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Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture
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Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 7116

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Marko Vinceković

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Agroecology, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: encapsulation; plant nutrition and protection; colloid chemistry; biopolymers; surfactants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled “Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture”, explores the crucial role of green technologies and biological approaches in achieving sustainable agricultural practices. It addresses the growing need for environmentally friendly solutions to enhance food production while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems. The scope encompasses a wide range of innovative technologies and biological methods, including precision agriculture, biofertilizers, biopesticides, conservation tillage, and integrated farming systems.

The purpose of this collection is to showcase cutting-edge research and advancements in green technology and biological approaches to sustainable agriculture. It aims at providing a platform for scientists, researchers, and practitioners to share their findings, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations. By highlighting the potential of these approaches, this Special Issue seeks to promote their adoption and contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. This collection builds upon existing knowledge and addresses current gaps in research, aiming at providing a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and challenges in the field, while also identifying future research directions.

Introduction: This Special Issue provides a scientific background on the principles and practices of green technology and biological approaches to sustainable agriculture. It highlights the importance of this research area in addressing global challenges related to food security, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Aim: The aim of this Special Issue is to showcase the potential of green technology and biological approaches for enhancing agricultural sustainability. It aligns with the journal's scope by focusing on innovative solutions that promote environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural practices.

Suggested Themes:

  • Precision agriculture and smart farming;
  • Biofertilizers and biopesticides for crop production;
  • Conservation tillage and soil health management;
  • Integrated farming systems and agroecology;
  • Water management and irrigation technologies;
  • Climate-smart agriculture and carbon sequestration;
  • Life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis;
  • Policy and governance for sustainable agriculture.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Marko Vinceković
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 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. 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
  • green technology
  • biological approaches
  • biofertilizers
  • biopesticides
  • precision agriculture
  • integrated farming systems
  • agroecology
  • climate-smart agriculture
  • soil health

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 7707 KB  
Article
Tomato Growth Monitoring and Phenological Analysis Using Deep Learning-Based Instance Segmentation and 3D Point Cloud Reconstruction
by Warut Timprae, Tatsuki Sagawa, Stefan Baar, Satoshi Kondo, Yoshifumi Okada, Kazuhiko Sato, Poltak Sandro Rumahorbo, Yan Lyu, Kyuki Shibuya, Yoshiki Gama, Yoshiki Hatanaka and Shinya Watanabe
Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10120; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210120 - 12 Nov 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
Accurate and nondestructive monitoring of tomato growth is essential for large-scale greenhouse production; however, it remains challenging for small-fruited cultivars such as cherry tomatoes. Traditional 2D image analysis often fails to capture precise morphological traits, limiting its usefulness in growth modeling and yield [...] Read more.
Accurate and nondestructive monitoring of tomato growth is essential for large-scale greenhouse production; however, it remains challenging for small-fruited cultivars such as cherry tomatoes. Traditional 2D image analysis often fails to capture precise morphological traits, limiting its usefulness in growth modeling and yield estimation. This study proposes an automated phenotyping framework that integrates deep learning-based instance segmentation with high-resolution 3D point cloud reconstruction and ellipsoid fitting to estimate fruit size and ripeness from daily video recordings. These techniques enable accurate camera pose estimation and dense geometric reconstruction (via SfM and MVS), while Nerfacto enhances surface continuity and photorealistic fidelity, resulting in highly precise and visually consistent 3D representations. The reconstructed models are followed by CIELAB color analysis and logistic curve fitting to characterize the growth dynamics. When applied to real greenhouse conditions, the method achieved an average size estimation error of 8.01% compared to manual caliper measurements. During summer, the maximum growth rate (gmax) of size and ripeness were 24.14%, and 95.24% higher than in winter, respectively. Seasonal analysis revealed that winter-grown tomatoes matured approximately 10 days later than summer-grown fruits, highlighting environmental influences on phenological development. By enabling precise, noninvasive tracking of size and ripeness progression, this approach is a novel tool for smart and sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)
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19 pages, 10161 KB  
Article
A Sustainable Technology Approach to Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown Under Greenhouse Condition Through Foliar Application of Various Biostimulants
by Roxana Maria Madjar, Mariana Cristiana Gheorghe and Gina Vasile Scăețeanu
Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219736 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Biostimulants play a crucial role in producing high-quality products with increased yields while also positively impacting sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting soil fertility. In this context, an experiment was developed to evaluate the influence of several commercial foliar [...] Read more.
Biostimulants play a crucial role in producing high-quality products with increased yields while also positively impacting sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting soil fertility. In this context, an experiment was developed to evaluate the influence of several commercial foliar fertilizers and biostimulants (Cropmax, FullGreen, Nutrigizer, and Rerum) on the yield and quality parameters of lettuce cultivated in a greenhouse system. The tested products have different formulations, with all containing macronutrients and microelements. Cropmax and Rerum also include amino acids, while Nutrigizer 60 2E contains humic acids. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design and comprised five treatments, with a control and four biostimulants, Cropmax, FullGreen, Nutrigizer, and Rerum, each replicated five times. Foliar treatments were applied four times to the butterhead lettuce variety ‘Analena’, suitable for spring to autumn production. All foliar treatments resulted in an increase in leaf biomass compared to that for the control variant. Notably, foliar fertilization with Rerum increased the yield by 2.19 times compared to that in the control. Quality indices—dry matter, ascorbic acid, and sugar contents—also improved after treatments. The foliar treatments also significantly enhanced key quality indices, with the Rerum variant showing the most pronounced increases in dry matter (24.11%), ascorbic acid (69.75%), and sugar content (26.38%) compared to those for the control. These results demonstrate that foliar application of biostimulants, particularly Rerum, is an effective sustainable technology strategy for significantly enhancing both the yield and nutritional quality of greenhouse-grown lettuce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)
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42 pages, 6621 KB  
Article
Integrating Rainwater Harvesting and Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Water and Energy Management in Low Rainfall Agricultural Region: A Case Study from Gönyeli, Northern Cyprus
by Youssef Kassem, Hüseyin Gökçekuş, Aşkın Kiraz and Abdalla Hamada Abdelnaby Abdelnaby
Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188508 - 22 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to assess the techno-economic feasibility of an innovative solar energy generation system with a rainwater collection feature to generate electrical energy and meet irrigation needs in agriculture. The proposed system is designed for an agricultural area [...] Read more.
The primary objective of this study is to assess the techno-economic feasibility of an innovative solar energy generation system with a rainwater collection feature to generate electrical energy and meet irrigation needs in agriculture. The proposed system is designed for an agricultural area (Gonyeli, North Cyprus) with high solar potential and limited rainfall. In the present study, global rainfall datasets are utilized to assess the potential of rainwater harvesting at the selected site. Due to the lack of the measured rainfall data at the selected site, the accuracy of rainfall of nine global reanalysis and analysis datasets (CHIRPS, CFSR, ERA5-LAND, ERA5, ERA5-AG, MERRA2, NOAA CPC CMORPH, NOAA CPC DAILY GLOBAL, and TerraClimate) are evaluated by using data from ground-based observations collected from the Meteorological Department located in Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus from 1981 to 2023. The results demonstrate that ERA5 outperformed the other datasets, yielding a high R-squared value along with a low mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the best dataset, the potential of the rainwater harvesting system is estimated by analyzing the monthly and seasonal rainfall patterns utilizing 65 different probability distribution functions for the first time. Three goodness-of-fit tests are utilized to identify the best-fit probability distribution. The results show that the Johnson and Wakeby SB distributions outperform the other models in terms of fitting accuracy. Additionally, the results indicate that the rainwater harvesting system could supply between 31% and 38% of the building’s annual irrigation water demand (204 m3/year) based on average daily rainfall and between 285% and 346% based on maximum daily rainfall. Accordingly, the system might be able to collect a lot more water than is needed for irrigation, possibly producing an excess that could be stored for non-potable uses during periods of heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed system is evaluated using RETScreen software (version 9.1, 2023). The results show that household energy needs can be met by the proposed photovoltaic system, and the excess energy is transferred to the grid. Furthermore, the cash flow indicates that the investor can expect a return on investment from the proposed PV system within 2.4 years. Consequently, the findings demonstrate the significance of this system for promoting resource sustainability and climate change adaptation. Besides, the developed system can also help reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience in areas that rely on water and electricity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)
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Review

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23 pages, 917 KB  
Review
Unpacking Water Scarcity Adaptation Strategies for Sustainable Food Production Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Moses Zakhele Sithole, Mishal Trevor Morepje and Tevin Ian Mokoena
Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310627 - 27 Nov 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
Building resilient and sustainable food production systems is a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to environmental, climatic, and economic pressures. Farmers in the region must adopt effective adaptation strategies to maintain productivity and contribute toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development [...] Read more.
Building resilient and sustainable food production systems is a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to environmental, climatic, and economic pressures. Farmers in the region must adopt effective adaptation strategies to maintain productivity and contribute toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, “Zero Hunger.” Among these, water scarcity adaptation strategies are critical for building resilient food systems that also address poverty reduction. However, various obstacles hinder their widespread adoption, and documentation on these strategies remains fragmented. This paper examines available water scarcity adaptation strategies, the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers, and the policy and infrastructure implications for sustainable food production. The findings highlight the essential role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in adopting these strategies. IKS supports natural resource conservation, promotes inclusive market participation, strengthens institutional frameworks, and improves resource-use efficiency under climate stress. The paper recommends further research on transferring Indigenous Knowledge to future generations and exploring the role of policy in preserving and promoting IKS, especially within the SSA context. Emphasizing Indigenous Knowledge is crucial for creating sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that can thrive amid the region’s growing environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)
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Other

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25 pages, 877 KB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review of Integrating Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Transitions: Ecuador, a Country with Agroecological Potential
by William Viera-Arroyo, Liliane Binego, Francis Ryans, Duther López, Martín Moya, Lya Vera and Carlos Caicedo
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6053; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136053 - 2 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2265
Abstract
Agroecology has traditionally been implemented using conventional methods. However, the integration of precision equipment, advanced methodologies, and digital technologies (DT) is now essential for transitioning to a more modern and efficient approach. While agroecological principles remain fundamental for planning and managing sustainable food [...] Read more.
Agroecology has traditionally been implemented using conventional methods. However, the integration of precision equipment, advanced methodologies, and digital technologies (DT) is now essential for transitioning to a more modern and efficient approach. While agroecological principles remain fundamental for planning and managing sustainable food systems by optimizing natural resources, technological tools can significantly support their implementation and adoption by farmers. This transition, however, must also consider socioeconomic factors and policy frameworks to ensure that technological advancements lead to meaningful improvements in farms and agroecosystems. Across both industrialized and emerging economies, various initiatives, such as precision agriculture, digital platforms, and e-commerce, are driving the digitalization of agroecology. These innovations offer clear benefits, including enhanced knowledge generation and direct improvements to the food supply chain; however, several barriers remain, including limited understanding of digital tools, high-energy demands, insufficient financial resources, economical constrains, weak policy support, lack of infrastructure, low digital learning by framers, etc. to facilitate the transition. This review looks for the understanding of how digitalization can align or conflict with local agroecological dynamics across distinct political frameworks and reality contexts because the information about DT adoption in agroecological practices is limited and it remains unclear if digital agriculture for scaling agroecology can considerably change power dynamics within the productive systems in regions of Europe and Latin America. In South America, among countries like Ecuador, with strong potential for agroecological development, where 60% of farms are less than 1 ha, and where farmers have expressed interest in agroecological practices, 80% have reported lacking sufficient information to make the transition to digitalization, making slow the adoption progress of these DT. While agroecology is gaining global recognition, its modernization through DT requires further research in technical, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions to more guide the adoption of DT in agroecology with more certainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technology and Biological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture)
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