Agriculture

25 pages, 1871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of LULC Change and Ecosystem Service Value in Guangdong: A Perspective of Food Security

by Bo Wen, Biao Zeng, Yu Dun, Xiaorui Jin, Yuchuan Zhao, Chao Wu, Xia Tian and Shijun Zhen

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141467 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Amid global efforts to balance sustainable development and food security, ecosystem service value (ESV), a critical bridge between natural systems and human well-being, has gained increasing importance. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of land use changes and ESV from [...] Read more.

Amid global efforts to balance sustainable development and food security, ecosystem service value (ESV), a critical bridge between natural systems and human well-being, has gained increasing importance. This study explores the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of land use changes and ESV from a food security perspective, aiming to inform synergies between ecological protection and food production for regional sustainability. Using Guangdong Province as a case study, we analyze ESV patterns and spatial correlations from 2005 to 2023 based on three-phase land use and socioeconomic datasets. Key findings: I. Forestland and cropland dominate Guangdong’s land use, which is marked by the expansion of construction land and the shrinking of agricultural and forest areas. II. Overall ESV declined slightly: northern ecological zones remained stable, while eastern/western regions saw mild decreases, with cropland loss threatening grain self-sufficiency. III. Irrigation scale, forestry output, and fertilizer use exhibited strong interactive effects on ESV, whereas urban hierarchy influenced ESV independently. IV. ESV showed significant positive spatial autocorrelation, with stable agglomeration patterns across the province. The research provides policy insights for optimizing cropland protection and enhancing coordination between food production spaces and ecosystem services, while offering theoretical support for land use regulation and agricultural resilience in addressing regional food security challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecosystem, Environment and Climate Change in Agriculture)

28 pages, 786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Improvement of Farmers’ Digital Literacy Restrain Their Opportunistic Behavior When They Choose Pest Control Methods in Certified Agro-Products?

by Xiujuan Cui, Jieyu Yang, Ziqian Fan and Yongqiang Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141466 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Information asymmetry leads to farmers’ opportunistic behavior of disobeying pest control regulations in certified vegetable areas, but the improvement of farmers’ digital literacy has become an important means to break through the constrained dilemma of pest control information and change farmers’ pest control [...] Read more.

Information asymmetry leads to farmers’ opportunistic behavior of disobeying pest control regulations in certified vegetable areas, but the improvement of farmers’ digital literacy has become an important means to break through the constrained dilemma of pest control information and change farmers’ pest control behaviors. Based on survey data from certified vegetable areas of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces in China, this study used Heckman two-stage model to analyze the impact of the improvement of farmers’ digital literacy on opportunistic behavior in pest control. The results are as follows. Firstly, the improvement of farmers’ digital literacy can restrain their opportunistic behavior in pest control. Secondly, the improvement of farmers’ digital literacy restrain their opportunistic behavior through three paths, namely, enhancing the awareness of obeying pest control regulations for certified vegetables, reducing the cost and risk of pest control in obeying the certification standards. Thirdly, the traceable certification label plays a positive moderating role in the process of improving digital literacy to restrain farmers’ opportunistic behavior. Accordingly, this study suggests strengthening the training of farmers’ digital literacy, promoting the digitalized traceability system for certified vegetables, establishing examination mechanisms for online pesticide purchases and logistics distribution, and imposing severe penalties for opportunistic behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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33 pages, 5013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Bacillus subtilis–Moss Synergy: Carbon–Structure Optimization for Erosion-Resistant Barrier Formation in Cold Mollisols

by Tianxiao Li, Shunli Zheng, Zhaoxing Xiao, Qiang Fu, Fanxiang Meng, Mo Li, Dong Liu and Qingyuan Liu

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141465 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Soil degradation exerts profound impacts on soil ecological functions, global food security, and human development, making the development of effective technologies to mitigate degradation a critical research focus. Microorganisms play a leading role in rehabilitating degraded land, improving soil hydraulic properties, and enhancing [...] Read more.

Soil degradation exerts profound impacts on soil ecological functions, global food security, and human development, making the development of effective technologies to mitigate degradation a critical research focus. Microorganisms play a leading role in rehabilitating degraded land, improving soil hydraulic properties, and enhancing soil structural stability. Mosses contribute to soil particle fixation through their unique rhizoid structures; however, the mechanisms underlying their interactions in mixed inoculation remain unclear. Therefore, this study addresses soil and water loss caused by rainfall erosion in the cold black soil region. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments cultivating Bacillus subtilis and cold-adapted moss species, evaluating the erosion mitigation effects of different biological treatments under gradient slopes (3°, 6°, 9°) and rainfall intensities (70 mm h⁻¹, 120 mm h⁻¹), and elucidating their carbon-based structural reinforcement mechanism. The results indicated that compared to the control group, Treatment C significantly increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of soil aggregates by 121.6% and 76.75%, respectively. In separate simulated rainfall events at 70 mm h⁻¹ and 120 mm h⁻¹, Treatment C reduced soil loss by 95.70% and 96.75% and decreased runoff by 38.31% and 67.21%, respectively. Crucially, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loss rate in Treatment C was only 21.98%, significantly lower than that in Treatment A (32.32%), Treatment B (22.22%), and the control group (51.07%)—representing a 59.41% reduction compared to the control. This demonstrates the following: (1) Bacillus subtilis enhances microbial metabolism, driving carbon conversion into stable pools, while mosses reduce carbon leaching via physical barriers, synergistically forming a dual “carbon protection–structural reinforcement” barrier. (2) The combined inoculation optimizes soil structure by increasing the proportion of large soil particles and enhancing aggregate stability, effectively suppressing soil loss even under extreme rainfall erosion. This study elucidates, for the first time, the biological pathway through which microbe–moss interactions achieve synergistic carbon sequestration and erosion resistance by regulating aggregate formation and pore water dynamics. It provides a scalable “carbon–structure”-optimized biotechnology system (co-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and moss) for the ecological restoration of the cold black soil region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

28 pages, 7656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subsidy Policy Interactions in Agricultural Supply Chains: An Interdepartmental Coordination Perspective

by Aibo Yao, Lin Jiang, Bingxue Guo and Wei Li

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141464 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

The efficacy of government subsidy programs in agriculture is frequently compromised by internal policy conflicts that arise between competing government departments. This challenge is addressed herein, with a focus on the policy environment in China, through the development of a game-theoretic model of [...] Read more.

The efficacy of government subsidy programs in agriculture is frequently compromised by internal policy conflicts that arise between competing government departments. This challenge is addressed herein, with a focus on the policy environment in China, through the development of a game-theoretic model of an agricultural supply chain. This model explicitly incorporates two competing government bodies—the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department (ARAD) and the Development and Reform Commission (DRC)—each with distinct objectives and performance indicators. Within this framework, the strategic interactions of four subsidy types are analyzed: production and cold-chain subsidies (ARAD), and platform operation and blockchain subsidies (DRC). The findings reveal that department-specific performance indicators can significantly distort the overall effectiveness of subsidies. While individual subsidies may achieve their intended departmental goals, their combined impact is shown to be complex and frequently suboptimal in the absence of higher-level coordination. Notably, a subsidy portfolio combining production and platform operation subsidies is found to consistently yield superior performance in maximizing social welfare. Ultimately, this research contributes a new framework for understanding subsidy policies and provides actionable insights for optimizing interdepartmental coordination to enhance supply chain performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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25 pages, 39901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Adaptive Cuboid Regional Growth Algorithm for Trunk–Branch Segmentation of Point Clouds from Two Fruit Tree Species

by Yuheng Cao, Ning Wang, Bin Wu, Xin Zhang, Yaxiong Wang, Shuting Xu, Man Zhang, Yanlong Miao and Feng Kang

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141463 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Accurate acquisition of the phenotypic information of trunk-shaped fruit trees plays a crucial role in intelligent orchard management, pruning during dormancy, and improving fruit yield and quality. However, the precise segmentation of trunks and branches remains a significant challenge, limiting the accurate measurement [...] Read more.

Accurate acquisition of the phenotypic information of trunk-shaped fruit trees plays a crucial role in intelligent orchard management, pruning during dormancy, and improving fruit yield and quality. However, the precise segmentation of trunks and branches remains a significant challenge, limiting the accurate measurement of phenotypic parameters and high-precision pruning of branches. To address this issue, a novel adaptive cuboid regional growth segmentation algorithm is proposed in this study. This method integrates a growth vector that is adaptively adjusted based on the growth trend of branches and a growth cuboid that is dynamically regulated according to branch diameters. Additionally, an innovative reverse growth strategy is introduced to enhance the efficiency of the growth process. Furthermore, the algorithm can automatically and effectively identify the starting and ending points of growth based on the structural characteristics of fruit tree branches, solving the problem of where to start and when to stop. Compared with PointNet++, PointNeXt, and Point Transformer, ACRGS achieved superior performance, with F₁-scores of 95.75% and 96.21% and mIoU values of 0.927 and 0.933 for apple and cherry trees. The results show that the method enables high-precision and efficiency trunk–branch segmentation, providing data support for fruit tree phenotypic parameter extraction and pruning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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22 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Egg Consumption Patterns and Sustainability: Insights from the Portuguese Context

by Sara Sousa, Elisabete Correia, Vera Sá, Clara Viseu, Inês Maduro and Laércia Sousa

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141462 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Although consumption is a key engine of economic growth, it is also one of the main drivers of environmental degradation. In this context, a deeper understanding of consumers’ perceptions and behavior regarding sustainable products is essential for promoting a more sustainable future, with [...] Read more.

Although consumption is a key engine of economic growth, it is also one of the main drivers of environmental degradation. In this context, a deeper understanding of consumers’ perceptions and behavior regarding sustainable products is essential for promoting a more sustainable future, with behavioral change being crucial to achieving it. This research study explores consumer behavior regarding sustainable egg consumption, a sector where production is frequently associated with environmental and ethical concerns such as animal welfare and intensive resource use. Based on a sample of 197 valid responses from Portuguese egg consumers collected through an online survey distributed between 27 February and 17 March, of the year 2025, and applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework through a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, this study finds that consumers’ intention to consume sustainable eggs is influenced by their attitudes and subjective norms. Furthermore, actual consumption behavior is driven by both the intention to consume sustainable eggs and perceived behavioral control. By providing an in-depth analysis of consumer behavior related to sustainable egg consumption, this study contributes to the advancement of the scientific literature on the subject. It also aims to support policymakers and other stakeholders in designing and implementing more effective strategies to promote environmentally responsible consumption practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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14 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Semen Cryopreservation in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats: Combined Effects of Centrifugation Parameters and L-Proline Supplementation

by Jiaxin Qin, Pingping Liu, Jun Cai, Shuai Wang, Ulzii Bilik, Liwen He and Wei Zhang

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141461 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study optimized the cryopreservation protocol for cashmere goat semen by testing centrifugation speeds (750, 1000, 1250, 1500 rpm) for seminal plasma removal and L-proline concentrations (10, 30, 50 mmol/L) in a freezing extender. Semen from six 3-year-old breeding bucks of Inner Mongolia [...] Read more.

This study optimized the cryopreservation protocol for cashmere goat semen by testing centrifugation speeds (750, 1000, 1250, 1500 rpm) for seminal plasma removal and L-proline concentrations (10, 30, 50 mmol/L) in a freezing extender. Semen from six 3-year-old breeding bucks of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats was evaluated post-thaw in terms of motility, membrane integrity, antioxidant capacity, and artificial insemination (AI) outcomes (n = 130 does). The results demonstrated that the group that underwent centrifugation at 1250 rpm saw significantly improved sperm motility (p < 0.05), curvilinear velocity (VCL, p < 0.05), and straight-line velocity (VSL, p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. The addition of 30 mmol/L L-proline further enhanced post-thaw sperm motility (p < 0.05), plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05), while significantly reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS, p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA, p < 0.05) levels. This group also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, as indicated by elevated levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05). AI trials revealed that semen treated with 1250 rpm centrifugation and 30 mmol/L L-proline achieved the highest kidding rate (56.82%), significantly outperforming the control group (37.21%, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in prolificacy or offspring sex ratio (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that combining 1250 rpm centrifugation for seminal plasma removal with the addition of 30 mmol/L L-proline to the freezing extender significantly improves the quality of cryopreserved cashmere goat semen and enhances AI outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

19 pages, 3857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulatory Mechanisms of Medium-Term Crop Rotation on Soil Organic Carbon Storage in Red Soils at the Aggregate Level

by Xiaomei Gou, Xiangning Wang, Xuemei Wang, Yan Cai, Bing Li, Yi Zhang and Lihong Han

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141460 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (OC) storage in crop rotation systems benefits soil productivity and global climate change. However, the regulatory mechanisms and pathways by which soil OC storage is affected under medium-term crop rotation at the aggregate level are not fully understood. Herein, fifteen [...] Read more.

Soil organic carbon (OC) storage in crop rotation systems benefits soil productivity and global climate change. However, the regulatory mechanisms and pathways by which soil OC storage is affected under medium-term crop rotation at the aggregate level are not fully understood. Herein, fifteen soil samples from five cropping systems (abandoned farmland, continuous cropping of tobacco, tobacco–pea rotation, continuous cropping of dasheen, and dasheen–ryegrass rotation for over 10 years) were collected from soil at 0 to 20 cm depths in Miyi County, Sichuan Province, China. The soil aggregates and aggregate-associated OC, enzyme activities, and microbial biomass were evaluated. The effects of medium-term crop rotation on soil aggregate-associated OC content and biochemical properties varied between crop types. Specifically, tobacco–pea rotation significantly decreased the proportion of macro-aggregates (0.25–2 mm); the contents of OC, Ca-OC, aliphatic C, alcohols, and phenols; enzyme activities; and fungal biomass in the aggregate fractions, compared with those associated with the continuous cropping of tobacco. In contrast, dasheen–ryegrass rotation significantly increased the recalcitrant OC content, β-glucosidase and polyphenol oxidase activities, microbial biomass in mega-aggregates (>2 mm) and macro-aggregates, and the recalcitrant OC content and enzyme activity in microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm) and slit clay (<0.053 mm), relative to those in the continuous cropping of dasheen. Moreover, for the continuous-cropping soils, the OC contents were positively correlated with POD activity but negatively correlated with other enzymes. For the rotational soils, the OC content was positively related to the Fe/Al-OC, aromatic-C, aliphatic-C, and microbial biomass contents but negatively related to the carbohydrate content. The increased OC content was driven by the microbial biomass in the aggregate fractions, and medium-term crop rotation changed the negative effect of microorganisms on the OC content into a positive effect at the aggregate level. Overall, medium-term crop rotation enhances OC storage by improving soil structural stability and microbial community dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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15 pages, 2700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rainfall-Driven Nitrogen Dynamics in Catchment Ponds: Comparing Forest, Paddy Field, and Orchard Systems

by Mengdie Jiang, Yue Luo, Hengbin Xiao, Peng Xu, Ronggui Hu and Ronglin Su

Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141459 - 8 Jul 2025

Abstract

The event scale method, employed for assessing changes in nitrogen (N) dynamics pre- and post-rain, provides insights into its transport to surface water systems. However, the relationships between N discharge in catchments dominated by different land uses and water quality remain unclear. This [...] Read more.

The event scale method, employed for assessing changes in nitrogen (N) dynamics pre- and post-rain, provides insights into its transport to surface water systems. However, the relationships between N discharge in catchments dominated by different land uses and water quality remain unclear. This study quantified variations in key N components in ponds across forest, paddy field, and orchard catchments before and after six rainfall events. The results showed that nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) was the main N component in the ponds. Post-rainfall, N concentrations increased, with ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and particulate nitrogen (PN) exhibiting significant elevations in agricultural ponds. Orchard catchments contributed the highest N load to the ponds, while forest catchments contributed the lowest. Following a heavy rainstorm event, total nitrogen (TN) loads in the ponds within forest, paddy field, and orchard catchments reached 6.68, 20.93, and 34.62 kg/ha, respectively. These loads were approximately three times higher than those observed after heavy rain events. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) identified that rainfall amount and changes in water volume were the dominant factors influencing N dynamics. Furthermore, the greater slopes of forest and orchard catchments promoted more N loss to the ponds post-rain. In paddy field catchments, larger catchment areas were associated with decreased N flux into the ponds, while larger pond surface areas minimized the variability in N concentration after rainfall events. In orchard catchment ponds, pond area was positively correlated with N concentrations and loads. This study elucidates the effects of rainfall characteristics and catchment heterogeneity on N dynamics in surface waters, offering valuable insights for developing pollution management strategies to mitigate rainfall-induced alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Improving Cropping Systems for Sustainable Crop Production)

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19 pages, 1937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mycorrhizal Fungi Modulate the Development and Composition of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Bioactive Compounds

by Marieta Hristozkova, Katrin Valkova and Maria Geneva

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131458 - 7 Jul 2025

Abstract

The present research focused on the physiological alterations and antioxidant potential of Portulaca oleracea L. due to mycorrhizal symbiosis with diverse strains. Purslane belongs to the plants that form a symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi and show tolerance to various strains. Inoculation with Funneliformis [...] Read more.

The present research focused on the physiological alterations and antioxidant potential of Portulaca oleracea L. due to mycorrhizal symbiosis with diverse strains. Purslane belongs to the plants that form a symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi and show tolerance to various strains. Inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae gave better mycorrhizal colonization results and positively affected biomass accumulation and the concentration of reducing sugars. The total accumulation of plastid pigments was higher in symbiotic plants, although this effect was not specific to any particular strain. Mycorrhizal fungi increased the levels of carotenes in the shoots, while xanthophylls decreased, with the highest values observed in non-inoculated plants. Both strains influenced the ratio of betalains: Funneliformis mosseae promoted the accumulation of β-cyanins, while Claroideoglomus claroideum increased β-xanthines. The association with Funneliformis mosseae also affected antioxidant capacity, as indicated by the FRAP test, by altering the concentrations of secondary metabolites, particularly phenols and flavonoids. Targeted inoculation with specific strains boosts both non-enzymatic (including water-soluble and lipid-soluble metabolites) and enzymatic antioxidant activity; however, it was not dependent on the strain. These findings underscore the benefits of mycorrhizal associations in purslane cultivation, promoting sustainable ecological practices and enhancing its quality as a food product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Cropping Systems)

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18 pages, 1707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Low-Protein Diet Supplemented with Fermented Feed on Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Composition, and Gut Microbiota in Growing–Fattening Pigs

by Qidong Zhu, Xiaorong Zhou, Dingbiao Long, Laifu Leng, Rong Xiao, Renli Qi, Jing Wang, Xiaoyu Qiu and Qi Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131457 - 6 Jul 2025

Abstract

Fermented feed has considerable potential as a high-quality protein source in animal production. This research aimed to examine the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet, supplemented with fermented feed, on the meat quality and intestinal health of growing–fattening pigs. The pigs were randomly [...] Read more.

Fermented feed has considerable potential as a high-quality protein source in animal production. This research aimed to examine the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet, supplemented with fermented feed, on the meat quality and intestinal health of growing–fattening pigs. The pigs were randomly divided into three groups, and a total of 72 growing–fattening pigs were subjected to the experiment. They were fed the control (CON) diet, LP diet, and LP diet supplemented with fermented rapeseed meals and fermented distiller’s grains (FLP), respectively. The results indicated that the FLP diet altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota and regulated the composition of unsaturated fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi. Furthermore, the FLP diet upregulated the expression of genes associated with myosin heavy chain isoforms (p < 0.05) and modified the content of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of fermented distiller’s grains (FDGs) and fermented rapeseed meals (FRMs) to the LP diet enhanced fatty acid metabolism and intestinal barrier function in growing–fattening pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Nutritional Value of Animal Feed Resources)

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19 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Changes in Selected Soil Health Indices as a Result of Long-Term (23-Year) Cultivation of Winter Wheat in Various Crop Rotations: Case Study for Sandy Soil

by Monika Jakubus and Katarzyna Panasiewicz

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131456 - 6 Jul 2025

Abstract

Perennial monoculture crops are perceived as detrimental to soil health. This study examines this assumption with regard to winter wheat cultivated in crop rotations with varying cereal shares (50%, 75%, and 100%) and under different irrigation regimes. The experiments were established in light, [...] Read more.

Perennial monoculture crops are perceived as detrimental to soil health. This study examines this assumption with regard to winter wheat cultivated in crop rotations with varying cereal shares (50%, 75%, and 100%) and under different irrigation regimes. The experiments were established in light, sandy soil and conducted as static trials over 23 years (1997–2020). This study aims to assess the quantitative changes in parameters indicative of soil fertility and health. The amounts of total organic carbon (TOC), humic substance carbon (HSC), total nitrogen (TN), and available forms of N, P, K, and Mg (AN, AP, AK, AMg) were measured. It was found that, regardless of the research year, higher levels of TOC, TN, AP, AK, and AMg were recorded in the soil following winter wheat cultivated in a rotation with a 100% share of cereals. The amounts of the above-mentioned parameters were higher by 10–30%. The effect of crop rotation on the quantitative changes in HSC and AN was not statistically significant, although a decrease in their amounts was noted (by 10%). The reduction in HSC content was accompanied by a decline in the quality of these compounds, as indicated by Q_4/6 values, which were significantly higher in plots with sprinkling irrigation and under winter wheat cultivated in rotations with a 100% cereal share; this was evident in both 1997 and 2020. Sprinkling irrigation resulted in lower amounts of TOC, TN, HSC, AN, and AK, but higher levels of AP and AMg. The results directly indicate that the long-term cultivation of winter wheat in rotations with a 100% cereal share in light soils leads to quantitative changes in soil health indices. These changes are generally positive, favorably affecting the health of light soils, in contrast to the effects observed with irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Soil Health Assessment Methods for Changing Agricultural Environment)

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11 pages, 1379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constitute Variety and Nutrient Analysis of the Different Main Plant Parts of Caragana korshinskii for Animal Feed

by Yifan Zhang, Zhijia Ding, Xia Hua, Fuyu Yang, Xin Zhou and Yong Xu

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131455 - 6 Jul 2025

Abstract

Caragana korshinskii, a protein-rich feed plant in arid regions, lacks comprehensive nutrient analysis. This study compared the chemical composition of its five parts (leaves, bark, twigs, branches, and stems) and evaluated protein quality through amino acid profiling and enzymatic digestion. Results showed [...] Read more.

Caragana korshinskii, a protein-rich feed plant in arid regions, lacks comprehensive nutrient analysis. This study compared the chemical composition of its five parts (leaves, bark, twigs, branches, and stems) and evaluated protein quality through amino acid profiling and enzymatic digestion. Results showed that leaves and bark contained higher crude protein (16.6–18.6%) than stems (6.8%), with fiber components (NDF > 81% and ADF > 65%) contributing to structural rigidity. Aspartic acid dominated caragana proteins, while bark and twigs exhibited elevated proline levels. CNCPS analysis revealed leaves contained 53.3% intermediately degradable protein (PB₂) versus 11.6% non-protein nitrogen (PA), whereas bark and twigs had 38.8% and 45.8% PA, respectively. Despite higher PA content, bark and twigs demonstrated superior in vitro protein digestibility (73.2% and 67.4%) compared to leaves (61.2%). The findings established baseline nutritional data, highlighting part-specific variations in protein characteristics critical for optimizing caragana’s application in animal feed technology within resource-limited ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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25 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Income Effects and Mechanisms of Farmers’ Participation in Agricultural Industry Organizations: A Case Study of the Kiwi Fruit Industry

by Yuyang Li, Jiahui Li, Xinjie Li and Qian Lu

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131454 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Eliminating all forms of poverty is a core component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. At the household level, poverty and income inequality significantly threaten farmers’ sustainable development and food security. Based on a sample of 1234 kiwi farmers from the Shaanxi [...] Read more.

Eliminating all forms of poverty is a core component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. At the household level, poverty and income inequality significantly threaten farmers’ sustainable development and food security. Based on a sample of 1234 kiwi farmers from the Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces in China, this paper empirically examines the impact of participation in agricultural industry organizations (AIOs) on household income and income inequality, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate the following: (1) Participation in AIOs increased farmers’ average household income by approximately 19,570 yuan while simultaneously reducing the income inequality index by an average of 4.1%. (2) Participation increases household income and mitigates income inequality through three mechanisms: promoting agricultural production, enhancing sales premiums, and improving human capital. (3) After addressing endogeneity concerns, farmers participating in leading agribusiness enterprises experienced an additional average income increase of 21,700 yuan compared to those participating in agricultural cooperatives. Therefore, it is recommended to optimize the farmer–enterprise linkage mechanisms within agricultural industry organizations, enhance technical training programs, and strengthen production–marketing integration and market connection systems, aiming to achieve both increased farmer income and improved income distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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15 pages, 2224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Available Phosphorus Under Phosphorus Fertilization in Paddy Fields of a Cold Region Using Several Extraction Methods: A Case Study from Yamagata, Japan

by Shuhei Tsumuraya, Hisashi Nasukawa and Ryosuke Tajima

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131453 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Assessing available phosphorus (P) in paddy fields is challenging due to waterlogging-induced reducing conditions. This study tested the applicability of the Truog, Bray 2, and Mehlich 3 extraction methods in both air-dried and incubated soils, as well as the ascorbic-acid-reduced Bray 2 (AR [...] Read more.

Assessing available phosphorus (P) in paddy fields is challenging due to waterlogging-induced reducing conditions. This study tested the applicability of the Truog, Bray 2, and Mehlich 3 extraction methods in both air-dried and incubated soils, as well as the ascorbic-acid-reduced Bray 2 (AR Bray 2), which simulates reducing conditions, for evaluating rice growth under P fertilization. In addition, to investigate the chemical characteristics of the extraction methods, active Al and Fe and P sequential extractions were measured. Soil samples from four representative regions in Yamagata Prefecture were used. Pot cultivation tests using ‘Haenuki’ and ‘Tsuyahime’ cultivars were conducted with varying P fertilizer levels. Variations in P availability across soil types were influenced by levels of active Al and Fe. Sequential extractions identified NaHCO₃-P and NaOH-P fractions as important for P availability. Bray 2 in both soils and AR Bray 2 were the most effective methods, showing a strong saturating exponential correlation with rice growth and P uptake, whereas Mehlich 3 and Truog showed weaker correlations. Bray 2 and AR Bray 2 show potential but require further evaluation for practical application due to the small number of soils. Future efforts should prioritize developing methods that account for P dynamics under reducing conditions, thereby improving P management strategies and supporting sustainable rice production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Conservation Cropping Systems and Practices—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Common Bean Roots: Agricultural Impact and Environmental Influence

by Ana Paula Rodiño, Olga Aguín, Juan Leonardo Tejada-Hinojoza and Antonio Miguel De Ron

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131452 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Although many plant families are predominantly mycorrhizal, few symbiotic relationships between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been thoroughly studied. Mycorrhized plants tend to exhibit greater tolerance to soil-borne pathogens and enhanced plant defence. Legumes, including common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), [...] Read more.

Although many plant families are predominantly mycorrhizal, few symbiotic relationships between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been thoroughly studied. Mycorrhized plants tend to exhibit greater tolerance to soil-borne pathogens and enhanced plant defence. Legumes, including common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), are essential sources of protein globally. To improve common bean productivity, identifying efficient native microsymbionts is crucial. This study aimed to identify native AMF associated with common bean roots that could act as biostimulants and protect against soil diseases under varying environmental conditions. Agronomic trials were conducted at MBG-CSIC (Pontevedra, Spain) in 2021 and 2022, testing combinations of nitrogen fertilization, Burkholderia alba, Trichoderma harzianum, and a control. Traits such as nodulation, biomass, plant vigor, disease severity, nutrient content, and yield were evaluated. Four AMF species across three genera were identified. No consistent pattern was observed in AMF influence on agronomic traits. However, reduced mycorrhization in 2022 was associated with decreased nodulation, likely due to higher temperatures. Surprisingly, yields were higher in 2022 despite lower colonization. These findings suggest that intelligent use of AMF could reduce pesticide use, enhance sustainability, and promote healthier food systems. Continued research and conservation efforts are essential to optimize their benefits in legume production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Systems and Management)

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15 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greenhouse Evaluation of Conventional and Biorational Insecticides for Managing the Invasive Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

by Livia M. S. Ataide, German Vargas, Yisell Velazquez-Hernandez, Marcello De Giosa, Isamar Reyes-Arauz, Paola Villamarin, Maria A. Canon, Simon S. Riley and Alexandra M. Revynthi

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131451 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an invasive pest of vegetable and ornamentals in the United States. To support ornamental growers to control T. parvispinus infestations, we tested seven conventional (spinosad, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor–spinetoram, pyridalyl, tolfenpyrad, abamectin, and cyclaniliprole–flonicamid) and two biorational insecticides (mineral oil and [...] Read more.

Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an invasive pest of vegetable and ornamentals in the United States. To support ornamental growers to control T. parvispinus infestations, we tested seven conventional (spinosad, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor–spinetoram, pyridalyl, tolfenpyrad, abamectin, and cyclaniliprole–flonicamid) and two biorational insecticides (mineral oil and sesame oil) under greenhouse conditions on mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens) and gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), primary T. parvispinus ornamental hosts. Two insecticide applications were performed: a curative, treating an existing infestation, and a prophylactic, treating a plant prior to the thrips release. In the curative application, ten larvae and ten adults were released two weeks prior to treatment. Three leaves from the upper, middle, and lower canopy were collected 24 h, 7-, and 14-days post-treatment to assess thrips mortality. In the prophylactic application, plants were first sprayed with insecticides, and thrips were introduced 24 h later, but followed the same sampling method. In mandevilla, chlorfenapyr, abamectin, and spinosad caused the highest thrips mortality in both application types. Among horticultural oils, mineral oil and sesame oil increased mortality in prophylactic applications only. In gardenia, neither curative nor prophylactic applications of these products led to significant thrips mortality, and the possible reasons and recommendations for best thrips management are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)

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19 pages, 4052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RDM-YOLO: A Lightweight Multi-Scale Model for Real-Time Behavior Recognition of Fourth Instar Silkworms in Sericulture

by Jinye Gao, Jun Sun, Xiaohong Wu and Chunxia Dai

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131450 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Accurate behavioral monitoring of silkworms (Bombyx mori) during the fourth instar development is crucial for enhancing productivity and welfare in sericulture operations. Current manual observation paradigms face critical limitations in temporal resolution, inter-observer variability, and scalability. This study presents RDM-YOLO, a [...] Read more.

Accurate behavioral monitoring of silkworms (Bombyx mori) during the fourth instar development is crucial for enhancing productivity and welfare in sericulture operations. Current manual observation paradigms face critical limitations in temporal resolution, inter-observer variability, and scalability. This study presents RDM-YOLO, a computationally efficient deep learning framework derived from YOLOv5s architecture, specifically designed for the automated detection of three essential behaviors (resting, wriggling, and eating) in fourth instar silkworms. Methodologically, Res2Net blocks are first integrated into the backbone network to enable hierarchical residual connections, expanding receptive fields and improving multi-scale feature representation. Second, standard convolutional layers are replaced with distribution shifting convolution (DSConv), leveraging dynamic sparsity and quantization mechanisms to reduce computational complexity. Additionally, the minimum point distance intersection over union (MPDIoU) loss function is proposed to enhance bounding box regression efficiency, mitigating challenges posed by overlapping targets and positional deviations. Experimental results demonstrate that RDM-YOLO achieves 99% mAP@0.5 accuracy and 150 FPS inference speed on the datasets, significantly outperforming baseline YOLOv5s while reducing the model parameters by 24%. Specifically designed for deployment on resource-constrained devices, the model ensures real-time monitoring capabilities in practical sericulture environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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23 pages, 6745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crushing Modeling and Crushing Characterization of Silage Caragana korshinskii Kom.

by Wenhang Liu, Zhihong Yu, Aorigele, Qiang Su, Xuejie Ma and Zhixing Liu

Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131449 - 5 Jul 2025

Abstract

Caragana korshinskii Kom. (CKB), widely cultivated in Inner Mongolia, China, has potential for silage feed development due to its favorable nutritional characteristics, including a crude protein content of 14.2% and a neutral detergent fiber content below 55%. However, its vascular bundle fiber structure [...] Read more.

Caragana korshinskii Kom. (CKB), widely cultivated in Inner Mongolia, China, has potential for silage feed development due to its favorable nutritional characteristics, including a crude protein content of 14.2% and a neutral detergent fiber content below 55%. However, its vascular bundle fiber structure limits the efficiency of lactic acid conversion and negatively impacts silage quality, which can be improved through mechanical crushing. Currently, conventional crushing equipment generally suffers from uneven particle size distribution, high energy consumption, and low processing efficiency. In this study, a layered aggregate model was constructed using the discrete element method (DEM), and the Hertz–Mindlin with Bonding contact model was employed to characterize the heterogeneous mechanical properties between the epidermis and the core. Model accuracy was enhanced through reverse engineering and a multi-particle-size filling strategy. Key parameters were optimized via a Box–Behnken experimental design, with a core normal stiffness of 7.37 × 10¹¹ N·m⁻¹, a core shear stiffness of 9.46 × 10¹⁰ N·m⁻¹, a core shear stress of 2.52 × 10⁸ Pa, and a skin normal stiffness of 4.01 × 10⁹ N·m⁻¹. The simulated values for bending, tensile, and compressive failure forces had relative errors of less than 10% compared to experimental results. The results showed that rectangular hammers, due to their larger contact area and more uniform stress distribution, reduced the number of residual bonded contacts by 28.9% and 26.5% compared to stepped and blade-type hammers, respectively. Optimized rotational speed improved dynamic crushing efficiency by 41.3%. The material exhibited spatial heterogeneity, with the mass proportion in the tooth plate impact area reaching 43.91%, which was 23.01% higher than that in the primary hammer crushing area. The relative error between the simulation and bench test results for the crushing rate was 6.18%, and the spatial distribution consistency reached 93.6%, verifying the reliability of the DEM parameter calibration method. This study provides a theoretical basis for the structural optimization of crushing equipment, suppression of circulation layer effects, and the realization of low-energy, high-efficiency processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)

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