Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.8
3.3
Journals
Sustainability
Special Issues
Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production
sustainability-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 29658

Special Issue Editors

Prof. James W. Muthomi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: management of mycotoxins in cereals; legume diseases; and plant disease management
Dr. Alex M. Fulano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: microbiology; microbe–host interactions; molecular biology; biopesticide-based IPM systems; antimicrobials; phytosanitation; food quality
Dr. Nancy Karimi Njeru

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Department of Crop Protection, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Interests: microbiology; food safety; food security; mycotoxin management; post-harvest losses

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intensive crop production paradigm is characterized by increased global food production; and seemingly that was going to address the chronic threat of food insecurity. In the face of current felt realities of climate change, continued human population increase, and limited arable land, there is need to achieve increased crop productivity while conserving the environment. Conventional intensive crop production has focused on monocultures, intensive tillage, irrigation,  use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This has resulted in destruction of the natural habitats, depletion of natural resources, reduced biodiversity, degraded soils, accumulation of toxic chemical residues in foods, salinization of irrigated fields, upsurge of pests and diseases, and unpredicted weather patterns. The resultant indicators have been increased cost of production, inefficiencies in food supply chains, decimated crop yields, increased food insecurity, reduced rural household incomes, and increased incidences of diseases associated with toxic chemical residues. Therefore, new approaches are required to integrate biological and ecological processes in agricultural production, reduce use of non-renewable inputs that have adverse effects on the environment, health of farmers and consumers. Sustainable agricultural crop production calls for a focus not only on genotype improvements but also improved understanding of the benefits of agro-ecological diversification and systems approach in crop production. The Special Issue titled “Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production” offers a forum where researchers, scholars and professionals in agriculture can share and disseminate knowledge, innovations and experiences on sustainable crop productions. The issue welcomes articles that showcase state-of-the-art practices and technological advancements in areas such as best-bet soil fertility management technologies, next-generation crop development, big-data-driven precision agriculture, postharvest technologies, food supply chain management, enabling policies, and innovative approaches to sustainable crop pest management. Both research and review manuscripts will be welcome. Dissemination and sharing of the knowledge, innovations and experiences will contribute to sustainable crop production, improved resilience to climate change, improved water quality, healthy soils, biodiversity and a food-secure world.  

Prof. James W. Muthomi
Dr. Alex M. Fulano
Dr. Nancy Karimi Njeru
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agrobiodiversity
  • agro-ecological intensification
  • climate-smart agriculture
  • diversified cropping systems
  • ecological pest management
  • food secure world
  • safe food
  • food supply chain
  • sustainable agriculture

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (15 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 3396 KiB  
Article
A Sustainable Approach Based on Sheep Wool Mulch and Soil Conditioner for Prunus domestica (Stanley Variety) Trees Aimed at Increasing Fruit Quality and Productivity in Drought Conditions
by Manuel Alexandru Gitea, Ioana Maria Borza, Cristian Gabriel Domuta, Daniela Gitea, Cristina Adriana Rosan, Simona Ioana Vicas and Manuela Bianca Pasca
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177287 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 462
Abstract
In the context of extreme climate change, experts in fruit production face a significant challenge in developing new strategies aimed at increasing the productivity of fruit tree crops. In order to investigate the changes in various horticultural indices (production, tree growth, and development) [...] Read more.
In the context of extreme climate change, experts in fruit production face a significant challenge in developing new strategies aimed at increasing the productivity of fruit tree crops. In order to investigate the changes in various horticultural indices (production, tree growth, and development) as well as the quality of plum fruits, sheep’s wool mulch, a cornstarch-based soil conditioner, and a combination of the two were applied in a Stanley plum orchard. In parallel, an experimental control variation was used. The results showed that the methods used had a substantial impact on fruit yield, size, and weight, with the best results obtained when mulching with sheep’s wool and soil conditioner. Plum fruits from mulching with sheep wool + soil conditioner exhibited the greatest total phenol concentration (1.30 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g dw), followed by the reference sample at 1.16 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g dw. The antioxidant capacity assessed using the three different methods provided favorable results for the experimental variant, sheep wool + soil conditioner. The results indicate that using the three experimental versions increased the fruit yield with 27% (sheep’s wool mulch) and with, 37% (sheep wool + soil conditioner) on average compared to that of the control group, while also improving the fruit quality. The fruit weight increased with 17.26% (cornstarch-based soil conditioner) and with 48.90% (sheep wool + soil conditioner) compared to that of the control, and the fruit size increased with 5% in two experiments (sheep’s wool mulch and a cornstarch-based soil conditioner) with 19% (sheep wool + soil conditioner), compared to the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3210 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Sustainable Cultivation of Organic Bell Pepper through Fulvic Acid (FA) Application: Impact on Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity under Open-Field Conditions
by Pinkky Kanabar, Ying Wu and Dilip Nandwani
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166745 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Fulvic acid (FA) is an eco-friendly solution for reducing the reliance on agrochemicals and enhancing crop quality. The study aimed to investigate the impact of soil and foliar application of FA on the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of organically grown bell peppers [...] Read more.
Fulvic acid (FA) is an eco-friendly solution for reducing the reliance on agrochemicals and enhancing crop quality. The study aimed to investigate the impact of soil and foliar application of FA on the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of organically grown bell peppers at both the green and red stages. Bell pepper cv. Revolution was grown under open-field conditions at the certified organic farm at Tennessee State University, Nashville, with nine treatments and three replications. FA was applied as a soil drench and foliar spray at four different rates (0, 2.3, 5.5, 7.8, 10.9 mL L−1). The fruits were harvested 55 days (green stage) and 86 days after transplantation (red stage). The study showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the treatment and maturation stage. The foliar treatment of 7.8 mL L−1 resulted in the highest phenolic content in green bell peppers. The highest total flavonoid content in red bell peppers was achieved with a soil treatment of 7.8 mL L−1. Additionally, the highest level of vitamin C in red bell peppers occurred with a soil concentration of 5.5 mL L−1. In conclusion, applying FA as a biostimulant can enhance the quality of organically grown bell peppers, offering promising opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
Potential of Eco-Weeding with High-Power Laser Adoption from the Farmers’ Perspective
by Beata Michaliszyn-Gabryś, Joachim Bronder, Wanda Jarosz and Janusz Krupanek
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062353 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
Agriculture and rural regions in Europe face a number of economic, social, and environmental challenges. Rural areas are active players in the EU’s green transition. Weeding is one of the most important factors in agricultural production. New weeding techniques are being developed to [...] Read more.
Agriculture and rural regions in Europe face a number of economic, social, and environmental challenges. Rural areas are active players in the EU’s green transition. Weeding is one of the most important factors in agricultural production. New weeding techniques are being developed to enhance sustainability. Among them, laser-based weeding seems to be a promising alternative to the use of chemicals. The WeLASER technique is a novel technique for weed control. Its successful implementation depends on many factors related to the innovation itself, policy context, farming conditions, and users’ attitudes. A survey was carried out to provide insight into the attitudes towards the innovative (laser) weed control tool (autonomous robot). The CATI method was selected for the surveying of farmers’ opinions and carried out in three countries: Denmark, Spain, and Poland. Statistical methods were applied to analyze the results. This study provided knowledge on how farmers see the barriers and opportunities related to implementing the device in practice. Positive attitudes of farmers were observed but with high expectations related to the quality of the technique and the systemic conditions of its implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
Estimating Water Use Efficiency for Major Crops in Chihuahua, Mexico: Crop Yield Function Models vs. Evapotranspiration
by Octavio Villalobos-Cano, Eduardo Santellano-Estrada, Blair L. Stringam, Kulbhushan Grover and Edgar Esparza-Vela
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051851 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 893
Abstract
Water use in agriculture is a critical aspect of sustainable food production. Efficient water management is essential to address both yield optimization and environmental concerns. The current study evaluated the water diversions by the Irrigation District 05—Delicias (DR-05), in the State of Chihuahua, [...] Read more.
Water use in agriculture is a critical aspect of sustainable food production. Efficient water management is essential to address both yield optimization and environmental concerns. The current study evaluated the water diversions by the Irrigation District 05—Delicias (DR-05), in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, for four major crops grown in the region including alfalfa, chile, pecans and peanuts. The amounts of water applied to raise these crops were compared to the amounts of water use estimated with the evapotranspiration (ET) method and with the crop yield function model, and respective water use efficiencies were estimated with both the methods. The water use efficiency measured using the ET estimation (WUE-ET) for alfalfa ranged from 60.9% to 70.4%, while the water use efficiency derived from the yield function data (WUE-YF) showed lower values and ranged from 43.6% to 59.7%. In the case of chile, the opposite trends were observed than in alfalfa, with the WUE-ET for chile ranging from 47.7% to 54.8%, and WUE-YF showing higher values that ranged from 49% to 70%. In the case of peanuts and pecans, only the WUE-ET was estimated and it ranged from 55.9% to 68.8% for peanuts and 90.9% to 116.9% pecans, respectively. Among the four crops studied, pecans were found to have the highest WUE-ET, with values of WUE-ET reaching higher than 100%. However, it is to be noted that these high values of water use efficiencies are more indicative that pecans are probably under irrigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1171 KiB  
Article
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Silage Maize in Relation to Regenerative Agriculture
by Martin Dědina, Petr Jevič, Pavel Čermák, Jan Moudrý, Chisenga Emmanuel Mukosha, Tomáš Lošák, Tadeáš Hrušovský and Elizaveta Watzlová
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020481 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1634
Abstract
The demand for agricultural products is growing and is resulting in significant environmental impacts due to the overuse of fertilizers (and pesticides in some cases). There is a continued need to find sustainable methods in agricultural systems without harming the environment. Regenerative agriculture [...] Read more.
The demand for agricultural products is growing and is resulting in significant environmental impacts due to the overuse of fertilizers (and pesticides in some cases). There is a continued need to find sustainable methods in agricultural systems without harming the environment. Regenerative agriculture can be considered as one of the best methods of sustainable agriculture. The aim of this comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) study was to quantify the environmental impacts associated with the production of silage maize at different doses of fertilizers and pesticides under conventional agriculture and without the use of fertilizers and pesticides under regenerative agriculture. The input data were obtained from the experimental fields and supplemented by background process databases of Ecoinvent, World Food Live Cycle Assessment Database (WFLCD), and the French database AGRIBALYSE. The results of the study were related to six midpoint impact categories: global warming, marine eutrophication, freshwater eutrophication, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, and terrestrial ecotoxicity. Although the variant of growing silage maize without the use of fertilizers and pesticides according to the principle of regenerative agriculture showed the lowest burden on the environment, the yields of the cultivated silage maize were 43–55% lower than those of the fertilized variants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2976 KiB  
Article
Chinese Agriculture for “Green and Grain” Productivity Growth: Evidence from Jiangsu Province
by Lijiu Zhao, Tao Jin, Lintao Qin and Zaijun Li
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416780 - 13 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
China is striving to leverage the power of science and technology to green its agriculture and simultaneously enhance grain productivity. To assess the performance dynamics of the dual agricultural mission, this study presents the green growth rate of agriculture using the DEA-based Green [...] Read more.
China is striving to leverage the power of science and technology to green its agriculture and simultaneously enhance grain productivity. To assess the performance dynamics of the dual agricultural mission, this study presents the green growth rate of agriculture using the DEA-based Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) indicator, together with the growth rate of grain yields, and applies it to the case of Jiangsu, a major grain-producing province with a well-developed economy. It is found that Jiangsu’s agriculture has generally performed well during the implementation of the two major national strategies addressing green development and grain security, especially in northern Jiangsu, which is a major grain-producing area. In contrast, the phased fluctuations in green growth in agriculture in southern Jiangsu are more pronounced, with negative green growth even occurring during the green agriculture movement. Much of the volatility in agricultural green growth at the provincial, subregional and municipal levels is generated by the effects of the movement of the green technology frontier, which is led by the best practitioners. Accordingly, the possibility of improving the weak state of the catch-up effect on green growth is explored from the perspective of the Chinese government-led agricultural science and innovation system; it also traces the green agricultural initiatives in the main grain-marketing areas that have failed to deliver the expected green growth, and recommends a review of such policies and a refinement of the GTFP Index tool for assessing sustainable green growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Insecticidal Activity of Selected Plant-Derived Essential Oils against Papaya Mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus)
by Regina W. Mwanauta, Pavithravani B. Venkataramana and Patrick A. Ndakidemi
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16501; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316501 - 2 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1492
Abstract
The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of three essential oils derived from neem, citrus, and garlic against papaya mealybug. Papaya seedlings were transplanted in the field in a completely randomized block design with eight treatments with four replications. The treatments included [...] Read more.
The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of three essential oils derived from neem, citrus, and garlic against papaya mealybug. Papaya seedlings were transplanted in the field in a completely randomized block design with eight treatments with four replications. The treatments included neem, citrus, and garlic oils in combination with isopropyl alcohol or paraffin oil as an adjuvant. Results from this study showed that neem oil at 1.5% + 0.2% isopropyl alcohol was effective against papaya mealybug by 93.0% equivalent to the positive control (imidacloprid) (99.4%), followed by citrus oil at 1.5% + isopropyl alcohol (76.3%) and citrus oil at 1.5% + paraffin oil (68.8%), compared with the untreated 0.01%. Similarly, application of the plant-derived essential oils and adjuvants resulted in positive effects on plant parameters (plant height, number of leaves, flower buds, number of fruits, and fruit weight) and, hence, increased papaya yield from an average of 38 to 90 fruits/plant at first harvest. The finding from this study provides an understanding of papaya farmers towards the use of natural plant products, particularly plant-derived essential oils, and their benefits, which may encourage farmers to increase papaya production and minimize the usage of synthetic pesticides to avoid pest resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
15 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
Potential of Reinoculation Using R. tropici Applied under Cover to Increase Bean Yield
by Amanda E. Lourenço, Itamar R. Teixeira, Ednaldo C. Rocha, Gisele C. Silva, Elton F. Reis, Fenelon L. Santos, Guilherme R. Silva, Cristiane F. Lisboa, Hamilton Kikuti and Alessandro G. Silva
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316452 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 790
Abstract
The common bean is known to require nitrogen, with mineral fertilizer being the main form of supply to the plants. However, more efficient inoculants containing strains of Rhizobium tropici that are potentially more efficient in fixing atmospheric N2 could replace the use of nitrogen [...] Read more.
The common bean is known to require nitrogen, with mineral fertilizer being the main form of supply to the plants. However, more efficient inoculants containing strains of Rhizobium tropici that are potentially more efficient in fixing atmospheric N2 could replace the use of nitrogen fertilizers as long as some of the existing challenges in the application methodology are overcome (for example, ensuring the existence of active nodules in the most demanding crop phases: flowering and grain filling). This study aimed to verify the responses of common bean plants subjected to reinoculation using Rhizobium tropici in topdressing applied at different stages in a greenhouse and in a field between March and April 2020 and in the spring–summer harvest of 2020/2021, respectively. A randomized block design was used, along with four replications: T1 = uninoculated control; T2 = inoculation via seed (VS); T3 = VS + reinoculation at the V4 stage; T4 = VS + reinoculation at the R5 stage; T5 = VS + reinoculation at the R6 stage; T6 = VS + reinoculation at the V4 and R5 stages; T7 = VS + reinoculation at the V4 and R6 stages; T8 = VS + reinoculation at the R5 and R6 stages; T9 = VS + reinoculation at the V4, R5, and R6 stages; and T10 = mineral nitrogen fertilization. Nodulation and morphological variables were evaluated at the R7 stage, and agronomic variables were evaluated at the R9 stage at harvest. The use of reinoculation, in addition to inoculation, positively influenced the bean nodulation process. The morphological characteristics of the plants showed good development with the supply of N (carried out via inoculation and reinoculation), equivalent to the development that could be achieved via the addition of a mineral nitrogen fertilizer. Reinoculation from the R5 to R7 stages proved ineffective in supplying N to the common bean crop. Inoculation in the seed associated with reinoculation in coverage at the V4 stage provided higher yields (3.271 kg ha−1), reinforcing the potential for mineral nitrogen fertilizers to be replaced. The use of the seed inoculation technique with subsequent reinoculation under cover can completely replace the use of nitrogenous mineral fertilizers in fertilizing bean plants, making the cultivation of this fabacea more sustainable in terms of the associated costs and environmental problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1839 KiB  
Article
Increasing the Efficiency of the Rice–Wheat Cropping System through Integrated Nutrient Management
by Prabhjit Kaur, Kulvir Singh Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Jashanjot Kaur, Rajan Bhatt, Saud Alamri, Alanoud T. Alfagham and Sadam Hussain
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12694; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712694 - 22 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
The advancement of effective nutrient management strategies has been instrumental in enhancing crop productivity and economic viability. Thus, we investigated the effect of green manure and organic amendments at varying nitrogen levels in rice and their residual effect on wheat crops. A two-year [...] Read more.
The advancement of effective nutrient management strategies has been instrumental in enhancing crop productivity and economic viability. Thus, we investigated the effect of green manure and organic amendments at varying nitrogen levels in rice and their residual effect on wheat crops. A two-year research study (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) was conducted at two distinct locations: Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana and a Research Station in Dyal Bharang, Amritsar. The experimental design employed was a split-plot design. The main plot treatments consisted of four treatments (green manuring, farmyard manure, poultry manure, and no organic amendment (control)) and four subplot treatments (No N control, 50 kg N ha−1, 75 kg N ha−1, and 100 kg N ha−1), replicated four times in the rice crop, and its residual effect was studied in wheat. The study found that applying organic amendments at different nitrogen levels significantly increased rice–wheat productivity, growth, yield qualities, nutrient uptake, and efficiency (p < 0.05). Poultry manure increased rice grain yield more than other modifications. It significantly increased grain yield by 67.3% and 61.4% over the control in both years of the research. Poultry manure (41.9 kg, 60.0%) increased AE (kg grain kg−1 N uptake) and ANR (%) compared to control due to higher total N (177.4 kg ha−1), P (31.6 kg ha−1), and K (179.6 kg ha−1). Grain production was positively correlated with total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) intake (r = 0.992**, 0.931**, and 0.984**, respectively). Total N uptake was positively correlated with P and K uptake (r = 0.963** and 0.991**, respectively). Poultry manure improved soil health by increasing total microbial count and alkaline phosphatase activity. In the subsequent wheat crop, rice grown with poultry manure yielded 24.3 and 24.4 percent more than no organic amendment control in rabi 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The findings suggest that poultry manure and 100 kg N ha−1 or 75 kg N ha−1 afforded equivalent yields. This shows that even less nitrogen may be enough to boost rice and wheat yields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 8624 KiB  
Article
Multi-Trait Selection of Quinoa Ideotypes at Different Levels of Cutting and Spacing
by Syed Riaz Ahmed, Zeba Ali, Iram Ijaz, Zafran Khan, Nimra Gul, Soha Pervaiz, Hesham F. Alharby, Daniel K. Y. Tan, Muhammad Sayyam Tariq, Maria Ghaffar, Amir Bibi and Khalid Rehman Hakeem
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411446 - 24 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1449
Abstract
Climate change has affected the food supply chain and raised serious food concerns for humans and animals worldwide. The present investigation aimed to assess the effect of environmental factors along with three different levels of cutting (i.e., cutting 1, 2, and 3 at [...] Read more.
Climate change has affected the food supply chain and raised serious food concerns for humans and animals worldwide. The present investigation aimed to assess the effect of environmental factors along with three different levels of cutting (i.e., cutting 1, 2, and 3 at the vegetative, budding, and flowering stages, respectively) and spacing (i.e., 21, 23, and 26 cm) on quinoa biomass and quality to select the most suitable accessions. This experiment was repeated for two years using a split–split plot experimental design. The cutting × genotype × year and cutting × space × genotype interactions were significant for most quinoa morphological traits (except for leaf area and intermodal distance), where the maximum growth in number of leaves/plant (NoL), plant height (PH), fresh weight (FW), number of branches/plant (Br), and dry weight (DW) were observed during the second growing season. Cutting and spacing levels also showed significant effects on morphological and quality traits of quinoa. Among the different levels of cutting and spacing, cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 were more effective across both years at gaining maximum biomass and quality traits such as crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP). According to the MGIDI, only two accessions (R3 and R9) fared better in both growing seasons, and selected accessions had positive morphological and quality traits. There were moderately significant negative correlations between PH, NoL, LA, FW, and DW and anti-quality traits such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), indicating that an increase in biomass decreased the concentrations of ADF and NDF in both stem and leaves. A comparison with oat accessions (G3 and G7) revealed that quinoa has higher CP and CF and lower NDF than oats in both stems and leaves (except for ADF). In conclusion, the combination of cutting level 3 and spacing level 2 (23 cm) is more suitable to obtain high-quality quinoa forage with maximum biomass production. Furthermore, the MGIDI is a useful tool for breeders to select genotypes based on their mean performance, stability, and desired traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 10266 KiB  
Article
Improving Sustainable Vegetation Indices Processing on Low-Cost Architectures
by Amine Saddik, Rachid Latif, Abdelhafid El Ouardi, Mohammed I. Alghamdi and Mohamed Elhoseny
Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052521 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1979
Abstract
The development of embedded systems in sustainable precision agriculture has provided an important benefit in terms of processing time and accuracy of results, which has influenced the revolution in this field of research. This paper presents a study on vegetation monitoring algorithms based [...] Read more.
The development of embedded systems in sustainable precision agriculture has provided an important benefit in terms of processing time and accuracy of results, which has influenced the revolution in this field of research. This paper presents a study on vegetation monitoring algorithms based on Normalized Green-Red Difference Index (NGRDI) and Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI) in agricultural areas using embedded systems. These algorithms include processing and pre-processing to increase the accuracy of sustainability monitoring. The proposed algorithm was evaluated on a real database in the Souss Massa region in Morocco. The collection of data was based on unmanned aerial vehicles images hand data using four different agricultural products. The results in terms of processing time have been implemented on several architectures: Desktop, Odroid XU4, Jetson Nano, and Raspberry. However, this paper introduces a thorough study of the Hardware/Software Co-Design approach to choose the most suitable system for our proposed algorithm that responds to the different temporal and architectural constraints. The evaluation proved that we could process 311 frames/s in the case of low resolution, which gives real-time processing for agricultural field monitoring applications. The evaluation of the proposed algorithm on several architectures has shown that the low-cost XU4 card gives the best results in terms of processing time, power consumption, and computation flexibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1540 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Enriched Organic Fertilizer (NEO) and Its Effect on Ryegrass Yield and Soil Fauna Feeding Activity under Controlled Conditions
by Hesam Mousavi, Thomas Cottis, Gina Hoff and Svein Øivind Solberg
Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042005 - 10 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3623
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new nitrogen-enriched organic-based fertilizer (NEO) on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) yield and soil fauna feeding activity. Nitrogen is transformed from the air to manure by a plasma process. At the farm level, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new nitrogen-enriched organic-based fertilizer (NEO) on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) yield and soil fauna feeding activity. Nitrogen is transformed from the air to manure by a plasma process. At the farm level, NEO could improve self-sufficiency and sustainability. The work was carried out under controlled conditions in two pot trials. Five fertilization regimes were used: no fertilizer, different amounts of mineral fertilizer, three NEO types, organic fertilizer (untreated manure), and organic fertilizer + different amounts of N in mineral fertilizer, including 14 treatments in trial one and 11 treatments in trial two. Besides evaluating dry matter yields, we utilized the Bait-lamina test system to assess the feeding activity of soil fauna. The results indicated a clear positive impact of nitrogen (N) on ryegrass yield where all fertilizers increased the yield in correspondence with their N availability regardless of the fertilizer type; whereas the yield was highest with mineral fertilizer up to our maximum level of 235 kg N ha−1 in trial one and 175 kg N ha−1 in trial two. The NEO fertilizers yielded in the same range as mineral fertilizers. The same clear pattern was not observed for soil fauna feeding activity. Instead, a tendency was observed where no fertilization tends to give the highest feeding activity. We saw no correlation between the yield and the soil fauna feeding activity. The feeding activity was highest in depth below 5 cm from the soil surface. Feeding activity also increased over time after fertilization. The NEO fertilizers had no more adverse effects on soil fauna feeding activity than other fertilizers. Other factors than fertilization alone are determining the soil fauna feeding activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2582 KiB  
Article
CO2 Utilization Strategy for Sustainable Cultivation of Mushrooms and Lettuces
by Dae-Ho Jung and Jung-Eek Son
Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5434; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105434 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5660
Abstract
Mushroom cultivation generates a large amount of CO2 that can be used sustainably. The objective of this study was to use actual cultivation and simulation to find a sustainable cultivation method that uses the CO2 generated by king oyster mushrooms for [...] Read more.
Mushroom cultivation generates a large amount of CO2 that can be used sustainably. The objective of this study was to use actual cultivation and simulation to find a sustainable cultivation method that uses the CO2 generated by king oyster mushrooms for the production of romaine lettuces. A closed cultivation system consisting of one mushroom chamber, three lettuce chambers, and one gas-mixing chamber was used. Two cultivation conditions, non-continuous and continuous, were analyzed. The non-continuous system cultivated 15 lettuces and 12 mushroom bottles at a time every 25 and 16 days, respectively. The continuous system cultivated three lettuces and mushroom bottles every five and four days, respectively, so that each chamber contained mushrooms or lettuces at each growth stage. The CO2 concentrations in the lettuce and mushroom chambers were stably maintained above 1000 μmol∙mol−1 and below 2000 μmol∙mol−1 in the continuous system. Mathematical models were developed to analyze the CO2 concentration in each chamber. The shoot dry weight of lettuces grown in the mixed cultivation were 48.0%, 21.9%, 19.7%, and 18.1% at 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after transplanting, respectively, higher than those in the lettuce-only cultivation. Compared to mushroom-only cultivation, mixed cultivation reduced the accumulated CO2 emissions into the air by 80.6%. Thus, using CO2 from mushrooms to cultivate lettuce in a continuous cultivation system could reduce CO2 emissions into the air and enable mixed cultivation of mushrooms and lettuces, achieving sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 3071 KiB  
Review
Contribution of Using Filter Cake and Vinasse as a Source of Nutrients for Sustainable Agriculture—A Review
by Anelisa de Aquino Vidal Lacerda Soares, Renato de Mello Prado, Rosemary Marques de Almeida Bertani, Ana Paula Rodrigues da Silva, Angélica Cristina Fernandes Deus, Cristiaini Kano and Fernanda de Paiva Badiz Furlaneto
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135411 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1200
Abstract
The use of filter cake and vinasse in agriculture began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s. Currently, the Ukraine war and the high value of fertilizers have created opportunities for fertilization programs in agricultural systems with sustainable goals. This review presents [...] Read more.
The use of filter cake and vinasse in agriculture began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s. Currently, the Ukraine war and the high value of fertilizers have created opportunities for fertilization programs in agricultural systems with sustainable goals. This review presents updated data (1988–2024) and a discussion on the potential agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse and indicates the current progress of research on this subject in addition to future prospects. Filter cake stands out due to the formulation of organomineral fertilizers with direct application of composted or fresh forms, favoring the agronomic efficiency of phosphorus. The use of vinasse in fertigation is feasible and replaces potassium mineral fertilizers and other nutrients following an organic matrix. Future perspectives point to the agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse on a sustainable basis from different approaches. The aim is to potentiate their benefits in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. It is noteworthy that filter cake or vinasse, when combined with growth-promoting bacteria in irrigated crops, can nullify the negative effects of climate change due to increased productivity and, at the same time, meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This contributes to facing global challenges related to food security by recycling nutrients for agriculture and generating clean bioenergy from sugarcane biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 943 KiB  
Review
Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints
by Geraldin M. W. Lengai, Alex M. Fulano and James W. Muthomi
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8183; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138183 - 5 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3762
Abstract
The horticultural sector is a key contributor to Kenya’s gross domestic product through the export of fresh-cut flowers, fruits and vegetables to various niche markets. It employs over 350,000 people, while about six million depend on it. However, the sector is constrained by [...] Read more.
The horticultural sector is a key contributor to Kenya’s gross domestic product through the export of fresh-cut flowers, fruits and vegetables to various niche markets. It employs over 350,000 people, while about six million depend on it. However, the sector is constrained by the strict technical and phytosanitary quality requirements set by the export markets. The phytosanitary concerns include the presence of pests and microbial contaminants, while the presence of chemical residues constitute the major technical challenge. These constraints cause the interception and rejection of produce at the export destinations. The fresh produce should be free of quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests, pest damage, pesticides above the stipulated maximum residue levels (MRLs) and phytosanitary certification. This review discusses the following four-tiered approach to compliance with phytosanitary and pesticide residue requirements: (i) use of alternative pest management approaches, including biocontrol options, cultural and physical practices; (ii) collaboration among regulatory agencies, institutions, producers and regional countries in the enforcement of standards; (iii) investment in research and the adoption of innovative technologies; (iv) awareness creation and training of actors along the fresh vegetable value chain. It is envisaged that this approach will contribute to sustainable fresh vegetable value chains, leading to improved access to export markets, and increased export volumes and income to smallholder farmers and other actors in the fresh vegetable value chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Agricultural Crop Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-15
Back to TopTop