Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 142–146

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120809

Research Article

Title: An Integrated Hydrological Optimization Model for Managing Deficit Irrigation in Semi-Arid Citrus Orchards

Names of Authors: Gomez, S. L.¹, Martinez, R. A.¹, and Silva, M. T.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute of Agricultural Sciences, National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina. ²Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract: Prolonged water shortages require the implementation of deficit irrigation models to sustain woody fruit orchard yields. This research evaluated the water savings efficiency of Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) and Partial Root-zone Drying (PRD) across a commercial 20-hectare sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) plantation over two production cycles. Irrigation scheduling tracked tree water status via stem water potential measurements paired with automated soil sap-flow monitoring grids. The PRD system restricted water usage by 35.0% compared to full crop evapotranspiration controls while maintaining equivalent commercial fruit yields (32.4 tons/ha). Physiological monitoring showed that alternating drying zones stimulated endogenous abscisic acid synthesis, which modulated stomatal aperture widths to optimize water use efficiency metrics. Total juice content and ascorbic acid scores within harvested oranges grew by 14.5% under the PRD configuration. The study confirms that PRD frameworks provide viable regional resource management options for water-scarce semi-arid zones.

Keywords: Water allocation; Resource scheduling; Orange orchards; Abscisic acid pathways; Evapotranspiration tracking; Precision water management.

Manuscript Timeline: Received May 08, 2026; Revised July 02, 2026; Accepted August 06, 2026; Published August 28, 2026.

Citation: Gomez, S. L., Martinez, R. A., and Silva, M. T. (2026). An Integrated Hydrological Optimization Model for Managing Deficit Irrigation in Semi-Arid Citrus Orchards. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 142–146.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 137–141

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120808

Research Article

Title: Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Non-Destructive Quality Grading of Postharvest Malus domestica Fruits

Names of Authors: Nakamura, K.¹, Takahashi, T.¹, and Saito, Y.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. ²National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.

Abstract: Real-time grading of internal quality parameters in apples (Malus domestica) is a core requirement for modern sorting facilities. This research evaluated a non-destructive classification framework utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy within the 750–1100 nm spectral window to evaluate Soluble Solids Content (SSC) and flesh firmness values simultaneously. Calibration databases were developed using 350 fruit samples evaluated via partial least squares regression (PLSR) algorithms. The analytical model achieved high accuracy metrics, showing a prediction correlation coefficient (Rp) of 0.92 for SSC and 0.86 for firmness parameters. Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) values were restricted to 0.35 Brix and 0.42 N respectively. Spectral signatures within the 970 nm zone corresponded to internal moisture absorption transitions, whereas the 910 nm band registered carbohydrate structural combinations. Integrating this sensor logic into automated sorting conveyor grids enables high-speed grading separations at line velocities exceeding 5 fruits per second.

Keywords: Sorting technology; Optical sensors; Chemometrics; Apple processing; Non-invasive grading; Sugar content modeling.

Manuscript Timeline: Received May 05, 2026; Revised June 30, 2026; Accepted August 04, 2026; Published August 26, 2026.

Citation: Nakamura, K., Takahashi, T., and Saito, Y. (2026). Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Non-Destructive Quality Grading of Postharvest Malus domestica Fruits. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 137–141.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 132–136

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120807

Research Article

Title: Ameliorative Action of Exogenous Salicylic Acid on Photosynthetic Disruption in Triticum aestivum Under Salinity Stress

Names of Authors: Al-Ghamdi, A. S.¹, Fahad, S.², and Al-Ahmadi, M. S.¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Botany and Microbiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ²Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Abstract: Soil salinity pressures restrict wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cellular performance by triggering osmotic stress and accumulation of toxic sodium (Na+) ions. This greenhouse investigation evaluated the protective efficacy of exogenous salicylic acid foliar sprays (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM) on wheat crops exposed to a 120 mM NaCl stress baseline. Gas exchange parameters, antioxidant enzyme actions, and intracellular ion distributions were analyzed. Spraying with 1.0 mM salicylic acid reduced Na+ accumulation in leaf blades by 42.6% while increasing potassium (K+) retention, preserving a favorable K+/Na+ homeostatic balance. The net photosynthetic rate increased by 28.5% compared to unsprayed saline control plants, supported by enhanced stomatal conductance levels. Biochemical assays revealed a 2.3-fold increase in ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase functions within treated tissues, which restricted lipid peroxidation damage. The findings confirm that salicylic acid acts as a physiological protectant, stabilizing photosynthetic infrastructure under high salinity inputs.

Keywords: Salinity resilience; Chemical priming; Ion transport; Antioxidant networks; Wheat physiology; Proline synthesis.

Manuscript Timeline: Received May 02, 2026; Revised June 28, 2026; Accepted August 02, 2026; Published August 24, 2026.

Citation: Al-Ghamdi, A. S., Fahad, S., and Al-Ahmadi, M. S. (2026). Ameliorative Action of Exogenous Salicylic Acid on Photosynthetic Disruption in Triticum aestivum Under Salinity Stress. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 122–126.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 127–131

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120806

Research Article

Title: Impact of Intercropping Zea mays and Glycine max on Weed Suppression Dynamics and Land Equivalent Ratios

Names of Authors: Müller, J. K.¹, Wagner, S. M.¹, and Becker, F. H.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute of Agronomy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. ²Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Julius Kühn-Institut, Quedlinburg, Germany.

Abstract: Monoculture cultivation configurations require substantial synthetic herbicide interventions to suppress competitive weed species. This study evaluated the agronomic efficiency of alternate-row intercropping setups pairing maize (Zea mays L.) alongside soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) without applying chemical weed protection. Weed biomass, solar radiation interception metrics, and crop yields were tracked across three spatial configurations (1:1, 2:2, and alternate broadcast designs). The 2:2 row intercropping design out-performed alternative options, reducing absolute weed biomass by 58.4% compared to maize monoculture plots. Canopy closure assessments showed that the multi-tier leaf setup intercepted 88.5% of incoming photosynthetically active radiation by day 45, starving low-level weed species of light inputs. Total Land Equivalent Ratios (LER) reached a maximum score of 1.34 within the 2:2 configuration, showing high land-use efficiency. Nitrogen analysis confirmed that soybean rhizospheric fixation enhanced soil nitrogen availability within shared root horizons by 24.5 kg N/ha, boosting maize grain protein profiles.

Keywords: Ecological intensive farming; Light interception; Intercropping; Biological weed control; Land use efficiency; Root interaction.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 28, 2026; Revised June 25, 2026; Accepted July 30, 2026; Published August 22, 2026.

Citation: Müller, J. K., Wagner, S. M., and Becker, F. H. (2026). Impact of Intercropping Zea mays and Glycine max on Weed Suppression Dynamics and Land Equivalent Ratios. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 127–131.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 122–126

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120805

Review Article

Title: Developments in Vertical Farming Infrastructure: Automation, Lighting Spectrum Optimization, and Nutrient Delivery Systems

Names of Authors: Gomez, M. A.¹, Fernandez, J. R.², and Lopez, P. S.¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Agricultural Engineering, Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. ²Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract: Vertical cultivation networks provide viable pathways to optimize food security across hyper-urban landscapes by breaking reliance on large acreage farming systems. This comprehensive review categorizes architectural transformations within indoor facilities, with a specific focus on structural energy reductions and nutrient loop automation frameworks. Moving from standard monochrome LED setups to dynamic, multi-spectral systems allows real-time modifications of red, blue, and far-red ratios to match distinct plant phenological stages. These adjustments trigger target metabolic pathways, boosting antioxidant generation up to 34.2% in leafy greens. Robotic harvesting modules combined with computer vision algorithms manage spatial identification, lowering production labor costs by approximately 40.5%. The manuscript examines comparative performance indicators across aeroponic, hydroponic, and deep-water delivery frameworks, confirming that closed aeroponic loops minimize water requirements. Finally, engineering challenges regarding microclimate uniformity and air flow mixing strategies are characterized to guide commercial facility designs.

Keywords: Controlled environment agriculture; Automated farming; Multi-spectral LEDs; Aeroponics; Smart greenhouse; Resource loop optimization.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 25, 2026; Revised June 22, 2026; Accepted July 28, 2026; Published August 20, 2026.

Citation: Gomez, M. A., Fernandez, J. R., and Lopez, P. S. (2026). Developments in Vertical Farming Infrastructure: Automation, Lighting Spectrum Optimization, and Nutrient Delivery Systems. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 122–126.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 117–121

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120804

Research Article

Title: Biofloc Technology System Optimization: Effects of Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratios on Water Parameters and Growth of Litopenaeus vannamei

Names of Authors: Putra, I. W.¹, Santoso, B.², and Wijaya, S.¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Research Center for Fishery, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia. ²Department of Aquaculture, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia.

Abstract: Managing nitrogenous waste accumulations is a critical requirement in intensive white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultivation setups. Biofloc systems utilize heterotrophic microbial assimilation channels to convert ammonia into microbial proteins by balancing macro-nutrient inputs. This 45-day experiment evaluated four carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios (10:1, 15:1, 20:1, and 25:1) achieved via molasses supplementation inside high-density tanks. Total ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite, and biofloc volume metrics were logged every 24 hours. The 20:1 C/N ratio configuration maintained optimal water parameters, keeping total ammonia fractions below 0.12 mg/L and reducing volatile nitrite accumulation trends. Under this condition, shrimp survival rates reached 94.5 ± 2.1%, showing a final average weight of 18.2 g per individual. Proximate evaluations of the harvested floc matrices revealed a crude protein content of 38.4%, which functioned as an ongoing supplementary feed source. Increasing C/N ratios to 25:1 caused excessive suspended solids accumulation, requiring increased aeration inputs to prevent localized dissolved oxygen drops.

Keywords: Sustainable aquaculture; Zero water exchange; Heterotrophic bacteria; Molasses input; Nitrogen conversion; Shrimp farming.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 22, 2026; Revised June 18, 2026; Accepted July 26, 2026; Published August 18, 2026.

Citation: Putra, I. W., Santoso, B., and Wijaya, S. (2026). Biofloc Technology System Optimization: Effects of Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratios on Water Parameters and Growth of Litopenaeus vannamei. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 117–121.