Agronomic Benefits Research Articles

DSCONV-GAN: a UAV-BASED model for Verticillium Wilt disease detection in Chinese cabbage in complex growing environments

Verticillium wilt greatly hampers Chinese cabbage growth, causing significant yield limitations. Rapid and accurate detection of Verticillium wilt in the Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) can provide significant agronomic benefits. Here, we propose a detection model, DSConv-GAN, which is based on images acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Based on YOLOv8, with the addition of the dynamic snake convolution (DSConv) module and the improved loss function maximum possible distance intersection-over-union (MPDIoU), we acquired enhanced complex structures and global characteristics in Chinese cabbage images under different growth conditions. To reduce the difficulty of acquiring diseased Chinese cabbage data, a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) was used to simulate and generate images of the Verticillium wilt characteristics for multiple fields. The detection of lightly infected plants achieved precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), and F1-score of 81.3, 86.6, 87.7, and 83.9%, respectively. DSConv-GAN outperforms other models in terms of precision, detection speed, robustness, and generalization. The model is combined with software to improve the practicability of the proposed method. Our results demonstrate DSConv-GAN to be an effective intelligent farming tool that provides early, rapid, and accurate detection of Chinese cabbage Verticillium wilt in complex growing environments.

Impact of Biochar Aging on Soil Physicochemical Properties

Biochar undergoes significant transformations in soil as a result of chemical, physical, and biological processes. These alterations can impact its initial properties, influencing both its agronomic effectiveness and its capacity for carbon sequestration. Long-term observations of biochar-aging effects in soil are limited but highly relevant, as they provide a more realistic picture of the agronomic and societal benefits of biochar than short-term studies with relatively “fresh” biochar. This study aimed to describe the aging effects of biochar and their impact on a range of soil properties at a long-term biochar experiment in Bayreuth, Germany. For this purpose, soil and biochar samples were taken 13 years after application (two variants: 1. co-composted and 2. pristine biochar) and compared with a fresh variant in which the same unaged biochar was freshly mixed with the control soil. The soil quality parameters, pH and electrical conductivity, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during biochar aging. Specifically, the pH dropped from 7.4 in freshly biochar-amended soil to 6.8 in the pristine aged biochar variant and 6.9 in the co-composted aged biochar variant. Electrical conductivity decreased from 217.0 µS cm−1 in the freshly amended soil to 81.1 µS cm−1 in the pristine aged variant and 87.6 µS cm−1 in the co-composted aged variant. Nitrogen retention was enhanced in the soil amended with co-composted aged biochar compared to the pristine aged biochar soil. Total nitrogen (TN) was higher at 1.94 g kg−1 versus 1.57 g kg−1 (p < 0.05), and ammonium-N (NH₄+-N) was slightly elevated at 35.7 mg kg−1 versus 33.0 mg kg−1, although the difference was not statistically significant. The nitrate-N (NO₃−-N) content was significantly lower in all biochar-amended soil variants compared to the control soil. Total carbon (TC) levels decreased during biochar aging in all soil variants. However, the reduction was significantly lower in the co-composted aged biochar soil (25.0 g kg−1) compared to the pristine aged biochar soil (20.5 g kg−1, p < 0.05). This study identified multiple aging effects on biochar following 13 years of exposure in loamy soil. Importantly, the results showed that compared to the amendment of pristine biochar, co-composting did not diminish the TC of the treated soil, and more N could be retained, 13 years after amendment. In fact, co-composting prior to soil application is recommended to fully realize the potential agronomic benefits.

Is arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal addition beneficial to potato systems? A meta-analysis

The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi has been reported to confer multiple agronomic benefits to crop plants including cereals, vegetables, and fruit trees, as well as to improve soil structure and health. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate whether AM fungal addition enhances potato yield. We further examined whether several experimental conditions (type of experiment, inoculation method, and source of AM fungi) and potato cultivar may explain the outcomes. We calculated the effect sizes of seven plant parameters by including a total of 106 independent pot and field experimental studies from 37 peer reviewed publications. Our results show that the addition of AM fungi has an overall positive effect on all potato plant parameters included in our analyses except for aboveground plant biomass. Potato cultivar was the main significant moderator explaining our findings, with some cultivars benefiting more from AM fungal presence than others. Our findings agree with several other global meta-analyses reporting positive effects of AM fungi on other important crops and highlights the potential application of these fungal symbionts in potato agro-ecosystems.

Rethinking Biochar’s MRV Systems: A Perspective on Incorporating Agronomic and Organic Chemistry Indicators

Biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of biomass and green waste, offers significant potential as a soil amendment to enhance soil health and sustainability in agriculture. However, the current Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for biochar predominantly focus on carbon credits/offsets, neglecting crucial aspects related to its usability and suitability as a soil amendment on agricultural fields. Through an examination of recent findings, this perspective explores the integration of geochemical tracers, functional group (hydroxyl, carboxyl, phenolic, lactonic, etc.) analysis, and nutrient dynamics into MRV procedures/systems to create a more comprehensive framework. By examining the applicability of these indicators, this paper identifies key gaps and proposes a more robust MRV approach. Such a system would not only facilitate better assessment of biochar’s agronomic benefits but also guide its optimal use in various soil types and agricultural practices.

USE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS TO OBTAIN MINI TUBERS OF Dioscorea remotiflora Kunth IN MICROPROPAGATED PLANTS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Camote de cerro (<em>Dioscorea remotiflora</em> Kunth) stands out as a crop option in protected agriculture in Mexico due to its agronomic benefits and its versatility in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its potential, it is not commercially cultivated in the country motivating the need to develop an efficient propagation method from vegetative planting material. Previous research suggests that the use of growth retardants stimulates root growth and carbohydrates accumulation in tubers, while applying gibberellic acid (GA<sub>3</sub>) is strongly related with greater tuber production. <strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effect of different growth regulators to obtain <em>D. remotiflora</em> mini tubers.<strong> Methodology: </strong>Two experiments to obtain mini tubers were carried out. The first one evaluated mediums of culture <em>in vitro</em>: MS and MS + 0.5 mg L<sup>-1</sup> paclobutrazol (PBZ). In the second, effects of foliar application of GA<sub>3</sub>, PBZ and trinexapac ethyl (TNE) were evaluated. Both experiments were carried out in two accesions of <em>D. remotiflora</em> plants propagated <em>in vitro</em> and adapted to greenhouse conditions. <strong>Results:</strong> An increase in mini tubers yield and in their weight was observed when seedlings were propagated in MS + 0.5 mg L<sup>-1</sup> PBZ and GA<sub>3</sub> was applied to foliage. <strong>Implications:</strong> The use of growth retardants showed efficiency in developing mini tubers; nevertheless, more research focusing on concentrations and combinations of these substances is needed to improve the protocol to obtain planting material. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The observed effect of growth retardants and gibberellic acid application in <em>Dioscorea remotiflora</em> plants suggests a favorable influence in the development of mini tubers. In the long term, this phenomenon could contribute significantly to promoting viability of its commercial cultivation and rehabilitation of previously exploited areas.</p>

Formulation of a High-Quality Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oil (Virgin) Based on a Blend of Four Oilseeds.

Vegetable oils are crucial for the human diet, providing energy and essential fatty acids. This study investigates the formulation of a high-quality cold-pressed vegetable oil blend from rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, and safflower, chosen for their agronomic benefits, cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact. For the first time, this study is carried out in order to enhance the nutritional profile of these blend oils compared to commercial oils. The study's results showed that all formulated blend oils had higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Specifically, the blend of 1/2 rapeseed, 1/4 sunflower, 1/8 sesame, and 1/8 safflower had an oil yield ranging from 37 to 39% and was rich in total polyphenols (18 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (2 mg/g), antioxidant activities (52%), oleic acid (46.4%), and saturated fatty acids (11%), with a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio (2.5). Consuming this blend oil offers a healthier choice rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants. This could open new market opportunities and cater to the growing demand for healthier oil options, especially since it is extracted without a refining process. Further research could focus on the sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of these blend oils to ensure market success, noting that sesame and sunflower involve agreeable pronounced aromas.

Effects of GroMore® Program on Rice Yield and GHG Emissions in a Korean Paddy Rice

The agronomic benefits of pesticides combined with amino acid application to increase rice production have been recognized, but they are still not well-known for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigation in irrigated paddy fields. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of pesticide and amino acid application on rice yield and methane (CH4) emissions in a Korean rice paddy. A field experiment was conducted with five levels: none (no pesticide application, T1), different conventional practices (combined application of insecticides and fungicide, T2 and T3), and GroMore® programs (combined application of insecticides, fungicides, and amino acids, T4 and T5). Rice grain yield and yield components were obtained using agronomic measurements. To determine the greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) of each treatment, CH4 emissions were measured throughout the rice growing period. Results showed that the chemical applications in combination with amino acids in T4 obtained a higher grain yield and number of panicles per plant compared to T1, T2, and T3, while T4 and T5 showed no difference on filled spikelets except for T2. T3 and T5 showed lower respective cumulative CH4 emissions by 30% and 32% during the entire rice growing season, compared to no chemical application (T1). Meanwhile, N2O emissions were negligible in all treatments because the paddy field was flooded most of the growing season. The results of the impact of GroMore® programs on relatively higher grain yield and lower GHG emissions are presented. In conclusion, the application of pesticides combined with amino acids obtained lower GHGI values.

Evaluating the Influence of Legume and Cereal Intercropping on Bt Cotton Traits in Rainfed Conditions

This study investigates how various intercropping systems involving cereals and legumes affect the phenotypic characteristics of Bt cotton. Understanding that intercropping can improve agricultural sustainability and production, we grew Bt cotton alongside various cereal and leguminous crops in several field tests. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cotton based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions on important phenotypic characteristics of cotton, including dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and boll weight in black calcareous soil under rainfed conditions. The experiment conducted at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during kharif 2022-23 and 2023-24 with randomized block design with fifteen treatments, involving sole and intercropping systems of groundnut, sunflower, pearl millet, maize and soybean with cotton in 1:1 row proportion. According to our research, intercropping legumes like green gram, black gram and groundnut significantly improved cotton phenotypic characteristics as compare to other intercropping systems by increasing soil fertility and lowering insect burden. Dry matter per plant at 60, 90 DAS, at harvest and average boll weight were found significantly higher under sole cotton except 30 DAS during both the years of experimentation and in pooled results. Among different intercropping systems, the cotton + green gram (T14) intercropping recorded the highest dry matter, CGR and average boll weight while the lowest was recorded with the cotton + maize (T12) intercropping system. Overall, the findings show that while cereal-based systems necessitate careful management to balance competition and resource consumption, incorporating legumes into Bt cotton agriculture can provide significant agronomic benefits, including higher growth and yield. This study emphasises how crucial it is to choose the right intercrops in order to maximise the productivity and efficiency of Bt cotton systems.

Plastic Use in Agriculture: Balancing Benefits, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Solutions

Plastics have become an essential component of modern agriculture, significantly enhancing productivity, improving water efficiency, and protecting crops due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their widespread use in applications such as plastic mulches, greenhouse covers, irrigation systems, and packaging has revolutionized crop production by boosting yields and aiding pest control. However, the growing reliance on plastics in agriculture, commonly referred to as plasticulture, has raised significant environmental concerns. These include soil contamination, diminished soil fertility, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, all of which pose serious long-term risks to ecosystems. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of plastic use in agriculture, detailing its various applications and the associated environmental challenges. The persistence of plastic waste in soils, waterways, and natural habitats not only leads to pollution and biodiversity loss but also presents potential threats to human health. This review emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions, including effective waste management strategies and advancements in biodegradable and bio-based plastics. It also discusses the potential of recycling technologies and the role of policy reform in minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural plastics. In conclusion, this review advocates for a balanced approach that maximizes the agronomic benefits of plastics while minimizing their environmental impacts through innovation, research, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Genotyping by sequencing; a strategy for identification and mapping of induced mutation in newly developed wheat mutant lines.

Exposing genetic material with physical mutagens can create novel genetic resources capable of combating different stresses. High throughput GBS-DArTseq™ assay was deployed to estimate genetic diversity of 33 newly developed stable wheat mutants as compared to the wild type. The identified 1,57,608 PAVs markers were randomly distributed across wheat chromosomes and sub-genomes with the highest number detected on Chr-7D (2877) and Chr-7B (2711). The B sub-genome contained the most PAVs followed by D and A-sub genome. Among mutant lines, Pb-M-2061 and Pb-M-59 had the highest PAV count, while Pb-M-605 and Pb-M-196 had the lowest. A total of 7,910 PAVs were consistently present over all replicates, with 3,252 specifically present in mutants and absent in wild type. The maximum PAVs (1480) were found in Pb-M-1027 and Pb-M-1323 (656). Functional characterization revealed that out of 3,252, 1,238 were found in wheat transcriptome database that contained 152 characterized and 1,196 uncharacterized genes. COGs and GO-terms analysis linked many PAVs with pathways involving signaling, metabolism and defense. Maximum number of gene-containing PAVs were identified in Pb-M-1027, Pb-M-2302 and Pb-M-1323 which were involved in tolerance to diseases and abiotic stresses, improved photosynthetic efficiency, larger grain size, increased grain yield and harvest index pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and potential agronomic benefits of PAVs in wheat mutant lines. These findings can help molecular geneticist and breeders for exploiting the induced genetic diversity for unravelling the genetic circuits as well as exploiting in wheat breeding for developing resilient cultivars.

Remote Sensing and Field Data Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of Stone Bunds on Rainfed Agriculture in West Africa

This study evaluates the effectiveness of stone bunds in enhancing soil moisture, vegetation health, and crop yields in Ghana’s semi-arid Upper East Region, an important area for agricultural productivity in West Africa. In this region, agricultural practices are heavily impacted by erratic rainfall and poor soil moisture retention, threatening food security. Despite the known benefits of traditional soil conservation practices like stone bunds, their effectiveness in this context has not been fully quantified. Field and remote sensing data were used to evaluate the influence of stone bunds on soil moisture dynamics, vegetation growth, and crop yield. Experimental plots with and without stone bunds were monitored for climate, soil water infiltration, and soil moisture and analyzed using the NDVI from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery over two growing seasons under sorghum production (2022–2023). The results indicated that stone bunds enhanced soil moisture retention and increased infiltration rates. The NDVI analysis consistently revealed higher vegetation health and growth in the plots with stone bunds, particularly during critical growth periods. The intermediate results of the conducted experiment indicated that stone bunds increased sorghum yields by over 35% compared to the control plots. The substantial agronomic benefits of stone bunds as a soil and water conservation strategy were evident, improving soil water infiltration, water retention, vegetation health, and crop yields. The findings support the broader adoption of stone bunds in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and the integration of stone bunds with other sustainable farming practices to optimize rainfed agricultural outcomes.

Biochar Derived from Sewage Sludge: The Impact of Pyrolysis Temperature on Chemical Properties and Agronomic Potential

The rising volume of sewage sludge from urbanization poses substantial environmental and public health concerns, underscoring the urgency for the implementation of effective waste management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pyrolysis temperature on the chemical composition and agronomic potential of biochar derived from sewage sludge. The pyrolysis process was conducted at temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 800 °C, and the resulting biochar was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, metal content, and carbon fractions. Additionally, phytotoxicity tests were conducted to assess the impact of the biochar on plant germination. The findings indicated that elevated pyrolysis temperatures resulted in an elevated alkalinity, electrical conductivity, and concentration of alkali metals in the biochar. Conversely, these processes resulted in a reduction in total organic carbon content and an increase in heavy metal content, which may limit the potential for biochar to be used in agricultural applications. The phytotoxicity tests indicated that the biochar produced at lower temperatures (400 °C) exhibited positive effects on plant growth when administered at doses of 5 and 10 t·ha−1. Conversely, the biochar produced at higher temperatures (800 °C) demonstrated significant toxicity. The findings indicate that the pyrolysis temperature is a critical factor in determining the suitability of biochar for agricultural applications. The production of biochar at lower temperatures may offer agronomic benefits, whereas the use of higher temperatures increases stability but is associated with the risk of higher heavy metal concentrations.

Microgreens Production: Exploiting Environmental and Cultural Factors for Enhanced Agronomical Benefits.

An exponential growth in global population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, demanding a 70% increase in agriculture productivity, thus illustrating the impact of global crop production on the environment and the importance of achieving greater agricultural yields. Globally, the variety of high-quality microgreens is increasing through indoor farming at both small and large scales. The major concept of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) seeks to provide an alternative to traditional agricultural cultivation. Microgreens have become popular in the twenty-first century as a food in the salad category that can fulfil some nutrient requirements. Microgreens are young seedlings that offer a wide spectrum of colours, flavours, and textures, and are characterised as a "functional food" due to their nutraceutical properties. Extensive research has shown that the nutrient profile of microgreens can be desirably tailored by preharvest cultivation and postharvest practices. This study provides new insight into two major categories, (i) environmental and (ii) cultural, responsible for microgreens' growth and aims to explore the various agronomical factors involved in microgreens production. In addition, the review summarises recent studies that show these factors have a significant influence on microgreens development and nutritional composition.

Optimal Application of Biogas Slurry in Paddy Fields under the Dual Constraints of Agronomy and Environment in the Yangtze River Delta Region

The production of huge amounts of biogas slurry during livestock breeding has resulted in pressing environmental issues. Although paddy fields can be potential sinks for the disposal of biogas slurry, the impacts of biogas slurry on rice production, grain quality, and relevant environmental risks in the Yangtze Delta region remain unclear. Herein, we conducted a field trial from 2021 to 2023 which involved different gradients of biogas slurry utilization, including CK (no fertilizer), CN (100% chemical nitrogen (N) of 240 kg ha−1), NBS (biogas slurry replacing 50% chemical N), BS1 (replacing 100% chemical N), BS1.5 (replacing 150% chemical N), and BS2 (replacing 200% chemical N). The results showed that there were no significant differences in average rice yields between CN, NBS, BS1.5, and BS2 over the three-year study period, with an average yield of 8283 kg ha−1, and the average yields of BS1 and CK were 7815 kg ha−1 and 6236 kg ha−1, respectively. However, heavy utilization of biogas slurry (BS1.5 and BS2) not only significantly reduced the rice seed-setting rate, the 1000-grain weight, and the processing quality, but also significantly increased the protein, amylose, Cu, and Zn content in rice grains; additionally, higher N losses occurred via surface water and increased NH3 volatilization was observed, finally resulting in lower nitrogen-use efficiency. Meanwhile, moderate utilization of biogas slurry (NBS and BS1) led to better rice quality and nitrogen-use efficiency, lower potential food safety risk, and N loss. Further, compared to BS1, NBS showed higher yield, harvest index, processing quality, gel consistency, palatability scores, and nitrogen-use efficiency, but lower N losses were present. Overall, the NBS treatment balanced the agronomic benefits and environmental risks in the Yangtze River Delta region. In the future, more attention should be paid to food safety and environmental risks when using biogas slurry.

Conservation Tillage Practices and Their Role in Sustainable Farming Systems

Conservation tillage practices have become increasingly recognized as crucial strategies in the effort to achieve sustainable farming systems. These practices, which include methods such as notill, striptill, mulchtill, and ridgetill, aim to minimize soil disturbance, thereby promoting a range of environmental, economic, and agronomic benefits. This review article delves into the different types of conservation tillage practices, elaborating on their specific techniques, advantages, and potential drawbacks. It examines how these practices influence soil health by enhancing soil structure, increasing organic matter, and fostering biodiversity. Furthermore, the article discusses the impact of conservation tillage on crop productivity, highlighting both the yield benefits and the challenges related to pest and weed management. The role of conservation tillage in mitigating environmental issues such as soil erosion, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions is also explored in depth. Through a synthesis of recent research findings and case studies, this article provides a thorough analysis of the contributions of conservation tillage to sustainable agriculture. It also offers practical recommendations for farmers, policymakers, and researchers to optimize the adoption and effectiveness of conservation tillage practices, ultimately aiming to support a transition towards more resilient and sustainable farming systems.

Stable pollinator communities in different white clover populations suggest potential win-win scenarios for crop yield and biodiversity

Compared to monocultures, intercropping systems offer many agronomic benefits, including higher yield stability. In this study, we assessed whether cropping systems that are beneficial for yield stability are also beneficial for pollinator communities and whether the effect is modulated by the landscape type. Using a replicated block design in one heterogeneous and one homogeneous agricultural landscape, we studied the pollinator communities in eight populations (i.e., genotypes) of white clover (Trifolium repens) grown as a monoculture or as a two-species mixture (together with perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne) or three-species mixture (together with perennial ryegrass and chicory, Cichorium intybus). We recorded 1486 honey bees and 1254 wild pollinators belonging to 46 species. Bumble bees were the most abundant wild pollinators (49.6 %), followed by hover flies (23.4 %), and non-Bombus wild bees (21.5 %). Lepidoptera accounted for only 5.4 % of the wild pollinators. We found a higher species richness and abundance of wild pollinators in monocultures than in two-species mixtures, but white clover population did not influence pollinators. Moreover, species richness and abundance were also higher in the homogeneous landscape than in the heterogenous one. Most species were foraging on white clover. However, 18 species (39.1 %, n = 18/46) were recorded foraging on chicory and/or weeds, and ten of these wild pollinator species were never recorded on white clover. Our study highlights that diverse pollinator communities require both abundant floral resources and diverse plant communities, that their needs are not in conflict with the goal of achieving yield stability, and that the landscape type can modulate the effect of the cropping system. Moreover, the lack of pollinator preference for different white clover populations suggests that farmers can select mixtures that enhance yield stability without negatively affecting pollinator communities. Overall, these results highlight that intercropping systems comprising several plant species and plant genotypes can guarantee yield stability without compromising the pollinator community, showing that win-win situations for farmers and biodiversity are possible.

Optimal organic fertilization enhances the phytoavailability of phosphorus in the root zone of rice

AbstractOrganic fertilization is considered an effective approach in promoting agricultural green development, dramatically affecting soil phosphorus (P) availability. Nonetheless, limited information is available on the comprehensive impact of full substitution of organic fertilizer for chemical fertilizer on P speciation, phytoavailability, and apparent balance throughout different rice‐growth stages. To address this gap, a 5‐year field experiment was conducted, implementing five organic P gradients ranging from 0 (P0), 70 (P70), 140 (P140), 210 (P210) to 280 (P280) kg P2O5 ha−1 of organic fertilizer. To assess P phytoavailability in the root zone with submillimetre spatial resolutions, this study employed techniques such as the one‐ and two‐dimensional diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique and the high‐resolution soil solution sampling technology (HR‐Peeper). The findings revealed that increasing P rates enhanced soil Olsen‐P and biological‐based P fractions across rice‐growth stages, primarily driven by variation in mineral‐associated P. Notably, the P140 treatment demonstrated the highest P uptake efficiency among the different rice‐growth stages, with a significant increase in soil DGT‐P, particularly in the 0–60 mm soil layer (p <0.05), providing tangible evidence for enhanced P uptake. Moreover, compared with higher P treatments (P210 and P280), the P140 treatment markedly increased P use efficiency by 31.7% and 99.0%, respectively (p <0.05). Further, with a high ratio of DGT‐P to Peeper‐P and a low apparent balance of P, organic fertilization at the rate of 140 kg P2O5 ha−1 effectively struck a balance between ensuring adequate P supply for yield stability and mitigating potential P loss risks. These results underscore the significance of optimal organic fertilization in enhancing agronomic benefits while reducing environmental risks. They offer valuable insights to support field P management strategies and government decision‐making processes.

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Through Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Priming: Opportunities, Challenges, and Surface Modification Strategies

The global food crisis is exacerbated by various challenges, including agricultural restrictions and environmental stresses, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance crop development and productivity. One promising technique is seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs), which has shown significant potential in improving seed germination, crop growth, and stress resistance. This mini-review explores the synthesis, application, and physiological impacts of FeNPs in agriculture, emphasizing their role in addressing iron deficiency in plants and promoting robust plant development under challenging environmental conditions. Despite their benefits, the practical use of FeNPs faces critical challenges, notably nanoparticle agglomeration in biological media, which can diminish their effectiveness and lead to phytotoxicity. This review highlights advanced surface modification strategies, including the use of biocompatible polymers like chitosan and silica encapsulation, to enhance the colloidal stability, reduce agglomeration, and ensure the safe delivery of FeNPs. It discusses the mechanisms by which these modifications improve nanoparticle dispersion and interaction with plant systems, thereby optimizing their agronomic benefits. The review concludes with insights into the future directions of nanoparticle use in seed priming, particularly focusing on the implications of nanoparticle physicochemical properties on their agronomic efficacy and environmental safety.

The environmental and agronomic benefits and trade-offs linked with the adoption alternate wetting and drying in temperate rice paddies

ContextAlternating wetting and drying (AWD) is an irrigation practice, alternative to continuous flooding, to improve the agro-environmental sustainability of rice cultivation. Benefits include reduction in water consumption, methane (CH4) emissions and arsenic (As) concentrations in grain. However, drainage periods during AWD can negatively affect nitrogen (N) use efficiency by the crop and grain yields, while increasing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and cadmium (Cd) contents in grain. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to provide a holistic evaluation of AWD adoption in temperate rice cropping systems, including associated trade-offs. We hypothesized that the adoption of AWD in water seeded rice paddies can reduce the global warming potential (GWP) without affecting plant N uptake or introducing yield gaps, and also maintain a high quality of rice grain by limiting the uptake of metal(loid)s present in the soil, thereby resulting in an overall positive agro-environmental performance. MethodsIn a two-year field experiment in NW Italy two alternative irrigation practices involving water seeding followed by AWD management of different severity (AWDsafe and AWDstrong) were evaluated relative to the conventional water seeding and continuous flooding (WFL), comparing three different rice varieties. Yields and yield components, plant N uptake, apparent N recovery (ANR), metal(loid) concentrations in grain, and CH4 and N2O emissions were evaluated. ResultsAWDsafe and AWDstrong maintained or increased yields compared to WFL depending on varieties, despite an increase in sterility. There were no consistent differences in N uptake and ANR. Both AWDsafe and AWDstrong significantly reduce As concentration in grain, but significantly increase Cd and nickel (Ni). AWDsafe and AWDstrong reduced CH4 emissions by 45–55 % and 40–73 %, respectively, compared toWFL, while no increase in N2O emissions was observed. This resulted in a reduction in the GWP of 46 and 54 % with AWDsafe and AWDstrong, respectively. Conclusions and ImplicationsAWD was shown to be effective for mitigating GHG emissions from temperate rice cropping systems while maintaining high yield performance comparable or higher than WFL. AWD may represent a viable alternative to continuous flooding to improve agro-environmental sustainability of temperate rice cropping systems, but the trade-off between decreasing As and increasing Cd and Ni contents in the grain may represent an important concern for food safety with the adoption of this alternative water management practice.

Organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest and Northeast: Challenges and lessons learned

AbstractSmall grains provide agronomic benefits that are critical to the success of organic production, and opportunities within local food movements create expanded markets for small grains. However, diversifying rotations with small grains can present challenges related to production, infrastructure, and markets. Here, we draw upon over two decades of integrated research and Extension efforts to support organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and other regions of the United States where these crops are underutilized. Lessons learned have led to the development of guiding principles for a systems‐level approach to support regional organic small grain production. Forming innovative partnerships between farmers, researchers, and end users is critical. This enables research, production, and markets to adjust to local needs, adapt to available infrastructure, and foster local grain economies. The key research challenges that lie ahead are also discussed, especially adapting organic grain production practices to regional conditions and changing climates. The systems‐level approach to organic small grain research highlighted here will increase the success and resilience of organic farms across the United States and expand the adoption of organic small grain production.