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Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 14894

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Tiziana Amoriello

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
CREA-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy
Interests: agricultural sustainability; climate change; modeling; circular economy; waste recovery and reuse; food technology; food quality; food product design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world’s challenges of population growth, climate change, natural resource degradation and food insecurity highlight an urgent to rethink agriculture and food systems to make them resilient and sustainable and to achieve equitable and inclusive development.  Therefore, strategies and trans-disciplinary and innovative actions have to adapt to improve agriculture and food systems, with the aim to contribute to sustainability goals such as social well-being, ecosystem health, and food and nutrition security.

This Special Issue of Sustainability will address topics relevant to the agri-food sector, from targeted measures in specific production chain processes to more integrated solutions aimed at organizational changes throughout the entire value chain. Articles that assess the sustainability implications (agronomic, environmental, nutritional, economic, and social impacts or benefits) of the implementation of such technologies and innovations are also encouraged.

The main research topics include:

  • Sustainable agriculture and agroecology;
  • Sustainable natural resource management;
  • Sustainable food supply chain technologies or management;
  • Environmental, social, and economic benefits;
  • Landscape protection;
  • Land use planning for sustainable agriculture;
  • Planning for sustainable food systems;
  • Sustainable food production and transformation;
  • Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies in sustainable development;
  • Bio-economy and circular economy;
  • Bio-waste valorization, recovery, and reuse;
  • Waste reduction strategies;
  • Sustainable business model innovation;
  • Agricultural policies;
  • Rural development;
  • Food security;
  • Social well-being.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and review articles, as well as theoretical and experimental research articles.

Dr. Tiziana Amoriello
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
  • agroecology
  • land use planning
  • sustainable food systems
  • circular economy
  • AI and smart technologies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4013 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Agrivoltaic Farming: The Role of Mycorrhiza in Promoting Mint Cultivation and High-Quality Essential Oil Production
by Bihter Çolak Esetlili, M. Tolga Esetlili, Kaan Emir and Murat Eröz
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125516 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 575
Abstract
Agriphotovoltaic (Agri-PV) systems are a dual-purpose solution for resolving land utilization conflicts through combining agricultural practices and photovoltaic power generation. However, the reduced light intensities and altered microclimatic conditions under PV modules may have negative effects on the productivity of crops. This study [...] Read more.
Agriphotovoltaic (Agri-PV) systems are a dual-purpose solution for resolving land utilization conflicts through combining agricultural practices and photovoltaic power generation. However, the reduced light intensities and altered microclimatic conditions under PV modules may have negative effects on the productivity of crops. This study investigated whether incorporating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation into Agri-PV systems could mitigate such limitations for mint cultivation (Mentha arvensis and Mentha × piperita). A field trial was conducted in Bandırma, Türkiye, where both mint species were grown under and between PV panels, with and without AMF. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), temperature, fresh biomass, nutrient uptake, and essential oil content were evaluated. PAR was reduced by more than 90% under panels, while air temperatures were 1.0–1.6 °C lower than those in the between-panel areas. AMF inoculation significantly improved the yield and quality. In Mentha arvensis, the fresh herb yield increased by 43.4% (from 10,620 to 15,230 kg ha−1), and the essential oil content reached 10.08% under between-panel mycorrhizal conditions. For Mentha × piperita, the highest menthol concentration (30.38%) was observed exclusively in between-panel plots with AMF. In contrast, the highest oil content (4.50%) was achieved under shaded, mycorrhizal conditions, indicating that both light exposure and microbial interactions shape biochemical responses. This is the first study to demonstrate the synergistic impact of AMF inoculation and agrivoltaic shading on essential oil crops. This paper presents a novel and sustainable model that enhances crop productivity and biochemical quality in solar-integrated agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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27 pages, 2338 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Green Food Consumption Intentions Among Chinese Generation X: Integrating Environmental Values and Self-Identity into the Theory of Planned Behavior
by Lijun Du and Songyu Jiang
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072942 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
Sustainable development purposes require strong emphasis on green food promotion as an essential component. The decision-making process of Generation X members toward green food consumption creates important effects on both personal health and environmental sustainability and social programs and economic stability. This research [...] Read more.
Sustainable development purposes require strong emphasis on green food promotion as an essential component. The decision-making process of Generation X members toward green food consumption creates important effects on both personal health and environmental sustainability and social programs and economic stability. This research examines environmental self-identity and environmental values as predictors of green food consumption intentions with analysis of attitude and relevant intermediate factors that include personal standards as well as perceived control over behavior. The researcher gathered data through convenience sampling from 480 Chinese Generation X participants. Statistical analysis followed the pretest to perform assessments for reliability and validity testing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) processed the data while validating confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis testing. Data analysis demonstrates that environmental values directly drive green food consumption intentions. These values operate through two key pathways: (1) shaping positive attitudes toward green food, and (2) reinforcing subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. These mechanisms collectively promote pro-environmental choices with measurable ecological and social benefits. The research shows self-identity as an environmental entity positively affects green food consumption because it strengthens users’ self-belief as eco-conscious consumers leading to intensified attitudes and subjective norms and perception of behavior control. The research enriches the TPB (theory of planned behavior) by proving that environmental attitudes respond to environmental factors including social environments along with economic capacity and living conditions to shape generation X consumers’ intentions to buy green food. The findings advance sustainable consumption theories by revealing generation-specific behavioral mechanisms, while providing actionable insights for designing targeted green marketing strategies and policy interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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22 pages, 7178 KiB  
Article
Planning for Sustainable Agri-Food Production: Factual or Fictional? An Example from Iceland
by Salvör Jónsdóttir and Karl Benediktsson
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198338 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1588
Abstract
The concept of sustainability has been widely recognized as a pivotal objective for future growth. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate the principles of sustainability into policies and plans, particularly in land use and agri-food production, sectors often associated with negative environmental impacts. [...] Read more.
The concept of sustainability has been widely recognized as a pivotal objective for future growth. Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate the principles of sustainability into policies and plans, particularly in land use and agri-food production, sectors often associated with negative environmental impacts. Addressing all three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social—is essential, within the contexts of agri-food production and land use. Consequently, sustainable rural development is also critical. This study utilizes Iceland as a case to examine whether and how sustainability goals are translated from national policies to municipal plans, which represent the governance level closest to implementation. The research employs content analysis of national policies and municipal plans, utilizing grounded theory to code the content. The findings indicate that while the concept of sustainability is embedded in Icelandic policies and goals, there is a tendency to overlook the economic and social dimensions. Additionally, the study reveals a limited application of sustainability principles in rural development and agri-food production. Recognizing the “wicked” nature of sustainability, which complicates its implementation, is crucial for advancing from goal setting to effective action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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20 pages, 2706 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Analysis of Agricultural Carbon Emissions and Absorption from Agricultural Land Resources in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2022
by Qingqing Liang and Fang Yin
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8170; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188170 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
Agriculture is not only a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions but also a vast carbon sink system. Achieving the “dual carbon” goals—carbon peaking and carbon neutrality—is a major strategic objective for China in the near future. This study focuses on agricultural data [...] Read more.
Agriculture is not only a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions but also a vast carbon sink system. Achieving the “dual carbon” goals—carbon peaking and carbon neutrality—is a major strategic objective for China in the near future. This study focuses on agricultural data from 2010 to 2022 in Shaanxi Province. It begins by analyzing the current economic and environmental conditions of the province and its resource endowment. This study then quantitatively assesses carbon absorption, carbon emissions, and the net carbon sink in agriculture over this period. Additionally, a vector autoregression (VAR) model is used to empirically analyze the relationship between agricultural carbon emissions and their influencing factors in Shaanxi Province. Key findings include the following: (1) From 2010 to 2022, the total carbon emissions from agriculture in Shaanxi Province were controlled to around 3 million tons, showing an overall trend of “growth-slow decline” with fluctuations. The carbon emissions from fertilizer application accounted for approximately 60% of the total carbon emissions from agriculture in Shaanxi Province, with a total volume ranging from 1.623 to 2.164 million tons. The total carbon absorption from agriculture in Shaanxi Province showed an increasing trend with fluctuations year by year from 2010 to 2022, with an average annual increase of 1.367%. (2) Fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, and agricultural diesel are the primary contributors to agricultural carbon emissions. (3) Results from the Johansen cointegration test reveal a long-term equilibrium relationship between agricultural carbon emissions in Shaanxi Province and influencing factors such as fertilizers and pesticides in the short term. The contributions of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, and agricultural diesel to agricultural carbon emissions are 1.351%, 1.888%, 10.663%, and 0.258%, respectively. (4) The long-term contributions of fertilizers and pesticides to agricultural carbon emissions initially increased before undergoing a gradual attenuation, with average attenuation rates of 1.351% and 1.888%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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23 pages, 16990 KiB  
Article
The Optimal Zoning of Non-Grain-Producing Cultivated Land Consolidation Potential: A Case Study of the Dujiangyan Irrigation District
by Qidi Dong, Qiao Peng, Xiaohong Luo, Heng Lu, Pengman He, Yanling Li, Linjia Wu and Di Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7798; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177798 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
Non-grain-producing cultivated land (NGPCL) greatly affects sustainable agricultural development and food security, and its consolidation is important. With the Dujiangyan irrigation district as an example, an empirical study of NGPCL consolidation zoning was performed following the idea of “connotation definition and classification—potential identification—consolidation [...] Read more.
Non-grain-producing cultivated land (NGPCL) greatly affects sustainable agricultural development and food security, and its consolidation is important. With the Dujiangyan irrigation district as an example, an empirical study of NGPCL consolidation zoning was performed following the idea of “connotation definition and classification—potential identification—consolidation zoning”. On the basis of expert evaluation, NGPCL was classified into three levels according to the degree of damage to cultivated land by crop type. NGPCL was common in the study area, accounting for 53.8% of the total area. The spatial pattern of NGPCL was characterized as “continuous in the south and scattered in the north”. The assessment of theoretical and realistic NGPCL consolidation potentials suggested that areas with medium consolidation potential exhibited a contiguous distribution in the southern part of the study area, whereas it was dispersed in other regions. The proportion of area suitable for consolidation exceeded 40%. Finally, through a multiobjective optimization algorithm, a potential zoning scheme for NGPCL consolidation was constructed. The final experimental results revealed that the areas with medium or high consolidation potential accounted for 97.54% of the total area. This study is useful for supporting the governance of NGPCL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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Review

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17 pages, 736 KiB  
Review
Current Strategies in Controlling Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins in Grains during Storage: A Review
by Andong Gong, Mengge Song and Jingbo Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3171; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083171 - 10 Apr 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7775
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous pathogen that can infect many foods and grains, and it produces large amounts of aflatoxins during their storage. Aflatoxins are considered highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans, and they cause great damage to crop production, food security, and [...] Read more.
Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous pathogen that can infect many foods and grains, and it produces large amounts of aflatoxins during their storage. Aflatoxins are considered highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans, and they cause great damage to crop production, food security, and human health. Thus, controlling A. flavus and aflatoxins in grains presents a great challenge to humans worldwide. Over the past decade, many strategies have been demonstrated to be useful in controlling A. flavus and aflatoxins during food storage. These methods involve physical agents, chemical agents, biological agents, etc. Some of these methods are currently used in actual production. In this review, we summarize the reported methods for controlling A. flavus and aflatoxins during food storage in the past ten years and elucidate their advantages and disadvantages. The methods discussed include irradiation technology; low oxygen atmospheres; chemical fungicides (benzalkonium chloride, iodine, ammonium bicarbonate, and phenolic and azole compounds); biological agents from plants, animals, and micro-organisms; and aflatoxin elimination methods. We expect that this review will promote the applications of current strategies and be useful for the development of novel technologies to prevent or eliminate A. flavus and aflatoxins in food and feed during storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Agriculture and Food Systems Landscape towards Sustainability)
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