Diversified Cropping Systems: Current Research and Future Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit a scientific article to our upcoming Special Issue on “Diversified Cropping Systems: Current Research and Future Perspectives”. Your expertise in agricultural sciences and sustainable production systems would be an invaluable contribution to this edition, which aims to highlight innovative research shaping the future of diversified farming strategies.

Context and Background of the Theme

Diversified cropping systems have gained prominence as a pathway toward more resilient, productive, and sustainable agriculture. Over the past decades, challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing food demand have highlighted the limitations of conventional monoculture systems. In response, diversified systems—including intercropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, and integrated crop–livestock systems—have emerged as viable solutions to enhance ecological stability, resource-use efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Diversified cropping systems have become increasingly relevant in addressing global agricultural challenges such as climate variability, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and the need for low-carbon food production. These systems play a critical role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, diversified cropping systems also provide a strong strategic foundation for the efficient use of bioinputs—including biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides—which have emerged as powerful tools to strengthen diversification strategies. Their integration supports ecological intensification, enhances soil biological activity, reduces dependence on synthetic inputs, and increases the resilience of diversified systems, aligning productivity goals with sustainability objectives.

Objective and Scope of the Special Issue

The primary objective of this Special Issue is to consolidate scientific advances and practical innovations that expand the understanding of diversified cropping systems and their contribution to sustainable agriculture. We aim to explore how diversified practices, combined with the strategic integration of bioinputs, can improve ecosystem functionality, agricultural productivity, farmer profitability, and environmental sustainability. This edition also seeks to highlight research that directly or indirectly contributes to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly those related to food security, sustainable production, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. Research exploring future perspectives, technological innovations, and transition pathways toward more sustainable and diversified agricultural models are especially encouraged.

Cutting-Edge Research

We welcome submissions that present novel insights, innovative methodologies, and high-impact findings related to diversified cropping systems. Studies using advanced modeling, remote sensing, ecological indicators, soil microbiome analytics, big data tools, or socioeconomic assessments are particularly appreciated. Research that introduces disruptive concepts in diversified cropping systems—including integrated practices and innovative strategies—or challenges established paradigms is highly valued for this edition.

Type of Articles We Are Seeking

We invite a broad range of contributions, including the following:

Original research articles presenting new empirical, experimental, or modeling results; review articles offering comprehensive analyses of key themes, emerging trends, or technological advances; case studies demonstrating the practical implementation and outcomes of diversified cropping systems in real-world scenarios; perspectives or opinion pieces discussing future challenges, opportunities, and strategic directions for diversified agriculture.

If you are interested in contributing, please confirm your participation and submit an abstract (300–500 words) and full manuscript by 10 August 2026. Detailed submission guidelines will be shared upon confirmation.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contribution and sincerely hope you will join us in advancing scientific knowledge on diversified cropping systems. For any questions, please contact us at [andee.ge@mdpi.com].

Dr. Fabio Luiz Checchio Mingotte
Dr. Fernando Shintate Galindo
Dr. Anderson Prates Coelho
Dr. Aguinaldo José Freitas Leal
Dr. Rilner Alves Flores
Dr. Flávio Hiroshi Kaneko
Prof. Dr. Romulo Lollato
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Crops 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 1200 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.

• diversified cropping systems
• low-carbon agriculture
• cropping systems
• integrated crop-livestock systems
• crop succession
• environmental resilience
• global agricultural challenges
• climate change
• sustainability