Biotechnology on Sustainable Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

In a world facing the challenges of population growth, environmental sustainability, and food security, the relationship between sustainable agricultural practices and the quality of agri-food products is crucial. In recent decades, the intensification of agricultural production to meet the growing demand for food has led to significant negative impacts on the global environment. The widespread use of agrochemicals, a prevailing strategy to ensure high crop yields and make the agricultural sector economically profitable, presents considerable implications for both human health and the environment. Numerous studies have established a correlation between exposure to pesticides and fertilizers and serious effects on human health, including the risk of developing cancer and impacts on the immune and nervous systems. In addition, the improper use of agrochemicals has been associated with soil and water degradation, the release of greenhouse gases, and the loss of biodiversity. These concerns emphasize the urgent need for a transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

In the last few years, the agricultural sector has witnessed a notable transformation driven by technological progress. From biotechnology to precision farming and integration of smart machinery, these advancements are revolutionizing the way food is produced and managed. In this context, modern agriculture covers a broad range of multidisciplinary fields that combine recent technological innovations with traditional farming practices in order to improve the quantity and quality of crop yield, minimizing negative effects on the environment.

This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of sustainable research in agriculture, with a special focus on crop production and agri-food quality. It intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances, challenges, and innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems and the quality of food.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and reviews, offering a broad spectrum of themes related to sustainable research in agriculture. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

• Organic Farming: studies on organic farming practices and their impacts on agri-food quality and environmental sustainability.
• Sustainable Soil Management: studies on sustainable soil management, including soil health, conservation, and regeneration, to support long-term agricultural productivity.
• Water Management: investigations into efficient water management practices, including irrigation technologies, to conserve water resources and minimize wastage.
• Integrated Pest Management: studies on integrated pest management that reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides and promote natural pest control methods.
• Biotechnology in Agriculture: exploration of biotechnological innovations and applications in agriculture, such as genetically modified crops, biologically enhanced soil management, and advanced breeding techniques, focusing on crop yield, agri-food quality, and sustainability impacts.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Pedro Miguel Capêlo da Silva
Dr. Jorge Dinis Câmara Freitas
Dr. João Luís Jesus Gonçalves
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• sustainable agriculture
• crop production
• agri-food quality
• environmental sustainability
• technological innovations
• biotechnology
• precision farming
• integrated pest management
• soil health
• water resource management