Sustainable Agricultural Production Research Articles

Epigenetic Regulation for Heat Stress Adaptation in Plants: New Horizons for Crop Improvement under Climate Change

Global warming poses a significant threat to plant ecosystems and agricultural productivity, primarily through heat stress (HS), which disrupts photosynthesis, respiration, and overall plant metabolism. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA modifications, enable plants to dynamically and heritably adjust gene expression in response to environmental stressors. These mechanisms not only help plants survive immediate stress but also confer stress memory, enhancing their resilience to future HS events. This review explores the mechanisms underlying plant thermotolerance, emphasizing the critical role of epigenetic regulation in adapting to HS. It also highlights how DNA methylation modulates stress-responsive genes, histone modifications facilitate transcriptional memory, and RNA modifications influence mRNA stability and translation. Recent advancements in genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled precise modifications of epigenetic traits, offering new avenues for breeding climate-resilient crops. The integration of these modern tools with traditional breeding methods holds significant promise for developing crops with enhanced thermotolerance. Despite the potential, challenges such as the stability and heritability of epigenetic marks and the complex interplay between different epigenetic modifications need to be addressed. Future research should focus on elucidating these interactions and identifying reliable epigenetic markers for selection. By leveraging the insights gained from epigenetic studies, we can develop innovative breeding strategies to improve crop resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the face of global warming. This review underscores the importance of epigenetic regulation in plant adaptation to heat stress and its potential to revolutionize crop breeding, offering a pathway to secure food production and sustainability under changing climatic conditions.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture Production: Reducing Food Waste through Technological Advancements and Assessing its Economic Impact

The food waste (FW) is a widespread and persistent concern that has substantial environmental, social, and economic consequences. This study addresses the intricate relationship among sustainable food production, technological innovation, and the imperative to reduce FW, analyzing the entire food supply chain from production to consumption to identify key points where waste occurs. The potential of developing technologies is evaluated to induce substantial transformations. The study elucidates how precision agriculture, smart packaging, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and consumer-centric apps can transform food systems through a comprehensive assessment of literature and case studies. Challenges, opportunities, and future research directions are comprehensively discussed, emphasizing the need for collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches to achieve a sustainable and waste-conscious food future.

Optimizing Ridge–Furrow Ratio to Improve Water Resource Utilization for Wheat in the North China Plain

The shortage of water resources seriously limits sustainable production in agriculture, and the ridge–furrow planting pattern is an effective water-saving cultivation pattern. However, the mechanism of the ridge–furrow planting pattern that drives the efficient utilization of field water resources in the North China Plain (NCP) is still unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the NCP from 2021 to 2023. The ridge–furrow planting patterns followed a randomized block design as follows: ridge–furrow ratios of 50 cm:50 cm (M2), 75 cm:50 cm (M3), and 100 cm:50 cm (M4). A traditional planting pattern was used as the control (M1). These were used to investigate the effects of different treatments on water use and roots. The results showed that M3 reduced the amount of irrigation, improved water distribution after irrigation, increased water use efficiency (WUE), and promoted root growth. Compared with other treatments, M3 increased soil water consumption at a 0–100 cm soil depth by 6.76–21.34% (average values over two years), root length density by 8.46–20.77%, and root surface area density by 7.87–22.13%. On average, M3 increased grain yields by 3.96–9.80%, biomass yields by 5.32–10.94%, and WUE by 4.5–9.87%. In conclusion, M3 is an effective planting pattern for improving the yield and WUE of wheat in the NCP.

Optimizing nitrogen application rates to maximize productivity while reducing environmental risk by regulating nitrogen and water utilization in mixed cropping systems

Optimizing the nitrogen (N) fertilization level and cropping system is critically important for achieving good production performance with low environmental pollution. However, there is a knowledge gap on the relationship between crop production sustainability, water and nitrogen consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission under the change in N application rate under cereal and legume mixed systems. A 3-year field experiment with two cropping systems [sole forage sorghum (SS) and forage sorghum/lablab mixed cropping (SL) with four N fertilizer application rates (N0, 0 kg N ha−1; N90, 90 kg N ha−1; N180, 180 kg N ha−1; and N270, 270 kg N ha−1)] was conducted. Results obtained showed that mixed cropping combined with N fertilization enhanced forage biomass and crude protein yield by 34.0 % and 51.1 %, respectively, particularly in mixed cropping combined with the N180 treatment compared with the N0 level in the sole cropping system. Similar improvements were observed for yield stability and sustainability (2.97 % and 0.95, respectively), which reached maximum values at N180 in the mixed cropping system. In addition, mixed cropping increased the water productivity of dry matter yield (WPDM) and water productivity of crude protein yield (WPCPY) by 17.2 % and 27.6 %, respectively, at 180 kg N ha−1 compared with the corresponding treatments of the sole planting system. Furthermore, mixed cropping combined with appropriate N application significantly improved N physiological efficiency (PEN) and reduced GHG intensity (GHGI), where N application of 180 kg ha−1 N increased PEN by 21.3 % and reduced GHGI by 17.6 % compared with the corresponding monoculture in the mixed cropping system. This study demonstrated that reducing N fertilization in cereal–legume cropping systems can promote forage productivity by optimizing water and N management while decreasing environmental pollution. Therefore, forage sorghum mixed with lablab and fertilization at 180 kg N ha–1 is a preferable approach for sustainable agricultural production in the Northwest arid region of China.

The Determination of Woody Biomass Resources and Their Energy Potential from Hazelnut Tree Cultivation

The aim of this study was to estimate the shoot weight of four selected hazelnut cultivars and to see if the morphological characteristics of the cultivar and the age of the shoots affect their quality when used as fuel. This study shows that the cultivar ‘Olga’ generated the highest amounts of woody biomass (6507 t·ha−1), while ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’ generated the lowest (3843 t·ha−1). ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’ had the highest calorific values (HHVs) (18.08 MJ·t·ha−1 for annual shoots and 18.03 MJ·kg−1 for perennial shoots) and ‘Olga’ had the lowest calorific values (16.64 MJ·kg−1 for annual shoots and 16.39 MJ·kg−1 for perennial shoots). The age of the shoots had a minimal effect on the chemical and energy parameters. Emissions were the highest for ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’ (CO: 57.74 MJ·kg−1 for perennial shoots, CO2: 1414.05 MJ·kg−1) and lowest for ‘Olga’ (CO: 50.57 MJ·kg−1, CO2: 1238.46 MJ·kg−1). The cultivar ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’, which generated the least amount of biomass compared to the other cultivars, stands out for its high energy value due to its low moisture and ash contents and its high carbon and hydrogen contents, making it attractive for the purposes of biofuel production and supporting sustainable agriculture. The practical implications of the research findings include the selection of suitable varieties for biofuel production, the management of biomass moisture content, and the optimisation of combustion techniques to reduce emissions. The potential for using hazelnut shoots as a biofuel highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. The results provide valuable information that can support decisions regarding the cultivation and use of hazelnut shoots for biofuel production while minimising negative environmental impacts.

Contingent valuation versus choice experiment: estimating the willingness to pay for organic oranges in Vietnam

PurposeThe study estimates the willingness to pay for organic oranges and identifies its influencing factors among consumers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe study used survey data from 413 households in the Mekong Delta from March 2022 to July 2022. The choice experiment (CE) and contingent valuation method (CVM) were employed to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP). STATA 17 software was used to analyze research data in the logit model and mixed logit model.FindingsThe research results from the CVM approach show that a number of demographic characteristics have a direct impact on WTP, such as education, educational attainment, family size, the presence of children and the elderly in the household, food safety and environmental awareness. The CE model shows product attributes that influence consumers’ WTP, such as country of origin, traceability, quality grade, organic certification, ecolabel and organic content. Both approaches show that price is the main barrier to organic orange consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study surveyed four large cities in four provinces representing the Mekong Delta region.Practical implicationsOur study helps administrators have a deeper insight into consumer preferences and behavior, specifically the factors that affect consumers' WTP, an important indicator of demand for the success of manufacturers and marketers in developing as well as improving marketing strategies. Knowledge of a product’s WTP on behalf of (potential) customers plays an important role in many areas of marketing management, such as pricing decisions or new product development.Social implicationsFurthermore, this understanding will inform policymakers about the future of agricultural markets in Vietnam and help them better prepare for the making of sustainable agricultural policies. Develop organic agriculture to both protect human health, protect the living environment and protect the soil from degradation, ensuring sustainable agricultural production. This is also one of the measures to help people stay away from diseases to limit the social burden.Originality/valueThe study confirms that both CVM and CE models can be used to estimate WTP. However, CVM fits the overall WTP estimate, while CE is more appropriate when estimating WTP for individual scenarios through combining attributes with different levels.

Operationalisation of low-carbon energy for sustainable agricultural production among smallholder women farmers in Nigeria

The use of high-carbon energy (HCE) causes adverse effects on the environment and sustainable food production. Yet, low-carbon energy (LCE) use among women farmers is missing in the literature. Therefore, this study investigates the operationalization of LCE use for sustainable agricultural production among smallholder women farmers in Nigeria. Data collected from randomly selected 350 women farmers were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and an economics cost model. The results revealed that the women farmers were aware of LCE and used LCE for drying farm output, lighting and heating pens. The average cost of ownership and installation of LCE (solar power systems) by women farmers was N500,000 (USD 510.20) while the cost of ownership/installation of generators was N210,000 (USD 214.29). In the first period, the cost of installing the solar system was higher than that of installing fossil generators by the HCE users. The economic cost model showed that the LCE remained at N500,000 (USD 510.20) while HCE was put at N1,250,000 (USD 1,275.51) in the fifth year. The output of the LCE user (7,108.47 kg) was significantly higher than the users of HCE (4,446.84 kg). In the same vein, users of LCE had a higher income of N1,246,536 (USD 1,271.98) than the users of HCE with an average income of N941,232 (USD 960.44). Thus, the use of LCE is not only for a sustainable environment but also for sustainable production and income. Therefore, this study calls for the promotion of the use of LCE to have a sustainable and productive farming enterprise.

Opportunities for Prediction Models to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in the Postharvest Chain of Horticultural Crops

Significant losses occur in the fresh produce supply chain, spanning from the harvest to postharvest stages, with considerable wastage during production and consumption. Developing predictive models for overall postharvest losses is crucial to inform growers and industry stakeholders, facilitating better decision-making and resource management. These models play a pivotal role in supporting governments, as well as global food and agricultural organizations, in their efforts to alleviate poverty and ensure food and nutrition security for the growing human population. This review discusses opportunity targets for predicting total postharvest losses and addresses strategies for effective waste management with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural production and enhancing global food security.

Nitrogen Fertilisation and Seed Rate Regulation Improved Photosynthesis, Grain Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Ridge–Furrow Cropping

ABSTRACTRidge–furrow cropping patterns, nitrogen fertilisation and seed rate regulation are popular management strategies for improving crop yields in the semi‐arid areas of Northwest China, but their interactive effects on grain yield and water use efficiency remain poorly understood. In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a two‐season field experiment was conducted on winter wheat. There were two cropping patterns (C), ridge–furrow cropping with film mulch (RC) and traditional cropping without mulch (TC), two nitrogen fertilisation rates (N), 0 and 200 kg N ha−1 (N0 and N1) and three seed rates (S), 240, 360 and 480 plants m−2 (S1, S2 and S3). The study was conducted in a split–split design with three replications (randomised blocks) and a total of 24 experimental plots. It was found that the interactive effects of C × N, C × S and N × S were significant on soil temperature (ST), leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic parameters, grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) (p < 0.05), while C × N × S was significant only for LAI, aboveground biomass (AGB), GY and WUE (p < 0.05). Compared with TC and N0, RC and N1 significantly increased SPAD value (2.4% and 15.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (19.8% and 32.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) (7.0% and 15.7%) and the effective PSII quantum production (ΦPSII) (10.7% and 5.0%). The highest GY (6773 kg ha−1 over 2020–2021 and 8036 kg ha−1 over 2021–2022) and WUE (20.03 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2020–2021, and 21.77 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2021–2022) of winter wheat were observed under RC + N1 + S2. The findings showed that the RC cropping pattern with fertilisation and seed rate regulation (360 plants m−2) of winter wheat, which is appropriate for ensuring the long‐term sustainability of agricultural production in the semi‐arid regions of Northwest China, enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic traits, yield and water use efficiency. The study might give useful information for enhancing the productivity and water use efficiency of winter wheat in this and other similar climate locations.

Soil volatilomics uncovers tight linkage between soybean presence and soil omics profiles in agricultural fields

Securing a stable food supply and achieving sustainable agricultural production are essential for mitigating future food insecurity. Soil metabolomics is a promising tool for capturing soil status, which is a critical issue for future sustainable food security. This study aims to provide deeper insights into the status of soybean-grown fields under varying soil conditions over three years by employing comprehensive soil volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling, also known as soil volatilomics. Profiling identified approximately 200 peaks in agricultural fields. The soil of soybean-presented plots exhibited markedly higher VOC levels than those of non-soybean plots during the flowering season. Pentanoic acid, 2,2,4-trimethyl-3-carboxyisopropyl, isobutyl ester, a discriminative soil VOC, was identified through multivariate data analysis as a distinctively present VOC in fields with or without soybean plants during the flowering period. Soil VOC profiles exhibited strong correlations with soil-related omics datasets (soil ionome, microbiome, metabolome, and physics) and no significant correlations with root microbiome and rhizosphere chemicals. These findings indicate that soil VOC profiles could serve as a valuable indicator for assessing soil status, thereby supporting efforts to ensure future global food security.

Synthesis and characterization of novel water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) biodegradable mulch films

In this paper, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hemicellulose derived from water hyacinth were used to prepare hemicellulose-based biodegradable mulch film by covalent cross-linking and ionic cross-linking in order to expand its application in agricultural production practice. The esterification reaction between hemicellulose, CMC and citric acid resulted in an increase in tensile strength and elongation at break of the membranes. When citric acid was not used as cross-linking agent and the pH was lowered, the sodium carboxylate group was protonated into carboxylic acid group, which provided abundant active sites for chemical cross-linking of hydroxyl group on hemicellulose and hydroxyl group on CMC. Furthermore Zn2+ could cross-link with carboxylic acid group through hydrogen bonding, and when the DS of carboxymethyl group was high, the cross-linking of Zn2+ with Zn2+ was higher, and the conversion into nano ZnO was lower, which was conducive to the uniform distribution and reduction of agglomeration phenomenon in the films. It is favorable for its uniform distribution in the film and reduces the agglomeration phenomenon. The mulch films made from water hyacinth has excellent mechanical properties, light transmittance, water absorption, soil moisture retention and heat preservation, and is biodegradable. This study will provide new ideas for water pollution control and farmland pollution for sustainable agricultural production.

Efficiency of Enterobacter asburiae and Vermicompost on the Peanut Growth and Yield

The combined use of endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (ENFB) and organic manures is a trend in sustainable agricultural production. To investigate the effect of Enterobacter asburiae (E asburiae) and vermicompost (VCT) on farmland nutrients, yield, quality, and reduce arsenic uptake of peanuts. Three factors, which were: (i) E asburiae (inoculum and no inoculum); (ii) irrigation water (River and underground water); (iii) VCT (0.00 and 10.0 t ha-1), were designed by eight treatments (Trt) and four replications. E asburiae inoculation combined with 10 t VCT ha-1 application and river water (RW) irrigation that both raised soil nutrient properties and traits of peanut agronomy and yield traits, raised significantly fresh seed yield and reduced arsenic (As) absorption of peanut stems and seeds. fresh seed yield of peanut in treatments of E asburiae inoculation, RW irrigation and 10.0 t VCT ha-1, which were higher than non E asburiae inoculation, deep well water (DWW) irrigation and no VCT application, were 24.3, 26.9 and 15.4%, respectively. The peanut As contents in Trt of E asburiae inoculation, RWI and 10.0 t VCT ha-1 were lower than 7.78, 45.3 and 1.92% in stems and 13.2, 78.3 and 9.82% in seeds, respectively, compared to non-E asburiae inoculation, DWW irrigation and no VCT application. E asburiae was found out one potential species to promote soil nutrients, the peanut growth, yield, quality and As resistance, which will be used like biological fertilizers in the future

Research on Vegetable Product Replenishment Decision Based on K-means Algorithm

The decision-making and pricing of supermarket restocking is a complex task that requires considering factors such as market demand, supply changes, and operating costs, making scientific and accurate decisions, providing customers with rich and fresh vegetable products, and promoting sustainable development. The pricing of vegetables in supermarkets generally adopts the "cost plus pricing" method, and supermarkets will formulate reasonable sales prices based on comprehensive considerations such as procurement costs, transportation costs, and operating costs. For products that may be damaged during transportation and have poor product quality, supermarkets usually offer discounts to meet customer needs and reduce food waste. This article first uses Excel software to describe and statistically analyze the data, transpose and visualize the data. Then, using the K-means algorithm in cluster analysis, the distribution patterns and interrelationships of vegetable categories and single product sales were analyzed in more detail. Finally, using Excel software, calculate the cost plus pricing for each vegetable category based on the formula "cost plus pricing=unit cost (1+cost profit margin)", and reasonable analysis is carried out according to the calculation results.This study on the calculation of cost-plus pricing for each vegetable category is of great significance to ensure the economic benefits of vegetable suppliers, improve the sustainability of agricultural production, optimize resource allocation, enhance market competitiveness, and promote the healthy development of the vegetable industry.

Microbial Biopreparations and Their Impact on Organic Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Yields and Fungal Infestation

Growing consumer awareness of the importance of food quality on their health is the main driving force for increasing the market for sustainable agricultural products. This makes sustainable, environmentally friendly production methods into non-chemical plant protection products against pathogens, including microbial biopreparations, increasingly important among farmers. Strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are often negatively affected by fungal pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of five combinations of newly developed microbial biopreparations (from K2 to K6) on fungal pathogens and the yield of three strawberry cultivars. The research was conducted on a certified organic strawberry plantation in Poland in 2020–2021. In the first year of the study, no statistically significant positive impact of tested treatments on strawberry yields have been found. At the same time, yields of ‘Honeoye’ treated with K4 combination showed a tendency (with no statistical significance) to have higher yields than the control object by about 33%. In the second year of the study, yields of ‘Honeoye’ and ‘Rumba’ treated with K4 combination (containing Bacillus sp. Sp116AC*, Bacillus sp. Sp115AD, Bacillus sp. AF75BC and Bacillus subtilis AF75AB2, humic acids, yeast culture effluent, micronized dolomite, and mustard and rapeseed oil) significantly increased by 79% and 49%, respectively. Fruit infestation by fungal pathogens was reduced under some microbial treatments; however, the effect varied between years, cultivars, and tested biopreparations. The K2 combination showed a tendency (with no statistical significance) to limit B. cinerea infestation rate by 23% in 2020 and 21% in 2021, C. acutatum by 16% in 2021, and P. cactorum infestation rate by 30% in 2021. Tested microbial biopreparations showed a positive impact on the yield of strawberries and (to some extent) on disease infestation, with an impact on pathogen infestation strongly dependent on the year, variety, and biopreparation tested.

Multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands from the grain security perspective: Evidence from the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China

Non-grain production (NGP) represents a complex social phenomenon driven by a range of interests that involve agricultural development, livelihood security, and ecological preservation. It significantly alters the structure of agricultural production and vegetation cover, influencing regional grain supply and the multifunctional composition of agriculture. To achieve sustainable development goals related to grain supply and ecological stability, this study proposes a research framework for multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands (NGFs). First, NGFs in the Wuhan metropolitan area (WHM) were extracted based on land survey data to carry out multifunctional evaluation of NGFs, including production function, ecological functions and recreational function. Second, the SOM+K-means algorithm is used to identify and explore the multifunctional bundle characteristics of NGFs to determine the regulation priority order of NGFs. Finally, a multiscenario simulation of the rigid control scale and layout arrangement of NGFs from the grain security perspective is carried out. The research results show that (1) there are 1294.34 thousand ha of NGFs in the WHM, mainly of grain and non-grain rotation type (52.36 %). The production function is higher in the central and western Jianghan Plain areas than in the northeastern and southern hilly mountainous areas; the ecological functions are the opposite; the high-value areas of recreational function are mainly located around the built-up areas of the city. (2) Multifunctional bundles divide NGFs into seven categories and determine the order of regulation based on the principle of "production priority, functional diversity". (3) By setting different grain security scenarios, it is predicted that the rigid control scale of NGFs in the WHM in 2030 is 256.08–797.55 thousand ha. Divide and restore grain production in order of the priority zone for grain production, the reserve zone for grain production, the resilience zone for grain production, the ecological improvement zone and the agricultural improvement zone, so as to achieve a regulatory layout of strict control and adaptable regulation of NGFs. The research supports the regulation of NGFs in balancing grain security and ecological stability to promote sustainable agricultural production.

Public-Private Partnerships in driving Sustainable Agricultural Growth for Addressing Poverty and Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Poverty and food insecurity have become a concern in various parts of the world including Nigeria which are regarded as impediments for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Overwhelming studies have explored the roles and contributions of public-private partnerships (PPP) in driving various aspects of the economy in general and gross domestic product (GDP) in particular. However, less focus of attention is given to public-private partnerships (PPP) in fostering the sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria in order to addressing poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria. Content and critical analysis is used in this study as a methodological approach. Secondary data were used which were sourced through academic databases such as journals from google scholar. The result demonstrated that the current hike in the price of commodities in the country contribute to the proliferation of poverty among the households and the challenges of kidnapping and banditry immensely contribute to the challenge of food security in the country. The challenge of funds identified among the farmers contribute immensely to high level of poverty and prevalence of food insecurity in the country. It is therefore suggested that the government should encourage provision of funds through an effective collaboration of public-private partnerships (PPP) in driving sustainable agriculture growth in the country. In so doing, it would strengthen the income of households through farming and sustainable agricultural productivity for poverty alleviation and food security will be achieved.

基于实时光谱信息的小麦变量施肥效率分析与评价

Studying the effect of variable fertilization during the jointing stage on winter wheat production in the rice-wheat rotation area is critical for evaluating the application effect and economic benefits of variable fertilization technology. The variable fertilization experiment of wheat was carried out in Jiangsu province by using the self-developed fertilizer applicator. Three fertilization methods were used to conduct a comparative analysis of the fertilization amount, population structure, and yield of winter wheat during the jointing stage. On this basis, the economic feasibility of variable fertilization during the jointing stage was evaluated. The experimental results showed that the control accuracy of variable-rate fertilization with fertilization equipment was greater than 95%. After variable fertilization, the coefficient of variation of NDVI values in the winter wheat canopy spectral data remained between 0.076 and 0.125, and the Christensen uniformity coefficient remained between 0.901 and 0.940. Compared with the traditional empirical balance method for quantitative fertilization of plots, the real-time variable fertilization plot used 13.6 kg/hm2 less fertilizer during the jointing stage. The findings validate that implementing variable fertilization can help reduce nitrogen fertilizer input, improve nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural production.

Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production and Food Security

This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed examination of the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector, offering sustainable solutions with the objective of ensuring global food security. The detrimental impact of climate change on agricultural production, including global warming, significant alterations in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, has been meticulously assessed, with careful consideration given to their potential consequences for future food supply and security. In this context, a number of critical strategies and policies have been proposed, including the strengthening of water management policies, the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices, the development of climate-resilient seeds, and the enhancement of agricultural technologies. Moreover, the imperative for international collaboration and shared accountability has been forcefully emphasised, underscoring the necessity of maintaining this pivotal issue at the forefront of the global agenda. It is evident that a comprehensive approach is essential for combating climate change and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. Sustainable solutions and international cooperation are vital for guaranteeing a reliable future food supply and food security. In this context, the implementation of the proposed strategies and policies represents a crucial step towards aligning the agricultural sector with future needs and effectively addressing climate change.

Microbial Utilization to Nurture Robust Agroecosystems for Food Security

In the context of anthropogenic evolution, various sectors have been exploited to satisfy human needs and demands, often pushing them to the brink of deterioration and destruction. One such sector is agrochemicals, which have been increasingly employed to achieve higher yields and bridge the gap between food supply and demand. However, extensive and prolonged use of chemical fertilizers most often degrades soil structure over time, resulting in reduced yields and consequently further exacerbating the disparity between supply and demand. To address these challenges and ensure sustainable agricultural production, utilization of microorganisms offers promising solutions. Hence, microorganisms, particularly effective microorganisms (EMs) and plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs), are pivotal in agricultural biomes. They enhance crop yields through active contribution to crucial biological processes like nitrogen fixation and phytohormone synthesis, making vital nutrients soluble and acting as natural enemies against pests and pathogens. Microbes directly enhance soil vigor and stimulate plant growth via the exudation of bioactive compounds. The utilization of EMs and PGPMs reduces the need for chemical inputs, leading to lower costs and reduced environmental pollutants. Furthermore, beneficial soil microflora produces growth-related metabolites and phytohormones that augment plant growth and support stress resilience. Microbes also help plants tolerate various abiotic stresses, including metal stress, salt stress, and drought stress, through various mechanisms. Understanding the interactions and activities of microorganisms provides valuable insights into their potential use to manage stress in plants. Thus, by leveraging the full potential of microorganisms, we can develop healthier agroecosystems that contribute sustainably to meet the growing global food demands.

Sustainable soil health and agricultural productivity with biochar-based indigenous organic fertilizers in acidic soils: insights from Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility in tropical regions is a pressing concern contributing to lower crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and co-composted biochar on acidic soil and the growth performance of teff (Eragrotis teff (Zucc.)) in the sub-tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Co-composted biochar was produced by mixing Acacia decurrens biochar with chicken litter and cow dung manure at different ratios of 100:0:0, 25:75:0, 15:85:0, and 25:0:75. Treatment impact on soil properties and crop yields were evaluated with applications of 0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha–1 in field trials. The study shows interaction effects of biochar-based amendments significantly (P < 0.001) improved soil bulk density (g/cm3), moisture content (%), pH, total nitrogen (%), total organic carbon (%), available phosphorus (mg/kg), cation exchange capacity (cmol ( +)/kg)) and teff yield. The application of 20 t ha–1 sole biochar significantly improved soil acidity by 0.99 units. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 of BCLL and BCM resulted in notable increases in soil pH, ranging from 0.12 to 0.83 units for BCLL and 0.15 to 0.81 units for BCM. Soil treated with 20 t ha–1 BCLL showed a significant increase in tef grain yield, with improvements of 315%, 48%, 48%, and 84% compared to the control, compost, inorganic fertilizer, and sole biochar application, respectively. In conclusion, the application of 20 t ha–1 BCLL has significantly improved soil properties and crop yield. This emphasizes the need to expand the intervention to assist farmers facing similar soil fertility challenges.