F.; Brhadda, N.; Ziri, R.; Labhilili, M.
Botrytis cinerea is a highly destructive infection, responsible for gray mold in small fruit crops such as strawberries, it causes pre and post-harvest losses. Identification of this pathogen is the first step to control it. The purpose of the present study was to identify Botrytis species, characterize and assess genetic diversity of gray mold pathogen populations from strawberry in Morocco using molecular markers. Sixty-eight isolates were obtained from infected fruits of 14 different geographic origins in Morocco, DNA was extracted and the isolates were identified using Bc108+/Bc563− and NEP2 sequences variability. To differentiate between groups N and S genotypes of Botrytis spp., two primer pairs were used (BcinN-in-F/R and Mrr1_spez_F/R). Presence of transposable elements (TE) boty, flipper and 9 microsatellites (SSR) were used to examine genetic diversity of the isolates. In our population, forty-seven isolates were identified as B. cinerea. Data indicated that 26% of isolates were attributed to groups S and 31% to N. It also showed that 32% of the isolates possessed flipper genotype, followed by transposa (28%), boty (21%) and vacuma (19%). Analysis of 68 Botrytis spp. isolates by SSR showed a high level of genetic diversity indices among populations of which the isolates clustered into seven genetic groups. Data showed genetic diversity in Botrytis spp. populations from Morocco. Identification of the pathogen and knowledge of its genetic diversity enable optimal and effective disease management.
Optimisation of dairy farming in Ukraine: Integrating modern information technologies for genetic improvement and sustainable herd management
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Matvieiev, M.; Getya, A.; Nehrey, M.; Yakubets, T.; Ruban, S.; Nazarko, O.; Borshch, O.O.; Lastovska, I.; Baban, V.; Mashkin, Yu.
The dynamic nature of the Ukrainian dairy sector requires the integration of modern information technology solutions for the judicious selection of economically viable animals, with a focus on genetic improvement through a comprehensive breeding index. However, the absence of a centralized data repository makes it impossible to calculate the breeding value of animals, does not contribute to making appropriate management decisions and thus does not help to improve the economic well-being of the farm. Farm software plays a key role in filling such a database. In Ukraine, there is a large number of software programs of various producers, including Ukrainian ones, which allow farms to organize correct recording and ensure the filling of the database. However, this diversity is often accompanied by the incompatibility of programs and the inability to combine the data registered by different programs. The study underlines the need for comprehensive improvements in the system of cow breeding using data from dairy farm software, especially in response to the growing trend towards automation.
Peculiarities of soybean growth and development on gray forest soils
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Didur, I.; Pantsyreva, H.
The scientific and experimental five-year study highlighted the detailed development of technological techniques for growing soybeans under different hydrothermal growing conditions on gray forest soils. The conducted experimental studies established that under the influence of climatic factors, the duration of the growing season of soybean plants changes, and these factors, as a result, affect the field germination, the conservation factor and, as a result, the yield of plants. It has also been proven that during the ontogenesis of the plant, there are natural changes in linear dimensions depending on varietal characteristics, weather conditions and factors that were investigated. On average, over the years of research, the length of the soybean vegetation period ranged from 110 to 118 days, while the longest vegetation period was recorded on the experimental variants, where seeds were inoculated with the BTU Bioinoculant preparation and two foliar feedings were carried out in phase 3 – the third leaf and budding Helprost soybean. Starting from the flowering phase, soybean plants reacted more intensively to the studied factors. On the options where foliar fertilizing was carried out with Helprost soy mineral fertilizer (2.5 L ha-1) against the background of inoculation with BTU Bioinoculant (2 L t-1), the flowering period lasted 28 ± 3.6 days, which is 3 days more compared to with areas where foliar fertilization was not carried out and for 6 days – compared to the control. This is explained by the influence of a number of factors, in particular, hydrothermal, biotic, soil and anthropogenic. During the period of full ripeness, in connection with the action caused by pests and diseases, certain technological techniques and factors that were put to study, the density of plants according to the experimental options was from 488 ± 28.3 to 552 ± 34.5 thousand ha-1.
Preliminary study of microplastics in bottled and tap water in Estonia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Meitern, Annika Joy; Neilant, Keith; Raamets, Jane
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern due to their widespread occurrence and potential harmful impacts on ecosystems and public health. This preliminary study -assesses the prevalence of MPs in bottled and tap water in Estonia and reviews related research in the field. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of MPs and understand the potential influence of the water source and packaging material on water properties. The study encompassed 12 different bottled water products from 9 Estonian brands and tap water samples from Tallinn and Tartu. All the tested water samples contained MPs, predominantly fibers, with blue and transparent being the most common colors. The packaging material, bottle caps, or the water source did not influence the number of MPs found in bottled water. Interestingly, water packaged in glass bottles contained a higher count of MPs than in plastic bottles and tap water. The study underscores the need for further research to determine the sources of contamination.
Qualitative assessment of beach wrack and the influence of pretreatment methods on fuel characterization for energy production
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Mencarelli, A.; Greco, R.; Grigolato, S.
The accumulation of beach wracks poses significant challenges to coastal management, particularly in tourist areas, affecting environmental quality and aesthetics. This study explores the qualitative characteristics of beach wrack as a biofuel source for combustion appliances. Samples collected from beaches in Veneto, Italy, were analyzed according to EN ISO standards for solid biofuels. Proximate and ultimate analysis, heating value, and ash melting behaviour were determined. Raw samples (BW-R) exhibited high moisture content (77%), a substantial ash content (44%), and low heating value (10.7 MJ kg-1), making them unsuitable for direct energy applications. Pretreatments were performed to enhance the properties of the material. One portion was mechanically sieved (BW-S) to remove sand, while another was sieved and washed (BWSW) to remove the remaining salt and sand. Sieving reduced the ash content to 24% and increased the heating value to 15.3 MJ kg-1. The key improvements came from washing and sieving, which lowered ash content to 13% and increased heating value to 18.1 MJ kg-1. Washing also raised the ash deformation temperature to 1,290 °C, enhancing thermal stability. Pretreatments increased C and H content while reducing S and O, with no significant change in N. Due to high ash content, mixing with sawdust was necessary, resulting in mixtures showing better properties: 4.0% ash for Mix30 (30% beach wrack, 70% sawdust) and 6.9% for Mix50 (50% each) and increased heating values. However, challenges remain in converting beach wrack into viable fuel due to material losses during pretreatment, high costs, and environmental concerns from plastics.
Remotely piloted aircraft for monitoring greenhouse gases in dairy production systems
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Aguiar, J.V.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Ferreira, J.C.; Cecchin, D.; Mattia, A.; Conti, L.; Rossi, G.
The monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy cattle facilities is essential for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock farming. Among the main gases emitted in dairy production systems, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) play significant roles in global warming. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial variability of CH4 (ppm) and CO2 (ppm) concentrations, as well as environmental variables (dry bulb temperature, tdb, °C, and relative humidity, RH, %), in a compost barn dairy production system. For gas concentration monitoring, an electrochemical sensor was used for CH4 and a non–dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for CO2. For the environmental variables, a Hobo® MX2301A datalogger was used, and both pieces of equipment were attached to a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the DJI Matrice 350. Measurements were carried out over three days, with flights conducted over the facility's roof. The data obtained were analysed using geostatistics to characterise spatial variability of the GHG. A strong spatial dependence was observed in gas concentrations and environmental variables. The highest concentrations of CH4 (129–134.4 ppm) and CO2 (434–479 ppm) were recorded on the first day. Tdb ranged between 24.2 °C and 32 °C, while RH fluctuated between 38.8% and 68%. The use of RPA proved to be an efficient tool for GHG monitoring, allowing the identification of spatial distribution patterns. This technology provides a novel approach to measuring GHG emissions, addressing the environmental challenges of the agricultural sector.

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