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Agronomy
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Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production...
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Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Farming Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 11691

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marian Rizov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln LN5 7AT, UK
Interests: food economics; food security; consumer choice and wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ivelin Rizov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ministry of Agriculture, Blvd Hristo Botev 55, Sofia 1040, Bulgaria
Interests: biotechnology applications in agricultural and food production

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues，

Agronomic approaches are an important part of the toolkit of initiatives, such as the EU Green Deal and US Climate Intelligence Partnership designed for mitigating the negative impacts of agricultural production and for improving food security. Agronomic approaches can also help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the FAO-defined sustainable food system.

Effective agronomic approaches for achieving the above goals require accelerated efforts to develop and disseminate agronomic technologies and practices which can increase the productivity of agriculture while reducing its environmental footprint. Two main pathways are generally followed: i) precision (smart or digital) farming, advanced cropping systems and organic farming, the smart management of crop–livestock and crop–soil interactions (resulting in substantial savings on inputs), a reduction in farm-related GHG emissions, and improvements in yields and quality; and ii) the development and application of new genomic techniques, exploiting the potential of biotechnology.

Considering the complexities and challenges posed by the cost-effective production of agricultural, aquacultural, and forestry commodities employing climate-smart practices, interdisciplinary research papers with a clear agronomic focus and applicability are invited to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Marian Rizov
Dr. Ivelin Rizov
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. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2600 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

  • agronomy
  • new genomic techniques
  • precision (smart or digital) farming
  • sustainable food systems
  • food security
  • environmental footprint
  • farm-related GHG emissions
  • crop–livestock interaction
  • crop–soil interaction

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 6439 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Impact of Intensive Agriculture on Soil Quality: A Systematic Review and Global Meta-Analysis of Quality Indexes
by Héctor Iván Bedolla-Rivera, María de la Luz Xochilt Negrete-Rodríguez, Francisco Paúl Gámez-Vázquez, Dioselina Álvarez-Bernal and Eloy Conde-Barajas
Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082166 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1774
Abstract
As the global population grows, the demand for food increases and puts a strain on food production systems and agricultural productivity, causing soil degradation. Soil quality indexes (SQIs) have been developed to maintain and improve soil quality. However, due to the variety of [...] Read more.
As the global population grows, the demand for food increases and puts a strain on food production systems and agricultural productivity, causing soil degradation. Soil quality indexes (SQIs) have been developed to maintain and improve soil quality. However, due to the variety of soils and SQIs, analyzing and comparing results has historically been difficult. Therefore, in this study, we carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis focused on soil quality studies of agricultural soils under intensive agriculture using the unified weighted additive SQI methodology (SQIU). Sixty-five observations of agricultural soil quality were analyzed. Chemical indicators were the most prevalent in the SQIUs, followed by physical and biological indicators. Conventional soil management had negative effects on soil quality (–7.55%). From the factors analyzed, the minimum database had a significant effect on the soil quality results, but not the number of indicators that made up the SQIU. The SQIU made up of chemical–biological indicators (CB) presented negatively overestimated measurements of soil quality (–32.53%), exaggerating the degradation of the analyzed soils. The indicators that correlated most strongly with the size of the effect on agricultural soil quality were the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). The SQIU is a feasible tool to interpret the quality of agricultural soils around the world, as it makes it possible to obtain a simple and generalized view of soil conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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18 pages, 3720 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Responses on Yield, Quality and Economic Advantage of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) under Four Different Agro-Climatic Zones in Afghanistan
by Qudratullah Soofizada, Antonio Pescatore, Rahmatullah Atefi, Chiara Grassi, Simone Orlandini and Marco Napoli
Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020345 - 25 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2258
Abstract
The response of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to the application of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) has not been well studied in Afghanistan. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the [...] Read more.
The response of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to the application of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) has not been well studied in Afghanistan. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the impact of soil and climate on the responses of wheat to N and P fertilization, (2) quantify the specific N and P response of winter wheat for different ACZs, and (3) determine the economical application rates of N and P for farmers for each considered ACZs. This paper evaluates the effects of nitrogen levels (NL) at 35.28, 65, 95, and 120 kg N ha−1 and phosphorus levels (PL) at 0, 50, 70, and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1, respectively, in four locations (L) for two growing seasons (GS), on both yield and quality characteristics of winter wheat. Soil pH was the main environmental parameter affecting straw yield (SY), grain yield (GY), protein content (PC), and protein yield (PY). Winter wheat SY, GY, PC, and PY increased significantly (p < 0.05) with PL rates up to 50 kg P2O5 ha−1 and with NL rates up to 120 kg N ha−1. NL was the most important parameter in determining PC, thus showing potential for further improvement in N management. The highest marginal rate of return was used as an index for the farmers to accept site-specific N and P fertilizer recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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15 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Short-term Response of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Precision Fertilization on Barley
by Carolina Fabbri, Anna Dalla Marta, Marco Napoli, Simone Orlandini and Leonardo Verdi
Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010096 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1940
Abstract
Precision fertilization is a promising mitigation strategy to reduce environmental impacts of N-fertilization, but the effective benefits of variable-rate fertilization have not yet been fully demonstrated. We evaluated the short-term response (23 days) of GHGs emissions following variable-rate fertilization on barley. Yields, biomass [...] Read more.
Precision fertilization is a promising mitigation strategy to reduce environmental impacts of N-fertilization, but the effective benefits of variable-rate fertilization have not yet been fully demonstrated. We evaluated the short-term response (23 days) of GHGs emissions following variable-rate fertilization on barley. Yields, biomass (grains + straw) and different N-use indicators (N uptake, grain protein concentration, recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency, partial factor productivity of applied nutrient, agronomic efficiency and N surplus) were compared. Four N fertilization treatments were performed: (i) conventional– 150 kg ha−1; (ii) variable with granular fertilizer; (iii) variable with foliar liquid supplement; (iv) no fertilization. According to proximal sensing analysis (Greenseeker Handheld) and crop needs, both variable-rate treatments accounted for 35 kg N ha−1. Cumulative GHGs emissions were not significantly different, leading to the conclusion that the sensor-based N application might not be a GHGs mitigation strategy in current experimental conditions. Results showed that both site-specific fertilizations ensured the maintenance of high yields with a significant N rate reduction (approximately by 75%) and a N use improvement. Variable-rate N fertilization, due to similar yields (~6 tons ha−1) than conventional fertilization and higher protein content in foliar treatment (14%), confirms its effectiveness to manage N during the later phases of growing season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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15 pages, 3092 KiB  
Article
Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots to Nitrogen Heterogeneity and Intraspecific Competition: Evidence from a Pot Experiment Using the ‘Root Splitting’ Approach
by Shiyong Zhou, Feng Zhou, Xuejing Zi, Dongyun Rao, Kang Liu and Bozhi Wu
Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 3101; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12123101 - 7 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1694
Abstract
A heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the soil and the root interactions of crops coexist in agroecosystems. A ‘root splitting’ approach, i.e., splitting the root system into different nutrient compartments, was used to study nutrient heterogeneity distributions and root interactions. We evaluated root [...] Read more.
A heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the soil and the root interactions of crops coexist in agroecosystems. A ‘root splitting’ approach, i.e., splitting the root system into different nutrient compartments, was used to study nutrient heterogeneity distributions and root interactions. We evaluated root foraging behavior, individual growth, and root development mechanisms in response to soil nitrogen heterogeneity, and intraspecific competition in maize. A heterogeneous distribution of nitrogen increased the foraging precision of roots at flowering and mature stages (Foraging precision > 1), and significantly increased root biomass and surface area on the intraspecific competition and no competition on the high nitrogen side. The heterogeneous distribution had no effect on yield, total root biomass, specific root length, total surface area, or average diameter. Intraspecific competition increased inter-crop competition (RII < 0) and reduced total root biomass, total plant biomass, and the root/shoot ratio. These results inform root trait development studies and provide valid evidence for optimizing and managing fertilizer application in agroecosystems, helping to maximize crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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23 pages, 3714 KiB  
Article
Management Effects on the Performance of Double Cropping Systems—Results from a Multi-Site Experiment
by Fruzsina Schmidt, Herwart Böhm, Hans-Peter Piepho, Peer Urbatzka, Michael Wachendorf and Rüdiger Graß
Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092104 - 4 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1578
Abstract
Traditional (silage) maize production often has negative side-effects related to unprotected soil surface. There are several possibilities to enhance system sustainability through reducing soil disturbance. However, implementation may be hindered due to reduced nitrogen availability and increased weed infestation, especially in organic agriculture. [...] Read more.
Traditional (silage) maize production often has negative side-effects related to unprotected soil surface. There are several possibilities to enhance system sustainability through reducing soil disturbance. However, implementation may be hindered due to reduced nitrogen availability and increased weed infestation, especially in organic agriculture. A field experiment to evaluate yield potential of 18 silage maize cropping systems under organic management was conducted at three distinct locations. Examined parameters were first crop, maize and total harvested dry matter yield (DMY), and maize dry matter content (DMC). Treatment factors included first crop (FC—winter pea, hairy vetch, and their mixtures with rye, control (SCS), management—incorporating FC use and tillage (double cropping system no-till (DCS NT), double cropping system reduced till (DCS RT), double cropped, mulched system terminated with roller-crimper (DCMS Roll), SCS control), fertilization, mechanical weed control—and row width (75 cm, 50 cm). A high variation among environments occurred, but similar patterns manifested across locations: Number of crops in the rotation had a high influence, followed by management and FC. Row width had only marginal and inconsistent effect. FC mixtures generally yielded higher than pure legumes. Maize DMY in DCS, DCMS was lower than or comparable to SCS. Maize DMC were environment-specifically below acceptable range, especially under DCMS. Total harvested DMY in DCS were similar to or greater than SCS. Results suggest differences from the optimization of farming operations for one (SCS) or two crops (DCS, DCMS) with strong effects at early maize development and on the length of season. FC use and tillage factors possibly altered the soil water, temperature, and mineralization dynamics, resulting in modified maize growth. DCS RT and DCMS Pure performed with the best maize yields, improved soil protection, and tillage reduction in the silage maize part of the rotation under organic management. However, alternative management systems, especially under DCS NT and DCMS (Mix) with studied maize maturity classes are less suited, particularly in cool and wet spring conditions, because of a potentially slower development of FC, a later establishment of maize plants and therefore, a shorter growing season for the maize crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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10 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Chemical Characteristics of Two-Phase Olive-Mill Waste and Evaluation of Their Direct Soil Application in Humid Mediterranean Regions
by Maja Podgornik, Milena Bučar-Miklavčič, Alenka Levart, Janez Salobir, Vida Rezar and Bojan Butinar
Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071621 - 5 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1763
Abstract
Over the last decade, the two-phase centrifugation system for olive-oil extraction has become dominant in Slovenia. There are many suggestions for the exploitation of two-phase OMW, but among the suggested methods, direct spreading on agricultural land appears to be operationally simple and economically [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, the two-phase centrifugation system for olive-oil extraction has become dominant in Slovenia. There are many suggestions for the exploitation of two-phase OMW, but among the suggested methods, direct spreading on agricultural land appears to be operationally simple and economically feasible for Slovenia. As there is little information available about two-phase OMW produced in the northern Mediterranean regions, the aim was to determine its composition and evaluate its use as a soil amendment in olive groves. This study shows that the characteristics of two-phase olive-mill waste produced in northern Mediterranean regions are similar to those of other countries. In addition, the calcareous characteristics of the Mediterranean soil can reduce its phytotoxic effects and might thus represent a natural system for olive-mill waste treatment. Phenolic compounds in the two-phase olive-mill waste are rapidly decomposed, and the soil has a high buffering capacity. Furthermore, the results of the soil analysis also showed some effects on the soil properties, such as a significant increase in K2O and soil organic carbon. The combined application of two-phase olive-mill waste and mineral fertilizer to olive groves on eutric cambisols has positive effects on the physical, chemical and biochemical properties of the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Pathways for Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Agricultural Production and for Improving Food Security)
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