Agriculture

Research

Jump to: Review

35 pages, 19418 KB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Assessment of Black Soldier Fly Technology for Sustainable Manure Management in Jing-Jin-Ji: Balancing Feed Protein Production and Carbon Mitigation

by Yuxuan Wang, Peixian Hao, Xiaofei Wu, Shuang Liu, Zhaohai Bai, Xuan Wang, Lin Ma and Ruifang Zhang

Agriculture 2026, 16(11), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16111177 - 27 May 2026

Viewed by 73

Abstract

The Jing-Jin-Ji region in China has highly intensive agriculture but faces challenges of feed protein shortage and manure surplus, threatening environmental sustainability and industrial development. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a promising sustainable feed protein source, capable of efficiently [...] Read more.

The Jing-Jin-Ji region in China has highly intensive agriculture but faces challenges of feed protein shortage and manure surplus, threatening environmental sustainability and industrial development. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a promising sustainable feed protein source, capable of efficiently converting organic waste into high-quality insect protein to alleviate feed scarcity while mitigating waste pollution. Existing research on black soldier fly (BSF) treatment in this area is limited, lacking comprehensive benefit evaluations. This study, conducted in Hebei Province, integrated sub-county-scale manure resource mapping, life cycle assessment, and economic assessment to compare traditional composting with BSF-based manure management. Results show BSF treatment can produce 0.36 to 0.39 teragrams (Tg) of feed protein per year. Compared with conventional composting, BSF treatment reduced direct manure-treatment emissions, while additional mitigation benefits were obtained through feed-protein substitution, fertilizer substitution, and BECCS-related land-use savings. Overall, the BSF scenarios achieved a total GHG mitigation potential of 2.85–6.19 Tg CO₂eq yr⁻¹. Economically, low-technology BSF production is cost-competitive, with a total cost of $121 for treating 1 ton of fresh chicken manure. With its protein output roughly doubling the local soybean production capacity, BSF technology provides a viable, low-carbon solution to the dual challenges of feed security and waste management in intensive agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Climate Stress Thresholds for Sustaining Cropland Productivity Across Cropping Systems Under Extreme Weather Conditions

by Yan Jiang, Jiaolong Wang, Lang Yi, Xiaoping Chen, Yuanying Peng and Huiyu Luo

Agriculture 2026, 16(10), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16101076 - 14 May 2026

Viewed by 215

Abstract

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, posing significant challenges to crop productivity and agroclimatic management in subtropical regions. However, quantitative insights into how different cropping systems respond to climate extremes remain limited. In this study, crop net [...] Read more.

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, posing significant challenges to crop productivity and agroclimatic management in subtropical regions. However, quantitative insights into how different cropping systems respond to climate extremes remain limited. In this study, crop net primary productivity (CNPP) of two representative cropping systems, early–late rice (ER–LR) and dry rapeseed–sweet potato (DR–SP), was analyzed in Pingxiang, a typical subtropical agricultural region of China. Nineteen extreme temperature and precipitation indices were evaluated using an integrated Trend–Prediction–Sensitivity–Threshold (TPST) framework combining statistical and machine learning approaches. CNPP exhibited an upward trend (slope = 4.29 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹) from 2000 to 2023, with ER–LR showing faster growth (slope = 4.54 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹) and higher stability (high-volatility area: 1.25%) than DR–SP (slope = 4.11 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹; 4.94%). Temperature extremes were the dominant drivers, exhibiting nonlinear responses with threshold effects. DR–SP was more climate-sensitive, while ER–LR showed greater tolerance, highlighting the role of cropping systems in enhancing resilience. The TPST framework provides a transferable approach for assessing agroecosystem productivity responses to climate extremes and supports climate-resilient cropland management in subtropical regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1136 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ridge Tillage Cultivation Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Cold-Region Paddy Fields

by Junpeng Zhang, Yuxuan Jiangxu, Haicheng Zhao, Huifeng Sun, Jining Zhang, Cong Wang, Zheng Jiang, Hongyu Li, Xianxian Zhang and Sheng Zhou

Agriculture 2026, 16(10), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16101049 - 12 May 2026

Viewed by 376

Abstract

Ridge tillage (RC) has been proposed as a water-saving irrigation technique to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from paddy fields. To evaluate its effectiveness under cold-region climatic conditions, a two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted in Northeast China. The study assessed the effects [...] Read more.

Ridge tillage (RC) has been proposed as a water-saving irrigation technique to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from paddy fields. To evaluate its effectiveness under cold-region climatic conditions, a two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted in Northeast China. The study assessed the effects of RC on rice yield, methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and total GHG emissions (expressed as CO₂e). A no-puddling treatment (NP) was additionally included in 2024. The results showed that compared to conventional cultivation (CK), RC significantly increased the number of effective panicles in 2023 (p < 0.05) but did not significantly affect yield in either year. CH₄ emissions exhibited a double-peak pattern, with peaks at the heading and grain-filling stages; the heading stage contributed the largest part (53.1–69.0%). N₂O emissions showed no distinct seasonal pattern, although N fertilization events stimulated N₂O peak. RC consistently reduced CH₄ emissions, with reductions of 50.8% in 2023 and 71.0% in 2024. NP in 2024 reduced CH₄ emissions by 27.0%. N₂O emissions showed no significant differences among treatments; however, their contribution from fertilization events varied with treatment and year. Total GHG was dominated by CH₄ (>99%). RC significantly lowered GHG and GHGI by 50.7–70.1% and 57.9–73.2% compared to CK, respectively. In conclusion, ridge tillage is an effective practice to reduce CH₄ and GHG emissions while maintaining rice yield in cold-region paddy fields. The large inter-annual variability strongly affects baseline emissions and underscores the needs for multi-year assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural Green Development as a Buffer Against Growing-Season Climate Extremes: Evidence from China’s Yellow River Basin

by Yanyan Li, Naniram Dulal, Di Zhu, Xiaowen Dai, Keying Xia and Yanqiu He

Agriculture 2026, 16(10), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16101042 - 11 May 2026

Viewed by 427

Abstract

Agricultural green development (AGD) is usually evaluated by its average productivity and environmental effects, but its value may be more visible when crop production is exposed to severe growing-season climate stress. This study examines whether AGD acts as a state-dependent buffer against climate-related [...] Read more.

Agricultural green development (AGD) is usually evaluated by its average productivity and environmental effects, but its value may be more visible when crop production is exposed to severe growing-season climate stress. This study examines whether AGD acts as a state-dependent buffer against climate-related output losses. Using a balanced panel of 56 prefecture-level cities in China’s Yellow River Basin from 2011 to 2024, we construct a Crop Extreme Stress Index (CESI) from daily meteorological records and estimate a two-stage least squares model with a crop-group shift-share instrument and crop-group price controls. The results show that AGD has a positive average association with crop output, but its marginal payoff is substantially larger in high-exposure years. In the preferred interaction specification, a one-standard-deviation increase in AGD is associated with approximately 2.8% higher crop output under high exposure. Quantile regressions further suggest that this protective effect is more visible in weaker output states. Channel consistency tests indicate that resilience capacity and crop diversification are more relevant under high exposure, although these results should not be interpreted as causal mediation. The findings suggest that AGD should be assessed not only by average productivity gains, but also by its capacity to reduce losses and stabilize output under growing-season climate extremes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 463 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI Transparency and Climate-Adaptive Agritourism: Farm-Level Decision-Making and Rural Resilience

by Aleksandra Vujko, Nataša Perović, Vuk Mirčetić, Adriana Radosavac and Darjan Karabašević

Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040404 - 10 Feb 2026

Viewed by 770

Abstract

Climate change increases uncertainty in agricultural production and rural livelihoods, encouraging farms to pursue diversification strategies to buffer climate-related risks. Concurrently, the growing use of digital and AI-based climate decision-support tools raises questions about how the transparency of such information shapes farm-level adaptation. [...] Read more.

Climate change increases uncertainty in agricultural production and rural livelihoods, encouraging farms to pursue diversification strategies to buffer climate-related risks. Concurrently, the growing use of digital and AI-based climate decision-support tools raises questions about how the transparency of such information shapes farm-level adaptation. This study examines the relationships among AI transparency, climate awareness, decision confidence, agritourism diversification intention, and perceived farm resilience within a perception-based analytical framework in climate-sensitive rural systems. Data were collected through in-person fieldwork conducted throughout 2025 among agritourism-oriented farm operators in two Serbian rural clusters: a Western mountain agritourism belt and an Eastern/Southeastern dry-stress zone. Using structural equation modeling, the analysis reveals a consistent pattern of positive associations across all modeled relationships. Higher perceived transparency of AI-based climate information is associated with stronger climate awareness, greater decision confidence, a higher intention to diversify toward agritourism, and greater perceived farm resilience. Perceived farm resilience was most strongly related to agritourism diversification intention, underscoring diversification as a key perceived adaptive pathway under climate stress. The findings highlight AI transparency as a critical informational precondition for adaptive decision-making and resilience building as evaluated by farm operators, with implications for farmer-centric digital tools and rural climate adaptation policy in comparable climate-sensitive agricultural contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 342 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Sustainable Vegetable Production in Guangdong Province, China, Based on the Carbon Footprint

by Xialing Chu, Linxiu Zheng, Jie Li and Pengfei Cheng

Agriculture 2026, 16(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16030369 - 4 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 582

Abstract

Climate change induced by greenhouse gas emissions is currently one of the most important challenges of the world. Against this backdrop, we deeply explore the temporal variation characteristics of vegetable production in Guangdong Province, a major province of China from the carbon footprint [...] Read more.

Climate change induced by greenhouse gas emissions is currently one of the most important challenges of the world. Against this backdrop, we deeply explore the temporal variation characteristics of vegetable production in Guangdong Province, a major province of China from the carbon footprint perspective. The aim is to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production and carbon sequestration, as well as sustainable agricultural development. We primarily adopted the carbon emission coefficient provided by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and utilized data from the China Rural Statistical Yearbook and the Guangdong Rural Statistical Yearbook from 1990 to 2022 to analyze the changing characteristics of the carbon footprint of vegetable production in Guangdong Province. In addition, we used the grey prediction model GM (1, 1) to estimate the parameters and test the residual. Then, the carbon emission of vegetable production in Guangdong province was predicted from 2023 to 2060. The research results show that agricultural input is the largest source of carbon emissions, accounting for 51.99–66.55%, followed by farmland soil utilization (33.45–48.01%). Within agricultural input, fertilizers, pesticides, and mulching films are the main sources of carbon emissions. Based on the data from 2011 to 2022, it is predicted that the net carbon emissions of vegetable production in Guangdong Province will continue to decline after 2022. Based on the above findings, it is suggested to promote the sustainable development of the vegetable industry by increasing policy support for the R&D and promotion of green and low-carbon technologies and green vegetable production, reducing agricultural input, and promoting the formation of the low-carbon production concept. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1782 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Meteorological Conditions on the Bird Cherry–Oat Aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) Flights Recorded by Johnson Suction Traps

by Kamila Roik, Sandra Małas, Paweł Trzciński and Jan Bocianowski

Agriculture 2026, 16(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16020152 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 808

Abstract

Due to its abundance, bird cherry–oat aphid is the most important vector in Poland of the complex of viruses causing barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). These viruses infect all cereals. During the growing season, cereal plants are exposed to many species of agrophages, [...] Read more.

Due to its abundance, bird cherry–oat aphid is the most important vector in Poland of the complex of viruses causing barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). These viruses infect all cereals. During the growing season, cereal plants are exposed to many species of agrophages, which can limit their growth, development and yield. As observed for many years, global warming contributes to changes in the development of many organisms. Aphids (Aphidoidea), which are among the most important pests of agricultural crops, respond very dynamically to these changes. Under favorable conditions, their populations can increase several-fold within a few days. The bird cherry–oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) is a dioecious species that undergoes a seasonal host shift during its life cycle. Its primary hosts are trees and shrubs (Prunus padus L.), while secondary hosts include cereals and various grass species. R. padi feeds directly on bird cherry tree, reducing its ornamental value, and on cereals, where it contributes to yields losses. The species can also damage plants indirectly by transmitting harmful viruses. Indirect damage is generally more serious than direct feeding injury. Monitoring aphid flights with a Johnson suction trap (JST) is useful for plant protection, which enables early detection of their presence in the air and then on cereal crops. To provide early detection of R. padi migrations and to study the dynamics of abundance, flights were monitored in 2020–2024 with Johnson suction traps at two localities: Winna Góra (Greater Poland Province) and Sośnicowice (Silesia Province). The aim of the research conducted in 2020–2024 was to study the dynamics of the bird cherry–oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) population in relation to meteorological conditions as recorded by a Johnson suction trap. Over five years of research, a total of 129,638 R. padi individuals were captured using a Johnson suction trap at two locations (60,426 in Winna Góra and 69,212 in Sośnicowice). In Winna Góra, the annual counts were as follows: 5766 in 2020, 6498 in 2021, 36,452 in 2022, 5598 in 2023, and 6112 in 2024. In Sośnicowice, the numbers were as follows: 6954 in 2020, 9159 in 2021, 49,120 in 2022, 3855 in 2023, and 124 in 2024. The year 2022 was particularly notable for the exceptionally high abundance of R. padi, especially in the autumn. Monitoring crops for the presence of pests is the basis of integrated plant protection. Climate change, modern cultivation technologies, and increasing restrictions on chemical control are the main factors contributing to the development and spread of aphids. Therefore, measures based on monitoring the level of threat and searching for control solutions are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 49192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Drought Relationships in the Yangtze River Basin: Causality, Propagation Thresholds, and Drought Resistance Capacity

by Tian Wang, Bo Shi, Linqi Li, Zhaoqiang Zhou and Yibo Ding

Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010118 - 2 Jan 2026

Viewed by 673

Abstract

A clear grasp of the interconnections among various drought types forms the foundation for effective drought mitigation policy-making. However, current research on the propagation of groundwater drought (GD) remains relatively limited. Therefore, this study employs a multi-source data approach, combining methods (such as [...] Read more.

A clear grasp of the interconnections among various drought types forms the foundation for effective drought mitigation policy-making. However, current research on the propagation of groundwater drought (GD) remains relatively limited. Therefore, this study employs a multi-source data approach, combining methods (such as Pearson correlation analysis, cross-convergence mapping systems, and Copula functions) to assess the characteristics and propagation patterns of meteorological (MD), agricultural (AD), and GD in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). Findings demonstrated that (1) drought severity (mainly ranging from 3.25 to 6.49) and duration (mainly ranging from 2.6 to 5.4 months) in the upstream region (UR) of the YRB are relatively large. (2) A total of 79.92% of the regions showed a mutual feedback relationship between agricultural drought and groundwater drought. (3) The duration propagation threshold from MD to AD was relatively high in the source region (SR) (mainly ranging from 5.95 to 8.36) and the midstream region (MR) (mainly ranging from 5.68 to 7.39) under extreme drought conditions. The severity propagation threshold from AD to GD was relatively high in the MR (mainly ranging from 11.8 to 16.5) and the downstream region (DR) (mainly ranging from 14.5 to 20.2) under extreme drought conditions. This study is significant for the rational allocation of regional water resources and drought prevention policy formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Legume-Based Rotations Enhance Ecosystem Sustainability in the North China Plain: Trade-Offs Between Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Soil Carbon Sequestration, and Economic Viability

by Feng Lin, Yinzhan Liu, Li Zhang and Yaojun Zhang

Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010116 - 1 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945

Abstract

Reconciling agricultural productivity with greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation remains a pivotal challenge for achieving climate-smart food systems. This study evaluates the capacity of legume-based crop rotations to balance economic viability, yield stability, and GHG reduction in the North China Plain. A two-year randomized [...] Read more.

Reconciling agricultural productivity with greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation remains a pivotal challenge for achieving climate-smart food systems. This study evaluates the capacity of legume-based crop rotations to balance economic viability, yield stability, and GHG reduction in the North China Plain. A two-year randomized complete block field experiment compared six cropping systems: conventional wheat–maize (WM) rotations and legume-integrated systems (wheat–soybean, WS; wheat–soybean–maize, WSM), under fertilized and unfertilized regimes. Results revealed that nitrogen fertilization increased cumulative N₂O emissions and global warming potential (GWP), with seasonal peaks occurring post-fertilization. Legume systems enhanced CH₄ uptake but showed no significant effect on N₂O emissions compared to conventional systems. N₂O fluxes correlated positively with soil moisture and soil temperature, while CH₄ uptake increased with soil moisture alone. Soybean phases reduced short-term yields by 32–52% relative to the maize yield of conventional systems, but boosted subsequent wheat/maize productivity by 2–47% through hydraulic redistribution and N priming. The wheat–soybean rotation with 200 kg N ha⁻¹ (WS200) achieved optimal sustainability, delivering the highest net profit (8061.56 USD ha⁻¹) alongside a 9% reduction in global warming potential (3980.21 kg CO_2-eq ha⁻¹) versus conventional systems. These findings provide actionable insights for sustainable intensification in global cereal systems, demonstrating that strategic legume integration can advance both food security and climate goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Polymer Application Rates on Yield and Photosynthesis in Faba Bean and Pea

by Katarzyna Czopek and Mariola Staniak

Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010056 - 26 Dec 2025

Viewed by 595

Abstract

Climate change exacerbates soil moisture deficits, necessitating efficient water retention strategies. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) offer a potential solution to enhance water availability for crops during dry periods. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were selected as model [...] Read more.

Climate change exacerbates soil moisture deficits, necessitating efficient water retention strategies. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) offer a potential solution to enhance water availability for crops during dry periods. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were selected as model legumes due to their high nutritional value, agricultural importance in temperate regions, and sensitivity to drought stress This study evaluated the effects of different SAP application rates on the yield and physiological performance of two legume species: faba bean (cv. Granit) and pea (cv. Batuta). The two-year (2017–2018) field experiments employed a randomized block design with four replicates. Treatments included three SAP doses: 0 (control, SAP0), 20 (SAP20) and 30 (SAP30) kg·ha⁻¹. The study was conducted over two years with contrasting weather: 2017 was wetter but had uneven rainfall distribution, while 2018 was drier and characterized by moisture deficits during critical growth stages. SAP application significantly increased seed yield in faba bean and pea, with the most favorable effect observed at 20 kg ha (average yield increase of 23.6% and 17.3%, respectively). SAP did not affect yield components in faba bean. However, in peas, an increase in pod number and seed number per plant was observed with the SAP30 dose compared to the SAP20 dose. Application of superabsorbent at a dose of 20 kg ha⁻¹ significantly increased photosynthesis rate in faba bean, the Fv/Fm index in the tested species, and the PI in peas compared to the control. However, the superabsorbent did not affect transpiration rate or the WUE coefficient in the tested legume species. Significantly higher yields in faba bean and pea and all tested plant structure parameters in pea were recorded in 2018 compared to 2017. The tested parameters of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were higher in pea in 2018 (except for transpiration intensity) and in faba bean in 2017. The findings suggest that SAPs can be a useful tool to mitigate water stress effects in legumes, although their effectiveness depends on environmental conditions. Therefore, SAP application may be a promising agronomic strategy in regions prone to irregular rainfall or moderate drought. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3469 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Oat Varieties Under Different Levels of Fertilization and Crop Protection in Conventional and Organic Systems

by Karolina Madajska, Anna Tratwal, Kamila Roik, Aleksandra Pietrusińska-Radzio and Jan Bocianowski

Agriculture 2025, 15(24), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15242538 - 7 Dec 2025

Viewed by 713

Abstract

The selection of resistant cultivars is a cornerstone of crop production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines explicitly emphasize the use of the genetic potential for natural resistance in cultivated varieties, which primarily enables a reduction in the use of chemical plant protection products. [...] Read more.

The selection of resistant cultivars is a cornerstone of crop production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines explicitly emphasize the use of the genetic potential for natural resistance in cultivated varieties, which primarily enables a reduction in the use of chemical plant protection products. Post-Registration Variety Testing (PRVT) and Ecological Variety Testing (EVT) allow the identification of cultivars best adapted to local soil and climatic conditions and provide guidance for variety choice under conventional management with limited chemical inputs (PRVT) or organic farming (EVT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of selected cultivars of common oat (Avena sativa L.) and naked oat (Avena nuda L.) to different levels of fertilization and crop protection. We analyzed grain yield, thousand-grain weight (TGW), plant height, pre-harvest lodging, and susceptibility to two fungal pathogens (Drechslera avenae and Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae). Experiments were performed in integrated (PRVT) and organic (EVT) systems in Pawłowice and Białogard during 2023–2024. The results highlight the importance of matching cultivar choice to the management system to achieve high and stable yields with minimal chemical inputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Biological and Chemical Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Oilseed Rape in the Era of Climate Change

by Jakub Danielewicz, Ewa Jajor, Joanna Horoszkiewicz, Marek Korbas, Łukasz Sobiech, Monika Grzanka, Zuzanna Sawinska, Jan Bocianowski and Jakub Cholewa

Agriculture 2025, 15(20), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15202147 - 15 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2008

Abstract

This study investigates the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum and Coniothyrium minitans against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes yield losses in many plants, including oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivation. This research emphasizes the promising alternative of hybrid control, specifically [...] Read more.

This study investigates the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum and Coniothyrium minitans against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes yield losses in many plants, including oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivation. This research emphasizes the promising alternative of hybrid control, specifically using T. asperellum and C. minitans in strategy with synthetic fungicides. In vitro experiments demonstrated that T. asperellum effectively inhibited S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth, especially when combined with synthetic fungicides such as azoxystrobin. Field trials conducted over two years revealed that pre-sowing applications of T. asperellum and C. minitans, followed by fungicide treatments during the flowering stage, significantly reduced plant infection rates and improved both yield and seed quality across different oilseed rape cultivars. The results indicated an efficacy range of 81% to 100% in controlling the pathogen and highlighted the synergistic effects of combining biological and chemical controls. Overall, the research findings support the integration of T. asperellum and C. minitans into sustainable agricultural practices for oilseed rape, offering a viable strategy to enhance disease management while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. This research underscores the importance of adopting innovative biocontrol approaches to improve crop health and productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1725 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nature-Based Solutions Contribute to Improve the Adaptive Capacity of Coffee Farmers: Evidence from Mexico

by Patricia Ruiz-García, Alejandro Ismael Monterroso-Rivas and Ana Cecilia Conde-Álvarez

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131390 - 28 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

Climate change is affecting farmers’ livelihoods and their ability to adapt. Therefore, solutions for adaptation and resilience are required. The objective of the work was to assess how nature-based solutions contribute to improving the adaptive capacity of farmers, taking coffee production in Mexico [...] Read more.

Climate change is affecting farmers’ livelihoods and their ability to adapt. Therefore, solutions for adaptation and resilience are required. The objective of the work was to assess how nature-based solutions contribute to improving the adaptive capacity of farmers, taking coffee production in Mexico as a case study. It followed the theoretical approach of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, which involves identifying the capacities, resources, and activities that a population possesses, considering the following six dimensions: natural, social, human, economic, physical, and political. A rapid systematic review was carried out to identify measurement indicators for each dimension. A semi-structured survey was constructed to collect information on the indicators in the field. The surveys were administered to a sample of 60 randomly selected farmers who utilized various management types incorporating nature-based solutions, including diversified polyculture, simple polyculture, and simplified shade. In addition, farmers who do not use nature-based solutions and who grow coffee in full sun were considered. An index of adaptive capacity was then calculated for each coffee agroecosystem assessed, and finally, actions were proposed to strengthen the livelihood dimensions and increase the adaptive capacity of farmers. It was found that farmers using the management types diverse polyculture and simple polyculture had an average value of the adaptive capacity index classified as high (15.06 and 11.61, respectively). Farmers using the simplified shade management type had an average index value classified as medium (8.59). Whereas, farmers producing coffee in full sun were classified with low adaptive capacity in the average index value (−0.49). The results obtained in this research can contribute to informed government decision making (local, state, or federal) in generating policies to improve or design nature-based solutions in the agricultural sector, thereby increasing the adaptive capacity of producers in the face of climate variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 2185 KB

Open AccessReview

Four Agricultural GHG Emission Mitigation Pathways in Morocco: Roadmaps from 2024 CCPI High-Performers

by Asmaâ Hajib, Mustapha Naimi and Mohamed Chikhaoui

Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010124 - 3 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Morocco ranked 9th in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), placing it among the world’s top 10 performers in climate action. Building on this leadership, our review outlines practical and real-world steps to strengthen Morocco’s agricultural efforts to curb greenhouse gases. We [...] Read more.

Morocco ranked 9th in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), placing it among the world’s top 10 performers in climate action. Building on this leadership, our review outlines practical and real-world steps to strengthen Morocco’s agricultural efforts to curb greenhouse gases. We base our analysis on a comparison of national communications, updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and findings from peer-reviewed research. We identified four main areas where Morocco can boost its impact: advanced livestock methane reduction, systematic soil carbon monitoring, precision nitrogen management, and integrated renewable energy systems. To inform these levers, we studied best practices from other six high-performing countries in the 2024 CCPI—Denmark, Sweden, India, Estonia, the Netherlands, and the Philippines—and considered how their strategies could be adapted to Morocco’s semi-arid, smallholder-dominated farming context. This study delivers four concrete, multi-phase implementation roadmaps spanning 2025–2035. These roadmaps outline the technical steps, regulatory changes, and financial mechanisms. They also specified emissions reduction targets associated with each pillar: 15–30% for livestock methane, 0.3–0.8 tons of carbon per hectare per year for soil carbon sequestration, 18% for precision nitrogen management, and fossil fuel displacement through five renewable energy initiatives. The roadmaps are designed to inform the next update of Morocco’s Generation Green strategy and support the country’s 2030 NDC goal of a 45.5% emission reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (14 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI