A Resource Nexus Analysis Methodology for Quantifying Synergies and Trade-Offs in the Agricultural Sector and Revealing Implications of a Legume Production Paradigm Shift
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments for author File: 
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Author Response
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Reviewer 2 Report
The article titled "A resource Nexus analysis methodology for quantifying synergies and trade-offs in the agricultural sector and reveal implications of a legume production shift paradigm" presents an interesting study. However, I have the following reservations and suggestions:
Abstract: Please avoid using acronyms in the abstract. In line 9, the authors mention "The WEF nexus concept..." Could you please clarify what "WEF" stands for? Similarly, ensure that the full forms of acronyms are provided for the keywords.
Throughout the manuscript, please ensure that the full names of all acronyms are mentioned at their first occurrence.
Section 1.1 Data: In line 177, the authors state, "Data related to the specifications of the case study are gathered through multiple consultations with the agricultural cooperative." To enhance the credibility of data sourcing, please provide additional specifics about the "agricultural cooperative," such as their membership size, basic functionality, type (governmental, semi-governmental, private), and provide a link to their webpage if available.
Tables: There are inconsistencies in the text styles used across the tables. Please ensure that the same text styles are used consistently throughout all the tables.
Questionnaire: It would be beneficial if the authors provide the questionnaire in both Greek and English translations as separate supplementary files or in the appendix section.
Results and Discussion: It would be preferable to avoid incorporating mathematical equations in the results and discussion section. Instead, consider moving them to the methods section or include them in the appendix.
Novelty of Research: To further establish the novelty of the research, please discuss how it differentiates itself from existing publications on the nexus (or linkages) of the agricultural sector. For example, the publication referenced [https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091200] analyzes the environmental nexus of the agricultural sector at a macro-economic level.
Author Response
We are thankful to the reviewer for their feedback.
It has helped us improve this paper.
Please, see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper presents a methodology that is validated on a real case study in Thessaly, central Greece. Four link indicators are introduced to assess the impact of different land use planning scenarios.
The aim of this study is to clarify the interrelationships between different resource systems in agriculture, through a water-energy-food Nexus approach. Different cropping scenarios were tested to investigate whether a switch to legume production is a wise option and to quantify any beneficial effects.
Introduction of the four Nexus indices focusing on different objectives, food security, protein-based food security, economic sustainability and energy, these being tested in two scenarios for the case study.
Four indicators have been introduced to facilitate the assessment of the link between different crops and agricultural planning. The first Nexus Indicator concerns food production, giving equal priority to caloric value, protein value, water and energy consumption, and land cover. Second, it prioritizes the protein value of the food product relative to caloric value, water and energy consumption, and soil cover. The third Nexus Indicator represents the economic value of crops, which can facilitate comparisons between food crops, energy crops and experimental crops. It can be used for planning with the objective of economic sustainability. It should be noted that the prices used for this indicator are taken from the cooperative for the reference year, while for a more efficient planning the dynamic nature of this indicator must be taken into account. The fourth Nexus indicator represents energy produced from energy crops as biofuel.
At the end of the paper, an improvement of these 4 indicators can be observed, which have increased significantly.
As a conclusion, I agree with the publication of these results after minor revision.
Author Response
We are thankful to the reviewer for their feedback.
It has helped us improve this paper.
Please, see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Accept in present form
