Publications by authors named "A Ben-Gal"

Article Synopsis
  • * This study investigated the impact of different nitrogen (N) fertilization levels on the chemical properties of jojoba wax, focusing on antioxidants, fatty acids, and other beneficial compounds.
  • * Results showed that N fertilization significantly influenced wax quality traits, notably altering fatty alcohol composition, and highlighted the importance of N availability in agricultural practices for enhancing jojoba wax quality.
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Plants require potassium (K) to support growth and regulate hydraulics. Yet, K's effects on transpiration are still speculated. We hypothesized that K deficiency would limit grapevine water uptake by limiting canopy size and stomatal conductance (g).

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Scarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation.

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Although jojoba () has been cultivated for years, information on its N requirements is limited. A 6-year study of mature jojoba plants grown under field conditions with an intensive management regime evaluated the effect of N application rate on plant nutrient status, growth, and productivity, and nitrate accumulation in the soil. Five levels of N application were tested: 50, 150, 250, 370, and 500 kg N ha.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study compared the performance and economic benefits of soil-based systems (SBS) and hydroponic production systems (HPS) for lettuce growth in greenhouses amid resource shortages.
  • HPS yielded significantly higher results, including a 134% increase in yield and 50% in water productivity, but was more affected by environmental temperatures.
  • Despite HPS having higher initial costs (21.76 times more investment) and operational expenses, it proved more profitable than SBS due to better growth quality and productivity outcomes.
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