Sustainable Agricultural Model Research Articles

Distinguishing direct N2O emissions from 15N-labeled manure compost, urea, and maize roots in a field study

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural activities are a significant contributor to global anthropogenic N2O emissions. Sustainable agriculture practices, including using manure compost to replace nitrogen (N) fertilizers, can reduce chemical fertilizer use and minimize negative impacts on soil health and water quality. However, the direct contributions of manure compost to N2O emissions have not been fully studied. We conducted a field study to distinguish the direct contributions of manure compost, urea, and residual maize roots to N2O emissions in an integrated crop-livestock agricultural system in Shandong Province, China. Using the 15N-labeling technique, we found that the majority (93.3%) of cumulative N2O emissions originated from the soil and other unaccounted sources. Notably, manure compost contributed 1.3%, while current-year urea, residual urea with root exudates, and maize root accounted for 3.4%, 1.9%, and 0.03% of cumulative N2O, respectively. Our results also demonstrated that applying manure compost in combination with urea resulted in lower seed yield-scaled N2O emissions (0.046 g N2O-N kg−1 seed) compared to applying urea alone, even when the total N input was identical, suggesting the potential of manure compost in a more sustainable agriculture model. The low emission factor of manure compost (0.005%) compared to urea (0.019%) supports this potential, indicating the slow-release nature of manure may mitigate N2O while maintaining crop yield. Additionally, the overall low emissions may be attributed to the relatively high soil pH (8.17), which influences the denitrification product ratio, favoring the conversion of N2O to N2. Our study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to N2O emissions in integrated crop-livestock farming systems, and highlights the importance of distinguishing multiple sources of N2O emissions to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Determinants of fintech adoption in agrarian economy: Study of UTAUT extension model in reference to developing economies

Digitalized agriculture methods and other technical improvements are required to be integrated with finance technology (FinTech) as a critical path and through this integration, trade-offs between resource use and profitability may be lessened, supporting the development of sustainable agricultural models. This research explores the complex interrelationships of factors influencing adoption of fintech by farmers. This study understands the relationship between Social Influence (SI), Performance Expectancy (PE), Convenience (C), Behavioural Intention to adopt agricultural fintech products and services (BIAFPS) and Actual Adoption of agricultural products and services (AAFPS). By utilizing a multifaceted methodology drawn as an extension of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by intercepting BIAFPS as mediator, the study explores the intricate relationships and interdependencies among these variables, illuminating the critical function of BIAFPS in this intricate structure. This study intends to improve the understanding of the mechanisms impacting farmer’s perspective by analysing 362 farmers as respondent of 6 different districts of the third largest agriculture cultivation state of India i.e. Uttar Pradesh during April 2023- July 2023. Authors applied stratified sampling technique to collect the data. Smart PLS4 was utilized and SEM and mediation analysis was conducted to study the data. The study concluded that SI, PE, and C influence BIAFPS and AAFPS respectively in a very positive manner and also full mediation of BIAFPS was established among SI, PE, C and AAFPS. The importance of FinTech integration in promoting sustainable farming practices eventually leading to sustainable development is emphasized in this study. Stakeholders may unleash the transformative potential of FinTech and promote a paradigm shift towards environmentally responsible and commercially successful agriculture systems in developing countries by addressing the factors driving adoption.

A Comprehensive Review on Harvesting Abundance: Exploring the Tools and Techniques of Zero Budget Natural Farming

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an innovative and sustainable agricultural paradigm that redefines conventional farming practices. Pioneered by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF promotes a harmonious coexistence with nature by minimizing external inputs and eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals. The approach is rooted in indigenous wisdom, emphasizing the use of locally available resources and traditional farming techniques. Through the judicious application of inputs such as Jeevamrut and Bijamrita, ZBNF aims to enhance soil fertility and plant resilience. ZBNF advocates crop diversification, cover cropping, and agroforestry, fostering biodiversity and mitigating the risks associated with monoculture. The method encourages farmers to adopt natural pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. One of the distinctive features is its "zero budget" approach, wherein farmers aim to meet their agricultural needs without incurring additional costs. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern ecological principles, ZBNF stands as a promising model for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, addressing global concerns about environmental impact and food security.

Climate change and adaptive strategies on viticulture (Vitis spp.)

Abstract Climate change has many negative effects on the viticulture sector, as it does in all sectors. In recent years, global climate change has also shown its effect in the form of sudden climatic events. There is an urgent need to develop preventive/protective activities for all plant species in order to prevent the increasing world population from being negatively affected by many negative consequences of climate change such as increasing temperatures, drought, floods, and sudden climatic events. Grape industry is among the sectors that feel the negative effects of climate change the most, and this effect is increasing every year. Along with global warming, there are also important problems in accessing water. Particularly, there is a need to develop cultivars that are more resistant to drought stress and to make applications that will protect grapevine plants from drought stress. One of the most important issues to be overcome is to develop new cultivars that can withstand different stress conditions and to use them more in production. In addition, environmental and human health awareness is increasing day by day. Adaptation strategies to be taken against the negative effects of climate change and the studies to be carried out, as well as the use of new environmentally friendly varieties (requiring less input costs) to be developed in accordance with the sustainable agriculture model, will make significant contributions to protecting both the environment and human health.

Valorization of wheat production in marginal areas: farmer-centric experimentation for variety choice and evolutionary population development

In Italy, from 2000 to 2010, 58% of farms in mountain areas were abandoned leading to a 33% decrease in available land for agriculture. This research aimed to restore value and competitiveness to the Apennine area, by proposing a balanced and sustainable agriculture model. Following the needs of farmers, underutilised cereals were selected as the ideal genetic material for the study and development of short local food supply chains. The field experiments were carried out in two organic farms located in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). During two growing seasons, seven wheat genotypes, two wheat evolutionary populations and one einkorn mixture were cultivated under organic farming management. Results related to functional traits are presented along with the main agronomic and technological parameters that were determined. Several nutritional properties are included. Mean yield and stability performance over environments for each genotype were explored using the “Genotype and Genotype by Environment biplot” elaboration. Considering yield performances, “Benco” was closer to the ‘ideal’ genotype. All the results were evaluated with the farmers, who expressed their own preferences from field observations. The right coupling between environment and genotypes can discourage the abandonment of hilly and mountainous farms by enhancing the economic competitiveness of agriculture in these regions.

Evaluating ecological sustainability of mechanized and traditional systems of damaskrose production using extended exergy analysis

Environmental resource efficiency is a major challenge in the management of agroecosystems and their sustainability. The Extended Exergy Analysis (EEA) is a novel approach that assesses the total amount of resources extracted from the environment to produce agroecosystem products. This study applied the EEA to compare the sustainable development of Damask rose flower production in two mechanized and traditional systems in Nehbandan County, South Khorasan province, using the data of 2021–2022. The EEA calculated the flows of labor, capital, and environmental costs in the systems based on the first and second thermodynamic laws. The results showed that the traditional system had lower cumulative exergy consumption (CExC) and environmental modification cost than the mechanized system, indicating higher ecological sustainability. The extended exergy indices, such as the special capital conversion of energy and material input (kcap), the special capital conversion of product sale (KCAPEEA), extended exergy cost (eec) and the cumulative degree of perfection (CDP), also revealed that the traditional system was more cost-effective, economical, technologically efficient, and closer to the optimal conditions than the mechanized system. To achieve a sustainable agricultural crop production system, new patterns and models for selecting inputs and reducing environmental costs are recommended.

Sustainable Agriculture Model Development to Control Agricultural Land Conversion in Kemiren Tourism Village, Banyuwangi Regency

The conversion of agricultural land in Kemiren Tourism Village has the potential to affect the environment, socioeconomic, and cultural of the surrounding community. To address the issue of land conversion in Kemiren Tourism Village, this study aims to develop a sustainable agriculture model. The development of this dynamic system involves several stages: determining system objectives, conducting a needs analysis, formulating problems, and identifying the system. The analysis suggests an increase in agricultural land conversion from 2020 to 2030, with the potential to convert all agricultural land into non-agricultural land, particularly for tourism purposes. The reduction of agricultural land in Kemiren Tourism Village leads to a decline in both the community's rice production and food security. However, the growing demand for rice due to land being optimized for tourism increases rice production. To address this issue, this study recommends a scenario that includes strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and bolstering the socio-economic conditions of the population, leading to a reduction rate of agricultural land conversion by 25% until 2030.

Dynamic Analysis of Watershed Management and Sustainable Agriculture in Dryland Regions: A Case Study of Purulia District, West Bengal

Watershed management deals with managing groundwater and drinking water in dryland areas. In this study, a dynamic optimisation model for sustainable agriculture and watershed management is developed, which can help farmers in dryland regions maximise their profit from agricultural production. The steady-state values of water stock, profit and allocation of land between highly water-intensive and less water-intensive crops are determined. This study also carries out sensitivity analysis by perturbing various parameters such as technologies used in crop production, discount rate and annual recharge of groundwater stock. The results show that as the technology used for less water-intensive crops improves, groundwater stock and profit increase. This study captures how upstream and downstream farmers can optimise their net benefit from agriculture when there is water conflict between them. It also demonstrates how their water extraction patterns and benefits can change in the presence and absence of a social planner.

Spatial models of rice fields change and sustainable agriculture in Solok District, West Sumatra Province

Indonesia is an agricultural country and one of the world's rice-producing countries. However, the increase in population has pushed for the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes. Solok is a district with the largest paddy field area in West Sumatra. Yet, the increase in population has resulted in a decrease in paddy fields every year. This study aimed to determine the model for changing the area of paddy fields for the 2000-2020 period and determine the direction of sustainable agricultural policies. In defining the paddy field change model, this research uses the input data from the interpretation of 2000 Landsat 5 imagery, 2010 Landsat 7 imagery, and 2020 Landsat Oli 8 imagery. The data were analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS). This research employed the Powersim Software with a system dynamics approach in projecting rice production and demand. This research used Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis to determine the direction of sustainable food policy. The results showed that there had been a conversion of 13,801.6 hectares of paddy agricultural land into a built-up area in the 2000-2020 period in Solok District. In 2020, Solok District supplied 2,838 thousand tons of rice, while the demand for rice was 446.3 thousand tons. In the direction of the sustainable agriculture policy, there are three key sub-elements; tightening land use permits, establishing and implementing spatial planning regulations, and consistency in enforcing spatial planning violation laws.

Systematic Review of Technology in Aeroponics: Introducing the Technology Adoption and Integration in Sustainable Agriculture Model

Aeroponics is a soilless agricultural technique that grows plants by misting their roots with a nutrient-rich solution. Technology has transformed aeroponics by providing it with benefits such as the control of environmental factors, automated nutrient delivery, and the monitoring of plant health. This paper presents a systematic review of 47 studies to identify the status and tendencies in the usage of technology in aeroponics as well as the main opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, this paper introduces the Technology Adoption and Integration in Sustainable Agriculture (TAISA) model. TAISA is a model that identifies the degree of technology integration in any sustainable agriculture system to determine how technology affects production and quality. The systematic review indicates that the most common technology in aeroponics is sensing technology and Industry 4.0. These technologies have brought multiple benefits such as sustainability and time efficiency. Conversely, the studies highlighted technical complexity and power dependency as the main challenges in technology-assisted aeroponics. Finally, the TAISA model reveals that technology has primarily been employed in creating new processes that are only possible to implement with the help of technology. Therefore, we conclude that technology use has taken root in aeroponics and can be promoted to improve sustainable agriculture.

CASE STUDY OF INNOVATION BUSINESS MODEL TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE OF PRIVATE FARM IN TAIWAN

This study investigation modern sustainable agricultural business model of private farm in Taiwan. Enter the real field, understand the rural environment on the spot, and hope to bring substantial help to the current agricultural environment in Taiwan. Conduct Zhang-Jia farm as the case, based on local ecology, production and life to analyse the management characteristics of the farm. Combine with the theory of ideas explored in the literature to verify the relevance of its actual mode of operation and goals. Observe the local tribal ecology and industrial context to find problems, and compile various conceptual factors that affect the sustainable development of Taiwan's agriculture based on the literature. Through developing organic agriculture, promoting leisure agriculture, developing diversified agricultural products, promoting food agricultural education, and organized production and marketing groups as strategies. Through diversification activities, construct a field environmental relationship brimming with "agricultural production", "peasant life" and "rural ecology", and practice the concept of respect for nature. To maintain the survival of the farm and leave a beautiful homeland, further to increase agricultural production, increase income, maintain natural ecology, create the best areas for farming and living, attract more young people to return to the countryside, and to promote sustainable agriculture in Taiwan.

Экономика, организация и управление предприятиями, отраслями, комплексами

The article studies the concepts of sustainable agriculture and the factors of internal and external systems influencing its formation. Having surveyed the principles of sustainable agriculture, the author clarified that the agricultural sustainability largely depends on the efficient management of natural systems and resources. The work presents a conceptual model for sustainable agriculture and rural areas defined as a socio-economic-natural complex system that includes three subsystems as agrarian-economic, rural-ecologic, and rural-social subsystems. The purpose of the integrated system is to coordinate the interaction and interconnection between the rural subsystems and their components to achieve harmony between agricultural production, the rural environment, and the well-being of peasants and rural residents. The modern methods of sustainable agriculture, and therefore sustainable resource management, mean the resource-saving, organic, biodynamic, climatically optimized, regenerative agriculture, relate to sustainable intensification and resource-saving agriculture. To form the agricultural sustainability in the northern region, the author proposes new approaches to its development such as the integrated farming system, agroforestry, site specific crop farming, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.

'Clean Food': A Model for Safe and Sustainable Agriculture Towards Accomplishment of Circular Economy

The core concept of Circular Economy (CE) in Agriculture is targeted towards better sustenance through higher use of renewable sources and facilitating the restoration and regeneration of system resources. However, dearth of effective crop-technology/ies that can ensure the above while sustaining crop yields; form the major bottleneck towards facilitation of CE in agriculture. The Safe and Sustainable' Clean Food' (CF) Model can perhaps serve as the best fit road map towards the objective. Driven by Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology this model focuses 'Plant Health Management' and utilizes the safe, cost-effective, waste bio-converted Novcom compost for Soil Health Management to deliver safe food, without crop loss and without raising the cost of production. The model when evaluated in respect of all the basic principles of circular agriculture; revealed its potential towards improving (by up to 19.5%) crop yield while reducing/ eliminating non-renewable inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides; that minimized the risk of pesticide residue in food (vegetables) by about 93%. Resource recycling through bioconversion of MSW/ landfill waste into safe compost improved soil quality by up to 27%. Most importantly, GHG Abatement of 6.4 to 11.7 kg CO2 -eq / kg food production, 64% increase in energy productivity, 16.7% higher employment generation, and about 19.7% increase in gross income (on an average); indicated that the CF Model delivered the very essence of CE in agriculture i. e., decoupling economic development from the linear dynamics of finite and non-renewable resource extraction, use, and disposal, while improving the access to safe and nutritious food for all.

A SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC PRODUCTION MODEL – OPPORTUNITY FOR INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS IN RURAL AREAS

Sustainable agricultural models, as an innovative approach, are essential in the transition to a higher degree of sustainability of a healthy and environmentally friendly food system related to the production of high value-added products under the sustainable management of natural resources. The aim of the research is to identify the contribution of organic agriculture to the sustainable management and development of rural areas in the Republic of Bulgaria. The strategic framework for the future development of organic agriculture and the contribution of a sustainable organic production model as a tool for innovative development of the territory are outlined. It is defended the opinion that the innovative development of agribusiness in rural areas, through the application of a sustainable organic production model, is based on the collaboration among the authorities, local communities and business for diversification in the functional use of the territory and optimal utilization of the available resources

Study on the Impact of Social Capital on Farmers’ Decision-Making Behavior of Adopting Trusteeship Services

The development of sustainable agriculture is an important link in promoting agricultural modernization. As a new sustainable agricultural production model, the promotion effect of agricultural production trust depends on the participation of farmers. Therefore, based on the micro-data of 461 valid questionnaires from farmers in the Heilongjiang Province and the Heckman sample selection model, this study empirically analyzed the impact of social capital on the decision behavior of farmers to adopt custody services from two aspects of adoption behavior and adoption degree. The results showed that social capital had a significant positive impact on the adoption behavior and the degree of adoption of rural households’ trusteeship services. From the perspective of different business scales, for large-scale households, participation in the service promotion activities of agricultural means of production suppliers and trust in the technical information disseminated by the government had a significant positive impact on the adoption of custody services. However, for small farmers, participating in village collective service promotion activities and trusting the service information spread by their neighbors’ relatives and friends had a significant positive impact on trust adoption behavior. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the impact of social capital on farmers’ trust adoption behavior decision making in the future agricultural trust service promotion process to accelerate the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

Climate-Based Land Engineering Model for Management Sustainable Agriculture in Banten Province

Development in Banten Province leads to industrial and agricultural development. The increase in the number of industries has implications for the reduction of agricultural land, so that in certain areas there is contact between industry and agricultural land. To maintain the rate of increase in the two developments, a climate-based regional mapping is carried out, while to maintain the productivity of the land around the industrial area, land engineering is carried out. The method for land mapping uses astronomical limits and climatic conditions for each region, while land engineering is carried out by creating intermediate land which functions to sterilize pollutants from industry. Furthermore, to increase agricultural productivity, a climate change-based cropping pattern is implemented. The results of climate-based regional mapping show that Pandeglang and Lebak districts have the potential for agriculture, while Cilegon City and Tangerang Regency have the potential for industry.

Assessment of Subsurface Drainage Strategies Using DRAINMOD Model for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

Practicing agricultural drainage strategies is necessary to manage excess water in poorly drained irrigated agricultural lands to protect them from induced waterlogging and salinity problems. This paper provides an overview of subsurface drainage strategies and the modeling of their performance using the DRAINMOD model. Given that the DRAINMOD model considers a fixed value of the surface depression capacity (SDC) for the whole simulation period, which does not suit many agricultural practices, the paper then assesses the model’s performance under time-variable SDC. It was revealed that adopting a fixed value of SDC for the whole simulation period in the DRAINMOD model causes it to produce improper predictions of the water balance in farmlands characterized by time-variable SDC. Such a model drawback will also adversely impact its predictions of the nitrogen and phosphorus fate in farmlands, which represent major inputs when managing both the agricultural process and agricultural water quality. Researchers should pay attention when applying the DRAINMOD model to farmlands characterized by time-variable SDC. Moreover, it is recommended that the DRAINMOD input module be improved by considering changes in SDC during the simulation period to ensure better management of the agricultural process and agricultural water.

An Innovative Organic Agriculture Model for Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in Bulgaria

The EU policy is aimed at raising the standard of living in rural areas and supporting the processes related to uncovering and utilising their full potential. Rural territories in Bulgaria have unexploited potential, both in the use and protection of available resources and their social economic development, as well as in the generation of additional income. Through their sustainable development, a balance between economic, social and ecological growth would be achieved and the quality of life in them would be significantly improved. The purpose of the research is related to the study of the contribution of a sustainable organic agriculture model to achieve a multiplier effect on the rural area, as well as the linkage between organic agriculture and alternative tourism. The innovative organic agriculture model is undoubtedly one of the possibilities with a significant influence to achieve greater sustainability in the development of the rural economy in a territorial scope. The strong connection and interdependence between the economic entities in agriculture and tourism sectors is fully manifested when the interests of all interested parties in the development process of the specific territory are well combined.

The long way to innovation adoption: insights from precision agriculture

The adoption of innovations may boost the transition to sustainable agricultural models. Among these innovations, precision farming offers a fundamental contribution to sustainable soil management and the improvement in product quality. The work is set against this background and aims to analyse the rate of introducing precision farming tools and the variables that prevent/facilitate this adoption. Although adoption rates in Italy remain relatively low, it is vital to underline the obstacles that limit the broader use of precision agricultural technologies inside farms. To this end, the literature has highlighted various elements of complexity (farm characteristics, socio-economic and psychological), which can hinder or generate perceived complexity and significantly reduce the potential for technology adoption. In this context emerges the increasing importance of public and private activities related to knowledge transfer. The paper focuses on agricultural knowledge and innovation systems, which are also relevant in light of the recent proposal for the new regulation on rural development. The awareness–knowledge–adoption–product (AKAP) sequence was used to reveal the gap between the potential and actual adoption of innovation on Italian farms to comprehend the adoption process and identify relevant barriers and the role knowledge systems played. Empirical findings show that AKIS has a critical mediating function in promoting innovation uptake. Strengthening knowledge systems, acting on the different phases of the AKAP sequence, could allow a greater understanding of precision agriculture techniques and bottlenecks to adoption.

Land suitability analysis using AHP-based multi-criteria decision model for sustainable agriculture in red and lateritic zones of West Bengal, India

Land suitability analysis using AHP-based multi-criteria decision model for sustainable agriculture in red and lateritic zones of West Bengal, India