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Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) needs to increase its food production to alleviate food insecurity exacerbated by climate variability and from increasing food demand. Balancing macronutrient inputs becomes essential for sustaining yields, increasing farmer's income and minimizing environmental costs deriving from fertilizer misuse. The present study calculates the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) mass balances by estimating macronutrient inputs and outputs of a quinoa field cultivated under full and deficit irrigation conditions (100 and 50 % crop evapotranspiration- ETc), in either the presence or absence of N fertilizer (100 and 0 kg ha-1 of N). The emerging findings show that to produce one ton of quinoa biomass (including seeds, stems and leaves) 12.7, 1.6 and 35.5 kg ha-1 of N, P and K, respectively, need to be added into the soil. While N and K are required at medium to fairly high amounts, P is needed in lower amounts. Hence, fertilizers in the form of potassium nitrate (KNO3) are more suitable than those with higher phosphorus concentrations, phosphate (PO43-). Overall, evidences from field experimentations are necessary for integrating farming input recommendations on crop agronomic guidelines, driven by national agricultural research institutions, and for promoting sustainable agriculture in SSA.
Jorge Alvar-Beltrán; Marco Napoli; Abdalla Dao; Amoro Ouattara; Leonardo Verdi; Simone Orlandini; Anna Dalla Marta. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mass balances in an irrigated quinoa field. Italian Journal of Agronomy 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán, Marco Napoli, Abdalla Dao, Amoro Ouattara, Leonardo Verdi, Simone Orlandini, Anna Dalla Marta. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mass balances in an irrigated quinoa field. Italian Journal of Agronomy. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán; Marco Napoli; Abdalla Dao; Amoro Ouattara; Leonardo Verdi; Simone Orlandini; Anna Dalla Marta. 2021. "Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mass balances in an irrigated quinoa field." Italian Journal of Agronomy , no. : 1.
It is essential to investigate to which extent and how specifically soil–plant–microbe interactions can be conditioned by different agricultural practices. Legumes such as Vicia faba is one of the essential functional group in intercropping and crop rotations due to its higher N fixing capacity. Hence, it is important to study the living microbial community of this legume. Further, it is also expected that fluctuations in soil microbial diversity and composition could be complemented by plant phenological stages and different fertilizer amendments. Thus, we investigated bacterial community composition in soil treated with phosphate-based inorganic and organic fertilizers, in the presence of Vicia faba plants at flowering and fruiting time using NGS 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Further, the evaluation of plant biomass parameters under different fertilizer treatments was also carried out. The presence of the Vicia faba plant increased the abundance of N fixing bacterial such as Bardyrhizobium, Microvirga (Rhizobiales), Arthrobacter, and Psuedoarthrobacter (Actinomycetales) in soil. Fluctuation in composition and diversity of bacterial community was further supplemented by plant phenological stages. These alterations could be due to changes that occurred in the plant nutrient requirement and varied root exudation patterns at a specific phenological stage. Further, fertilizer treatments also have a profound effect on the diversity and structure of the bacterial community. Organic fertilizers, especially vegetable tanned leather waste (VTLW), have a stronger effect on the composition and diversity of bacterial community compared to inorganic fertilizer (PT—triple superphosphate). Alpha-diversity was significantly decreased by both organic and inorganic amendments, especially a species evenness because each fertilizer tends to stimulate the growth of distinctive microbes that dominated the community of amended soil. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were the most abundant phyla, and Chelatococcus, Cyanobacteria, Sphingomonas, and Microvirga were a most abundant genus that contributed most in co-occurrence pattern, which suggests that these generalists are adapted to a variety of environments. These indicate that plant presence was a key, dominating factor, followed by fertilizers and time, in affecting soil bacterial diversity and composition. Plant recruits system (fertilization and time) -specific taxa due to differences in available nutrients and energy sources among different treatments during different growth stages. Further, fertilizer treatments did not have a stronger effect on plant production as compared to the effect on microbial community, which highlights that organic fertilizers did not tend to increase plant production. Thus, organic and inorganic amendments with matched macronutrients could have a similar impact on crop yields.
Shamina Pathan; Silvia Scibetta; Chiara Grassi; Giacomo Pietramellara; Simone Orlandini; Maria Ceccherini; Marco Napoli. Response of Soil Bacterial Community to Application of Organic and Inorganic Phosphate Based Fertilizers under Vicia faba L. Cultivation at Two Different Phenological Stages. Sustainability 2020, 12, 9706 .
AMA StyleShamina Pathan, Silvia Scibetta, Chiara Grassi, Giacomo Pietramellara, Simone Orlandini, Maria Ceccherini, Marco Napoli. Response of Soil Bacterial Community to Application of Organic and Inorganic Phosphate Based Fertilizers under Vicia faba L. Cultivation at Two Different Phenological Stages. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (22):9706.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShamina Pathan; Silvia Scibetta; Chiara Grassi; Giacomo Pietramellara; Simone Orlandini; Maria Ceccherini; Marco Napoli. 2020. "Response of Soil Bacterial Community to Application of Organic and Inorganic Phosphate Based Fertilizers under Vicia faba L. Cultivation at Two Different Phenological Stages." Sustainability 12, no. 22: 9706.
A preliminary study was conducted to analyze the sustainability of barley production through: (i) investigating sensor-based nitrogen (N) application on barley performance, compared with conventional N management (CT); (ii) assessing the potential of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at different growth stages for within-season predictions of crop parameters; and (iii) evaluating sensor-based fertilization benefits in the form of greenhouse gasses mitigation. Barley was grown under CT, sensor-based management (RF) and with no N fertilization (Control). NDVI measurements and RF fertilization were performed using a GreenSeeker™ 505 hand-held optical sensor. Gas emissions were measured using a static chamber method with a portable gas analyzer. Results showed that barley yield was not statistically different under RF and CF, while they both differed significantly from Control. Highly significant positive correlations were observed between NDVI and production parameters at harvesting from the middle of stem elongation to the medium milk stage across treatments. Our findings suggest that RF is able to decrease CO2 emission in comparison with CF. The relationship between N fertilization and CH4 emission showed high variability. These preliminary results provide an indication of the benefits achieved using a simple proximal sensing methodology to support N fertilization.
Carolina Fabbri; Marco Napoli; Leonardo Verdi; Marco Mancini; Simone Orlandini; Anna Dalla Marta. A Sustainability Assessment of the Greenseeker N Management Tool: A Lysimetric Experiment on Barley. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7303 .
AMA StyleCarolina Fabbri, Marco Napoli, Leonardo Verdi, Marco Mancini, Simone Orlandini, Anna Dalla Marta. A Sustainability Assessment of the Greenseeker N Management Tool: A Lysimetric Experiment on Barley. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (18):7303.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarolina Fabbri; Marco Napoli; Leonardo Verdi; Marco Mancini; Simone Orlandini; Anna Dalla Marta. 2020. "A Sustainability Assessment of the Greenseeker N Management Tool: A Lysimetric Experiment on Barley." Sustainability 12, no. 18: 7303.
The Sahel region is considered a hotspot for climate change hazards and vulnerability of weather reliant sectors, including agriculture. Farmers in Burkina Faso have a long history of adapting their farming activities to frequent changes in climate. Using 150 in-person surveys, this study assesses farmers’ perceptions of climate change based on multiple climate variables, and reviews adaptation practices, including soil and water conservation strategies, in the Soudanian, Soudano-Sahelian, and Sahelian agroclimatic zones of Burkina Faso. In general, farmers are aware of changing climatic conditions, including increased temperatures, greater rainfall variability, heavier precipitation events, delayed onset, and premature offset of the rainy season. However, farmers perceive shifts in climate differently depending on their location and agroclimatic zone. As a result, different adaption strategies are implemented by farmers according to the climatic, societal, and economic context. Survey results show that in the Sahel, climate adaptation strategies rely on traditional knowledge and experimental approaches; whereas in the Soudanian zone, where weather conditions are more favorable for agriculture, adaptation practices are market oriented. These regional differences are important for targeting advisory services, planning processes, and decision-making to support the effective provision of weather and climate information services to the last mile.
Jorge Alvar-Beltrán; Abdalla Dao; Anna Dalla Marta; Ana Heureux; Jacob Sanou; Simone Orlandini. Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation in Burkina Faso. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 827 .
AMA StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán, Abdalla Dao, Anna Dalla Marta, Ana Heureux, Jacob Sanou, Simone Orlandini. Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation in Burkina Faso. Atmosphere. 2020; 11 (8):827.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán; Abdalla Dao; Anna Dalla Marta; Ana Heureux; Jacob Sanou; Simone Orlandini. 2020. "Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptation in Burkina Faso." Atmosphere 11, no. 8: 827.
The aim of this study is to evaluate human thermal comfort in different green area settings in the city of Florence by using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Field measurements of air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed and black globe thermometer were collected during hot summer days in various parts of Cascine Park, the biggest urban park in Florence (Italy). UTCI was evaluated over different surfaces (asphalt, gravel and grass) completely exposed to the sun or shaded by a large lime tree (Tilia × europaea). The results showed strong differences in UTCI values depending on the exposure to tree shade, while no significant difference was found among ground-cover materials when all surfaces were equally exposed to solar radiation. Future studies are needed to investigate the microclimatic effects of different tree species on UTCI.
Martina Petralli; Luciano Massetti; David Pearlmutter; Giada Brandani; Alessandro Messeri; Simone Orlandini. UTCI field measurements in an urban park in Florence (Italy). Miscellanea Geographica 2020, 24, 111 -117.
AMA StyleMartina Petralli, Luciano Massetti, David Pearlmutter, Giada Brandani, Alessandro Messeri, Simone Orlandini. UTCI field measurements in an urban park in Florence (Italy). Miscellanea Geographica. 2020; 24 (3):111-117.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Petralli; Luciano Massetti; David Pearlmutter; Giada Brandani; Alessandro Messeri; Simone Orlandini. 2020. "UTCI field measurements in an urban park in Florence (Italy)." Miscellanea Geographica 24, no. 3: 111-117.
Proximal optical sensors (POSs) are effective devices for monitoring the development of crops and the nitrogen (N) status of plants. POSs are both useful and necessary in facilitating the reduction of N losses into the environment and in attaining higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). To date, no comparison of these instruments has been made on quinoa. A field experiment conducted in Tuscany, Italy, with different POSs, has assessed the development of quinoa with respect to N status. Three sets of POSs were used (SPAD-502, GreenSeeker, and Canopeo App.) to monitor quinoa development and growth under different types of fertilizers (digestate and urea) and levels of N fertilization (100, 50, and 0 kg N ha−1). The present findings showed that in-season predictions of crop biomass at harvest by SPAD-502 and GreenSeeker optical sensors were successful in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.68 and 0.82, respectively) and statistical significance (p < 0.05), while the Canopeo App. was suitable for monitoring the plant´s canopy expansion and senescence. The relative error (RE%) showed a remarkably high performance between observed and predicted values, 5.80% and 4.12% for GreenSeeker and SPAD-502, respectively. Overall, the POSs were effective devices for monitoring quinoa development during the growing season and for predicting dry biomass at harvest. However, abiotic stresses (e.g., heat-stress conditions at flowering) were shown to reduce POSs’ accuracy when estimating seed yields at harvest, and this problem will likely be overcome by advancing the sowing date.
Jorge Alvar-Beltrán; Carolina Fabbri; Leonardo Verdi; Stefania Truschi; Anna Dalla Marta; Simone Orlandini. Testing Proximal Optical Sensors on Quinoa Growth and Development. Remote Sensing 2020, 12, 1958 .
AMA StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán, Carolina Fabbri, Leonardo Verdi, Stefania Truschi, Anna Dalla Marta, Simone Orlandini. Testing Proximal Optical Sensors on Quinoa Growth and Development. Remote Sensing. 2020; 12 (12):1958.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán; Carolina Fabbri; Leonardo Verdi; Stefania Truschi; Anna Dalla Marta; Simone Orlandini. 2020. "Testing Proximal Optical Sensors on Quinoa Growth and Development." Remote Sensing 12, no. 12: 1958.
Agricultural intensification and soil mismanagement have been recognized among the main causes of soil erosion in Mediterranean climate areas such as the Arbia stream basin (Tuscany, Italy). This study aims at predicting soil loss from agricultural fields as it is essential for providing reliable information for prioritizing soil conservation measures. Thus, measured soil loss from 243 agricultural fields within the Arbia stream basin during the period 2007–2010 were used to calibrate and validate the ArcSWAT 2012 model at hydrological response units (HRU) scale. Analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey honest significant test was used to assess significant measured soil loss differences between slope steepness classes and land covers. Soil loss estimation was always “very good” for irrigated field crops, olive groves, and vineyards, “good” for unirrigated field crops, and “unsatisfactory” for broad-leaved forest. The model succeeded in the quantitative assessment of erosive processes at HRU scales. Its application to the whole Arbia stream basin estimated that 31% of the total surface is subjected to higher erosion levels. This approach might help facilitate the identification of priority areas that need the implementation of conservation measures.
Luciano Massetti; Chiara Grassi; Simone Orlandini; Marco Napoli. Modelling Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Areas with Complex Topography. Agronomy 2020, 10, 750 .
AMA StyleLuciano Massetti, Chiara Grassi, Simone Orlandini, Marco Napoli. Modelling Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Areas with Complex Topography. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (5):750.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuciano Massetti; Chiara Grassi; Simone Orlandini; Marco Napoli. 2020. "Modelling Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Areas with Complex Topography." Agronomy 10, no. 5: 750.
Flour from old varieties are usually considered very weak flours, and thus difficult to use in breadmaking especially when processed as Italian “Tipo 2” flour. Hence, the aim of our study was to understand if agronomic treatments can be used to improve flour processability and the quality of three old wheat varieties. An experimental strip-plot scheme was used: three old wheat varieties (Andriolo, Sieve, Verna), two seeding densities, three levels of nitrogen fertilization (N35, N80, and N135), and two levels of foliar sulfur fertilization. Analyzed parameters related to kernel composition, dough rheology and bread quality. Sulfur and nitrogen treatments significantly affected protein composition and dough alveograph strength, which increased by about 34% with nitrogen fertilization, and by about 14% with the sulfur treatment. However, only nitrogen fertilization affected bread characteristics. Crumb density significantly decreased from N35 to N135, while springiness and cohesiveness increased. On the other hand, sulfur did not improve breads. This highlight the importance of performing breadmaking tests in addition to the rheological determinations. The poor technological performance of old wheat flours can be improved with agronomical treatments designed to obtain higher-quality bread.
Lorenzo Guerrini; Marco Napoli; Marco Mancini; Piernicola Masella; Alessio Cappelli; Alessandro Parenti; Simone Orlandini. Wheat Grain Composition, Dough Rheology and Bread Quality as Affected by Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization and Seeding Density. Agronomy 2020, 10, 233 .
AMA StyleLorenzo Guerrini, Marco Napoli, Marco Mancini, Piernicola Masella, Alessio Cappelli, Alessandro Parenti, Simone Orlandini. Wheat Grain Composition, Dough Rheology and Bread Quality as Affected by Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization and Seeding Density. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (2):233.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Guerrini; Marco Napoli; Marco Mancini; Piernicola Masella; Alessio Cappelli; Alessandro Parenti; Simone Orlandini. 2020. "Wheat Grain Composition, Dough Rheology and Bread Quality as Affected by Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization and Seeding Density." Agronomy 10, no. 2: 233.
Zinc (Zn) is naturally present in soils and constitutes an essential micronutrient for plants. Mining, industrial, as well as various agricultural activities all contribute to increasing the Zn concentrations in soils to levels that are toxic for plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of field crops to remove Zn from contaminated soils. The experimental design included 28 treatments, comprising seven field crops (Hordeum vulgare L., Ricinus communis L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Brassica juncea Czem., Sorgum vulgare L., Spinacea oleracea L., Solanum lycopersicum L.) and four Zn levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg kg−1) applied to soils. The dry weight (DW) of the aboveground biomass of R. communis and S. lycopersicum increased significantly as the Zn concentration in the soil increased, whereas the DW significantly decreased in P. vulgaris, B. juncea and S. vulgare. Results indicated that S. oleracea was the most efficient in concentrating Zn in the aboveground tissues, followed in decreasing order by H. vulgare, S. lycopersicum, R. communis, S. vulgare, P. vulgaris, and B. juncea. H. vulgare resulted the most efficient in accumulating Zn both in fruit and in leaves and stems, whereas S. lycopersicum resulted the most efficient in accumulating Zn in roots. The BAF and TF values indicated that H. vulgare and S. oleracea resulted being suitable for Zn phytoextraction, whereas the remaining crops being suitable for Zn phytostabilization. These results highlight the phytoremediation potential of the seven analysed crops.
Chiara Grassi; Stefano Cecchi; Ada Baldi; Camillo A. Zanchi; Simone Orlandini; Andrea Pardini; Marco Napoli. Crop suitability assessment in remediation of Zn contaminated soil. Chemosphere 2019, 246, 125706 .
AMA StyleChiara Grassi, Stefano Cecchi, Ada Baldi, Camillo A. Zanchi, Simone Orlandini, Andrea Pardini, Marco Napoli. Crop suitability assessment in remediation of Zn contaminated soil. Chemosphere. 2019; 246 ():125706.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Grassi; Stefano Cecchi; Ada Baldi; Camillo A. Zanchi; Simone Orlandini; Andrea Pardini; Marco Napoli. 2019. "Crop suitability assessment in remediation of Zn contaminated soil." Chemosphere 246, no. : 125706.
Drought, heat stress, and unfavorable soil conditions are key abiotic factors affecting quinoa’s growth and development. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of progressive drought and N-fertilization reduction on short-cycle varieties of quinoa (c.v. Titicaca) for different sowing dates during the dry season (from October to December). A two-year experimentation (2017–2018 and 2018–2019) was carried out in Burkina Faso with four levels of irrigation (full irrigation—FI, progressive drought—PD, deficit irrigation—DI and extreme deficit irrigation—EDI) and four levels of N-fertilization (100, 50, 25, and 0 kg N ha−1). Plant phenology and development, just like crop outputs in the form of yield, biomass, and quality of the seeds were evaluated for different sowing dates having different temperature ranges and photoperiodicity. Crop water productivity (CWP) function was used for examining plant’s water use efficiency under drought stress conditions. Emerging findings have shown that CWP was highest under DI and PD (0.683 and 0.576 kg m−3, respectively), while highest yields were observed in 2017–2018 under PD and its interaction with 25 to 50 kg N ha−1 (1356 and 1110 kg ha−1, respectively). Mean temperatures close to 25 °C were suitable for optimal plant growth, while extreme temperatures at anthesis limited the production of grains. Small changes in photoperiodicity from different sowing dates were not critical for plant growth.
Jorge Alvar-Beltrán; Abdalla Dao; Anna Dalla Marta; Coulibaly Saturnin; Paolo Casini; Jacob Sanou; Simone Orlandini. Effect of Drought, Nitrogen Fertilization, Temperature, and Photoperiodicity on Quinoa Plant Growth and Development in the Sahel. Agronomy 2019, 9, 607 .
AMA StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán, Abdalla Dao, Anna Dalla Marta, Coulibaly Saturnin, Paolo Casini, Jacob Sanou, Simone Orlandini. Effect of Drought, Nitrogen Fertilization, Temperature, and Photoperiodicity on Quinoa Plant Growth and Development in the Sahel. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (10):607.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJorge Alvar-Beltrán; Abdalla Dao; Anna Dalla Marta; Coulibaly Saturnin; Paolo Casini; Jacob Sanou; Simone Orlandini. 2019. "Effect of Drought, Nitrogen Fertilization, Temperature, and Photoperiodicity on Quinoa Plant Growth and Development in the Sahel." Agronomy 9, no. 10: 607.
Existing heat–health warning systems focus on warning vulnerable groups in order to reduce mortality. However, human health and performance are affected at much lower environmental heat strain levels than those directly associated with higher mortality. Moreover, workers are at elevated health risks when exposed to prolonged heat. This study describes the multilingual “HEAT-SHIELD occupational warning system” platform (https://heatshield.zonalab.it/) operating for Europe and developed within the framework of the HEAT-SHIELD project. This system is based on probabilistic medium-range forecasts calibrated on approximately 1800 meteorological stations in Europe and provides the ensemble forecast of the daily maximum heat stress. The platform provides a non-customized output represented by a map showing the weekly maximum probability of exceeding a specific heat stress condition, for each of the four upcoming weeks. Customized output allows the forecast of the personalized local heat-stress-risk based on workers’ physical, clothing and behavioral characteristics and the work environment (outdoors in the sun or shade), also taking into account heat acclimatization. Personal daily heat stress risk levels and behavioral suggestions (hydration and work breaks recommended) to be taken into consideration in the short term (5 days) are provided together with long-term heat risk forecasts (up to 46 days), all which are useful for planning work activities. The HEAT-SHIELD platform provides adaptation strategies for “managing” the impact of global warming.
Marco Morabito; Alessandro Messeri; Pascal Noti; Ana Casanueva; Alfonso Crisci; Sven Kotlarski; Simone Orlandini; Cornelia Schwierz; Christoph Spirig; Boris R.M. Kingma; Andreas D. Flouris; Lars Nybo. An Occupational Heat–Health Warning System for Europe: The HEAT-SHIELD Platform. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 2890 .
AMA StyleMarco Morabito, Alessandro Messeri, Pascal Noti, Ana Casanueva, Alfonso Crisci, Sven Kotlarski, Simone Orlandini, Cornelia Schwierz, Christoph Spirig, Boris R.M. Kingma, Andreas D. Flouris, Lars Nybo. An Occupational Heat–Health Warning System for Europe: The HEAT-SHIELD Platform. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (16):2890.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Morabito; Alessandro Messeri; Pascal Noti; Ana Casanueva; Alfonso Crisci; Sven Kotlarski; Simone Orlandini; Cornelia Schwierz; Christoph Spirig; Boris R.M. Kingma; Andreas D. Flouris; Lars Nybo. 2019. "An Occupational Heat–Health Warning System for Europe: The HEAT-SHIELD Platform." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 16: 2890.
A research study was conducted in an open field tomato crop in order to: (i) Evaluate the capability of Sentinel-2 imagery to assess tomato canopy growth and its crop water requirements; and (ii) explore the possibility to predict crop water requirements by assimilating the canopy cover estimated by Sentinel-2 imagery into AquaCrop model. The pilot area was in Campania, a region in the south west of Italy, characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate, where field campaigns were conducted in seasons 2017 and 2018 on processing tomato. Crop water use and irrigation requirement were estimated by means of three different methods: (i) The AquaCrop model; (ii) an irrigation advisory service based on Sentinel-2 imagery known as IRRISAT and (iii) assimilating the canopy cover estimated by Sentinel-2 imagery into AquaCrop model Sentinel-2 imagery proved to be effective for monitoring canopy growth and for predicting irrigation water requirements during mid-season stage of the crop, when the canopy is fully developed. Conversely, the integration of the Sentinel-2 imagery with a crop growth model can contribute to improve the irrigation water requirement predictions in the early and development stage of the crop, when the soil evaporation is not negligible with respect to the total evapotranspiration.
Anna Dalla Marta; Giovanni Battista Chirico; Salvatore Falanga Bolognesi; Marco Mancini; Guido D'Urso; Simone Orlandini; Carlo De Michele; Filiberto Altobelli. Integrating Sentinel-2 Imagery with AquaCrop for Dynamic Assessment of Tomato Water Requirements in Southern Italy. Agronomy 2019, 9, 404 .
AMA StyleAnna Dalla Marta, Giovanni Battista Chirico, Salvatore Falanga Bolognesi, Marco Mancini, Guido D'Urso, Simone Orlandini, Carlo De Michele, Filiberto Altobelli. Integrating Sentinel-2 Imagery with AquaCrop for Dynamic Assessment of Tomato Water Requirements in Southern Italy. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (7):404.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Dalla Marta; Giovanni Battista Chirico; Salvatore Falanga Bolognesi; Marco Mancini; Guido D'Urso; Simone Orlandini; Carlo De Michele; Filiberto Altobelli. 2019. "Integrating Sentinel-2 Imagery with AquaCrop for Dynamic Assessment of Tomato Water Requirements in Southern Italy." Agronomy 9, no. 7: 404.
Lisa Caturegli; Monica Gaetani; Marco Volterrani; Simone Magni; Alberto Minelli; Ada Baldi; Giada Brandani; Marco Mancini; Anna Lenzi; Simone Orlandini; Filippo Lulli; Claudia De Bertoldi; Marco Dubbini; Nicola Grossi. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index versus Dark Green Colour Index to estimate nitrogen status on bermudagrass hybrid and tall fescue. International Journal of Remote Sensing 2019, 41, 455 -470.
AMA StyleLisa Caturegli, Monica Gaetani, Marco Volterrani, Simone Magni, Alberto Minelli, Ada Baldi, Giada Brandani, Marco Mancini, Anna Lenzi, Simone Orlandini, Filippo Lulli, Claudia De Bertoldi, Marco Dubbini, Nicola Grossi. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index versus Dark Green Colour Index to estimate nitrogen status on bermudagrass hybrid and tall fescue. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 2019; 41 (2):455-470.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLisa Caturegli; Monica Gaetani; Marco Volterrani; Simone Magni; Alberto Minelli; Ada Baldi; Giada Brandani; Marco Mancini; Anna Lenzi; Simone Orlandini; Filippo Lulli; Claudia De Bertoldi; Marco Dubbini; Nicola Grossi. 2019. "Normalized Difference Vegetation Index versus Dark Green Colour Index to estimate nitrogen status on bermudagrass hybrid and tall fescue." International Journal of Remote Sensing 41, no. 2: 455-470.
Climate change will increase the frequency and severity of hazard events such as heat waves, with important effects in several European regions. It is of importance to consider overall effects as well as specific impact on vulnerable population groups such as outdoor workers. The agricultural and construction sectors represent two strategic occupational fields that in relatively recent years involve an increasing number of migrant workers, and therefore require a better management of cultural aspects, that may interact with and impact on heat-related health risk. For this reason, the present study evaluated heat-stress perception and management among native and immigrant workers in Europe. As part of the EU's Horizon 2020 HEAT-SHIELD project (grant agreement No. 668786), two agricultural and one construction companies, traditionally employing migrant workers, were evaluated with a questionnaire survey during the summer months of 2017. The data collected (104 case studies) were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Chi-squared tests) and the analysis of variance was performed with ANOVA test. From the results, migrant workers declared that work required greater effort than do native Italian workers (χ² = 17.1, p = 0.001) but reported less impact from heat on productivity (χ² = 10.6; p = 0.014) and thermal discomfort. In addition, migrant workers were mainly informed through written or oral communications, while native workers received information on heat-health issues through training courses. These findings are of importance for future information and mitigation actions to address socio-cultural gaps and reduce heat-stress vulnerability.
Alessandro Messeri; Marco Morabito; Michela Bonafede; Marcella Bugani; Miriam Levi; Alberto Baldasseroni; Alessandra Binazzi; Bernardo Gozzini; Simone Orlandini; Lars Nybo; Alessandro Marinaccio. Heat Stress Perception among Native and Migrant Workers in Italian Industries-Case Studies from the Construction and Agricultural Sectors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 1090 .
AMA StyleAlessandro Messeri, Marco Morabito, Michela Bonafede, Marcella Bugani, Miriam Levi, Alberto Baldasseroni, Alessandra Binazzi, Bernardo Gozzini, Simone Orlandini, Lars Nybo, Alessandro Marinaccio. Heat Stress Perception among Native and Migrant Workers in Italian Industries-Case Studies from the Construction and Agricultural Sectors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (7):1090.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro Messeri; Marco Morabito; Michela Bonafede; Marcella Bugani; Miriam Levi; Alberto Baldasseroni; Alessandra Binazzi; Bernardo Gozzini; Simone Orlandini; Lars Nybo; Alessandro Marinaccio. 2019. "Heat Stress Perception among Native and Migrant Workers in Italian Industries-Case Studies from the Construction and Agricultural Sectors." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 7: 1090.
More than half of the world population lives nowadays in urban areas and that’s the reason why the quality of the urban environment has become a key issue for human health. In this context, it is important to estimate and document any action that contributes to improving thermal comfort and air quality. The aim of this paper is to present a system for the design of urban spaces developed in the framework of the SMARTUrban project. Such a system aims at giving a strategic tool to administrators and design professionals for sustainable management and urban planning. SMARTUrban is a prototype of an urban space design software that estimates the effect of design modification or of new design on thermal comfort, carbon sequestration and air pollutant removal.
Luciano Massetti; Martina Petralli; Giada Brandani; Marco Napoli; Francesco Ferrini; Alessio Fini; David Pearlmutter; Simone Orlandini; Alberto Giuntoli. Modelling the effect of urban design on thermal comfort and air quality: The SMARTUrban Project. Building Simulation 2019, 12, 169 -175.
AMA StyleLuciano Massetti, Martina Petralli, Giada Brandani, Marco Napoli, Francesco Ferrini, Alessio Fini, David Pearlmutter, Simone Orlandini, Alberto Giuntoli. Modelling the effect of urban design on thermal comfort and air quality: The SMARTUrban Project. Building Simulation. 2019; 12 (2):169-175.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuciano Massetti; Martina Petralli; Giada Brandani; Marco Napoli; Francesco Ferrini; Alessio Fini; David Pearlmutter; Simone Orlandini; Alberto Giuntoli. 2019. "Modelling the effect of urban design on thermal comfort and air quality: The SMARTUrban Project." Building Simulation 12, no. 2: 169-175.
Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology is an introductory textbook for meteorology and climatology courses at faculties of agriculture and for agrometeorology and agroclimatology courses at faculties whose curricula include these subjects. Additionally, this book may be a useful source of information for practicing agronomists and all those interested in different aspects of weather and climate impacts on agriculture. In times when scientific knowledge and practical experience increase exponentially, it is not a simple matter to prepare a textbook. Therefore we decided not to constrain Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology by its binding pages. Only a part of it is a conventional textbook. The other part includes numerical examples (easy-to-edit worksheets) and recommended additional reading available on-line in digital form. To keep the reader's attention, the book is divided into three sections: Basics, Applications and Agrometeorological Measurements with Numerical Examples.
Branislava Lalic; Josef Eitzinger; Anna Dalla Marta; Simone Orlandini; Ana Firanj Sremac; Bernhard Pacher. Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology. Manuali – Scienze Tecnologiche 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleBranislava Lalic, Josef Eitzinger, Anna Dalla Marta, Simone Orlandini, Ana Firanj Sremac, Bernhard Pacher. Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology. Manuali – Scienze Tecnologiche. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBranislava Lalic; Josef Eitzinger; Anna Dalla Marta; Simone Orlandini; Ana Firanj Sremac; Bernhard Pacher. 2018. "Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology." Manuali – Scienze Tecnologiche , no. : 1.
OBJECTIVEChanges in the pressure gradient between intraocular and intracranial compartments at the lamina cribrosa level are a possible explanation of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Shunt-treated normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a model for testing whether the increase (time from disease onset to CSF shunt placement, i.e., “protection period”) and decrease (time from shunt placement to observation, i.e., “exposure period”) in intracranial pressure (ICP) are glaucoma protective or risk factors, respectively. The authors estimated the prevalence of NTG in patients with shunt-treated NPH and calculated the extent of optic nerve exposure to changes in the trans–lamina cribrosa gradient.METHODSData obtained in patients with NPH who had undergone ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement were analyzed. Patients with more than 6 months’ follow-up, no pathologies associated with ICP changes or CSF dynamics disturbances, and no surgical or valve-related complications were scheduled for ophthalmic evaluation.RESULTSNine of 22 patients had NTG, which is about a 40-fold increase in rate compared with the rate in the general elderly population without hydrocephalus (p < 0.001). The median protection period was 12.0 months in patients with NTG and 18.0 months in those without NTG (p = 0.033). The median ICP decrease multiplied by duration of exposure in months was 76.0 mm Hg × months in the NTG group and 24.1 mm Hg × months in the no-NTG group (p = 0.048). The patients’ median adjusted age (adjusted for “protection” and “exposure” times) was 85.1 years in the NTG group and 78.8 years in the no-NTG group (p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONSA crucial risk factor for development of NTG in patients with shunt-treated NPH is the duration of optic nerve exposure to the lowering of ICP. Patients with NPH who are candidates for CSF shunting should be informed of the risk of incurring glaucoma. Longitudinal studies could provide estimates of tolerated times for a given ICP decrease.
Pasquale Gallina; Alfonso Savastano; Eleonora Becattini; Simone Orlandini; Antonio Scollato; Stanislao Rizzo; Giulia Carreras; Nicola Di Lorenzo; Berardino Porfirio. Glaucoma in patients with shunt-treated normal pressure hydrocephalus. Journal of Neurosurgery 2018, 129, 1078 -1084.
AMA StylePasquale Gallina, Alfonso Savastano, Eleonora Becattini, Simone Orlandini, Antonio Scollato, Stanislao Rizzo, Giulia Carreras, Nicola Di Lorenzo, Berardino Porfirio. Glaucoma in patients with shunt-treated normal pressure hydrocephalus. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2018; 129 (4):1078-1084.
Chicago/Turabian StylePasquale Gallina; Alfonso Savastano; Eleonora Becattini; Simone Orlandini; Antonio Scollato; Stanislao Rizzo; Giulia Carreras; Nicola Di Lorenzo; Berardino Porfirio. 2018. "Glaucoma in patients with shunt-treated normal pressure hydrocephalus." Journal of Neurosurgery 129, no. 4: 1078-1084.
Rationale: aerobiological information systems (AIS) are available in many countries. However, few studies have been performed to assess their effect as a preventative tool. Aim: to assess the usefulness of using AIS for pollen allergy management in an European general population sample. Methods: in 2016, 643 subjects with pollen allergy were enrolled in Italy (Pisa, PI), France (Paris, PA) and Austria (Vienna, VI), exposed to an educational intervention about pollen allergy and randomized in group A (using AIS) vs group B (controls). 511 subjects completed the Health, CARAT (modified) and Rhinasthma questionnaires about health status, disease control and quality of life (QoL) at baseline and 12 months follow up. Intra- and intergroup statistical differences of clinical changes were assessed. Results: nasal (NS), respiratory (RS) and ocular (OS) symptoms significantly decreased in group A, RS and OS in group B; NS (not significantly, ns), RS (ns) and OS (borderline) decreased more in group A (-4.5%, -40.1%, -26.3%, respectively) than in group B (-4.0%, -32.9%, -21.6%, respectively). Group A vs B showed: a lower incidence of NS and OS (1.5 vs 4.0% and 3.9 vs 7.4%; ns), a higher remittance of RS (42.6 vs 35.2%; ns). QoL and allergy control significantly increased only in group A; group A vs B tended to improve QoL (+10.9 vs +5.5%, borderline) and allergy control (+12.2% vs +10.9%, ns). Conclusions: involvement in a prospective study including an educational intervention on pollen allergy management seems to produce long term benefits in allergic subjects, regardless of AIS use. Further studies on larger samples and longer follow-ups are needed. Supported by EU LIFE program, project no. LIFE13 ENV/IT/001107.
Sandra Baldacci; Sara Maio; Marzia Simoni; Anna Angino; Patrizia Silvi; Stefania La Grutta; Giovanni Viegi; Franco Ruggiero; Gianni Bedini; Francesca Natali; Lorenzo Cecchi; Marija Prentovic; Uwe Berger; Amir Moustafa; Isabella Annesi-Maesano; Samuel Monnier; Michel Thibaudon; Simone Orlandini. Use of aerobiological information systems in pollen allergy management. Epidemiology 2018, 52, PA1144 .
AMA StyleSandra Baldacci, Sara Maio, Marzia Simoni, Anna Angino, Patrizia Silvi, Stefania La Grutta, Giovanni Viegi, Franco Ruggiero, Gianni Bedini, Francesca Natali, Lorenzo Cecchi, Marija Prentovic, Uwe Berger, Amir Moustafa, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Samuel Monnier, Michel Thibaudon, Simone Orlandini. Use of aerobiological information systems in pollen allergy management. Epidemiology. 2018; 52 ():PA1144.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSandra Baldacci; Sara Maio; Marzia Simoni; Anna Angino; Patrizia Silvi; Stefania La Grutta; Giovanni Viegi; Franco Ruggiero; Gianni Bedini; Francesca Natali; Lorenzo Cecchi; Marija Prentovic; Uwe Berger; Amir Moustafa; Isabella Annesi-Maesano; Samuel Monnier; Michel Thibaudon; Simone Orlandini. 2018. "Use of aerobiological information systems in pollen allergy management." Epidemiology 52, no. : PA1144.
Rationale: prevalence of pollen-related allergic respiratory diseases has increased in past decades in Europe. Aim: to evaluate the clinical impact of pollen allergy in an European general population sample. Methods: in 2016, 643 subjects suffering from pollen allergy were enrolled in Italy (Pisa, PI), France (Paris, PA), Austria (Vienna, VI). Each subject filled in the Health, CARAT (modified) and Rhinasthma questionnaires about health status, disease control and quality of life (QoL) associated with allergic diseases in the previous 12 months. Statistical analyses included chi-square test and analysis of variance. Results: the highest reported allergies were those to Betulaceae (73%) in VI, Graminaceae (61%) in PI and Platanaceae (28%) in PA. Allergic rhinitis was higher in VI (95%), allergic conjunctivitis and asthma in PA (69 and 54%, respectively) than in the other countries. Respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in PA (97%) than in VI (73%) and PI (65%); oculo-rhinitic symptoms were higher in VI (96%) than in PA (91%) and PI (80%); nasal symptoms did not differ among the countries. Health services and anti-allergic medicines were significantly more used in VI (67 and 94%) than in PI (26 and 78%) and PA (39 and 47%). VI and PA showed worse QoL and diseases control than PI according to Rhinasthma and CARAT scores. Overall, only 27.2% had a good/optimal QoL, 25.3% reported daily limitations at work, school or in other activities and 12.6% had a controlled allergic rhinitis and asthma. Conclusions: there is a relevant clinical impact of pollen allergy in 3 European countries which should prompt measures to reduce such environmental exposure. Supported by EU LIFE program, project no. LIFE13 ENV/IT/001107.
Sandra Baldacci; Sara Maio; Marzia Simoni; Anna Angino; Patrizia Silvi; Stefania La Grutta; Giovanni Viegi; Franco Ruggiero; Gianni Bedini; Francesca Natali; Lorenzo Cecchi; Marija Prentovic; Uwe Berger; Amir Moustafa; Isabella Annesi-Maesano; Samuel Monnier; Michel Thibaudon; Simone Orlandini. Burden of pollen allergy in 3 European countries: AIS LIFE project. Epidemiology 2018, 52, PA1151 .
AMA StyleSandra Baldacci, Sara Maio, Marzia Simoni, Anna Angino, Patrizia Silvi, Stefania La Grutta, Giovanni Viegi, Franco Ruggiero, Gianni Bedini, Francesca Natali, Lorenzo Cecchi, Marija Prentovic, Uwe Berger, Amir Moustafa, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Samuel Monnier, Michel Thibaudon, Simone Orlandini. Burden of pollen allergy in 3 European countries: AIS LIFE project. Epidemiology. 2018; 52 ():PA1151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSandra Baldacci; Sara Maio; Marzia Simoni; Anna Angino; Patrizia Silvi; Stefania La Grutta; Giovanni Viegi; Franco Ruggiero; Gianni Bedini; Francesca Natali; Lorenzo Cecchi; Marija Prentovic; Uwe Berger; Amir Moustafa; Isabella Annesi-Maesano; Samuel Monnier; Michel Thibaudon; Simone Orlandini. 2018. "Burden of pollen allergy in 3 European countries: AIS LIFE project." Epidemiology 52, no. : PA1151.
The paper proposes a methodology to assess water consumption in urban agriculture. Green and blue water footprints were calculated for five selected community gardens (CGs) in Rome (Italy) based on weather, crops, and yields. Then, the water requirement for all the CGs of the city, identified by means of a geodatabase, was estimated. For a cultivated area of 4.06 ha, an overall water requirement of 22,036 m3 (13,596 m3 green and 8,440 m3 blue) resulted from the assessment. Considering also the efficiency of the irrigation system, blue water consumption would reach 20,000 m3 in the worst scenario (furrow irrigation).
Anna Dalla Marta; Ada Baldi; Anna Lenzi; Flavio Lupia; Giuseppe Pulighe; Emanuele Santini; Simone Orlandini; Filiberto Altobelli. A methodological approach for assessing the impact of urban agriculture on water resources: a case study for community gardens in Rome (Italy). Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 2018, 43, 228 -240.
AMA StyleAnna Dalla Marta, Ada Baldi, Anna Lenzi, Flavio Lupia, Giuseppe Pulighe, Emanuele Santini, Simone Orlandini, Filiberto Altobelli. A methodological approach for assessing the impact of urban agriculture on water resources: a case study for community gardens in Rome (Italy). Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. 2018; 43 (2):228-240.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Dalla Marta; Ada Baldi; Anna Lenzi; Flavio Lupia; Giuseppe Pulighe; Emanuele Santini; Simone Orlandini; Filiberto Altobelli. 2018. "A methodological approach for assessing the impact of urban agriculture on water resources: a case study for community gardens in Rome (Italy)." Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 43, no. 2: 228-240.