Search Results (2,204)

Jilin Province, an important commodity grain base in China, relies on groundwater resources for its agricultural development. The implementation of a series of policies, including agricultural subsidies and food security policies, has led to a rapid expansion of the sowing area in recent decades, resulting in an increase in agricultural water demand. This has had a significant impact on the groundwater system. It is therefore imperative to understand the dynamics of the groundwater to ensure the security of water resources, ecological security, and food security. An evaluation of the sustainability of groundwater resources in Jilin Province was conducted through a quantitative analysis of the reliability, resilience, and vulnerability of groundwater. This analysis was informed by the inversion of changes in groundwater reserves over a period of 249 months, commencing from 2002-04 to 2022-12. The inversion process utilized data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gravity satellite and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), offering a comprehensive view of the temporal dynamics of groundwater reserves in the region. The results indicated the following: (1) Groundwater storage (total amount of water below the surface) in Jilin Province exhibited an overall decreasing trend, with the highest groundwater level recorded in June and the lowest in September on a monthly basis. (2) Prior to September 2010, groundwater reserves were in surplus most of the time. From October 2010 to August 2018, however, they began to fluctuate between surplus and deficit states. Since September 2018, the reserves have been in a long-term deficit, showing an overall downward trend. (3) Prior to 2005, the groundwater system was at a high/extremely high level of sustainability. However, following 2011, it fell to a very low level of sustainability and has continued to deteriorate. (4) The maximum information coefficient and correlation analysis indicate that the sown area is the most significant factor contributing to the decline in the sustainability of the groundwater system. This study reveals the spatial and temporal distribution pattern and evolution trend of groundwater resources sustainability in Jilin Province, and provides theoretical and data support for regional groundwater resources protection and management. Full article

Urbanization is a dominant force reshaping human settlements, driving socio-economic development while also causing significant environmental challenges. With over 56% of the world’s population now residing in urban areas—a figure expected to rise to two-thirds by 2050—land use changes are accelerating rapidly. The conversion of natural landscapes into impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt intensifies the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, raises urban temperatures, and strains local ecosystems. This study investigates land use and landscape changes in Ceredigion County, UK, utilizing remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze urbanization impacts over two decades (2003–2023). Results indicate significant urban expansion of approximately 122 km², predominantly at the expense of agricultural and forested areas, leading to vegetation loss and changes in water availability. County-wide mean land surface temperature (LST) increased from 21.4 °C in 2003 to 23.65 °C in 2023, with urban areas recording higher values around 27.1 °C, reflecting a strong UHI effect. Spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI, NDBI, and NDBaI) reveal that urban sprawl adversely affects vegetation health, water resources, and land surfaces. The Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) further highlights areas experiencing thermal discomfort. Additionally, machine learning models, including Linear Regression and Random Forest, were employed to forecast future LST trends, projecting urban LST values to potentially reach approximately 27.4 °C by 2030. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, reforestation, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of rapid urban growth and ensure the resilience of both human and ecological systems. Full article

Agricultural production is significantly impacted by climate change. Owing to its arid and warm climate, investigating the impacts of climate change on agricultural production in Xinjiang Province can help improve resilience and designate adaptive responses for the agricultural sector. On the basis of agricultural output data at the county level in Xinjiang from 1990–2019, we used the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE), and double machine learning (DML) model to study the spatial heterogeneity in temperature elasticity of agricultural economic production. The results revealed that there is an inverted U-shape of temperature impact on agricultural economic production. The presented temperature elasticity in county level showed that regions with negative temperature elasticities are primarily located in the mainstream of the Tarim basin and the Turpan basin in southern Xinjiang. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was further incorporated to elucidate the impact of different factors on the spatial heterogeneity in temperature elasticity. The results indicated that temperature is the most substantial factor influencing temperature elasticity, with labor and precipitation following in sequence. In particular, increased precipitation in arid and hot regions could alleviate the heat stress and lead to a positive temperature elasticity prediction. These findings provide a scientific basis for spatial heterogeneity in the response of agricultural economic production to climate change, and help identify priority regions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2. Full article

Territorial transformations in Indigenous regions are shaped by intersecting ecological, political, and cultural dynamics. In San Juan Bautista Valle Nacional, Oaxaca, the construction of the Cerro de Oro dam disrupted river flows, displaced livelihoods, and triggered the decline of irrigated agriculture. This study examines the long-term impacts of these changes on land use, demographics, and cultural practices, emphasizing women’s contributions to community resilience. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates geospatial analysis (1992–2021), census data (2000–2020), documentary review, and ethnographic fieldwork, including participatory mapping. Results show a shift toward seasonal rainfed agriculture, fluctuating forest cover, and a rise in female-headed households. Women have emerged as central actors in adapting to change through practices such as seed saving, agroforestry, and backstrap-loom weaving. These spatially grounded practices, enacted across varied socio-ecological zones, sustain food systems, preserve biodiversity, and reinforce biocultural memory. Although often overlooked in formal governance, women’s territorial agency plays a vital role in shaping land use and community adaptation. This research highlights the need to recognize Indigenous women’s roles in managing change and sustaining territorial heritage. Acknowledging these contributions is essential for building inclusive, culturally grounded, and sustainable development pathways in regions facing structural and environmental pressures. Full article

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture in Türkiye, where diverse climatic conditions demand resilient forage crops to meet rising roughage demands. This study evaluates the performance of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz), a cold- and drought-tolerant legume, to enhance sustainable forage production. Eight genotypes (Line-5, Line-16, Line-23, Line-28, Tarm White, Aegean White, Budak, and Oguz) were tested in Bilecik and Bingol during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Key traits such as pods per plant, thousand-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, straw yield, and harvest index were analyzed using Genotype plus Genotype-by-Environment (GGE) biplot analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The distribution of these traits was also examined using box plots. Results showed significant variations: pods per plant ranged from 17.5 to 21.7, thousand-seed weight from 26.8 to 42.6 g, biological yield from 5710 to 8780 kg ha⁻¹, seed yield from 826 to 1132 kg ha⁻¹, straw yield from 4997 to 7643 kg ha⁻¹, and harvest index (HI) from 13.9% to 21.0%. Aegean White excelled in seed yield, while Line-16 showed the highest harvest index. GGE biplot analysis highlighted harvest index as the primary variance contributor, emphasizing genotype-environment interactions for selecting adaptable cultivars for sustainable agriculture. Full article

The bidirectional flow of population between urban and rural areas, not limited to rural-to-urban migration, influences the sustainable development of agricultural economic resilience in multiple ways. This study employs panel data from 31 provincial-level regions in China spanning 2017–2022 to comprehensively examine the impact of bidirectional urban–rural mobility on diverse dimensions of agricultural economic resilience, while further investigating its underlying mechanisms. Benchmark regression shows that the bidirectional urban–rural mobility exerts a suppressive effect on the agricultural economic resilience. Mechanism analyses indicate that such mobility contributes to strengthening agricultural economic resilience by catalyzing land-scale operational efficiency and amplifying labor productivity gains and that the advancement of smart agriculture technologies effectively mitigates the inhibitory impacts of bidirectional mobility on agricultural economic resilience. Furthermore, according to heterogeneity analysis, the mobility exerts a suppressive effect on the resistance (Res.) and reconstruction (Recons.) of agricultural economic resilience, while concurrently enhancing its restoration (Rest.). Meanwhile, the bidirectional mobility has significantly impeded the agricultural economic resilience of the eastern, central, and western regions, as well as the primary grain-producing areas, production and marketing balance areas, and the primary grain-selling areas. Further investigation reveals that the reverse mobility has a positive effect on the resistance but a negative effect on its restoration and reconstruction. Full article

Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture in southern Angola, particularly for smallholder farming systems that are highly exposed and vulnerable, lacking the resources and capacity to respond effectively. This study analyses climate trends from 1950 to 2024 in Huíla, Namibe, and Cunene, focusing on eight variables: Tmax, Tmin, Tmean, PRCPTOT, R95p, R95pTOT, CDD, and CWD. Due to inconsistencies in local meteorological station data, ERA5-Land reanalysis was used. Trends such as rising Tmin in Namibe (+0.32 °C/decade), Tmean in Huíla (+0.16 °C/decade), and increased precipitation in Huíla (+29.3 mm/decade), along with fewer dry days in Namibe (–2.7 days/decade), were observed. Crop–climate relationships (2000–2023) were explored using a categorical contingency analysis. Maize showed its highest yield frequency (46%) during hot years; cassava and beans were more stable under cooler, drier conditions; millet yielded above average (31%) in dry years, confirming drought resilience; potatoes performed poorly in wet years (17% above-average yields). The contingency method provided insights where linear models were insufficient, helping to understand climate–yield interactions in data-limited environments. This study offers the first long-term climate–agriculture assessment for southern Angola, providing critical evidence for climate-informed agricultural strategies in regions with scarce and unreliable observational records. The findings emphasise the urgent need for adaptation policies focused on crop-specific climate vulnerabilities. They also demonstrate the value of combining reanalysis data and categorical analysis to overcome data gaps and guide sustainable agricultural planning. Full article

Pastoral livelihoods are under an increasing threat from climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa with arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) being especially vulnerable. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is widely promoted as a strategy for enhancing resilience among smallholder livestock farmers by improving productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening adaptive capacity. However, CSA adoption rates among pastoralists remains low. While existing studies emphasise socio-economic and institutional factors, this study explores the often overlooked behavioural dimensions, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions, which critically influence adaptation decisions. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study investigates the behavioural drivers of CSA adoption among 737 livestock farmers in Kenya’s ASALs. Using ordered probit regression and structural equation modelling–confirmatory factor analysis (SEM-CFA), the results reveal that attitudes and perceived behavioural control are significant predictors of farmer intention to adopt CSA practices, with perceived behavioural control being the most influential predictor. Farmers with a positive attitude and confidence in their ability to implement CSA practices are more likely to adopt them. The study findings suggest that efforts to promote CSA adoption should prioritise transforming attitudes and building practical confidence by increasing exposure to demonstration farms and implementing awareness-raising initiatives within pastoral communities. Full article

Geogenic contamination of groundwater presents a substantial threat to the enduring production and sustainability of irrigated fruit orchards, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where over 60% of horticultural irrigation depends on groundwater sources. Groundwater quality is increasingly threatened by geogenic contamination, presenting a critical global issue. Geogenic contaminants, such as fluoride and arsenic, combined with agricultural practices and inadequate wastewater treatment, pose a significant threat to groundwater. Concentrations of elements including arsenic, fluoride, boron, iron, and sodium often exceed acceptable thresholds. For instance, arsenic (As) levels up to 0.5 ppm have been reported in parts of South Asia, far exceeding the WHO guidelines limit of 0.01 mg/L. Boron concentrations above 2.0 ppm and fluoride concentrations exceeding 1.5 ppm are prevalent in impacted aquifers. Pollution consequences are far reaching, impacting agricultural ecosystems and human health as polluted water infiltrates the food chain via irrigation. These challenges are compounded by climate change and water scarcity, which further strain water sources, including those used in agriculture. Addressing groundwater contamination requires a multi-faceted approach. Strategies include developing crops that can tolerate toxicants, improving irrigation techniques, and employing advanced wastewater treatment technologies. This study solidifies current knowledge concerning the uptake processes and physiological effects of various pollutants in fruit crops. This review emphasizes the synergistic toxicity of many pollutants, identifies gaps in knowledge in species-specific tolerance, and emphasizes the dearth of comprehensive mitigating frameworks. Potential solutions, such as salt-tolerant rootstocks, gypsum amendments, and alternative irrigation timing, are examined to enhance resilient orchard systems in geogenically challenged areas. Full article

Agri-Environmental Schemes (AESs) are widely used policy tools designed to promote environmental sustainability in agriculture. While their ecological and economic impacts have been extensively studied, the social dimension, particularly their effects on farmers’ mental health, remains notably under-researched, despite the central role of social sustainability in broader sustainability frameworks. This study explores how AESs may influence farmer mental health, drawing on qualitative data from 26 semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the design, delivery, and evaluation of AESs in France and Ireland. While some positive effects were reported, such as enhanced self-worth, increased motivation, and reduced social isolation through peer discussion groups, participants also highlighted significant stressors. These included administrative burdens, inspection-related anxiety, and financial uncertainty, which in some cases exacerbated existing psychological distress. Discussion groups emerged as a particularly effective mechanism for fostering social connection and emotional resilience, especially in the Irish context. The findings underscore the need to integrate social indicators, particularly mental health, into the design and evaluation of AESs. Enhancing the social sustainability of these schemes may improve both farmer well-being and scheme uptake, suggesting a more holistic approach to agri-environmental policy is warranted. Full article

This study aims to reconstruct NDI45 missing values due to cloud cover while outlining the importance of vegetation health for the climate–carbon cycle and the benefits of the NDI45 index for high canopy area indices. The methods include a novel hybrid framework that combines a deterministic Kalman filter (KF) and a clustering-based LSTM network to generate gap-free NDI45 series with 20 m spatial and 5-day temporal resolution. The innovation of the applied method relies on achieving a single-sensor workflow, provides a pixel-level uncertainty map, and minimizes LSTM overfitting through clustering based on a correlation threshold. In the northern Pampas (South America), this hybrid approach reduces the MAE by 22–35% on average and narrows the 95% confidence interval by 25–40% compared to the Kalman filter or LSTM alone. The three-dimensional spatio-temporal analysis demonstrates that the KF–LSTM hybrid provides better spatial homogeneity and reliability across the entire study area. The proposed framework can generate gap-free, high-resolution NDI45 time series with quantified uncertainties, enabling more reliable detection of vegetation stress, yield fluctuations, and long-term resilience trends. These capabilities make the method directly applicable to operational drought monitoring, crop insurance modeling, and climate risk assessment in agricultural systems, particularly in regions prone to frequent cloud cover. The framework can be further extended by including radar backscatter and multi-model ensembles, thus providing a promising basis for the reconstruction of global, high-resolution vegetation time series. Full article

Drought is a complex and impactful natural hazard, with sometimes catastrophic impacts on small or subsistence agriculture and water security. In Pacific Island countries, there lacks an agreed approach for monitoring agricultural drought hazard with satellite-derived remote sensing data. This study addresses this gap through a framework for agricultural drought monitoring in the Pacific using freely available space-based observations. Applying World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recommendations and a set of objective selection criteria, three remotely sensed drought indicators were chosen and combined using fuzzy logic to form a composite drought hazard index: the Standardised Precipitation Index, Soil Water Index, and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. Each indicator represents a subsequential flow-on effect of drought on agriculture. The index classes geographic areas as low, medium, high, or very high levels of drought hazard. To test the drought hazard index, two case studies for drought in the western Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Vanuatu, are assessed for the 2015–2016 El Niño-related drought. Findings showed that at the height of the drought in October 2015, 58% of PNG and 72% of Vanuatu showed very high drought hazard, compared to 6% and 40%, respectively, at the beginning of the drought. The hazard levels calculated were consistent with conditions observed and events that were reported during the emergency drought period. Application of this framework to operational drought monitoring will promote adaptive capacity and improve resilience to future droughts for Pacific communities. Full article

In Brassica napus, hypocotyl elongation under shade conditions poses a significant challenge in intensive agricultural systems, particularly in rice-rapeseed rotation regimes where straw mulching reduces light quality. However, the genetic basis of light-mediated hypocotyl growth responses in B. napus remains poorly understood. In this study, hypocotyl lengths were measured in a panel of 267 diverse rapeseed accessions under five light conditions including white, red, far-red, blue light, and complete darkness. Substantial phenotypic variation was observed among accessions and treatments, with red light exhibiting the weakest inhibitory effect on elongation, and white light showing the strongest suppression. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (−log₁₀ (p) > 4.5) identified numerous significant SNPs associated with light response, highlighting candidate genes such as KAN1, ILL2, VQ18, HDA15, and HAT3 involved in photomorphogenesis and hormonal signaling pathways. These findings elucidate the polygenic control of light responsiveness in B. napus and provide molecular targets for breeding shade-tolerant varieties to enhance crop resilience under dense planting and straw mulching systems. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in greenhouse systems increasingly relies on integrated fertilization and soil management strategies to enhance yield, fruit quality, and resilience to biotic stressors. This study evaluated the combined effects of five fertilization regimes and two contrasting soil tillage systems—rotary tillage (RT) and conventional plowing (P)—on the performance of greenhouse-grown ‘Bacuni’ tomatoes. Experimental assessments encompassed biometric traits, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and anthocyanins), carotenoid concentrations (carotenes and lycopene), soluble solids, and total dry matter contents, as well as agronomic variables including fruit weight, fruit number, and total yield. Incidence of key pests and diseases, alongside soil compaction levels, were also quantified. Fertilization with Nutriplant 20:20:20, as well as the application of Albit both resulted in a marked stimulation of vegetative growth, while the highest yields were recorded in P × Orgevit + Kerafol (6962.65 g plant⁻¹; +44.6% vs. control) and RT × Albit + Turboroot (6208.22 g plant⁻¹; +16.2% vs. control). Rotary tillage consistently improved nutrient uptake efficiency and yield relative to plowing, highlighting the role of soil structure in modulating plant performance. Treatments with Albit and Turboroot also enhanced resistance to Tetranychus urticae and Xanthomonas campestris, indicating a dual benefit for productivity and phytosanitary status. The results underscore the importance of harmonizing fertilization strategies with soil management practices to optimize greenhouse tomato production. Integrative approaches that combine biostimulants, organic amendments, and soil structural optimization offer a viable pathway toward high-yield, high-quality, and disease-resilient crops in controlled environment agriculture. Full article

This study examines the evolution of agricultural raw material exports in seven emerging economies of Central and Eastern Europe (Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary) from 1995 to 2023 and provides forecasts for 2024–2026 using ARIMA models. The results indicate a general downward trend in the share of agricultural raw material exports within total exports, reflecting ongoing economic modernization and a structural shift toward higher value-added products and industrial sectors. Romania, Poland, and Hungary remain as significant players in the cereals market, while Slovakia and the Czech Republic show the most pronounced transitions toward non-agricultural industries. Croatia, however, follows an atypical trajectory, maintaining a relatively high share of agricultural exports. Statistical tests (Dickey–Fuller) confirm the non-stationarity of the initial series, necessitating differencing for ARIMA modeling. Correlation analyses reveal a synchronized regional dynamic, with strong links among Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. Forecasts suggest continued decline or stabilization at low levels for most countries: Romania (0.45% in 2026), Poland (0.93%), Slovakia (0.62%), Bulgaria (0.51%), the Czech Republic (0.95%), and Hungary (0.53%), while Croatia is an exception, with a projected moderate increase to 4.19% in 2026. Although the share of raw agricultural exports is decreasing, the findings confirm that agriculture remains a strategic sector for food security and regional trade. The study recommends investments in processing, technological modernization, and export market diversification to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector in the context of global economic transformations. Full article