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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (24 February 2025) | Viewed by 6548

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Henrietta Moore

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Guest Editor

Institute for Global Prosperity, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Interests: prosperity; social anthropology; new economic models; equality and wellbeing; sustainability

Prof. Dr. Jacqueline McGlade

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Guest Editor

Institute for Global Prosperity, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Interests: natural prosperity; sustainable development; knowledge systems; climate change; food-biodiversity systems; the circular bio-economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

(1) Introduction, including scientific background and highlighting the importance of this research area.

This Special Issue, entitled “Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems”, draws on current interdisciplinary research, focusing on the exploration and application of regenerative agricultural practices and tackling contentious issues such as carbon farming, livestock emissions, systems of rice intensification, and conservation grazing. It recognises the critical importance of moving away from extractivist practices towards holistic approaches that prioritise the health of ecosystems and communities alike. This Special Issue foregrounds indigenous knowledge systems, emphasising the interconnections between food, agricultural sustainability, and the wellbeing of people and planet.

In the face of escalating environmental degradation and the climate crisis, there is a growing acknowledgment of the imperative to transform agricultural practices and food systems via pathways for transitioning towards more sustainable, resilient agri-food systems. By safeguarding soil health and biodiversity, sustainable regenerative agriculture can mitigate environmental risks, offer secure livelihoods for small-scale farmers, strengthen local and global food systems, and address food injustice by challenging inequitable power dynamics within the food supply chain and fostering food sovereignty, which is essential for driving equitable and just agri-food transitions. Interrogating these components holistically through a decolonial lens, we gain insights into the complexities and intersections within environmental challenges, rooted in colonial histories and perpetuated by contemporary economic structures.

(2) Aim of the Special Issue and how the subject relates to the journal scope.

The Special Issue aims to explore pathways towards sustainable development in agricultural systems. It aligns closely with the journal’s interdisciplinary scope by delving into the complexities of sustainable agriculture, and shedding light on innovative strategies and trends that can contribute to the advancement of more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural systems.

(3) Suggest themes:

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Carbon farming and prosperity, systems of rice intensification, livestock and conservation grazing, integration of native agroforestry and agriculture, agroecosystems, soil health and the microbiome, just transitions in the agri-food system, ecosystem services and green finance for agricultural sustainability, decoloniality, indigenous knowledge systems, agrarian extractivism, livelihood security, and food sovereignty.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Henrietta Moore
Prof. Dr. Jacqueline McGlade
Guest Editors

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Keywords

agroecology and native vegetation
agroforestry
regenerative agriculture
carbon sequestration
livelihood security
agricultural and environmental sustainability
soil health
decolonisation
agri-food systems

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture in the Southwest United Kingdom

by James Andrew Jackson, Rick Stafford, Marin Cvitanović and Elena Cantarello

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3798; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093798 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 243

Abstract

Climate change will create significant challenges to agriculture. The effects on livestock productivity and crop production are highly dependent on weather conditions with consequences for food security. If agriculture is to remain a viable industry and to maintain future food security, the adaptations and the ideal timeframes for their implementation to mitigate against climate change impacts will be essential knowledge. This study aims to show how farms will be affected and will need to adapt to climate change, based on a holistic examination of the entire farming process. A modified Bayesian belief network (BBN) was used to investigate climate change impacts on livestock, crops, soil, water use, disease, and pesticide use through the use of 48 indicators (comprising climate, agricultural, and environmental). The seasonal impact of climate change on all aspects of farming was investigated for three different climate forcing scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) for four timeframes (2030, 2050, 2080, and 2099). The results suggest that heat stress and disease in both livestock and crops will require adaptations (e.g., shelter infrastructure being built, new crops, or cultivators grown). Pest intensity is expected to rise, leading to increased pesticide use and greater damage to crops and livestock. Higher temperatures will likely cause increased drought and irrigation needs, while increasing rain intensity might lead to winter flooding. Soil quality maintenance will rely increasingly on fertilisers, with significant decreases in quality if unsustainable. Crop yield will be dependent on new crops or cultivators that can cope with a changing climate being successful and market access; failure to do so could lead to substantial decrease, in food security. Impacts are more significant from 2080 onwards, with the severity of impacts dependent on season. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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41 pages, 3056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Cost, Time and Quality in Modern Agriculture

by Aylin Erdoğdu, Faruk Dayi, Ferah Yildiz, Ahmet Yanik and Farshad Ganji

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072829 - 22 Mar 2025

Viewed by 619

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach to managing the cost–time–quality trade-off in modern agriculture by integrating fuzzy logic with a genetic algorithm. Agriculture faces significant challenges due to climate variability, economic constraints, and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. These challenges are compounded by uncertainties and risks inherent in agricultural processes, such as fluctuating yields, unpredictable costs, and inconsistent quality. The proposed model uses a fuzzy multi-objective optimization framework to address these uncertainties, incorporating expert opinions through the alpha-cut technique. By adjusting the level of uncertainty (represented by alpha values ranging from 0 to 1), the model can shift from pessimistic to optimistic scenarios, enabling strategic decision making. The genetic algorithm improves computational efficiency, making the model scalable for large agricultural projects. A case study was conducted to optimize resource allocation for rice cultivation in Asia, barley in Europe, wheat globally, and corn in the Americas, using data from 2003 to 2025. Key datasets, including the USDA Feed Grains Database and the Global Yield Gap Atlas, provided comprehensive insights into costs, yields, and quality across regions. The results demonstrate that the model effectively balances competing objectives while accounting for risks and opportunities. Under high uncertainty (α = 0\alpha = 0α = 0), the model focuses on risk mitigation, reflecting the impact of adverse climate conditions and market volatility. On the other hand, under more stable conditions and lower market volatility conditions (α = 1\alpha = 1α = 1), the solutions prioritize efficiency and sustainability. The genetic algorithm’s rapid convergence ensures that complex problems can be solved in minutes. This research highlights the potential of combining fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms to transform modern agriculture. By addressing uncertainties and optimizing key parameters, this approach paves the way for sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural systems, contributing to global food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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21 pages, 2295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Coupling and Harmonization of Agricultural Economy, Population Development, and Ecological Environment in the Yangtze River Basin

by Pengling Liu, Caozhe Wang, Xinyi Xie and Tongwei Lu

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052209 - 3 Mar 2025

Viewed by 706

Abstract

Achieving green, low-carbon, and sustainable development in the Yangtze River Basin is an important part of promoting the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Based on the panel data of 19 provinces in the Yangtze River Basin from 2002 to 2022, this article constructed a comprehensive evaluation system for the agricultural economy–population development–ecological environment system. By using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method and the coupling coordination degree model, the comprehensive development level and the coupling coordination status of the agricultural economy, population development, and ecological environment system in the Yangtze River Basin were quantitatively analyzed. The results show the following: (1) The comprehensive index of the agricultural economy–population development–ecological environment system in the Yangtze River Basin shows a fluctuating upward trend, with obvious regional differences, and the comprehensive level showed a trend of gradual improvement from west to east. (2) The coupling degree of the agricultural economy–population development–ecological environment system in the Yangtze River Basin exhibits a volatile characteristic, initially increasing, then decreasing, and subsequently increasing again. Overall, the trend is moving toward a tighter coupling state. (3) The coupling degree of the agricultural economy–population development–ecological environment system in the provinces of the Yangtze River Basin shows a steadily increasing trend, yet the overall coupling coordination degree is not high and remains in a barely coordinated state. Accordingly, suggestions are put forward to optimize the economic structure, improve the population quality, adhere to ecological protection, and accelerate regional linkage so as to promote the coordinated development of economic development, population growth, and ecological protection in the basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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19 pages, 2770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Absorption Potential of Abandoned Rice Paddy Fields in Korea

by Chang-Seok Lee, Bong-Soon Lim and Ji-Eun Seok

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052054 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 585

Abstract

Over time, the vegetation of abandoned rice paddy fields is succeeded by communities of willow (Salix pierotii Miq.). This study was carried out to confirm the potential for future carbon farming by evaluating the carbon absorption capacity of willow communities restored passively in abandoned rice paddy fields. The net primary productivity (NPP) of willow communities established in abandoned rice paddy fields in three areas of central Korea (Cheongju, Andong, and Buyeo) was determined. The NPP was obtained by combining the diameter growth of willow individuals and the density of willow stands, yielding 24.36, 19.74, and 38.69 tons·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹, respectively, and the average NPP of the three sites was 27.62 tons·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. The carbon-based NPP calculated from the average NPP at the three sites was 13.81 tons·C·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹, and the amount of heterotrophic respiration, which is the respiration of microorganisms and animals in the soil, measured in abandoned rice paddy fields in Cheongju was 5.25 tons·C·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. As a result, the net ecosystem production (NEP) of the willow communities established in the abandoned rice paddy fields was calculated as 8.56 tons·C·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹. By substituting this NEP value into the area of abandoned rice paddy fields so far, the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of abandoned rice paddy fields was estimated to exceed 19 million·tons·yr⁻¹. This amount is high enough to account for 77% of the total forecasted carbon absorption capacity in 2050, which is the year Korea aims to achieve carbon neutrality. In this regard, carbon farming using abandoned rice paddy fields is evaluated as a promising project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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41 pages, 3067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural Land, Sustainable Food and Crop Productivity: An Empirical Analysis on Environmental Sustainability as a Moderator from the Economy of China

by Fahmida Laghari, Farhan Ahmed, Babar Ansari and Paulo Jorge Silveira Ferreira

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051980 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 682

Abstract

The availability of agricultural land is central to stimulating reserves in sustainable food and crop production amidst accelerating economic sustainability and growth. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the influence of agricultural land (AGL) on food production (FP) and crop production (CP) with the linkage of environmental sustainability (ES) as a moderator from 1990 to 2021 for the economy of China with the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing estimation model. Our findings showed that the ARDL model estimates the long-term and short-term joint matching relationships between agricultural land and the independent variables in the model, which is a statistically significant outcome. Therefore, in the long term, the food and crop production adjustment for speed to steadiness was huge as it was projected at 1.337%, 53.6%, 133.5%, and 37.4%, respectively, in all the models, which shows that the adjustment for speed of models is a good post-shock association process. We found evidence for a significant and positive relationship between agricultural land and food and crop production in ordinary least square (OLS) estimation, which also ensured the outcomes of the primary model. Furthermore, Toda–Yamamoto Granger causality test estimation found reverse causality between food production (FP) and crop production (CP) and showed evidence of the conservation hypothesis. We found bidirectional causality between food production and agricultural land and between crop production and agricultural land, which shows evidence of the feedback hypothesis. Additionally, the empirical findings of a robustness check with fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) techniques showed consistency with the investigations of ARDL estimation in the long run, ensuring the validity and strength of the primary outcomes. Overall, the present paper brings fresh knowledge about agricultural land use, and food and crop production to promote environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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20 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Integrated Framework to Assess the Impact of Social Farming on Sustainability and Rural Development: A Case Study in Lazio

by Francesco Basset, Francesca Giarè, Saverio Senni and Barbara Soriano

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041715 - 18 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 694

Abstract

The importance of social farming (SF) is known in the literature, yet there is a lack of suitable tools for evaluating and monitoring these practices. Moreover, there is also a lack of data and information about the outcomes of the experiences and the impact they have on various stakeholders. Consequently, it is difficult to understand the extent to which SF can contribute to the achievement of sustainability and rural development goals. This study proposes an integrated framework to evaluate social farming practices, combining different methodologies such as SWOT analysis, Business Model Canvas (BMC), Social Return on Investment (SROI), and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The research evaluated a regional initiative in Lazio Region (Italy), aimed at the socio-occupational integration of disadvantaged individuals through SF networks. Data collection involved 127 stakeholders through interviews and focus groups. Through the integration of SWOT analysis and BMC, the strong influence of the local contexts and project leaders on the impacts of SF is shown. In addition, the integration of AHP with SROI highlights how to address the limitations in quantifying social, economic, and environmental benefits, thus improving the accuracy of impact assessments. Finally, the results underline the need for policies that ensure the continuity and scalability of SF projects, highlighting the central role of the farm in sustainable socio-occupational inclusion. The study contributes to the advancement of SF evaluation methodologies and informs future policy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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19 pages, 478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harvesting Underdevelopment: Exploring the Water–Food Nexus in Brazilian Municipalities

by Mateus Henrique Amaral, Lira Luz Benites Lazaro, Rosie Day and Leandro Luiz Giatti

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031081 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1065

Abstract

Efforts to promote human development through agriculture highlight issues that require balanced approaches, considering socio-environmental factors, including equitable water allocation in regions with significant inequalities. This study aims to assess human development disparities across Brazilian regions, particularly in municipalities with high water consumption for irrigation in agriculture and livestock watering. Using public data from 2007 and 2016, a total of 300 municipalities were selected each year for analysis based on water use types. The study compared groups using the Firjan Index of Municipal Development (FIMD) as a measure of human development, employing the Kruskal–Wallis test with a 95% confidence level. We found statistically significant differences in FIMD distribution across all of the groups studied. We also verified that a set of municipalities in the Southeast did not experience significant advancements in development between 2007 and 2016, despite having high water allocations for livestock watering. Additionally, intense water use for irrigation was insufficient to elevate less advantaged regions, such as the Northeast, where half of the municipalities were classified with moderately low values in both years. The challenges in this water–food nexus study highlight the need for more integrated policies to ensure greater justice in human development and in the distribution of natural resource exploitation for agribusiness income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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Review

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31 pages, 4028 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Green Infrastructure into Sustainable Agriculture to Enhance Soil Health, Biodiversity, and Microclimate Resilience

by Matthew Chidozie Ogwu and Enoch Akwasi Kosoe

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093838 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 618

Abstract

While green infrastructure (GI) offers numerous benefits, its implementation in low-resource settings remains constrained by limited policy support and upfront costs, highlighting the need for context-sensitive strategies. This paper highlights the value of integrating GI within sustainable agricultural systems and the effectiveness of various GI techniques in improving soil microbial communities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to sustainable agricultural systems requires innovative strategies that balance productivity, environmental conservation, and resilience to climate change. Sustainable agriculture increasingly leverages technological innovations in GI to enhance productivity, biodiversity, and microclimate resilience. Green infrastructure has found direct application in agroforestry, conservation buffers, precision agriculture, soil health monitoring systems, and nature-based solutions such as regenerative soil management. These applications are crucial in enhancing soil health, water retention, and biodiversity, while mitigating microclimatic impacts. Precision agriculture tools, like IoT sensors, drones, and AI-driven analytics, allow farmers to optimize water, nutrient, and pesticide use, boosting yields and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Simultaneously, advanced soil health monitoring technologies track soil moisture, nutrients, and biological activity in real time, informing practices that maintain long-term soil fertility and carbon sequestration. This integrated approach yields practical on-farm benefits, such as higher crop stability during droughts and enhanced habitats for beneficial species. In conclusion, there is a need for supportive frameworks, like subsidies for GI adoption, application of precision tools, incentives for improving soil microclimate, development of innovative GI programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, to encourage farmer adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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Other

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19 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Mitigating Enteric Methane Emissions: An Analysis of Emerging Media Frames and Consumer Narrative Tensions on Natural Solutions and Techno-Fixes

by Louise Manning, Adele Wylie and Michael K. Goodman

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4406; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104406 - 13 May 2025

Viewed by 144

Abstract

Reducing enteric methane production from ruminant livestock has been positioned as a key intervention to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Bovaer©, a feed additive purported to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows by nearly a third, has received regulatory authorization in many countries. However, there is a dearth of evidence on the consumer’s response to the use of such products. In the three weeks after 27 November 2024, there was a significant increase in media communications associated with the use of Bovaer© in Europe, and especially the United Kingdom (UK). This structured review of academic and gray literature and an iterative non-systematic survey of media discourse online explored and characterized the narratives that emerged in this three-week period of intense activity in both social media and mainstream media communications in order to critique the narratives and grammars within the public response and the implications for policymakers, industry and academia. The main narrative that emerged reflected the science-consumer tensions associated with the use of Bovaer© and the four sub-narratives shaping it (mainstream media influence and narrative framing, distrust in science and lack of relatability, conspiracy theories and fear-based narratives, consumer buycotts and market responses). Organizations adopting technological solutions to address ‘wicked’ societal problems need to understand the factors that trigger, amplify and attenuate social concern as expressed in mainstream and social media and need to adopt appropriate communication and dissemination activities to reduce the circulation of mis-dis-mal-information and promote information that is appropriate for multiple audiences and levels of understanding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Agricultural Systems)

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