Green Agriculture Research Articles

The future of sustainable farming: An evolutionary game framework for the promotion of agricultural green production technologies

In the context of global climate change and increasing population, transitioning to resource-efficient, environmentally friendly agricultural technologies is essential for sustainability. In this context, the present study is anchored in the theories of information asymmetry and bounded rationality. It constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model under market mechanisms and government guidance, facing the challenges of promoting green agricultural technologies among multiple actors. This model explores the strategic choices and dynamic evolution of these actors under economic incentives and risk perception. The objective of the research is to reveal the dynamic evolutionary trends of stakeholder behavior under different policy intervention conditions and how governments can propel the promotion of green agricultural production technologies through policy instruments. To encompass the impact of historical decisions on the evolutionary process of green technology dissemination, this study employs a Delay Differential Equations (DDE) algorithm that considers historical time lags in its numerical simulations. Through stability analysis and DDE numerical simulations, the research identifies factors influencing the promotion of green agricultural production technologies. The findings indicate that under market mechanisms, there is a risk of “market failure” in the dissemination model of green agricultural technologies. Government participation can provide external incentive support, effectively enhancing the stability and efficiency of the evolutionary game system for promoting green technologies. Simulation results further suggest that government intervention can significantly improve the stability and efficiency of technology promotion. Economies of scale, initial willingness, risk perception, and subsidy intensity are decisive factors in technology adoption. Consequently, policymakers are advised to formulate precise and multifaceted subsidy strategies based on the varying needs of different actors, to stimulate engagement, reduce risk, and encourage widespread adoption of green technologies. This study lays a theoretical groundwork for smallholders and family farms to overcome technology adoption barriers, crucial for sustainable agricultural development. It provides a framework for understanding and addressing these challenges, guiding policymakers in crafting effective green agriculture policies to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.

Study of the Impact of New Rural Cooperatives on the Implementation of the Rural Revitalisation Strategy

This study aims to explore the impact of new rural cooperatives on the implementation of China's rural revitalisation strategy, focusing on the roles and challenges of new cooperatives in promoting agricultural modernisation, facilitating the optimisation of socio-economic structures, and achieving an ecological civilisation. Through literature review, case study analysis and field research, this study comprehensively assesses the importance and impact of new rural cooperatives in rural revitalisation. The study finds that new rural cooperatives have significantly improved agricultural productivity and product quality and contributed to agricultural modernisation by pooling farmers' efforts and introducing modern agricultural technologies and management models. These cooperatives have also contributed to the optimisation of rural socio-economic structures by providing employment opportunities, skills training and increasing farmers' incomes. In addition, co-operatives have demonstrated a positive role in promoting rural ecological environment protection and sustainable development, such as promoting green agriculture, conserving resources and protecting the ecological environment. At the same time, this study also points out the challenges faced by new rural co-operatives in the process of development, including management and operational efficiency, market adaptability, balance between environmental protection and sustainable development, fund raising and resource allocation. In response to these challenges, the study proposes a series of countermeasures, such as strengthening the internal management of cooperatives, broadening market channels, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, enhancing the effective use of funds and resources, and strengthening policy support and guidance. Overall, new rural cooperatives play an important role in promoting rural revitalisation strategies, and their successful experiences and challenges are of great reference value in guiding the implementation of rural revitalisation strategies. Through an in-depth study of new rural cooperatives, this paper provides practical insights and suggestions for policymakers, cooperative managers and rural development researchers.

Farmland Rental Market, Outsourcing Services Market and Agricultural Green Productivity: Implications for Multiple Forms of Large-Scale Management

Large-scale management is the key to realizing long-term agricultural growth in smallholder countries. Land-scale management and service-scale management are two forms of agricultural large-scale management. The former is committed to changing the small-scale management pattern, but the latter tends to maintain it. There has been a lack of discussion and controversy about the relationship between the two. From the perspective of market maturity, this paper explores whether the two are complementary or mutually exclusive and how their complementary or mutually exclusive relationship affects agricultural green productivity. The results show the following: Land-scale management and service-scale management are complementary, not superficially contradictory. The benign interaction between the two has a consistent improvement effect on green productivity in both the short and long term, which has spatial spillovers appearing in the long term. The reasons are as follows: The farmland rental market can reverse the inhibitory effect of the current low-maturity outsourcing services market on green productivity. The outsourcing services market can delay the arrival of the inflection point beyond which expansion of farmland rental transactions reduces green productivity, and amplify the positive effect of farmland rental on it. Although the degree of benign interaction between the two forms of large-scale management has gradually increased in recent years, it is still low overall. Agricultural large-scale management in China is still in the stage driven by land-scale management. Smallholder countries such as China need not worry prematurely about which large-scale management path to take, and they should treat both forms of large-scale management with an equal perspective to accelerate the high-level interaction between them.

The Impact of Technological Innovation on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: The Mediating Role of Environmental Regulation in China

This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman test, and Bootstrap methods, the findings are robust: technological innovation significantly enhances AGTFP, as evidenced by a 1% level significant coefficient of 0.030. Additionally, ER acts as a potent mediator, where its inclusion as an independent variable alongside agricultural technological innovation (AST) boosts the coefficient to 0.031, further confirming its synergistic effect on AGTFP. These data points underline the importance of innovation in agricultural sustainability and the reinforcing role of environmental regulation. Consequently, this study advocates for intensified agricultural innovation support, tailored environmental regulation policies, augmented environmental education, and a meticulous evaluation system for environmental legislation to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Green Farming: Practice of Agroforestry as Response to Climate Variability and Strategy for Farm Income Diversification in Kafa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Agroforestry farming is a crucial agricultural practice that has been the indigenous economic activity of tropical areas since early times. In addition to its financial advantages, this economic activity plays a significant role in environmental conservation. The study's objective was to evaluate the spread and content of agroforestry practices for raising farm income and climate adaptation in the Kafa Zone of southwest Ethiopia. To address the objective of this study, a survey design was used. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select sample. Approximately 375 sample households were surveyed. In addition, interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and observation were used during this study for the collection of data. As the study results showed, the hectares of land use under agroforestry were vary among the study kebeles. There was a significant difference among the study areas regarding land use size under agroforestry (F2 was 11.869, and sign was 0.03). In addition, the study revealed diversified agroforestry with crop species were found in home garden agroforestry. Similarly, the variability of the tree species per plot in agroforestry land use was significantly associated with the agroecology of the study area (p<0.05), which was greater varieties in the Dega agroecological area than in the Kola area. The main challenges to the practices of diversification of agroforestry in the study area were issues related with market accessibility, climate, wildlife, and agricultural policy. About 86.4% of the farmers surveyed indicated that there were limitations on support or government help for seedlings. To conclude, the agroforestry farm implementation in the study was related to indigenous knowledge-based practice, which was highly focus on coffee and gardens. To improve and implement sound agroforestry practices, the concerning body needs to strengthen a policy and plan that initiates diverse species in agroforestry practices.

Green Finance Initiatives to Improve Green Banking Practices in India

Green Finance Initiatives to Improve Green Banking Practices in India

Research on the Evolution of the Spatial Association Network Structure and Driving Factors of China’s Agricultural Green Development

Against the backdrop of global environmental challenges and sustainable development goals, this paper pioneers the application of social network analysis to the study of spatial associations in China’s agricultural green development. It not only enhances the understanding of the spatial interconnectivity and network structural characteristics of agricultural green developments, but also captures the complex dependencies and interactions among provinces through a network lens, offering a fresh perspective on regional agricultural cooperation and competition. The study reveals: (1) The spatial network of China’s agricultural green development displays strong overall connectivity and enhanced stability, with regional green development trends becoming increasingly interlinked and interdependent. (2) The network exhibits a clear hierarchical and core-periphery structure which, over time, shows signs of diminishing, indicating a narrowing of developmental disparities among regions. (3) Significant shifts in the roles and positions of provinces within the network occur due to the relocation of industrial focal points and adjustments in development strategies, highlighting the complexity of dynamic changes among regions. (4) The spatial association network can be divided into four main clusters: Net spillover block, Bidirectional spillover block, Net beneficial block, and Broker block, with significant gradient characteristics in the relationships between these clusters, suggesting directional and differential flows and exchanges of resources and information among regions. (5) Geographic proximity, economic development level, informatization, and agricultural technological advancement significantly influenced the development and structural evolution of the network.

Research on the Coupling between the Development Level and Efficiency of Green Agriculture in China

Accurately measuring the green development status of China's agriculture is of great significance for promoting the transformation of agricultural development modes, promoting green agricultural development models, and forming a sustainable modern agricultural production system. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific reference and practical guidance for the implementation of China's agricultural modernization and sustainable development strategy through in-depth analysis of the coupling between the development level of green agriculture in China and production efficiency. It has important theoretical and practical value for promoting the construction of agricultural ecological civilization. This article first analyzes the current situation and development efficiency of green agriculture in China. Then, the coupling between the development level and efficiency of green agriculture in China was analyzed. Finally, propose countermeasures and suggestions.

The Impact of the Rural Digital Economy on Agricultural Green Development and Its Mechanism: Empirical Evidence from China

Agricultural green development represents an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient agricultural model, and it is a key way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. With the rapid rise of the digital economy, its influence is gradually spreading from urban to rural areas, and it has played a significant and far-reaching role in promoting the green transformation of agriculture. This paper employs the entropy weight method to measure the level of digital economy and agricultural green development in rural areas in 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2012 to 2021 and analyzes the relationship between the two and the mechanisms behind it. The research results show that (1) the rural digital economy significantly promotes agricultural green development. (2) With the enhancement of agricultural green development, the impact of the rural digital economy on it initially increases and then declines. (3) The rural digital economy fosters agricultural green development by advancing agricultural technology, easing credit constraints, and promoting agricultural industry agglomeration. (4) Environmental regulation intensifies the positive influence of the rural digital economy on agricultural green development. This research significantly enhances our understanding of the mechanism by which the rural digital economy facilitates agricultural green development. It offers empirical evidence and recommendations for the government to formulate and implement effective policies to advance agricultural green transformation in the context of digital economy trends.

Boosting Capsicum annuum Growth Through Non-native Endophytic Bacterial Consortium

Abstract Organic and natural sources of bio-stimulant have a great expectancy to boost green agriculture practices for sustainable, safe, and smart cultivation of crops. In that regard, beneficial endophytic bacteria have great potential. They have unique features in promoting plant growth by colonizing and establishing well in plant roots. In this study, endophytes isolated from the roots of moringa, neem, sesbania, and chilli were screened for crop’s growth-enhancing activities, such as phosphorus (P) solubilization, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic-acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) production, and indole-acetic acid (IAA) production. The phosphorus solubilization, indole-acetic acid production, and ACC deaminase production values fall in the range of 55–88 ppm, 20–164 ppm, and 0.317–0.375 mM, respectively. Chilli seeds’ three highest vigor index (VI) values were attained by MR10 (12,457 VI), MR3 (9450 VI), and MR13 (8730 VI). MR13 showed the highest seed germination energy (221%), followed by MR1 (178%) and MR3 (156%). The promising endophytes were tested on chilli seedlings as single and mixed inoculum treatments to study the efficiency of root colonization. Mixed cultures containing CKR8 and MR13 exhibited the highest seedling height (17.0 cm), followed by MR13, MR10, and MR13 (16.8 cm) compared to the control (12.6 cm). A single culture of MR10 (109.0 g and 13.53 cm2) and a mixed culture of MR10 and MR13 (100.0 g and 13.09 cm2) showed the maximum root length and surface area, respectively. The highest relative chlorophyll content was recorded by MR10 and MR13 (40.3 SPAD value), followed by MR13, MR3, and CKR8 (36.8 SPAD value). The non-native endophytic bacteria, MR13, Streptomyces panaciradicis (GenBank accession no. OM001090), and MR3, Bacillus subtilis (GenBank accession no. OM714810), could colonize the roots and improve the growth of chilli at the seedling growth stage. Graphical Abstract

Study of Humic Acid Organic Liquid Mulching Film on Promoting Green Agriculture Development

Mulching film is an important measure to promote agricultural production income and increase, the current widely used plastic mulching film has high stability, difficult to decompose, resulting in "agricultural white pollution", the development and application of degradable mulching film has become a solution. This case focuses on the study of organic multifunctional liquid mulching film with humic acid as the main raw material, which plays a unique role in promoting biological activity and soil improvement, the application of "liquid" spray film, the integration of fertilizer, pesticides, mulching film in one multi-functional comprehensive effect, to clarify its functional characteristics, alternative feasibility and the promotion of green agricultural development, and put forward the existing problems and countermeasures. This paper provides technical support and practical demonstration for the elimination of exogenous pollutants in farmland, and looks forward to the broad application prospects of this liquid mulch film in environmental protection and other aspects.

The Impact of Agricultural Mechanization on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity and its Promotion Prospect

From the perspective of rural revitalization, efforts to improve agricultural green total factor productivity is the key to achieve high-quality and efficient development of agricultural economy, and also an important starting point for building a modern agricultural power and Promoting Rural Revitalization Strategy. Based on the survey data of six cities in Northern Anhui, combined with the needs of green sustainable agricultural development and ecological civilization construction, SEM model and decision tree model were established to analyze the factors affecting the improvement of agricultural green total factor productivity, and explore the prospect and attitude of residents in six cities in Northern Anhui to the improvement of agricultural green total factor productivity. Finally, the paper puts forward targeted policy suggestions from six aspects of policy support, resource integration, technology transformation, public participation, environmental protection and market guidance, aiming to explore the feasible path for improving agricultural green total factor productivity in the six cities in Northern Anhui.

Innovative Models of Green Entrepreneurship: Social Impact on Sustainable Development of Local Economies

Introduction. Green entrepreneurship has become a powerful new force, driving sustainability and promoting economic development within local economies. This research explains how small-scale green entrepreneurship activity has its desired role in environmentally affected matters and any economic grow-ups from the low ends.
 Aims and tasks. The study aims to analyze green entrepreneurship models and highlight successful initiatives in various regions, including those related to solar energy, green agriculture and green product development startups, to understand the impact related to social, economic and environmental factors.
 Results. The findings in the research indicate that creativity is an important business strategy, partnerships in the strategic plan, application of technology and capturing communities in driving green entrepreneurship. As such, the study discovered that business models were continuously associated with the creation of jobs, and in average 15,000 new jobs per region were created. North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America contributed significantly. Thus, as well as through strategic partnerships and technology adoption, it has contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions by an average of 60,000 tons a year across all regions. The success of green entrepreneurship models is analyzed using empirical case studies and real-life examples to bring out core issues requiring action and offer recommendations to policy makers, investors, and entrepreneurs on how to implement green business models further.
 Conclusions. The research underlines the dynamic capability of green startups to solve environmental issues along with its shifting economy and community interface. An essential role of green entrepreneurs is the ability to use creative mindsets together with progressive tie-ups. This therefore engenders positive change and leads the way to a more equal and sustainable world. Going further, all critical characters in the area must still be inspired and enlightened to launch more green entrepreneurship initiatives to provide more significant influence on transitioning to a more sustainable society.

Viability of Medium-Scale Vermicompost Plant: a Case Study in Kushtia, Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, vermicomposting has been a popular environmentally friendly composting technique, primarily at small-scale levels. However, few studies have explored the feasibility of medium to large-scale operations. This study establishes a medium-scale vermicompost fertilizer plant in Kushtia, Bangladesh, processing 30 tons of waste monthly to produce 10 tons of fertilizer. Utilizing cow dung from nearby dairy farms and 0.1 million red worms (Eisenia foetida), the experiment runs for three cycles of 120 days each without indoor environmental controls. Over a year, the worm population quadruples to over 0.4 million. Lab tests confirm the fertilizer's pH level (7.69) and nutrient ratios (e.g., 1.792% nitrogen, 0.5217% phosphorus, and 1.514% potassium). The paper includes a cost-benefit analysis, suggesting the viability of such medium-scale setups for green farming in rural Bangladesh.

Synergistic role of agriculture production, fertilizer use, tourism, and renewable energy on CO2 emissions in South Asia: A static and dynamic analysis

The most crucial industries for growth, particularly in developing countries, are agriculture, tourism, and the fertilizer industry. These businesses are also linked to environmental deterioration. The current study uses empirical research to inspect the links between carbon dioxide (CO2) secretions and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) progression, government expenditure, tourism, fertilizer usage, renewable and non-renewable energies, and agricultural production. Information commencing from six South Asian nations is used to produce the findings between 1991 and 2019. Following the establishment of stationary and cointegration, a static analysis using a Fixed Effect and Random Effect Model and a dynamic analysis using a One Step Difference and System GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) are performed. This article employs Mean Group (MG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) approaches to increase robustness, while multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and Cross-Sectional Dependency (CSD) are used for post-estimation. According to the study, the selected South Asian region's agricultural, fertilizer use, non-renewable energy use, tourism, GDP growth, and government spending all result in a rise in CO2 emissions, while using clean energy reduces those emissions and is crucial to reducing those emissions. The study offers some policy ramifications concerning green farming and tourism.

Engineered biodegradable nanopesticides for efficient leaf deposition and plant fungicides

AbstractPesticides are indispensable in agricultural development, but their effectiveness is often hindered by natural factors like rain‐off and degradation. Herein, tebuconazole nanopesticides (TEB NPs) with leaf‐adhesive, water‐stable, and small‐sized were successfully prepared by flash nanoprecipitation using the biodegradable polyethylene glycol‐b‐poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) as a carrier. The nanopesticides could be efficiently deposited on plant leaves with uniform distribution and exhibited a 14° lower contact angle with foliage compared to commercial suspensions. The encapsulation of TEB within the polymer enhanced its resistance to photolysis, resulting in a 5‐h extension of its half‐life. TEB NPs were readily taken up by fungi and plants, thereby enhancing fungicidal efficacy. This nanopesticide could achieve the desired antifungal effect with reduced dosage and improved pesticide utilization. Therefore, the work is expected to provide a simple nanoplatform for improving pesticide utilization and promoting green agriculture.

Evaluation and obstacle factors diagnosis of Agriculture Green Development level in China’s Yangtze River Basin based on the DPSIR framework

Evaluation and obstacle factors diagnosis of Agriculture Green Development level in China’s Yangtze River Basin based on the DPSIR framework

How Does Developing Green Agriculture Affect Poverty? Evidence from China’s Prefecture-Level Cities

Eradicating poverty and improving human well-being are pivotal objectives for achieving global sustainable development. Sustainable agriculture, as a key domain, plays a crucial role in addressing poverty. However, to date, there remains insufficient research on the specific impact of agricultural green development on poverty. To bridge this gap, we utilize panel data from 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2022 to explore how agricultural green development affects poverty based on constructing a regional multidimensional poverty index and an index of green agriculture. Our study reveals that agricultural green development effectively reduces poverty, particularly in regions of deep poverty and the eastern part of China. Further mediating analysis indicates the alleviation of poverty by agricultural green development through the infrastructure, the industrial structure, and the green technology innovation effect. Our findings offer valuable insights for informing policies on agricultural green development and poverty reduction, as well as for improving government resource allocation and strengthening resilience in impoverished areas. By deepening our understanding of the link between green agriculture and poverty, this research significantly contributes to global agricultural sustainability and expedites poverty eradication worldwide.

The Effects of Annual Compost Addition to Agricultural Green Roofs on Runoff Water Quality

Space availability is one of the largest barriers to urban agriculture. One way around this issue that urban farmers in some parts of the world are exploring is moving their farming activities to building rooftops. One method of rooftop farming in use is row agriculture using green roof technology. Vegetable crop plants, which typically require more water and more nutrients than the ornamental species found on green roofs, require irrigation and the use of fertilizers. One nutrient management practice that some rooftop farmers are using is the addition of compost, which could lead to changes over time in the water-holding capacity, organic matter content, and weight of green roof media. This practice and its long-term implications have not been well-studied. Green roof platforms were created to examine how the annual additions of compost in quantities of 0, 0.33, 0.66, and 1 kg/m2 affect runoff water quality and green roof media properties. Runoff water samples were collected and analyzed for pH, conductivity, color, turbidity, and nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, and potassium contents. Compost treatment had no effect on any water quality metric except for color, which had slightly different changes over time in the different compost treatments. The lack of difference among the treatments may be attributed to the low nutrient content of the compost and continued use of fertilizers to provide nutrients. Most samples observed in this study exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency water quality guidelines for nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus and were similar to values observed in the green roof literature regarding agricultural and ornamental green roofs. This has potential implications for surface water quality and eutrophication, especially as green roof agriculture increases.

Discuss on the Construction of Digital Rural Revitalization Information Service Platform in the New Era

If we want to assume digital rural areas, the focus must be on industrial prosperity, adhere to quality first, green agriculture, and take the structural reform of the agricultural supply side as a guide to further promote the construction speed of modern agricultural industrial system, management system, and production system, thereby improving agricultural productivity, competitiveness, and innovation, and promoting the realization of an agricultural power. In the new era, the system engineering of digital rural projects is relatively complex. It is necessary to adopt advanced system engineering ideas and methods, arrange top-level design, institutional setting, innovative technology, talent cultivation, and optimize operation modes, in order to achieve an information service platform and achieve digital rural revitalization.