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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: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 4452

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Dr. Viktor Brygadyrenko

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Department of Zoology and Ecology, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Nauky Avenue 72, 49045 Dnipro, Ukraine
Interests: Coleoptera; litter invertebrate community; agricultural pests; parasitic nematodes; food additives; industrial pollutants; sustainable agriculture; ecology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable agricultural production includes both intensive and extensive methods of producing crop and livestock products with minimal impact on the environment. The biological and landscape diversity of agricultural areas requires careful study, monitoring and modeling. We encourage authors to demonstrate specific ways to optimize agricultural production in their articles to minimize its impact on the environment. The virtually infinite variety of methods for producing tens of thousands of types of agricultural products (plants, microorganisms and animals with the widespread introduction of modern biotechnology methods, remote sensing methods, artificial intelligence systems, etc.) makes it possible to implement new methods for optimizing the interaction between man and nature in specific climatic, hydrological, soil and plant conditions. There is probably no general (universal) method for optimizing the cultivation of agricultural products. As long as humanity exists, new methods of environmentally oriented agricultural production will continue to develop.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to demonstrate the possibility of optimizing already well-known agricultural production processes, taking into account their minimal impact on the biological diversity of the planet or local biodiversity in a particular area. The editorial board of the journal hopes to attract authors to this Special Issue who will try to look at organisms that have already been well studied and adapted to agricultural production from a slightly different angle: (1) from the point of view of minimizing the impact of technological processes on these living organisms and (2) from the point of view of minimizing the negative impact of agricultural production on living organisms and landscapes in the surrounding areas.

Dr. Viktor Brygadyrenko
Guest Editor

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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

sustainable agriculture
global climate change
extensive methods of agricultural production
biotechnology in animal husbandry
microorganisms in agriculture
local biodiversity
agricultural production and landscape diversity
sustainability of biological communities
taxonomic diversity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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16 pages, 1319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships Between Chemical Properties, Color Parameters, and Image Features of New Clones of Apples (Malus domestica L.) from Ecological Cultivation

by Ewa Ropelewska, Niall J. Dickinson, Paweł Bielicki, Marcin Pąśko and Mariusz Lewandowski

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4317; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104317 - 9 May 2025

Viewed by 310

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the relationships between the selected quality properties of four new apple clones: ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Melfree’, ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Ariwa’, ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Rajka’, and ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Rubinola’. Significant differences between the selected clones in terms of quality properties were revealed. For example, the ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Ariwa’ clone had the highest total sugar content (132.7 g kg⁻¹) and total polyphenol content (TPC) (260.7 mg 100 g⁻¹ GAE), while ‘Free Redstar’ × ‘Rajka’ was characterized by the highest total acid level of 739.0 mg 100 g⁻¹ and the lowest a* value of −0.62, which were significantly different from all other clones. Correlations between image textures and chemical and color characteristics were observed. Among the sugars, sucrose showed the strongest positive correlation with the selected texture parameters of images in color channel Y, obtaining a Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of 0.946, while sorbitol had the strongest negative correlation (R = −0.946) with the selected texture of images in color channel b. In terms of acids, the Pearson correlation coefficient was up to 0.953 for the relationship between the content of citric acid and the selected texture of images in color channel G, and for TPC, the value of Pearson’s correlation coefficient reached 0.921 for the selected texture feature of images in color channel X. Regarding color parameters, the correlations were also strong, reaching 0.945 between parameter a* and the selected texture of the images in color channel a. These findings provide insights into the potential use of image texture analysis in combination with chemical profiling for evaluating apple quality and clone differentiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholders’ Preferences for Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Mediterranean Cereal Cropping Systems

by Javier Calatrava, Jorge Álvaro-Fuentes, David Martínez-Granados, Samuel Franco-Luesma and María Dolores Gómez-López

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4219; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094219 - 7 May 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

This study assesses local stakeholders’ perceptions regarding how a Mediterranean cereal-based cropping system could transition to a more sustainable production, focusing on the identification of the most suitable alternatives for their diversification. Fifty-four stakeholders from the Aragon region in Spain, including farmers, technical advisors, public agricultural officers, local researchers, and experts from environmental NGOs, were consulted. Their responses were analysed using multi-criteria decision-making techniques to order their preferences for different farming practices and diversification strategies. Stakeholders’ responses suggest a priority for balancing soil conservation with the economic viability and continuity of farms. This is evident not only in its consideration as a priority objective but also in their preferences for farming practices, where their implications for farm profitability, especially through the choice of less costly alternatives, are a main concern. This economic rationale also influences their choice of crop diversification alternatives, with a preference for short (two-year) rotations in rainfed cereals and double cropping in irrigated cereals, showing a consideration of the balance between environmental and economic sustainability, and for diversification crops that farmers are already familiar with, aiming both to reduce the uncertainties linked to new crops and to minimise the need for technical support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomass Modeling in European Beech and Norway Spruce Plantations: An Opportunity to Enhance the Carbon Market and Climate Sustainability

by Bohdan Konôpka, Jozef Pajtík and Vladimír Šebeň

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4198; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094198 - 6 May 2025

Viewed by 314

Abstract

This study examines the differences in growth patterns, biomass accumulation, and carbon storage between planted European beech and Norway spruce in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia. Two approaches were used to analyze young forest trees and stands: destructive tree sampling and repetitive tree measurements. Biomass modeling was conducted for individual tree components and entire trees, demonstrating that stem diameter and height were strong predictors of biomass. Notably, beeches exhibited greater tree biomass than spruces when analyzed at the same stem diameter, whereas the opposite trend was observed when tree height was used as the predictor. At the stand level, biomass modeling incorporated the mean diameter, mean height, or stand age. Two primary tree components were analyzed: woody parts, which store carbon long term, and foliage, which stores carbon for shorter periods. Stand age emerged as the most reliable predictor, providing real-time estimates of biomass and carbon storage. At a maximum modeled stand age of 12 years, beech biomass stock was 18 Mg ha⁻¹, compared to 58 Mg ha⁻¹ for spruce (uniform tree spacing of 2.0 × 2.0 m for both species was considered). Correspondingly, carbon storage values were 9 Mg ha⁻¹ for beech and 29 Mg ha⁻¹ for spruce, demonstrating a threefold difference in favor of spruce. The study also examined the biomass transition to necromass, specifically foliage litter loss. Over 12 years, spruce stands shed 10.3 Mg ha⁻¹ of needle litter, while beech stands lost 5.4 Mg ha⁻¹. A 12-year-old beech stand fixed-carbon (necromass in form of foliage litter was not included) equivalent to about 30 Mg CO₂ per ha, while a spruce stand of the same age fixed nearly 107 Mg CO₂ per ha. The carbon storage in live trees translates into financial values about EUR 2000 per ha for beech and over EUR 7000 per ha for spruce, highlighting an economic advantage for spruce in carbon sequestration markets as part of climate sustainability efforts. However, in practice, these differences could be partly reduced through denser (more than double) planting of beech compared to spruce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 1617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Appraisal of the Constraints, Opportunities, and Farmers’ Needs and Preferences of Oil Palm for Sustainable Production and Improvement in Tanzania

by Masoud Salehe Sultan, Hussein Shimelis, Filson Mbezi Kagimbo and Emmanuel Justin Mrema

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083546 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 757

Abstract

Oil palm is one of the primary vegetable oil sources worldwide, including in Tanzania. Tanzania’s mean palm oil yield is 1.6 tons per hectare, far below the 6 to 8 tons per hectare reported elsewhere. This low oil yield is attributable to underdeveloped, unsustainable oil palm production systems and improvements, several biotic and abiotic stresses, and socio-economic and policy challenges that have yet to be systematically documented to guide large-scale production, breeding, and research support. The objectives of this study were to appraise oil palm production and improvement in Tanzania, focusing on constraints, opportunities, and farmers’ major preferences. A participatory rural appraisal study was conducted in Kigoma Region, in three selected districts. Data were collected from 392 oil palm farmers using semi-structured questionnaires and 54 focus group discussants. Data were subjected to statistical analyses to discern the variables and their significant associations using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Inc., 2020). About 98.5% of the participant farmers engage in oil palm production. Most respondent farmers predominantly cultivate the Dura oil palm type (97.4%), followed by Tenera (50%). The farmers’ major reported oil palm production constraints were an inadequate supply of improved planting materials (reported by 82.7% of respondents), poor access to credit (72.4%), a high cost of production inputs (59.4%), poor market access (56.4%), insect pests and diseases (53.6), and poor production technologies (45.4%). A chi-square analysis of farmers’ production constraints revealed that the unavailability of labor (X² = 41.181; p = 0.000); limited extension services (X² = 29.074; p = 0.000); and diseases and pests (X² = 19.582; p = 0.000) differed significantly across the study area. Additionally, the lack of fertilizers (X² = 14.218; p = 0.001); inappropriate technology and knowledge gaps (X² = 10.529; p = 0.005); and poor market access (X² = 6.621; p = 0.036) differed significantly across districts. A high oil yield (reported by 58.7% of the respondents), a high number of bunches per plant (40.5%), early maturity (37.2%), and tolerance to droughts (23%) and diseases and insect pests (18.9%) were the most preferred traits by farmers in oil palm varieties. Therefore, integrative and sustainable breeding oil palm for enhanced yields and farmers’ preferred traits will increase the adoption of newly improved varieties for local palm oil production, import substitution, and economic development in Tanzania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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13 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seed Dormancy and Germination Potential of Coastal Rice Landraces in Bangladesh: Implications for Climate-Resilient Cultivation

by Sara Yeasmin Bristy, Sharaban Tahura, Md. Rashed Khan, Anirban Ghosh, Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Shamim Mia and Keiji Jindo

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020625 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1393

Abstract

The coastal regions of Bangladesh host a rich diversity of Aman rice landraces, which are crucial for local agriculture but are highly vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones and floods. Specifically, local landraces often experience flooding during grain filling and maturation stages, and sprouts in the field lead to a severe loss of yield. Seed dormancy, which delays germination, is a key trait for escaping sprouting in the field during harvesting. However, there is lack of information on genetic variability in the existing rice landraces grown in the coastal area of Bangladesh. This study evaluated the seed dormancy of 28 local Aman rice landraces, plus four varieties from the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Germination tests were conducted under controlled conditions, and an electrical conductivity (EC) test was used to assess seed vigor. The results showed that Bari Mota, Tulsimala, Chinigura, Dishari, and Birindi exhibited the highest dormancy rates, i.e., 100%, 100%, 99%, 99%, and 99%, respectively, while BINA Dhan 10, Nona Bokra, and BINA Dhan 8 had the lowest dormancy rates, with values of 11%, 16%, and 24%, respectively. Priming treatments enhanced germination rates in some varieties; however, others, such as Bari Mota and Tulsimala, remained dormant, underscoring the variability in seed dormancy levels. Compared to non-priming, a significant improvement of germination was recorded in BRRI dhan 41 (85.3% vs. 9%), Motha mota (84% vs. 8%), Lal chikon (74.6% vs. 1%), Sadamota (74.6% vs. 5%), and Bashful (53.3% vs. 3%). Altogether, our results suggest that local landraces are diverse in seed dormancy, and genotypes with high dormancy, such as Bari Mota and Tulsimala, can potentially be grown in the disaster-prone coastal areas. In contrast, these genotypes can be used for future breeding programs. Therefore, this study carries significant implications for rice cultivation in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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23 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Land Use Impacts of Soybean Production: Systematic Review and Analysis

by Rahela Lucić, Mariana Raposo, Alina Chervinska, Tiago Domingos and Ricardo F. M. Teixeira

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083396 - 11 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 876

Abstract

Soybean is a major vegetable protein crop often considered to be a sustainable alternative to animal products. Assessments of soybean sustainability often resort to Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), which are difficult to compare due to methodological inconsistencies. This study carried out an innovative method for harmonized comparisons of soybean production between farms assessed in different studies. Rather than collecting LCA results, we collected Life Cycle Inventories (LCIs) and then calculated the global warming potential (GWP) and land use impacts of each farm. For this, we carried out a systematic review following the PRISMA methodology to collect LCI data from 19 studies representing 126 farms in six countries. A comparable analysis of the farms showed a higher variability in GWP (0.27–1.53 kg CO₂e/kg of soybean) than previous reviews, but within a range similar to the results of original studies. As the same LCA method and data were used for all cases, this range can be explained by differences between production systems and locations, with a minimum contribution from methodological variability. Farms in Iran and the United States exhibited the highest emissions, primarily driven by synthetic fertilizer use, irrigation, and energy use. Using results from original studies, farms in Iran showed a substantially lower GWP. Farms in Brazil showed lower non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions but the highest soil biotic capacity loss due to land occupation, while Italian farms demonstrated minimal land use impacts. These findings underscore the need for region-specific mitigation strategies, despite being limited by data gaps on residue management, the global representativity of the sample of farms, and a lack of detail in fertilizer and irrigation data. There is a pressing need for more complete reporting of LCA study results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Environmental Science in Sustainable Agriculture)

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