Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Management of the Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) using different techniques

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world's most widely cultivated vegetable crops. However, tomato cultivation requires intensive management due to its high susceptibility to pests and diseases that can compromise and increase production costs. Therefore, this research aimed to compare different tactics and methods for monitoring and managing the small tomato borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis, in the field. The experiments were conducted in the 2012 and 2013 harvests on a rural property in the Conceição do Castelo - ES municipality. The evaluated systems were: 1. Monitoring associated with the release of the parasitoid Trichogramma and the biological product based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Trich + Agree), 2. Monitoring associated with Bt and bagging of bunches (Bagg + Agree), 3. Monitoring associated with bagging of fruits and release of Trichogramma (Bagg + Tricho), 4. Monitoring associated with the release of the parasitoid Trichogramma (Mon + Trich), 5. Release of the parasitoid Trichogramma + control level (Trich + CL) and 6. Conventional System (Conv). In both harvests, it was found that the highest incidence of borer occurred in the conventional method, which was statistically superior to other management systems. The Trich + CL and Bagg + Trich methods stood out the most in terms of reducing the incidence of drills. It was concluded that, regardless of the growing season and treatments, all combinations of N. elegantalis management techniques presented significantly superior results to the conventional system. Thus, using these methods and control tactics can minimize environmental impacts and promote more sustainable agriculture.

Opportunities and Challenges on Natural Farming

Natural Farming, an ecological and sustainable agricultural practice, emphasizes minimal human intervention and the use of natural resources for crop cultivation. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs, Natural Farming integrates practices such as minimal tillage and organic inputs like cow dung and plant-based preparations. This case study explores Natural Farming practices among farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on their experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The study includes detailed case studies of three farmers in Coimbatore District and each farmer employing different natural farming techniques and facing unique obstacles. The findings reveal that Natural Farming offers significant benefits, including reduced farming costs, improved soil health, and enhanced market opportunities for organic produce. Farmers reported that these practices lead to better crop resilience and higher-quality produce, often fetching premium prices. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in weed control, pest and disease management, labor shortages, and delay in certification, which can affect market access and profitability. The study underscores the potential of Natural Farming to transform agricultural practices by promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. It also highlights the need for supportive interventions, such as enhanced market access, comprehensive farmer training, and government support to address the identified challenges and maximize the benefits of Natural Farming. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Natural Farming's role in sustainable agriculture and its implications for farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Impact of Plant Spacing and Fertilization Dose on the Growth and Yield Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan

This study examines the impact of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization doses on the growth and yield traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan. Using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized block design, the research explored four spacing levels within raw, S1, S2, S3, and S4 (20, 25, 30, and 35 cm, respectively) and four nitrogen fertilizer doses, Ur1, Ur2, Ur3 and Ur4 (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg.ha-1 , respectively). Key metrics were measured: plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, pod length, fresh weight, and seed count per pod. The results, analyzed via OPSTAT statistical software and ANOVA, indicated that a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing combined with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 significantly optimized growth parameters and yield components. Specifically, this combination resulted in the tallest plants (15.50 cm), the highest number of leaves (7.30), nodes (7.30), and greater fresh pod weight (7.69 g) and length (5.50 cm). Significant interaction effects between spacing and fertilizer doses were observed across all parameters at a 5% confidence level. The study recommends a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 to maximize okra growth, yield, and quality in Sudan's agroecological zones, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced productivity. These findings can be directly applied to optimize okra production in Sudan, contributing to the country's agricultural sustainability.

Strategy formulation of agricultural machinery development for sustainable potato farming in upland of Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

In the agricultural sector, labor reduction is a significant obstacle to increasing potato production and the use of machinery is considered an effective solution. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential and profitability of implementing agricultural machinery and develop a specific strategy in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Data collection was carried out from September 2021 to April 2022, and the demonstration farming (demfarm) method was used to test three technology package, with and without agricultural machinery and with existing technology as a control. The study also surveyed farmer characteristics, use the demfarm method, and conducted focus group discussion on internal and external indicators influencing agricultural machinery development. Data analysis included the benefit-cost ratio (BCR), marginal BCR, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The results showed that the development of agricultural machinery for potato cultivation was highly profitable, with a BCR of 1.28, suggesting that the development of agricultural machinery is worthwhile. The agricultural machinery technology demonstrated the best performance among the three packages studied. Based on the results, the policy strategy to support the sustainability of potato farming in Central Java involves the application of efficient agricultural technology by optimizing land availability, involving farmer institutions, and the use of agricultural machinery.

Assessment of BxN Hybrids for Fodder Productivity in South Gujarat, India

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bharuch, Gujarat to evaluate eight Bajra x Napier (BxN) hybrids viz. BNH-10, BNH-11, CO-5, CO-6, DHN-5, DHN-15, Phule Jaywant, and Phule Gunwant for their fodder yield potentials and quality parameters over three years (2021-2024). A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the experiment. The pooled results of three years revealed that significant variations were observed in hybrids investigated. The hybrid BNH-11 consistently and significantly outperformed other tested hybrids, demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters, including plant height (143.25 cm), tillers per plant (26), leaf-to-stem ratio (1.14), green fodder yield (207.05 MT ha⁻¹), dry matter yield (80.36 MT ha⁻¹) and crude protein yield (6.06 MT ha⁻¹). Phule Gunwant closely followed BNH-11, performing on par across all evaluated parameters. These findings indicate that BxN hybrids exhibit substantial potential for fodder production, supporting their use in sustainable livestock farming systems in the region.

Composition of biopesticides for crop protection – current state and prospects (review)

Aim. To summarise and analyse available information on research into biopesticide compositions aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to assess prospects for the development of this field so as to determine the influence of components on the effectiveness of biopesticides for agricultural crop protection.This review article presents the results of studies of components included in the compositions of microorganism‐based biopesticides based on a system analysis. It is noted that the selection of biopesticide components must be carried out in accordance with the requirements for products recommended for use in ecological and organic farming systems. It is indicated that the choice of optimal formulation is associated with the characteristics of the producer strains, their trophic needs and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and with the characteristics of the biopesticide application technology (seed treatment, application to the soil or treatment of plants during vegetation), as well as the type of equipment used.Knowledge of the basic requirements for biopesticide formulations will help maintain the viability and biological activity of microbial agents during storage of biopesticides, taking into account the sensitivity of producer strains to environmental conditions. Selection of optimal carriers, adhesives, stabilisers, thickeners and synergists, taking into account the technology of application of the biopesticide and the target pathogen, will facilitate the development and appearance on the market of new biopesticides for protecting agricultural crops from diseases.

Role of Biocontrol Agents in Suppressing Plant Pathogen: A Compressive Analysis

Biocontrol agents have emerged as important tools in the quest for sustainable agriculture, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides for managing plant pathogens and pests. This comprehensive review explores the advancements in biocontrol agent research, focusing on the exploration of new agents, genetic engineering, and integration into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. The discovery of novel biocontrol agents from diverse environments, including plant microbiomes and marine ecosystems, has expanded the arsenal available for agricultural use, while genetic engineering and synthetic biology have enhanced the efficacy of existing agents by improving their production of antimicrobial metabolites and stress tolerance. Additionally, the development of synthetic microbial consortia and innovative delivery systems, such as encapsulation and nanotechnology, has improved the stability and application efficiency of biocontrol agents in various agricultural settings. The review also highlights the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, such as the use of organic amendments and crop rotation, to enhance the effectiveness of biocontrol strategies. These methods not only improve soil health and biodiversity but also reduce the reliance on chemical inputs. However, the widespread adoption of biocontrol agents faces challenges, including environmental variability, host specificity, and the need for supportive regulatory frameworks. Harmonizing regulatory processes, promoting public awareness, and providing incentives for sustainable practices are essential for overcoming these barriers. International cooperation and knowledge exchange are crucial for advancing research and ensuring that biocontrol agents become integral components of modern agriculture. This review underscores the potential of biocontrol agents to contribute significantly to global food security and environmental sustainability, provided that ongoing research and innovation continue to address existing challenges and expand their practical applications in diverse agricultural contexts.

DGAG: A Novel Approach That Detects Green Areas With Geolocation From Large‐Scale Satellite Imaging Instance Segmentation and GIS Application

ABSTRACTAdvancements in space exploration and computing have accelerated progress in remote sensing studies, where imaging satellites capture extensive datasets globally, particularly in identifying green areas on agricultural lands essential for monitoring natural resources, promoting sustainable agriculture, and mitigating climate change. Large‐volume satellite images from 2020 were obtained from https://tile.kayseri.bel.tr/tilecache/Cache/2020UYDU3857/z/x/y.jpeg. The images are stored on the server address of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality. Traditional techniques struggle with classifying big data from these satellite views, necessitating innovative approaches like DGAG (Detect Green Areas with Geolocation), a novel method that combines interdisciplinary techniques to detect and geographically delineate green areas on agricultural lands globally. DGAG utilizes map‐based open‐source software to convert large‐scale satellite views into processable images with spatial information, employing segmentation‐based deep learning techniques such as You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) and Mask Region‐based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R‐CNN) to extract green areas and determine pixel boundaries. The pixel borders are then transformed into spatial polygon data, providing hectare‐level spatial information. Testing on actual satellite views of Kayseri province yielded promising results, with DGAG YOLOv5 and Mask R‐CNN achieving F1 scores of 0.917 and 0.922, respectively. Notably, DGAG Mask R‐CNN outperformed YOLOv5 by detecting 834626.42 square meters more green area. In terms of runtime, DGAG Mask R‐CNN detected green areas in approximately 0.031 s, while DGAG YOLOv5 operated roughly twice as fast, detecting green areas in about 0.015 s.

Balancing the scales: assessing the impact of irrigation and pathogen burden on potato blackleg disease and soil microbial communities

BackgroundUnderstanding the interaction between environmental conditions, crop yields, and soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture in a changing climate. Management practices to limit disease are a balancing act. For example, in potato production, dry conditions favour common scab (Streptomyces spp.) and wet conditions favour blackleg disease (Pectobacterium spp.). The exact mechanisms involved and how these link to changes in the soil microbiome are unclear. Our objectives were to test how irrigation management and bacterial pathogen load in potato seed stocks impact: (i) crop yields; (ii) disease development (blackleg or common scab); and (iii) soil microbial community dynamics.MethodsWe used stocks of seed potatoes with varying natural levels of Pectobacterium (Jelly [high load], Jelly [low load] and Estima [Zero – no Pectobacterium]). Stocks were grown under four irrigation regimes that differed in the timing and level of watering. The soil microbial communities were profiled using amplicon sequencing at 50% plant emergence and at harvest. Generalised linear latent variable models and an annotation-free mathematical framework approach (ensemble quotient analysis) were then used to show the interacting microbes with irrigation regime and Pectobacterium pathogen levels.ResultsIrrigation increased blackleg symptoms in the plots planted with stocks with low and high levels of Pectobacterium (22–34%) but not in the zero stock (2–6%). However, withholding irrigation increased common scab symptoms (2–5%) and reduced crop yields. Irrigation did not impact the composition of the soil microbiome, but planting stock with a high Pectobacterium burden resulted in an increased abundance of Planctomycetota, Anaerolinea and Acidobacteria species within the microbiome. Ensemble quotient analysis highlighted the Anaerolinea taxa were highly associated with high levels of Pectobacterium in the seed stock and blackleg symptoms in the field.ConclusionsWe conclude that planting seed stocks with a high Pectobacterium burden alters the abundance of specific microbial species within the soil microbiome and suggest that managing pathogen load in seed stocks could substantially affect soil communities, affecting crop health and productivity.BWvw4eepooU5poSUC2MUy8Video

Genomic identification, characterization, and stress-induced expression profiling of glyoxalase and D-lactate dehydrogenase gene families in Capsicum annuum

BackgroundCapsicum annuum, a significant agricultural and nutritional crop, faces production challenges due to its sensitivity to various abiotic stresses. Glyoxalase (GLY) and D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) enzymes play vital roles in mitigating these stresses by detoxifying the stress-induced cytotoxin, methylglyoxal (MG).MethodsA genome-wide study was conducted to identify and characterize glyoxalase I (GLYI), glyoxalase II (GLYII), unique glyoxalase III or DJ-1 (GLYIII), and D-LDH gene candidates in Capsicum annuum. The identified members were evaluated based on their evolutionary relationships with known orthologues, as well as their gene and protein features. Their expression patterns were examined in various tissues, developmental stages, and in response to abiotic stress conditions using RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR.ResultsA total of 19 GLYI, 9 GLYII, 3 DJ-1, and 11 D-LDH members were identified, each featuring characteristic domains: glyoxalase, metallo-β-lactamase, DJ-1_PfpI, and FAD_binding_4, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades depending on functional diversification. Expression profiling demonstrated significant variability under stress conditions, underscoring their potential roles in stress modulation. Notably, gene-specific responses were observed with CaGLYI-2, CaGLYI-7, CaGLYII-6, CaDJ-1 A, and CaDLDH-1 showed upregulation under salinity, drought, oxidative, heat, and cold stresses, while downregulation were shown for CaGLYI-3, CaGLYII-1, CaDJ-1B, and CaDJ-1 C. Remarkably, CaGLYI-1 presented a unique expression pattern, upregulated against drought and salinity but downregulated under oxidative, heat, and cold stress.ConclusionThe identified GLY and D-LDH gene families in Capsicum annuum exhibited differential expression patterns under different abiotic stresses. Specifically, CaGLYI-2, CaGLYI-7, CaGLYII-6, CaDJ-1 A, and CaDLDH-1 were upregulated in response to all five analyzed abiotic stressors, highlighting their critical role in stress modulation amidst climate change. This study enhances our understanding of plant stress physiology and opens new avenues for developing stress-resilient crop varieties, crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Enhancing Broccoli growth by bacillus rhizosphere bacteria

This study examines the enhancement of broccoli growth by Bacillus Rhizosphere. Bacteria Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for its high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low calorie count, making it a recommended daily food. Tropical regions grow broccoli in mountainous areas. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes minimizing chemical fertilizers, and biofertilizers like Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Bacillus, can reduce their use. Bacillus improves plant growth by fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate and potassium, and producing phytohormones. Understanding Bacillus growth dynamics is vital for optimizing its agricultural application. This study aimed to analyze growth curves of different Bacillus species and investigate their potential role in promoting broccoli growth. This study was carried out in January–April 2024 at the Soil Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Bumi Agro Technology Company, Lembang. The research was divided into 3 stages: growth curve determination, Bacillus liquid inoculant preparation, and application of treatment to plants. The findings showed that isolates of B. safensis strain MDL5, B. altitudinis strain RPW2, B. subtilis strain YPS4, and Bacillus sp. strain SZ057 reached the highest point in their growth curves after 4 and 5 days of incubation. After that, the curves slowly went down. Inoculating Bacillus into broccoli plants resulted in an increase in plant height by 43.28–58.75% compared to the control.

Enhancing Water Use Efficiency and Carbon Profitability Through the Long-Term Impact of Sustainable Farming Systems

This study aims to enhance water use efficiency, maximize productivity, and minimize environmental impact through the implementation of sustainable agricultural systems using drip irrigation systems. It investigates the effects of biodynamic farming compared to those of organic and conventional methods over a six-year period and focuses on soil properties, water use efficiency, crop yield, and environmental and economic perspectives. Using a biodynamic farming system resulted in an average increase in water use efficiency of 1.96 and 10.67% for maize and 3.62 and 10.68% for faba bean and an increase in maize yield of 1.68 and 0.99%, while the faba bean yield reached 3.25 and 1.57% compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The biodynamic system sequestered the highest average soil carbon of 6.16 tons/ha (which is equivalent to 22.45 tons/ha of CO2 emissions), representing a 13% increase compared to the organic system. Additionally, the biodynamic system yielded an increase in total net profit of 5.70 and 21.66% for the maize crop and 6.72 and 22.19% for the faba bean crop compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The farming system significantly influenced the soil carbon sequestration and organic carbon.

Development of bacterial bioformulations using response surface methodology.

Bacterial consortia exhibiting plant growth promoting properties have emerged as a sustainable approach for crop improvement. As the main challenge associated with them is viability loss and performance under natural conditions, a robust approach for designing bioformulation is needed. In this study, an efficient bioformulation was developed using spontaneous mutants of three bacterial strains for growth promotion of Cajanus cajan. Optimization of additives for solid [carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and glycerol) and liquid [polysorbate, CMC, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)] bioformulations was done by Response Surface Methodology using Central Composite Design. The stability of each bioinoculant in the formulation was assessed at 30°C and 4°C. The efficiency of the liquid bioformulation was checked in planta in sterile, and subsequently in non-sterile, soil. The maximum cell count was observed in solid bioformulation with 0.1g L-1 CMC and 50% glycerol (8.10×108, 3.69×108, and 7.39×108 for Priestia megaterium, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Pseudomonas sp. SK3, respectively) and in liquid bioformulation comprising 1% PVP, 0.1g L-1 CMC, and 0.025% polysorbate (8×109, 3.8×109, and 6.82×109 for Priestia megaterium, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Pseudomonas sp. SK3, respectively). The bioinoculants showed a higher viability (6 months) at 4°C compared to 30°C. Triple culture consortia enhanced plant growth in comparison to the control. The strains could be detected in soil till 45 days after sowing. The study established a systematic process for developing a potent bioformulation to promote agricultural sustainability. Using mutant strains, the bioinoculants could be tracked. In planta assays revealed that the triple culture consortium out-performed mono and dual cultures in terms of impact on plant growth.

Complex factors combinations driving tea growers to adopt ecological agricultural practices in tea gardens

IntroductionThe implementation of ecological agriculture practices in Chinese tea gardens plays a vital role in mitigating N2O emissions and addressing environmental degradation. Nevertheless, a dearth of discourse exists regarding the intricacies surrounding farmers' adoption of tea garden ecological agriculture practices (TGEAP), particularly the complex interplay between adoption factors and outcomes.MethodsUsing data of 310 farmers, this study employed complexity theories and Stimulus-Organism-Response theories, and integrated Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to explore the complex relationships between farmer characteristics, internal and external factors, and adoption of farmer.ResultsThe results show three influential paths in the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, and environmental protection attitude (EPA) and production expectation (PE) act as intermediaries. Notably, EPA exhibits a masking effect in one pathway. These paths linked closely to three farmer characteristics. Beyond the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, nine combinations lead to farmers' adoption, and four to non-adoption.DiscussionWe discover scenarios where opposing environmental states or age lead to adoption, explaining the masking effect. These combinations highlight how a favorable environment influences both adoption and non-adoption. We also discuss other combinations that lead to adoption or non-adoption. The study suggests that governments employ targeted incentives to facilitate tea farmers' transition in agriculture.

Study Report on Optimum Utilisation Plan of Ngoma 22 Irrigation Scheme

The study was conducted in Ngoma 22 irrigation scheme located in Remera and Rurenge sectors of Ngoma District in Eastern Province of Rwanda between November 2018 and January 2019. It was recommended by RAB Board of Directors. The methodology used encompasses the study area, sampling procedures, data collection and analysis tools. The main data collection tool used was FGD which targeted site agronomists and household head farmers producing rice, fruits and vegetables as high value crops in the scheme area. Through pair wise ranking technique most profitable cash crops in the scheme were ranked as follows: (1) tree tomato, (2) maracuja, (3) egg plants, (4) water melon, (5) tomato, (6) irish potatoes, (7) french beans, (8) onions, (9) carrots, (10) cabbages, (11) beetroots. From this point of views, findings from the study show only two most profitable crops: maracuja with 696 Frw/kg followed by tree tomato with Frw 249 Frw/kg. The third ranked cash crop being Irish potato (with a loss of -40 Frw/kg), the fourth is egg plant with a loss of- 177 Frw. The existing paddy rice production has shown a loss of – 270 Frw inspite the water availability all the year-round. Maize and bush bean show respectively losses of -543 Frw/kg and -1743 Frw. Hence it is understandable why farmers in the scheme area have already abandoned maize and beans cultivation. Findings show also water fees (20,000 Frw/season) determined based on maintenance costs and farmers income. For capacity building model, more than one thousand beneficiary farmers in Ngoma 22 Irrigation Scheme need strong farmer organisation for ownership of the scheme and increased profitability. To that effect, they need continued capacity building as stated in the tripartite IMTA: administrative and financial management, record keeping, and conflicts resolution management, integrated water management, operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructures, best agricultural practices for sustainable farmers’ organisations and commercial farming. Key recommendations include fixing minimum prices for agricultural products in relation to costs of production- or setting subsidy prices, increase yield for each crop by meeting all requirements: lime, fertilisers and improvement of irrigation technologies in order to reach automatically increased yield. Farmers should continue to leave out traditional crops and adopt profitable cash crops identified in this study (e.g maracuja and tree tomato). They should also increase the ownership spirit through IWUA and cooperatives performance. They should adopt collective marketing of their products and pay water fees per season.

An Overview of Software Sensor Applications in Biosystem Monitoring and Control

This review highlights the critical role of software sensors in advancing biosystem monitoring and control by addressing the unique challenges biological systems pose. Biosystems—from cellular interactions to ecological dynamics—are characterized by intrinsic nonlinearity, temporal variability, and uncertainty, posing significant challenges for traditional monitoring approaches. A critical challenge highlighted is that what is typically measurable may not align with what needs to be monitored. Software sensors offer a transformative approach by integrating hardware sensor data with advanced computational models, enabling the indirect estimation of hard-to-measure variables, such as stress indicators, health metrics in animals and humans, and key soil properties. This article outlines advancements in sensor technologies and their integration into model-based monitoring and control systems, leveraging the capabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearables, remote sensing, and smart sensors. It provides an overview of common methodologies for designing software sensors, focusing on the modelling process. The discussion contrasts hypothetico-deductive (mechanistic) models with inductive (data-driven) models, illustrating the trade-offs between model accuracy and interpretability. Specific case studies are presented, showcasing software sensor applications such as the use of a Kalman filter in greenhouse control, the remote detection of soil organic matter, and sound recognition algorithms for the early detection of respiratory infections in animals. Key challenges in designing software sensors, including the complexity of biological systems, inherent temporal and individual variabilities, and the trade-offs between model simplicity and predictive performance, are also discussed. This review emphasizes the potential of software sensors to enhance decision-making and promote sustainability in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.

Cultivated Land Quality Assessment and Obstacle Factors Diagnosis in Changtu County, Northeast China

ABSTRACTEffective evaluation of cultivated land quality is crucial for sustainable agricultural management. Existing research often focuses on regional scales and lacks sufficient detailed analysis of spatial distribution and limiting factors at localized scales. This study aims to select the key indicators to evaluate cultivated land quality and analyze their influence on cultivated land quality at the county level. Taking Changtu County as the research area, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the most effective Minimum Data Set (MDS) for evaluation, including cultivated layer thickness, soil organic matter (SOM), pH, bulk density (BD), and cultivated layer texture. Additionally, an obstacle degree model was used to analyze restricting factors and their degrees of impact. Results showed that the constructed MDS could replace all indicators for cultivated land quality evaluation. Quality was higher in central areas and lower in eastern and western regions. SOM content decreases with the decrease of quality grade, significantly affecting the quality distribution, and pH in the medium category (Grades III and VI) cultivated lands were lower compared to other categories. Low organic matter content and low pH levels were the main obstacles affecting cultivated land quality, with average obstacle degrees of 43.5% and 29.3%, respectively. Low SOM content significantly affected land quality, particularly in the western region, whereas acidic soils in the eastern region influenced quality grade distribution. Thus, strategies for pH control and SOM enhancement are essential for improving cultivated land quality. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable agriculture.

Livestock Changes in Brazil and Sustainable Intensification Challenges

The increasing global demand for animal products has impacted Brazilian cattle farming. This study aims to offer references for developing more sustainable livestock farming in Brazil. It analyzes the numbers of pasture areas, cattle herds, and stocking rates from 1970 to 2017, based on agricultural census data. Additionally, it compares pasture conditions using agricultural census data and satellite imagery for the years 2006 and 2017. The key findings include the following: (1) a 119.7% increase in cattle herds, with migration from the South and Southeast to the North and Central–West regions, which have lower land prices; (2) a 2.6% decrease in the pasture area for cattle (except in the North region); (3) a 3.8% decrease in areas in poor condition; and (4) a 125.5% increase in the stocking rate. Despite technological advancements improving productivity, most pastures (59.6%) are still underperforming, indicating potential for reducing the pressure on native vegetation. This study concludes that production areas are shifting between regions in Brazil, with livestock farming intensifying, marked by a decrease in pasture areas and degraded pastures, alongside an increase in cattle numbers and stocking rates. However, these changes are heterogeneous across the country. This analysis provides an overview of beef cattle nationwide, which is relevant for addressing production sustainability challenges.

Innovative Lactic Acid Production Techniques Driving Advances in Silage Fermentation

Lactic acid (LA) plays a crucial role in the silage process, which occurs through LA fermentation. Consequently, there is a strong correlation between lactic acid production and the efficiency of the silage. However, traditional methods face challenges like long fermentation times, low acid production, and unstable quality, limiting agricultural preservation. This paper aims to explore innovations in lactic acid production technologies and show how these technologies have driven the development of silage fermentation for agricultural conservation. First, the important role of LA in agricultural preservation and the limitations of traditional silage techniques are presented. Next, advancements in LA production methods are thoroughly examined, covering the selection of microbial strains and the substitution of fermentation substrates. Following this, new technologies for silage fermentation are explored, drawing from innovations in LA production. These include the selection of LA strains, optimization of fermentation conditions, and improvements in fermentation techniques. These innovations have proven effective in increasing LA production, improving feed quality, extending shelf life, and providing new solutions to enhance agricultural production and sustainability.

Assessment of the Effects of Biochar on the Physicochemical Properties of Saline–Alkali Soil Based on Meta-Analysis

Enhancing global agricultural sustainability critically requires improving the physicochemical properties of saline–alkali soil. Biochar has gained increasing attention as a strategy due to its unique properties. However, its effect on the physicochemical properties of saline–alkali soil varies significantly. This study uses psychometric meta-analysis across 137 studies to synthesize the findings from 1447 relatively independent data sets. This study investigates the effects of biochar with different characteristics on the top 20 cm of various saline–alkali soils. In addition, aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis was used to identify the key factors of biochar influencing the physicochemical properties of saline soils. The results showed that biochar application has a positive effect on improving soil properties by reducing the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 30.31% and 28.88%, respectively, with a notable 48.97% enhancement in cation exchange capacity (CEC). A significant inverse relationship was found between soil salinity (SC) and ESP, while other factors were synergistic. Biochar application to mildly saline soil (<0.2%) and moderately saline soil (0.2–0.4%) demonstrated greater improvement in soil bulk density (SBD), total porosity (TP), and soil moisture content (SMC) compared to highly saline soil (>0.4%). However, the reduction in SC in highly saline soil was 4.9 times greater than in moderately saline soils. The enhancement of soil physical properties positively correlated with higher biochar application rates, largely driven by soil movements associated with the migration of soil moisture. Biochar produced at 401–500 °C was generally the most effective in improving the physicochemical properties of various saline–alkali soils. In water surplus regions, for mildly saline soil with pH < 8.5, mixed biochar (pH 6–8) at 41–80 t ha−1 was the most effective in soil improvement. Moreover, in water deficit areas with soil at pH ≥ 8.5, biochar with pH ≤ 6 applied at rates of >80 t ha−1 showed the greatest benefits. Agricultural residue biochar showed superior efficiency in ameliorating highly alkaline (pH ≥ 8.5) soil. In contrast, the use of mixed types of biochar was the most effective in the amelioration of other soil types.