http://hdl.handle.net/10174/693 2026-04-09T09:42:57Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/36603 Title: Soilless Culture—An Intensive Production Method on Its Way to Sustainability Authors: Nazim, Nazim; Machado, Rui; Van OS, Erik Editors: Gruda, Nazim; Machado, Rui; Van OS, Erik Abstract: Preface Soilless Culture Systems (SCSs) have been in use commercially for the last 40 years, and now many variations of these systems are available. The primary benefit of SCSs is that they save water and fertilizers, and the surplus water can be reused by the grower or in a cascade system in other crops. This system helps to promote the sustainable use of water and fertilizers. The next step in this process, highlighted in this Reprint, is the use of microorganisms to increase the resilience of plants against pests and diseases, thus reducing the need for chemicals. Additionally, organic growing media/plant substrates will increase further. SCSs are moving towards sustainable agriculture with both high-tech and low-tech methods. It is encouraging to see researchers worldwide embracing this cultivation method to take sustainable steps forward. As editors, we are pleased to have had the opportunity to cooperate and stimulate this development towards sustainable agriculture. We hope that many growers will apply the methods investigated here and that many researchers will continue to develop and improve SCSs. This reprint comprises 11 original contributions and an editorial written by 45 authors from 10 countries. The numbers differ slightly from what was reported in the editorial, as the editorial was written before the last article was published. The cover picture illustrates sustainability with a soilless tomato crop. The old leaves on the floor provide a habitat for beneficial predators to eliminate harmful pests. 2023-12-09T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/33368 Title: Proceedings of the 8th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture Authors: Basch, G.; González-Sánchez, E. J.; Kassam, A.; Román-Vázquez, J.; Moreno-Blanco, E. Editors: Basch, G. Abstract: Under the banner: The Future of Farming – Profitable and Sustainable Farming with Conservation Agriculture, the 8WCCA highlighted the global contribution of Conservation Agriculture towards achieving these outcomes. It also explored how CA land use can help to address humankind’s major global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and food security while safeguarding the livelihoods of small and large-scale farmers. The proven benefits of CA in terms of erosion control, carbon sequestration, biodiversity regeneration, and improved water and nutrient cycling are all contributing to the achievement of the manifold objectives of the international conventions and agreements including the Sustainable Development Goals, European Green Deal and F2F Strategy. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/32352 Title: Soil, Water and Nitrates Management in Horticultural Production Authors: Machado, Rui Abstract: The goal of this Special Issue, entitled “Soil, Water and Nitrates Management in Horticultural Production”, is to examine recent advances in horticultural practices and strategies that can contribute to maintaining or increasing soil fertility and the efficiency of water and nitrogen use. The decrease in soil fertility, and in the quality and availability of irrigation water, is a reality that is maximized by global warming. On the other hand, nitrogen fertilization may contribute to nitrate leaching and/or the release of gases (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide), with a great impact on global warming. Therefore, the management of soil, water, and nitrogen is critical to dealing with soil and water degradation, and with climate change. Moreover, such management has a decisive impact on plant growth and the quality of horticultural crops. In this Special Issue, seven scientific contributions were collected that can contribute to an increase in the use of these more sustainable factors. Three papers analyzed the use of organic waste materials as a way to reduce inorganic fertilization, improve soil fertility and plant growth, and promote a circular economy. 2022-06-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/31561 Title: MANUAL TÉCNICO DE PRÁTICAS SILVÍCOLAS PARA A GESTÃO SUSTENTÁVEL EM POVOAMENTOS DE SOBREIRO E AZINHEIRA Authors: Ribeiro, João Rui; de Almeida Ribeiro, Nuno; Vaz, Margarida; Dinis, Cati; Camilo-Alves, Constança; Poeiras, Ana Patrícia; Beltrán, Ramón Santiago; Pinto Gomes, Carlos; Rodrigues, Fernanda; Saraiva Dias, Susana; Raposo, Mauro; Blanco, Valentín Editors: Ribeiro, João Rui; Almeida Ribeiro, Nuno; Poeiras, Ana Patrícia Abstract: Prefácio: Em Portugal Continental, segundo os dados do 6º Inventário Florestal Nacional (IFN6)(ICNFa), os espaços florestais (floresta, matos e improdutivos) ocupam 6,2 milhões de hectares (69,4%) do território, ocupando a floresta uma área de 3,2 milhões de hectares. Os “montados”, os sobreirais e os azinhais constituem a principal ocupação florestal, com 1.069.300 hectares, representando cerca de 1/3 da floresta. Em Espanha ocupam uma área de cerca de 3.515.920 hectares (Campos et al., 2010), o que representa cerca de 1/5 dos espaços florestais,equivalente a 6,95% do território peninsular espanhol, sendo 75% das explorações privadas. De acordo com os dados do Inventário Florestal Nacional (ICNFa) o sobreiro ocupa no território continental uma área de 719.900 hectares e a azinheira de 349.400 hectares. Na região do Alentejo a área ocupada pelo sobreiro é de 609.400 hectares e pela azinheira de 315.500 hectares, representando, assim, 84,6% e 90,2%, respetivamente, das áreas ocupadas por estas espécies no território continental. Na floresta os habitats mais representados são os que derivam das florestas de quercíneas, os montados (4%, habitat 6310), os sobreirais (4%, habitat 9330), os carvalhais (3%, habitat 9230) e os azinhais (2%, habitat 9340) (ICNFa). 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z