Conference Agenda

Frequent slurry removal reduces methane (CH₄) emissions from pig housing, but its effects on subsequent storage remain unclear. We investigated whether prior removal frequency influences organic matter degradation and CH₄ formation during storage. Slurry from two farms (A and B), each with weekly or conventional (4–5 week) removal, was incubated with fresh pig feces and urine at 10, 17.5, and 25 °C for 90 days. CH₄ production and degradation dynamics were quantified in laboratory incubation. Despite identical incubation conditions, CH₄ production with frequent-removal inoculum in farm A was reduced by 18–73%, with larger reductions at higher temperatures, whereas in farm B no effect was observed. This difference was reflected in organic matter degradation dynamics. For farm A, CH₄ production in the frequent removed slurry appeared hydrolysis-limited, based on a lack of VFAs accumulation coupled with degradation of crude protein, lipids, and neutral detergent fiber. In contrast, persistent VFAs accumulation in farm B, possibly related to wet feed spillage and readily degradable substrates, may have inhibited methanogenesis, limiting the impact of frequent removal. These findings demonstrate that slurry removal history alters degradation kinetics during storage and highlight the need to account for farm variability in process-based CH₄ emission models.

Climate change is increasingly affecting reproductive processes in olive cultivation by altering flowering dynamics, reducing pollen viability, and disrupting the environmental conditions required for effective fertilization. Rising temperatures, irregular precipitation, wind anomalies, and extreme weather events during flowering can compromise pollination efficiency, limit fruit set, and ultimately reduce yield. In olive orchards, these constraints are particularly critical because successful production strongly depends on favorable conditions during a relatively short reproductive window. In this context, artificial pollination is emerging as a promising agronomic strategy to mitigate the effects of climate-related pollination failure and improve yield stability. This study evaluates the potential of artificial pollination in olive cultivation as a tool to enhance reproductive success under increasingly variable climatic conditions. Field trials were conducted in olive orchards by comparing conventional open pollination with assisted pollination treatments applied during the flowering stage. Productive performance was assessed through fruit set, final yield, and overall tree response. Experimental results showed that artificial pollination significantly improved reproductive efficiency, resulting in a 25% increase in yield. These findings demonstrate that assisted pollination can represent an effective climate-adaptation practice for olive production, contributing to greater orchard resilience, improved productivity, and more sustainable management under future environmental scenarios.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of soybean peroxidase (SBP) in reducing odor and greenhouse gas emissions during pilot-scale composting of dairy manure solids mixed with sawdust bedding. The experimental treatment consisted of 8% (d.b.) SBP and 1.12% (w.w. of SBP) calcium peroxide (CaO₂) were used. To accurately measure gaseous fluxes under practical conditions, a dynamic flux chamber with a volume of 2.25 m³ was developed. This chamber utilized a calibrated inlet and exhaust fan system to create a controlled pressure difference, thereby enabling continuous sampling and precise ventilation evaluation. The results showed that SBP treatment significantly reduced ammonia emissions by 40%, key volatile sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, by 65% and 91%, respectively, and phenol emissions by 47%. The total volatile fatty acid levels decreased by 18%. Regarding greenhouse gases, SBP treatment lowered nitrous oxide and methane emissions by 48% and 39%, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed different bacterial structures in the control and SBP groups. These results demonstrate that SBP can effectively mitigate odor and greenhouse gas emissions during manure composting. Further research is warranted to optimize the application for field-scale operations and assess cost-effectiveness.

Frost is among the most severe meteorological conditions affecting agricultural production. Due to climate warming, flowering often occurs much earlier in the spring, while the probability of occasional frosts remains the same. The objective was to assess two innovative frost protection methods: infrared heating cables (Frolight system) and the Frost Buster, in order to advance both scientific understanding and operational knowledge of their effectiveness. To this end, two field observation campaigns were conducted in Quebec, Canada (2024). The methodology relied on high-resolution multi-sensor analysis, integrating a network of thermometers combined with infrared thermal imaging.

Results for the infrared heating cable highlight the critical importance of correct installation on overall system effectiveness. Infrared imagery revealed the combined influence of radiation and advection processes when installation was carried out properly, and the cable demonstrated the ability to raise temperatures under minimum nighttime conditions down to -12°C.

For the Frost Buster, results emphasize of circulation speed, slope, aspect on system performance. The device proved effective down to -4.5°C. Results indicate grass height influences the effective protection distance.

In conclusion, a thorough knowledge of microtopographic and environmental conditions is essential to selecting the most appropriate frost protection strategy for an agricultural site.