Crop Diversification Strategies Research Articles

Modeling soil organic matter changes under crop diversification strategies and climate change scenarios in the Brazilian Cerrado

In Brazil, land conversion and agricultural management have historically accounted for the largest share of the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the Cerrado region being one of the most affected areas. Although cropping diversification has been proposed as a potential strategy to mitigate GHG emissions through soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, the long-term effects of these systems in the Cerrado are unknown. The DayCent model was used to simulate the impact of crop diversification and tillage on SOC dynamics until 2070 (∼50 years), including common crop succession systems and crop rotations associated with cover crops under climate change scenarios. First, we calibrated and evaluated the DayCent model using plant and soil observations from three sites in the region, where Pearson coefficients (r values) ranged from 0.50 to 0.94 (calibration sites) and 0.53–0.99 (validation site) for crop yields, SOC, and nitrogen. We then used the model to investigate how cropping systems and climate interact to control SOC levels. Results indicate that SOC stocks would decrease under the long-term (∼50 years) soybean-cotton succession, regardless of soil management (-0.04 to −0.17 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Crop diversification with crop rotation and cover crops (i.e., millet, ruzigrass, sunn hemp) had the highest SOC accrual potential (∼0.71 Mg C ha−1 year−1), resulting in SOC stocks of up to 130 Mg C ha−1 by 2070. Ruzigrass, either single or intercropped with maize on crop succession systems, showed substantial potential for SOC sequestration (∼0.55 Mg C ha−1 year−1) and could be a viable strategy if implementing more complex rotations is not feasible. The SSP2 – 4.5 and SSP5 – 8.5 climate change scenarios increased SOC stocks by 6.3 and 8.2 % in SOC across treatments by 2070, respectively. Results suggest that diversified cropping systems are a promising strategy for increasing SOC sequestration, and they offer valuable guidance for enhancing current management practices in the region.

Landscape metrics as predictors of water-related ecosystem services: Insights from hydrological modeling and data-based approaches applied on the Arno River Basin, Italy

The study addresses the challenge of integrating complex landscape-hydrological interactions into predictive models for improved water resource management. The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of landscape metrics—quantitative indices measuring landscape composition and configuration—as predictors of WES in the Arno River Basin, Italy. Utilizing two hydrological models alongside a random forest algorithm, we assessed spatial and temporal variations in water yield, runoff, and groundwater recharge. The findings indicate that landscape metrics derived from high-resolution land use data significantly impact WES outcomes. Specifically, the models demonstrated average landscape metric importances of 16.8 % for spatial and 17.8 % for temporal predictions concerning runoff. For water yield, these averages were 32.9 % spatially and 43.5 % temporally, while groundwater modeling showed importances of 14.09 % spatially and 33.8 % temporally. Key landscape metrics identified include the core area index for broad-leaved forests and the perimeter-to-area ratio for non-irrigated agricultural areas as critical spatial and temporal predictors of water yield and groundwater recharge. Thresholds were observed, indicating landscape configurations that minimize hydrological variability. For instance, runoff variation is minimal when the landscape exhibits high forest fragmentation (over 1000 coniferous patches), low aggregation (aggregation index <75), and reduced connectivity (cohesion index under 80). Similarly, groundwater variation is minimized with decreased boundary length of vegetation patches (perimeter-to-area ratio <0.8), agricultural lands (perimeter-to-area ratio under 1), and the presence of low core agricultural areas (core area index above 8). The identified thresholds could inform land-use policies, such as targeted afforestation or crop diversification strategies, to optimize WES provision.

Productivity and Profitability of Diversified Legume-based Cropping Systems in the Indo-gangetic Plains of India as Influenced by Nutrient Management

Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

Crop Diversification and Fertilization Strategies in a Rainfed System with Drought Periods

Crop diversification and the reduction of nitrogen (N) inputs are key issues in the EU for more sustainable agriculture. An experiment was set up in a semiarid rainfed Mediterranean system. Our hypothesis was that these challenges could be addressed by introducing new crops and using pig slurries (PSs). The experimental factors were N fertilization at sowing (with or without PS) combined (according to a split-block design) with N fertilization as topdressing (the control, two N mineral rates, and two N rates from PS). Barley, rapeseed, and pea performances were evaluated in two different crop sequences: (i) barley–rapeseed or rapeseed–barley after a fallow season, and (ii) barley–pea or pea–barley after a fallow season followed by a non-fertilized barley crop. The results of the four-year study demonstrated that under a spring drought risk, barley performed better than peas in terms of relative crop yield maintenance. After fallow, N can be saved while maintaining the yields and total biomass of barley and rapeseed. In the second crop sequence, maximum pea and barley yields were associated with a minimum topdressing of 60 or 120 kg mineral N ha−1, respectively. However, slurry fertilization at sowing also allowed the highest yields for barley. Rapeseed and peas can be introduced to reduce N fertilization inputs. However, the obtained yield plateau for pea and rapeseed (3 and 4 Mg ha−1, respectively) and the effect of a yield spring drought on pea yields (50% reduction) might be a constraint for the success of EU policies on crop diversification.

A “Teal” Deal for European agriculture

The European Union (EU) has been actively combating climate change for decades, and in 2019 it introduced its most ambitious project to date, the European Green Deal (EGD). EGD includes a variety of policies and strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, foster an economic growth, and promote social equity. Recently, the European Commission has been contemplating the development of the European Blue Deal (EBD), which aims to address the growing water crises and water insecurity issues within the EU. Similar to the EGD, the EBD would encompass all sectors of the European economy, seeking integrated solutions to these pressing environmental problems. This review aims to assess the progress of the EGD, evaluate the objectives of the EBD, and provide insights into the factors that could either catalyze or hinder their effective and harmonious implementation. The concept of a "Teal Deal" (a combination of the blue and green color) which combines elements of both the EGD and the EBD, is explored, with particular emphasis on its implications for the agrifood sector. Here we argue on the necessity for a holistic approach to agricultural sustainability, rapid advancements in renewable energy, the adoption of crop diversification strategies, and the development of effective international policies to ensure global cooperation and support for these transformative initiatives. By addressing these key areas, the EU can make significant strides towards achieving its environmental and economic goals.

Policy measures mitigate the adoption of crop diversification strategies by farmers: insights from the Tibetan Plateau

Policy measures mitigate the adoption of crop diversification strategies by farmers: insights from the Tibetan Plateau

Impact of diversified cropping systems and fertilization strategies on soil microbial abundance and functional potentials for nitrogen cycling

Diversified cropping systems and fertilization strategies were proposed to enhance the abundance and diversity of the soil microbiome, thereby stabilizing their beneficial services for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth. Here, we assessed across three different long-term field experiments in Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Germany) whether diversified cropping systems and fertilization strategies also affect their functional gene abundance. Soil DNA was analyzed by quantitative PCR for quantifying bacteria, archaea and fungi as well as functional genes related to nitrogen (N) transformations; including bacterial and archaeal nitrification (amoA-bac,arch), three steps of the denitrification process (nirK, nirS and nosZ-cladeI,II) and N2 assimilation (nifH), respectively. Crop diversification and fertilization strategies generally enhanced soil total carbon (C), N and microbial abundance, but with variation between sites. Overall effects of diversified cropping systems and fertilization strategies on functional genes were much stronger than on the abundance of bacteria, archaea and fungi. The legume-based cropping systems showed great potential not only in stimulating the growth of N-fixing microorganisms but also in boosting downstream functional potentials for N cycling. The sorghum-based intercropping system suppressed soil ammonia oxidizing prokaryotes. N fertilization reduced the abundance of nitrifiers and denitrifiers except for ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, while the application of the synthetic nitrification inhibitor DMPP combined with mineral N reduced growth of both ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a strong impact of diversified agricultural practices on the soil microbiome and their functional potentials mediating N transformations.

Optimizing rabi crop diversification strategies for sustainable agriculture: A case study from Adilabad, Telangana

Optimizing rabi crop diversification strategies for sustainable agriculture: A case study from Adilabad, Telangana

Urban Agriculture &amp; Regional Food Systems Special Section: Improving Livability in Urban Areas: Examining Urban and Peri‐Urban Soil and Plant Management

AbstractAs urban agriculture increasingly becomes part of our regional food systems, its role in sustainable urban development grows. Urban agriculture can sustain food demand and contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, and community health. However, soil‐related factors in urban agricultural systems pose unique challenges not found in more rural environments, and issues such as soil fertility, soil biodiversity, soil contamination, and existing policy demand further investigation to deepen and enhance the potential contribution of urban agriculture to livability in urban areas. This special issue collects studies to support the need for sustainable soil management, crop diversification, and management strategies for optimal soil health and good crop yield and quality. In addition, the issue examines recent advances in remote sensing technologies and deep learning techniques that offer potential tools for soil health monitoring and plant disease detection related to existing plant‐based contamination, providing a way forward to make informed decisions for policy stakeholders and land planners. Combining these initiatives into urban planning and public health policies could have a considerable impact on urban well‐being and resilience.

Ethanol from Maize: A Stride towards Crop Diversification Strategy of Punjab State

Ethanol from Maize: A Stride towards Crop Diversification Strategy of Punjab State

Agro-Forestry – A Crop Diversification Strategy for Adaption and Mitigation of Climate Change

The biggest challenge the world is currently experiencing is the impact of climate change on agriculture. Developing nations like India will be particularly affected because of their growing populations, water shortages, declining soil fertility, and loss of biodiversity. Agroforestry system is a major component in sustainable agricultural production under climate change situation as inclusion of agroforestry system ensures the production of food, fuel, fodder, timber, manures and fibre even under adverse climatic situations. The issue of ecologically sound and commercially viable strategies for adaptation and mitigation of climate change is being addressed by agroforestry, which is intensive, integrated, intentional, and interactive. This is done through carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, microclimate improvement, and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Modern, effective agroforestry techniques enable farm activity diversification and improved stewardship of the environment. There are three ways that agroforestry helps to mitigate climate change. Sequestering carbon in biomass and soils, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing energy consumption on farms to minimize emissions are all ways to reduce emissions. This review highlights successful adoption of agroforestry as an crop diversification option for mitigating climate change effects.

Intercropping Perennial Fruit Trees and Annual Field Crops with Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (MAPs) in the Mediterranean Basin

The Mediterranean basin (MB), a “climate hotspot”, is experiencing faster than average increases in global temperature and water deficit, as well as soil degradation, with detrimental impacts on food crop yield and pest/pathogen incidence. Hence, there is an urgent requisite for sustainable crop diversification strategies to promote crop resilience, soil quality conservation and pest/pathogen control. Intercropping is a strategy that has yet to be widely adopted. Presently, cereal–legume combinations represent the most common intercrops. Of relevance, a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), native to the MB, serve as potentially profitable indigenous resources for intercropping with food crops. Environmentally sustainable benefits of MB MAP intercropping with food crops have ironically been reported largely from research outside the MB. The present study aims to review the published literature from 2003 to 2023 on MAP intercropping with perennial nut/fruit crops and annual field crops in the MB. Published research is scarce but shows a promising upward trend, with 70% and 47% of intercropping studies with perennials and annual field crops, respectively, dated between 2020 and 2023. MAP intercropping shows potential in augmenting yield, pest/pathogen and weed control, soil health and cash crop quality, warranting further research with more widespread adoption in the MB.

Crop establishment and diversification strategies for intensification of rice-based cropping systems in rice-fallow areas in Odisha

Context or problemIn the Indian state of Odisha, rice-based system productivity is poor due to: (i) low rice yield in the monsoon (wet) season (2–4 t ha−1 compared to 6–8 t ha−1 in Punjab or Haryana); and (ii) limited cropping during the post-monsoon (dry) season (59% of the wet season rice area is left fallow in the dry season). ObjectiveOur study identifies strategies for increasing rice-based system productivity through: (i) alternative crop establishment methods in the wet season (Dry-Direct Seeded Rice or DSR, and mechanical puddled transplanted rice or PTR-M) to traditional methods such as broadcasting followed by post-emergence tillage (locally known as beushening) and manual random puddled transplanted rice (PTR-R); (ii) to identify rice-fallow areas suitable for pulse and oilseed cultivation in the dry season; and (iii) to evaluate the performance of short-duration pulses (green gram, Vigna radiata; black gram, Vigna mungo), and oilseeds (Brassica rapa var. toria, Helianthus annuus) in rice-fallow areas in the dry season. MethodsOn-farm experiments were conducted between 2017 and 2019 in three districts of Odisha (Bhadrak, Cuttack and Mayurbhanj) to evaluate DSR compared to beushening and PTR-R; and PTR-M compared to PTR-R and manual line puddled transplanted rice (PTR-L) in the wet season. The data from Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Sentinel-1satellite sensors was used to identify rice-fallow areas, and the daily SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) L-band soil moisture was used for mapping suitable rice-fallow areas for growing pulses and oilseeds. Short duration crops were evaluated in suitable rice-fallow areas. ResultsIn the wet season, DSR (range −4 to + 53%) had a significant effect on rice yield over beushening. Similarly, PTR-M consistently increased rice yield by 16–26% over PTR-R, and by 5–23% over PTR-L. In the dry season, pulse crops (green gram and black gram) performed well compared to Indian mustard under rainfed cultivation. However, under irrigated conditions, dry-season rice yield was more productive than the rice equivalent yield of green gram, black gram and sunflower. We found that 1.03 M ha (i.e., ∼50%) of total rice-fallow areas of 2.1 M ha were suitable for growing short duration green gram and black gram in the dry season. ConclusionsWe conclude that system productivity and cropping intensity can be increased by adoption of DSR and PTR-M in the wet season, and growing of green gram and black gram in the dry season. ImplicationsOdisha state can potentially produce an additional 0.67 million tonnes pulses if suitable rice-fallow areas are brought under green gram and black gram cultivation in the dry the season.

Crop Diversification in the Aral Sea Region: Long-Term Situation Analysis

Agriculture contributes the most to the economy and provides agro-ecological benefits in the environmentally unsustainable Aral Sea region, but its productivity is steadily dropping. To improve the resilience of farming communities in the region, crop diversification is proposed to enable farmers to grow high-value competitive crops and obtain more stable farm incomes. This study provides long-term, multidisciplinary analyses and strategies for strengthening crop diversification amongst farmers in the Aral Sea region. The study analyzed data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the statistical yearbook of 2000–2020. According to the gross margin study findings, farmers who use diversified cropping systems made considerably higher revenues than farmers relying on mono-cropping practices. This study demonstrates that greater crop diversity contributes to the rational use of natural resources and optimization plans, environmental sustainability, and food security as important natural and socio-economic issues in this region. The study findings suggest that proper crop diversification strategies need to be developed in the Aral Sea region to improve the sustainability of farming systems with enhanced resilience to devastating environmental and climate challenges.

Solving crop planning and rotation problems in a sustainable agriculture perspective

In this paper, the problem of planning the allocation of crops to arable lands, taking into account crop rotations principles and diversification strategies promoted by sustainable agriculture is addressed. Optimization models for solving multi-period planning problems are proposed, able to decide how to allocate crops in each growing season in order to maximize the total expected profit. The allocation decisions are made considering the crop rotation benefits across seasons and the sustainable requirements stated by current regulations. A complexity analysis is performed, and polynomial special cases are presented. Integer Linear Programming models are proposed, for a case study related to structured professional Italian farms specialized in arable crops, following sustainability rules coming from public regulations and private initiatives, i.e., the Common Agricultural Policy by the European Union and “La Carta del Mulino” by the Barilla Group. Numerical experiments conducted on real data show the effectiveness of the proposed solution approaches.

Agronomic Considerations for Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production

Sustainable intensification of crop production is a multifaceted strategy aimed at meeting the increasing global demand for food while minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. This article delves into key agronomic considerations crucial for achieving sustainable intensification. Conservation agriculture practices, including minimum tillage and crop residue retention, are explored for their role in promoting soil health and reducing erosion. Precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS and remote sensing, are highlighted for optimizing resource use. Crop diversification, rotation, and water use efficiency strategies are discussed to address issues of monoculture, nutrient imbalance, and water scarcity. Integrated nutrient management, incorporating organic sources and precision application, is examined for its contribution to soil fertility. Agroforestry and biodiversity promotion are explored as means to enhance ecosystem resilience. By integrating these agronomic considerations, farmers can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system capable of meeting global food demands while safeguarding the environment.

Effects of field-level strip and mixed cropping on aerial arthropod and arable flora communities

Loss of arthropod biodiversity can impair the provision of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Crop diversification strategies offer the possibility to support arthropod communities without putting aside agricultural land as conservation areas. Within-field crop diversification measures, such as strip cropping and crop mixtures, may provide arthropods with continuity and diversity in food, shelter and habitat at fine spatial and temporal resolutions. However, it is unclear how strip cropping and plant species diversity within strips influences aerial arthropod and weed communities in commercially sized arable fields. In this 2-year study we tested the effects of crop heterogeneity on aerial arthropod and plant communities in organically managed strip fields. We tested effects of configurational crop heterogeneity by comparing sole cropping (MONO) with strip cropping (STRIP), and compositional crop heterogeneity by comparing STRIP with flower-legume-grain crop mixtures grown in strips (STRIPMIX). Aerial arthropod communities were assessed in 138 sweep net transects and plant communities in 124 vegetation plots in cabbage, wheat, sugar beet and barley. Higher configurational crop heterogeneity by strip cropping reduced herbivore abundances and increased natural enemy species richness in organic cabbage strips. Cabbage in MONO had a significantly higher herbivore abundance (+11%) and a lower natural enemy species richness (−57%) than cabbage in STRIP. Higher compositional crop heterogeneity by sowing additional plant species in strips (STRIPMIX) significantly increased plant abundance (+33%), plant species richness (+21%), total aerial arthropod abundance (+45%), and total aerial arthropod species richness (+21%) compared to STRIP. Our work shows that both configuration of crop areas (MONO vs. STRIP) and plant species diversity within strips (STRIP vs. STRIPMIX) can support arthropod biodiversity and natural pest suppression, but that arthropod responses differ between diversification strategies and crop combinations. Further optimization of design and management of within-field crop diversification strategies holds potential to attain biodiversity-based cropping systems which deliver multiple ecosystem services and have a reduced dependency on pesticides.

Can farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies ensure their food security? Evidence from Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agricultural production among smallholder farm households in Ethiopia. To reduce the adverse effects of climate risks, farm households have sought to adopt different adaptation strategies. This study investigates factors influencing farm households’ choice of climate adaptation strategies and associated effects on their food security in Ethiopia using data collected from 516 farm households from three regions. A multivariate probit and propensity score matching models were used to analyze data. Major adaptation strategies adopted by the farm households in the study area are planting drought-tolerant crop varieties (60%), changing the planting dates (53%), growing diversified crops (49%), and diversifying the sources of household income (45%). Results suggest that older farm household heads are more likely to use drought-tolerant crop varieties to reduce climate risks. Farm households with larger farmland size and those with more years of experience in farming are more likely to use drought-tolerant crop varieties and crop diversification strategies. Farm households with larger family size are more likely to use crop and income diversification strategies and change the planting dates against the backdrop of a high risk of climatic shocks. Membership in input supply cooperatives, frequency of contact with extension agents, and access to information on expected rainfall and temperature are positively associated with different adaptation practices adopted by farm households. Farm households who have adopted climate adaptation strategies have higher food security status (by 2.3–2.8%) compared to those who have not. Thus, the farm households’ climate adaptation practices have positive food security effects in Ethiopia.

Вплив змін клімату на плодові рослини у контексті глобальних досліджень

The purpose of this study was to analyze global achievements in the study of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on fruit plants, their phenology, yield, physiological responses to stress events, changes in pest insect populations, the spread of diseases, economic consequences, consumer habits, and outline directions for further research. The work methodology included searching and summarizing publications in popular scientific databases and journals. The analysis of scientific literature shows that temperature increase, water and temperature stress can cause a disorder in the development of plants and make important changes in the chemical composition of fruits and yield. Preserving the genetic diversity of plant species that have higher resistance to climate change is important for future breeding. Studies have also confirmed the complexity of the interaction of plants with the environment and their adaptation to abiotic stress. Physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and carbon distribution, under the influence of stressors can be manifested at different stages of plant growth, which is important for their reproductive processes. Further research into crop diversification strategies and effective land use practices to adapt to climate change are important aspects to be thoroughly explored. The development and implementation of new horticultural systems based on biotic intensification aims to ensure environmentally safe production and support. Ukraine, taking into account agro-industrial specialization, faces significant climatic risks, which can lead to serious consequences for agricultural production and the country's economy. Research results indicate the need for accelerated adaptation and development of effective measures to preserve natural resources and ensure sustainable development. Attention is drawn to the research of innovative approaches to the consumption of energy and food resources aimed at reducing gas emissions and improving environmental sustainability. Key words: weather factors, fruit crops, pests and diseases, phenology, stressful events, adaptation, genetic diversity, agriculture, economic consequences, consumer habits.

The Effect of Diversification on the Productivity of Some Crop Varieties Under the Same Cultivation Conditions

Sustainable farming practices include a variety of approaches. The most important approach to sustainable agriculture is crop diversification. This allows farmers to use biological cycles to minimize costs, conserve the resource base, maximize crop yields, and reduce environmental risk. It serves as an important opportunity to augment income and employment generation for rural communities. In contrast to specialized agriculture, crop diversification can be defined as an attempt to promote crop diversity through crop rotation, perennials or mixed cropping with the aim of improving crop performance, sustainability and supply of ecological systems. This can be a step towards more sustainable production systems, value chains for small crops and socio-economic benefits. Expanded agricultural diversity, better crop rotations, mixed cropping, cultivation of grain legumes in systems that are generally dominated by cereals, perennials, and regionally adapted (specialized) varieties are all examples of crop diversification strategies. As a result of the research carried out in the article, it can be noted that by carrying out the crop diversification under the irrigation and the same cultivation conditions, it is possible to obtain high and quality grain products from the varieties of feed peas Azerbaijan 1508 (green mass), wheat Gobustan and barley Jalilabad-19. This method is considered to be efficient both economically and cultivatically.