Aldo D'ALessandro

Although the arthropod‐based Biological Soil Quality Index (QBS‐ar) is widely used to assess soil biological quality in agroecosystems, interpreting its variation under field conditions remains challenging. We characterised spatial and temporal patterns in QBS‐ar and complementary arthropod‐based indicators across four arable fields belonging to two farms within the Sentina Reserve (Central Italy): Fattoria Ferri (FE1 and FE2) and Selva Giurata (RL1 and RL2). Each field was sampled on six occasions, in June and October of each year from 2021 to 2023. Six exploratory multiple linear regression models examined associations between sub‐sample level QBS‐ar (partial QBS‐ar) and six predictor groups: agricultural practices, soil chemistry, textural parameters, soil environmental factors, weather conditions and landscape composition. Across the 24 field‐by‐occasion assessments, total QBS‐ar ranged from 102 to 209. Values were generally higher in the Selva Giurata fields, with RL2 and FE2 showing the highest and lowest mean values, respectively. The complementary biotic metrics followed a similar field‐level pattern. At least one term in each predictor‐group model met the significance threshold. These terms included exchangeable potassium, tillage for seedbed preparation, harvesting, very fine sand, temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture and the proportions of land classified as agricultural areas and of forest and semi‐natural areas. Together, these results show the value of considering both management and environmental context when interpreting QBS‐ar variation in field monitoring. The field‐specific patterns identified here provide testable hypotheses for broader studies with independent farm‐level replication.

Primates worldwide face escalating ecological pressures, driving many species to rapid declines. Modern zoos play an essential role by maintaining viable populations and improving welfare through research‐driven management. However, gut–microbiome interactions in captive primates remain poorly understood. Our study investigated how host‐specific traits influence fecal microbiota composition, whether shared environments facilitate shared microbial signatures, and whether fluctuations in fecal cortisol and testosterone correspond to microbial changes. We also evaluated the combined use of hormonal and microbiota analyses as a noninvasive tool to support welfare and health monitoring in zoo‐housed Hapalemur alaotrensis . We monitored 4 groups ( n = 8) housed across 4 European facilities, yielding 180 fecal samples across 3 collection phases. We characterized microbial communities through 16S rRNA gene sequencing following DNA extraction and quality checks, and quantified hormone metabolites using ELISA kits. We performed statistical analyses to evaluate the effects of facility, collection phase, and host‐specific traits on microbiota composition and hormone concentrations. Microbiota profiling revealed diverse bacterial communities, with facility‐associated differences representing the strongest and most consistent pattern, while effects of sex and scent enrichment were weak and inconsistent. Hormone concentrations did not vary across collection phases, although cortisol differed among facilities. No significant associations between hormone concentrations and microbiota profiles were detected. Given the small sample size, these findings should be considered exploratory, providing initial evidence of facility‐associated microbiome variation in zoo‐housed H. alaotrensis . Larger studies are needed to investigate its potential drivers and evaluate whether combined microbiome and endocrine assessments may contribute to primate welfare monitoring.

Tropical sandy beaches are dynamic ecosystems where microbial communities play crucial roles in biogeochemical processes and tracking human impact. Despite their importance, these habitats remain underexplored. Here, using amplicon-based sequencing of bacterial (V3-V4 16S rRNA) and fungal (ITS2) markers, we first describe microbial communities inhabiting supralittoral–intertidal sediments of two contrasting sandy beaches in the Tadjoura Gulf (Djibouti Republic): Sagallou-Kalaf (SK, rural, siliceous sand) and Siesta Plage (SP, urban, calcareous sand). Sand samples were collected at low tide along 10 m transects perpendicular to the shoreline. Bacterial communities differed significantly between sites and along the sea-to-land gradient, suggesting an influence from both anthropogenic activity and sediment granulometry. SK was dominated by Escherichia-Shigella, Staphylococcus, and Bifidobacterium, associated with human and agricultural sources. SP showed higher richness, with enriched marine-associated genera such as Hoeflea, Xanthomarina, and Marinobacter, also linked to hydrocarbon degradation. Fungal diversity was less variable, but showed significant shifts along transects. SK communities were dominated by Kluyveromyces and Candida, while SP hosted a broader fungal assemblage, including Pichia, Rhodotorula, and Aureobasidium. The higher richness at SP suggests that calcium-rich sands, possibly due to their buffering capacity and greater moisture retention, offer more favorable conditions for microbial colonization.

The wine industry faces increasing challenges related to authenticity, safety, and sustainability due to recurrent fraud, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. In this study, as part of the B.I.O.C.E.R.T.O project, we integrated blockchain technology with ultrasonic spectroscopy and soil quality data by using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar) to enhance traceability, ensure wine quality, and certify sustainable vineyard practices. Four representative wines from the Marche region (Sangiovese, Maceratino, and two Verdicchio PDO varieties) were analyzed across two vintages (2021 and 2022). Ultrasound spectroscopy demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing wines based on ethanol and sugar content, comparably to conventional viscosity-based methods. The QBS-ar index was applied to investigate the soil biodiversity status according to the agricultural management practices applied in each vineyard, reinforcing consumer confidence in environmentally responsible viticulture. By recording these data on a public blockchain, we developed a secure, transparent, and immutable certification system to verify the geographical origin of wines along with their unique characteristics. This is the first study to integrate advanced analytical techniques with blockchain technology for wine traceability, simultaneously addressing counterfeiting, consumer demand for transparency, and biodiversity preservation. Our findings support the applicability of this model to other agri-food sectors, with potential for expansion through additional analytical techniques, such as isotopic analysis and further agroecosystem sustainability indicators.

The wine industry faces increasing challenges related to authenticity, safety, and sustainability due to recurrent fraud, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. In this study, part of the B.I.O.C.E.R.T.O project, we integrated blockchain technology with ultrasonic spectroscopy and soil quality data by using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar), to enhance traceability, ensure wine quality, and certify sustainable vineyard practices. Four representative wines from the Marche region (Sangiovese, Maceratino, and two Verdicchio PDO varieties) were analysed across two vintages (2021 and 2022). Ultrasound spectroscopy demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing wines based on ethanol and sugar content, comparable to conventional viscosity-based methods. The QBS-ar index was applied to investigate the soil biodiversity status according to the agricultural management practices applied in each vineyard, reinforcing consumer confidence in environmentally responsible viticulture. By recording these data on a public blockchain, we developed a secure, transparent, and immutable certification system to verify the geographical origin of wines along with their unique characteristics. This is the first study to integrate advanced analytical techniques with blockchain technology for wine traceability, simultaneously addressing counterfeiting, consumer demand for transparency, and biodiversity preservation. Our findings support the applicability of this model to other agri-food sectors, with potential for expansion through additional analytical techniques, such as isotopic analysis and further agroecosystem sustainability indicators.

Sustainable soil management is essential to conserve soil biodiversity and its provision of vital ecosystem services. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 highlights the key role of organic farming and land protection in halting biodiversity loss, including edaphic biodiversity. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed measures, a 1-year study was conducted in spring 2022 to determine the soil quality of three organically managed agroecosystems and four sites for each: arable lands, olive groves, and vineyards in the Conero Park, using the arthropod-based Biological Soil Quality Index (QBS-ar) and also considering soil chemical-physical characteristics. Soil microarthropods are sensitive indicators of the impact of agricultural practices on soil quality. Given the diversity of the agronomic practices applied in these agroecosystems, the study aimed to compare the soil quality and identify the system with the least impact on soil biodiversity conservation, with the goal of laying the basis for identifying soil quality benchmarks within each system to be used in monitoring activities in land protected areas. Results showed that organic farming combined with land protection had a positive impact on soil quality. The overall soil quality was excellent, with the highest levels found in arable lands. This is consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH), which states that slightly disturbed habitats (i.e., arable land with minimum tillage) tend to have higher organism diversity than stable ones. The composition of microarthropod communities in arable land differed from those in stable arboreal crops. Olive groves showed a higher abundance and diversity of microarthropods compared to vineyards, which showed lower values. Promoting the use of QBS-ar, identifying benchmarks for prevalent agroecosystems, and ensuring continuous monitoring of protected areas are thus crucial issues.

Policies aimed at reducing plant protection products (PPPs) are part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable management of PPPs is crucial for soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, including food provision. While PPPs can control pests and enhance agricultural yields, they also pose environmental and health risks by contaminating water, soil, and non-target organisms through airborne drift. Investigating innovative and more sustainable distribution methods can support sustainability goals. This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of the pesticide Spintor^® Fly on non-target soil organisms in olive orchards comparing two spraying methods: a traditional Casotti^® pump mounted on a tractor and an innovative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed for the project. The study was conducted in 2021 in an organic olive orchard, which was divided into two plots: a Casotti-treated plot (CAS) and a drone-treated plot (DRO). A strip of uncultivated land at the edge of the orchard was used as a (non-treated) control plot (CAP). The impact on native soil microarthropod communities was assessed using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar) and Bait Lamina Test (BLT). Soil samples were collected for earthworm avoidance tests and soil chemical–physical analysis. The results obtained with QBS-ar and BLT indicated no significant differences between DRO and CAS, in both sampling periods (pre- and post-treatment). However, DRO generally exhibited slightly better performance than CAS. The avoidance behaviour was confirmed for both CAS and DRO, although it was lower for the latter. Overall, drone aerial spray performed slightly better, suggesting a potentially lower impact on soil communities. Our results provide initial clues for the sustainable use of drones in agriculture with no increased risks for soil health compared to traditional methods. Further long-term studies should be conducted to validate these findings and possibly confirm the long-term benefits of drone applications compared to traditional methods.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a newly adopted consensus term to replace the therapeutic application of low-level laser therapy. It has been suggested that PMB influences the microbiome which, in turn, has increasingly been shown to be linked with health and disease. Even though the use of PBM has also grown dramatically in veterinary medicine, there is still a lack of evidence supporting its effect in vivo. Our objective was to investigate the impact of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser source (Multiwavelength Locked Laser System, MLS^®) on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs. Twenty adult-client-owned atopic dogs were enrolled in the study. The dogs were treated with MLS^® laser therapy on one half of the abdominal region, whereas the contralateral side was left untreated and served as a control. Skin microbiome samples were collected before and after MLS^® treatments, and then subjected to NGS-based ITS and 16S rRNA analysis. The results showed that while microbiome composition and diversity were not significantly affected, PBM could play a role in modulating the abundance of specific bacterial species, in particular Staphylococcus, that represent a major skin pathogenic strain. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the potential impact of MLS^® laser therapy on the skin microbiome in atopic dogs.