Cryptogams, often neglected in vegetation dynamics studies, compose a large part of biomass and contribute to the biodiversity of sandy grasslands. Since the work of Verseghy (1970s), their productivity has not been analyzed in Hungary. We studied the lichen and bryophyte dynamics (hereinafter called cryptogams) at two Eastern Hungarian dry sandy grassland sites. The sites of Corynephorus canescens and of Festuca vaginata dominance, respectively, belonging to the community Festuco vaginatae–Corynephoretum have been monitored. We aimed at (1) quantifying the diversity and biomass of the cryptogamic communities; (2) exploring the cryptogamic response to management changes; and (3) studying the effect of experimental management (fencing) on the cryptogamic assemblages. The sites have been compared in 2013 and 2018, respectively. Forty microplots per site per management have been analyzed in both years. Samples of lichens and bryophytes were hand-sorted, dried and then measured. Fencing has led to increased biomass of cryptogams within a few years. Lichens in general benefited comparatively more from exclosure than bryophytes. The increase in lichen biomass (especially that of Cladonia rangiformis) is clearly due to the over 10-year absence of grazing. The only lichen favored by moderate grazing is the legally protected C. magyarica. Short spells of low-intensity grazing can promote the species richness of cryptogams in the community.

Cryptogams of ten urban flatroofs, contrasting in their age and size, were studied between 2016 and 2018. Siliceous (bituminous felt, gravel, brick) and calcareous (concrete) substrata occurred at each site. Microclimate (T, RH) at two sites of contrasting shading was monitored from September 2016 to January 2017. Biomass of two differently aged, exposed flatroofs was sampled in October 2018. Taxa of Cladonia and Xanthoparmelia have been identified by spot tests and HPTLC. A total of 61 taxa (25 bryophytes, 36 lichens), mostly widespread synanthropic species, have been detected with an explicit difference of species composition between shaded and exposed sites. Floristically interesting species included acidophilous bryophytes (Hedwigia ciliata, Racomitrium canescens) and lichens (Xanthoparmelia conspersa, Stereocaulon tomentosum) of montane character. The most widespread lichen is Cladonia rei which accounted for a significant part of the biomass at selected sites. Species-area curves for bryophytes at exposed sites have become saturated at 100–150 m². In contrast, saturation of lichen diversity has not been reached even at the largest sites. Flatroofs with traditional roofing techniques can harbour relatively diverse microhabitats and species-rich synanthropic vegetation. It is urgent to study these sites before renovation with modern roofing techniques eliminates them. Diversification of urban surroundings is possible in the future via application of various substrats in renovated and newly constructed roofs.

Nowadays, sustainability and environmental awareness play an increasingly prominent role in our daily lives. In addition to a healthy diet, a growing number of conscious consumers increasingly demand variety and the use of ingredients with favourable nutritional parameters that have a low environmental impact on the planet. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is typically known as an undesirable weed in our country and Europe, but its food potential is predestined for much more. Thanks to its worldwide distribution and versatile uses (agriculture, medicine, gastronomy), purslane has come back into scientific focus. The plant is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, B6 and E and is a significant source of magnesium, calcium and iron. In our research, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, protein and Klason lignin content of the ground leaves and stems of the plant were investigated, and product development was carried out by preparing test samples enriched with 5%, 10% and 15% powdered purslane. We tested the physical parameters of the test loaves and carried out a sensory evaluation to see how consumers perceived the products we developed. The results showed that the development of food products with purslane powder is feasible, and using the stem and leaf parts of the plant, the enrichment of 5% scored the highest in the sensory evaluation.

The potential of reusing brewers’ spent grain (BSG) as a high-fibre raw material for the bakery industry was investigated, focusing on product development, colour analysis, organoleptic analysis, and nutritional value development. Since BSG is a wet-state beer industry by-product, pre-treatment is always required. The BSG used in this research was a research by-product that was saved from being discarded, and its technological usability was evaluated for use in the development of biscuits. During product development, four different BSG-size fractions were used in combination with four enrichment levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The enriched biscuits (EB) were subjected to colour and organoleptic analysis. The nutritional data of the biscuits (highlighting the fibre data) were compared with a control sample to test and evaluate their industrial feasibility. Sensory tests showed that biscuits enriched with 25% BSG performed best in all parameters. The BSG fortification enhanced the fibre content across all biscuit variants in comparison to the control sample. Colour analysis showed that BSG fortification consistently decreased the lightness values of the biscuits compared to the control.

The present study aimed to characterize soybean pressed fiber obtained through wet fractionation of green biomass and evaluate the effects of variety and vegetation window on its composition and valorization potential. Four soybean varieties (Advisor, Bólyi 612, Isidor, and Pannónia kincse) were investigated across two distinct vegetation windows using anatomical, cell wall, biochemical, and pigment analyses. Significant variety-dependent differences were observed in several anatomical traits related to biomass quality. Isidor exhibited the greatest leaf blade thickness, while Advisor showed favorable stem structural characteristics and enhanced cuticle development. Cell wall analysis revealed significant differences in xylan, arabinan, and Klason lignin between vegetation windows, while glucan content was affected by both variety and vegetation window, with the highest value observed in Advisor during the first vegetation window. Photosynthetic pigment composition remained relatively stable among varieties and vegetation windows. Because the two vegetation windows occurred during different calendar periods, the observed differences may reflect both plant developmental status and seasonal environmental conditions and cannot be exclusively attributed to harvest timing. This one-year exploratory study provides baseline information on soybean pressed fiber as a potential secondary biomass resource. Further multi-year and multi-environment studies are required to assess the stability and environmental consistency of these findings.