Scientific publications 2023

The following collection contains abstracts of international, Scimago Journal Rank scientific publications published in 2023 by researchers from ÖMKi. Click on the doi numbers to access the full text of the articles. Our results are also published in Hungarian in well-known peer-reviewed journals and in downloadable publications on our website. With this compilation, we would like to show that, in addition to its professional outreach and networking activities, ÖMKi is also at the forefront of international science.

EUROPEAN COUNTRYSIDE, VOL.15, NO.4, 2023, PP.579-597. 

Organic food consumption in Hungary – factors supporting consumption growth 

Gyöngyi Györéné Kis, Dóra Drexler, Gabriella Soós, Andrea Lugasi and Apolka Ujj 

https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2023-0031 

Abstract 

The aim of the research is to assess the behaviour of the consumers of organic products, with a particular focus on the frequency of consumption, the groups of purchased products, the preferred sales channels, the consumer motivations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market development. The data from the online questionnaire survey were analysed by descriptive statistical and relationship analysis methods. In 2020 and 2021, the frequency of purchase of organic products increased. The regular customers are mainly middle-aged, highly educated women with higher incomes, who mostly buy fruit and vegetables, mainly in discount stores. The respondents with relatively low frequency buy directly from organic producers, although the use of short supply chains could be a remarkable price-reducing factor. 

ACTA AGRARIA DEBRECENIENSIS 2023-1 

Organic soybean production in Hungary 

Éva Hunyadi Borbélyné; Dóra Drexler; Judit Berényi Üveges; Nóra Szigeti; Péter Fejes Tóth; Márta Ladányi 

https://doi.org/10.34101/ACTAAGRAR/1/12514 

Abstract 

Organic soy production, particularly for feedstuff in organic animal husbandry, is needed in Hungary and the EU regions. Soybean producing crop area in Hungary has increased in the last years, however, the agroecologicalpotential would allow for a larger soybean production area. This study presents the soybean market in Hungary, and the role of soybeans in protein supply in food and feed, summarising the critical elements of organic soybean production from variety selection to marketing. During the field research, the effects of the agronomical environment on yield potential factors were examined. We aimed to determine how different row spacing and tillage systems affect organic soybean yields of different varieties, withparticular attention to the dry region, and determine the specific methods and varieties of soybean that favour these areas. We found that the tillage (plough/grubber), the spacing (wide/narrow), and the variety effects were all significant on morphological variables. The most remarkable difference was seen in plant height and the number of pods per plant, while the number of nodes was also highly impacted by tillage treatment and variety. The nutrition variables were significantly different, mainlyas an effect of tillage and spacing interaction with significantly different plant responses of varieties. 

AGRONOMY JOURNAL 2023; 115:1678–1693. 

Distribution pattern of major crops and their cultivation intensity indicated by soil phosphorus concentrations in Europe 

Nóra Szigeti; Tamás Hermann; Katalin Juhos; Gergely Tóth 

https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21337 

Abstract 

The sowing area and yield of crops are primarily determined by climatic suitability and modified by terrain conditions. This study presents the actual sowing area of 10 major crops in Europe and reveals the spatial pattern of available soil phosphorus (P) concentrations between and within the sowing areas of the crops, based on the Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) database. A great variance in cropping pattern over Europe was observed, especially for crops with a broad climatic tolerance. Results show significant differences between soil phosphorus concentrations under different agricultural crops, indicating the differences in management intensities of major crops. A strong relationship between high yields and P-fertilizer use was found, as indicated by soil P concentration. In the context of environmental zones, P-concentration values were higher in northern zones, medium in the zones in central Europe, and lower in the Mediterranean zones. The more suitable the climate is for growing crops, the more it pays to apply P fertilizers. Consequently, soil P-concentration is a good indicator of crop cultivation intensity, land productivity, P fertilizer use, and the total P demand of plants. Among the most commonly cultivated crops, maize seems to be the most dependent crop for the level of P-concentration of soil or the P inputs. For more sustainable P use in Europe, further research is needed to calculate how the P-requirements of yields compare to the P-fertilizer use in the case of different crop types. 

JOURNAL OF NEMATOLOGY 55 : 1 pp. 1-12. 

Aqueous extracts of organic mulch materials have nematicide and repellent effect on meloidogyne incognita infective juveniles: a laboratory study 

Renáta Petrikovszki, Ferenc Tóth; Péter Nagy 

https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0037 

Abstract 

While the nematicidal effectiveness of mulching against root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) is calculated within organic crop protection, underlying mechanisms are not yet fully explored. Laboratory experiments were set up to determine whether mulch-derived substances cause mortality directly, or repel Meloidogyne juveniles from crop rhizosphere. Mortality and area choice tests were conducted with mulch-derived extracts, supported by the measurements on tannic acid content and the pH values of extracts as supplementary examinations. In our study, leaf litter and straw extracts were generally found lethal to the juveniles, which is in line with the results from area preference tests. However, compost extract had no effect on Meloidogyne incognita juveniles. Tannic acid content showed positive correlation with mortality only in the case of straw and sycamore leaf litter extracts. Tannic acid and pH weakly correlated with repellent effect of the applied extracts generally. Our results have inspired further experiments to explore nematicidal components of leaf litters, contributing to the development of a new approach in crop protection based on the repellent effect of these materials. 

SCIENTIFIC DATA (10): 742 (2023) 

PADAPT 1.0 – the Pannonian dataset of plant traits 

Judit Sonkoly, Edina Tóth, Nóra Balogh, Lajos Balogh, Dénes Bartha, Kinga Csendesné Bata, Zoltán Bátori, Nóra Békefi, Zoltán Botta-Dukát, János Bölöni, Anikó Csecserits, János Csiky, Péter Csontos, István Dancza, Balázs Deák, Zoltán Konstantin Dobolyi, Anna E-Vojtkó, Ferenc Gyulai, Alida Anna Hábenczyus, Tamás Henn, Ferenc Horváth, Mária Höhn, Gusztáv Jakab, András Kelemen, Gergely Király, Szabolcs Kis, Gergely Kovacsics-Vári, András Kun, Éva Lehoczky, Attila Lengyel, Barbara Lhotsky, Viktor Löki, Balázs András Lukács, Gábor Matus, Andrea McIntosh-Buday, Attila Mesterházy, Tamás Miglécz, Attila Molnár V, Zsolt Molnár, Tamás Morschhauser, László Papp, Patrícia Pósa, Tamás Rédei, Dávid Schmidt, Ferenc Szmorad, Attila Takács, Júlia Tamás, Viktor Tiborcz, Csaba Tölgyesi, Katalin Tóth, Béla Tóthmérész, Orsolya Valkó, Viktor Virók, Tamás Wirth & Péter Török 

https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21937157.v2 

Abstract 

The existing plant trait databases’ applicability is limited for studies dealing with the flora and vegetation of the eastern and central part of Europe and for large-scale comparisons across regions, mostly because their geographical data coverage is limited and they incorporate records from several different sources, often from regions with markedly different climatic conditions. These problems motivated the compilation of a regional dataset for the flora of the Pannonian region (Eastern Central Europe). PADAPT, the Pannonian Dataset of Plant Traits relies on regional data sources and collates data on 54 traits and attributes of the plant species of the Pannonian region. The current version covers approximately 90% of the species of the region and consists of 126,337 records on 2745 taxa. By including species of the eastern part of Europe not covered by other databases, PADAPT can facilitate studying the flora and vegetation of the eastern part of the continent. Although data coverage is far from complete, PADAPT meets the longstanding need for a regional database of the Pannonian flora. 

NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS (2023) 

Sustainable growth of organic farming in the EU requires a rethink of nutrient supply 

Reimer Marie, Oelofse Myles, Müller-Stöver Dorette, Möller Kurt, Bünemann Else K., Bianchi Silvia, Vetemaa Airi, Drexler Dóra, Trugly Bence, Raskin Ben, Blogg Hugh, Rasmussen Anton, Verrastro Vincenzo, Magid Jakob 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-023-10297-7 

Abstract 

The European Commission recently set a target of increasing the area of organic agriculture to 25% by 2030. To achieve this, it is imperative to understand current nutrient use patterns and identify sustainable nutrient supply opportunities. To that end, this study assessed the sustainability of the current nutrient origin and supply of 71 arable organic farms in 8 European regions. Deficient nutrient supply was found on 24%, 66%, and 56% of farms for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. On average, we show a moderate surplus for nitrogen (28 kg ha−1), while phosphorus and potassium balances were close to zero (− 1 and 2 kg ha−1, respectively). Large variation between countries and farm types shows a divide between more intensive systems relying on external inputs, and less intensive systems facing nutrient deficits and lower outputs. We show, for the first time, the extent of current use of external input types, where conventional manures supplied 17–26% of external nutrients and inputs from non-agricultural origin supplied 31–41%. A large proportion of nutrient sources within the last group are materials derived from urban wastes. The sustainable expansion of the organic sector will require increased use of locally available recycled fertilizers from urban wastes, and acceptance of such sources by organic farmers is shown to be high, provided they are considered safe.sustainable nutrient supply opportunities. To that end, this study assessed the sustainability of the current nutrient origin and supply of 71 arable organic farms in 8 European regions. Deficient nutrient supply was found on 24%, 66%, and 56% of farms for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. On average, we show a moderate surplus for nitrogen (28 kg ha−1), while phosphorus and potassium balances were close to zero (− 1 and 2 kg ha−1, respectively). Large variation between countries and farm types shows a divide between more intensive systems relying on external inputs, and less intensive systems facing nutrient deficits and lower outputs. We show, for the first time, the extent of current use of external input types, where conventional manures supplied 17–26% of external nutrients and inputs from non-agricultural origin supplied 31–41%. A large proportion of nutrient sources within the last group are materials derived from urban wastes. The sustainable expansion of the organic sector will require increased use of locally available recycled fertilizers from urban wastes, and acceptance of such sources by organic farmers is shown to be high, provided they are considered safe. 

AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 43:5, 67 (2023) 

Identification and description of relationships between actors involved in crop diversification experiences across Europe 

Cornu Marie-Aline, Frick Rebekka, Chongtham Iman Raj, Iocola Ileana, Canali Stefano, Colombo Luca, Radzikowski Paweł, Stalenga Jarosław, Viguier Loïc, Drexler Dóra, Schneider Anne, Stilmant Didier, Vanwindekens Frédéric M. 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-023-00906-8 

Abstract 

Agriculture can benefit from crop diversification to facilitate its transition to more sustainable agrifood systems. However, these practices remain rare in Europe. One major barrier is the existence of sociotechnical lock-ins. To clarify the dynamics at work, we analyzed the relationships between actors involved in 23 crop diversification experiences across 11 European countries. The novelty of this paper lies in the systemic analysis of the network of actors involved in crop diversification experiences. Using data from qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping approaches, we identify and describe the role of actors and the key relationships in crop diversification and detect relationships that are currently missing. Our study shows that in the different European countries, similar relationships act as levers or barriers to crop diversification, with farmers and researchers playing a crucial role. The most important cognitive factors that influence the choice of farmers to diversify are environmental and health concerns and the desire to make profit and innovate. We relate the cognitive factors to organizational, technical, economic, and political factors and suggest levers for crop diversification based on successful crop diversification experiences. 

ZOOKEYS 321–353 (2023) 

Investigation on the true identity of Entomobrya nigriventris Stach, 1929 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) with the description 
of a new species 

Daniel Winkler; Jakub Sternalski; Gábor Ónodi; Nóra Szigeti; Norbert Florián; László Dányi 

https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1185.112279 

Abstract 

The present paper gives a detailed and illustrated redescription of Entomobrya nigriventris Stach, 1929, and the description of a new species collected from open sand steppe habitat in Hungary. Based on the colour pattern, E. arenaria Winkler, Flórián & Dányi, sp. nov. is close to E. violaceolineata Stach, 1963 but differs from it by the morphology of the labral papillae and the dorsal macrochaetotaxy of the head, Th II, and Abd II–IV. The new species is also characterised by dark ventral body colouration in adult specimens. In this regard, an overview of European Entomobrya species in which the dark ventral side may occur is also provided. 

SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT 2023;00:1–15. 

A comprehensive analysis of soil health indicators in a long-term conservation tillage experiment 

Katalin Juhos; Priyo Adi Nugroho; Gergely Jakab; Nándor Prettl; Zsolt Kotroczó; Nóra Szigeti; Zoltán Szalai; Balázs Madarász 

https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12942 

Abstract 

Conservation tillage (CT) is a ploughless tillage with a reduced number of operations, and its positive effect on soil functions and health is widely known. Multivariate analyses are required to choose indicators that adequately characterize the changes in soil health. However, there is little research on the comprehensive analysis of the full spectrum of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Therefore, we examined 21 soil parameters in a long-term CT experiment conducted in Hungary. Four pairs of similarly sized CT and conventional ploughing tillage (PT) plots were set up in 2003 on Luvisols. The soil samples were collected after 17 years. The total organic carbon (TOC) increased significantly in the 0–15 cm layer at CT sites compared to those in PT, indicating a total increase of 5.22 t ha−1 TOC stock. In addition, the increasing biological activity and improved soil structure were the most important processes at the CT sites. Furthermore, more complex humic substances with higher molecular weights are characteristic of water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) as a result of CT. The potentially available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also measured with a relatively high response ratio. Slowly changing parameters, such as cation exchange capacity and base saturation, are important soil physical and chemical parameters, but are not good indicators of the impact of tillage practices. Based on principal component analysis, we suggest the use of water-extractable organic C, amino-nitrogen, water-stable aggregates, available P and K and photometric analysis of WEOM to identify the soil improving processes. 

ACTA PHYTOPATHOLOGICA ET ENTOMOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2023;58:2. 

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) soil covering with organic matter: Results and knowledge gap 

Anikó Südiné Fehér; György Turóczi; Ferenc Tóth 

https://doi.org/10.1556/038.2023.00181 

Abstract 

Potato mulching practices and their effects often differ, and the results are sometimes contradictory in the literature, as they vary depending on climatic conditions and growing practices. In this study, we analysed 68 peer-reviewed publications to reveal which problems of potato cultivation were intended to be solved by mulching with organic materials. We have found that the main goals of mulching are the preservation of soil moisture, the reduction of soil temperature, and the suppression of weeds, in which mulching provides effective help. In different parts of the world, different organic mulches increased the yield of potatoes in 78% of the studies. Although the occurrence and damage of pests, pathogens and weeds are extremely understudied (16, 18, 29% of the studies), we can conclude that organic mulches effectively reduced their damage.