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Sustainability
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Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production
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Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (19 April 2025) | Viewed by 6538

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Laura Meno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Biology and Soil Science, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, 32004 Ourense, Spain
Interests: plant pathology; epidemiology; sustainable disease management for crops; the diagnosis of disease; the characterization of pathogens; molecular techniques; aerobiology; decision support systems; biocontrol; IPM; host resistance; cultural methods; potato crop and its pathogens; integrated pest and disease management in agricultural crops
Prof. Dr. M. Carmen Seijo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Biology and Soil Science, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, 32004 Ourense, Spain
Interests: the characterization of bee products; authentication; quality control and sensory evaluation; aerobiology; control epidemiological; decision support systems; phenological monitoring; the morphological characterization of potato cultivars; sustainable management of agricultural systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Olga Escuredo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Biology and Soil Science, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, 32004 Ourense, Spain
Interests: the physicochemical characterization and botanical origin of bee products; phenological monitoring and the morphological characterization of potato cultivars; decision support systems as part of crop disease management; the estimation of food product quality using NIR technology; aerobiological monitoring and the control of agricultural environments; the development of decision systems for the control of phytopathogens in potato crops
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and resource depletion underscore the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, which aim to meet current food demands while protecting ecosystems for future generations. The key dimensions of sustainable agriculture specifically emphasize soil health, water management, agroecological principles, and the integration of technological advancements.

This Special Issue will focus on effective strategies for the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, exploring the interaction between modern technology and traditional farming methods, and highlighting their collective impact on food security and environmental health. This Special Issue will encompass a wide range of topics within sustainable agriculture, including resource efficiency, innovative farming techniques, eco-friendly pest management, and policy frameworks that support farmers in adopting sustainable methods. It will be based on case studies and analytical research that illustrate the successful applications of these practices globally. The purpose of this Special Issue is to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture’s critical role in addressing contemporary challenges and to encourage collaborative efforts among farmers, policymakers, and communities. By disseminating knowledge and innovative practices, the Special Issue aims to contribute to a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

This Special Issue will complement the existing literature by providing a holistic perspective on sustainable agriculture that integrates modern technological advancements with traditional ecological knowledge. While previous research has often focused on the individual aspects of sustainable practices—such as soil management or water conservation—this Special Issue will attempt to consider them as interconnected components of a sustainable farming system. It will also offer practical guidance and policy recommendations, thus bridging the gap between theoretical exploration and real-world application.

Therefore, the urgency of discourse concerning sustainable agriculture necessitates a comprehensive examination of practices that promote resilience and sustainability. This Special Issue aims to serve as a resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers, enhancing the conversation regarding sustainable agricultural practices in order to ensure food security and environmental health for future generations.

Dr. Laura Meno
Prof. Dr. M. Carmen Seijo
Prof. Dr. Olga Escuredo
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. 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

  • climate change
  • population growth
  • resource depletion/efficiency
  • sustainable agriculture
  • food demands/security
  • ecosystems
  • soil health
  • water management
  • agroecological principles
  • technological advancements
  • innovative farming techniques
  • eco-friendly pest management
  • environmental stewardship/health
  • policy recommendations
  • resilience
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Different Fertilization Practices and Regional Climate Variables on Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Capitata) Yield
by Ping-Fu Hou and Yao-Tsung Chang
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6086; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136086 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Maintaining stable crop yields is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the impact of various fertilization regimes, combined with regional climate variables, on the yield stability of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) in southern Taiwan. Conducted from 2011 to 2023 [...] Read more.
Maintaining stable crop yields is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the impact of various fertilization regimes, combined with regional climate variables, on the yield stability of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) in southern Taiwan. Conducted from 2011 to 2023 on well-maintained soils that were established in 1988, the study examined two crop rotation systems (R1 and R2) and three fertilization treatments: chemical fertilizer, integrated fertilizer, and organic fertilizer. Despite the consistent annual application of fertilizers, the regression analysis revealed a significant decline in cabbage yields across all six treatment combinations, mainly due to reduced weights of single cabbages. To identify contributing factors, the yield data were analyzed alongside weather and soil data, collected over more than a decade. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that increased sunshine duration, solar radiation, and higher relative humidity were significantly negatively correlated with cabbage yields in both the R1 and R2 rotation systems. Additionally, the regression tree analysis indicated that solar radiation exceeding 16.917 MJ m−2 per day was associated with lower yields. A further analysis of the total nitrogen accumulation revealed increasing nitrogen concentrations in the outer leaves of cabbages during this period, potentially contributing to the reduced head yields. These findings highlight that fertilization had a minimal influence on yield, even in well-established soils. Mitigating the effects of weather variables is, therefore, critical to reducing their adverse impact on crop yields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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11 pages, 3359 KiB  
Article
Improving Wheat Yield, Fertilizer Use Efficiency, and Economic Benefits Through Farmer-Participation Nutrient Management
by Zhijie Ren, Hui Zhang, Hongjie Li, Qinghui Wu, Yufang Huang, Youliang Ye and Yanan Zhao
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3481; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083481 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 523
Abstract
Optimal nutrient management is crucial for ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability. While technological innovation in nutrient management has been emphasized, the widespread adoption of such technologies remains a significant challenge, particularly in smallholder farming economies. This study presents a case of farmer-participation [...] Read more.
Optimal nutrient management is crucial for ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability. While technological innovation in nutrient management has been emphasized, the widespread adoption of such technologies remains a significant challenge, particularly in smallholder farming economies. This study presents a case of farmer-participation nutrient management (FPNM), where smallholder farmers are engaged through dialogue and their feedback is integrated into technology optimization and implementation strategies. A multi-site experiment was conducted on 71 fields, where 36 fields were treated with farmer’s customary nutrient management (FCNM) and FPNM, while the remaining 35 fields received only FCNM. The results showed that compared to FCNM, the FPNM increased grain yield by 10.9% and reduced chemical fertilizer inputs by 24.7%, including nitrogen (N) fertilizer by 10%, phosphate (P) fertilizer by 21%, and potassium (K) fertilizer by 25%. The fertilizer cost was reduced by 15.6% and the net income increased by 14.5% under FPNM. Additionally, fertilizer use efficiency increased by 17.1% for N, 37.5% for P, and 33.7% for K. These improvements were primarily achieved through farmers modifying their fertilizer formulas and increasing the application of organic fertilizer. Importantly, the participation-based management approach was particularly valuable as it effectively incorporated farmers’ management practices and acceptance willingness, making sustainable nutrient management techniques highly applicable in regions with widespread smallholder farming operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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21 pages, 2987 KiB  
Article
Productivity and Profitability of Maize-Mungbean and Maize-Chili Pepper Relay Intercropping Systems for Income Diversification and Soil Fertility in Southern Benin
by Eric C. Legba, Laurence Dossou, Judith Honfoga, Lukas Pawera and Ramasamy Srinivasan
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031076 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Low vegetable consumption in sub-Saharan Africa partly arises from limited availability across cereal-based zones. A field experiment in southern Benin (April to September 2023) evaluated four maize–chili and five maize–mungbean relay intercropping. Growth and yield data and farmers’ perceptions were analyzed using analysis [...] Read more.
Low vegetable consumption in sub-Saharan Africa partly arises from limited availability across cereal-based zones. A field experiment in southern Benin (April to September 2023) evaluated four maize–chili and five maize–mungbean relay intercropping. Growth and yield data and farmers’ perceptions were analyzed using analysis of variance with the least significant difference test, land equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary indexes. Maize grain yield was statistically similar across patterns, whereas chili and mungbean yields differed significantly. All sowing patterns achieved LER > 1. Pattern (1:1) maize–chili had a modest LER (1.15), while treatment (1:3) had a high LER (1.60) for mungbean–maize. Both patterns showed high actual yield gain and intercropping advantage. Pattern (2:2) for maize–chili and pattern (1:3) for maize–mungbean yielded the greatest gross return (7796.6 USD/ha and 1301.2 USD/ha, respectively). Sole mungbean and all intercropping sowing patterns significantly increased mineralizable carbon. Pattern (1:3) maize-mungbean slightly increased total nitrogen and potassium. Farmers ranked the highest pattern (2:2) for maize–chili and (1:3) for maize–mungbean due to sup erior weed, water, and soil management and increased yields. These findings suggest that diversified maize systems incorporating chili pepper and mungbean offer economic benefits and better soil health in southern Benin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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17 pages, 835 KiB  
Article
Is the Ratoon Rice System More Sustainable? An Environmental Efficiency Evaluation Considering Carbon Emissions and Non-Point Source Pollution
by Hui Qiao, Mingzhe Pu, Ruonan Wang and Fengtian Zheng
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229920 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 909
Abstract
The sustainability of rice-cropping systems hinges on balancing resources, output, and environmental impacts. China is revitalizing the ancient ratoon rice (RR) system for input savings and environmental benefits. Prior research has explored the RR system’s performance using various individual indicators, but few studies [...] Read more.
The sustainability of rice-cropping systems hinges on balancing resources, output, and environmental impacts. China is revitalizing the ancient ratoon rice (RR) system for input savings and environmental benefits. Prior research has explored the RR system’s performance using various individual indicators, but few studies have focused on its overall balance of these factors. Environmental efficiency (EE) analysis addresses this gap. Using field survey data from Hunan Province in China and the slacks-based data envelopment analysis method, we quantified the EE of the RR, double-season rice (DR), and single-season rice (SR) systems. Key findings include: (1) the RR system outperforms in carbon emissions and non-point source pollution; (2) the RR system’s EE is 0.67, significantly higher than the DR (0.58) and SR (0.57) systems, indicating superior performance; and (3) despite its relatively high EE, the RR system can still improve, mainly due to input redundancy and production value shortfall. These findings provide strategies for optimizing RR systems to enhance agricultural sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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Review

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27 pages, 828 KiB  
Review
Integrating Sustainable Agricultural Practices to Enhance Climate Resilience and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
by Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Lloyd J. S. Baiyegunhi and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146259 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing escalating climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroecology, offer promising strategies to boost productivity while enhancing ecological stability. This review proposes [...] Read more.
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing escalating climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and agroecology, offer promising strategies to boost productivity while enhancing ecological stability. This review proposes that multidisciplinary integration of SAPs, encompassing agronomy, socioeconomics, and governance, is the most promising route to achieving climate-resilient food systems in SSA by 2030. Despite its proven benefits, the use of SAPs remains limited. This is largely because of financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these challenges, this review evaluates the role of SAPs in mitigating climate risk, improving soil health, and enhancing food security. It also identifies systemic adoption barriers and examines the effectiveness of policy and financing frameworks. Drawing on evidence from across SSA, including Ethiopia’s agroforestry success and Senegal’s millet resilience, this review highlights how integrating sustainable practices with postharvest innovation and community-driven approaches can strengthen food systems. Ultimately, the findings underscore that weaving science, policy, and grassroots action is essential for building a resilient and food-secure SSA, particularly within the context of the 2025 global adaptation agenda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 745 KiB  
Review
Regenerative Agrivoltaics: Integrating Photovoltaics and Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Energy Systems
by Uzair Jamil and Joshua M. Pearce
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114799 - 23 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902
Abstract
Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an innovative approach to food production, offering the potential to achieve reduced or even positive environmental and social outcomes compared to the soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional agriculture. Simultaneously, a sophisticated dual-use system combining solar [...] Read more.
Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an innovative approach to food production, offering the potential to achieve reduced or even positive environmental and social outcomes compared to the soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional agriculture. Simultaneously, a sophisticated dual-use system combining solar energy generation from photovoltaics with agricultural production, called agrivoltaics, is rapidly expanding. Combining these approaches into regenerative agrivoltaics offers a promising solution to the challenges regarding food in a rapidly warming world. This review theoretically examines the compatibility and mutual benefits of combining agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture while also identifying the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for implementing this system. A foundation for advancing regenerative agrivoltaics is made by identifying areas for research, which include the following: (1) carbon sequestration, (2) soil health and fertility, (3) soil moisture, (4) soil microbial activity, (5) soil nutrients, (6) crop performance, (7) water-use efficiency, and (8) economics. By addressing the intersection of agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability, regenerative agrivoltaics emphasizes the transformative potential of integrated systems in reshaping land use and resource management. This evaluation underscores the importance of policy and industry collaboration in facilitating the adoption of regenerative agrivoltaics, advocating for tailored support mechanisms to enable widespread implementation of low-cost, zero-carbon, resilient food systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Crop Production)
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