Efficient detection and monitoring procedures of invasive plant species are required. It is of crucial importance to deal with such plants in aquatic ecosystems, since they can affect biodiversity and, ultimately, ecosystem function and services. In this study, it is intended to detect water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) using multispectral data with different spatial resolutions. For this purpose, high-resolution data (<0.1 m) acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and coarse-resolution data (10 m) from Sentinel-2 MSI were used. Three areas with a high incidence of water hyacinth located in the Lower Mondego region (Portugal) were surveyed. Different classifiers were used to perform a pixel-based detection of this invasive species in both datasets. From the different classifiers used, the results were achieved by the random forest classifiers stand-out (overall accuracy (OA): 0.94). On the other hand, support vector machine performed worst (OA: 0.87), followed by Gaussian naive Bayes (OA: 0.88), k-nearest neighbours (OA: 0.90), and artificial neural networks (OA: 0.91). The higher spatial resolution from UAV-based data enabled us to detect small amounts of water hyacinth, which could not be detected in Sentinel-2 data. However, and despite the coarser resolution, satellite data analysis enabled us to identify water hyacinth coverage, compared well with a UAV-based survey. Combining both datasets and even considering the different resolutions, it was possible to observe the temporal and spatial evolution of water hyacinth. This approach proved to be an effective way to assess the effects of the mitigation/control measures taken in the study areas. Thus, this approach can be applied to detect invasive species in aquatic environments and to monitor their changes over time.

Crop-livestock integration plays a key role in the sustainability of organic agriculture systems, where the reduction of inputs is central to farms performance. The existing literature has focused on the general dynamics of crop-livestock systems without exploring the specificities of each animal species. Egg production significantly contributes to the world food market and it is expected to continue due to its versatility. At the same time, consumption of organic products has increased in recent years, due to enhanced consumers’ awareness. This work reviews the complex web of relationships between various elements of organic agriculture systems with integrated laying hens. The major findings about the integration of laying hens with crops in organic systems are as follows: 1) contributes to the reduction of inputs (less feed and fertilizers) and a diversified production; 2) supports ecosystem services shaping the landscape toward biodiversity and contributing to a healthier environment; and 3) improves farmers’ livelihood, especially in developing countries. Its benefits will be increased by using mobile systems to ensure a better distribution of manure and in synchronization with canopy cover species, such as fruit and forest trees. However, more research is needed to find further contributions to this system sustainability.

Participatory selection—exploiting specific adaptation traits to target environments—helps to guarantees yield stability in a changing climate, in particular under low-input or organic production. The purpose of the present study was to identify reliable, low-cost, fast and easy-to-use tools to complement traditional selection for an effective participatory improvement of maize populations for drought resistance/tolerance. The morphological and eco-physiological responses to progressive water deprivation of four maize open-pollinated populations were assessed in both controlled and field conditions. Thermography and Chl a fluorescence, validated by gas exchange indicated that the best performing populations under water-deficit conditions were ‘Fandango’ and to a less extent ‘Pigarro’ (both from participatory breeding). These populations showed high yield potential under optimal and reduced watering. Under moderate water stress, ‘Bilhó’, originating from an altitude of 800 m, is one of the most resilient populations. The experiments under chamber conditions confirmed the existence of genetic variability within ‘Pigarro’ and ‘Fandango’ for drought response relevant for future populations breeding. Based on the easiness to score and population discriminatory power, the performance index (PI_ABS) emerges as an integrative phenotyping tool to use as a refinement of the common participatory maize selection especially under moderate water deprivation.

Crop–livestock integration fosters a holistic view of the agricultural system, which is nowadays particularly relevant due to the rising environmental concerns. Laying hens can contribute to improvement of soil chemical properties, but their effects in soil fertility are not fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of grazing laying hens on soil fertility. To meet this goal, we assessed the effects of indigenous laying hens in 22 soil parameters, including chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters, in two farms from the central region of Portugal: an organic horticultural field (A) and a conventional orchard (B). At farm A, the animals grazed during the dry period for 84 continuous days, at a density of 4 m² per hen. At farm B, the animals grazed during the wet period, at a density of 3.50 m² per hen, in two periods (34 + 33 days), with a 50 day break period in between grazing. The hens contributed to an increase in the extractable macronutrients phosphorus (P₂O₅) and potassium (K₂O), mineral nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N), and exchangeable bases calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) in both farms, making these central parameters to consider in their grazing management. At farm A, where soil disturbance is higher, the grazing did not affect soil moisture retention but positively affected soil dry bulk density and contributed to an increase in total aerobic bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria abundances. At farm B, where the hens’ presence led to the understory eradication, soil moisture retention, total aerobic bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and fungi abundances were negatively affected, while soil dry bulk density was unaffected. These results show that hens can significantly contribute to improve soil fertility, but more research is needed regarding their grazing management.

Traditional cereals, recognised for their adaptability, high nutritional value, and unique sensory characteristics, have largely been excluded from global food supply chains. Recent shifts in consumption patterns, particularly in urban areas, indicate a growing demand for high-quality bread, creating new opportunities for farmers interested in sustainable production techniques and traditional varieties. However, challenges such as seed availability, regulatory constraints, marketing strategies, and logistical barriers persist. This study, conducted within the framework of the CERTRA project—Development of Traditional Cereal Value Chains for Sustainable Food in Portugal—aims to enhance the traditional cereal value chain in Portugal by identifying key challenges and opportunities and proposing effective development strategies. The research employs a mixed-method approach, including documentary research, a SWOT analysis based on the scientific literature and stakeholder insights, and a case study methodology examining twelve successful European initiatives. The findings highlight strengths such as seed sovereignty, resilience under low-input farming, and market potential through certification and short food supply chains. However, weaknesses such as lower yields, mechanisation challenges, and seed access restrictions remain critical obstacles. Our analysis suggests that participatory breeding programs, farmer-led seed networks, and hybrid distribution models integrating direct sales, online platforms, and local partnerships can support the revitalisation of traditional cereals. Future research should focus on consumer preferences, branding strategies, and technological innovations that enhance processing efficiency while preserving the ecological and cultural value of traditional varieties.