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24 pages, 3027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Optimization of the Planting Industry in Jiangsu Province and Analysis of Its “Water-Energy-Carbon” Characteristics

by Yizhen Jia and Xiaodong Yan

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072792 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 528

Abstract

The modern development of the planting industry needs to not only ensure food supply but also to consider social and environmental issues. This poses higher demands for rational planning of planting structures to achieve green development while meeting demands and conserving resources. Therefore, [...] Read more.

The modern development of the planting industry needs to not only ensure food supply but also to consider social and environmental issues. This poses higher demands for rational planning of planting structures to achieve green development while meeting demands and conserving resources. Therefore, this paper takes Jiangsu Province as a representative case, accounting for and analyzing the water footprint, energy consumption, and carbon emissions of seven major crops. Based on this analysis, a multi-objective planning model is established to explore the optimization of its planting structure. The results show that: (1) from 2010 to 2020, the overall water footprint of these seven crops in Jiangsu Province initially increased and then decreased, while energy consumption showed a fluctuating upward trend; (2) carbon emissions from planting in Jiangsu Province initially increased and then fluctuated downward over time, and exhibited significant spatial clustering characteristics, with overall emissions being higher in northern Jiangsu, followed by central Jiangsu, and then southern Jiangsu; (3) the optimization results indicate that economic benefits increased by 4.06%, while the carbon emission and grey water footprints decreased by 3.78% and 7.62%, respectively, resulting in comprehensive improvements in economic and ecological benefits. This study can provide theoretical support for adjusting the planting structure in crop-producing areas and promoting the green and sustainable development of the planting industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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14 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Moringa oleifera as a Sustainable Broiler Feed Additive: Investigating Awareness, Perceptions and Use by Broiler Farmers and Moringa Farmers in South Africa

by Nobuhle S. Lungu, Joyce G. Maina, Martin Dallimer and Este van Marle-Köster

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052208 - 06 Mar 2024

Viewed by 701

Abstract

Moringa oleifera’s high nutritional value and bioactive properties have attracted significant scientific research interest as an additive in broiler feed for sustainable broiler production. The tree’s multifunctional characteristics make it a potent alternative growth promoter for broilers and a valuable resource to [...] Read more.

Moringa oleifera’s high nutritional value and bioactive properties have attracted significant scientific research interest as an additive in broiler feed for sustainable broiler production. The tree’s multifunctional characteristics make it a potent alternative growth promoter for broilers and a valuable resource to address Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty alleviation, food security, good health, and responsible consumption. Moreover, it provides a less expensive and environmentally friendly alternative for broiler farmers. However, less is known about the awareness, perceptions, and prevailing practices of broiler farmers and M. oleifera farmers regarding the plant’s use as an additive. This study determined the awareness, perceptions, and practices of M. oleifera use among broiler and M. oleifera farmers in South Africa. Quantitative data collected from 165 purposively sampled small-scale broiler farmers, along with qualitative insights from 11 key informants, indicated that 66.7% of respondents, primarily females, knew about M. oleifera but lacked awareness of its benefits for broilers (82.4%). Awareness varied significantly (p < 0.05) by gender. Only 10.9% of those aware used M. oleifera, predominantly small-scale female farmers. Leaves and stems were common parts used, added to feed, or infused in water. Perceived benefits included improved growth rates and reduced mortalities. Large-scale broiler farmers expressed interest if provided with more information on the nutritional benefits and the availability of bulk M. oleifera to sustain their large operations. The study underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns, especially among female farmers, and providing guidelines for M. oleifera use. Formulating broiler diets that include M. oleifera as an ingredient will require a consistent supply, which is currently lacking. Therefore, there is a need to address the production capacity to meet the requirements of larger broiler operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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15 pages, 8145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fog Water Collection for Local Greenhouse Vegetable Production in the Atacama Desert

by Francisco Albornoz, Camilo del Río, Virginia Carter, Rodrigo Escobar and Lucas Vásquez

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215720 - 08 Nov 2023

Viewed by 919

Abstract

Agricultural production in the Atacama Desert is restricted by extreme aridity and poor soil quality. Between 18° S and 30° S, low stratocumulus clouds regularly cover the southeastern Pacific Ocean reaching the Coastal Cordillera. Thus, marine fog is constantly present in the coastal [...] Read more.

Agricultural production in the Atacama Desert is restricted by extreme aridity and poor soil quality. Between 18° S and 30° S, low stratocumulus clouds regularly cover the southeastern Pacific Ocean reaching the Coastal Cordillera. Thus, marine fog is constantly present in the coastal areas of the desert. Fog can be harvested using fog collectors. However, limited information is available with regards to the variability of fog presence throughout the year and along the coast of the desert. Combining fog water harvest with hydroponic production under greenhouse facilities presents an alternative for sustainable and local fresh food production. In this article, we analyze the potential of fog water collection in two sites (Alto Patache and Falda Verde) distant by about 1000 km within the Atacama Desert. Additionally, in both locations, the environmental conditions within greenhouse structures, the potential energy requirement for environmental conditioning (including the energy production from photovoltaic panels) and the water requirements of vegetable crops under greenhouse conditions were modeled. The annual average of fog water collection registered was 2.9 and 3.3 L per day per m² in Alto Patache and Falda Verde, respectively. During the most demanding season for crop evapotranspiration, 2.13 m² of fog collectors can supply the water required for 1 m² of greenhouse crops. The energy required for water and air pumps in the hydroponic systems can be supplied with photovoltaic systems including eight PV modules and a battery storage capacity of 9.4 kWh. In conclusion, the present study sheds light on the possibilities of massive water collection from fog to be used in local and sustainable food production in the Atacama Desert. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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13 pages, 4749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Impacts of Urbanization on Urban Agriculture and Food Security in the Megacity Lahore, Pakistan

by Muhammad Mushahid Anwar, Juergen H. Breuste, Ayaz Ahmad, Asad Aziz and Ali Abdullah Aldosari

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12143; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612143 - 08 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2358

Abstract

As a response to food security, urban agriculture is essential for sustainable development. The primary goal of this study is to provide the basic formulation and theoretical knowledge for sustainable urban agriculture by analyzing the impact of urbanization on urban agriculture and food [...] Read more.

As a response to food security, urban agriculture is essential for sustainable development. The primary goal of this study is to provide the basic formulation and theoretical knowledge for sustainable urban agriculture by analyzing the impact of urbanization on urban agriculture and food security. For the food security assessment, the variables included food consumption and quality of food as the independent variables, and monthly income of local dwellers as the dependent variable; these were considered for the regression analysis and statistical analysis. The food security assessment was checked and expressed using regression values of R, which was 0.857, and an adjusted R square, with a value of 0.728. The results show extensive change in food security issues and land use due to urbanization causes, large-scale damage to agricultural land in the area, and loss of biodiversity, which threaten food security by converting natural land into built-up areas. The study concludes that urban agriculture is a fundamental environmental activity to ensure food security by increasing food production for locals and improving urban biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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12 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing New Cropping Pattern to Increase Cropping Intensity in Hill Tract Area in Bangladesh

by Rigyan Gupta, Mohammad Joyel Sarkar, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Md. Romij Uddin, Israt Jahan Riza, Sirajam Monira, Farhana Zaman, Ahmed Khairul Hasan, A. K. M. Mominul Islam, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Avila-Quezada, Javid A. Parray, Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah and Uttam Kumer Sarker

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11471; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411471 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

In Bangladesh’s hill regions, where there is less cultivable land, increasing crop output requires efficient land use. Thus, in this challenging farming setting, two crop-based patterns evolved into three or four crop-based patterns. To increase cropping intensity and farmer income by incorporating mustard [...] Read more.

In Bangladesh’s hill regions, where there is less cultivable land, increasing crop output requires efficient land use. Thus, in this challenging farming setting, two crop-based patterns evolved into three or four crop-based patterns. To increase cropping intensity and farmer income by incorporating mustard and mungbean in a rice-based cropping pattern, a field experiment was carried out at Sadar and Panchari Upazila, Khagrachhari during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Two years’ mean data (using a block farming approach) showed that the modified pattern had produced a much higher yield through improved management practices. In the improved cropping pattern (Transplant aman (T. aman)–mustard–mungbean–aus rice), a higher rice equivalent yield (16.25 t ha⁻¹) was found due to the inclusion of mustard and mungbean in the existing rice-based cropping patterns T. aman–fallow–boro (9.87 t ha⁻¹) and T. aman–fallow–tomato (9.09 t ha⁻¹). The gross margin from the improved cropping pattern was 448,715 BDT, which was 44.26% higher than the mean gross margin (311,050 BDT) of the two existing cropping patterns. Farmers are interested in growing mustard and mungbean since both can easily cultivated in hilly areas and can yield great economic returns quickly. For the large-scale production of oil and pulse, the T. aman–mustard–mungbean–aus rice cropping pattern might be introduced in the Khagrachhari district of Bangladesh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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15 pages, 3577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs), Livelihood Resources and Aspirations of the Matigsalog and Ata Tribes

by Erna S. Macusi, Anthony C. Sales, Edison D. Macusi, Henzel P. Bongas, Melanie A. Cayacay, Juber L. Omandam, Marthje Schüler and Camila Vidal

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11182; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411182 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 9555

Abstract

The Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of different indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) spread across various islands. Indigenous peoples (IP) often face marginalization and lack access to the same resources available in lowland areas, creating inequality and barriers to their well-being and development. [...] Read more.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of different indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) spread across various islands. Indigenous peoples (IP) often face marginalization and lack access to the same resources available in lowland areas, creating inequality and barriers to their well-being and development. This study documents the indigenous knowledge systems and practices of the Matigsalog and Ata tribes in Davao City, focusing on their unique agricultural techniques, rituals, and conservation practices. Furthermore, we assessed their current livelihood options and explored opportunities for government support to improve their well-being. A focus group discussion was used to assess the knowledge and perception of participants from the Matigsalog tribe (N = 42) and Ata tribe (N = 15) of Davao City. Validation of the study took place separately through a brief presentation of the results before 15 members of the tribes and a hiking visit to their farmlands. The study determined the existing livelihoods in the two areas, which were mainly agricultural, farming of crops (rice, corn, cassava, sweet potato) and fruit trees (coconut, banana, durian, jackfruit, pomelo) and the community’s resources as well as knowledge, systems, and practices with regard to agricultural crops including climate change. Their sustainable farming practices include intercropping, seed-saving, and exchange practices, preserving these crop varieties and ensuring their availability for future planting seasons, with no usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In conclusion, the tribe’s aspirations and the resulting recommendations are consolidated to facilitate and enhance governmental assistance in a more focused and efficient manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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Review

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14 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Aquaponics Be Utilized to Reach Zero Hunger at a Local Level?

by Priscila Sarai Flores-Aguilar, Julieta Sánchez-Velázquez, Humberto Aguirre-Becerra, Guillermo Abraham Peña-Herrejón, Sergio Aurelio Zamora-Castro and Genaro Martín Soto-Zarazúa

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031130 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

Meeting the demand for food through sustainable agro-industrial systems has become a concern due to the current state of the planet’s natural resources, population growth, and climate change. To address this, the 2030 Agenda has laid out several strategies to enhance human well-being [...] Read more.

Meeting the demand for food through sustainable agro-industrial systems has become a concern due to the current state of the planet’s natural resources, population growth, and climate change. To address this, the 2030 Agenda has laid out several strategies to enhance human well-being and protect the planet. This paper focuses on Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The first three targets of this goal are as follows: 2.1, ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food; 2.2, ending all forms of malnutrition; and 2.3, doubling the agricultural productivity of small-scale food producers. The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate how aquaponics can positively impact these three targets by guaranteeing food security through the production of high-quality protein. Aquaponic crops are enriched with organic nutrients from the water they grow in. This not only increases their nutrient content but also their bioactive molecule content, making them excellent for fighting hunger and malnutrition. Moreover, these practices can be adjusted to different scales, making them a viable option for small farmers, women, and rural communities to produce their own food. Consequently, aquaponics can play a crucial role in achieving Zero Hunger locally, with appropriate support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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29 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessReview

Agroecological Nutrient Management Strategy for Attaining Sustainable Rice Self-Sufficiency in Indonesia

by Winda Ika Susanti, Sri Noor Cholidah and Fahmuddin Agus

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020845 - 18 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1503

Abstract

Rice self-sufficiency is central to Indonesia’s agricultural development, but the country is increasingly challenged by population growth, climate change, and arable land scarcity. Agroecological nutrient management offers solutions though optimized fertilization, enhanced organic matter and biofertilizer utilizations, and improved farming systems and water [...] Read more.

Rice self-sufficiency is central to Indonesia’s agricultural development, but the country is increasingly challenged by population growth, climate change, and arable land scarcity. Agroecological nutrient management offers solutions though optimized fertilization, enhanced organic matter and biofertilizer utilizations, and improved farming systems and water management. Besides providing enough nutrients for crops, the agroecological approach also enhances resilience to climate change, reduces the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions, and improves the biological functions of rice soil. Organic and bio fertilizers can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. For example, blue-green algae may contribute 30–40 kg N ha⁻¹, while the application of phosphate solubilizing microbes can reduce the use of chemical phosphorous fertilizers by up to 50 percent. The country currently experiences substantial yield gaps of about 37 percent in irrigated and 48 percent in rain-fed rice. Achieving self-sufficiency requires that Indonesia accelerates annual yield growth through agroecological nutrient management from a historical 40 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ to 74 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The aim is to raise the average yield from the current 5.2 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ to 7.3 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ by 2050. Simultaneously, controlling paddy field conversion to a maximum of 30,000 hectares per year is crucial. This strategic approach anticipates Indonesia’s milled rice production to reach around 40 million metric tonnes (Mt) by 2050, with an expected surplus of about 4 Mt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security)

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