Journal Description
Agriculture
Agriculture
is an international, scientific peer-reviewed open access journal published semimonthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Plant Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 1.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agriculture include: Poultry, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.3 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
A Machine Vision Method for Detecting Pineapple Fruit Mechanical Damage
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101063 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2025
Abstract
In the mechanical harvesting process, pineapple fruits are prone to damage. Traditional detection methods struggle to quantitatively assess pineapple damage and often operate at slow speeds. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a pineapple mechanical damage detection method based on machine vision,
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In the mechanical harvesting process, pineapple fruits are prone to damage. Traditional detection methods struggle to quantitatively assess pineapple damage and often operate at slow speeds. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a pineapple mechanical damage detection method based on machine vision, which segments the damaged region and calculates its area using multiple image processing algorithms. First, both color and depth images of the damaged pineapple are captured using a RealSense depth camera, and their pixel information is aligned. Subsequently, preprocessing techniques such as grayscale conversion, contrast enhancement, and Gaussian denoising are applied to the color images to generate grayscale images with prominent damage features. Next, an image segmentation method that combines thresholding, edge detection, and morphological processing is employed to process the images and output the damage contour images with smoother boundaries. After contour-filling and isolation of the smaller connected regions, a binary image of the damaged area is generated. Finally, a calibration object with a known surface area is used to derive both the depth values and pixel area. By integrating the depth information with the pixel area of the binary image, the damaged area of the pineapple is calculated. The damage detection system was implemented in MATLAB, and the experimental results showed that compared with the actual measured damaged area, the proposed method achieved an average error of 5.67% and an area calculation accuracy of 94.33%, even under the conditions of minimal skin color differences and low image resolution. Compared to traditional manual detection, this approach increases detection speed by over 30 times.
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(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Calibration for Trypsin Inhibitor in Soybean Seed and Meal
by
Elizabeth B. Fletcher, M. Luciana Rosso, Troy Walker, Haibo Huang, Gota Morota and Bo Zhang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101062 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
Trypsin inhibitors (TI) are naturally occurring antinutritional factors found in soybean seeds [Glycine max. (L.)] that decrease the growth rate of livestock, causing malnutrition and digestion troubles. The current accurate method to quantify TI levels in soybean seeds or meals is by
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Trypsin inhibitors (TI) are naturally occurring antinutritional factors found in soybean seeds [Glycine max. (L.)] that decrease the growth rate of livestock, causing malnutrition and digestion troubles. The current accurate method to quantify TI levels in soybean seeds or meals is by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); however, it is time-consuming, creating bottlenecks in industrial processing. Establishing a near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) model for estimating TI in seeds and meals would provide a more efficient and cost-effective method for breeding programs and feed producers. In this study, 300 soybean lines, both seeds and meals, were analyzed for TI content using HPLC, and calibration models were created based on spectral data collected from a Perten DA 7250 NIR instrument. The resulting models demonstrated robust validation, achieving accuracy rates of 97% for seed total TI, 97% for seed Kunitz TI, and 89% for meal total TI. The findings of this study are significant as no NIR calibration models had previously been developed for TI estimation in soybean seed and meal. These models can be used by breeding programs to efficiently assess their lines and by industry to quickly evaluate their soybean meal quality.
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Open AccessReview
The Consumer Is Always Right: Research Needs on Sensory Perception of Mushroom-Enriched Meat Products
by
Erick Saldaña and Juan D. Rios-Mera
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1061; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101061 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
Currently, consumers demand healthier and more sustainable foods, but it must be considered that sensory characteristics directly drive acceptability and preference. The objective of this review was to analyze the functions of mushrooms and the sensory terminology used for the sensory characterization of
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Currently, consumers demand healthier and more sustainable foods, but it must be considered that sensory characteristics directly drive acceptability and preference. The objective of this review was to analyze the functions of mushrooms and the sensory terminology used for the sensory characterization of mushrooms and mushroom-enriched meat products. Efforts have been made to reduce animal fat, salt, synthetic additives, and meat, in which mushrooms stand out because they can replace these components. Various species have been explored, mostly with positive effects on physicochemical, nutritional, technological, and sensory characteristics. However, in the sensory aspect, the results are limited to the measurement of acceptability using a hedonic scale. Studies of the sensory properties of mushrooms relate terms beyond umami. For instance, terms such as fermented, yeasty, musty, earthy, crunchy, hard, sweet, mushroom, nutty, moist, and salty, among others, have been associated with various mushroom species. This terminology needs to be explored in mushroom-enriched meat products. However, little has been explored regarding consumer opinions for the generation of sensory terms to characterize mushrooms or mushroom-enriched meat products, which may be relevant for the purposes of reformulating healthier and more sustainable meat products. In this sense, future studies should explore diverse mushroom species, the amount and form of use, processing conditions, and functions. Therefore, better decisions can be made about which species to use, considering factors that allow for maximizing the benefits of mushrooms. This purpose can be achieved if the background of consumers who evaluate the products through their opinions is explored, which is a direct response to the industrial scaling of mushrooms as new ingredients in meat products.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensory Properties Analysis for Quality Evaluation of Agricultural Product)
Open AccessArticle
URT-YOLOv11: A Large Receptive Field Algorithm for Detecting Tomato Ripening Under Different Field Conditions
by
Di Mu, Yuping Guou, Wei Wang, Ran Peng, Chunjie Guo, Francesco Marinello, Yingjie Xie and Qiang Huang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101060 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
This study proposes an improved YOLOv11 model to address the limitations of traditional tomato recognition algorithms in complex agricultural environments, such as lighting changes, occlusion, scale variations, and complex backgrounds. These factors often hinder accurate feature extraction, leading to recognition errors and reduced
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This study proposes an improved YOLOv11 model to address the limitations of traditional tomato recognition algorithms in complex agricultural environments, such as lighting changes, occlusion, scale variations, and complex backgrounds. These factors often hinder accurate feature extraction, leading to recognition errors and reduced computational efficiency. To overcome these challenges, the model integrates several architectural enhancements. First, the UniRepLKNet block replaces the C3k2 module in the standard network, improving computational efficiency, expanding the receptive field, and enhancing multi-scale target recognition. Second, the RFCBAMConv module in the neck integrates channel and spatial attention mechanisms, boosting small-object detection and robustness under varying lighting conditions. Finally, the TADDH module optimizes the detection head by balancing classification and regression tasks through task alignment strategies, further improving detection accuracy across different target scales. Ablation experiments confirm the contribution of each module to overall performance improvement. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits enhanced stability under special conditions, such as similar backgrounds, lighting variations, and object occlusion, while significantly improving both accuracy and computational efficiency. The model achieves an accuracy of 85.4%, recall of 80.3%, and of 87.3%. Compared to the baseline YOLOv11, the improved model increases by 2.2% while reducing parameters to 2.16 M, making it well-suited for real-time applications in resource-constrained environments. This study provides an efficient and practical solution for intelligent agriculture, enhancing real-time tomato detection and laying a solid foundation for future crop monitoring systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Precision Farming for Sustainable Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes and Regulatory Pathways Shaping Duck Meat Color
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Shuaixue Jiang, Zhao Yang, Yinjuan Lu, Tao Zhang, Mengru Xu, Xu Han, Qiuyu Tao, Yuan Bai, Xinxin He, Bo Han, Junsheng Zhu, Liang Li, Anqi Huang, Lili Bai, Jiwei Hu and Hehe Liu
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101059 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
Meat color is the most intuitive measure of meat quality and has a significant impact on consumer preference. To explore the molecular mechanisms affecting duck pectoralis meat color, the phenotypic traits of Cherry Valley duck (CV, eight males and eight females) and Huai
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Meat color is the most intuitive measure of meat quality and has a significant impact on consumer preference. To explore the molecular mechanisms affecting duck pectoralis meat color, the phenotypic traits of Cherry Valley duck (CV, eight males and eight females) and Huai Fu duck (HF, eight males and eight females) were compared; three males and three females of each variety were later selected for transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to reveal key molecular processes. This study found that the expression level of CA3 (carbonic anhydride enzyme 3) is positively correlated with the meat color phenotype, suggesting that it may play a positive regulatory role in the formation of meat color. The expression trend of the ST13 gene is opposite to the phenotype, suggesting that it may play a negative regulatory role. With the participation of CA3 and NDUF family genes (such as NDUFC2, NDUFB2, etc.), the oxidative phosphorylation pathway plays a key role in meat color formation by regulating the oxygenation/deoxygenation state of myoglobin and intracellular pH value. Although the effects of these genes and pathways on meat color have been discovered, their specific genetic mechanisms and molecular functions still need further verification. This provides important clues for further understanding the molecular mechanism of meat color formation and may offer potential molecular targets for improving meat color or breeding new varieties.
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(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)
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Calibration and Experimental Validation of Discrete Element Parameters for Long-Grain Rice with Different Moisture Contents Based on Repose Angle
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Zhengfa Chen, Gang Che, Lin Wan, Hongchao Wang and Kun Zhang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101058 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
The accurate determination of discrete element parameters is crucial for ensuring reliable results in simulating the critical post-harvest stages of rice grain (processing, transportation, and storage) with different moisture contents. To determine the discrete element parameters, a physical model of rice grain was
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The accurate determination of discrete element parameters is crucial for ensuring reliable results in simulating the critical post-harvest stages of rice grain (processing, transportation, and storage) with different moisture contents. To determine the discrete element parameters, a physical model of rice grain was constructed by the multi-sphere (MS) modeling approach. Using the repose angle as the evaluation index, the discrete element parameters of rice grain were calibrated and optimized through the Plackett–Burman (PB) test, the steepest climbing test, and the Box–Behnken (BB) test using EDEM software. A moisture content–significance discrete element parameters model was further developed based on a moisture content–repose angle model ( = 0.992) and a repose angle–significance discrete element parameters model ( = 0.970). The calibration results showed that the relative error between the simulated and actual repose angle did not exceed 3.52%. Meanwhile, the cylinder lifting method and unloading mass flow rate verification were performed. And the results showed that the relative errors of the repose angle and mass flow rate of rice grain did not exceed 2.09% and 7.72%, respectively. The study provides a general and reliable method for determining the parameters of discrete element method simulation for rice grain with different moisture contents.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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Characteristics of Spot Spraying and Continuous Spraying Systems
by
Xueguan Zhao, Zhanwei Ma, Chunfeng Zhang, Zhichong Wang, Jing Chen, Xinwei Zhang and Changyuan Zhai
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101057 - 14 May 2025
Abstract
This paper studied the atomization characteristics of different spray nozzles under the spot spraying method and designed a test system for the atomization characteristics. First, the effective spray height range was determined based on the effective droplet size of 106–403 μm, the spray
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This paper studied the atomization characteristics of different spray nozzles under the spot spraying method and designed a test system for the atomization characteristics. First, the effective spray height range was determined based on the effective droplet size of 106–403 μm, the spray height of 200–500 mm, the operating speed of 0.5–1 m/s, and the droplet size requirements. The effective height ranges of the HVV25-02, HVV40-02, and HVV50-02 nozzles are 277–500 mm, 200–426 mm, and 200–266 mm, respectively. Second, the influences of pressure, the opening time of the solenoid valve, and the nozzle aperture on the atomization characteristics were studied through experiment. The experiment was repeated three times, with 10,000 points monitored each time. The test results show that the droplet size of spot spraying decreases with the increase in pressure, while the droplet velocity and droplet distribution relative span have no correlation with pressure. With the increase in the opening time of the solenoid valve, the droplet size does not change regularly, the droplet velocity generally shows an upward trend, and the droplet distribution relative span (RS) value decreases gradually. With the increase in the nozzle aperture, both droplet size and droplet velocity increase, and the distribution span shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The droplet velocity of spot spraying is 4.1 m/s lower than that of continuous spraying, on average, and the droplet distribution relative span value is 2.2 higher than that of continuous spraying. This research can provide a basis and reference for the selection of appropriate spot spraying operation parameters.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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Efficacy Evaluation of Civil-Works Mud as Soil Matrix Modified by Organic Amendments
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Yuan Su, Qian Zhang, Junwei Tang, Juanjuan Yin, Kai Zhong, Jingying Gu, Zicong Xiong, Haile Wu, Xingzhi Pang and Chaolan Zhang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101056 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Converting civil-works mud (CWM) into soil matrix is a significant method for resource utilization, effectively mitigating CWM accumulation. In this study, CWM was utilized as a soil matrix and modified with three organic materials: pig manure, biochar, and corn straw. Field experiments were
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Converting civil-works mud (CWM) into soil matrix is a significant method for resource utilization, effectively mitigating CWM accumulation. In this study, CWM was utilized as a soil matrix and modified with three organic materials: pig manure, biochar, and corn straw. Field experiments were conducted using pig manure (PM), pig manure combined with biochar (PMB), and pig manure combined with straw (PMC), with the total organic matter content of the amendments applied in each treatment maintained at a consistent level. The physicochemical properties and soil matrix microbial biomass for all treatments were determined at the time of corn harvest. Additionally, the soil quality index (SQI) was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of the various treatments. The results indicated that the addition of organic amendments significantly enhanced the physicochemical and soil microbial properties of soil matrix, significantly increasing the crop yield. Among the treatments, the application of pig manure combined with biochar (PMB) significantly improved the quality of soil matrix, with the SQI increasing by 65.2 times compared to soil matrix. This treatment achieved a crop yield of 5525 kg/ha, and the safety of the crops in all treatments complied with the National Food Safety Standard Limits of Contaminants in Foods. This study proposes a novel and feasible approach for the resource utilization of CWM, and the improved soil matrix can help alleviate the increasing issue of soil resource scarcity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Soil Acidification Improvement Strategies)
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Chinese Farmers’ Low-Carbon Agricultural Technology Adoption Behavior and Its Influencing Factors
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Liqun Zhu, Yutao Wang, Yujia Liu, Zhuqun Tan, Siqi Ke, Naijuan Hu, Shuyang Qu and Guang Han
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101055 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Low-carbon agricultural technology (LCAT) is essential for China to achieve its carbon emissions peak by 2030 and neutrality by 2060. Farmers’ adoption of LCAT is crucial for adapting to and mitigating climate change risks. This study explores the social-psychological factors shaping farmers’ LCAT
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Low-carbon agricultural technology (LCAT) is essential for China to achieve its carbon emissions peak by 2030 and neutrality by 2060. Farmers’ adoption of LCAT is crucial for adapting to and mitigating climate change risks. This study explores the social-psychological factors shaping farmers’ LCAT adoption behavior, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Normative Activation Model. Survey data from 360 farmers in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings show that behavioral attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and personal norms have positive and direct effects on farmers’ LCAT adoption. The analyses also discovered four mediation paths that indirectly influence farmers’ LCAT adoption, including Subjective Norms → Personal Norms → Adoption Level; Consequence Awareness → Personal Norms → Adoption Level; Responsibility Attribution → Personal Norms → Adoption Level; and Consequence Awareness → Responsibility Attribution → Personal Norms → Adoption Level. The study deepens our understanding of the social-psychological mechanism underlying farmers’ LCAT adoption behavior. The findings offer valuable insights for promoting low-carbon agricultural technologies and guiding policy development. Recommendations include promoting LCAT by leveraging social influence to enhance social norms, educating farmers on ethical environmental stewardship, raising awareness of farming’s environmental impacts, and providing policy incentives and technical support to reduce adoption barriers.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions and Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture)
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Comparative Phytochemical and Biological Profiling of Zea mays L. Varieties in Cotopaxi Region
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Raluca A. Mihai, Ramiro Fernando Vivanco Gonzaga, Damián O. Calero Rondal, Dámaris A. Teneda Jijón, Nelson Santiago Cubi Insuaste, Christian D. Borja Tacuri and Rodica D. Catana
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101054 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Background: This research evaluated the metabolic and antioxidant activity in red, white, and yellow corn varieties cultivated in the Cotopaxi region. Methods: Colorimetric methods were used for the total phenolic content and total flavonoids, while the LC-MS method was used for the metabolic
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Background: This research evaluated the metabolic and antioxidant activity in red, white, and yellow corn varieties cultivated in the Cotopaxi region. Methods: Colorimetric methods were used for the total phenolic content and total flavonoids, while the LC-MS method was used for the metabolic profile. Also, assays like ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH were used to determine their ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidants. Results: Red corn contains a significantly higher level of natural bioactive compounds compared to other varieties. Phenolics and flavonoids are crucial in antioxidant capacity, contributing significantly to scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidants. Comparative analysis of the biological properties and bioactive compounds in these maize varieties provides treasured insights into the fitness ability advantages of consuming red corn, emphasizing the importance of phenolics and flavonoids in its antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that red corn could offer greater health benefits compared to white and yellow corn, underscoring the importance of ongoing studies of the biological properties and bioactive compounds in different maize varieties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds in Agricultural Products)
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Open AccessReview
Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Botanical Pesticides in Soil
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Verónica Pereira, Paula C. Castilho and Jorge A. M. Pereira
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101053 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Plant-based pesticides are considered viable complements of conventional synthetic pesticides in agriculture. Their environmentally benign nature and potential to mitigate ecological impacts render them advantageous options for sustainable farming practices. However, the long-term effects of botanical pesticides on soil ecosystems remain unclear. This
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Plant-based pesticides are considered viable complements of conventional synthetic pesticides in agriculture. Their environmentally benign nature and potential to mitigate ecological impacts render them advantageous options for sustainable farming practices. However, the long-term effects of botanical pesticides on soil ecosystems remain unclear. This review aims to examine current evidence concerning the persistence of botanical pesticides in soil environments and their potential effects. Specifically, it addresses their biodegradation pathways in soil as well as their impact on soil enzymes and biology. The methodologies available to perform these studies are also briefly discussed, particularly focusing on how they can be tailored to improve the analysis of the impacts and challenges posed by the use of botanical pesticides in ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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Optimizing Potassium Fertilization Combined with Calcium–Magnesium Phosphate Fertilizer Mitigates Rice Cadmium Accumulation: A Multi-Site Field Trial
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Qiying Zhang, Weijian Wu, Yingyue Zhao, Xiaoyu Tan, Yang Yang, Qingru Zeng and Xiao Deng
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101052 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Alkaline fertilizers demonstrate significant potential in mitigating rice cadmium (Cd) accumulation, yet the combined effects of calcium–magnesium phosphate (CMP) with potassium (K) fertilizer types and split application strategies remain unclear. Through multi-site field trials in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, we evaluated split applications of
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Alkaline fertilizers demonstrate significant potential in mitigating rice cadmium (Cd) accumulation, yet the combined effects of calcium–magnesium phosphate (CMP) with potassium (K) fertilizer types and split application strategies remain unclear. Through multi-site field trials in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, we evaluated split applications of K2CO3, K2SO4, and K2SiO3 at tillering and booting stages following basal CMP amendment. Optimized K regimes reduced brown rice Cd concentrations (up to 89% reduction) compared to conventional fertilization. Notably, at the CF site, split K2SiO3 application (TB-K2SiO3) and single tillering-stage K2SO4 (T-K2SO4) achieved brown rice Cd levels of 0.13 mg/kg, complying with China’s food safety standard (≤0.20 mg/kg), thereby eliminating non-carcinogenic risks. Mechanistically, TB-K2SiO3 enhanced soil pH by 0.21 units and increased available K (AK) by 50.26% and available Si (ASi) by 21.35% while reducing Cd bioavailability by 43.55% compared to non-split K2SiO3. In contrast, T-K2SO4 elevated sulfate-driven Cd immobilization. Structural equation modeling prioritized soil available Cd, root Cd, and antagonistic effects of AK and ASi as dominant factors governing Cd accumulation. The integration of CMP with split K2SiO3 application at the tillering and booting stages or single K2SO4 application at the tillering stage ensures safe rice production in Cd-contaminated soils, offering scalable remediation strategies for paddy ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment and Remediation of Agricultural Soil Pollution)
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Chemical and Biological Amendments and Crop Rotation Affect Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration by Influencing the Carbon and Nitrogen Contents of Soil Aggregates
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Zefang Zhu, Shuangting Li, Kangbo Xu, Jing Wang, Jinfeng Yang and Xiaori Han
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101051 - 13 May 2025
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) sequestration are vital for maintaining soil fertility and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different amendments (chemical and biological) and crop rotations on SOC, TN sequestration, and soil aggregate distribution.
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Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) sequestration are vital for maintaining soil fertility and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different amendments (chemical and biological) and crop rotations on SOC, TN sequestration, and soil aggregate distribution. A six-year field study was conducted, involving five different treatments: a monoculture of peanut (PC), a monoculture of maize (MC), a maize-peanut rotation (M-PR), and peanut continuous cropping with chemical (PCCA) and biological (PCBA) amendments. Soil properties, aggregate size distribution, SOC, TN, and enzyme activities were measured. The results show that the bulk density increased, while the field water−holding capacity and porosity decreased with depth. M-PR had the highest macroaggregate (>0.25 mm) proportion, increasing by 21.6–50.8%. SOC and TN increased with aggregate size and were 23.9–103.6% and 7.0–82.9% higher, than PC and MC, respectively, under the treatments. PCCA showed the highest SOC, TN, and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling indicated that the C and N contents of aggregates directly influenced SOC and TN sequestration. In conclusion, crop rotation and amendments, especially PCCA, effectively improve soil C and N sequestration, and enhance the soil structure, thereby reducing degradation risks, and potentially decreasing on−farm greenhouse gas emissions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Adding Different Corn Residue Components on Soil and Aggregate Organic Carbon
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Ninghui Xie, Liangjie Sun, Tong Lu, Xi Zhang, Ning Duan, Wei Wang, Xiaolong Liang, Yuchuan Fan and Huiyu Liu
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101050 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem sustainability, with crop residues serving as a key carbon input. However, how different maize residue components influence SOC stabilization across aggregate sizes and fertility levels remains poorly understood. This
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Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem sustainability, with crop residues serving as a key carbon input. However, how different maize residue components influence SOC stabilization across aggregate sizes and fertility levels remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of maize roots, stems, and leaves on SOC dynamics and aggregate-associated carbon under low- and high-fertility Brown Earth soils through a 360-day laboratory incubation. Results revealed that residue incorporation induced an initial increase in SOC, followed by a gradual decline due to microbial mineralization, yet maintained net carbon retention. In low-fertility soil, leaf residues led to the highest SOC content (12.08 g kg−1), whereas root residues were most effective under high-fertility conditions (18.93 g kg−1). Residue addition enhanced macroaggregate (>0.25 mm) formation while reducing microaggregate fractions, with differential patterns of SOC distribution across aggregate sizes. SOC initially accumulated in 0.25–2 mm aggregates but gradually shifted to >2 mm and <0.053 mm fractions over time. Root residues favored stabilization in high-fertility soils via mineral association, while stem and leaf residues promoted aggregate-level carbon protection in low-fertility soils. These findings highlight the interactive roles of residue type and soil fertility in regulating SOC sequestration pathways.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Best Management Practices for Enhancing Soil Health and Water Quality)
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The International Competitiveness of Polish Fruit and Their Preserves
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Bożena Nosecka and Łukasz Zaremba
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101049 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the international competitiveness of Polish fruits and their processed products in comparison to those of major global exporters. The adopted research approach is grounded in the theoretical foundations of international trade. A comparative analysis allows
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The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the international competitiveness of Polish fruits and their processed products in comparison to those of major global exporters. The adopted research approach is grounded in the theoretical foundations of international trade. A comparative analysis allows for identifying key competitive advantages and weaknesses. Quantitative data analysis was employed to measure international competitiveness using key indicators such as Market Share (MS), Trade Balance, Competitiveness Ratio (CR), Revealed comparative advantage (RCA), Intra-Industry Trade (IIT), and Terms of Trade (ToT). These metrics were calculated based on data obtained from Comtrade, with results presented in a time-series format to capture long-term trends. An extensive literature review was conducted to examine the various definitions and frameworks of international competitiveness. The decline in the level of indicators that include imports in their formulas (CRs) may lead to an increase in the level of indicators that take exports into account (e.g., foreign trade balance and share in global exports). For example, a strong increase in the import of concentrated apple juice results in an increase in the export of this product and an improvement in the competitive position on the global market. The insights from these indicators can assist policymakers in developing targeted strategies to enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, such as improving production methods, negotiating better trade agreements, or investing in innovation and quality improvement.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
Open AccessArticle
Cultivating Bonds: On Urban Allotment Gardens and Their Relationship with Social Capital
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Noelia Fernandez-Salido, Alfonso Gallego-Valadés, Carlos Serra-Castells and Jorge Garcés-Ferrer
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101048 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
Urban allotment gardens are increasingly recognized as multifunctional spaces that contribute not only to ecological sustainability, but also to social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. This study explores the role of urban gardens in the city of Valencia as green spaces that
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Urban allotment gardens are increasingly recognized as multifunctional spaces that contribute not only to ecological sustainability, but also to social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. This study explores the role of urban gardens in the city of Valencia as green spaces that (re)produce social capital, as well as spaces produced by consolidated social capital. Using a qualitative methodology, fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants with experience in the coordination, management, study and promotion of urban garden projects. The analysis focuses on three interconnected dimensions: the strategic objectives guiding organizations involved, the core elements of social capital (networks, belonging, trust, reciprocity and values) and the governance models underpinning these initiatives. The results reveal that urban gardens function as relational infrastructures, facilitating intergenerational learning, intercultural exchange and inclusive participation through both formal and informal mechanisms. These processes are often rooted in local traditions and are underpinned by shared responsibilities and symbolic reciprocity. However, exclusionary attitudes and fragmented governance can limit their potential. In general, the results emphasize the value of urban gardens as platforms for the (re)production of social capital and the improvement of community well-being, which entails relevant implications for urban policies and sustainable development.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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Spatiotemporal Patterns of Agriculture Expansion Intensity and Land-Use/Cover Changes in the Mixed Urban-Rural Upper Kafue River Basin of Zambia (1989–2019)
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Rudo V. Denga, Matamyo Simwanda, Royd Vinya, Manjula Ranagalage and Yuji Murayama
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101047 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
Understanding land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes is essential for sustainable land management, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion. This study analyzes the LULC dynamics in the Upper Kafue River Basin, Zambia, from 1989 to 2019, using remote-sensing data, Geographic Information
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Understanding land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes is essential for sustainable land management, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion. This study analyzes the LULC dynamics in the Upper Kafue River Basin, Zambia, from 1989 to 2019, using remote-sensing data, Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and advanced analytical techniques such as intensity analysis and directional gradient analysis. The findings indicate a notable decline in forest cover, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, while built-up areas increased, reflecting urban growth. Forest-to-agriculture conversion emerged as the dominant driver of change, with significant transitions also occurring across multiple land categories. The results highlight a dynamic and complex landscape shaped by overlapping socio-economic and environmental pressures, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions to mitigate environmental degradation. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and land managers seeking to balance development with conservation in Zambia and similar regions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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Open AccessArticle
A Lightweight Citrus Object Detection Method in Complex Environments
by
Qiurong Lv, Fuchun Sun, Yuechao Bian, Haorong Wu, Xiaoxiao Li, Xin Li and Jie Zhou
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101046 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
Aiming at the limitations of current citrus detection methods in complex orchard environments, especially the problems of poor model adaptability and high computational complexity under different lighting, multiple occlusions, and dense fruit conditions, this study proposes an improved citrus detection model, YOLO-PBGM, based
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Aiming at the limitations of current citrus detection methods in complex orchard environments, especially the problems of poor model adaptability and high computational complexity under different lighting, multiple occlusions, and dense fruit conditions, this study proposes an improved citrus detection model, YOLO-PBGM, based on You Only Look Once v7 (YOLOv7). First, to tackle the large size of the YOLOv7 network model and its deployment challenges, the PC-ELAN module is constructed by introducing Partial Convolution (PConv) for lightweight improvement, which reduces the model’s demand for computing resources and parameters. At the same time, the Bi-Former attention module is embedded to enhance the perception and processing of citrus fruit information. Secondly, a lightweight neck network is constructed using Grouped Shuffle Convolution (GSConv) to simplify computational complexity. Finally, the minimum-point-distance-based IoU (MPDIoU) loss function is utilized to optimize the boundary return mechanism, which speeds up model convergence and reduces the redundancy of bounding box regression. Experimental results indicate that for the citrus dataset collected in a natural environment, the improved model reduces Params and GFLOPs by 15.4% and 23.7%, respectively, while improving precision, recall, and mAP by 0.3%, 4%, and 3.5%, respectively, thereby outperforming other detection networks. Additionally, an analysis of citrus object detection under varying lighting and occlusion conditions reveals that the YOLO-PBGM network model demonstrates good adaptability, effectively coping with variations in lighting and occlusions while exhibiting high robustness. This model can provide a technical reference for uncrewed intelligent picking of citrus.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Technology in Agricultural Robotics: Sensing and Actuation)
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Open AccessArticle
High Resistance and Yield: A New Cultivar ‘ZJLZS002’ of Lyophyllum decastes Suitable for Industrial Cultivation
by
Qimeng Liu, Shaoxiong Liu, Jianying Li, Junbo Zhang, Fan Zhou, Xi Luo, Jianxiong Ma, Rong Hua and Dafeng Sun
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101045 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
Lyophyllum decastes, commonly known as Luronggu, is extensively cultivated across China. It exhibits rich germplasm in China. However, the number of cultivars available for commercial production is limited, highlighting the importance of targeted breeding programs. In this study, we utilized selected breeding
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Lyophyllum decastes, commonly known as Luronggu, is extensively cultivated across China. It exhibits rich germplasm in China. However, the number of cultivars available for commercial production is limited, highlighting the importance of targeted breeding programs. In this study, we utilized selected breeding and SSR molecular markers to develop improved strains of L. decastes for the first time. The breeding process strictly adhered to China’s national standard for ‘Technical inspection for mushroom selecting and breeding’. It encompassed pure strain isolation, biological classification, primary screening, secondary screening, physiological performance determination, molecular characterization, intermediate test, and demonstration cultivation. As a result, strain ZJLZS002, known for its high yield (380 ± 3.6 g·bag−1), shortened growth period (75.6 ± 1.3 d), and stable traits, is well suited for industrial cultivation. This new cultivar has achieved a significant milestone as the first variety in China to be officially recognized at the provincial level, under the name ‘Zhongjunluronggu No. 1’. Its development signifies a crucial advancement in achieving seed source independence and promotes the replacement of imported varieties with domestic ones, contributing to the sustainable development of China’s edible fungi industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Edible Mushroom)
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Enhanced Black-Winged Kite Algorithm for Drone Coverage in Complex Fruit Farms
by
Jian Li, Shengliang Fu, Weijian Zhang, Haitao Fu, Xu Fang and Zheng Li
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101044 - 12 May 2025
Abstract
When investigating precision pest management strategies for fruit farmlands with complex geometries and restrictive boundaries, this study proposes an enhanced coverage optimization methodology for agricultural drones based on an enhanced Black-winged Kite Algorithm (BKA). Initially, the task area is segmented using the Segment
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When investigating precision pest management strategies for fruit farmlands with complex geometries and restrictive boundaries, this study proposes an enhanced coverage optimization methodology for agricultural drones based on an enhanced Black-winged Kite Algorithm (BKA). Initially, the task area is segmented using the Segment Anything Model (SAM) based on deep learning, and an environmental map is created through gridding. Subsequently, by proposing coverage task cost functions, flight safety cost functions, and path length cost functions, the coverage challenge in complex-shaped areas is redefined as a challenge involving multiple constraints. To optimize this problem, we introduce a DWBKA that incorporates a Dynamic Position Balancing strategy and a modified Whale Random Walk strategy, thereby enhancing its global search capability and avoiding local optima traps. Finally, comparative experiments are conducted in six distinct scenarios of fruit farms, juxtaposing the DWBKA with the initially developed version and the BL-DQN. The results of this comparative analysis unequivocally demonstrate that the DWBKA achieves superior performance metrics, excelling in coverage rate, repeated coverage rate, path length, and computational time. When compared with extant coverage methodologies for complex shapes, the proposed DWBKA method exhibits marked performance enhancements in coverage tasks. This underscores its potential to significantly elevate the efficiency and precision of drone coverage in complex farm settings.
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(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)
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