Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Short-term leys and mineral fertilisation increase potential nitrogen mineralisation rate and stable carbon and reduce bulk density

Inclusion of short-term leys in rotations has been shown to reduce soil organic matter losses and increase yields at lower nitrogen (N) inputs. However, it remains unclear how grass-only or grass-legume leys, in the absence of manure, affect topsoil potential N mineralisation rat...

Enhanced cell wall digestibility and immunity in Arabidopsis through targeted modification of xylan structure by heterologous expression of acetyl xylan esterase and xylanases

Abstract Background Xylan, a major component of the secondary cell wall in dicots, is often recalcitrant due to its acetylation and interaction with cellulose and lignin. To fine-tune the xylan structure and improve the processing of lignocellulosic biomass, overexpression of cel...

Fitness effects of local seasonal adaptation depend on the timing of reproduction in a range-expanding butterfly

Abstract Local seasonal adaptation across latitudes is ubiquitous, but its fitness consequences are rarely estimated in the field. Using a common-garden field experiment at the northern range margin of the butterfly Lasiommata megera, we show that fitness consequences of among-po...

Establishing a baseline for energy-efficient climate adaptations in a typical Swedish pig facility

A facility for growing fattening pigs was investigated for building properties, energy use, and indoor climate in a cold-climate region to establish a baseline that supports future energy-efficient climate adaptation in pig buildings. The building under study was insulated and us...

Transforming heterogeneous fibreboard waste into form-pressed bio-polyester composites

Abstract Efficient recycling of fibreboard production residues is hindered by their chemical heterogeneity, fine particle size and low bulk density, which limit transport and reprocessing in conventional processing routes. This study investigates the transformation of heterogeneo...

Precision monitoring of leaf area index and chlorophyll content of major field crops in Northern Europe using UAV remote sensing and radiative transfer modeling

Abstract Purpose Long-term monitoring of crop biophysical and biochemical traits remains challenging in high-latitude regions due to short growing seasons, frequent cloud cover, and highly variable weather. In this context, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer flexible, high-res...

Multi-Trait Nutritional Profiles of Swedish Wheat Germplasm Across Breeding Histories

Wheat is a major staple crop and an important dietary source of protein, minerals and grain bioactives. Wheat genetic resources for nutritional improvement include landraces, primitive wheats, old cultivars, cultivars and breeding material; however, their value should be evaluate...

Grazing abandonment in Iceland: unearthing the consequences for root biomass and community-level root functional traits

Abstract Background and aims In northern ecosystems, plants allocate biomass predominantly to roots, which are central to the transfer of recent photosynthate from plants to soil and thus soil carbon accumulation. Grazing typically modifies above-ground vegetation composition and...

Indicators for the environmental assessment of semi-natural pasture-based meat production: a Swedish case study

Background and objectives: Livestock production affects the environment both positively and negatively, making assessment complex. This case study compiled and applied a set of indicators to assess the environmental impacts on five farms with meat production using semi-natural gr...

Functional differences of Munc18 isoforms reflect their affinities for the exocytosis site

Abstract The SM-protein Munc18 and its binding partner syntaxin are crucial for two distinct steps of regulated exocytosis, docking of secretory granules at the release site, and priming reactions that prepare docked granules for Ca 2+ dependent fusion. Both proteins cluster simu...

Contrasting Soil Chemical and Microbial Responses to Moderate Thinning in a South Swedish Spruce Forest

Abstract Small-scale forest owners frequently implement thinning to enhance stand productivity, improve timber quality, and maintain structural diversity; however, its short-term effects on soil physicochemical and biological properties remain insufficiently understood. This stud...

Surface microbial dynamics and residual diversity in patient rooms with wooden and painted walls

Wood is a biobased material that supports long-term carbon storage; however, its suitability for use in healthcare facility interiors remains insufficiently studied. This study assessed surface microbial dynamics and residual diversity in patient rooms with conventional painted w...

Intersectionality and Women’s Perceptions of Climate Change and Adaptation Among NTFP-Dependent Households in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract Climate change-induced weather variability, particularly changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, poses significant challenges to agroforestry systems and rural livelihoods in the tropics. Understanding how female-headed households perceive and respond to these chan...

Inventory conditions and tariff pass-through: evidence from U.S. softwood lumber

Using 25 years of monthly U.S.–Canada softwood lumber data and state-dependent local projections, we find that marginal tariff pass-through at six months declines monotonically with the pre-existing inventory-to-shipments ratio, from 1.8% per percentage point at the 10th percenti...

The value of electronic tagging and tracking studies for understanding fish–hypoxia interactions

Abstract Objective Hypoxia (i.e., low dissolved oxygen availability) is a natural phenomenon but can also be induced by human activities (e.g., nutrient enrichment from runoff). Given that dissolved oxygen is essential for aquatic life, periods of hypoxia tend to have negative co...

Multivariate analysis of agro-morphological traits to unlock the genetic divergence of Ethiopian cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes

Barley is a prominent cereal crop and a center of diversity in Ethiopia, with a huge collection in the genebank. However, its productivity in the country remains low due to the underutilization of the available genetic resources. Thus, the study aimed to explore the genetic diver...

Contradictions of Rural Development, Agri-Environmental Policy, Agroecological Transitions and Alternative Visions for Agriculture and Food Security in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Regions in Sweden and Italy

Ensuring local and sustainable food security is gaining an important role in rural development strategies at national and regional scales in Europe. This relies to an important degree upon the implementation of new, or old, agri-environmental policy, namely, policies at the inter...

Evaluation of Barley—Introgression Lines Between Annual Barley and the Perennial Hordeum bulbosum in a Cold-Temperate Climate

Perennial wild relatives of annual crops possess traits associated with stress tolerance, efficient nutrient uptake, and increased soil carbon sequestration. They therefore represent valuable genetic resources for developing perennial crops that may reduce environmental and clima...

Application of digital technologies for agricultural knowledge sharing in research and development organizations and their impact on organizational knowledge management in northern Ethiopia

Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as essential tools for achieving sustainable development by enhancing knowledge sharing and innovation within agricultural systems. Despite their potential, empirical evidence on the extent of digital technology adoption, its deter...

Transcriptomic and RNAi-mediated antiviral response to Kamiti River virus infection in Aedes albopictus U4.4 cells

Mosquitoes transmit arboviruses that represent major global public health challenges. Increasing insecticide resistance and absence of effective antiviral therapies underscore the need for novel vector control strategies. Insect-specific viruses have emerged as candidates for bio...