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Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 8642

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Karmen Pažek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: farm management; decision-making process; support tools; agriculture economics; modeling; sustainable agriculture economics; real options
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Črtomir Rozman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: farm management; modelling of farming systems; multi criteria analysis; optimization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue "Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development" deals with the application of principles of management science to sustainable agriculture, with a particular focus on agricultural economics and farm management. It aims to advance the development and application of research methods, modeling tools, and practical strategies to support decision-making in sustainable agri-food systems, environmental management, and related fields.

The spectrum includes a variety of topics such as optimization, project management, simulation, multi-criteria analysis, forecasting, economic analysis, risk management, rural development, agricultural policy analysis, resource management, precision agriculture, agroecology, climate change impact assessment, sustainable supply chain management, technological innovation in agriculture, land use planning, social aspects of rural development and renewable energy in agriculture.

The main objective is to present a thorough examination of the current landscape and prospects of sustainability in the agri-food industry based on quantitative modeling and management science. The issue addresses the complicated decision-making processes necessary to balance the diverse needs of stakeholders while maintaining the stability of farm incomes and ensuring the sustainable use of resources for future generations.

This Special Issue will extend the existing literature with methodological contributions and case studies that deepen the understanding of sustainability in agriculture. It contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainability by addressing challenges related to socio-economic, scientific, and integrated approaches to sustainable development. It aims to define and quantify sustainability, develop methods for its measurement and monitoring, and examine relevant tools, applications, policies, and laws.

Prof. Dr. Karmen Pažek
Prof. Dr. Črtomir Rozman
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

  • sustainable agriculture
  • rural development
  • farm management
  • agri-food systems
  • quantitative modeling

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4695 KiB  
Article
From Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Manure to Vermicompost: Testing a Sustainable Approach for Agriculture
by Giovanna Marta Fusco, Ida Di Mola, Mauro Mori, Eugenio Cozzolino, Biagio Morrone, Fulvio Trasacco and Petronia Carillo
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104253 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical [...] Read more.
The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical quality of cauliflower cultivated in soil types typical of the Campania region: loam and clay. Three fertilization treatments were tested, an unfertilized control, vermicompost (140 kg N ha−1), and mineral fertilizer (MIN), at the same nitrogen rate. The results showed that vermicompost more significantly improved plant growth compared to the unfertilized control, particularly in loam soil, where the biomass and the leaf number increased by 160% and 335%, respectively. In clay soil, vermicompost enhanced nutrient availability, leading to a 159% biomass increase relative to the control. While mineral fertilization resulted in the highest yields, vermicompost improved the antioxidant capacity and influenced the amino acid composition, particularly in clay soil, where it enhanced the total amino acid content by 35% over that of the control. Additionally, vermicompost increased the quantity of soil organic matter and moderated the oxidative stress responses, suggesting long-term benefits for soil health. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly in regions with intensive livestock farming and nitrate-sensitive environments. Further research is needed to optimize its integration with conventional fertilization strategies to maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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20 pages, 2832 KiB  
Article
A Study on Information Communication Technology in Ba Province, Fiji
by Nividita Varun Chand, Josphine Sandya Venkataiya, William Kerua, Leifeng Guo and Wensheng Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093942 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 499
Abstract
This study examined the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in enhancing farm productivity among farmers in Ba Province, Fiji. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 320 randomly selected farmers across the province’s [...] Read more.
This study examined the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in enhancing farm productivity among farmers in Ba Province, Fiji. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 320 randomly selected farmers across the province’s 16 mainland districts. The analysis demonstrated that, although farmers possessed conventional ICTs, there was no direct correlation between ownership and actual utilisation. Significant determinants affecting ICT use were identified as education, experience, type of farming, and business model. These findings underscore critical implications for both policy and theoretical frameworks, emphasising essential factors to consider in the implementation of ICT solutions for agricultural practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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17 pages, 2617 KiB  
Article
Botanical Evaluation of the Two-Year-Old Flower Strip with Analysis of the Local Carabidae Population: Case Study
by Jolanta Kowalska, Małgorzata Antkowiak, Alicja Tymoszuk, Kinga Matysiak and Paweł Sienkiewicz
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3223; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073223 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 642
Abstract
Flower strips (FSs) are an effective way to support the sustainable development of agricultural land. Properly managed FS on agricultural fields provide stable habitats for local arthropod populations, but over the years, it can be colonized by plants from the soil seed bank [...] Read more.
Flower strips (FSs) are an effective way to support the sustainable development of agricultural land. Properly managed FS on agricultural fields provide stable habitats for local arthropod populations, but over the years, it can be colonized by plants from the soil seed bank and then become a nuisance to surrounding crops. The aim of this study was to assess the botanical composition of FS in one year after establishment and to analyze the local population of Carabidae, most of which are predatory. Inventory of flowering plants in situ was made regularly from the beginning of June to the end of July, while beetles were collected in mid-July and August. It was found that plant species from the sown seed commercial mixture continued to dominate in the second year, but the proportion of species from the soil seed bank was also noted, ranging from 7.41% to 39.88%. It was concluded that Trifolium pratense L. and Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. should be particularly recommended for strip sowing in the observed habitats. The species diversity (H’) of Carabidae was higher in the FS than in the cultivated fields. However, when comparing the Shannon–Wiener index for wheat and FS, regardless of time observation, no significant differences were noted. The most abundant ground beetle in the FS was Harpalus rupees, a universal predator that also feeds on weed seeds. Significantly fewer species and individuals of Carabidae were found in the alfalfa field than in the FS and wheat fields. The number of Carabidae was significantly higher in August than in July. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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18 pages, 2151 KiB  
Article
Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and Vermicompost on the Control of Aphelenchoides fragariae and Meloidogyne hapla in Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
by Andrzej Tomasz Skwiercz, Anita Zapałowska, Magdalena Szczech, Beata Kowalska, Dawid Kozacki, Tatyana Stefanovska, Olexander Zhukov, Małgorzata Sekrecka, Katarzyna Wójcik and Krzysztof Klamkowski
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072997 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 518
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. are sedentary endoparasites that infest a wide range of plant species; they are also widely distributed, making them one of the most economically significant pests. Similarly, damage caused by Aphelenchoides fragariae can lead to substantial reductions in both crop [...] Read more.
Root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. are sedentary endoparasites that infest a wide range of plant species; they are also widely distributed, making them one of the most economically significant pests. Similarly, damage caused by Aphelenchoides fragariae can lead to substantial reductions in both crop yield and quality. This research focused on the rhizosphere of Helianthus tuberosus L. (variety Albik), grown in a Polish plantation. The experiment was conducted at the National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice, using concrete rings filled with medium sandy soil amended with 10% peat. The treatments included the following: control (no amendments), silver solution (Ag+) (120 mg/L soil), and vermicompost (Ve) (20 L of Eisenia fetida vermicompost). Each treatment was replicated four times. Compared with control, (Ve) significantly decreased the numbers of Aphelenchoides fragariae and Meloidogyne hapla, by about 48% and 31%. The application of (Ag+) led to the most significant reduction in population density in both nematode species, with A. fragariae decreasing by over 67% and M. hapla by approximately 75%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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35 pages, 3716 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Trends and Determinants of Wheat Cultivation in Poland (2004–2023): A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Productivity, Resilience, and Climate Adaptation
by Radosław Wolniak and Wiesław Wes Grebski
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2225; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052225 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1319
Abstract
Wheat farming is of utter importance in every country around the world, since it is a critical crop that contributes to food security and rural development. Given this importance, this research work investigates trends, determinants, and spatial variability in Polish wheat production between [...] Read more.
Wheat farming is of utter importance in every country around the world, since it is a critical crop that contributes to food security and rural development. Given this importance, this research work investigates trends, determinants, and spatial variability in Polish wheat production between the years 2004 and 2023, with a key interest in productivity, resilience, and sustainable farming. This work will apply spatiotemporal analysis, statistical modeling, and ARIMA forecasting in the identification of the environmental, economic, and policy factors that interact with the wheat yield. Determinants include climatic variables, temperature, and precipitation, production costs, and market prices. These results point to great regional disparities in yield; the apparently better regions, such as Opole and Pomerania, enjoy exceptionally good environmental conditions with good access to modern technology, while regions like Podlasie and Subcarpathia are characterized by poor soil quality and a shortage of resources. This paper has pointed out the need for differential intervention policies that could contribute to reducing such yield gaps, increasing resilience to climate change, and hence contributing to sustainable wheat production growth. The stabilized yields projected underline the resilience of the sector to various challenges, from climate variability to market fluctuations. The results also indicate how innovative practices, supported by enabling policy frameworks, are essential in the promotion of wheat production in an environmentally friendly way, such as precision agriculture. The present research work will provide useful tools for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders by providing active insights into how to achieve equitable and sustainable agricultural development in Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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34 pages, 2317 KiB  
Article
Toward Enhanced Seed Potato Yield: Ultrasonication Techniques for Sustainable Agricultural Development
by Piotr Pszczółkowski, Piotr Barbaś and Barbara Sawicka
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031225 - 3 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1318
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the potential of ultrasonication techniques in seed potato production as a sustainable agricultural innovation. By improving seed potato efficiency and promoting resource optimization, this research aligns with the goals of sustainable agricultural and rural development, addressing challenges such [...] Read more.
The study aimed to explore the potential of ultrasonication techniques in seed potato production as a sustainable agricultural innovation. By improving seed potato efficiency and promoting resource optimization, this research aligns with the goals of sustainable agricultural and rural development, addressing challenges such as food security, environmental preservation, and economic viability in rural farming communities. The study was conducted over three years in the central–eastern region of Poland, utilizing a randomized block design with a split-split-plot approach. The main experimental factor was the cultivation technology, which included (a) an innovative ultrasonic pre-sowing treatment method and (b) a traditional cultivation method without such treatment. The secondary factor was the potato varieties. The ultrasonic treatment of tubers was performed using an ultrasonic tub-type device equipped with piezoelectric transducers. Cultivation technology, potato varieties, and weather conditions had a significant impact on the yield of tubers in the seed potato fraction size, the number of tubers in this fraction, and the multiplication coefficient. Additionally, the genetic characteristics of the studied varieties and random environmental factors significantly influenced the weight of a single seed potato tuber and the number of shoots produced by each plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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21 pages, 3632 KiB  
Systematic Review
China’s Rural Revitalization Policy: A PRISMA 2020 Systematic Review of Poverty Alleviation, Food Security, and Sustainable Development Initiatives
by Wang Yaohong, R. B. Radin Firdaus, Jiaqing Xu, Nasrullah Dharejo and Gui Jun
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020569 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2937
Abstract
This systematic review evaluates China’s Rural Revitalization Policy, focusing on sustainable agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation initiatives from 2010 to 2024. The study addresses critical gaps in understanding how these combined efforts impact long-term food security and ecological sustainability in impoverished areas, [...] Read more.
This systematic review evaluates China’s Rural Revitalization Policy, focusing on sustainable agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation initiatives from 2010 to 2024. The study addresses critical gaps in understanding how these combined efforts impact long-term food security and ecological sustainability in impoverished areas, moving beyond the short-term outcomes often emphasized in existing literature. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we reviewed 33 peer-reviewed publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, employing bibliometric analyses in RStudio to assess citation patterns, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. Our analysis reveals significant progress across three interconnected domains. First, poverty alleviation initiatives achieved a 12.3% reduction in rural poverty through integrated agricultural modernization and targeted support programs. Second, agricultural productivity increased by 9.8% through technological integration and sustainable farming practices, strengthening food security outcomes. Third, environmental sustainability improved notably, with a 15.7% increase in clean water access, demonstrating a successful balance between economic growth and ecological protection. China emerged as the largest contributor (15.2%) to research in this field, with substantial international collaboration (42.4% of publications involving cross-border co-authorship). Despite these achievements, significant regional disparities persist, particularly between eastern and western regions, where targeted interventions are needed. The findings highlight the need for regionally tailored approaches: eastern regions require focus on sustainable intensification, western regions need fundamental infrastructure development, and central regions would benefit from strengthened urban–rural linkages. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers working on rural development initiatives while identifying areas requiring further research, particularly in long-term sustainability assessments and climate resilience strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development)
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