Sustainable Agricultural Production Research Articles

Sectoral Assessment of the Energy, Water, Waste and Land Nexus in the Sustainability of Agricultural Products in Cameroon

To ensure sustainable production and consumption in the agricultural sector, it is necessary to assess the contribution of each element of the nexus in the agricultural production chain. The aim of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contributions of each element of the energy, water, waste and land nexus to agricultural products. A composite method approach combining aspects based on an input–output model and location quotient (LQ) as well as competitive position is adopted. A database of nexus elements over a period from 2009 to 2018 is used for Cameroon, with ten regions considered. The results show proportions of around 0.42% energy, 67.88% water withdrawal, 11.91% harvested area and 97.81% waste for agricultural products. The geolocation of harvested areas shows that the largest portion is in the far north (1,373,829 ha) and the smallest is in Adamawa (224,038 ha). Maximum production is in the central region (4,334,095 tons) and the minimum is in the Adamawa region (915,841 tons). The central, littoral and west regions are more representative of agricultural products. The analysis of the competitive position of agricultural products contributes to a better orientation of national strategies for agricultural sustainability according to the existing potentials.

SDG 2 – ending hunger: the effect of Nigeria’s land titling on production output and food security of farming households

Achieving zero hunger is intricately linked to sustainable agricultural production and the workings of a farming system. With land being the most important resource in smallholder agriculture in developing countries; including Nigeria; the effect of legal land ownership is a sine qua non for the process of achieving zero hunger in Nigeria. This study examined Nigeria’s attempt at making agricultural land both accessible and utilizable for smallholders in Nigeria through the Presidential Technical Steering Committee on Land Reforms in 2009. The aim was to explore the extent to which land ownership had become legalized; so that it had positive investment incentives for smallholder farmers to improve their investment portfolio on their holdings. A secondary dataset of 4,032 respondents obtained from the Living Standard Survey Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS/ISA) of the 2018/2019 season, was used for the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a 2-stage least square model. The apriori being that legal land ownership provided a perception of security that would enhance farm-level investment; which would therefore increase production output and hence food security. The findings revealed that although land titling was low (~12%) within the agricultural system; its return on production output was highly significant (5.3; p < 0.05). The possession of land title would also increase per capita food consumption expenditure (0.35; p < 0.05) among the farming households. On average, households with access to land titles had a significantly higher (at p < 0.01) food expenditure (N9, 868.00) than those without land titles (N6171.72). Other farm-level investment variables such as credit use, and mechanization through tractor use were significant in improving food security amidst the security presented by possession of land title. Thus, expediting the implementation and coverage of formal land registration and titling may be a first step to contributing meaningfully to the food security drive of the SDGs in Nigeria.

Initiatives and Prospects for Sustainable Agricultural Production in Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Improving agricultural productivity to ensure food security while maintaining sustainability is a challenge that needs to be overcome in Bali, Indonesia. Ten farmers in Karangasem Regency, which is among the areas in Bali with a low food security index, were interviewed regarding their agricultural practices and government support for increasing the production of rice and chili—the main crops in the regency—while maintaining sustainability. The interview results revealed that the farmers recognized a lack of sunlight and disease as constraints to cultivation and attempted to improve productivity and control the disease by selecting varieties, cropping systems, and synthetic insecticides based on their previous experiences and the recommendations of agricultural extension workers. The Karangasem Regency Government actively encourages farmers to use biofertilizers and biological control agents to promote sustainable agriculture. Their use to improve rice and chili productivity is important to sustainably increase food security not only in Karangasem Regency but also in Bali Province. Furthermore, since agricultural extension workers are a source of information on agricultural production for farmers, it is important to train them for further extension activities in the future.

Silicon nanoparticles improved the osmolyte production, antioxidant defense system, and phytohormone regulation in Elymus sibiricus (L.) under drought and salt stress.

Drought and salt stress negatively influence the growth and development of various plant species. Thus, it is crucial to overcome these stresses for sustainable agricultural production and the global food chain. Therefore, the present study investigated the potential effects of exogenous silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the physiological and biochemical parameters, and endogenous phytohormone contents of Elymus sibiricus under drought and salt stress. Drought stress was given as 45% water holding capacity, and salt stress was given as 120mM NaCl. The seed priming was done with different SiNP concentrations: SiNP1 (50mg L-1), SiNP2 (100mg L-1), SiNP3 (150mg L-1), SiNP4 (200mg L-1), and SiNP5 (250mg L-1). Both stresses imposed harmful impacts on the analyzed parameters of plants. However, SiNP5 increased the chlorophylls and osmolyte accumulation such as total proteins by 96% and 110% under drought and salt stress, respectively. The SiNP5 significantly decreased the oxidative damage and improved the activities of SOD, CAT, POD, and APX by 10%, 54%, 104%, and 211% under drought and 42%, 75%, 72%, and 215% under salt stress, respectively. The SiNPs at all concentrations considerably improved the level of different phytohormones to respond to drought and salt stress and increased the tolerance of Elymus plants. Moreover, SiNPs decreased the Na+ and increased K+ concentrations in Elymus suggesting the reduction in salt ion accumulation under salinity stress. Overall, exogenous application (seed priming/dipping) of SiNPs considerably enhanced the physio-biochemical and metabolic responses, resulting in an increased tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Therefore, this study could be used as a referenceto further explore the impacts of SiNPs at molecular and genetic level to mitigate abiotic stresses in forages and relatedplantspecies.

Impacts of recent rainfall changes on agricultural productivity and water resources within the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India.

Significant changes in rainfall patterns are critical to agriculture, and the dependency of cropping systems on rainfall variability would engender appropriate farming practices and agriculture policies for a climate-resilient agriculture system. This study analyses the significance of rainfall variability on agriculture productivity in the Wayanad district of Kerala (India) using time series data on rainfall (1989-2019) and crop yield (2000-2019). The spatial variability of rainfall patterns reveals a dichotomy between the rain gauge stations in the northern and southern parts of the region. Despite the absence of statistically significant trends in the monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall, based on the Mann-Kendall trend analysis, an increase in the yield of many crops (e.g., winter paddy, banana) is evident, which emphasises the critical role of irrigation in driving the crop productivity. As an adaptation strategy to changing rainfall patterns, irrigation would meet the additional crop water requirement for sustainable agricultural production under the varying rainfall distributions. However, the increase in the area under irrigation in recent years has had significant implications for both surface water and groundwater resources. The conclusive findings suggest that the region requires climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on optimising irrigation and developing sustainable agriculture and water conservation strategies.

Study of the utilization of main crop straw resources in Southern China and its potential as a replacement for chemical fertilizers.

Although straw returning to the field (SRTTF) is conducive to promoting sustainable agricultural production and protecting the environment, straw resources are still wasted due to the lack of suitable straw-returning technology in southern China. Based on the statistical yearbook and a large number of studies, different methods were used to calculate the total straw resources and SRTTF potential, and differences in these methods were compared. The results indicate that the total amount of straw resources in southern China in 2021 was 3.35×108 t. The nutrient content of K2O in the straw accounted for the highest proportion of total nutrient resources (63.66%), followed by N (26.88%) and P2O5 (9.46%). In theory, total SRTTF could replace almost all K2O and part of N and P2O5, indicating that the nutrient substitution potential of SRTTF was high. It is suggested that the SRTTF method be adopted in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, which mainly uses direct returning (DR) supplemented by indirect returning (IDR). In southeast China, straw returning is carried out by the combination of IDR and IR. In southwest China, straw returning is mainly carried out by IR and supplemented by MDR. This study will provide theoretical support for the government to formulate straw-returning policy.

Transboundary Central African Protected Area Complexes Demonstrate Varied Effectiveness in Reducing Predicted Risk of Deforestation Attributed to Small-Scale Agriculture

The forests of Central Africa constitute the continent’s largest continuous tract of forest, maintained in part by over 200 protected areas across six countries with varying levels of restriction and enforcement. Despite protection, these Central African forests are subject to a multitude of overlapping proximate and underlying drivers of deforestation and degradation, such as conversion to small-scale agriculture. This pilot study explored whether transboundary protected area complexes featuring mixed resource-use restriction categories are effective in reducing the predicted disturbance risk to intact forests attributed to small-scale agriculture. At two transboundary protected area complex sites in Central Africa, we used Google Earth Engine and a suite of earth observation (EO) data, including a dataset derived using a replicable, open-source methodology stemming from a regional collaboration, to predict the increased risk of deforestation and degradation of intact forests caused by small-scale agriculture. For each complex, we then statistically compared the predicted increased risk between protected and unprotected forests for a stratified random sample of 2 km sites (n = 4000). We found varied effectiveness of protected areas for reducing the predicted risk of deforestation and degradation to intact forests attributed to agriculture by both the site and category of protected areas within the complex. Our early results have implications for sustainable agriculture development, forest conservation, and protected areas management and provide a direction for future research into spatial planning. Spatial planning could optimize the configuration of protected area types within transboundary complexes to achieve both forest conservation and sustainable agricultural production outcomes.

Abiotic stress-induced secondary metabolite production in Brassica: opportunities and challenges.

Over the decades, extensive research efforts have been undertaken to understand how secondary plant metabolites are affected by genetic, environmental, and agronomic factors. Understanding the genetic basis of stress-response metabolite biosynthesis is crucial for sustainable agriculture production amidst frequent occurrence of climatic anomalies. Although it is known that environmental factors influence phytochemical profiles and their content, studies of plant compounds in relation to stress mitigation are only emerging and largely hindered by phytochemical diversities and technical shortcomings in measurement techniques. Despite these challenges, considerable success has been achieved in profiling of secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids. In this study, we aimed to understand the roles of glucosinolates, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids in relation to their abiotic stress response, with a focus on the developing of stress-resilient crops. The focal genus is the Brassica since it (i) possesses variety of specialized phytochemicals that are important for its plant defense against major abiotic stresses, and (ii) hosts many economically important crops that are sensitive to adverse growth conditions. We summarize that augmented levels of specialized metabolites in Brassica primarily function as stress mitigators against oxidative stress, which is a secondary stressor in many abiotic stresses. Furthermore, it is clear that functional characterization of stress-response metabolites or their genetic pathways describing biosynthesis is essential for developing stress-resilient Brassica crops.

Ammoniated straw returning: A win-win strategy for increasing crop production and soil carbon sequestration

Increasing crop production and soil carbon sequestration is critical for sustainable agricultural development. Straw returning, a common agricultural practice, positively affects grain yield and soil organic carbon. Nevertheless, the slow decomposition rate and high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of straw are significant obstacles to its effectiveness. Ammonifying straw using urea and calcium hydroxide may be a promising solution, whereas limited information is available on the impacts of ammoniated straw returning on crop production and soil carbon sequestration. Therefore, in a winter wheat-summer maize rotation system, we conducted an experiment with three straw returning treatments (T1, straw removal; T2, traditional straw returning; T3, ammoniated straw returning) to investigate their impacts on crop growth, grain yield and yield components, carbon inputs and outputs, and net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB). The results showed that T3 outperformed T2 regarding increasing leaf area index and aboveground biomass. Ear density and thousand kernel weight of winter wheat and hundred kernel weight of summer maize were ranked T1 < T2 < T3, with no significant differences between treatments for other grain yield components. Consequently, winter wheat, summer maize, and annual grain yields were the highest under T3, followed by T2 and T1. In comparison with T1, T2 and T3 increased annual total carbon inputs by 5463 and 7271 kg C ha–1, respectively, due to the increased carbon inputs from returned straw and net primary productivity. Annual carbon total outputs, primarily from aboveground biomass removal at harvest and carbon respiration, increased by 3305 kg C ha–1 under T2 and 4264 kg C ha–1 under T3, compared with T1. Balancing annual total carbon inputs and outputs, T1, T2, and T3 had annual NECB values of –1215, 944, and 1793 kg C ha–1, respectively. Therefore, the T1 agroecosystem acted as a carbon source, whereas the T2 and T3 agroecosystems, particularly T3, acted as a carbon sink on an annual scale. These results suggest that ammoniated straw returning may be a superior straw application practice for increasing crop production and soil carbon sequestration simultaneously.

The Impacts of Agricultural Water Pricing on Sustainable Agricultural Production

The Impacts of Agricultural Water Pricing on Sustainable Agricultural Production

Elaboration and application of the nested multi-coupling model test system for an artificial dam seepage simulation under combined action of dynamic and static loads

Outdated coal mining technologies involve considerable mine water resource waste. For coal mines located in water-starved western regions of China, this jeopardizes the sustainable coal mining development, local eco-environment, and agricultural production. Coal mine underground reservoirs furnish conservation and cyclic utilization of water resources in the coal mining process. The weakest links of underground reservoirs are artificial dams that are prone to frequent occurrence of water seepage and instability failures. Aiming to explore the deformation rules of artificial dams under fluid–solid coupling action, this study developed a nested multi-coupling test system comprising a model shelf, a mine pressure simulation device, a water pressure simulation device, and a monitoring system, The maximum size of the model shelf is 1400 mm * 1300 mm * 200 mm. The mine pressure simulation device was composed of static-load and vibration-load oil cylinders of various sizes. A servo motor mainly controlled the water pressure device; with a water pressure sensor and high-precision flowmeter, water pressure could be accurately adjusted. By taking the underground reservoir in the Wulanmulun Coal Mine as an example, the deformation failure characteristics of the MB-1 dam under fluid–solid coupling conditions were simulated to validate the reasonability and feasibility of the developed system. The obtained experimental results indicated that the artificial dam damage was induced by increased mine pressure, leading to shear compression failure. The artificial dam underwent plastic deformation at a water pressure of 11.43 kPa, accompanied with the generation of microfractures, which rapid propagation under vibration loading violated the dam’s stability.

Revolutionizing Crop Monitoring: AI-Driven Machine Vision for Real-time Adaptive Harvesting and Loss Mitigation

The research on implementing management strategies for crops that utilize the ESP32-CAM microcontroller to mitigate losses during the harvesting process. The capabilities of the ESP32-CAM in image processing and data transmission are utilized to construct a live monitoring system for agricultural fields. Using image analysis and machine learning algorithms, the system can identify the maturity of crops, the presence of pests, and the environmental conditions. It then provides practical advice to help make timely decisions about when to harvest. In addition, the ESP32-CAM serves as a tool for remote surveillance and management, enhancing the efficiency of farmers' activities and enabling the mitigation of losses during harvesting. The research highlights the integration of IoT technology with crop management techniques in contemporary precision agriculture, resulting in improved efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production.

Safe Farming: Ultra-Fine Sparkling Water can Reduce Insect Pests and Increase Melon Yield and Quality

Melon pest control relies on over-application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, it is important to develop a new growing system that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased branch height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also found that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestations in melons. Based on cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 to prevent insect damage, we prepared UF enriched water with H2 (UF+H2 ) and O2 (UF+O2 ) alone and irrigated the melons. Cryo-SEM results show that UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We grow muskmelons in plastic greenhouses and use ultrafine water-rich hydrogen (UF+H2 ) and oxygen (UF+O2 ). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness are all better than those without ultrafine water irrigation of comparison. UFW significantly promoted the development of trichomes, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. The system therefore provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.

The Usage of Fikr (Facet, Insight, Knowledge and Resilience) Personality Testing to Select the Best Agribusiness Executives: A Personnel Management in Agribusiness

This short note proposed employing FIKR (facet, insight, knowledge and resilience) personality traits (PTs) testing to select the best agribusiness executives for a sustainable agricultural food supply production for the farmers. The FIKR testing would identify the best personnel manager to execute the best agricultural practices and solve food supply shortages. Using the FIRK testing, the selected best agribusiness executive may reform to improve food security and production for future generations by addressing the factors of governmental regulations, resource availability, infrastructure, and market dynamics. Therefore, we foresee that the selected best agribusiness executive can help solve the projected food supply insufficiency in the coming decades.

A Review on Mineralization on Sustainable Dryland Agriculture

Sustainable dryland agricultural production relies on efficient and integrated systems for resource management, including irrigation and dryland farming, with water and soil conservation and efficient utilization of nutrients. The global annual production of crop-based food exceeds 200 million tons, however, about half is produced from irrigated and flood-prone areas and about a quarter of total crop production is fed to livestock. Due to increased water requirements for irrigation and other purposes, the water stress will grow in the next decades. In some regions, climate change threatens food production and will trigger major shifts in both the water and the nutrient budgets. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential of adaptation options in order to mitigate impacts on food security.

Genetic variation analysis of the MC1R gene in sheep of Kazakh origin: A study on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

This work focuses on the MC1R gene as a key genetic element influencing the variation in wool color in Kazakh sheep. Our research aims to pinpoint the specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) g.361G&gt;A and g.218T&gt;A inside this gene and examine their impact on pigmentation. This acknowledges the gene’s significant contribution in several sheep breeds worldwide. We detected the presence of these SNPs by partial genome sequencing and focused SNP analysis. We also examined their connection to coat color diversity, a trait that has important implications for breed aesthetics, consumer preferences, and adaptability to various settings. Our research significantly enhances the understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary adaptation in sheep. Furthermore, it provides unique insights for breeding techniques that attempt to optimize the properties of wool color. This study’s findings emphasize the intricate interplay between genetics and environmental adaptation in Kazakh sheep. The global sheep genetic variety database is enhanced, contributing to sustainable agriculture and textile production methods.

Seed treatment: an alternative and sustainable approach to cotton seed delinting.

This review article delves into the vital aspects of cotton, emphasizing its global significance as a crucial agricultural commodity. The paper comprehensively explores the composition of cotton and surveys the diverse methods employed for the removal of cotton lint from seeds. Conventional delinting methods, including mechanical and chemical approaches, are scrutinized in terms of their advantages and drawbacks. However, the primary focus of this review is on highlighting the emerging significance of biological delinting methods. By harnessing the power of microbial enzymes and organisms, biological approaches offer a promising alternative for efficient lint removal. The authors discuss the environmental advantages associated with biological delinting, positioning it as a sustainable solution that mitigates the ecological impact of traditional methods. Furthermore, the article contextualizes these delinting methods within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underscores the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices in the cotton industry to align with SDG goals. By accentuating the potential of biological delinting in contributing to sustainable agriculture and responsible production, the review advocates for a paradigm shift towards more environmentally conscious approaches in the cotton sector. Overall, the article aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on cotton delinting methods, emphasizing the pivotal role of biological alternatives in fostering a sustainable and goal-oriented future for the cotton industry.

Risks of social sustainability of agricultural production of Ukraine

Risks of social sustainability of agricultural production of Ukraine

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Resource Efficiency

Efficiency in technology, distributive effectiveness, and environmental effectiveness all have the potential to be included in the general concept of "resource use efficiency in agriculture." An effective farmer distributes his resources, including labourers, water, and land, appropriately in the best possible way to enhance his revenue while minimising expenses over time. Multiple research studies, however, demonstrate that farmers frequently make inadequate use of their resources. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of various farming practices and technologies, highlighting their impact on agricultural efficiency and resource use. Also, this review investigates the incorporation of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) into agriculture, emphasising the significance of environmental and economic factors in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity. With a focus on the ASEAN region and specific case studies, it assesses how carbon emissions, deforestation, renewable energy, and biodiversity affect farming efficiencies. The paper underscores the value of biodiversity, including underutilized and neglected species, and the potential of IoT and associated technologies to enhance agricultural operations. Moreover, it discusses about how resource optimization models can be used to increase agricultural yields and address environmental issues. A fundamental necessity for strategic management of water resources and joint utilization of water resources to support sustainable agriculture is also emphasized in the evaluation.

Climate-adaptive strategies for enhancing agricultural resilience in southeastern coastal Bangladesh: Insights from farmers and stakeholders.

Climate change impacts crop production worldwide, and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. Given the projected rise in temperature and shifting precipitation patterns, it is crucial to examine the current challenges faced by farmers in coastal Bangladesh. Using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), we assessed the perceptions and experiences of farmers and stakeholders regarding the existing agricultural practices, the challenges they face in crop cultivation, and the adoption of climate-adaptive practices in 2 sub-districts in the southeastern coastal region of Bangladesh. Moreover, using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the Standardized Terrestrial Water Storage Index (STI), we assessed the frequency and intensity of different climatic conditions in these two sub-districts. Results show that 100% of the respondents reported an increase in dry climatic conditions, the occurrence of untimely precipitation, and a decline in irrigation water during the cropping season. All the respondents in the FGDs expressed a loss of crop production because of these climate-induced disturbances. Despite these challenges, farmers have been implementing several climate-adaptive practices. Among the 9 mentioned climate-adaptive practices, 50% of FGD respondents utilize organic fertilizers, 42% cultivate heat- and drought-resilient crop varieties, use improved irrigation and harvest rainwater, and 25% cultivate integrated crops. The results of quantitative analysis of 3- and 6-month SPEI and STI values show that this region experienced frequent and intense dry climatic conditions during the growing-season, which supports the farmers' and stakeholders' concern about the increasing occurrence of droughts during crop growing periods. The results suggest that despite adopting climate-resilient practices under increasing growing-season droughts, farmers require support from the government and NGOs in capacity-building training and input support (e.g., stress-resilient seeds). This study holds practical implications for government, NGOs, and policymakers for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity in the coastal region of Bangladesh.