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Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 23895

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ram Swaroop Meena

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Guest Editor

Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
Interests: soil health restoration and policies; carbon sequestration and stabilization; resources use efficiency; climate change; crop; productivity; sustainability
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Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhariya

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Department of Farm Forestry, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya (Formerly, Sarguja University), Sarguja, Ambikapur 497001, India
Interests: forestry; ecology; agroforestry; biodiversity assessment; climate change
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Dr. Sandeep Kumar

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ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Regional Station, Karnal 132001, Hariyana, India
Interests: agronomy; resource conservation technology; enhancing input use efficiency and productivity of pulse production systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Arnab Banerjee

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Department of Environmental Science, University Teaching Department,Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, Ambikapur 497001, India
Interests: environmental science; ecology; biodiversity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Intensive agriculture has been ongoing since the 1960s, following the Green Revolution (GR), the outcome of which is a steep decline in both applied input use efficiency (IUE) and system productivity. As part of the GR, the intensive use of fertilizers, irrigation water, herbicides, etc., has helped in boosting crop production. By contrast, during that period, the overexploitation of natural resources (NRs) has also increased while nutrient use efficiency (NUE) has steadily decreased. Despite high amounts of input application, crops yields are continuing to decline and are reaching a critical level, due to declining system productivity and resource use efficiency (RUE) in addition to intensive land cultivation, lack of alternate cropping systems, injudicious use of inputs, losses in the SOC pool, low application of organic manures (OM), and continuous avoidance of biofertilizers, and traditional methods of planting are suffering from enhanced terminal heat at the time of maturity. Hence, there is an urgent need to select a crop suitable for diversification in intensive agriculture in the developing world and with a low input response for better productivity. Diversification of the system with suitable crops may serve as a beneficial tool for maintaining soil health and increasing crop and soil productivity, RUE, and farmer income by decreasing the cost of cultivation. Thus, the diversification of crops can be a novel option to enhance the IUE, manage degraded soil, and improve system productivity for food, nutritional, economic, and environmental security. Continuous and long-term intensive nutrient mining from the soil leads to cultivated land degradation, while intensive application of chemical fertilizers also leads to soil degradation as a result of salt accumulation in the rhizosphere. Applications of organic amendment with chemical fertilizers can enhance the labile microbial biomass and nutrient availability, improving soil properties. Soil microorganisms (SMOs), often referred to as a “biological engine of the earth”, are a very important part of the soil ecosystem and help in maintaining soil quality.

Dr. Ram Swaroop Meena
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhariya
Dr. Sandeep Kumar
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Guest Editors

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Keywords

crop diversification
traditional cropping systems
crop diversification and sustainability
soil health management
system productivity
nutrient dynamic
best management practices
energy and input use efficiency
greenhouse gasses emission
precision farming
redesign the agriculture policies for traditional cropping systems

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 8986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity in the Rice–Wheat System with Genetically Modified Zinc and Iron-Enriched Varieties to Achieve Nutritional Security

by Gourisankar Pradhan and Ram Swaroop Meena

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9334; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159334 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1326

Abstract

The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system (RWCS) feeds more than 6 billion people in South Asia and across the world. In developing countries, almost 2 billion individuals are suffering from Zn and Fe micronutrient deficiency. This study aimed to adopt genetically enriched varieties of rice and wheat to manage the Zn and Fe deficiency with organic and inorganic fertilization in the food system. The experiment was designed for two years (2018–2019) under the split-plot design and was replicated three times. The results of the study indicate that the highest grain yield of wheat and rice was increased by 67.09 and 58.41 and 44.10 and 33.21% more NPKFeZn in the applied treatments compared to the control treatment during both years, respectively. The treatment carpet waste and Trichoderma viride was performed for higher yields (grain, straw, and biological) as compared to the rest of the treatment. In the main-plot, with application of NPKFeZn, higher Fe and Zn ranges of 54.27 and 52.91 and 35.71 and 34.29 parts per million (ppm), respectively, were recorded during both years. Similarly, the residual effects of NPKFeZn treatment in rice Fe and Zn concentration were recorded at 44.17 and 41.22 and 27.55 and 24.19 ppm during both years, respectively. It was found that there was 49.18 and 42.12 and 25.28 and 19.94% more Fe and Zn content, respectively, in grain as compared to the traditional varieties range of 33 and 14 ppm for Fe and Zn, respectively. Ina sub-plot, for the wheat in carpet waste and Trichoderma viride treatment, the Fe and Zn contents were recorded as 55.21 and 54.62 and 37.05 and 35.53 ppm for the two years, respectively. In the traditional varieties of wheat, the range of Fe and Zn contents was 30 and 32 ppm, respectively. In the sub-plot of succeeding rice in carpet waste and Trichoderma viride treatment contents of Fe and Zn of 43.27 and 40.43 and 26.67 and 23.37 ppm were recorded during both years, respectively. On the basis of the interaction effect, the maximum total Fe and Zn uptake by wheat of 0.84 and 0.50 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, were recorded in the N₃ × B₁C₃ treatments. Likewise, the maximum total Fe and Zn uptakes by rice of 0.62 and 0.39 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, were recorded with the interaction effect of N₃ × B₁C₃ treatments. The hypothesis of the experiment was to manage malnutrition in society by diversifying genetically modified rice–wheat varieties in the RWCS. This research might assist in increasing nutritional security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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21 pages, 6726 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Crop-Suitability Analysis Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geospatial Techniques for Cereal Production in North India

by Shaloo, Rishi Pal Singh, Himani Bisht, Rajni Jain, Truptimayee Suna, Ram Swaroop Bana, Samarth Godara, Yashbir Singh Shivay, Nirupma Singh, Jatin Bedi, Shbana Begam, Manisha Tamta and Shweta Gautam

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5246; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095246 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4340

Abstract

Identification of cropland suitability is obligatory to adapting to the increased food needs driven by population expansion, environmental contamination, and climate change. Given this, the present study was conducted to assess cereal crops’ suitability in India’s Haryana state by integrating Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and geographic information system (GIS) technique. Multiple factors were considered for this study, such as rainfall, temperature, soil texture, drainage density, pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, and slope. The AHP technique was utilized to decide the weights of each individual parameter using experts’ opinions. The crop-suitability model was developed using the model builder module in ArcGIS 10.8, and each input parameter was reclassified as per the optimum crop-growth requirement and overlaid utilizing the reclassify tool and weighted overlay analysis. The crop suitability classes were estimated as highly suitable, S1 (6%); moderately suitable, S2 (71%); and marginally suitable, S3 (23%) for the calculated arable land for the wheat crop. Similarly, the crop suitability class of rice S2 (28%); S3 (72%), for sorghum S1 (28%); S2 (71%); S3 (1%), for maize S2 (85%); S3 (15%) and for pearl millet S1 (60%); S2 (40%) were also estimated. The study has observed that, as per the soil physico-chemical characteristics and climate, the area is moderately fertile. Therefore, agricultural production can be improved by cultivating the crop in highly and moderately suitable zones. Diversification of marginally suitable regions for crops other than that for which it is not suitable can be taken up, which will also ensure the income security of marginal farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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16 pages, 3847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Maize Grain Yield Indices When Exposed to Combined Heat and Water Stress Conditions under Different Soil Amendments

by Uchechukwu Paschal Chukwudi, Sydney Mavengahama and Funso Raphael Kutu

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095150 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1594

Abstract

Increased yield can be achieved by optimising the growth environment, improving the plant gene pool, or a combination of the two. This study’s objective was to evaluate the effect of combined heat and water stress (CHWS) on maize yield, grown in various soil conditions. The experimental design was a four-replicated 3 × 3 × 2 × 3 factorial in a completely randomized design. Three water stress levels, three soil amendments, two soil textural types, and three drought-tolerant maize varieties were combined to create 54 treatment interactions. The result showed that as the severity of the water stress increased, the yield decreased. The near terminal water stress reduced cob weight, grain weight, and grain number by 96, 97, and 97%, respectively. The maize varieties were ranked WE5323 ≥ ZM1523 > WE3128 in terms of average performance and stability. Under heat and moderate water stress, the poultry manure amendment performed well for WE5323 and ZM1523, while the mineral fertilizer amendment performed best for WE3128. Compared to the inorganic amendment, the organic had a greater ameliorative capacity for grain yield under CHWS. For improved grain yield under CHWS, farmers are advised to grow WE5323 and ZM1523 with organic amendments. The findings in this study could improve food security strategies for low-income households living in high-stress environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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15 pages, 2738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Apricot Kernel Shell Biochar and Its Adsorption Mechanism for Atrazine

by Zhongqing Zhang, Chenhui Zhou, Jingmin Yang, Bingjian Yan, Jinhua Liu, Sinan Wang, Qi Li and Mengmeng Zhou

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074082 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2367

Abstract

In this study, the preparation of apricot kernel shell biochar by a hydrothermal method and its adsorption mechanism for atrazine was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectrum (FTIR) analytical techniques. The results show that the biochar prepared from the apricot kernel shell has an evenly distributed, nonaggregated carbon microsphere structure and contains a large number of oxygen-containing groups. The higher the preparation temperature is, the more functional groups exist and the better the potential adsorption performance is. The adsorption kinetics of atrazine on apricot kernel shell biochar were fitted with a quasi-second-order kinetic equation (R² ≥ 0.995, p < 0.05). The isothermal adsorption data were in accordance with the Freundlich model (R² ≥ 0.911, p < 0.05). The adsorption of atrazine on apricot kernel shell biochar includes two processes: surface adsorption and diffusion. The adsorption capacity of apricot kernel shell biochar for atrazine increases with increasing preparation temperature and decreases with increasing pH and Ca²⁺ concentration. The adsorption mechanism includes hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, biochar prepared from apricot shells, an agricultural waste, exhibits good adsorption performance for atrazine and has a good application prospect in addressing agricultural non-point source pollution, especially in pesticide residue pollution control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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14 pages, 1550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fertilization Failed to Make Positive Effects on Torreya grandis in Severe N-Deposition Subtropics

by Yini Han, G. Geoff Wang, Tonggui Wu, Wenjing Chen, Yongliang Ji and Songheng Jin

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179736 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

In managed orchards, fertilization brings out not only high productivity expectations but also severe environmental pollution. Because economic profit takes priority over environmental cost, increasing amounts of fertilizer have been used in mature subtropical Torreya grandis orchards. However, given the magnitude of global nitrogen deposition, it’s worth considering whether heavy fertilizer treatment is necessary. To elucidate the balance between T. grandis nutrient demands and fertilizer supply, we determined the C, N, and P concentrations of foliar and soil ([C], [N], [P]) at 9 orchards undergoing long-term fertilizer treatments in two scenarios of N and N + P addition with different intensity. After documenting the dynamic variation of plant growth, nutrients characteristic, and the corresponding resorption efficiency, we found that excessive N addition interfered T. grandis’ sensibility to P availability in this N-enrichment area, leading to an increasing foliar [P] and resorption efficiency (PRE) and decoupling plant C:N:P ratios. As a result, enhanced fertilizer supply failed to improve carbon accumulation, plant growth, and yield effectively. These results demonstrate that extra fertilization in the N-saturated study area highly reduced the economic and ecological efficiency of fertilizers. Thus, our research suggests that N addition in the studied orchards should be rejected, and we recommend organic management as a more conducive method to achieve sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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14 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rhizobacteria Inoculation and Caffeic Acid Alleviated Drought Stress in Lentil Plants

by Muhammad Zafar-ul-Hye, Muhammad Naeem Akbar, Yasir Iftikhar, Mazhar Abbas, Atiqa Zahid, Shah Fahad, Rahul Datta, Muqarrab Ali, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Mohammad Javed Ansari and Subhan Danish

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179603 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 2976

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is an important component of the human diet due to its high mineral and protein contents. Abiotic stresses, i.e., drought, decreases plant growth and yield. Drought causes the synthesis of reactive oxygen species, which decrease a plant’s starch contents and growth. However, ACC-deaminase (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase) producing rhizobacteria can alleviate drought stress by decreasing ethylene levels. On the other hand, caffeic acid (CA) can also positively affect cell expansion and turgor pressure maintenance under drought stress. Therefore, the current study was planned with an aim to assess the effect of CA (0, 20, 50 and 100 ppm) and ACC-deaminase rhizobacteria (Lysinibacillus fusiform, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) on lentils under drought stress. The combined application of CA and ACC-deaminase containing rhizobacteria significantly improved plant height (55%), number of pods per plant (51%), 1000-grain weight (45%), nitrogen concentration (56%), phosphorus concentration (19%), potassium concentration (21%), chlorophyll (54%), relative water contents RWC (60%) and protein contents (55%). A significant decrease in electrolyte leakage (30%), proline contents (44%), and hydrogen peroxide contents (54%), along with an improvement in cell membrane stability (34% over control) validated the combined use of CA and rhizobacteria. In conclusion, co-application of CA (20 ppm) and ACC-deaminase producing rhizobacteria can significantly improve plant growth and yield for farmers under drought stress. More investigations are suggested at the field level to select the best rhizobacteria and CA level for lentils under drought. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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Review

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27 pages, 1850 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Status and Potential of Biofortification to Enhance Crop Nutritional Quality: An Overview

by Seema Sheoran, Sandeep Kumar, Vinita Ramtekey, Priyajoy Kar, Ram Swaroop Meena and Chetan Kumar Jangir

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063301 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7053

Abstract

Around 2 billion people are suffering from chronic malnutrition or “hidden hunger”, which is the result of many diseases and disorders, including cognitive degeneration, stunting growth, and mortality. Thus, biofortification of staple food crops enriched with micronutrients is a more sustainable option for providing nutritional supplements and managing malnutrition in a society. Since 2001, when the concept of biofortification came to light, different research activities have been carried out, like the development of target populations, breeding or genetic engineering, and the release of biofortified cultivars, in addition to conducting nutritional efficacy trials and delivery plan development. Although, being a cost-effective intervention, it still faces many challenges, like easy accessibility of biofortified cultivars, stakeholders’ acceptance, and the availability of biofortified germplasm in the public domain, which varies from region to region. Hence, this review is focused on the recent potential, efforts made to crop biofortification, impacts analysis on human health, cost-effectiveness, and future perspectives to further strengthen biofortification programs. Through regular interventions of sustainable techniques and methodologies, biofortification holds huge potential to solve the malnutrition problem through regular interventions of nutrient-enriched staple food options for billions of people globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Diversification for Soil, Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Security)

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