Considering the effects of rapid population growth, urbanisation and climate change in recent years, the protection of freshwater resources, the prevention of water pollution and the proper sharing of freshwater resources among different sectors have become important issues. Water footprint (WF) is a sign of freshwater use and is not only an indicator that can be used in the climate crisis, but also to protect water against nitrate pollution. In this study, the Küçük Menderes Basin was chosen as the study area due to different crop varieties. Agricultural crop patterns were classified using Rapideye and Sentinel-2 satellite images of the study area obtained in 2017. Thus, the cultivated areas were obtained for cotton and maize (grain and silage) in the basin. In particular, agricultural crop patterns were considered in which agricultural production was intensive and blue water was used predominantly. As a result, the first-crop corn production, which has a high blue WF of 3840 m³/ton in the basin, has the highest greywater footprint due to the use of intensive chemical fertilisers. This was followed by cotton with 2331 m³/ton, and the second-crop silage corn production had the lowest greywater footprint. Agriculture’s water footprint assessment provides a solid foundation for planning climate change adaptive crop production, managing nitrate-sensitive areas and anticipating future regional changes.

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of potassium (K) fertilization and soil texture on total yield (1st and 2nd cuttings) and yield components of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized statistical design. Basil growth was examined in two different textured soils under three different doses of K fertilization. Generally, for the basil grown under clay soil conditions, moderate amounts of K fertilization is proposed to be sufficient if higher linalool contents are wanted. However, if the growing conditions are sandy loam in texture, it is suggested that higher doses of K be used. Results also highlighted the contribution of second cut as an important cultural practice in the cultivation of an annual basil.

Essential Plant Nutrients and Heavy Metals of some Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

To enhance yield and produce high-quality olive products, it is crucial to implement accurate and balanced fertilization programs. Like other crops, olive trees require the application of specific macro and micronutrients in addition to basic fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilizer applications containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B, in addition to basic fertilization, on the yield and quality parameters of the Gemlik olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Gemlik) variety, known for its high economic value and use in black table olives and oil production, during two consecutive seasons in 2021–2022. The research evaluated the effects on olive fruit yield, fruit nutrient content (N, Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn), oil yield, and quality. In addition to traditional basic fertilization (NPK fertilizer), foliar fertilizers containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B nutrients were applied before flowering and after fruit set. These applications were organized using a randomized block design with three replicates, each consisting of three trees. The results showed that foliar fertilizer applications, in addition to basic fertilization, had a significant impact on the yield and quality parameters. Specifically, foliar K applications positively affected olive yield in the second year. Moreover, foliar fertilizer applications improved the fruit nutrient content, oil quality (K-232, K-270, peroxide, acidity, and total phenol), and oil composition (%). Therefore, it is recommended that foliar fertilizers are applied during similar periods under similar conditions. However, ensuring the continuity of an optimal fertilization management plan is crucial for olive, as it is a perennial plant.

Edible halophytes are attracting attention due to their potential for agriculture in saline and marginal areas. The salt tolerance mechanism was analyzed in Crithmum maritimum L., based on ionic, osmotic, and redox homeostasis strategies under salt stress. The methodology involved growing C. maritimum seeds in pots under controlled greenhouse conditions and exposing them to different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM) for five months. High salinity levels decreased plant length and biomass, but the shoot-to-root length and biomass ratio increased significantly. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were quantified using spectrophotometric analysis, while macro- and micro-nutrient contents were determined via the Kjeldahl method, flame photometry, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Osmolyte accumulation, including proline and glycine betaine, was analyzed using specific biochemical assays, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POX) were measured to assess redox homeostasis. Photosynthetic pigments in C. maritimum leaves slightly increased at 100 mM NaCl, but significantly declined at 200 and 300 mM NaCl. A high Na content in the shoots indicated no restriction in mineral uptake in the roots. Nitrogen and phosphorus slightly decreased under high salinity. The cation content in the shoots varied: potassium decreased, while calcium and magnesium increased with salinity, although the Mg⁺²/Na⁺ and K⁺/Na⁺ ratios showed similar declining patterns. The micro-nutrients iron and manganese increased in the shoots, while copper remained unchanged. The content of osmolytes proline and glycine betaine significantly increased under the 200 and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POX) decreased at 100 and 200 mM NaCl, but were strongly induced at 300 mM NaCl. The total antiradical activity of the leaves increased with higher salinity levels. Our results indicated that the facultative halophyte characteristics of C. maritimum emerged after exposure to 200 mM NaCl. Increased calcium content may be a key factor in salinity tolerance. We concluded that C. maritimum employs strong osmotic adjustment and redox homeostasis mechanisms, making it a promising candidate for cultivation in saline environments.

As industrial and agricultural activities intensify and technology rapidly advances, soil pollution has escalated to alarming levels. The increasing contamination of agricultural areas and the crops cultivated therein has emerged as a significant contemporary issue. Phytoremediation, the use of plants to remove pollutants, is a promising method for mitigating soil heavy metal contamination. This study investigates the bioaccumulation capacity of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a potential phytoremediator, in soils artificially contaminated with cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Purslane was cultivated under controlled conditions with varying doses of Cd, Ni, and Cu. After 55 days, the plants were harvested and analysed for heavy metal concentrations in their roots, stems, and leaves. Results demonstrated a direct correlation between environmental heavy metal concentration and plant heavy metal content, with the most significant accumulation occurring in the roots. Leaf chlorophyll content was adversely affected by increased Cd, Ni, and Cu applications. The highest Cu, Ni, and Cd contents were found in the roots at 140 mg kg-1 Cu, 80 mg kg-1 Ni, and 20 mg kg-1 Cd applications, respectively. The bio-transfer coefficient (BTC), a measure of heavy metal transport from the root region to the leaves, was calculated. The BTC values ranged from 0.84-1.09 for Cu, 0.39-0.84 for Ni, and >1 for Cd at the Control and 5 mg Cd kg-1 treatments. These findings suggest that purslane has potential for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, although the bioaccumulation and bio-transfer of heavy metals are dependent on the specific metal and its concentration in the soil. The study also highlights the potential risks associated with the consumption of plants grown in heavy metal-contaminated soils, as heavy metals can accumulate in different plant tissues, potentially entering the food chain.