Sustainable Agricultural Systems Research Articles

Review of Coir Pith as Agro‐industrial Waste: Environmental Challenges and Management Approaches

Coir pith, a major byproduct of the coconut processing industry, has traditionally been considered a low-value waste due to its high lignin content and imbalanced carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. These properties make it highly resistant to microbial degradation, leading to prolonged accumulation, methane emissions and toxic leachate generation. However, recognizing these environmental challenges, innovative recycling technologies have emerged to transform coir pith into a valuable agricultural resource, turning waste into opportunity for sustainable farming. A significant breakthrough in this field is NOVCOM composting technology, which overcomes the limitations of conventional methods by optimizing aerobic conditions through controlled aeration, precise temperature regulation, and targeted microbial inoculation. This approach accelerates the breakdown of lignocellulosic material, effectively lowering the C:N ratio and ensuring rapid stabilization of organic matter. By doing so, NOVCOM composting technology not only significantly reduces methane emission- a major contributor to climate change- but also enhances the quality of the quality of final compost, making it a more effective soil amendment. Complementing this innovation is Inhana Rational Farming Technology, a nature friendly sustainable farming system that integrates soil and plant health management to revitalize the soil ecosystem. This holistic approach enhances nutrient cycling, boosts microbial activity, and supports long-term Agricultural sustainability. Field trials conducted under the IBM-IORF Sustainability Project have demonstrated that combining NOVCOM composting technology with Inhana’s methodologies not only shortens the composting cycle but also rejuvenate soil vitality towards long term sustainability, ensuring resilient crop production. Together, these technologies create a robust model for a circular bio-economy, transforming coir pith waste into a high-value agricultural input. This integrated strategy not only mitigates the environmental footprint of coir pith through greenhouse gas reduction and land restoration but also strengthens food security and foster a sustainable regenerative agricultural system.

Satellite-based Crop Identification and Risk Profiling for Area Wide Management of Whitefly and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus in Southwest Florida.

Effective management of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infestations and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is vital for sustainable vegetable production in southwest Florida. This study introduces a robust framework that integrates satellite-based crop identification with disease risk profiling to support area-wide pest control efforts. Utilizing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine learning, we accurately identified crop types throughout the growing season, allowing us to correlate whitefly populations, TYLCV incidence, and specific crop distributions. Spatial analysis revealed significant autocorrelation up to 1750 m for both whitefly and TYLCV across the season, extending to 5000 m from January to April, which emphasizes the need for timely management in these zones. Temporal analysis showed a strong influence of temperature on whitefly populations and TYLCV incidence during the February to May period, with positive correlations observed at multiple lag times and window sizes, particularly between 30 to 85 days (p < 0.001) and window sizes from 20 to 50 days. Conversely, rainfall showed weaker correlations, suggesting that temperature is a more critical factor. The dispersal of whitefly populations was further influenced by nearby vegetable fields, with correlations extending up to 9,000 m during peak months. These results underscore the critical role of temperature patterns and spatial crop arrangements in shaping pest dynamics. Our approach offers a scalable model for proactive monitoring and management, promoting resilience and sustainability in agricultural systems facing similar pest and virus challenges globally.

Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Agricultural Systems.

Feeding the growing human population sustainably amidst climate change is one of the most important challenges in the 21st century. Current practices often lead to the overuse of agronomic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and water, resulting in environmental contamination and diminishing returns on crop productivity. The complexity of agricultural systems, involving plant-environment interactions and human management, presents significant scientific and technical challenges for developing sustainable practices. Addressing these challenges necessitates transdisciplinary research, involving intense collaboration among fields such as plant science, engineering, computer science, and social sciences. Five case studies are presented here demonstrating successful transdisciplinary approaches toward more sustainable water and fertilizer use. These case studies span multiple scales. By leveraging whole-plant signaling, reporter plants can transform our understanding of plant communication and enable efficient application of water and fertilizers. The use of new fertilizer technologies could increase the availability of phosphorus in the soil. To accelerate advancements in breeding new cultivars, robotic technologies for high-throughput plant screening in different environments at a population scale are discussed. At the ecosystem scale, phosphorus recovery from aquatic systems and methods to minimize phosphorus leaching are described. Finally, as agricultural outputs affect all people, integration of stakeholder perspectives and needs into research is outlined. These case studies highlight how transdisciplinary research and cross-training among biologists, engineers, and social scientists bring diverse expertise to tackling grand challenges in sustainable agriculture, driving discovery and innovation.

Traditional Organic Farming in India: Merging Ancient Practices with Modern Bio-Inputs and Green Technologies

In India, traditional organic farming, which has its roots in centuries-old agricultural methods, is making a comeback as a sustainable method of producing food. In order to promote environmental sustainability, enhance soil health, and boost agricultural output, this review study investigates the integration of traditional organic farming methods with contemporary bio-inputs and green technology. Farmers have long used conventional methods like crop rotation, mulching, and composting, but the use of contemporary innovations like biopesticides, organic fertilizers, and precision farming technologies presents new chances to increase farm productivity and reduce environmental damage. The study emphasizes the similarities and differences between these two strategies, showing how ancient wisdom may support state-of-the-art advancements to advance sustainable farming systems. By bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, this integrated approach has the potential to shape the future of agriculture in India, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Impact of climate change on rice production in Aceh: resilience and sustainability of rice production

Abstract Aceh contributes 5% of the total national rice production, amounting to 36 million tons annually. Nevertheless, the inadequate management of rice distribution in Aceh is primarily attributed to the disruptive impact of climate change on the rice production in Aceh, partly due to the adverse effects of climate change on the performance of rice farmers in the province. Disruptions at the farmer level can have far-reaching consequences on the entire food supply chain network, leading to imbalances between supply and demand. This research unequivocally aims to decisively address the complexity of risks in rice production caused by climate change. By conducting a meticulous risk analysis and implementing stringent mitigation strategies at the farmer level to markedly improve their ability to manage these risks, the unwavering goal is to optimize the supply chain network and devising mitigation strategies capable of fostering resilience to climate change, thereby establishing a sustainable agricultural system.

Bibliometric analysis of 'precision agriculture' in the Scopus database

This bibliometric analysis explores the rapid growth and evolving research dynamics of precision agriculture (PA) from 1999 to 2023 based on data from the Scopus database. Analyzing 1,219 publications, the study identifies a substantial global collaboration and an annual growth rate of 7.97% in PA research. Key findings highlight advancements in artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies and significant contributions from leading institutions such as Nanjing Agricultural University, the University of Florida, and the University of Bonn. Notably, the study underscores the prominent role of institutions from Germany, the USA, and China in shaping PA research. The insights gained emphasize the critical role of interdisciplinary research in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Precision agriculture demonstrates the potential for enhanced yields, reduced environmental impacts, and increased efficiency by addressing resource management and food security challenges, particularly in regions like Bangladesh. However, challenges such as high implementation costs and the need for technical expertise persist. This analysis underscores the importance of continued research, policy support, and global interest in advancing precision agriculture, providing a foundation for future innovations and policy development in sustainable agriculture systems worldwide.

Sustainability conditions of Polish agriculture in the context of the use of plant protection products, as compared to other European Union countries. Economic aspects

Sustainable agriculture is a management system based on the use of agricultural practices that contribute to maintaining the natural environment in good condition. It allows for the rational use of its resources, and minimizing losses for society while maintaining profitability of agricultural production. An important feature of a sustainable agricultural system is the moderate use of industrial agricultural production products, including plant protection products, which in practice should be closely matched to the type and strength of the threat occurring in agricultural crops. The cost of plant protection products per 1 ha of crops is an important indicator of the intensity of agricultural production, which as a result of growing competitive pressure, is still increasing, especially in areas with favorable natural conditions for its development. In this context, it is therefore important to emphasize the strong current aim and readiness of the European Union (EU) to restrict the use of plant protection products in agriculture. This is referred to as the “farm to fork” strategy, which is an important element of the European Green Deal. Currently, the European Commission (EC) is taking a number of legislative steps to reduce the overall use of plant protection products. However, the question arises whether and to what extent Polish agriculture can participate in the ambitious EU goal to reduce them. To try to answer this question, an assessment was made of the amounts and structure of the consumption of chemical plant protection products in Poland, and compared to other EU countries. It was also important to compare the costs of plant protection products per 1 ha of crops on farms in Poland, with similar farms in other European Union countries, while taking into consideration the diverse natural farming conditions in which they operate.

Current issues of agricultural land transfer in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Motives: The relevance of the topic is due to the need to optimize the use of land resources and agricultural development in the country. Rapid changes in climatic conditions, demographic and economic factors require effective management of the land conversion process in order to increase the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse and assess the current state of the process of agricultural land transfer in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to identify key problems and propose recommendations for their solution. Results: The study revealed the following main results: a description of the current state of the process of agricultural land transfer in the Republic of Kazakhstan, identification of the main problems associated with this process, and the proposal of specific recommendations for solving these problems. The study demonstrated that land transfer in Kazakhstan affects not only landowners, but also the socio-economic sphere of the country.

Managing fungal pathogens of field crops in sustainable agriculture and AgroVariety internet application as a case study

Effective management of plant fungal pathogens is crucial for minimizing economic and environmental impacts of crop diseases in agricultural production. It plays a major role in providing healthy and nutritious food, maintaining human and animal well-being, and maintaining an environmental balance in agroecosystems. These goals agree with agroecology and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Agroecology integrates ecological principles with agriculture and offers a holistic and environmentally friendly approach to fungal disease management. IPM focuses on prevention and protection against pests and diseases, involving environmentally safe agricultural practices, cultivating resistant plant varieties, and promoting agrobiodiversity. The authors aimed to provide a comprehensive and concise overview of the key components of IPM in sustainable agriculture including recent developments in electronic tools helping farmers to make optimal economic and environmental decisions. While maintaining agroecology principles there is a particular focus on the significance of plant resistance to major pathogens, breeding technologies, effective crop management practices, and non-chemical fungal management. Agroecological approaches to fungal plant pathogen management prioritize the long-term health of agricultural ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity and sustainability of farming systems. To illustrate the practical application of these principles, the AgroVariety application (app), developed for farmers, was used to discuss the role of specialized applications in decision-making for environmentally friendly and cost-effective plant production. This tool emphasizes combining different IPM techniques, with specific emphasis on methods that are least harmful to the environment and tailored to control particular pathogens.

Impact of organic liquid fertilizer on plant growth of Chinese cabbage and soil bacterial communities

Organic liquid fertilizers from livestock manure are increasingly recognized as sustainable amendments influencing soil bacterial communities. Yet, their direct impacts on bacterial composition and crop functionality remain unclear. Addressing this gap, we developed a bio-liquid fertilizer (LBF) by culturing Chlorella fusca in a purified pig manure-based medium. We compared its effects with chemical (CLF) and fermented (FLM) liquid fertilizers on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis). We aimed to determine how organic bio-liquid fertilizers enhance crop health and soil bacterial balance, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Although LBF did not surpass CLF in promoting growth, it significantly increased antioxidant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids), sugars, and antioxidant activities, including nitrite-scavenging capacity and reducing power. Soil bacterial communities were strongly correlated with key chemical properties (Na, K, NO3–-N, Ca, pH). Notably, Litorilinea decreased under CLF, and Sphingomonas and Nocardioides declined under FLM, whereas LBF treatment increased all three genera, suggesting improved bacterial conditions. These findings demonstrate that a well-designed organic bio-liquid fertilizer can bridge knowledge gaps by enhancing plant functionality and promoting beneficial soil bacteria. This approach supports more efficient nutrient recycling and may foster greater resilience and sustainability in modern farming systems.

Cell wall bricks of defence: the case study of oligogalacturonides.

The plant cell wall (CW) is more than a structural barrier; it serves as the first line of defence against pathogens and environmental stresses. During pathogen attacks or physical damage, fragments of the CW, known as CW-derived Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (CW-DAMPs), are released. These molecular signals play a critical role in activating the plant's immune responses. Among CW-DAMPs, oligogalacturonides (OGs), fragments derived from the breakdown of pectin, are some of the most well-studied. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the functional and signalling roles of OGs, beginning with their formation through enzymatic CW degradation during pathogen invasion or mechanical injury. We discuss how OGs perception triggers intracellular signalling pathways that enhance plant defence and regulate interactions with microbes. Given that excessive OG levels can negatively impact growth and development, we also examine the regulatory mechanisms plants use to fine-tune their responses, avoiding immune overactivation or hyper- immunity. As natural immune modulators, OGs (and more generally CW-DAMPs), offer a promising, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides by enhancing crop resilience without harming the environment. By strengthening plant defences and supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices, OGs hold great potential for advancing resilient and sustainable farming systems.

Maximizing Crop Resilience: Exploring Stay-Green Traits for Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Research

The “stay-green” trait, distinguished by detained aging, sustain photosynthetic activity, nutrient use efficiency, offering critical advantages in drought, heat, and nutrient-deficient conditions. This review examines how "stay-green" traits can help crops better withstand the challenges of climate change, ensuring food security for a growing global population while conserving resources in the face of scarcity. This phenomenon is crucial in promoting yield stability, biomass production, and improved grain filling, thereby addressing the global demand for sustainable agriculture. This provides a detailed analysis of stay-green traits in various crops like maize, rice, wheat, barley, millets and fodder crops, emphasizing their genetic basis, physiological mechanisms, and practical applications like stay green trait enhance crop yield, drought and heat tolerance, nutrient use efficiency and resistance to abiotic stress by prolonging photosynthesis and delaying senescence. It explores into hormonal regulation, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and nutrient remobilization as underlying mechanisms. This paper also underscores advancements in phenotyping technologies and molecular breeding approaches, such as marker-assisted selection and CRISPR-Cas gene editing, for effectively incorporating stay-green traits into crop breeding programs. Real-world examples from cereals such as wheat, maize, and sorghum highlight the significant impact of stay-green traits on crop improvement. The potential of these traits is not limited to agricultural crops; they can also enhance the quality and marketability of horticultural produce. This review article focused on the emerging biotechnological tools, including nanotechnology and omics-based breeding, as future directions for enhancing stay-green traits and overall crop resilience. By integrating stay-green traits with broader stress tolerance strategies, this review advocates for a sustainable agricultural system that balances productivity and ecological conservation. The insights provided lay the groundwork for future research and innovation in developing resilient crop varieties to ensure climate variability presents concerns to global food security.

Combining Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Cost, Time and Quality in Modern Agriculture

This study presents a novel approach to managing the cost–time–quality trade-off in modern agriculture by integrating fuzzy logic with a genetic algorithm. Agriculture faces significant challenges due to climate variability, economic constraints, and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. These challenges are compounded by uncertainties and risks inherent in agricultural processes, such as fluctuating yields, unpredictable costs, and inconsistent quality. The proposed model uses a fuzzy multi-objective optimization framework to address these uncertainties, incorporating expert opinions through the alpha-cut technique. By adjusting the level of uncertainty (represented by alpha values ranging from 0 to 1), the model can shift from pessimistic to optimistic scenarios, enabling strategic decision making. The genetic algorithm improves computational efficiency, making the model scalable for large agricultural projects. A case study was conducted to optimize resource allocation for rice cultivation in Asia, barley in Europe, wheat globally, and corn in the Americas, using data from 2003 to 2025. Key datasets, including the USDA Feed Grains Database and the Global Yield Gap Atlas, provided comprehensive insights into costs, yields, and quality across regions. The results demonstrate that the model effectively balances competing objectives while accounting for risks and opportunities. Under high uncertainty (α = 0\alpha = 0α = 0), the model focuses on risk mitigation, reflecting the impact of adverse climate conditions and market volatility. On the other hand, under more stable conditions and lower market volatility conditions (α = 1\alpha = 1α = 1), the solutions prioritize efficiency and sustainability. The genetic algorithm’s rapid convergence ensures that complex problems can be solved in minutes. This research highlights the potential of combining fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms to transform modern agriculture. By addressing uncertainties and optimizing key parameters, this approach paves the way for sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural systems, contributing to global food security.

Spatio-temporal patterns and potential trade-offs in the promotion of aphid and seed predation in agroforestry systems

Agricultural intensification and simplification compromise biodiversity and can destabilize populations of important ecosystem service providers. By promoting invertebrate and vertebrate predators that deliver important ecosystem services such as pest and weed control, agroforestry systems may reconcile ecological benefits and agriculture productivity, making them a promising land-use system for the transition towards sustainable agriculture. However, the spatio-temporal regulation of ecosystem services and potential disservices provided by predators in agroforestry systems remains poorly studied. We compared aphid, weed seed, and crop seed predation in the crop rows between temperate alley cropping systems and open croplands without trees. In addition, we analyzed the extent to which effects of tree rows extended into the crop rows at two different time periods in spring. Aphid predation was higher at sampling locations close to the tree rows. Seed predation was spatially more variable but showed, similar to aphid predation, particularly low rates in open croplands. The distance-dependence of aphid and crop seed predation changed in magnitude across sampling periods, while weed seed predation was more temporally constant. Moreover, crop seeds were consumed nearly twice as much as weed seeds, indicating varying food preferences among invertebrate and vertebrate seed predators and a potential trade-off between ecosystem services and disservices. Our results suggest that alley cropping agroforestry benefits pest and weed control. However, differences in spatio-temporal patterns of aphid and seed predation indicate varying dependencies of different predator groups on the tree rows, while high crop seed predation suggests a concurrent promotion of a disservice. Our study emphasizes that understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of predation-related ecosystem services and disservices is needed to develop management practices promoting natural pest control and reducing the amount of plant protection products used in agriculture. Therefore, knowing how and when to support beneficial organisms and at the same time control pests is key for the development of sustainable agricultural systems.

Integrated analysis of lethal and sublethal effects of rice pesticides on the natural predator Microvelia Pulchella (Insecta: Hemiptera: Veliidae): insights into direct and indirect effects.

This study examines the lethal and sublethal effects of commonly used rice crop pesticides-cypermethrin, butachlor, and carbendazim-on the broad-shouldered water strider, Microvelia pulchella. Conducted under controlled conditions, the research aimed to elucidate the direct and indirect impacts of these pesticides on key life-history traits of this aquatic predatory insect. Initial dose-response bioassays revealed that cypermethrin was the most toxic, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ppm, followed by butachlor (LC50 = 2.53 ppm) and carbendazim (LC50 = 15.63 ppm). Subsequently, using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), we investigated causal relationships between sublethal pesticide exposure and life-history traits in M. pulchella. The results demonstrated that sublethal concentrations induced significant biological disruptions, with pronounced sex-specific effects on wing development, body size, longevity, fecundity, and offspring hatching success. Cypermethrin exposure markedly reduced female body size and longevity in both sexes, indirectly diminishing egg production and offspring hatching success. Butachlor similarly reduced body size in both sexes and male longevity, with cascading effects on reproductive output. Specifically, decreased egg production was linked to smaller female body size, reduced male longevity, and an indirect effect of butachlor on female longevity mediated by body size. In contrast, carbendazim exposure led to reductions in body size and significant impairments in wing development. Its effects on fertility, however, were dose-dependent, showing a slight decline at lower concentrations but an unexpected increase at higher doses, suggesting a complex, non-linear relationship between exposure levels and reproductive outcomes. These findings highlight the detrimental ecological consequences of cypermethrin, butachlor, and carbendazim on M. pulchella, disrupting its role as a natural predator and impairing its ability to regulate pest populations. The study concludes with evidence-based recommendations for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and regulatory policies aimed at preserving beneficial predatory species like M. pulchella and fostering sustainable agricultural systems.

Molecular Characterization of Root-Nodule Bacteria from Soybean (Glycine Max L. Merrill) Rhizosphere in Three Agro-Ecological Systems in Nigeria

The worldwide increase in population continues to threaten the sustainability of agricultural systems since agricultural output must be optimized to meet the global rise in food demand. This study examined the symbiotic compatibility between indigenous rhizobia population and soybean plant. Soil samples 5kg each were randomly collected from agricultural fields in a total of nine different local governments from Southwest and North central zones of Nigeria at a depth of 0-30cm using sterile soil auger (5cm diameter). The control soil samples were obtained from Badagry beach (a location with no previous history of soybean cultivation). The indigenous microbial population were isolated using serial dilution technique and they were cultured using nutrient agar (NA), yeast-extract mannitol salt agar (YEMA) and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) incubated at 26±2oC for 48 hours and 3-5 days respectively. Soybean seeds were sown in each of twenty pots aseptically. The mean pH of soil samples from this study was 6.0 (slightly acidic) while NO3 ˉ N and NH4 ˉ N was relatively low. Molecular characterization of these rhizobia species as well as their genetic diversity in soil were investigated. A total of nine different rhizobia species were isolated from all the soil samples and three of the nine isolates were randomly selected for molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The accession number for the selected organisms were confirmed as follows; 0J7 (Accession number: MN0677451.1), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia OJ8 (Accession number: MF767518.1) Agrobacterium tumefaciens, OJ9 (Accession number: NR_181268.1) Rhizobium rhizolycopersici. The other isolates were characterized as Bradyrhizobium japonicum

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture by integrating agronomic practices and genetic advances.

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plant growth and productivity, but inefficiencies in its use in agriculture present both economic and environmental challenges. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for promoting sustainable crop production and mitigating the negative impacts of nitrogen loss, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This review discusses various strategies aimed at improving NUE, with a focus on agronomic practices, genetic advancements, and integrated management approaches. Traditional agronomic methods, including split nitrogen application and the use of controlled-release fertilizers, are explored alongside precision agriculture techniques, which enable real-time adjustments to nitrogen application based on crop and soil conditions. Advances in genetics and biotechnology, such as conventional breeding, genetic modification, and genome editing, have contributed to the development of crop varieties with improved nitrogen uptake and assimilation. Additionally, the role of beneficial microbes, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, is highlighted as a natural means of enhancing nitrogen availability and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The review further emphasizes sustainable practices such as legume-based crop rotations, continuous cover cropping, and organic fertilization, which contribute to soil nitrogen enrichment and overall soil health. By combining these agronomic, genetic, and microbial strategies, a holistic nitrogen management approach can be achieved, maximizing crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. This integrated strategy supports the development of resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, promoting long-term soil fertility and productivity.

Genome-specific association study (GSAS) for exploration of variability in hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop with substantial potential for creating productive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural systems. However, in contrast to other crops such as cereals, hemp is highly heterozygous, resulting in both challenges and opportunities for agriculture, breeding, and research. Here, we utilise the heterozygosity of hemp to explore the genetic basis of phenotypic variability in a population generated from a single self-pollinated hemp plant. The S1 population shows extensive variability in plant growth, development, and reproductive patterns. Using reduced representation sequencing, selection of alleles heterozygous in the parent plant, and a model originally developed for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we were able to identify statistically significant single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and haplotypes associated with phenotypic traits of interest, such as flowering time or biomass yield. This new approach, which we term genome-specific association study (GSAS), enables the mapping of traits in a single generation without the need for a large number of diverse cultivars or samples. GSAS might be applicable to other highly heterozygous vegetable and fruit crops, informing the breeding of new cultivars with enhanced uniformity and improved performance in traits relevant to various applications.

Response of Growth and Yield of Pakcoy Mustard Plants (Brassica rapa L.) to the Application of Growth Regulatory Substances

Vegetables are a broad category of plant foods that typically have a high water content and can be eaten fresh or cooked or prepared in specific ways. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of growth regulators on Pak Choy mustard plants as well as the plants' responses to them. Three iterations of the RAL research methodology were conducted. Using a dosage of 200 milliliters of coconut water, 400 milliliters, and 600 milliliters. through the combination of four therapies. The results of the research show that the administration of growth regulators can have a good influence on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and fresh weight of roots per sample. Suggestion: This research is expected to contribute to a sustainable agricultural system by maximizing the use of environmentally friendly natural growth regulators.

Underutilized crops for diversified agri-food systems: spatial modeling and farmer adoption of buckwheat in Italy

The widespread standardization of agri-food systems through monoculture practices has resulted in biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem resilience. Incorporating underutilized crops such as buckwheat into crop rotations offers a viable strategy to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and foster more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. This study examines the potential adoption of buckwheat in Italy and analyzes its economic viability across different crop rotations. It evaluates how factors such as financial incentives, peer influence, and farmers’ willingness to adopt affect the diffusion of this underutilized crop. To this end, a spatial agent-based model (ABM) is employed to simulate farmers’ decision-making processes based on profit maximization and peer influence. The model evaluates two diffusion scenarios (traditional and expansion) alongside two levels of willingness to adopt (high and low), comparing the profitability of traditional crop rotations with rotations that include buckwheat across nine Italian regions. The results revealed that while increased contract prices can incentivize buckwheat adoption, financial incentives alone are insufficient to generate widespread adoption, particularly when the willingness to adopt is low. Peer influence and intrinsic motivation emerged as key drivers, highlighting the need for strategies beyond monetary incentives. These findings suggest that policies should combine financial support with initiatives that foster knowledge-sharing, educational outreach, and improved supply chain integration. The study provides a framework for evaluating the adoption of other underutilized crops and emphasizes the need for further research on risk aversion, environmental variability, and broader supply chain interactions to refine adoption strategies.