Sustainable Agricultural Systems Research Articles

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

Finding synergies between agroecology and industrial ecology toward sustainable agricultural systems

The question of how humans will co-create better food and agricultural systems is ex­tremely complex, and responses vary significantly due to experiences, worldviews, and values. Those of us working on this question typically agree that the goal is to realize systems that are equitable, just, minimize harm to, and ultimately support healthy ecosystems for current and future generations. I will refer to this goal as sustainability. My training is in industrial ecology and civil and environmental engineering, and my professional research focuses on questions of the climate and nutrient impacts associated with agriculture and food products as they are in our time, i.e., dominated by commodity crops. I was introduced to agroecology about 15 years ago while looking into ways to reduce nutri­ent runoff and improve soil and ecosystems, such as alternative cropping systems, integrated farming practices, permaculture, and more. Eventually, I learned of agroecology as a science, movement, and practice, which increased my interest to learn more. Both industrial ecology and agroecology, and the many branches within them, earnestly pursue facets of sustainability in agriculture, food, and other bio-based systems, and collaboration could lead to synergistic efforts. . . .

Smart Agriculture Using IoT

The project focuses on physical components and sensors to leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart agriculture, presenting a myriad of applications with the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector. By connecting various physical objects, sensors, and machinery to the internet, IoT facilitates data collection and exchange for more effective agricultural management. The project introduces an in-house, user-friendly smart farming device designed to streamline farming operations, integrating essential information and communication technology with sensing technologies to provide efficient agricultural services. The goal is to acquire real-time data on temperature, humidity, water level, and soil moisture for environmental monitoring. Through the utilization of IoT technologies, farmers can enhance decision-making, increase output, and promote sustainable farming practices and effective agricultural systems.

Policy support strategies for organic farming extensification in Nigeria

AbstractTo 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.

Motivating factors of farmers’ adaptation behaviors to climate change in China: A meta-analysis

Adapting to climate change is critical to building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Understanding farmers' perceptions of climate change has become the key to the effective implementation of climate change adaptation policies. This research draws multidisciplinary attention to how farmers participate in decision-making on adaptation behaviors and provides useful insights for realizing synergies between environmental change and agricultural production. In this work, we conducted a meta-analysis of 63 quantitative studies on Chinese farmers' adaptation to climate change to assess the relationship between motivational factors and adaptation behavior. Our analysis highlights that farmers' perceptions of precipitation changes are often inaccurate; however, other psychological factors, such as perception, experience, and risk attitude, significantly positively impact their adaptation behavior. In addition, different climate regions are the main source of high heterogeneity in inter-study comparisons of climate change perception, and the effect of climate regions may therefore constitute a moderating factor that weakens the positive relationship between climate change perception and adaptive behavior. Furthermore, this study highlights the need to intervene at the household level to enhance farmers' adaptability to climate change, which includes providing support through income diversification, early warning information services, training, assistance, credit, subsidies, and other resources. In the future, research on how perception, experience, and risk interact to affect adaptive behavior should be strengthened.

Reducing food loss through sustainable business models and agricultural innovation systems

Purpose This study aims to explore how sustainable business models (SBM) can be developed within agri-innovation systems (AIS) and emphasize an integration of the two with a systemic understanding for reducing food loss and value loss in postharvest agri-food supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted longitudinal qualitative research in a developing country with food loss challenges in the postharvest supply chain. This study collected data through multiple rounds of fieldwork, interviews and focus groups over four years. Thematic analysis and “sensemaking” were used for inductive data analysis to generate rich contextual knowledge by drawing upon the lived realities of the agri-food supply chain actors. Findings First, this study finds that the value losses are varied in the supply chain, encompassing production value, intrinsic value, extrinsic value, market value, institutional value and future food value. This happens through two cumulative effects including multiplier losses, where losses in one model cascade into others, amplifying their impact and stacking losses, where the absence of data stacks or infrastructure pools hampers the realisation of food value. Thereafter, this study proposes four strategies for moving from the loss-incurring current business model to a networked SBM for mitigating losses. This emphasises the need to redefine ownership as stewardship, enable formal and informal beneficiary identification, strengthen value addition and build capacities for empowering communities to benefit from networked SBM with AIS initiatives. Finally, this study puts forth ten propositions for future research in aligning AIS with networked SBM. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding the interplay between AIS and SBM; emphasising the integration of the two to effectively address food loss challenges in the early stages of agri-food supply chains. The identified strategies and research propositions provide implications for researchers and practitioners seeking to accelerate sustainable practices for reducing food loss and waste in agri-food supply chains.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of Guizotia abyssinica L. leaf and flower extracts

Sustainable agricultural systems demand less or no use of synthetic chemicals, which have various adverse effects on the environment and human health. In this context, studies on phytochemicals with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties hold great promise to suppress plant diseases and, thereby, reducing the application of synthetic chemical pesticides. Such an alternative approach requires screening and identification of bioactive compounds from various plant species. In the present study, Guizotia abyssinica L., an oilseed crop plant that usually requires less water with no pesticide inputs to grow, was screened for its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial phytochemicals. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers of G. abyssinica were tested for their polyphenol content (total phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant potential. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of both methanolic and aqueous extracts were higher in comparison to many previously reported plant extracts. Furthermore, leaf extracts of G. abyssinica have shown slightly higher antioxidant activity than flower extracts. In vitro antimicrobial studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers against phytopathogens like Xanthomonas oryzae RR24, Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. The chemical nature and composition of these crude extracts were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately, 29 bioactive compounds detected in GC-MS were predicted to have antimicrobial activity. Based on our results, we conclude that the extracts derived from G. abyssinica have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of phytopathogens, thus exhibiting immense potential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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.

Organic dairy farming in Bangladesh: current status, challenges and prospects

Organic dairy farming (ODF) is a method of dairy production that emphasizes the use of natural and sustainable practices, aiming to minimize synthetic inputs, promote animal welfare, and protect the environment. The aim of this review is to elucidate the current status, challenges and prospects of the ODF in Bangladesh. Starting from the current situation, the challenges and future potential of the ODF are presented, as well as strategies to overcome the difficulties are also highlighted. The ODF has the great potential, challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh. This involves the production of milk, meat and dairy products using sustainable and organic practices. Farmers need certification, and challenges include limited awareness, access to organic inputs, and market demand. Government initiatives, training programs, and cooperative models can support the growth of the ODF. Market opportunities and ongoing research are essential considerations. Animals raised in the ODF systems are provided access to pasture or outdoor areas and are fed organic feed, which is free from synthetic additives, antibiotics and hormones. The transition to the ODF is driven by a combination of economic, environmental, and health-related motivations, aiming to produce dairy products in a more sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly manner. Organic dairy farmers prioritize the well-being of their animals and advocate for a natural environment, which is integral to animal welfare. The popularity of organic products, including meat, dairy, and value-added items, from these producers continues to rise, driven by the expanding organic market, higher prices for organic milk, and consumer preferences for products from more sustainable production systems. Despite a mammoth of challenges exist in the ODF, farmers need to implement and adhere to strict standards for organic products, animal welfare and the use of organic inputs to gain the full benefits of this sustainable farming system. This review article examines the present status of the ODF industry, emphasizing key considerations, management practices, challenges, and future prospects. It also provides insights into the relevant regulatory authorities, aiming to inform farmers and stakeholders in Bangladesh and beyond about ODF. However, there is a need for future research to concentrate on improving sustainability and efficiency within the ODF sector. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(1), 13-26

Organic Farming: A Way To Sustainability

India is a prominent global force in the field of agriculture. Agriculture constitutes the predominant sector of the Indian economy, employing more than sixty percent of the nation’s total workforce. Previously, India was depended on imports to sustain its vast population, but now it is exporting food grains after the successful implementation of the green revolution. The Green Revolution resulted in a significant increase in food production in India. However, the ecosystem has persistently degraded, particularly in terms of soil quality, vegetation health, and water resources. India has endured significant costs in achieving food security, including the depletion of subterranean water reserves, contamination of soil, and the destruction of other natural resources. Concerns regarding the sustainability of the input intensive agriculture system have arisen due to its negative repercussions. Therefore, it is necessary to alter the cropping pattern. Organic farming is a significant practice that aims to reduce the environmental and ecological consequences of sustainable development. The utilization of a greater number of organic materials in agricultural methods might mitigate the detrimental impacts on the environment by preserving its natural cycles during the recovery process. Additionally, organic farming has the potential to boost food quality. Organic farming predominantly avoids the utilization of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives in animal operations. The integration of organic farming with innovative technologies is crucial for mitigating the constraints and difficulties associated with organic farming. The primary objective of this study is to shed light on the part that organic farming plays in the process of maintaining sustainability. After reviewing a number of research papers that were published in a variety of publications on the topics of sustainability, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture, it was found that farmers ought to be encouraged to adopt organic farming because organic farming is both sustainable and productive. Many farmers are able to improve their agricultural output and quality of life in a manner that is more environmentally friendly as a result of the innovative technologies and new approaches that are making new trends towards a sustainable farming system. In other words, organic farming is a reflection of the principles of sustainability that are underlying global agriculture.

Assessing scale-dependency of climate risks in coffee-based agroforestry systems

Agroforestry is a management strategy for mitigating the negative impacts of climate and adapting to sustainable farming systems. The successful implementation of agroforestry strategies requires that climate risks are appropriately assessed. The spatial scale, a critical determinant influencing climate impact assessments and, subsequently, agroforestry strategies, has been an overlooked dimension in the literature. In this study, climate risk impacts on robusta coffee production were investigated at different spatial scales in coffee-based agroforestry systems across India. Data from 314 coffee farms distributed across the districts of Chikmagalur and Coorg (Karnataka state) and Wayanad (Kerala state) were collected during the 2015/2016 to 2017/2018 coffee seasons and were used to quantify the key climate drivers of coffee yield. Projected climate data for two scenarios of change in global climate corresponding to (1) current baseline conditions (1985–2015) and (2) global mean temperatures 2 °C above preindustrial levels were then used to assess impacts on robusta coffee yield. Results indicated that at the district scale rainfall variability predominantly constrained coffee productivity, while at a broader regional scale, maximum temperature was the most important factor. Under a 2 °C global warming scenario relative to the baseline (1985–2015) climatic conditions, the changes in coffee yield exhibited spatial-scale dependent disparities. Whilst modest increases in yield (up to 5%) were projected from district-scale models, at the regional scale, reductions in coffee yield by 10–20% on average were found. These divergent impacts of climate risks underscore the imperative for coffee-based agroforestry systems to develop strategies that operate effectively at various scales to ensure better resilience to the changing climate.

Research on Soil Management and Conservation

The soil is the base of a sustainable agricultural system; it is the key for food and energy production, a reservoir of water and nutrients [...]

Agronomic, Nutritional Traits, and Alkaloids of Lupinus albus, Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus luteus Genotypes: Effect of Sowing Dates and Locations.

Lupins (Lupinus spp.) are legumes with high relevance for the sustainability of agricultural systems as they improve the soil quality, namely, through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, and have good adaptability to different climates and soil conditions. Besides, they possess high nutritive value, especially due to the high protein content of the seeds. Nevertheless, the plants' productivity and metabolism can be influenced by the genotype, the edaphoclimatic conditions, and the sowing practices. In this work, the effect of edaphoclimatic conditions and sowing dates on the productivity, nutritional factors, and alkaloids of the seeds of L. albus cv. Estoril, L. angustifolius cv. Tango, and L. luteus cv. Cardiga was evaluated. High variability in the seeds and protein productions, nutritional traits, and alkaloid content related to the species was observed, along with a significant effect of the location. Lupinus albus cv. Estoril showed a good compromise between productivity and low alkaloid content, being an interesting genotype for food and feed use in the conditions of this trial.

Sustainable and modern bio-based technologies: new approachs to food safety and security

AbstractTwo major challenges in the modern world are ensuring food security and using sustainability in limited areas, in the face of climate change and population growth. It is aimed to raise awareness on the importance of working from a multidisciplinary perspective, together with developing technology and science, in solving current problems/troubles, and that the simultaneous use of modern bio-based technologies with innovative techniques will ensure an effective role in overcoming many difficulties that future generations will face, as well as sustainability can be achieved. The review provides a detailed systematic review and analysis of the mutually supportive use of modern bio-based technologies and sustainable agricultural system technologies within the framework of this subject. The review, in which universally reliable databases were used, was carried out using information obtained from practice and approach-based articles (> 4000). The fact that the main topic has the lowest publication content in terms of "sustainability and biotechnology" according to the analysis carried out within the determined keywords indicates the need for additional research and applications and to contribute to the literature. Similar to review aim, it has also been concluded that the development of a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective that provides a comprehensive and broader focus on eliminating the deficiencies in the fields will play a major role in solving problems related to the sustainability of food safety and security. Thus, contributing to the protection of world food security should be considered as another important outcome that should not be forgotten. In short, being aware that the world, especially its resources, are not infinite and for the continuity of healthy generations, the sustainability of the world, food and agriculture, food safety and security must be meticulously protected, developed with innovative technologies and also carried a step forward by developing more effective strategies in this field of work, which is of great importance for life.

Agroforestry Implementation as Farmers Resilience Strategies to Support Farming System Sustainability Facing the Land Vulnerability at The Mount Semeru Slopes, Indonesia

The terrain on the slopes of Mount Semeru is characterized by arid conditions and an abundance of sandy soil. This has led to extensive sand mining operations in the area, extending even to privately-owned agricultural lands. These mining activities have generated adverse environmental effects, such as the depletion of vegetation, and pose risks of soil erosion and biodiversity loss. This study aimed to assess the influence of implementing agroforestry as a resilience strategy by farmers on the sustainability of farming systems in response to land vulnerability on the slopes of Mount Semeru. A quantitative approach was employed, and the study site was purposively chosen in Bambang Village, Wajak Sub-District, Malang Regency. The research employed a survey methodology, incorporating observation and interviews with respondents to gather information on the implementation of agroforestry, resilience strategies, and sustainability indicators across ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. The data analysis utilized the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings indicate that farmers practicing agroforestry exhibit elevated resilience and enhance the sustainability of their farming systems across ecological, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions.

Wood ash application for crop production, amelioration of soil acidity and contaminated environments

Agriculture is vital to human life and economic development even though it may have a detrimental influence on soil quality. Agricultural activities can deteriorate the soil quality, endangers the ecosystem health and functioning, food safety, and human health. To resolve the problem of soil degradation, alternative soil conditioners such as wood ash are being explored for their potential to improve soil-plant systems. This study provides an overview of the production, properties, and effects of wood ash on soil properties, crop productivity, and environmental remediation. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted in order to locate and assess original research publications on the use of wood ash in agricultural and environmental management. According to the findings, wood ash, a byproduct of burning wood, may improve the structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and buffering capacity of soil as well as other physico-chemical, and biological attributes of soil. Wood ash has also been shown to increase agricultural crop yields and help with the remediation of polluted regions. Wood ash treatment, however, has been linked to several adverse effects, such as increased trace element concentrations and altered microbial activity. The examination found that wood ash could be a promising material to be used as soil conditioner and an alternative supply of nutrients for agricultural soils, while, wood ash contributes to soil improvement and environmental remediation, highlighting its potential as a sustainable solution for addressing soil degradation and promoting environmental sustainability in agricultural systems.

Effect of various local natural ingredients fortified in fish feed on the gonad histology and water quality of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The addition of natural ingredients fortified in fish feed was developed to enhance good formulation engineering. Currently, there is a need to improve follow-up research strategies for designed feed formulations using natural ingredients in tilapia farming. It is hoped that a sustainable and eco-friendly fish farming system will be improved. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local natural ingredients fortified in fish feed on the gonad histology and water quality of tilapia (O. niloticus). Following these results, the histology test of tilapia showed that more than 50% of the gonad tended to be male in all treatments. This showed that the use of natural ingredients in the appropriate dosage in feed would affect the masculinization of tilapia. Furthermore, the specific growth rate (SGR) with the addition of natural ingredients to the feed showed results comparable to that of synthetic hormones. It can be concluded that the use of natural ingredients such as honey, cow testes, and Tribulus fortified in fish feed revealed a positive effect on the masculinization of tilapia and water quality levels in the fish farming system.

The Impact of Product Quality on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty toward Hydroponic Vegetables in Padang City: Gender as Moderation Variable

Hydroponics can be an innovative and sustainable agricultural food system method that offers potential solutions to some of the challenges posed by climate change. The purpose of this study is to examine how product quality and consumer satisfaction on consumer loyalty to hydroponic vegetables in Padang City, West Sumatra. Gender is also considered a moderating variable in customer loyalty. Between May and June 2023, data was collected from 100 hydroponic vegetable consumers in Padang City using the accidental sampling method and were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SMART PLS 3.3 software. The results revealed a positive and significant correlation between the quality of hydroponic products, consumer satisfaction, and consumer loyalty. Consumer satisfaction was found to be positively and significantly related to consumer loyalty. However, genders moderating effect on consumer loyalty was found to be positive but insignificant. The findings hold practical implications for stakeholders, especially hydroponic producers and marketers. They underline the pivotal role of product quality, necessitating careful attention to aspects like freshness, cleanliness, and durability prior to market entry. Policymakers and marketers can promote hydroponic vegetables as a gender-neutral, healthy, and sustainable food option. The universality of vegetable needs makes vegetables attractive to a wide range of consumers to support food system sustainability.

A comprehensive study of food waste management and processing in the Czech Republic: Potential health risks and consumer behavior

Food waste is currently a widely discussed phenomenon with significant economic and social consequences. One third of the food produced in the world is wasted at various points along the food supply chain. This article presents a comprehensive study that examines consumer behavior in dealing with food waste and activities in the composting process that enable waste sanitation. The survey conducted as part of this study showed that consumers want to eliminate odors, are concerned about potential infections, and generally sort less food waste. This study suggested that the addition of appropriate additives could be a solution. The results indicated that additives could eliminate negative side effects such as unpleasant odors, the presence of insects and rodents, and act as a prevention of the occurrence of pathogenic organisms. Tea tree oil showed the best positive physical and chemical properties among the additives tested (CaCO3 and citric acid) with a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains such as Salmonella strains and had the strongest antibacterial effect, neutralized unpleasant odors, and stabilized the waste. The use of additives could be a future solution to meet consumer demands, improve the quality of food waste and advance the circular economy to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.