Implications For Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Linking phosphorus fertility to soil microbial diversity and network complexity in citrus orchards: Implications for sustainable agriculture

Continuous input of chemical fertilizers causes soil acidification, land degradation, and water eutrophication, but its impact on soil microbial communities and co-occurrence patterns of microboes is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of chemical fertilizer on bacterial community diversity and ecological network at 75 citrus sites in a watershed where chemical fertilizer is continuously applied. In addition, 25 natural forest sites adjacent to citrus sites were used as references to compare the potential effects of land conversion from natural forests to citrus orchards on soil bacterial diversity and microbial network. The results showed that the cultivation of citrus results in soil phosphorus (P) accumulation, with significantly higher available and mineral-bound phosphate contents than those found in soils of natural forests. Citrus soil average soil available P was 73.2 mg/kg, which was 20 times higher than that in forest soils. As the P content accumulates, soil bacterial Shannon index linearly decreases from 7.06 to 5.93 and is significantly lower than that of adjacent natural forest soils (7.13). Low P fertility soils have higher microbial network complexity and stability, containing more microbial communities and tighter relationships between microbes compared to higher P fertility soils. Soil P content and soil pH regulates soil microbial network complexity and stability. In addition, soil bacterial community structure in soils of natural forests is significantly different from that in citrus soils, and the bacterial community structure in high P soils is different from that in medium and low P soils. Soil P fertility reduces the relative abundance of dominant communities including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes, and also changes the relative abundance of some functional microbial communities, such as some phosphorus cycling microorganisms, including Acetobacteraceae and Beijerinckiaceae. In conclusion, soil phosphate accumulation severely alters soil bacterial community diversity, complexity, stability, and functionality. This could have negative impacts on soil functional stability and the sustainability of citrus orchards.

Insights into the germplasm conservation and utilization: Implications for sustainable agriculture and future crop improvement

Plant genetic resources are critical for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring food security. However, these resources face threats from factors such as habitat loss and climate change, with approximately 22% of plant species estimated to be at risk of extinction. To address this issue, both natural and biotechnological methods are being developed to preserve plant genetic resources, with germplasm being a key component. Germplasm contains the complete genetic information of a plant and can be stored for extended periods and replicated as required. The objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of preserving germplasm of endangered or near-extinct plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation methods. In situ conservation involves conserving species in their natural environment, while ex situ conservation includes using gene-seed banks and tissue culture to store genetic resources. These methods are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The study highlights the various ex situ conservation methods, including cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, farmer's fields, botanic gardens, genetic reserves, and slow-growing cultures, which are essential for preserving germplasm. Gene banks worldwide currently hold over 7.4 million accessions of crop genetic resources, demonstrating the value of germplasm conservation efforts. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characterization of related species is crucial for identifying endangered or vulnerable species that can diversify into new varieties or subspecies. In conclusion, prioritizing germplasm conservation efforts is crucial for meeting future demands while preserving endangered or vulnerable species. This will ensure that plant genetic resources remain available for future generations and that agricultural innovation can effectively address global food security challenges.

Enhancing crop resilience through thiamine: implications for sustainable agriculture in drought-stressed radish

During 21st century, abiotic stress has adversely affected the agriculture crop production around the globe. Keeping in view the food requirement under water shortage condition, a study was planned to investigate the effect of thiamine application on radish crop under drought stress conditions on plant. For study purpose, two varieties of locally available radish (‘Early-Milo’ and ‘Laal-Pari’) were grown with normal water application as well as thiamine (100 mg L-1) application while maintaining a stress condition (60% field capacity). Increasing water deficit stress linearly reduced plant growth, yield and biomass in both varieties by reducing water use efficiency, while significantly enhanced these attributes with thiamine application. Thiamine application under drought stress exerted significant impacts on physiological attributes in both varieties, including enhanced osmolytic attribute in drought conditions and improvements in superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in plant leaves. Antioxidant and osmoprotectant upregulation positively linked to radish crop's drought tolerance. Moreover, PCA and heatmap analysis revealed a significant interdependence among various traits and interconnected in determining the crop's capacity to sustain growth under conditions of drought stress. In crux, thiamine application conclusively enhances radish growth, yield, biomass, physio-chemical and osmolytic attributes, ionic composition and enzymatic antioxidant potential. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the application of thiamine in commercial agriculture practices to mitigate the negative effects of drought stress on radish crop production.

Unraveling the defensive strategies of camel thorn Alhagi maurorum medik. For thriving in arid and semi-arid environments

The study aimed to evaluate the role of morpho-physiological and anatomical attributes of Alhagi maurorum Medik. Populations from five water deficit regions in Punjab province, Pakistan, namely, Cholistan desert (KHP), Rajanpur (DGK), Thal (LYH), Patisar Lake (LAS), and Salt Range (WSM), in their adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions. The study sheds light on the adaptive components of various plant populations to cope with increasing dryness ratio. Arid populations [Khanpur-KHP (D = 44.91, P = 97.1 mm), Dera Ghazi Khan-DGK (D = 41.41, P = 105.3 mm), Layyah-LYH (D = 37.11, P = 117.5 mm) and Ladamsar-LAS (D = 34.83, P = 125.2 mm)] relied on larger roots and leaves, enhanced biomass production, ion accumulation, and photosynthetic pigments. It also encompassing larger root and stem cellular area, cortex and vascular region, thicker leaves, and numerous large stomata. Semi-arid populations display distinctive changes, such as longer shoots, higher root and shoot Na+ levels, organic osmolytes, thicker epidermis, and enlarged pith region in stems [Warcha Salt Mine-WSM (D = 8.70, P = 501 mm)]. These modifications at both structural and functional levels guarantee the survival and success of this species in challenging environmental conditionswhich will have implications for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and adaptation to climate change adaptation in arid and semi-arid regions.

Smart Strategies for Increasing Crop Productivity through Clonal Propagation

Clonal propagation, a technique widely used in agriculture, offers promising opportunities to enhance crop productivity and address the challenges of food security. This article presents smart strategies for maximizing crop yields through clonal propagation methods. It explores innovative approaches, advanced technologies, and key considerations for successful implementation. The article delves into the potential benefits of clonal propagation, such as genetic purity, uniformity, and disease resistance. Furthermore, it discusses emerging trends in clonal propagation research and their implications for sustainable agriculture.

Scientists’ warning on loss of insect biodiversity and implications for sustainable agriculture

Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Climate change is among the biggest environmental challenges, humans face in the 21st century. The most imminent climatic change in recent times is the increase in atmospheric temperatures due to increased levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), largely because of industrialization and burning of fossil fuels, etc. The term biodiversity is the short form of ‘biological diversity. As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), biodiversity means the variability among all living organisms from all sources including inter alia terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. Climate change is among the major environmental challenges for humans with catastrophic effects on faunal (especially insect) biodiversity and agricultural production. Insect biodiversity provides an array of indispensable services in agricultural production including pollination, nutrient recycling and natural control of pests. Special efforts are required for conserving and identifying insects and elucidating their role in ecosystem functioning. Intensive research, constant surveillance, early detection and rapid response are essential to face the emerging pest and disease threats to crop production. Insect Conservation, landscape heterogeneity, biological control and IPM are the keys to environmentally benign and climate-resilient crop protection for sustainable agricultural production in the future.

“Exogenous boron alleviates salt stress in cotton by maintaining cell wall structure and ion homeostasis”

Salt stress is considered one of the major abiotic stresses that impair agricultural production, while boron (B) is indispensable for plant cell composition and has also been found to alleviate salt stress. However, the regulatory mechanism of how B improves salt resistance via cell wall modification remains unknown. The present study primarily focused on investigating the mechanisms of B-mediated alleviation of salt stress in terms of osmotic substances, cell wall structure and components and ion homeostasis. The results showed that salt stress hindered plant biomass and root growth in cotton. Moreover, salt stress disrupted the morphology of the root cell wall as evidenced by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis. The presence of B effectively alleviated these adverse effects, promoting the accumulation of proline, soluble protein, and soluble sugar, while reducing the content of Na+ and Cl− and augmenting the content of K+ and Ca2+ in the roots. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated a decline in the crystallinity of roots cellulose. Boron supply also reduced the contents of chelated pectin and alkali-soluble pectin. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further affirmed that exogenous B led to a decline in cellulose accumulation. In conclusion, B offered a promising strategy for mitigating the adverse impact of salt stress and enhancing plant growth by countering osmotic and ionic stresses and modifying root cell wall components. This study may provide invaluable insights into the role of B in ameliorating the effects of salt stress on plants, which could have implications for sustainable agriculture.

Choice of varieties and organic-inorganic nutrient integrations in rainfed buckwheat can affect the performance of succeeding green gram grown on residual fertility

ABSTRACT Rainfed farming is a low-input agricultural practice that is vulnerable to environmental fluctuations. In this study, we tested a resilient low input cropping system of buckwheat and green gram under different integrated nutrient management schedules. Specifically, we investigated the effects of three buckwheat varieties and four nutrient management schedules on buckwheat and green gram grown yields on residual fertility. Our findings suggest that 50% organic substitution resulted in the highest buckwheat yield, while the highest yield of green gram was achieved with 100% and 50% organic nutrient substitution. The Shimla B-1 variety of buckwheat showed the highest yield, while the low-yielding VL Ugal-7 variety resulted in the highest yield of succeeding green gram. Despite the poor green gram yield obtained after the highest-yielding buckwheat variety, the Shimla B-1 variety resulted in the highest system yield which was 24.6% higher than the VL Ugal-7 due to higher income obtained from buckwheat. It was also found that integrating vermicompost and Azotobacter as a source of organic nutrients with inorganic schedules can maintain a positive nutrient balance in the system. Overall, this study highlights the potential of a resilient buckwheat-green gram cropping system for low-input rainfed farming situations, with implications for sustainable agriculture.

The Impact of Gender on the Link between Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Intention: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

The purpose of this study is to test the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between the Big Five personality traits of agriculture and food science senior students and their entrepreneurial intention. For this purpose, the study employed an online survey, which was directed to senior students in the agriculture and food science program at four public universities in Saudi Arabia. Out of the 450 forms distributed, 410 provided usable responses for analysis. This process yielded an answer ratio of 91%. The findings of PLS-SEM showed that the Big Five personality traits have a significant positive influence on students’ intent toward entrepreneurship, except for neuroticism, which was found to have a negative but insignificant influence. The results of moderating effect analysis showed no significant moderating influences of gender on the link between two traits, i.e., agreeableness and neuroticism and entrepreneurship intention. On the other side, gender was found to have a significant moderating role in the relationship between the four other traits, extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experiences, and entrepreneurial intention. Male students have a more moderating influence in relation to extraversion and conscientiousness than females do on entrepreneurial intention, whereas female students have a more moderating influence regarding openness to experiences than males on entrepreneurship intention. The results confirm that to ensure a sustainable agriculture ecosystem, each gender should receive appropriate development programs to strengthen their personal traits to stimulate entrepreneurial intention.

Assessment of chromium and nickel in agricultural soil: implications for sustainable agriculture

Fertilizers in soil management can alter soil physical, chemical and biological compositions, and introduce trace elements such as chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) into the agricultural soils. The carcinogenic tendencies of these trace elements at elevated concentrations in plants, animals and humans make it a serious concern. Soil samples from a farm in Ota, Southwest Nigeria wereanalysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicate that the farm's nickel (Ni) is within the permissible limits, while chromium (Cr) concentrationsexceeded the WHO/FAO allowable limits. Nickel has a mean value of 47.12 mg/kg in the soil, while chromium has a mean value of 152.20 mg/kg. These toxic elements' contamination assessment result has shown the descending order of Ni>Cd in the studied farm. The toxicity of nickel and chromiumin soils causes chlorosis, stunted rootsand inhibits plants growth.

Optimization of Groundwater Exploitation in an Irrigation Area in the Arid Upper Peacock River, NW China: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology

Groundwater is the main irrigation water source in the Upper Peacock River. As fast enlargement of irrigation areas continues in recent years, the groundwater level declines continuously and has posed a threat to the sustainability of local agriculture and ecology. A numerical model was established with the code MODFLOW–2000 in order to predict the declining trend of groundwater level and formulate measures to counter the overexploitation, in which the river–aquifer interaction was elaborated and characterized by field survey. The results show that under current intensity of groundwater withdrawal, the levels of both unconfined and confined waters would decline continuously in 7 years from 2015. To stop the groundwater level from declining on the regional scale, the withdrawal rate should be compressed by 45% with respect to that in 2015. Moreover, taking consideration of the constraint of maintaining the ecological water level in the vicinity of the Euphrates Poplar forest in the study area, the withdrawal rate should be compressed 70% for seven towns around the forest.

Arsenic in agricultural soils and implications for sustainable agriculture

The concentration of arsenic in agricultural soils has become a global challenge. Arsenic sources in soils can be both anthropogenic and natural. Certain fertilizers can introduce arsenic into the agricultural soil. For this study, soil samples from a commercial farm in southwest Nigeria were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). This study indicates that arsenic concentration in the farm land is fairly normal, with some portion of the farm having higher concentration than the WHO recommended standard limits in agricultural soils. Thus, there is need for immediate intervention to reduce the arsenic concentration in the farm site as arsenic is toxic to both human and crops alike. Measures to reduce arsenic in agricultural soils have been highlighted.

Drivers of Farm Households’ Perceived Risk Sources and Factors Affecting Uptake of Mitigation Strategies in Punjab Pakistan: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Climate change is a serious threat to agriculture in many developing countries including Pakistan. Changing pattern of climate and its extreme conditions have already led to a decline in crop productivity. However, farmers in developing countries experience risks beyond just climate change, many of which are related to policy, strategy, and factor endowments. The impact of these risks have serious implications for food security, rural livelihood, farm households’ wellbeing, and, above all, their motive to adapt to these changes in the long-term. To have an in-depth knowledge of farmers’ perceptions about the changing climate, this study investigates various aspects such as the determinants of perception about various risk sources and the relevant mitigation and adaptation options. To do so, 480 farmers from agriculture-dominated Punjab province were randomly selected in order for us to evaluate their awareness levels, socioeconomic dynamics that influence their perceptions, and various factors that influence their perceptions to achieve the desired findings. We applied the principle factor analysis approach to ascertain major sources and strategies based on farmers’ perception and planned/practiced options. Further, regression analysis was done to evaluate the factors influencing the perception levels of farmers about risk sources. The results showed that majority of the farmers faced various risks, and were trying to adapt crop husbandry practices towards these perceived risks. Change in agricultural policies (3.96) was placed as the highest risk source, while the need for small dams/turbine schemes was the top priority for risk management strategy (mean value of 4.39). By observing the effect of farm and farmer’s characteristics on risk sources and risk management strategies, it was revealed that these characteristics ominously provoked farmers’ perspectives about risk sources and management strategies. The findings imply the need for coherent environmental policy that encompasses price stability, community-led adaptation campaigns, and easy/uninterrupted flows of information that enables the farming community to facilitate sustainable decision processes.

Silver nanoparticle detection and accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Recent years have seen significant increases in the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in areas such as medicine and agriculture. AgNPs released into environment can be accumulated by plants, potentially affecting environmental and human health. In addition, the accumulation of silver in plant tissues can negatively affect plant vascular tissues and membrane transporters that are responsible for the transport of water and essential nutrients. In this study, Lycopersicon esculentum plants were exposed to 10, 20, or 30 mg/L of silver in bulk (Ag0), nanoparticle (AgNPs), or ionic (AgNO3) form for 7 days in Hoagland media. Tissues were then harvested and subjected to elemental, molecular, and microscopic evaluation. The highest and lowest concentration of silver was detected in roots of plants exposed to 10–30 mg/L AgNO3 (432–471 μg/g dw) or AgNPs (40–47 μg/g dw), respectively. Particulate silver was detected in plants exposed to 20 nm AgNPs. The highest (52,700–58,400 particles/g) and lowest (6200–13,700 particles/g) concentrations of particles were detected in roots and leaves, respectively. The membrane transporters H+-ATPase, potassium transporter, and sulfate transporter were upregulated by 23.50%, 52.09%, and 7.6% upon exposure to all forms of silver as compared to the control group. Exposure to all forms of silver resulted in larger xylem cells (70 ± 1.1 μm in AgNP-exposed plants) than the control group (46 μm ± 0.6). Collectively, the data suggest that exposure to AgNPs resulted in the translocation and accumulation of both ionic and particulate forms of silver in tomato plants, affected the structure of vascular tissues, and significantly impacted the expression of membrane transporters. These changes subsequently affect the electrochemical potential of plant cells, the balance of water and nutrient dynamics, and plant growth; all of which have implications for sustainable agriculture and ultimately human health. These results also improve our understanding of the fate and effects of nanomaterials in food crops.

Science and Technology Backyard model: implications for sustainable agriculture in Africa

Science and Technology Backyard model: implications for sustainable agriculture in Africa

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterial Mitigation of Drought Stress in Crop Plants: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Abiotic stresses arising from climate change negates crop growth and yield, leading to food insecurity. Drought causes oxidative stress on plants, arising from excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to inadequate CO2, which disrupts the photosynthetic machinery of plants. The use of conventional methods for the development of drought-tolerant crops is time-consuming, and the full adoption of modern biotechnology for crop enhancement is still regarded with prudence. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could be used as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly approach for enhancing crop growth under environmental stress. The various direct and indirect mechanisms used for plant growth enhancement by PGPR were discussed. Synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane−1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase enhances plant nutrient uptake by breaking down plant ACC, thereby preventing ethylene accumulation, and enable plants to tolerate water stress. The exopolysaccharides produced also improves the ability of the soil to withhold water. PGPR enhances osmolyte production, which is effective in reducing the detrimental effects of ROS. Multifaceted PGPRs are potential candidates for biofertilizer production to lessen the detrimental effects of drought stress on crops cultivated in arid regions. This review proffered ways of augmenting their efficacy as bio-inoculants under field conditions and highlighted future prospects for sustainable agricultural productivity.

Experimental evaluation of soil petrophysical attributes: Implications for sustainable agriculture

Agriculture is man’s major supplier of his needs, particularly his primary need which is food. Soil is a major component for sustainable agriculture production needs to be studied and understood. Soil’s characteristics determine the type of crop that would grow and the nature of the yield of the crop. The area of study is Covenant University farmland, where twenty soil samples from the farm were collected and petrophysical parameters such as conductivity and salinity were analysed on each soil sample.

Improved nutrient use gives cereal crops a boost.

Manipulation of the transcription factor OsGRF4 can improve the efficiency with which some high-yielding cereal crops use nitrogen. This discovery has implications for sustainable agriculture. Manipulation of the transcription factor OsGRF4 can improve the efficiency with which some high-yielding cereal crops use nitrogen. This discovery has implications for sustainable agriculture.

Analyzing the Spatial-Temporal Disparities of Tube Well-Based Irrigation Systems in India: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

Analyzing the Spatial-Temporal Disparities of Tube Well-Based Irrigation Systems in India: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

The Role of Social Networks in Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan

Incorporating adaptation into subsistence farming systems is an important strategy to reduce damages related to climate change and to protect livelihoods in developing countries. Using a dataset of 450 farm households collected from three agro-ecological zones, this study examines rural networks, assesses farm-level institutional support and documents any existing structural gaps on climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector of Pakistan. For this purpose, a social network analysis method is used. The study findings reveal that farmers reported a decrease in crop production and increase in pests and diseases due to climate change. Further, changing crop varieties, sowing dates, input mixes and planting trees are the key measures adopted by farmers. Lack of information, finances and resources are the key adaptation constraints. The study findings show that only 28% and 13% of the respondents do not have access to financial services and climate adaptation knowledge, respectively. Support to farmers mainly consists of marketing information and farm equipment from community-based organizations, while private institutions offer weather forecasting services. Public institutions are poorly represented in the network analysis. We also found that extension services are key institutions in the climate adaptation network, while agricultural credits, post-harvest services and marketing of produce were dominant but weakly connected in the financial support network. We also found that with an increase in the provision of services at the farm level, farmers not only adapt more but also move from low-cost and short-term measures to advanced measures. This study proposes an integrated framework to improve the stakeholders’ networking through different kind of partnerships and better adaptation to climate change.