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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 13794

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Prof. Dr. Zhengqin Xiong

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Guest Editor

College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: carbon footprint; nitrogen footprint; reactive nitrogen; greenhouse gases; nitrous oxide; greenhouse gas intensity; carbon budget; biochar; nitrogen use efficiency
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jianying Shang

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College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: biochar; carbon sequestration; soil colloid; colloid fate and transport

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, more and more industries and companies are pledging to become carbon neutral, net-zero or even carbon negative to combat global climate changes. Net-zero emissions balance the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released and the amount removed from the atmosphere, and serve as the core of carbon neutrality. How is it possible to achieve net-zero emissions for sustainable food production or land management while ensuring our food security and humanity’s welfare? Future sustainable agriculture should explore systems with low net GHG emissions and GHG intensities at high crop productivity and low environmental damage costs. Research and reviews on greenhouse gas emissions and mitigations, life cycle assessments and net ecosystem economic benefits are invited for submission to this Special Issue in order to foster a better understanding of this issue among scientists and policy makers.

Prof. Dr. Zhengqin Xiong
Prof. Dr. Jianying Shang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

carbon footprint
greenhouse gases
greenhouse gas intensity
carbon budget
biochar
carbon sequestration
net ecosystem economic benefit
profile carbon storage

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Research

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23 pages, 4778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Biochar Carbon Sequestration Through Mineral Regulation: Effects and Mechanisms

by Fan Yang, Pengxiao Gao, Lin Chi, Zhongyu Gao, Yajun Wang, Liu Luo, Bo Liu, Xinyue Liu and Jingke Sima

Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040943 - 12 Apr 2025

Viewed by 240

Abstract

The conversion of waste biomass into biochar through inert pyrolysis represents a promising strategy for carbon sequestration. However, biochar production is often accompanied by the release of small molecular chemical substances during pyrolysis, and the resulting biochar is susceptible to environmental degradation. To enhance the carbon retention rate of biochar during pyrolysis and its stability in the environment, this study explored the incorporation of various metal soluble salts (CaCl₂, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, MgCl₂, FeCl₃) and clay minerals (quartz, goethite, bentonite, albite) with two types of waste biomass (phragmites and goldenrod) for pre-treatment to enhance both carbon retention and stability in the resulting biochar. Furthermore, to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of minerals on biochar structural formation, the three primary components of raw biomass—hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin—were individually mixed with the minerals at a ratio of 1:5 (mineral/biomass, w/w) to produce biochars for a comparative analysis. The experimental results demonstrated that metal soluble salts, particularly Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, exhibited a superior performance in enhancing biochar’s carbon retention compared to clay minerals. Specifically, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ treatment resulted in a remarkable 15% increase in the carbon retention rate. Through K₂Cr₂O₇ oxidation simulating soil aging conditions, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂-treated biochar showed approximately 12% greater stability than the untreated samples. This enhanced stability was primarily attributed to the formation of stable chemical bonds (C–O–P and P–O), which facilitated the preservation of aromatic carbon structures and small molecular compounds including sugars, alcohols, and ethers. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ significantly influenced the pyrolysis process by increasing the activation energy from 85.9 kJ mol⁻¹ to 156.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and introducing greater reaction complexity. During the initial pyrolysis stage (<300 °C), Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ catalyzed depolymerization, ring-opening, and C–C bond cleavage in hemicellulose, enhanced cellulose depolymerization, and side-chain cleavage in lignin phenylpropanes. In the intermediate temperature range (300–400 °C), Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ facilitated carboxylate nucleophilic addition reactions and promoted cyclization to form aromatic carbon structures. The innovative aspect of this work is that minerals can increase both the yield and carbon retention rate of biochar. Furthermore, it reveals the mechanisms underlying the improvements in pyrolysis, providing a scientific basis and theoretical foundation for better displaying the carbon sequestration potential of biochar in future applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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15 pages, 3137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilization on Nitrous Oxide Emission and Yield in Acidic Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plantation Soils

by Fuying Jiang, Yunni Chang, Jiabao Han, Xiangde Yang and Zhidan Wu

Agronomy 2025, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15010007 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 675

Abstract

The responses of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions to nitrogen (N) application in acidic, perennial agricultural systems, and the factors driving these emissions, remain poorly understood. To address this gap, a 12-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different N application rates (0, 112.5, 225, and 450 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) on N₂O emissions, tea yield, and the associated driving factors in a tea plantation. The study found that soil pH significantly decreased with long-term N application, dropping by 0.32 to 0.85 units. Annual tea yield increased significantly, by 148–243%. N application also elevated N₂O emission fluxes by 33–277%, with notable seasonal fluctuations observed. N₂O flux was positively correlated with N rates, water-filled pore space (WFPS), soil temperature (T_soil), and inorganic N (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N), while showing a negative correlation with soil pH. Random forest (RF) modeling identified WFPS, N rates, and Tsoil as the most important variables influencing N₂O flux. The cumulative N₂O emissions for N112.5, N225, and N450 were 1584, 2791, and 45,046 g N ha⁻², respectively, representing increases of 1.33, 2.34, and 3.77 times compared to N0. The N₂O-N emission factors (EF) were 0.35%, 0.71%, and 0.74%, respectively, and increased with higher N rates. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate fertilization timing and improving water and fertilizer management as key strategies for mitigating soil acidification, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and reducing N₂O emissions in acidic tea-plantation systems. This study offers a theoretical foundation for developing rational N fertilizer management practices and strategies aimed at reducing N₂O emissions in tea-plantation soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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17 pages, 2254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar: An Option to Maintain Rice Yield and Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Rice Fields in Northeast China

by Wenjun Dong, Frederick Danso, Ao Tang, Jun Zhang, Youhong Liu, Ying Meng, Xijuan Zhang, Lizhi Wang and Zhongliang Yang

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3050; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123050 - 20 Dec 2024

Viewed by 855

Abstract

Crop production is heavily dependent on fertilizers that negatively impact the environment; therefore, research on biochar to improve the soil’s properties and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has intensified over the years. To elucidate rice yield and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) arising from the application of biochar and N fertilizer on paddy soil in Northeast China, a 3-year (2015–2017) field experiment was established. Adopting a split-plot design with three replicates, two nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels in the main plots were designated as follows: 120 kg N ha⁻¹ (N1, 2/3 of N application rate for optimal local rice yield); 180 kg N ha⁻¹ (N2, full N application rate for optimal local rice yield); and four biochar application rates of no biochar (C0, control); 1.0 t ha⁻¹ biochar (C1); 1.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar (C2); and 2.0 t ha⁻¹ biochar (C3) were designated as sub-treatments. The results showed that in 2015, biochar amendment increased GHG emissions while between 2016 and 2017, biochar amendment of 1.5 t ha⁻¹ decreased CH₄ emissions, global warming potential (GWP), and greenhouse gasses intensity (GHGI) by 11.3%, 10.9%, and 17.0%, respectively. On average, for the years 2016 and 2017, the N₂O fluxes were 17.0% lower in the N2 plots compared to the N1 plots. Biochar amendment of 1.5 t ha⁻¹ recorded an 8.6% increase in rice yield compared to the control. The soil properties of the study site showed that biochar amendment of 1, 1.5, and 2 t ha⁻¹ augmented soil organic matter by 3.3%, 5.3%, and 5.2%, respectively, and soil phosphorus availability by 6.4%, 11.2%, and 22.6%, respectively. The co-application of biochar at 1.5 t ha⁻¹ and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ effectively regulated GHG emissions while maintaining crop yield. Appropriate co-application of biochar with N fertilizer can be adopted for emission reduction and rice yield maintenance while maintaining soil fertility in Northeast China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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13 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar Is Superior to Organic Substitution for Vegetable Production—A Revised Approach for Net Ecosystem Economic Benefit

by Ruiyu Bi, Bingxue Wang, Xintong Xu, Yubing Dong, Ying Jiao and Zhengqin Xiong

Agronomy 2024, 14(11), 2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14112693 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 927

Abstract

Biochar amendment and substituting chemical fertilizers with organic manure (organic substitution) have been widely reported to improve intensive vegetable production. However, considering its high potential for reducing carbon and reactive nitrogen (Nr) footprints, very few comprehensive evaluations have been performed on the environmental and economic aspects of biochar amendment or organic substitution. In this study, the comprehensive environmental damage costs from carbon and Nr footprints, measured using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, followed a cradle-to-gate approach, and the carbon storage benefits were incorporated into the newly constructed net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) assessment frame in addition to the conventional product income–input cost-benefit methods. One kilogram of harvested vegetables for carbon/Nr footprints and one hectare of cultivated land per crop for cost and benefit were adopted as functional units considering the multi-cropping characteristics for intensive vegetable production. Five fertilization treatments were included: no fertilizer (CK); synthetic fertilizer application (SN); biochar amendment (NB); organic substitution (NM); and a combination of biochar and organic substitution (NMB). These were investigated for five consecutive years of vegetable crop rotations in a typically intensified vegetable production region in China. Adopting the revised NEEB methodology, NB significantly reduced carbon footprint by 73.0% compared to no biochar addition treatment. Meanwhile, NB significantly increased the total benefits by 9.7% and reduced the environmental damages by 52.7% compared to NM, generating the highest NEEB, making it the most effective fertilization strategy among all treatments. It was 4.3% higher compared to NM, which was not significant, but significantly higher than SN and NMB, by 23.0% and 13.6%, respectively. This finding highlights the importance of considering carbon storage benefit for properly assessing NEEB, which is important for developing effective agricultural management strategies and promoting intensive vegetable production with a more sustainable approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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17 pages, 4051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microplastics Can Inhibit Organic Carbon Mineralization by Influencing Soil Aggregate Distribution and Microbial Community Structure in Cultivated Soil: Evidence from a One-Year Pot Experiment

by Zonghai Chen, Quan Wan, Pengyu Zhou, Haochen Li, Yige Liu, Ying Lu and Bo Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092114 - 17 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a global pollution problem, potentially affecting soil carbon cycling and structure stability in agricultural systems. However, the effects of MPs pollution on soil organic carbon fractions/transformation and soil aggregate stability remain unknown. Thus, a combination of one-year pot and short-term mineralized incubation experiments that involved a reference (CK, with no MPs), different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 2 w/w % polyethylene (PE)), and types (0.1 w/w % PE, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) of MPs were carried out to investigate the effects on the soil aggregate stability and organic carbon mineralization after one year of adding MPs. The results showed that the size distribution of the soil partial aggregates varied significantly as affected by the MP concentration and type (p ˂ 0.05). Compared with 0.1% PE, significant increases in the MWD (mean weight diameter) and GMD (geometric mean diameter) of 2% PE of 27.22% and 32.73%, respectively, were detected. In addition, high concentrations (>1%) of PE significantly decreased the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (p ˂ 0.05), whereas they significantly increased the stable carbon fractions including the particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-bound organic carbon (MOC) (p ˂ 0.01). Meanwhile, compared with the CK, both MP types and doses significantly decreased the soil organic carbon mineralization rate (SOCMR) and cumulative mineralization amount (CM) (p ˂ 0.001). Moreover, the MPs significantly increased the total PLFA (phospholipid fatty acid) by 261.9–438.8% (p ˂ 0.01), and the soil pH and total PLFA were the dominant factors that affected the SOCMR as affected by MPs. Thus, a high concentration (>1%) of PE significantly decreased the SOCMR by influencing the soil pH, TN, and macroaggregate (R_>0.25) content and microbial community composition. This study provided evidence of the feedback of MPs pollution on soil C dynamic and aggregates in cultivated soil in South China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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17 pages, 1707 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Maize to Elevated CO₂ Concentrations: Implications for Growth and Metabolism

by Pirzada Khan, Fardous Mohammad Safiul Azam, Tong Lian, Ashraf M. M. Abdelbacki, Mohammed Albaqami, Rahmatullah Jan, Kyung-Min Kim and Weixuan Wang

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081751 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1297

Abstract

Rising atmospheric CO₂ levels, a significant consequence of anthropogenic activities, profoundly impact global agriculture and food security by altering plant physiological processes. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of the specific effects of elevated CO₂ on maize (Zea mays L.)’s primary and secondary metabolism remains elusive. This study investigated the responses of maize seedlings cultivated in open-top chambers (OTCs) under three CO₂ concentrations: ambient (380 ppm), elevated (600 ppm), and high (1800 ppm). Key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass (leaf and stem), were assessed alongside metabolic profiles encompassing nonstructural and structural carbohydrates, syringyl (S) and guaiacyl lignin, the syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G)-lignin ratio, photosynthetic pigments, total soluble protein, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The results demonstrated that exposure to 600 ppm CO₂ significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass compared to ambient conditions. Concurrently, there were notable increases in the concentrations of primary metabolites. In contrast, exposure to 1800 ppm CO₂ severely inhibited these growth parameters and induced reductions in secondary metabolites, such as chlorophyll and soluble proteins, throughout the growth stages. The findings underscore the intricate responses of maize metabolism to varying CO₂ levels, highlighting adaptive strategies in primary and secondary metabolism under changing atmospheric conditions. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of maize’s physiological adaptations to future climate scenarios characterized by elevated CO₂, with implications for sustainable agriculture and food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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13 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Yield through Rotational Tillage in the Cold Rice-Growing Region

by Wenjun Dong, Ao Tang, Jun Zhang, Youhong Liu, Ying Meng, Xijuan Zhang, Lizhi Wang and Zhongliang Yang

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071476 - 8 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Tillage practices are of critical importance in maintaining soil quality on cropland and for food production, with rice cultivation representing a significant portion of the world’s food production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While numerous studies have examined the effects of reduced and no-tillage on soil GHG emissions and rice yields, the impact of adopting a rotational approach to tillage practices on the rice cultivation cycle remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted a four-year (2017–2020) field experiment in a single rice-growing area in Northeast China with the aim of investigating the effects of different tillage practices on GHG emissions from paddy fields and rice yields under full straw return conditions. We set up three experimental treatments: rotary tillage, plowing, and rotational tillage (i.e., a combination of one year of plowing and one year of rotary tillage). The results showed that averaged across all treatments, average methane (CH₄, 302.6 ± 51.1 kg ha⁻¹) and nitrous oxide (N₂O, 0.86 ± 0.361 kg ha⁻¹) emissions and rice yield (9.0 ± 0.9 t ha⁻¹) did not exhibit significant inter-annual variability during the entire experimental period and were comparable to the average for the region. The ranking of GHG emissions during the rice-growing season was as follows: rotary tillage > plowing > rotational tillage. Across the experimental period, CH₄ and N₂O emissions were 9.1% and 8.5% lower in the plowing treatment and 21.2% and 13.1% lower in the rotational tillage treatment compared to the rotary tillage treatment. During the experimental period, there was no significant effect of tillage treatments on rice yield. This reduction in emissions may be attributed to changes in soil penetration resistance. In the rotational and plowing treatments, soil penetration resistance was in a range more adapted to rice growth and GHG emissions reduction compared to the rotary tillage treatment. The yield-scale GHG emission intensity was reduced by 12.7% and 26.1% in the plowing and rotational tillage treatments, respectively, in comparison to the rotary tillage treatment. This suggests that rotational tillage is a management practice that can achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions in paddy fields and stabilize or possibly increase rice yields. Consequently, the results demonstrated that a rotational alternation of multiple tillage practices is a synergistic strategy for achieving low carbon and high yield in rice in the cold rice-growing region of Northeast China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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19 pages, 4010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of High-Frequency Chicken Manure Biochar Application on N₂O and CH₄ Emissions from Vegetable Field in Subtropical China

by Mohammad Jawad Alami, Xuejuan Fang, Dongliang Zhong, Weijun Zhou, Bing Gao, Wei Huang and Shenghui Cui

Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050926 - 28 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Vegetable production in Subtropical China is distinguished by excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization, frequent irrigation, and multiple crop rotations in a single year. The aforementioned variables are closely related to soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions. Hence, we conducted a field trial to measure N₂O and CH₄ emissions using static chamber–gas chromatograph. Four treatments were used: control (CK) with no fertilizer, 100% chemical N fertilization (CN), the conventional 30% chicken manure N plus 70%CN (CMN + CN), and 30% chicken manure biochar N plus 70%CN (CMBN + CN). The annual cumulative N₂O emissions reached 12.4, 63.5, 111.8, and 44.1 kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ for the CK, CN, CMN + CN, and CMBN + CN treatments, respectively. Compared to the CN and CMN + CN treatments, the CMBN + CN treatment reduced N₂O emissions by 35.9%–65.7%, while it simultaneously increased the total vegetable yield by 16.1% compared to the CN treatment. Seven seasons mean N₂O emission factors are 1.3% for CN, 3.8% for CMN + CN, and 0.9% for CMBN + CN. The CH₄ emission was negligible, ranging from 0.07 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ for the CK treatment to 0.8 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ for the CN treatment. N₂O emissions peaked under the conditions of an interior chamber temperature of around 31.9 °C and the water-filled pore space (WFPS) of the soil being approximately 60%. Future climate change will intensify, triggering higher N₂O emissions from subtropical vegetable fields. CMB can be one of the best substitutes for direct chicken manure application as a soil supplement because it has a beneficial effect on improving vegetable yield and reducing N₂O emissions in Subtropical China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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16 pages, 5236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Best Management Practices for Reducing Phosphorus Load in a Watershed in Terms of Cost and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

by Dae Seong Jeong, Joon Ha Kim, Jin Hwi Kim and Yongeun Park

Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050906 - 26 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1241

Abstract

Effective management of water quality in watersheds is crucial because it is directly linked to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. In conventional watershed management, best management practices (BMPs) have been instrumental in addressing deteriorating water quality issues caused by non-point source pollution. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have emerged as a global concern, necessitating immediate and diverse environmental actions to mitigate their impacts. This study aims to explore BMPs that maximize total phosphorus (TP) load removal efficiencies, while minimizing costs and GHG emissions within watersheds, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III). The Yeongsan River Watershed between 2012 and 2021 was selected as the study area. Hydrological and BMP data were analyzed. Applying identical BMPs to the watershed showed that the BMPs with high TP removal efficiency may not be effective in terms of cost and GHG emissions. Therefore, the optimal combination of BMPs for the Yeongsan River Watershed was determined using NSGA-III considering TP removal efficiency, cost, and GHG emissions. This study is the first to consider GHG emissions at the watershed level when applying BMPs and is expected to contribute to the development of BMP implementation incorporating GHG emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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24 pages, 954 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainable Agricultural Production, Food Security, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

by Wogene Kabato, Girma Tilahun Getnet, Tamrat Sinore, Attila Nemeth and Zoltán Molnár

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030565 - 25 Feb 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3185

Abstract

Without transformative adaptation strategies, the impact of climate change is projected to reduce global crop yields and increase food insecurity, while rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions further exacerbate the crisis. While agriculture is a major contributor to climate change through unsustainable practices, it also offers significant opportunities to mitigate these emissions through the adoption of sustainable practices. This review examines climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a key strategy for enhancing crop productivity, building climate resilience, and reducing GHG emissions, while emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to accelerate its large-scale implementation for improved food security. The analysis revealed that while nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has improved in developed countries, the global NUE remains at 55.47%, emphasizing the need for precision nutrient management and integrated soil fertility strategies to enhance productivity and minimize environmental impacts. With 40% of the world’s agricultural land already degraded, sustainability alone is insufficient, necessitating a shift toward regenerative agricultural practices to restore degraded soil and water by improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing carbon sequestration, thus ensuring long-term agricultural resilience. CSA practices, including precision agriculture, regenerative agriculture, biochar application, and agroforestry, improve soil health, enhance food security, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, result variability highlights the need for site-specific strategies to optimize benefits. Integrating multiple CSA practices enhances soil health and productivity more effectively than implementing a single practice alone. Widespread adoption faces socio-economic and technological barriers, requiring supportive policies, financial incentives, and capacity-building initiatives. By adopting climate-smart technologies, agriculture can transition toward sustainability, securing global food systems while addressing climate challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Net-Zero Emissions for Sustainable Food Production and Land Management)

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