Production Landscapes Research Articles

India Oilseed Production, Processing and Trade Landscape: Facts and Figures

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An Extensive Review on Gas Hydrates: Recent Patents, Properties, Formation, Detection, Production, Importance, and Challenges

Introduction: Gas Hydrates, or Clathrate Hydrates, have been the subject of increasing scientific and industrial attention due to their potential as an alternative energy source, their role in climate change, and their association with geohazards. The growth of new indigenous gas supply sources could impart a significant positive ripple effect on a country's economy, ecological balance, and energy landscape. This burgeoning interest has led to a surge in research and development, resulting in numerous patents related to the extraction, processing, and utilization of gas Hydrates. Objectives: This review paper aims to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the properties, formation, detection, production, importance, challenges, and patent landscape of Gas hydrates. The integration of patented technologies into the field underscores the importance of intellectual property in shaping the future of energy, environment, and economic development. Methods: Patented technologies in this field are contributing to making this resource more accessible and commercially viable. Moreover, the development of gas hydrates as an energy source could act as a safeguard for manufacturing jobs that are sensitive to gas prices, with proprietary technologies enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the production process. Results: On the environmental front, an uptick in the consumption of natural gas, known for its cleaner combustion, could herald positive change. Patented innovations in clean and efficient extraction and utilization methods for Gas Hydrates are instrumental in reducing the environmental impact. From the standpoint of energy security, a larger domestic slice of the energy pie, complemented by an extensive array of gas supply alternatives, could equip the nation to better navigate the unpredictable terrain of future energy scenarios. Conclusions: The strategic patenting of key technologies in the exploration, production, and application of Gas Hydrates ensures competitive advantage and fosters innovation, driving forward the energy industry's evolution.

The role of canopy structure on the diversity and function of arthropods in coffee agroscapes of the Northern Andes.

Increasing sustainable productive activities to provide food, fiber, and energy is a global necessity for an increasingly populated planet. However, managing productive landscapes requires integrative approaches in which changes in diversity, microhabitat effects and managing conditions are assessed. We analyzed patterns of arthropod diversity, composition, and functional guilds in response to changes in canopy structure (solar radiation, geometry, and openness) in sun and shade coffee plantations in a coffee-producing landscapes of the northern Andes. We found that the response of the arthropod community varied according to the variables analyzed. On the one hand, we found that sun coffee plantations have higher arthropod richness and diversity. However, shaded coffee plantations show higher abundance and biomass values. Similarly, when the arthropod community was separated by functional guilds, a positive effect of solar radiation was observed in shade coffee plantations. Our results suggest that sun coffee plantations are not necessarily an inhospitable environment for arthropod diversity but may be so in terms of ecosystem functions. We conclude that a wider range of variables should be included to get a clearer picture of which productive landscape designs may be best for conserving arthropod biodiversity and ecosystem functions in productive landscapes.

Agricultural and Industrial Heritage as a Resource in Frontier Territories: The Border Between the Regions of Andalusia–Extremadura (Spain) and Alentejo (Portugal)

The border effect on heritage protection, shaped by historical and physical factors, contributes to the formation of socio-territorial systems, particularly in relation to productive landscapes. This study focuses on the Portuguese–Spanish border between Andalusia and Extremadura, a region where inter-regional dynamics mirror international tensions due to the coexistence of differing legislative frameworks. The area is characterized by shared agricultural and ecological systems and fragmented transport networks, which complicate territorial integration. Methodologically, the study involves a selection of seven municipalities based on demographic vulnerability and rural identity, followed by historical and spatial analysis using legal sources, historical dictionaries, and digital platforms for heritage mapping. One of the key components was the identification and documentation of historical mills linked to the Ardilla River and its tributaries, using a combination of official heritage databases and user-generated platforms like Wikiloc and local websites. The twenty-one mills found highlight a significant presence of unprotected yet generally well-preserved mills that exemplify the agricultural and industrial legacy of the region. These assets, often overlooked in formal inventories, underline the potential for cross-border heritage recognition and call for a rethinking of protection strategies through the lens of cultural landscapes and community engagement.

Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services of Birds in Productive Landscapes of the Colombian Amazon

Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services of Birds in Productive Landscapes of the Colombian Amazon

Toward Embodied Intelligence-Enabled Human–Robot Symbiotic Manufacturing: A Large Language Model-Based Perspective

Abstract Human–robot collaborative manufacturing is crucial in modern production landscapes for flexible automation. However, existing human–robot systems face several challenges, including a lack of human-centric autonomy for adjustments, limited generalization for production variants, and ineffective synchronous teamwork with feedback. Emerging large language models (LLMs) offer a viable solution. Despite the growing interest in LLMs, their deployment within the manufacturing domain remains unexplored. This article delves into the potential of LLMs for embodied intelligence-enabled human–robot symbiotic manufacturing (HRSM). HRSM is a paradigm characterized by human centricity, generalizability, and seamless integration. LLMs can facilitate human-centric interactions, generalizable collaboration, and ensure seamless execution, paving the way for realizing HRSM. Finally, the main challenges and potential opportunities are further discussed to enable the readiness toward HRSM.

Optimising aerial herbicide treatment for control of dense conifer infestations: a New Zealand case study.

Conifers, mainly of the genus Pinus, have invaded natural and productive landscapes worldwide. Controlling dense conifer invasions is challenging and requires both effective initial control methods and long-term site management to prevent re-invasion. Broadcast aerial herbicide application is often the preferred treatment method for dense infestations of pines with high rates of complex herbicide mixtures used. The objective of this study was to: (i) test the efficacy of four simple herbicide mixes (containing two active ingredients and one adjuvant) as compared to an operational standard (four active ingredients and three adjuvants) for control of Pinus contorta invasions in a field trial and (ii) to quantify the effect of treatment mixes on non-target vegetation to determine impacts to plant community composition. We found that a simplified herbicide mix containing two active ingredients and one adjuvant was equally as effective as the current operational standard, with efficacy for all treatments increasing as a function of stem density. All herbicide treatments significantly impacted the post-spray community composition with differences among treatments in post-spray vegetation composition also detected. Following all treatments plant communities transitioned from a mixed native/exotic grassland-herb community to a simplified community dominated by exotic grasses. Our results indicate a simpler herbicide mix could be used for broadcast aerial control of dense pine invasion reducing total herbicide input and cost of the operation. Post-spray vegetation community recovery could reflect the impact of the herbicides used in the operation compounded by soil biogeochemical processes already initiated through the pine invasion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evolution of Traditional Chinese "Salt-Leaching and Alkali-Washing" Technology and Strategies for Improving Productive Coastal Saline-Alkali Land Landscapes – A Case Study of Cixi City

“Salt-leaching and alkali-washing” is a traditional Chinese technique for reclaiming saline-alkali land, widely used in China’s eastern coastal regions. This technique uses irrigation and drainage to reduce soil salinity and alkalinity, transforming land originally unsuitable for farming into highly productive farmland. In Cixi City, with the establishment of modern agricultural parks represented by Zhengda Agriculture, this traditional technique has been combined with modern technology to develop a new “salt-leaching and alkali-washing” method. This greatly increased the efficiency of saline land improvement, converting large areas of heavily saline-alkali land into arable land with mild salinity and achieving very high economic returns. This paper reviews the development history of “salt-leaching and alkali-washing” from ancient times to the present and examines its current applications, and also analyzes how “salt-leaching and alkali-washing” shapes the landscape and its potential for future landscape transformation.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Yield of Mungbean: A Review

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy to combat soil pollution and degradation, particularly in the face of climate change. This review highlights Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as an effective approach that combines both inorganic and organic fertilizers to enhance soil health and boost crop productivity. Key components of INM, including Nano DAP, vermiwash, vermicompost and traditional fertilizers, have been examined for their impact on mungbean growth and yield. The integration of these fertilizers not only improves soil fertility but also enhances nutrient uptake, which is crucial for adapting to fluctuating climate conditions. By fostering a balance between organic and inorganic inputs, INM supports sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food security. To determine the “Impact of integrated nutrient management (nano dap, vermiwash, vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer) on soil health and mungbean yield,” 41 research papers were examined. This particular review paper read and explained the results from all the reviews. In conclusion, adopting INM strategies represents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. These practices not only promote high crop productivity but also contribute to long-term soil health, thereby addressing the challenges posed by climate change and soil degradation. As we move forward, the continued exploration and implementation of INM can play a pivotal role in creating resilient agricultural systems that ensure food security while preserving our environmental resources for future generations. By investing in such sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.

Carbon Footprint Assessment of Dairy Milk and Grana Padano PDO Cheese and Improvement Scenarios: A Case Study in the Po Valley (Italy).

The significance of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, in the global food production landscape has been ascertained. Farm efficiency affects how much the agri-food sector, and the dairy industry in particular, contributes to economic and environmental sustainability. This study employs an LCA approach to evaluate the carbon footprint (CF) of Grana Padano PDO cheese production in a dairy plant, analyzing 19 farms supplying milk to the cheese factory. The results showed that milk production is the primary contributor to CF, with enteric methane emissions (34%), feed production and purchases (36%), and manure management (24%) as the main drivers. The CF of milk ranged from 0.95 to 2.14 kg CO2eq/kg Fat and Protein Corrected Milk, while Grana Padano PDO cheese (9 months ripening) ranged from 16.96 to 23.07 kg CO2eq/kg. An increase in milk yield and feed efficiency resulted in a reduction in CF per kilogram of cheese. Furthermore, the protein and casein content influenced both cheese yield and environmental performance. This study highlights trade-offs between productivity, product quality, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for tailored mitigation strategies within PDO regulation.

House Yard as a Productive Landscape during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Metro Municipality, Lampung Province

This house yard (pekarangan) research was conducted at three sites of the Way Seputih-Sekampung watershed, which are represented by the upstream (Mulyosari Village), middle (Margodadi Village), and downstream (Tejosari Village), Metro Municipality, Lampung Province from May to July 2022. The objective of this research is to analyze the yard as a productive landscape by analyzing: 1) plant composition, 2) the diversity of plant species, and 3) utilization of the yard. Surveys and questionnaires were used. The number of yards was determined by purposive sampling, totaling 30 yards belonging to members of the Women Farmers’ Group (KWT) at each location. The results showed that horizontal diversity includes ornamental, fruit, vegetable, medicinal, and starch-producing plants. Sixteen types of plants were frequently found in 46% of yards. It was found that the Shannon-Wiener species diversity decreased from upstream to downstream, that is, upstream (2.41), middle (2.33), and downstream (1.82). Although the diversity of plant species is moderate on average, communities use their yards according to their function. The community was aware of the benefits of the yard, particularly its contribution to environmental sustainability, as indicated by the assessment index for the upstream (87%), midstream (93%), and downstream (94%) sites. Thus, the yard is very useful for the community as a place for interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such benefits are said to be better if landscape management is carried out in a planned and environmentally friendly manner. Keywords: community, home garden utilization, landscape management, pandemic, species diversity

Identifying AMF-Rich Tir Wheat Rhizospheres to Foster Microbial Inoculants Useful in Sustainable Agriculture: Evidence from the Van Lake Basin

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient efficiency and reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Developing these sustainable, effective products requires knowledge of the target plant and its associated microbial communities in the production landscape of interest. This study focused on AMF populations associated with Tir wheat in six main locations of Türkiye’s Van Lake Basin. The Erçek-Özalp-Saray region exhibited the highest organic matter values. Higher available phosphorous contents were found for Erciş-Patnos and Muradiye. The Erciş-Patnos region exhibited the highest AMF density (120 spores/10 g soil) and frequency (75%), while the lowest AMF density (45 spores/10 g soil) was recorded in Muradiye. Sand contents correlated positively with spore number and mycorrhizal frequency and negatively with silt and clay. Based on these results, Erciş-Patnos was elected as the best location for the isolation of AMF spores suitable for the development of microbial-based tools for Tir wheat cultivation. These results are very important in the current context of climate change, which mandates the use of low-impact environmental strategies. Further research should explore the interactions of AMFs with other microorganisms to optimize their ecological benefits. However, the results of this study provide a valuable basis for future investigations of AMF-based products for use in sustainable Tir wheat cultivation.

Social Innovation Perspective on Regional Design and Sustainable Development Research

In today’s world, the development of regional industries and cross-regional cultural integration have brought about environmental damage and cultural erosion. However, there are many shortcomings in the research and countermeasures for the problem, especially in China. The greater participation of the whole society in innovative regional design has a huge impact on the sustainable development of the region. This research aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding framework for regional design and strategic guidance for future research directions and practical paths. We adopted the methods of a literature review and a case analysis to discuss the importance of social cooperation in social innovation from the perspectives of cultural inheritance, community participation, industrial upgrading, and brand building. Based on Professor Kiyoshi Miyazaki’s “Human Culture Land Production Landscape” resource integration model, combined with specific regional goals, five major design domains have been constructed to address five issues. In specific regional design practices, participatory design, value co-creation, and resource integration design methods have been applied. Research has found that these theoretical and practical paths have achieved good results and played a positive role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9 and SDG11).

Sustainable Distributed Scheduling Problem

Many strategies have been devised to facilitate scheduling determinations per the dynamic production landscape. Also, the repercussions of environmental degradation intensify, and the focus on sustainable production methodologies has acquired substantial recognition. In addition, production managers are required to carefully determine the suitable schedule for each machine, considering environmental criteria. In such cases, another challenge in the manufacturing system alongside the minimization of job completion time which is important is reducing the environmental parameters impacts. Hence, this study focuses on addressing the challenge of distributed scheduling problems within the context of sustainable production. For energy-efficient factory selection, in this research, support vector machine (SVM) algorithm and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) have been used. In this case, first, factories with the least amount of pollution, waste, and energy consumption were selected. Second, the composition of intelligent algorithms such as gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and genetic algorithm (GA) was used to propose an appropriate distributed jobs scheduling in selected distributed factories. The simulation results show that this intelligent scheduling of distributed sustainable factories has significant potential to minimize environmental parameters inside production cycle optimization.

Old trees in our time: glimpses from the lower Gangetic Delta, India

ABSTRACT Old trees are ubiquitous but ignored living heritage in productive anthropogenic landscapes. Their intricate association with humans is interwoven into a diverse social, cultural, and religious milieu. This exploratory research on old trees across the eastern state of India has hitherto recorded a large number of old trees and uncovered a multitude of socio-religious connections with impending challenges and probable way-outs.

A água como elemento integrador da paisagem produtiva no território de Salacia: uma análise a partir das olarias romanas de Alcácer do Sal (Portugal)

In this paper we analyse the way water has shaped the landscape around Alcácer do Sal, the ancient Roman city of Salacia. The Sado river presents itself as an integrating element in a productive landscape based on the salt exploitation and the production of amphorae, to supply the powerful "industry" of fish salting that developed in the river mouth, in Caetobriga (Setúbal) and Tróia. Starting from the reading of the dynamic landscape of the Sado valley, we focus our analysis on the Roman pottery workshops located in the surroundings of Alcácer - Barrosinha, Bugio, Vale de Cepa and Enchurrasqueira. We present the results of recent archaeological work on the relocation and characterization of these pottery workshops, seeking to contribute to the study of the Sado port system in Roman times.

Trends in urban edible landscapes: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Abstract In response to the dual challenges of urbanization and population growth, urban edible landscapes have emerged as innovative green infrastructure with the potential to address ecological, social, economic, and food security issues. This study systematically analyzes 3,089 publications from 2000 to 2024, sourced from the Web of Science database, using keywords such as ‘Edible Landscapes,’ ‘Edible Garden,’ ‘Rooftop Garden,’ ‘Community Garden,’ and ‘Productive Landscape.’ This study adopts bibliometric and visualization tools, such as CiteSpace and R, to systematically sort out and visualize the research hotspots, knowledge structure, emerging trends, and the evolution of this field. The analysis begins with a co-occurrence network of keywords, identifying core topics and evolving research trends. Cluster analysis further delves into various research themes, elucidating the field’s main directions and focal points. The paper highlights the multifaceted impacts of edible landscapes on urban ecosystems and residents’ well-being, emphasizing their critical role in promoting urban sustainability. Additionally, it outlines strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the implementation and expansion of urban edible landscapes in alignment with sustainable development goals. This research provides comprehensive insights into the historical evolution, status, and future trends of urban edible landscape studies, offering valuable guidance for policy development and practical innovation in both academic and real-world contexts.

Wartime and Online Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study sheds light on the existing void regarding wartime and online education in Africa. Over three-quarters of African nations have experienced various forms of conflict over the past three decades, resulting in a significant loss of life and immense suffering for African citizens striving for education. The African continent has witnessed nearly 88% of conflict-related fatalities worldwide. The widespread destruction of schools and universities, from primary to higher education, has worsened the problem of limited technology resources. This lack of technology makes it even harder for educational institutions to function effectively. Recent insecurity poses a formidable challenge to many African higher education institutions, impeding efficient administration and management, disrupting academic calendars, claiming student lives, and damaging the critical infrastructure for teaching and learning. In addition, African higher education institutions still lag behind their counterparts on other continents in embracing digital transformation. Using the Scopus database, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications from 2000 to 2024, focusing on wartime and online education. The gathered documents were meticulously analysed using visualisation tools like VOS Viewer. The findings highlight a significant research gap regarding the intersection of wartime conditions and online education in African institutions, as there are no publications on wartime and online learning from the African continent. The findings highlight that the publications are mainly from a Western perspective, which has marginalised African higher education institutions in the global knowledge production and dissemination landscape. The paper identifies promising areas for further research on improving education during African conflicts to guide future efforts.

Integrated health-environment-economy approach in the Brazilian Amazon: mapping production landscape units

A economia agrária, com seus agentes sociais e sistemas técnicos, mobiliza os elementos que geram as transformações nas paisagens social e florestal na Amazônia brasileira. As escolhas para o desenvolvimento regional levam à sustentabilidade ou insustentabilidade do ecossistema florestal e de sua paisagem social. A saúde é negligenciada nesse debate. Argumentamos que uma estrutura analítica para abordagens integradas, saúde-ambiente-economia, necessita de uma representação territorial para as paisagens associadas aos modos de viver e produzir no agrário amazônico, as unidades de paisagem de produção (PLU, acrônimo em inglês). Neste artigo, exploramos técnicas de aprendizado de máquina, no campo da classificação supervisionada, com métodos baseados em árvores de decisão, para identificar e mapear as PLU. Um estudo de caso foi desenvolvido para os municípios de Mocajuba e Cametá, na região do Baixo Tocantins, no Estado do Pará, para o ano de 2021. Descrevemos como identificar e mapear as PLU em uma unidade espacial de referência intramunicipal e como associá-las aos tipos de trajetórias tecnoprodutivas rurais ou trajetórias tecnológicas (TTs) presentes na economia agrária regional, bem como promovemos uma discussão inicial do uso das PLU na estruturação de abordagens integradas em saúde. Este artigo contribui para alinhar debates sobre estratégias para o desenvolvimento econômico à promoção da saúde na Amazônia brasileira.

Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting: prospects for achieving sustainable development goals

This study aims to highlight the significance of Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting as a viable food supply solution for the global population, particularly in the context of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that target hunger and social inequalities. A thorough search was conducted across multiple databases, including MDPI, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Springer Science+Business Media, and Frontiers Media, using relevant keywords. The articles reviewed indicate that, despite the inherent challenges of this emerging and costly technology, Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs) have significant potential to advance the SDGs. By tackling critical issues such as food scarcity, adverse socioeconomic conditions, and environmental sustainability, PFALs could fundamentally transform the food production landscape. Despite financial challenges and limited accessibility primarily affecting stronger economies, ongoing technological advancements and research offer a hopeful outlook for Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFALs). Addressing these obstacles could reduce initial costs, enhancing accessibility and positively impacting low-income populations. By overcoming these hurdles, PFALs have the potential to drive innovative and sustainable solutions to food, environmental, and social issues, ultimately contributing to equitable global development.