The change in functional components in mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.) through the development of an optimal land transformation scheme for different land types

Abstract

Background: Transforming agricultural land types using optimal economic-mathematical modeling can significantly improve soil quality, leading to better crop yield and quality. These changes are particularly important for promoting the production of functional foods, which provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Mulberry cultivation in brown soils is a key example, as it is a rich source of functional food, known for its high nutritional value and positive health effects. Mulberries have been used in traditional Armenian folk medicine for centuries, and their inclusion in functional food production further highlights their nutritional and health-promoting benefits.

Objective: This study, conducted from 2020 to 2024 in two communities in the Syunik region of Armenia, aimed to explore the impact of agricultural land transformation by applying an optimal economic-mathematical model on brown soils. The study focused on improving qualitative indicators of agricultural land types to promote higher productivity and functional effectiveness of mulberry cultivation.

Methods: The study utilized an economic-mathematical model to enhance the qualitative indicators of agricultural land, achieving economic, social, and environmental benefits. The focus was on land transformation strategies that would increase the functional effectiveness of mulberries and boost their cultivation in different land types. 

Results: Land transformation through applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling enhanced soil quality, directly improving the yield and quality of mulberry crops. The optimized land conversion strategies resulted in significant improvements in the functional components of mulberries, boosting their nutritional value and health benefits (Rutin (Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside)-71.1±4.8 mg/100g, Isoquercitrin (Quercetin 3-O-glucoside)-11.0±0.3 mg/100g, Malonyl flavonoids (Quercetin 3-O-(6´´-O-malonyl) glucoside and Kaempferol 3-O-(6´´-O-malonyl) glucoside) are also present in significant amounts, suggesting the potential for additional beneficial properties). Additionally, the increased efficiency of mulberry cultivation under transformed soil conditions highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices. The results confirm that such agricultural innovations increase productivity and better environmental outcomes. Land transformation by applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling enhances soil quality, directly improving the yield and quality of mulberry crops. The optimized land conversion strategies resulted in significant improvements in the functional components of mulberries, boosting their nutritional value and health benefits. Additionally, the increased efficiency of mulberry cultivation under transformed soil conditions highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices. The results confirm that such agricultural innovations lead to increased productivity, better environmental outcomes, and the improvement of the qualitative characteristics of functional food products.

Novelty: This study is the first to investigate the chemical changes in large and sweet white mulberries through optimal economic-mathematical modeling and land transformation schemes. It explores how changes in land quality indicators contribute to economic, social, and environmental benefits, ultimately advancing the production of health-promoting foods.

Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of applying optimal economic-mathematical modeling to transform agricultural land types. The results show that land transformation improves soil quality and crop yield while enhancing mulberry cultivation's functional effectiveness. These transformations contribute to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the production of functional foods.

Keywords: land transformation, digital matrix, Solver project, mulberry, functional components, effectiveness.