Allelopathic interactions between seedlings of aromatic plants may result either in stimulation or in inhibition of different developmental processes. The intensity of these interactions through bioactive metabolites released by germinating seeds or secreted by growing seedlings of caraway, coriander, sage, and savoury may be modulated by water availability and by light conditions during germination and early vegetative growth. Coriander stimulated germination of summer savoury seeds in the presence of light and under water deficiency, but stem elongation of savoury seedlings was inhibited in cocultures with coriander. Summer savoury inhibited biomass accumulation of caraway seedlings only in the absence of light. Germination of common sage seeds was stimulated by the presence of caraway. Certain allelopathic effects were favoured by low water availability and by the presence of light. A better knowledge of the allelopathic interactions of aromatic plants and of the environmental conditions which support these effects will result in costeffective and environmentally friendly optimization of yield in cocultures.

The Ghout system is a traditional agricultural system classified as a World Agricultural Heritage (GIAHS) by the FOA since 2005. This paper discusses the joint management principle as a tool to preserve the Ghout system as an agricultural landscape in the Souf oasis (Algerian Sahara). The Ghout system has been based on mono-management by the local farmers since it was created in the 15th century, who managed it well all this time. However, this GIAHS suffers from many difficulties, which have led to the demise of a significant part of it. Today, moving to the principle of joint management has become a necessity, not an option. However, besides the local farmers, this principle depends on several stakeholders’ involvement in managing this traditional agricultural system. Also, this paper provides a roadmap to help make this proposed principle a success.

Abstract Mining and quarrying operations exert a substantial influence on both the environment and nearby communities. Plenty of them can be found in mountainous areas of Transylvania. These activities, which involve the excavation of expansive open pits and the disruption of soil and vegetation, can lead to adverse consequences such as soil erosion, deforestation, habitat degradation, and water contamination. Mining and quarrying operations carry notable consequences for both the environment and the nearby communities. The interventions of contemporary humans have changed the landscape on an unprecedented scale. The signs of human involvement are apparent in numerous locations in the Giurgeului Depression; the Suseni quarry site is an example of a place that necessitates a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Abstract The project for restoring and valorizing the “Jumelţ” iron furnace historical monument dating from the 19th century and located in Zimbru village, Arad County, has been substantiated by a series of analyses and specialized investigations. The landscape study, based on a hybrid methodology, has led to a specific set of knowledge of the local physical and social conditions and to the highlighting of the relations between the heritage object and its proximity. In conclusion, the knowledge generated by the landscape research has directly influenced the design process, has indicated the legitimacy of reconnecting the heritage monument to its context, as a non-speculative design approach, and has also facilitated the integration of sustainable development measures.

Abstract In our research, the salt stress of two sweet corn hybrids (Tyson and Sweetstar) was induced by irrigation with saline water in a pot experiment. We studied the possibility of the decrease of the negative effects of salt stress by applying 1-Triacontanol (TRIA) in various (3, 6, and 9 μM) doses. Plant height, raw biomass, root biomass, parameters characterizing the photosynthetic activity (SPAD, NDVI, chlorophyll content), and proline content were determined in order to quantify the effect of the TRIA treatment on salt tolerance. We concluded that triacontanol treatments had a positive effect on the studied parameters of both hybrids.

Abstract This study investigated farmers’ use of sustainable production practices for yellow pepper crop in the Nsukka agricultural zone, Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 135 farmers and interview schedule using structured questionnaires was employed for data collection. Data generated were analysed with SPSS software using frequency and percentage, mean scores, standard deviation, factor analysis, and logistic regression. Findings revealed that the majority (91.1%) of the yellow pepper farmers had moderate knowledge on sustainable production practices and that some of the practices used were mass selection (97.0%), use of poultry manure (95.60%), use of improved varieties of yellow pepper (94.0%), crop rotation practices (91.10%), and minimum use of agrochemicals (78.50). Among the factors considered to be potential determinants of farmers’ use of sustainable production practices, only sex was statistically significant, at 5% level. Also, findings indicated that technical, institutional, and economic constraints affected farmers’ use of sustainable production practices. Furthermore, results indicated that sustainable production practices could be enhanced through the use of improved seeds (85.5%), access to credit facilities (77.8%), access to extension services (71.8%), and training of farmers (68.9%). The study therefore recommends that government and private sectors should provide services that will facilitate the development of sustainable production practices of Nsukka yellow pepper crop, as this will have a long-term effect on productivity and the production environment.

Abstract The plastic tunnel can ensure a positive effect on the yield and quality of vegetables. In our experiment, we evaluated the following types and varieties of lettuce – heading type (‘Great Lakes 659’, ‘King of May’), non-heading type (‘Lollo Rossa’, ‘Lollo Bionda’), and cos type (‘Romaine lettuce’). The highest head weight was detected in ‘Great Lakes 659’ (373.97 g plant−1) and ‘Romaine lettuce’ (266.79 g plant−1) under an unheated plastic tunnel in springtime. Higher nitrate content (565.0 mg kg−1) was measured for ‘cos lettuce’, while lower values (425.50 mg kg−1) were measured for ‘Lollo Bionda’. Among the varieties, one of the highest dry matter content was also measured for ‘Great Lakes 659’ (8.52%). According to our results for lettuce production, ‘Great Lakes 659’ was detected as having a higher yield and dry matter content and a lower nitrate accumulation.

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be used to promote the productivity of legumes on phosphorus- (P) deficient soils. The present study investigates the inoculation effects of three AMF species (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum) and the control (uninoculated) on nitrogen fixation efficiency and growth performance of tropical soybean cultivar (TGx1448-2E) under varying P fertilizer rates (0, 20, and 40 kg P2O5 ha−1) in a derived savannah of Nigeria. The results showed that shoot and root dry matter, number of nodules, relative ureide abundance (RUA), nitrogen derived from atmosphere (Ndfa), total N fixed, shoot P uptake, grain, and biomass yield significantly increased with AMF inoculation, with better performance observed in plants inoculated with Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae compared to Claroideoglomus etunicatum. Similarly, the soybean growth variables, P uptake, and nitrogen fixation activities increased with increasing P application rates. Conversely, AMF root colonization significantly reduced with increasing P rate. Interaction of AMF inoculation and P rates significantly influenced soybean growth and nitrogen fixation. R. intraradices inoculation with 20 kg P2O5 ha−1 resulted in the highest amount of RUA, Ndfa, N fixed, and grain yield. It could be concluded from this study that R. intraradices with moderate P rate could be used to enhance nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and soybean yield in P-deficient soils.

Abstract A country’s economic situation, its political establishment, and the prevailing environmental conditions have a significant impact on the institutional system required for efficient environmental protection measures. During our work, we reviewed the institutional changes and legislation regarding environmental protection which have occurred over the past 20 years as well as the role of changes in the government. In summary, it can be concluded that significant changes occurred during the past two decades. The names, organizational structures, operations, and scopes of ministries have undergone regular changes over the years. In Hungary, there has been no separate ministry of the environment since 2010, and this area is regulated only on the state secretary level. In contrast, in the V4 countries and the Carpathian Basin, environmental protection is regulated on the ministry level.

Abstract Recently, industrial tomato production in Hungary shows an increasing tendency after a weak processing period. However, to maintain the cultivation profitable, the use of proper technology and genotype is indispensable. In the experiment, five hybrids and one variety were evaluated in a plot experiment design on open field. The main objective was to evaluate the fruit quality of different genotypes and to determine the suitability for mechanical harvest. According to the results, Heinz 1015 F 1 and Heinz 9478 F 1 had the best fruit quality for industrial processing. Nowadays, the use of hybrids with good adaptability and resistance properties is important for a profitable production.