Natalia Falagan | Sustainable Agriculture | Innovative Research Award

Innovative Research Award

Natalia Falagan
Affiliation Cranfield University
Country United Kingdom
Scopus ID 55948523000
Documents 44
Citations 946
h-index 17
Subject Area Sustainable Agriculture
Event Agri Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0002-7672-9565
Natalia Falagan 
Cranfield University

Natalia Falagan is an academic researcher associated with Cranfield University whose scholarly work has contributed to the advancement of sustainable agriculture, postharvest technology, food quality preservation, and agricultural innovation. Through interdisciplinary research integrating crop science, supply chain sustainability, storage technologies, and quality assessment methodologies, her publications have supported improved agricultural productivity and resource efficiency. The Innovative Research Award recognizes contributions that demonstrate scientific originality, practical applicability, and measurable influence within agricultural and environmental systems. The researcher’s publication record, citation performance, and international visibility reflect a sustained commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in sustainable food production and postharvest management.[1]

Abstract

The Innovative Research Award acknowledges scholarly excellence demonstrated through impactful research, scientific rigor, and practical relevance. Natalia Falagan’s academic portfolio reflects significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and postharvest science, with a focus on improving food quality, extending shelf life, and enhancing resource efficiency across agricultural systems. Her research integrates technological innovation with sustainability objectives, supporting evidence-based improvements throughout food supply chains. Through peer-reviewed publications, collaborative projects, and measurable citation influence, her work has contributed to the advancement of agricultural knowledge and informed professional practice in areas related to crop preservation, food security, and environmental sustainability.[2]

Keywords

Sustainable Agriculture, Postharvest Technology, Food Quality, Agricultural Innovation, Supply Chain Sustainability, Crop Preservation, Food Security, Resource Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, Research Excellence.

Introduction

Sustainable agricultural development requires innovative solutions capable of reducing losses, improving product quality, and strengthening resilience throughout food production systems. Researchers working at the intersection of agricultural science, technology, and sustainability play a critical role in generating evidence-based strategies that address these objectives. Natalia Falagan has contributed to this evolving field through investigations focused on postharvest management, food preservation technologies, and quality optimization. Her work aligns with broader international priorities associated with sustainable food systems and responsible resource utilization, making it relevant to both academic and industrial stakeholders.[3]

Research Profile

As a researcher affiliated with Cranfield University, Natalia Falagan has developed a scholarly profile characterized by interdisciplinary inquiry and practical application. Her academic activities encompass sustainable agriculture, food systems innovation, postharvest technology, and quality management. The documented publication record, citation metrics, and international collaborations indicate sustained engagement with contemporary agricultural challenges. Through participation in research projects and dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed venues, she has contributed to the scientific understanding of methods that improve agricultural efficiency while supporting environmental and economic sustainability objectives.[1]

Research Contributions

The researcher’s contributions emphasize innovative approaches to maintaining product quality and reducing losses throughout agricultural supply chains. Her investigations have explored preservation technologies, storage optimization, quality monitoring, and sustainable handling practices that support improved food availability and consumer satisfaction. By integrating scientific analysis with practical implementation considerations, the research provides valuable insights for producers, processors, distributors, and policymakers. These contributions strengthen the knowledge base required for developing resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting growing global demands while minimizing environmental impacts.[4]

Publications

Natalia Falagan has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly publications addressing postharvest science, sustainable agriculture, food quality assessment, and agricultural innovation. The publication portfolio demonstrates methodological diversity and interdisciplinary engagement, reflecting collaborations across scientific disciplines and institutional settings. Articles appearing in recognized journals have contributed to academic discourse regarding food preservation, crop quality enhancement, supply chain efficiency, and sustainability-oriented technological development. The documented body of work provides evidence of sustained research productivity and scholarly influence within relevant fields of agricultural science.[2]

Research Impact

Research impact can be assessed through scholarly visibility, citation performance, and practical relevance. With a substantial citation record and an established h-index, Natalia Falagan’s publications have received recognition from the academic community and contributed to ongoing scientific discussions. Beyond bibliometric indicators, the practical orientation of her work enhances its significance by supporting improvements in agricultural operations, food quality management, and sustainability practices. Such outcomes demonstrate the ability of research to generate benefits extending beyond academia and into industry and society.[1][5]

Award Suitability

The Innovative Research Award recognizes individuals whose scholarly achievements demonstrate originality, relevance, and measurable impact. Natalia Falagan’s academic accomplishments align with these criteria through her contributions to sustainable agriculture and postharvest innovation. The integration of scientific rigor with practical applicability, combined with evidence of international research visibility and influence, supports her suitability for recognition. Her work addresses important agricultural challenges while advancing knowledge that contributes to sustainability, food security, and quality improvement objectives within contemporary food systems.[3]

Conclusion

Natalia Falagan’s research career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing agricultural science through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based inquiry. Her contributions to sustainable agriculture, postharvest management, and food quality preservation have generated scholarly and practical value. Supported by a strong publication record and recognized research influence, her work demonstrates characteristics associated with impactful scientific achievement. The Innovative Research Award serves as an appropriate acknowledgment of contributions that continue to support progress toward more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems worldwide.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Natalia Falagan, Author ID 55948523000. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55948523000
  2. Natalia Falagán, Roberta Tosetti, Ewan Gage, Leon A. Terry. (2025). Molecular and metabolic response of ‘Piccolo’ cherry tomato to Graduated Controlled Atmosphere.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114133
  3. Cranfield University research data. (2024). Controlled atmosphere as cold chain support for extending postharvest life in cabbage.
    https://doi.org/10.57996/cran.ceres-2617
  4. Falagan, N., et al. (2024). Reducing food loss and waste contributes to energy, economic and environmental sustainability.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142068
  5. ORCID. (n.d.). ORCID record for Natalia Falagan.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7672-9565

Shashi Meena | Climate Change and Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Women Researcher Award

Shashi Meena
ICAR

Shashi Meena
Affiliation ICAR
Country India
Scopus ID 57210234053
Documents 18
Citations 160
h-index 7
Subject Area Climate Change and Agriculture
Event Agri Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-6956-3061

The Women Researcher Award recognizes outstanding scholarly contributions by women researchers whose work advances scientific understanding and practical innovation. Shashi Meena of ICAR has established a research profile focused on climate change and agriculture, contributing to evidence-based approaches that support sustainable farming systems, resource management, and agricultural resilience. Her academic publications and citation record reflect engagement with contemporary environmental challenges affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.[1]

Abstract

Shashi Meena is an agricultural researcher affiliated with ICAR whose scholarly activities focus on climate change and agriculture. Her work addresses critical issues related to environmental variability, agricultural sustainability, resource efficiency, and adaptation strategies for farming communities. Through peer-reviewed publications and collaborative research initiatives, she has contributed to understanding the interactions between climate systems and agricultural productivity. With an established record of scientific publications, citations, and measurable academic influence, her research supports evidence-based agricultural policy and sustainable development objectives. These contributions provide a strong foundation for recognition through the Women Researcher Award.[1][2]

Keywords

Climate Change, Agriculture, Sustainable Farming, Agricultural Resilience, Environmental Adaptation, Resource Management, Food Security, Agricultural Research, ICAR, Women Researcher Award.

Introduction

Agriculture faces increasing challenges arising from climate variability, resource limitations, and changing environmental conditions. Researchers working at the intersection of climate science and agricultural systems play an important role in identifying adaptive solutions. Shashi Meena’s scholarly activities contribute to this evolving field by supporting research that examines agricultural resilience, sustainability, and informed management practices under changing climatic conditions.[2]

Research Profile

As a researcher associated with ICAR, Shashi Meena has developed expertise in climate change and agriculture. Her academic profile includes 18 indexed documents, 160 citations, and an h-index of 7, reflecting consistent engagement with scientific research and scholarly dissemination. Her work emphasizes practical and scientific approaches to addressing agricultural challenges linked to environmental change and sustainable development goals.[1]

Research Contributions

Her research contributions focus on understanding the impacts of climate variability on agricultural systems and identifying strategies that improve resilience and sustainability. Through analytical studies, field-based investigations, and interdisciplinary collaborations, she has supported knowledge development related to resource conservation, adaptive agricultural practices, and climate-responsive farming approaches. These contributions help strengthen scientific understanding of agriculture under changing environmental conditions.[3]

Publications

The publication portfolio associated with Shashi Meena demonstrates sustained participation in agricultural and environmental research. Her scholarly output includes peer-reviewed journal articles addressing climate adaptation, agricultural sustainability, and resource management. Citation performance indicates that her publications have contributed to ongoing academic discussions and have been referenced by researchers working in related scientific disciplines.[1][4]

Research Impact

The impact of her research can be observed through citation metrics, scholarly visibility, and relevance to contemporary agricultural challenges. By contributing evidence-based findings on climate-related agricultural issues, her work supports researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners seeking strategies that enhance sustainability and resilience. Such impact extends beyond academic publication and informs broader discussions concerning food security and environmental stewardship.[2][5]

Award Suitability

The Women Researcher Award recognizes excellence in scientific inquiry, innovation, and scholarly contribution. Shashi Meena’s research achievements, publication record, citation performance, and commitment to addressing climate-related agricultural challenges align with the objectives of the award. Her work demonstrates meaningful engagement with issues of societal importance while contributing to scientific advancement within the agricultural research community.[1][3]

Conclusion

Shashi Meena’s academic contributions in climate change and agriculture reflect a sustained commitment to scientific research and practical agricultural advancement. Her scholarly profile, research productivity, and influence within the field support recognition through the Women Researcher Award. Continued research efforts in this domain are expected to contribute further to sustainable agricultural development and climate resilience initiatives in the future.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Shashi Meena, Author ID 57210234053. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57210234053
  2. Role of Phytomelatonin in Uptake, Transport and Assimilation of Mineral Nutrients in Plants.
    https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003527633-7
  3. Journal article. (2024). DNA methylation: an emerging paradigm of gene regulation under drought stress in plants.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-024-09243-9
  4. Translating Physiological Tools to Augment Crop Breeding (2023). Developing crop varieties by physiological breeding for improving plant nutrition.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7498-4_4
  5. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. (2023). Unravelling the due importance of pseudogenes and their resurrection in plants.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108062

Vassilios Triantafyllidis | Sustainable Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

Vassilios Triantafyllidis | Sustainable Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Vassilios Triantafyllidis, University of Patras, Greece

Based on the provided information, Dr. Vassilios Triantafyllidis appears to be a strong candidate for the Researcher of the Year Award.

Publication profile

Orcid

Extensive Education and Experience

Dr. Triantafyllidis holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and has substantial teaching and research experience, including roles as an Assistant Professor and visiting lecturer at multiple institutions.

Diverse Research Contributions

His research spans several important areas including pesticide science, soil and water management, and the environmental impact of agricultural practices. Notable projects include comparative assessments of pesticide impacts in Europe and innovative methodologies for olive oil traceability.

Significant Publications

He has published multiple impactful articles in reputable journals on topics like herbicide use, olive tree water dynamics, and organic fertilization effects, demonstrating his active and influential research output.

Leadership in Research Projects

Dr. Triantafyllidis has served as a principal investigator and research fellow in significant projects, contributing to advancements in agricultural sciences and environmental management.

Commitment to Education

His teaching contributions at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels highlight his dedication to shaping future experts in his field.

Overall, Dr. Triantafyllidis’s comprehensive research, educational involvement, and leadership in significant projects make him a well-suited candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🌟🔬📚

Publication top notes

Herbicide Use in the Era of Farm to Fork: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Implications

Influence of Organic Fertilization and Soil Tillage on the Yield and Quality of Cold-Pressed Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] Seed Cake: An Alternative Feed Ingredient

Mediterranean Plants as Potential Source of Biopesticides: An Overview of Current Research and Future Trends

Fungicides in Europe During the Twenty-first Century: a Comparative Assessment Using Agri-environmental Indices of EU<sub>27</sub>

Performance of fourteen genotypes of durum wheat under Eastern Mediterranean conditions

Seed fixed oil content, oil yield, and fatty acids profile of <i>Nigella sativa</i> L. in response to fertilization and plant density

Maryam Yousefi | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maryam Yousefi |  Sustainable Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at  ZALF,  Germany

Dr. Maryam Yousefi is a prominent researcher specializing in environmental science and agricultural sustainability. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Berlin, Germany, focusing on “Living Labs in Agricultural Landscapes” under the supervision of Prof. Frank Ewert. Previously, she worked at ETH Zurich’s Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, where she explored “Enhancing biodiversity & resilience in crop production,” supervised by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul and Prof. Johan Six.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Science
    Shahid Beheshti University, Iran
    2015-2021

    • Visitor, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2018-2019)
  • M.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Land Use Planning and Assessment
    Birjand University, Iran
    2010-2012
  • B.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Environmental Science
    Hakim Sabzevari University, Iran
    2008-2010
  • A.S. in Environmental Science
    Birjand University, Iran
    2004-2006

🏆 Honors and Awards:

  1. Ranked 1st among B.S. students in Environmental Science, Hakim Sabzevari University.
  2. Granted direct admission to M.S. program by Birjand University’s Talent Student Office.
  3. Active member of the Young Researchers Club (2010-2018).
  4. Ranked 3rd among ~2000 participants in the Iranian Ph.D. entrance exam.

🔬 Academic and Project Experience:

  • Collaborator – Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (Iran)
    2020-2021
  • Project Manager – Agricultural Planning (Qazvin Province, Iran)
    2020
  • Project Manager – Land Use Planning (Gilan & Qazvin Provinces, Iran)
    2015-2018
  • Research Assistant – Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
    2016-2017
  • Lecturer – Payam Noor University, Iran
    2013

🌿 Sustainable Agriculture Research Focus:

    • Biodiversity & Resilience: Enhancing biodiversity and resilience in crop production systems to improve sustainability and productivity.
    • Ecosystem Services: Evaluating and optimizing ecosystem services provided by agricultural landscapes, such as pest control and soil health.
    • Agri-environmental Schemes: Assessing the effectiveness of intercropping and other agri-environmental schemes to support sustainable farming practices.
    • Living Labs: Implementing and studying living labs in agricultural landscapes to test and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
    • Landscape Ecological Modeling: Using landscape ecological models to understand and manage landscape carrying capacity and environmental impacts of agricultural activities.
    • Social-Ecological Systems: Exploring the interactions between social and ecological systems to develop integrated approaches for sustainable land use and management.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 255
  • Citations Since 2019: 235
  • h-index: 9
  • i10-index: 9

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modelling Landscape Ecological Assessments of Land Use and Cover Change Scenarios: Application to the Bojnourd Metropolitan Area (NE Iran)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, J Marull
    • Journal: Land Use Policy
    • Citations: 62
    • Year: 2020
  • Convenient Landfill Site Selection by Using Fuzzy Logic and Geographic Information Systems: A Case Study in Bardaskan, East of Iran
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, SA Alavi, J Farsi
    • Journal: Health Scope
    • Citations: 45
    • Year: 2015
  • Land Use Change Detection Using Remote Sensing and Artificial Neural Network: Application to Birjand, Iran
    • Authors: M Ahmadizadeh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Computational Ecology and Software
    • Citations: 28
    • Year: 2014
  • An Energy-Landscape Integrated Analysis to Evaluate Agroecological Scarcity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, R Padró, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Citations: 21
    • Year: 2020
  • Assessing Levels, Trade-offs, and Synergies of Landscape Services in the Iranian Province of Qazvin: Towards Sustainable Landscapes
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Dinan, P Angelstam
    • Journal: Landscape Ecology
    • Citations: 16
    • Year: 2022
  • Comparison of Two Biophysical Indicators Under Different Landscape Complexity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, E Tello, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Ecological Indicators
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment and Spatial Planning of Landscape Ecological Connectivity for Biodiversity Management (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, NM Dinan, S Barghjelveh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2020
  • Investigating the Effect of Socio-economic Disturbance Resulting from Human Activities on Landscape Ecological Function Using HANPP Index (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Mobarghei Dinan
    • Journal: Journal of Natural Environment
    • Citations: 13
    • Year: 2020
  • Evaluating the Correlation Between Pollination Ecosystem Service and Landscape Pattern Metrics (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, DN Mobargae
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 10
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment of Light Pollution in Bojnord City Using Remote Sensing Data
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, M Fardad
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering
    • Citations: 6
    • Year: 2014

 

Monika Skowrońska | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Monika Skowrońska |  Agricultural  |  Best Researcher Award

PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof. at  Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland

Dr. Monika Skowrońska is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in agricultural and environmental chemistry. With over two decades of experience at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, she has progressed from a Teaching and Research Assistant in 1997 to her current position as an Associate Professor, a role she has held since 2019.

 

Profile:

Education and Training:

2019: Doctor habilitatus (Post-doctoral Degree). 2009: Post-graduate studies in Management of research projects and development work, Catholic University of Lublin. 2003: Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. 1998: Post-graduate studies in Management and Marketing, Technical University of Lublin. 1997: M.Sc. in Environmental Protection, University of Life Sciences in Lublin

Professional Experience:

2024-present: Project Manager, Healthy Soil Chemistry (SOSoil), HuMUS project. 2023-present: Task Manager, REDUCOST, National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. Various roles as an expert and project partner with entities like the European Green Deal, WWF, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Honours and Awards:

Multiple Rector’s Awards for organizational and scientific achievements. Scientific award for her book on soil acidification and liming. OECD Fellowship and the prestigious Dr. and Mrs. A. S. Dekaban Foundation Scholarship

Agricultural Research Focus:

Dr. Monika Skowrońska is an expert in agricultural and environmental chemistry, with a particular focus on sustainable agricultural practices, soil chemistry, and nutrient management. Her research spans various critical areas:

  1. Soil Chemistry and Health:
    • Soil Acidification and Liming: Dr. Skowrońska has conducted extensive research on soil acidification and its mitigation through liming, which earned her a scientific award in the Lublin region.
    • Healthy Soil Chemistry: Currently, she leads the “Healthy Soil – Healthy Soil Chemistry (SOSoil)” project, which is part of the broader HuMUS project aimed at promoting healthy municipal soils.
  2. Nutrient Management:
    • Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles: She has managed projects investigating the transformation processes of nitrogen and carbon in soil, focusing on the effects of organic waste and plant residue applications.
    • Fertilizer Development: Dr. Skowrońska has worked on developing environmentally friendly fertilizers, including technologies for producing potassium thiosulphate and multi-component fertilizers.
  3. Climate Change Mitigation:
    • Adaptation Practices: As an expert for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), she has analyzed the economic and environmental value of adaptation and mitigation practices to address climate change.
    • Climate Care Cattle Farming System: She contributed to the CCCFarming project, which integrates climate-friendly practices in cattle farming.
  4. Pollution Reduction:
    • Air Pollution Emissions: Dr. Skowrońska is involved in the REDUCOST project, which assesses the potential for reducing air pollution emissions from agricultural practices, considering technical, financial, and social aspects.
  5. Sustainable Agriculture:
    • Low-Workload Systems: She has been a main contractor for projects developing low-workload and environment-friendly fertilization systems, particularly for crops like maize.
  6. International Collaboration:
    • Global Networks: Dr. Skowrońska is an active member of international networks and working groups, such as the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH) and the European Compost Network, contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and soil health.

Through her comprehensive research, Dr. Skowrońska aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, improve soil health, and mitigate the environmental impacts of farming, thus contributing significantly to the field of agricultural and environmental chemistry.

Citations:

  • Citations: 335 citations by 331 documents.
  • Publications: 22 documents.
  • h-index: 8 (indicating significant influence in her field).

Publication Top Notes:

  • The mineral fertilizer-dependent chemical parameters of soil acidification under field conditions
    • Authors: Tkaczyk, P., Mocek-Płóciniak, A., Skowrońska, M., Kuśmierz, S., Zawierucha, E.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2020, 12(17), 7165
    • Citations: 20
    • Summary: This open-access article examines the effects of mineral fertilizers on soil acidification under field conditions. It provides insights into how different fertilizers impact soil chemistry and the long-term implications for soil health.
  • Hemp-based phytoaccumulation of heavy metals from municipal sewage sludge and phosphogypsum under field conditions
    • Authors: Zielonka, D., Szulc, W., Skowrońska, M., Rutkowska, B., Russel, S.
    • Journal: Agronomy, 2020, 10(6), 907
    • Citations: 13
    • Summary: This open-access study explores the use of hemp for the phytoaccumulation of heavy metals from municipal sewage sludge and phosphogypsum. The research highlights hemp’s potential for environmental remediation.
  • An integrated assessment of the long-term impact of municipal sewage sludge on the chemical and biological properties of soil
    • Authors: Skowrońska, M., Bielińska, E.J., Szymański, K., Antonkiewicz, J., Kołodziej, B.
    • Journal: Catena, 2020, 189, 104484
    • Citations: 52
    • Summary: This article provides an in-depth assessment of the long-term effects of municipal sewage sludge on soil properties. It discusses both chemical and biological changes in soil, offering valuable data for sustainable soil management practices.
  • Cultivar and foliar feeding of plants as factors determining the chemical composition of spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta L.) grain
    • Authors: Andruszczak, S., Kraska, P., Kwiecińska-Poppe, E., Skowrońska, M.
    • Journal: Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2020, 18(2), pp. 2949–2958
    • Citations: 1
    • Summary: This open-access study investigates how different cultivars and foliar feeding methods influence the chemical composition of spelt grain. It offers practical insights for improving crop quality and nutritional value.