Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems Research Articles

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Determinants of adoption of automation and robotics technology in the agriculture sector–A mixed methods, narrative, interpretive knowledge synthesis

Automation and robotics technologies in agriculture promise to increase productivity with a smaller environmental footprint. However, adoption of agri-innovations is rarely a simple decision. The decision to adopt is determined by numerous factors. Employing a mixed methods narrative, interpretive knowledge synthesis, we review 72 unique studies between 2017–2021, and conduct a thematic analysis. Noting the innate complexity of agriculture, we identify 13 determinants of adoption of automation and robotic technologies in agriculture: data; farm characteristics and surrounding physical environment; farmer characteristics; policy and regulation; labour’s absorptive capacity; social elements; interoperability; standards; access to information; operational benefits; public infrastructure; technological characteristics; and uncertainty and risk. We conclude with seven observations. First, while automation and robotics are promising agri-innovations, they will not be appropriate or beneficial for all farms. There are other forms of agricultural innovation, and their uptake likely will always vary even within the same commodity and region. Second, taking a reductive approach to understanding adoption of agri-innovations may hinder the transformation to sustainable agriculture production systems; it is important to understand the role of complexity in shaping the dynamic interplay among determinants. Third, public infrastructure is more than just the Internet, yet there was little reference to other forms of public infrastructure in the dataset. Fourth, while many papers argue public policy is important for increasing the adoption of these innovations, few provide concrete policy suggestions or scalable examples. Fifth, trust and transparency are central to adoption. Technology developers need to take farmers concerns and needs seriously. Sixth, technology developers must offer practical solutions to real problems. Seventh, automation and robotics encompasses many technologies, and yet no standard or consistent terminology exists. This makes communication about these innovations more difficult. We propose a typology under the rubric of data-driven agricultural technologies.

Organic cropping systems balance environmental impacts and agricultural production

Agriculture provides food to a still growing population but is a major driver of the acceleration of global nutrient flows, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Policies such as the European Farm2Fork strategy aim to mitigate the environmental impact of land-use by fostering organic farming. To assess long-term environmental impact of organic food production we synthesized more than four decades of research on agronomic and environmental performance of the oldest system comparison experiment on organic and conventional cropping systems (DOK experiment). Two organic systems (bioorganic and biodynamic) are compared with two conventional (manure-based integrated and mineral-based) systems all with the same arable crop rotation including grass-clover, and manure from livestock integrated in all except the mineral-based system. Organic systems used 92% less pesticides and 76% less mineral nitrogen than conventional systems. Nitrogen use efficiency, that also considers biological nitrogen fixation, was above 85% for all systems. Organic fertilization with farmyard manure maintained or increased soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in the long term, especially in the biodynamic system with manure compost. Conventional mineral-based cropping reduced soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Higher soil organic carbon stocks in organic cropping did not translate to increased N2O emissions, which were the main driver for 56% lower soil-based, area-scaled climate impact compared to the integrated conventional system with manure. Organic cropping systems, especially compost-based biodynamic, showed enhanced soil health, richness of micro- and macrofauna and weed species. Highest yields were achieved in integrated conventional system, with highest total nitrogen inputs and enhanced soil health compared to pure mineral fertilization. Yet, these benefits come at the cost of lower nitrogen use efficiency and higher N2O emissions. Despite a rigorous reduction of inputs yields of the organic systems achieved 85% of the conventional systems. We demonstrate at field level that organic cropping systems with reduced external nutrient inputs have less climate impact and a larger in-situ biodiversity, while providing a fertile ground for the future development of sustainable agricultural production systems.

Evaluating Maize Residue Cover Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing in the Meadow Soil Region of Northeast China

The management of crop residues in farmland is crucial for increasing soil organic matter and reducing soil erosion. Identifying the regional extent of crop residue cover (CRC) is vital for implementing conservation tillage and formulating agricultural subsidy policies. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) and remote sensing images from 2019 to 2023 were used to obtain spectral characteristics before the maize seedling stage in Northeast China, followed by constructing the CRC estimation models using machine learning algorithms. To avoid the impact of multicollinearity among data, three machine learning algorithms—ridge regression (RR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)—were employed. By comparing the accuracy of these methods, the most accurate model was determined and applied to subsequent CRC estimation. Based on the estimated CRC and Conservation Technology Information Center definitions of tillage practices, the conservation tillage mapping was completed, and the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics were thoroughly analyzed. The following findings were demonstrated: (1) the PLSR-based model outperformed RR (Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) = 0.8875, R2 = 0.7877, RMSE = 6.99%) and LASSO (r = 0.8903, R2 = 0.7926, RMSE = 6.88%) with higher accuracy (r = 0.9264, R2 = 0.8582, RMSE = 4.93%). (2) Over the five years, the average no-tillage (NT) proportion in the study area was 15.9%, reduced tillage (RT) was 17.8%, and conventional tillage (CT) was 66.3%. In 2020 and 2022, NT rates were significantly higher at 27.5% and 15.5%, while RT were 15.7% and 30.0%, respectively. (3) Compared to the Sanjiang and Liaohe Plains (RT = 1907 km2 and 1336 km2, and NT = 559 km2 and 585 km2, respectively), the Songnen Plain exhibited higher conservation tillage rates (where RT was 3791 km2 and NT was 1265 km2). This provides crucial scientific evidence for the management and planning of conservation tillage, thereby optimizing farmland production planning, enhancing production efficiency, and promoting the development of sustainable agricultural production systems.

Maize crop residue cover mapping using Sentinel-2 MSI data and random forest algorithms

The return of crop residues to cultivated fields has numerous agronomic and soil quality benefits and, therefore, the areal extent of crop residue cover (CRC) could provide a rapid measure of the sustainability of agricultural production systems in a region. Recognizing the limitations of traditional CRC methods, a new method is proposed for estimating the spatial and temporal distribution of maize residue cover (MRC) in the Jilin Province, NE China. The method used random forest (RF) algorithms, 13 tillage indices and 9 textural feature indicators derived from Sentinel-2 data. The tillage indices with the best predictive performance were STI and NDTI (R2 of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively). Among the texture features, the best-fitting was Band8AMean-5∗5 (R2 of 0.56 and 0.54 for the line-transect and photographic methods, respectively). Based on MSE and InNodePurity, the optimal combination of RF algorithm for the line-transect method was STI, NDTI, NDI7, NDRI5, SRNDI, NDRI6, NDRI7 and Band3Mean-3∗3. Likewise, the optimal combination of RF algorithm for the photographic method was STI, NDTI, NDI7, SRNDI, NDRI6, NDRI5, NDRI9 and Band3Mean-3∗3. Regional distribution of MRC in the Jilin Province, estimated using the RF prediction model, was higher in the central and southeast sections than in the northwest. That distribution was in line with the spatial heterogeneity of maize yield in the region. These findings showed that the RF algorithm can be used to map regional MRC and, therefore, represents a useful tool for monitoring regional-scale adoption of conservation agricultural practices.

Interaction Effects of Nutrient and Water on Crop Production System under Dry and Irrigated Agriculture System

Many areas in India, including dryland areas, are under stress from two main obstacles to agricultural output, namely, inadequate soil nutrients and a scarcity of water. In most rainfed regions, except for a few places that can conduct irrigation, low precipitation levels and their erratic distribution usually result in soil water deficiency which leads to water as well as the instances of nutritional stress. Hence, in sustainable agricultural production systems, soil water and nutrient stress are major concerns. In crop production systems, the interplay between water and nutrients might yield favourable results, contingent on the growth stages, volumes, combinations, and balance of the crops. In irrigated areas, water and nutrients have interdependent effects. Efficient water management can enhance nutrient availability and transformation in soil or fertilizers. Water boosts plant nutrient content, uptake, and overall efficiency. Water scarcity stresses plants, impeding root growth and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it has been discovered that there is typically a strong, nearly linear correlation between crop yield and nutrient and water management techniques. Water availability and nutrient efficiency are therefore intimately related. The water state of the soil should be taken into consideration when applying nutrients in a balanced manner, taking into account their types, ratios, amounts, timing, and methods, in addition to their capacity to give nutrients. Therefore, determining the best time or growth stage to add water and nutrients to various crops, as well as how water and nutrients interact, are essential for a sustainable crop production system.

Climate risk and green total factor productivity in agriculture: The moderating role of climate policy uncertainty.

In light of the escalating global warming and the escalating frequency of extreme weather events, the agricultural sector, being a fundamental and pivotal industry worldwide, is encountering substantial challenges due to climate change. Using Chinese provincial panel data for 2000-2021, this paper utilizes a two-way fixed-effect model to investigate the impact of Climate Risk (CR) on green total factor productivity in agriculture (AGTFP), with China's climate policy uncertainty (CPU) being introduced as a moderating variable within the research framework to scrutinize its influence in this context. The findings reveal a noteworthy adverse effect of CR on AGTFP, further exacerbated by CPU. Heterogeneity analysis results show that there is a clear regional variation in the effect of CR on AGTFP across different Chinese regions, with CR significantly inhibiting AGTFP development in the northern regions and provinces in major grain producing regions. Consequently, there is a pressing necessity to bolster the establishment of climate change monitoring infrastructures, devise tailored climate adaptation strategies at a regional level, and enhance the clarity and predictability of climate policies to fortify the resilience and sustainability of agricultural production systems.

PENDAMPINGAN PETERNAK KAMBING PADA WILAYAH PENYANGGA PERUSAHAAN PTPV VII KABUPATEN LAMPUNG TENGAH

In the context of rural economic development, it is important to implement a social innovation collaborative model with social agents (industry, government, NGOs, and other organizations), where farmers take collective action to build a sustainable agricultural production system. Using the INRM (Integrated Natural Resource Management) method, the FEB Unila Community Service Team developed an Inclusive Social Business Model that encourages local farmer groups to collaborate on economic and social development activities through goat farming. INRM is a method of development-oriented research that aims to simultaneously reduce poverty, increase food security, and achieve environmental protection. The result of the community service is the formation of a livestock farmer group organization which is expected to become a local institution that plays the role of the Inclusive Social Business Model, encouraging sustainable economic and social programs to increase the income of farmers particularly, and the community of Mekar Jaya Village in general.

AGRICULTURE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION – RESULTS OF ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Agriculture represents the “cause” and the “victim” of climate change. Almost 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the agricultural sector. They contribute to global warming and therefore significantly affect the sustainability of agricultural production systems. The aim of the paper is to determine which factors have the greatest influence on the greenhouse gas emission from agriculture. For this purpose, a dynamic panel analysis for 26 members of the European Union in the period from 2013 to 2021 in the paper is conducted. The results of the analysis suggest that the capacity for biofuel production, organic agricultural production and greenhouse gas emissions from the previous period have the greatest impact on the same emissions from agriculture. The results of this research can serve policy makers in formulating strategies for the development of food systems that will pollute the environment to a lesser extent and use available resources more rationally.

The LTAR cropland common experiment in the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

The Lower Mississippi River Basin-Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Site (LMRB-LTAR) encompasses six states from Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico and is coordinated by the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory, Oxford, MS. The overarching goal of LTAR is to assess regionally diverse and geographically scalable farming practices for enhanced sustainability of agroecosystem goods and services under changing environment and resource-use conditions. The LMRB-LTAR overall goal is to assess sustainable row crop agricultural production systems that integrate regional environmental and socioeconomic needs. Primary row crops in the region include soybeans, corn, cotton, rice, and sugarcane with crop rotations influenced by commodity crop price and other factors. The field-scale common experiment (CE) includes four row crop farms (26-101 ha) established in 2021 and 2023. Three fields are managed with alternative practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, and automated prescription irrigation, and three fields are managed with prevailing farming practices, consisting of conventional tillage, no cover crop, and nonprescription irrigation. Treatment effects on crop productivity, soil quality, water use efficiency, water quality, and carbon storage are assessed. Research from the LMRB CE will deliver outcomes linked to overarching LTAR network goals, including innovative agricultural systems, strengthened partnerships, data management technologies, and precision environmental tools.

Innovative fertilizers with added plant extracts in the cultivation of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus and in the control of Botrytis and powdery mildew

Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the use of innovative fertilisers with added plant extracts in agriculture. In particular, this article will deal with two important topics: i) study of the effect of innovative fertilisers on the biomass of vegetable plants; ii) possible control on mortality due to diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew. The information reported in this research work can support the design of cultivation systems in which agricultural sustainability is fundamental due to the presence of plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic plant protection products. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early January 2024. The plants used in the trial were Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group control, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Aktigen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iii) group with Lifegen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iv) group with QI-gen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); v) Group with Ecklonia maxima (EK): (peat 70% + pumice 20%), irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week). On 5 May 2024, plant height, number of leaves, primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants (Botrytis and powdery mildew) were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of innovative fertilisers enriched with plant extracts can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control and the commercial Ecklonia maxima treatment for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Qi-gen treatment was significantly the best for increasing vegetative and root biomass. Improvements were also found in plant height, leaf number and root length. The trial also revealed the significant effect on Botrytis control of the product Aktigen and on powdery mildew of the product Lifegen, in fact they reduced the mortality of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus seedlings. Conclusions: A number of scientific studies have shown that the application of biofertilizers can improve plant growth, productivity, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Because of their multiple properties, they have become increasingly important as advanced agricultural techniques in global agriculture. This type of product, which includes natural substances, will contribute significantly to ecologically and economically sustainable agricultural production systems in the coming years, as well as serving as the foundation for large-scale sustainable agriculture in the future.

Dealing with elemental toxicities in crops: hot topics and likely solutions

Abstract Background The widespread presence of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils coupled with a problem of Al phytotoxicity threatens sustainability of agricultural production system as well as natural ecosystems. Scope Understanding the role of membrane transporters responsible for uptake, translocation, and sequestration of above metal(oid)s and the modes of their regulation may be critical to tackle the above issue. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of membrane transporters mediating As, Cd and Al homeostasis in plants, highlighting unanswered questions and offering potential solutions. Amongst these, the following topics may deserve a special attention in future studies: (1) uncoupling transport of As and inorganic phosphorous in plant roots focusing on PHT1;1 transporters; (2) revealing the modes of their post-translational regulation, especially under hypoxic conditions; (3) better understanding of structure–function relations of various transporters isoforms for Cd, to uncouple transport of toxic Cd metals from that for essential micronutrients such as Fe, Zn or Mn; (4) revealing the role of non-selective cation channels (NSCC) in Cd uptake and revealing mechanisms of their regulation; (5) elucidate the role of various aquaporins in Al3+ uptake in plant roots; (6) understanding the role of slow vacuolar (SV) channels in Al sequestration in plant vacuoles; and (7) revealing the mechanistic basis of long-distant transport of toxic ions, with specific emphasis of phloem transport. Conclusion These multidisciplinary efforts strive to ensure global food safety by mitigating the impact of heavy metal pollution on agriculture and human well-being.

Insights on soil biological properties and crop yields under natural farming in western Himalaya

Sustainability of agricultural production systems is a major concern in context to present environmental conditions. Natural farming (NF) is being promoted as low-cost environment friendly option. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of NF vis-a-vis organic farming (OF) and conventional farming (CF) systems on soil microbial population, enzymatic activity, and microarthropod population under tomato crop in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, India. The results showed that bacterial population under NF increased by 42.8% and 24% in comparison to CF and OF, respectively. Similarly, the population of soil fungi and actinomycetes under NF increased by 80.5 and 67.7% over CF, and by 47.9 and 39.6% over OF, respectively. The soil dehydrogenase activity under NF (22.5µg TPF/g soil/h) was 150.6% higher than CF and 85.2% higher than OF. Similar trend was found for phosphatase and urease activity. Soil micro arthropod population after two years of experiment was also highest under NF followed by OF and CF. The system yield was statistically at par to each other, among different farming systems. All the soil biological parameters were significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001, N=42). However, the correlation of these parameters was not significant for crop yield.

Policy support strategies for organic farming extensification in Nigeria

To achieve a more sustainable agricultural production system, the focus should extend beyond solely promoting the adoption of organic farming to include an emphasis on extensification. A synergistic approach involving Branding/informal certification, price premiums for organic produce, and government subsidies holds the potential to drive higher levels of organic farming extensification among smallholder producers. This study encompassed 415 organic growers engaged in varying degrees of organic farming. These participants were drawn from the Southeast region of Nigeria. Employing a multi-endogenous instrumental variable regression, the research uncovered compelling insights. Notably, it revealed that providing premiums for organic products and utilizing Branding or informal certification significantly supported growers' inclination to expanding the land area under organic agriculture. Conversely, government subsidies exhibited a negative influence on extensification rates. In light of these findings, it becomes imperative to envision a more robust future for organic farming in Nigeria that hinges on strategic investments in formal certifications, thereby facilitating enhanced integration of organic producers into larger domestic and global markets.

Challenges for crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India: a comprehensive gap analysis between practices and policies

IntroductionCrop diversification is a promising practice to improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems, contributing to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functions, and food security without compromising productivity. Although diverse cropping systems may be more labour-intensive and require good knowledge of the specific cropping system in the local context, they have high potential in managing many of the problems faced in current cotton production in India. However, the adoption of crop diversification is still moderate, with an overall crop diversification index (CDI) of 0.65 for all of India and state-wise CDI between 0.43 and 0.83.MethodsTherefore, a four-phased study was conducted to identify the main barriers to crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India and highlight levers that can foster their wide adoption to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study was carried out between January to October 2020 and consisted of i) a literature review of regional and national policy and planning, ii) situational analysis with a problem tree approach, iii) individual stakeholder interviews with stakeholders from the broader Indian cotton sector, and iv) a participatory feedback workshop with said stakeholders. A total of 51 stakeholders from 24 different organizations were interviewed, 37 of them on technical aspects of crop diversification and 21 stakeholders on market and policy aspects. The same stakeholders were invited to the participatory feedback workshop, where 26 participated in the session on different benefits of crop diversification practices, and the session on market and policy challenges counted 24 participants. The study focused on the main organic cotton producing states in India: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.Results and discussionIn our study, it became evident that many policies and governmental schemes exist to promote national food security, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural marketing infrastructure, but crop diversification is still not gaining momentum on the ground. Various levers were identified in the areas of market and procurement, capacity building and knowledge transfer, supply industry and infrastructure, and farmers and women empowerment, where the current policy landscape is failing to foster crop diversification effectively on the farm level.

Assessment of Performance in Cereal Fodder Crops with Relation to Seeding Rates and Cutting Stages

Cereal fodder crops serve as indispensable sources of nutrition for livestock, contributing significantly to the efficiency and sustainability of animal production systems worldwide. Maximizing the productivity and quality of these crops requires careful management, with seed rates and cutting stages playing pivotal roles in determining crop performance. Seeding rates play a critical role in crop establishment and growth, with both low and high rates affecting plant competition and ultimately yield. Cutting stages, on the other hand, are pivotal in determining the quality and nutrient composition of the forage. Optimal cutting stages vary depending on the intended use, such as hay, silage, or grazing and can significantly influence digestibility and overall nutritional value. The assessment of cereal fodder crops is therefore pivotal for optimizing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable livestock feed production. Understanding the intricate relationship between seeding rates, cutting stages and crop performance is essential for sustainable agriculture and livestock production systems, contributing to improved resource efficiency and economic viability.

Research on the Coupling between the Development Level and Efficiency of Green Agriculture in China

Accurately measuring the green development status of China's agriculture is of great significance for promoting the transformation of agricultural development modes, promoting green agricultural development models, and forming a sustainable modern agricultural production system. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific reference and practical guidance for the implementation of China's agricultural modernization and sustainable development strategy through in-depth analysis of the coupling between the development level of green agriculture in China and production efficiency. It has important theoretical and practical value for promoting the construction of agricultural ecological civilization. This article first analyzes the current situation and development efficiency of green agriculture in China. Then, the coupling between the development level and efficiency of green agriculture in China was analyzed. Finally, propose countermeasures and suggestions.

Long-Term Cropping Management Practices Affect the Biochemical Properties of an Alabama Ultisol

Interest in improving the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems has focused on identifying management practices that promote soil health. No tillage, cover cropping, and amending soils with broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) litter are commonly adopted conservation practices that have been shown to improve soil fertility and crop yield. However, the overall influence of these conservation practices on soil health in the southeastern US are not well understood. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of tillage, broiler litter (BL) applications, and cropping systems on soil biochemical properties. Soils were collected from field research plots under long-term management (>than 25 years of tillage, 15 years of broiler litter application, and 15 years of cropping system). Soil microbial biomass, C, N, and P, amidohydrolases, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated as indicators of soil health. Adopting tillage and BL into the agricultural management system modified the biochemical parameters of the soils evaluated. Most of these modifications occurred in the 0–5 cm depth. Higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC; 85%) and nitrogen (MBN; 10%) and enzyme activities of asparaginase (65%) and glutaminase (70%) were observed in the 0–5 cm depth under no tillage (NT) compared to conventional tillage (CT), indicating greater biological activities were established in these soil ecosystems. Broiler litter applications increased microbial biomass N and activities of asparaginase and glutaminase in both soil depths. In addition, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was increased following BL application in the 0–5 cm depth. The results suggest that long-term management of NT and BL additions can improve the health of eroded southeastern US soils by altering the soil biochemical parameters.

The Use of Financial Tools in Small-Scale Irrigated Crops to Assess Socioeconomic Sustainability: A Case Study in Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, Brazil

To expand financial knowledge and promote the socioeconomic sustainability of agricultural production systems, this work applied financial instruments to small-scale irrigated crops, making use of agricultural projects from the Bom Sucesso/Santa Cruz Settlement, located in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, Brazil. The economic viability indicators of two irrigated okra production systems (furrow and drip) were calculated using the following indicators: Net Present Value, Modified Internal Rate of Return, Cost–Benefit Index, Discounted Payback, and Average Cost of Production. And a risk assessment through sensitivity analysis, a tornado chart, and Monte Carlo simulation was performed in a simplified financial model. The economic viability results showed that both irrigated systems were economically viable, although the okra drip system had lower indicators and reduced financial resilience, with a 58% probability of success, while the furrow system’s was 89%. The crops’ financial return was mainly influenced by okra’s sale price and productivity, followed by harvesting and planting costs. The financial tools applied in this study demonstrated some key factors to assess socioeconomic sustainability, such as the necessity to increase producers’ organizational capacity and to achieve technical improvements, which could result in market power, competitive sale prices, lower input costs, and greater productivity. The applied instruments increased financial management and have the potential to the build economic and social strength in the area of small-scale irrigated crops, and they can be replicated using simplified tools for producers, companies, and policy makers.

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.