Due to the pressures imposed by climate change, the European Union (EU) has been forced to design several initiatives (the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork) to tackle the climate crisis and ensure food security. Through these initiatives, the EU aspires to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate crisis and achieve collective prosperity for humans, animals, and the environment. The adoption or promotion of crops that would facilitate the attaining of these objectives is naturally of high importance. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop with many applications in the industrial, health, and agri-food sectors. This crop is mainly grown for its fibers or its seed and has recently gained increasing attention. The literature suggests that flax can be grown in several parts of the EU, and potentially has a relatively low environmental impact. The aim of the present review is to: (i) briefly present the uses, needs, and utility of this crop and, (ii) assess its potential within the EU by taking into account the sustainability goals the EU has set via its current policies.
Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] is mainly cultivated as a seed crop, and there is a lack of information on biomass quality and its potential for animal feeding. A 2-year field experiment was set up in a split-plot design with 2 main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m−2), 4 sub-plots (fertilization levels: control, compost, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors) and 3 replications for each treatment. The highest dry matter yield (17.55–18.34 tn ha−1) was observed in high-density plots fertilized with urea fertilizer coated with double (nitrification and urease) inhibitors. In terms of the qualitive parameters of total above-ground biomass, the highest crude protein (CP) content was achieved in plots with low density and urea with double inhibitors. Moreover, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of above-ground biomass were found under compost and urea with double inhibitors. The high ADF, NDF and relatively high CP content characterized that black mustard aerial biomass can meet the requirements of lactating animals, and therefore the production of black mustard biomass as a forage crop could be of great importance. As a conclusion, black mustard cultivated at plant densities higher than 46 plants m−2 and under inorganic fertilization, especially with urea coated with double inhibitors, could be successfully used as a novel forage crop in ruminants’ diets.
This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of × Tritordeum [(Ascherson et Graebner)], a novel cereal crop with promising agronomic, nutritional, and economic potential. Through a comprehensive examination of the crop's agronomic characteristics and management requirements, we highlight its adaptability to Mediterranean climates, resilience under changing environmental conditions, and potential applications in the food industry, such as breadmaking and pasta production. We also discuss the role of digital agriculture technologies in optimizing tritordeum cultivation and their potential impact on agricultural practices. Furthermore, we assess the opportunities and challenges associated with tritordeum's integration into the agricultural economy and production systems, emphasizing its potential to contribute to a more sustainable and health-conscious food system. By offering a holistic understanding of tritordeum's attributes, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, food manufacturers, and policymakers interested in exploring the potential of this innovative cereal grain.
Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] oilseed cake has been identified as an alternative protein feedstuff and as a valuable feed resource. Moreover, over the last decades, there has been an increased interest in the organic production of feed supplements. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications, two main plots (conventional tillage: moldboard ploughing at 25 cm followed by rotary hoeing at 10–15 cm, and minimum tillage: chiseling at 25 cm depth followed by rotary hoeing at 10–15 cm), and three sub-plots (organic fertilization type: untreated, vermicompost, and compost) to evaluate the fertilization and tillage system effect on the yield and quality of cold-pressed camelina seed cake. Seed yield and cake yield were only affected by organic fertilization, with the highest values observed in the compost treatment. Crude protein was influenced by both factors examined, and the greatest content was found under conventional tillage and compost application. As for the fatty acid composition of oilseed cake, this can be characterized as a major source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (~52% of total FAs), particularly linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, which were only affected by fertilization, with the highest values found after compost application. To conclude, the cold-pressed cake from camelina seed cultivated under compost fertilization and conventional tillage appears to be an effective alternative to conventionally used protein feed ingredients.
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