Rachid Aboutayeb

Background/Objectives: Coffea canephora (robusta) and Coffea liberica var. dewevrei (excelsa) cultivated in the Comoros islands represent understudied coffee varieties grown in a unique volcanic terroir. Despite their agricultural significance and potential bioactive value, no comprehensive biochemical or nutritional characterization of these Comorian coffees had previously been conducted. This study therefore aimed to provide the first integrated biochemical and nutritional characterization of both varieties and to evaluate the influence of the islands’ specific edaphoclimatic conditions on their chemical composition. Methods: An integrated analytical approach was employed, combining UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPLC, ionomics, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to quantify polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, soluble sugars, antioxidant activity, mineral profiles, and macromolecular composition of green coffee beans from both species. Results: Robusta exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyphenols (121.79 ± 2.73 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (29.43 ± 2.20 mg QE/g), caffeine (1.52% w/w), total soluble sugars (60.47 ± 3.37 mg GE/g), and antioxidant activity (64.97 ± 6.25 mM Trolox eq/g). Conversely, excelsa demonstrated a distinct mineral profile, with significantly higher concentrations of magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and copper. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed distinct vibrational fingerprints between the two species, particularly in lipid and carbohydrate signatures. Conclusions: These findings position Comorian robusta as a potent source of antioxidants and stimulants, while excelsa offers a nutritionally balanced profile with nutraceutical potential, providing a scientific basis for valorizing both varieties as high-value niche products and contributing to the preservation of coffee agro-biodiversity.

Climate Impact Mitigation Through Intelligent Biowaste Composting investigates composting as an innovative and sustainable technique for combating climate change. Biowaste, which includes agricultural residues, food waste, and organic matter, is a valuable resource for lowering greenhouse gas emissions through smart management and composting. This chapter discusses composting's ability to absorb carbon, improve soil fertility, and reduce methane emissions from landfills. By transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, the method promotes a circular economy by closing nutrient loops and boosting soil health. Using sophisticated composting techniques such as controlled aeration, microbial optimization, and digital monitoring improves efficiency, decreases waste, and maximizes environmental advantages. The chapter also provides insights into how intelligent biowaste composting may improve agricultural sustainability, mitigate climate change, and increase ecosystem resilience.

Monitoring the nutrient status of citrus orchards is fundamental to ensure optimum fruit yield and quality. In the present study, soil and leaf samples of 20 Valencia Late orange orchards were collected in the Gharb plain of Morocco, the second-largest citrus area in the country. The objective was to assess the status of essential macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in Valencia orange orchards and investigate the relationships between soil properties and nutrient contents in soils and leaves. Soils of the studied orchards had a medium to heavy texture, with low to moderate levels of organic matter content (6–31 g kg⁻¹). They were also non-saline and mostly alkaline and calcareous. These soils exhibited a wide range of macro- and micronutrients. Suboptimum levels of total N, available Fe, and Cu were observed in most soils. Most of soils had also sufficient levels of available P, Mn, and Zn. All soils were sufficiently supplied with available Ca, Mg, and K. Similarly to soil analysis, leaf analysis indicated the prevalence of adequate to very high levels of P, Ca, Mn, and K. Leaf N and Fe status were below optimum levels in most orchards, which is in line with the observed low levels in soils. Nevertheless, unlike soils, leaves did not show any deficiency of Cu; instead, most orchards had adequate to excessive levels of this micronutrient. Additionally, leaf Mg and Zn status were deficient in most orchards, conversely to that of soils. This discrepancy between soil and leaf analysis was also noted in the lack of correlation we observed between soil nutrients and their respective levels in leaves. Correlation analysis revealed also an antagonistic interaction between K–Mg and Ca–Mg, which explained the widespread suboptimum levels of Mg in leaves despite its sufficient status in soils. Such antagonism was also observed between Fe–Mn. In the case of Cu, we suspect the use of Cu-containing plant protection products to contribute to the high levels in leaves despite its low levels in soils. Overall, our results showed that nutrient imbalances leading to antagonistic interaction heavily impacted nutrient status in our study area. We expect unbalanced fertilization to contribute to this issue. Therefore, fertilization practices should be managed judiciously to maintain an adequate nutrient balance in the soil and trees of citrus orchards and ensure their sustainable production.

Carbon sequestration strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil fertility, improve water dynamics, and increase soil biodiversity. This chapter investigates such nexuses through the analysis of impacts and benefits mainly from three major strategies: conservation agriculture, agroforestry and organic farming including soil amendments. Moreover, the current study emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to accomplish multiple sustainability objectives in agriculture while simultaneously promoting carbon sequestration. The relationship between carbon sequestration and sustainable agriculture is investigated, and trade-offs between carbon sequestration and other sustainability objectives are outlined. This study emphasizes the policies and governance frameworks that support carbon sequestration, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with their implementation. Overall, carbon sequestration strategies have the potential to provide substantial environmental benefits; however, their implementation requires careful consideration of socioeconomic dimensions.

Biofortification is a promising and sustainable way to improve lentil nutritional value. No-till is an eco-friendly agricultural practice for sustainable agricultural production under climate change conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variation of lentil grain quality traits under no-till and conventional tillage systems, and to investigate the significance of tillage and genotype by tillage interaction. A Mediterranean lentil collection of 120 accessions, including landraces, advanced breeding lines, local varieties, and improved varieties was assessed for protein, iron, and zinc genetic variability under no-till and conventional tillage systems. Under no-till, substantial genetic variation for protein (19–32%), iron (17–184 mg/kg), and zinc (9–48 mg/kg) was observed, indicating the possibility of lentil biofortification under conservation agriculture. Significant effects of tillage system and genotype by tillage interaction were observed for protein and iron contents. Furthermore, significant effect of tillage system on zinc content was recorded. No-till yielded slightly higher protein and zinc content than conventional tillage. Overall, the results indicated that shifting lentil production from a conventional tillage system to a no-till system would be of interest to increase lentil nutritional value.