Future Agricultural Use Research Articles

Engineering of PVA/PVP Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications.

Hydrogels have gained significant popularity in agricultural applications in terms of minimizing waste and mitigating the negative environmental impact of agrochemicals. This review specifically examines the utilization of environmentally friendly, shapable hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in various casings for crop protection against different pests, fertilizing, and watering. To activate their effectiveness, PVA/PVP hydrogels were loaded with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environmentally friendly pesticides, namely hydrogen peroxide (HP), the essential oil thymol, and urea as a fertilizer, either separately or in combination. This review covers various physical and chemical approaches used for loading, shaping, and controlling the release profiles of pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, it explores the evaluation of the chemical composition, structure, classification, rheology, and morphology of the hydrogels as well as their impact on the thermal stability of the encapsulated pesticides and fertilizer, followed by biological tests. These hydrogels significantly contribute to the stabilization and controlled release of essential nutrients and biocides for plants, while maintaining excellent biocidal and fertilizing properties as well as sustainability characteristics. By shedding light on the latest insights into the concepts, applications, and results of these hydrogels, this review demonstrates their immense potential for widespread future use in agriculture.

Obtention, characterization, and herbicide diquat carrier/release properties by nanocomposite hydrogels based on the polysaccharides and zeolite for future use in agriculture

This work aims to develop new hydrogel nanocomposites based on polysaccharides (methylcellulose (MC) or chitosan (CH)) with zeolite, supported by a poly(methacrylic acid)–co-polyacrylamide (PMAA-co-PAAm) network for agriculture applications, such as water decontamination, and released control systems. The incorporation of zeolite on the nanocomposites has been confirmed by the characteristic peaks of zeolite in nanocomposites through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzes showed a decrease in the pore volume on the nanocomposites and the presence of micropore at the wall porous structure. The chain elasticity and water retention of the hydrogel were affected by changes in pH rate, for example, the MC nanocomposite swelling values growth from 2.6 g/g at pH 1 to 4.4 g/g at pH 5. The sorption and desorption of diquat studies showed that an increase in the interaction sites provided by the zeolite negative surface charges caused an increment in the attraction forces, which afford the interchange between the diquat molecules and the desorption medium ions. These results indicated that intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect desorption, and a better understanding of these phenomena can be supplemental in a significant way in the more efficient application of these materials in agricultural systems.

Changes in the health of metal-contaminated soil before and after stabilization and solidification

Stabilization is popularly employed to remediate metal-contaminated soils. It involves the absorption and precipitation of heavy metals to reduce their solubility, movement characteristics, or risk and toxicity. This study aimed to conduct a soil health assessment to determine changes in the health of metal-contaminated soil before and after the application of five stabilizers (acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS), coal mine drainage sludge (CMDS), steel slag, lime, and cement). Soil health assessment, including three soil functions, namely soil productivity, soil stability, and soil biodiversity, evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological indicators (total 16 indicators). Soil health index (SHI) of soil function was calculated by multiplying each indicator score by the weighting factor of each indicator. Total SHI was obtained by summing the three soil-function SHI. Total SHI of the stabilized and test soils followed the order as control soil (1.90) > heavy metal-contaminated soil (1.55) > CMDS-stabilized soil (1.29) > steel slag-stabilized soil (1.29) > AMDS-stabilized soil (1.26) > cement-stabilized soil (0.74) > lime-stabilized soil (0.67). Total SHI of the initial heavy metal-contaminated soil was evaluated as ‘normal’, before the stabilizer was applied; however, most of the stabilized soils became ‘bad’ after application of the stabilizers. Furthermore, soils stabilized by cement and lime showed very poor soil health. The results implied that changes in physical and chemical soil properties occurred due to the disturbance caused by the mixing of stabilizers, and ions eluted from the stabilizers could deteriorate soil health further. The findings indicated that soil treated with stabilizers is not suitable for agricultural purposes. Overall, the study suggested that stabilized soil from metal-contaminated sites should be covered with clean soil or monitored for some time before deciding its future agricultural use.

Solar energy development on farmland: Three prevalent perspectives of conflict, synergy and compromise in the United States

As farmland has become a key place for grid-scale, ground-mounted solar energy development, there needs to be more analysis to explore what energy transitions mean for the future of agriculture. This article uses the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus framework to delineate three different perspectives of solar energy development on farmland. The first two perspectives fit into the FEW nexus language of “trade-offs” and “synergies” respectively, arguing that solar energy development either conflicts with agricultural land use and food security or, alternatively, that the two land uses can be co-located appropriately to create agrivoltaic systems. The third perspective is a compromise, arguing that solar energy - neither a complete trade-off to nor completely synergetic with continued agriculture - preserves farmland for future agricultural use. By analyzing these perspectives together, we further understand implications of solar energy development. While each of these perspectives is important, agrivoltaics has the greatest potential to play a positive role across both energy and agricultural transitions. Nonetheless, there are several key barriers to agrivoltaic development, including the need for sufficient access to water, local knowledge and appropriate agricultural resources, and sustained interest from solar energy developers. The development of agrivoltaics, and solar energy in general, should raise important political questions of land access and resource use.

Whole-Genome Sequence Insight into the Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacterium Priestia filamentosa Strain AZC66 Obtained from Zygophyllum coccineum Rhizosphere.

This study aimed to isolate, screen the plant-growth-enhancing features, and explore the whole-genome sequence of AZC66 isolated from the rhizosphere of Zygophyllum coccineum and determine its biostimulating effects on the growth of cowpea under greenhouse conditions. Salkowski reagent was used to measure AZC66's indole acetic acid production. AZC66's inorganic phosphate solubility on Pikovskaya agar was evaluated using tricalcium phosphate. The results indicated the ability of AZC66 to fix nitrogen, produce IAA (66.33 ± 0.44 μg mL-1), solubilize inorganic phosphate, and exhibit the activity of ACC deaminase (278.40 ± 21 mol -ketobutyrate mg-1 h-1). Cowpea's root and shoot dry weights were also significantly increased after in vitro inoculation with AZC66. The identity of AZC66 was confirmed as Priestia filamentosa, and 4840 genes were predicted in its genome. The gene sequences were compared against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, and the results showed that the top three pathways wherein the maximum number of genes are involved are signaling and cellular processes, genetic information processing, and carbohydrate metabolism. The genome sequencing of the strain AZC66 revealed a number of genes implicated in plant biostimulation activities such as nitrogen fixation (nifU), phytohormone synthesis (trpAB genes), phosphate solubilization (PhbCEF, pstABCS, and phoU), and siderophore formation (FbpA, feoAB, and fetB). The AZC66 genome contained numerous genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, nitrogen regulation, and the nitrate reduction pathway. The phenazine biosynthetic gene in AZC66 demonstrated biocontrol and soil survival properties. The trehalose synthesis genes in AZC66 may help plants resist osmotic and salt stress. The discovery of glycine betaine, cold shock, and heat shock protein genes demonstrated that AZC66 could withstand harsh conditions. AZC66 might be used to create robust, sustainable biological fertilizers for future agricultural use in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the predicted adaptable metabolic pathways might serve as the basis for potential biotechnological applications in agriculture and industry.

Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis.

The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.

Neonicotinoid pesticides and the perspectives of their use with respect to the toxicological properties (literature review)

The purpose of the Research. Analysis and generalization of current literature data on the toxicological properties of neon-icotinoid pesticides and the justification of their prospects for further use in view of human health hazards. Methods and Materials of the Research. Analytical methods were used in the work: collection of scientific information on the problem, analysis of the abstract database and scientific generalization of the obtained results. Results and Conclusions. On the basis of the analytical review of the current literature, data on the toxicological properties of neonicoti-noid pesticides are summarized and the prospects for their further use are substantiated. Information on toxicity results of pesticide active substances from neonicotinoid classifications has been systematized according to acute, short-term, long-term experiments and longterm animal effects studies, the values of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of neonicotinoids, which are established in Ukraine and in the countries of the European Union, Australia, Canada, are given. The consequences of human exposure to acute and chronic exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides have been considered. Based on the analysis of scientific data on the toxicological significance of neonicoti-noid pesticides for experimental animals and human health, it has been established that thiacloprid and acetamiprid have the most dangerous toxicological profile. Given the revealed endocrine disruptive properties of thiacloprid, it is a candidate for reassessment by the national regulatory authorities of the rules of application and possible replacement by safer alternative plant protection products. Acetamiprid is also of great concern because it is able to have a toxic effect on fetal development. Therefore, when assessing the potential danger of acetamiprid for humans and determining the prospects for future use in agriculture, it is necessary to consider its neurotoxic effect on posterity. Key Words: neonicotinoids, toxicological properties, danger, poisoning, human health.

Pectin/Chitosan/Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles: Efficient Carriers for Reducing Soil Sorption, Cytotoxicity, and Mutagenicity of Paraquat and Enhancing Its Herbicide Activity

As a potent herbicide capable of contaminating water and soil environments, paraquat, which is still widely used worldwide, is toxic to mammals, algae, aquatic animals, etc. Paraquat was loaded on novel nanoparticles composed of pectin, chitosan, and sodium tripolyphosphate (PEC/CS/TPP). The size, polydispersity index, and ζ potential of nanoparticles were characterized. Further assessments were carried out by SEM, AFM, FT-IR, and DSC. The encapsulation was highly efficient, and there was a delayed release pattern of paraquat. The encapsulated herbicide was less toxic to alveolar and mouth cell lines. Moreover, the mutagenicity of the formulation was significantly lower than those of pure or commercial forms of paraquat in a Salmonella typhimurium strain model. The soil sorption of paraquat and the deep soil penetration of the nanoparticle-associated herbicide were also decreased. The herbicidal activity of paraquat for maize or mustard was not only preserved but also enhanced after encapsulation. It was concluded that paraquat encapsulation with PEC/CS/TPP nanoparticles is highly efficient and the formulation has significant herbicide activity. It is less toxic to human environment and cells, as was evidenced by less soil sorption, cytotoxicity, and mutagenicity. Hence, paraquat-loaded PEC/CS/TPP nanoparticles have potential advantages for future use in agriculture.

Corrigendum: An EU Perspective on Biosafety Considerations for Plants Developed by Genome Editing and Other New Genetic Modification Techniques (nGMs).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00031.].

An EU Perspective on Biosafety Considerations for Plants Developed by Genome Editing and Other New Genetic Modification Techniques (nGMs).

The question whether new genetic modification techniques (nGM) in plant development might result in non-negligible negative effects for the environment and/or health is significant for the discussion concerning their regulation. However, current knowledge to address this issue is limited for most nGMs, particularly for recently developed nGMs, like genome editing, and their newly emerging variations, e.g., base editing. This leads to uncertainties regarding the risk/safety-status of plants which are developed with a broad range of different nGMs, especially genome editing, and other nGMs such as cisgenesis, transgrafting, haploid induction or reverse breeding. A literature survey was conducted to identify plants developed by nGMs which are relevant for future agricultural use. Such nGM plants were analyzed for hazards associated either (i) with their developed traits and their use or (ii) with unintended changes resulting from the nGMs or other methods applied during breeding. Several traits are likely to become particularly relevant in the future for nGM plants, namely herbicide resistance (HR), resistance to different plant pathogens as well as modified composition, morphology, fitness (e.g., increased resistance to cold/frost, drought, or salinity) or modified reproductive characteristics. Some traits such as resistance to certain herbicides are already known from existing GM crops and their previous assessments identified issues of concern and/or risks, such as the development of herbicide resistant weeds. Other traits in nGM plants are novel; meaning they are not present in agricultural plants currently cultivated with a history of safe use, and their underlying physiological mechanisms are not yet sufficiently elucidated. Characteristics of some genome editing applications, e.g., the small extent of genomic sequence change and their higher targeting efficiency, i.e., precision, cannot be considered an indication of safety per se, especially in relation to novel traits created by such modifications. All nGMs considered here can result in unintended changes of different types and frequencies. However, the rapid development of nGM plants can compromise the detection and elimination of unintended effects. Thus, a case-specific premarket risk assessment should be conducted for nGM plants, including an appropriate molecular characterization to identify unintended changes and/or confirm the absence of unwanted transgenic sequences.

Invited review: Breeding and ethical perspectives on genetically modified and genome edited cattle

The hot topic of genetic modification and genome editing is sometimes presented as a rapid solution to various problems in the field of animal breeding and genetics. These technologies hold potential for future use in agriculture but we need to be aware of difficulties in large-scale application and integration in breeding schemes. In this review, we discuss applications of both classical genetic modifications (GM) using vectors and genome editing in dairy cattle breeding. We use an interdisciplinary approach considering both ethical and animal breeding perspectives. Decisions on how to make use of these techniques need to be made based not only on what is possible, but on what is reasonable to do. Principles of animal integrity, naturalness, risk perception, and animal welfare issues are examples of ethically relevant factors to consider. These factors also influence public perception and decisions about regulations by authorities. We need to acknowledge that we lack complete understanding of the genetic background of complex traits. It may be difficult, therefore, to predict the full effect of certain modifications in large-scale breeding programs. We present 2 potential applications: genome editing to dispense with dehorning, and insertion of human genes in bovine genomes to improve udder health as an example of classical GM. Both of these cases could be seen as beneficial for animal welfare but they differ in other aspects. In the former case, a genetic variant already present within the species is introduced, whereas in the latter case, transgenic animals are generated-this difference may influence how society regards the applications. We underline that the use of GM, as well as genome editing, of farm animals such as cattle is not independent of the context, and should be considered as part of an entire process, including, for example, the assisted reproduction technology that needs to be used. We propose that breeding organizations and breeding companies should take an active role in ethical discussions about the use of these techniques and thereby signal to society that these questions are being responsibly addressed.

An Enquiry into Equity Impact of Groundwater Markets in the Context of Subsidised Energy Pricing: A Case Study

In India, groundwater over-extraction is often linked with subsidized electricity in the agricultural sector. Proponents of electricity subsidy argue that such a subsidy helped even the resource-poor farmers to have had access to groundwater irrigation. This article explores inter- and intra-generational equity implications of groundwater markets in the context of subsidized electricity where the market enables even non-well owners to access groundwater for irrigation. The study is based on survey data collected from two districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The sample includes farmers who use electricity- and diesel-powered pumps to lift groundwater. The structure of the existing water market is examined through the determination of the water price–cost ratio. The article finds that, in the short run, water markets improve accessibility to groundwater irrigation, particularly for marginal and small farmers. With the help of this, farmers are able to mitigate water-scarcity-related vulnerabilities. However, in the long run, electricity subsidy may have negative dynamic implications by causing over-exploitation of groundwater that reduces the volume of groundwater available for future agricultural use. In other words, this article finds that, in the initial phases of the development of the water markets, there are intra-generational equity implications. However, in the advanced phases, the unsustainable extraction of groundwater could lead to inter-generational inequities.

Effect of cactus pear cultivation after Mediterranean maquis on soil carbon stock, δ13C spatial distribution and root turnover

Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by nearly complete replacement of natural vegetation by intensive croplands and orchards leading to strong soil degradation. Organic carbon is usually accumulated in soils under maquis leading to partial regeneration of fertility for future agricultural use. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of land use change from maquis to agriculture on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and its spatial distribution in a Mediterranean system. Three Mediterranean land use systems (seminatural vegetation, cactus pear crop and olive grove) were selected in Sicily and analysed for soil C stocks and their δ13C. Total SOC and δ13C were measured up to 75cm soil depth within and between the rows of cactus pear and olive grove and along a similar transect in maquis, in order to evaluate the distribution of new and old C derived from roots. The land use change from Mediterranean maquis (C3 plant) to cactus pear (CAM plant) lead to a SOC decrease of 65% after 28years of cultivation, and a further decrease for 14% after 7years after the change from cactus pear to olive grove (C3 plant). Considering these SOC losses as well as the periods after the land use changes we calculated the mean residence time (MRT) of soil organic matter. The MRT of C under Mediterranean maquis was about 142years, but was just 10years under cactus pear. Root biomass of cactus pear was used for a new approach to estimate root turnover. The root turnover rate of cactus decreased along the soil profile from 7.1% per year in 0–15cm to 3.7% in 60–75cm soil depth. Along the transect, the average of root turnover values was highest in the middle of the intra-row. Root turnover and C input were correlated with SOC stocks to evaluate C sequestration potential of soils depending on land use and managements. We conclude that the SOC under maquis is higher and has longer residence time compared to permanent agricultural crops like cactus pear and olives.

Изучение сортов озимых пшенично-пырейных гибридов, созданных методом отдаленной гибридизации

В статье рассмотрены результаты работы по отдаленной гибридизации пшеницы. Показано, что современные сорта озимых пшенично-пырейных гибридов, полученные методом отдаленной гибридизации, не уступают стандартным сортам озимой мягкой пшеницы по продуктивности и показателям качества зерна и перспективны для дальнейшего использования в производстве.

Genetic Distinctiveness of the Herdwick Sheep Breed and Two Other Locally Adapted Hill Breeds of the UK

There is considerable interest in locally adapted breeds of livestock as reservoirs of genetic diversity that may provide important fitness traits for future use in agriculture. In marginal areas, these animals contribute to food security and extract value from land unsuitable for other systems of farming. In England, close to 50% of the national sheep flock is farmed on grassland designated as disadvantaged areas for agricultural production. Many of these areas are in the uplands, where some native breeds of sheep continue to be commercially farmed only in highly localised geographical regions to which they are adapted. This study focuses on three of these breeds, selected for their adaptation to near identical environments and their geographical concentration in regions close to one another. Our objective has been to use retrotyping, microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms to explore the origins of the breeds and whether, despite their similar adaptations and proximity, they are genetically distinctive. We find the three breeds each have a surprisingly different pattern of retrovirus insertions into their genomes compared with one another and with other UK breeds. Uniquely, there is a high incidence of the R0 retrotype in the Herdwick population, characteristic of a primitive genome found previously in very few breeds worldwide and none in the UK mainland. The Herdwick and Rough Fells carry two rare retroviral insertion events, common only in Texels, suggesting sheep populations in the northern uplands have a historical association with the original pin-tail sheep of Texel Island. Microsatellite data and analyses of SNPs associated with RXFP2 (horn traits) and PRLR (reproductive performance traits) also distinguished the three breeds. Significantly, an SNP linked to TMEM154, a locus controlling susceptibility to infection by Maedi-Visna, indicated that all three native hill breeds have a lower than average risk of infection to the lentivirus.

Agricultural recovery of a formerly radioactive area: II. Systematic proteomic characterization of flax seed development in the remediated Chernobyl area

Molecular characterization of crop plants grown in remediated, formerly radioactive, areas could establish a framework for future agricultural use of these areas. Recently, we have established a quantitative reference map for mature flax seed proteins (Linum usitatissimum L.) harvested from a remediated plot in Chernobyl town. Herein we describe results from our ongoing studies of this subject, and provide a proteomics-based characterization of developing flax seeds harvested from same field. A quantitative approach, based on 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and tandem mass spectrometry, yielded expression profiles for 379 2-DE spots through seed development. Despite the paucity of genomic resources for flax, the identity for 102 proteins was reliably determined. These proteins were sorted into 11 metabolic functional classes. Proteins of unknown function comprise the largest group, and displayed a pattern of decreased abundance throughout seed development. Analysis of the composite expression profiles for metabolic protein classes revealed specific expression patterns during seed development. For example, there was an overall decrease in abundance of the glycolytic enzymes during seed development.

Brazil nut conservation through shifting cultivation

The regeneration of Brazil nut trees depends on tree-fall gaps in the forest. However, shifting cultivation fallows also create comparable biotic and abiotic opportunities for the dispersion and establishment of this gap-loving species. At the same time, the ability of Brazil nut trees to resprout enables fallow individuals to survive successive slash-and-burn cycles. Recognizing the importance of shifting cultivation for the food security of forest dwellers, we investigated whether the high level of Brazil nut regeneration found in cultivation fallows could be explained by the resprouting capability of Brazil nut trees, the number of cultivation cycles, past agricultural use and distance to the nearest conspecific productive adults. We found that the Brazil nut tree population density increased from 8.86treesha−1 to 13.69treesha−1 and 27.09treesha−1 at sites after one, two and three or more shifting cultivation cycles, respectively. As a consequence of resprouting, after a certain number of shifting cultivation cycles, the fallows become dominated by Brazil nut trees, and the landholders may decide to preserve them and to exclude enriched sites from future agricultural use. Protected for their extractive value, the secondary forests spontaneously enriched with Brazil nut trees are allowed to develop into nut-producing forests that have reduced chances of conversion into crops or pastures, thus reversing the classical process of Amazon forest degradation.

Characterization of Solid Digestates: Part 1, Review of Existing Indicators to Assess Solid Digestates Agricultural Use

Anaerobic digestion of organic wastes is clearly encouraged by current regulations in Europe. In complement to the energy supply it represents, this biological treatment process also allows the recycling of organic matter and nutrients contained in biodegradable wastes. Indeed the digestion residue can be further promoted as soil improver or fertilizer. The sustainability of anaerobic digestion plants partly depends on the management of these digestion residues. Digestates present particular characteristics that can reduce their direct agricultural valorization and minimize by the way the benefit of such a biological treatment. Thus the first part of this two part paper aims at reviewing and discussing a wide range of biochemical, biological and physical indicators used to assess the agronomic quality of organic products and the feasibility of an aerobic treatment by composting. The definition of agronomic quality is very complex and no single parameter can be picked out to assess the quality of solid digestates coming from different sources. A relevant choice of these parameters will lead to state on digestates agricultural use, whether they can be directly used on soil after digestion or if they need a composting post-treatment before utilization. The second part of this two part paper will choose indicators to characterize several digestates in order to assess their future agricultural use.

The value of the option to preserve farm real estate

Agricultural conservation easements consist of deed restrictions that landowners voluntarily place on their farm real estate for any number of reasons including the permanent restriction of development. Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) programs exist in many States and are used to ensure farm real estate is available for future agricultural use as well as a policy mechanism to control development. Much like the landowner’s development option, preservation is a real option exercised at the discretion of the landowner. An analytic contingent claims model is presented to value the landowner’s preservation option. An empirical analysis of the model indicates that the option to delay preservation can have significant value.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF POLICY OPTIONS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES: AN ALTERNATIVE‐FUTURES APPROACH

Alternative‐futures analysis was used to analyze different scenarios of future growth patterns and attendant resource allocations on the agricultural system of Oregon's Willamette River Basin. A stakeholder group formulated three policy alternatives: a continuation of current trends, an increased reliance on market forces to determine land use, and an increased emphasis on environmental restoration programs. To model the alternative scenarios first required the development of a spatial representation of the current agricultural system. Next, rules and constraints based on the three policy scenarios were formulated. Then a spatially explicit, multi‐attribute, decision‐making model was used to model changes in agricultural land cover and land use. This procedure generated three future landscapes, each depicting an alternative state of the agricultural system in the year 2050. Finally, the agronomic and environmental condition of each agricultural system was evaluated by using landscape metrics and screening models. The results show that the type and amount of farmland conversion were the scenario elements that most distinguished the future agricultural landscapes. By continuing current land use policies, nearly all of the existing farmland was conserved for future agricultural use, while both the market‐driven and environmental restoration scenarios converted 15% or more of the agricultural land to other uses. The use of farmland for vegetation restoration activities was particularly successful in improving riparian habitat, while habitat quality over the region showed widespread improvement. The patterns of crop selection in each future followed general trends, but with variations among scenarios as crop selection decisions adapted to changing field and basin conditions.