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Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era

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 3120

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xueqing Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Agriculture, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jingjusi Road 20, Chengdu 610066, China
2. Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Interests: life cycle assessment; remote sensing and GIS; carbon footprint; environmental impact assessment; agricultural low-carbon development; bioenergy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wei Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Chengdu 610213, China
Interests: agricultural robots; intelligent gardening robots
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Facing global warming and an increased demand for food supply, a sustainable agriculture system calls for innovative technologies. These advanced technologies meticulously monitor, report, and optimize energy usage, ensuring efficiency that minimizes environmental impact. At present, agricultural digitalization, intelligent agronomic robots, precise farming, and climate-smart farming aim towards resource utilization maximation and greenhouse gas emission reduction. To embrace a sustainable agriculture, we welcome papers on original studies, reviews, and case studies to address this issue. The submissions for this Special Issue on “Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era” thus include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Innovative technologies within agriculture/farming system;
  • Robotics and drones for modern agriculture;
  • Carbon footprint of agricultural system;
  • Environmental service and impact assessments;
  • Pathways to improve resource use efficiency;
  • Scenarios modeling for sustainable agriculture/farming systems under climate change.

Dr. Xueqing Yang
Dr. Wei Ma
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

  • intelligent agronomic equipment
  • low-carbon and smart agriculture
  • carbon footprint
  • scenarios modelling
  • sustainable agriculture
  • agriculture/farming system

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 437 KiB  
Article
Microbial Additive Isolated from Exotic Semi-Arid Cactus and Cottonseed Byproduct in Sustainable Sorghum Silage Production
by Raiane Barbosa Mendes, Gabriel Rodrigues Silva Oliveira, Maria Leonor Garcia Melo Lopes de Araújo, Henry Daniel Ruiz Alba, Cláudia Loianny Souza Lima, Douglas dos Santos Pina, Edson Mauro Santos, Rodrigo Brito Saldanha, Stefanie Alvarenga Santos and Gleidson Giordano Pinto de Carvalho
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104595 - 17 May 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Climate change and socio-economic challenges require greater production efficiency in the agricultural sector. Using microbial additives and biodiesel byproducts in silage production improves quality, reduces losses, and adds value to agro-industrial byproducts, thereby reducing environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential [...] Read more.
Climate change and socio-economic challenges require greater production efficiency in the agricultural sector. Using microbial additives and biodiesel byproducts in silage production improves quality, reduces losses, and adds value to agro-industrial byproducts, thereby reducing environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of including cottonseed cake (CSC) and microbial inoculant isolated from forage cactus on the fermentation profile and quality of forage sorghum silage. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design, with four treatments: Control: sorghum (SS); sorghum + 10% CSC (% natural matter) (SSCSC); sorghum + Weissella cibaria (SSWC); and sorghum + 10% CSC + W. cibaria (SSCSCWC). There were increases of 15.1% in lactic acid bacteria, 11.4% in dry matter, and 62.9% in crude protein for SSCSC than SS (p = 0.001). There was a decrease of 96.4% in effluent losses (p = 0.002) and 21.6% in acid detergent fiber content (p = 0.005) in SSCSCWC compared to SS. Including 10% CSC and Weissella cibaria in sorghum silage was effective in improving nutritional composition with increased protein content and reduced fermentation losses. The cottonseed cake inclusion promotes greater efficiency in sorghum silage production, which can result in higher profitability and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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17 pages, 4918 KiB  
Article
Cultivar-Specific Responses of Spinach to Root-Zone Cooling in Hydroponic Systems in a Greenhouse Under Warm Climates
by Md Noor E Azam Khan, Joseph Masabni and Genhua Niu
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3925; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093925 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Growing spinach year-round via greenhouse hydroponics in warm climates can be challenging because of the intolerance of many spinach cultivars to heat. Root-zone cooling in hydroponic systems in warm climates may be a promising cooling method to alleviate heat stress; however, its effectiveness [...] Read more.
Growing spinach year-round via greenhouse hydroponics in warm climates can be challenging because of the intolerance of many spinach cultivars to heat. Root-zone cooling in hydroponic systems in warm climates may be a promising cooling method to alleviate heat stress; however, its effectiveness is still unknown in spinach plants. This study aimed to investigate the impact of root-zone cooling on the growth and physiological responses of four spinach cultivars (‘Lakeside’, ‘Hammerhead’, ‘Mandolin’, and ‘SV2157’) grown in deep water culture hydroponic systems in a greenhouse during the summer season in two growing cycles. The experiment consisted of the following three root-zone temperatures (RZTs): Control (ambient water temperature), RZT24 (24 °C), and RZT21 (21 °C). Among the four cultivars, ‘SV2157’ performed equally regardless of the treatment, demonstrating superior heat tolerance versus the other three cultivars. ‘Mandolin’ exhibited the greatest benefit from root-zone cooling, with increases in shoot dry weights of 87% and 94% under RZT24 and RZT21, respectively, compared to those under control treatment. Additionally, total leaf areas significantly increased under the two root-zone cooling treatments. ‘Lakeside’ and ‘Hammerhead’ generally benefited from root-zone cooling, although the magnitude of growth increases was small or statistically insignificant. However, ‘Lakeside’ and ‘Hammerhead’ were highly responsive to lower ambient air temperatures, as evidenced by increases of 121% and 90%, respectively, in shoot fresh weights across the treatments in Cycle 2 (average air temperature of 24.7 °C) compared to those in Cycle 1 (29.3 °C). Physiological responses to root-zone cooling varied among cultivars, with ‘SV2157’ exhibiting the highest chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin levels. Higher total phenolic contents under control treatment in Cycle 1 in all three cultivars except for ‘SV2157’ suggested greater reactive oxygen species production, indicating oxidative stress. Root-zone cooling reduced oxidative stress indicators, including mortality (%), hydrogen peroxide content, and malondialdehyde content, and minimized cell leakage. Based on plant growth, physiological and biochemical traits, and electricity consumption, cooling the root zone to 24 °C rather than 21 °C is recommended for hot summers with high air temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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17 pages, 2361 KiB  
Article
Foliar Spraying of Aqueous Lavender Extract: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Way to Improve Lettuce Yield and Quality in Organic Farming
by Mena Ritota, Ulderico Neri, Laura Casorri, Eva Masciarelli, Marco Di Luigi, Massimiliano Valentini and Claudio Beni
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083505 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
In recent years, a significant increase in the market availability of products with a phytostimulant effect on plants has occurred. However, these products are not always low-cost, and their effects on crops are not always reproducible. In this study, an alternative use of [...] Read more.
In recent years, a significant increase in the market availability of products with a phytostimulant effect on plants has occurred. However, these products are not always low-cost, and their effects on crops are not always reproducible. In this study, an alternative use of lavender, already known for its antimicrobial activity, is proposed: an aqueous extract from self-produced lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., var. Hidcote) flowering tops was tested for its phytostimulant activity on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. Bionda d’estate) cultivated under organic farming management. Lettuce plants were planted in an open field on a private farm (in the Lazio region, Italy): lettuce plants were treated weekly for two months with lavender aqueous extracts while control plants were sprayed with water. Results showed that treatment with lavender extract enhanced fresh edible production and dry biomass (12.08% and 15.09%, respectively) in lettuce plants, as well as leaf area index (28.01%) and photosynthetic efficiency (increased SPAD). At the same time, an increase in mineral content was observed: compared to the control, a 30.46% increase was observed for N, 31.10%, 35.52%, 36.19%, 47.51%, 48.11%, and 91.44% for K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, and Fe, respectively. All these factors contribute to enhancing the commercial and nutritional quality of lettuce, as well as strengthening its self-defense and extending its shelf life. Results of this study showed that lavender aqueous extract exhibits phytostimulant activity and could be a useful product for obtaining higher yield and better nutritional quality of lettuce in organic farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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11 pages, 1432 KiB  
Article
Scaling Oxygen Scavengers in Hermetic Bags for Improved Grain Storage
by Wenbo Li and Dieudonne Baributsa
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072865 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
The phasing out of most chemicals has created a demand for alternative methods to preserve grain quality and market value. Hermetic storage offers a chemical-free solution for pest control by creating an airtight environment that naturally leads to insect death. Adding oxygen scavengers [...] Read more.
The phasing out of most chemicals has created a demand for alternative methods to preserve grain quality and market value. Hermetic storage offers a chemical-free solution for pest control by creating an airtight environment that naturally leads to insect death. Adding oxygen scavengers can further enhance hermetic storage by accelerating oxygen depletion. However, no study has examined scaling hand warmers in hermetic storage bags used by large grain handlers and farmers. We evaluated the effects of 1, 2, or 3 hand warmers in 25-kg PICS bags and 2, 4, or 6 hand warmers in 50-kg PICS bags on oxygen consumption and grain quality. We hypothesized that doubling the number of hand warmers used in 25-kg to 50-kg PICS bags would maintain the same rate of oxygen reduction. Oxygen levels decreased as the number of hand warmers increased. Additionally, oxygen concentrations in 25-kg PICS bags with 1, 2, or 3 hand warmers closely mirrored those of 2, 4, or 6 hand warmers in 50-kg PICS bags, respectively. Using 2 or 3 hand warmers in 25-kg PICS bags and 4 or 6 hand warmers in 50-kg PICS bags reduced oxygen concentrations below the 5% threshold for pest suppression within 12 h and maintained it for at least 8 days. While a slight rise in relative humidity was observed with more hand warmers, this did not negatively affect seed moisture content or germination rates. Doubling hand warmers along with the bag size from 25 to 50 kg produced similar oxygen depletion rates. These findings are helpful for large grain handlers and farmers who use 50-kg hermetic bags to store seeds or specialty crops to maintain quality. Hermetic bags combined with hand warmers promote sustainability by reducing chemical usage and minimizing food and nutrient losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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27 pages, 5771 KiB  
Article
Carbon Emissions and Economic Growth in the Planting Industry: Evidence from China
by Jing Zhou, Chao Chen, Zhengxing He and Jiaming Tang
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062570 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 547
Abstract
This study systematically analyzes the temporal variation characteristics, driving mechanisms, and decoupling relationship between carbon emissions and economic output in China’s planting industry. Using a dynamic panel model, LMDI decomposition, and coupling coordination model, it explores the main influencing factors of carbon emissions [...] Read more.
This study systematically analyzes the temporal variation characteristics, driving mechanisms, and decoupling relationship between carbon emissions and economic output in China’s planting industry. Using a dynamic panel model, LMDI decomposition, and coupling coordination model, it explores the main influencing factors of carbon emissions and their dynamic evolution. The findings reveal that from 2003 to 2022, carbon emissions in the planting industry exhibited a phased trend of rising first and then declining, with a limited overall reduction. Carbon emissions demonstrated significant path dependency. Planting industry output and agricultural investment were identified as the primary driving factors for carbon emissions, while energy intensity and mechanization levels had significant inhibitory effects. Decoupling analysis showed that weak decoupling dominates, with strong decoupling achieved only in specific regions and periods, highlighting significant regional disparities. Coupling coordination analysis indicated that the coordination between positive driving factors and carbon emissions improved annually, whereas the coordination related to rural electricity consumption declined in recent years. This study suggests that promoting precision agriculture and clean energy technologies, optimizing agricultural investment structures, implementing region-specific policies, and enhancing land resource planning can help us achieve the coordinated goals of high-quality agricultural development and carbon reduction. The findings provide theoretical insights and policy recommendations for low-carbon agricultural development and serve as a reference for global agricultural green transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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15 pages, 987 KiB  
Article
Toward Low-Carbon Agriculture: Factor Decomposition and Decoupling Analysis of Agricultural Carbon Emissions in Northeast China
by Donghui Lv and Yu Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411069 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 736
Abstract
Chemical fertilizer inputs in China peaked in 2015; however, agricultural carbon emissions continue to rise, and the effect of chemical fertilizer inputs on agricultural carbon emissions remains unclear in this context. This paper aims to offer a useful policy reference for low-carbon agriculture [...] Read more.
Chemical fertilizer inputs in China peaked in 2015; however, agricultural carbon emissions continue to rise, and the effect of chemical fertilizer inputs on agricultural carbon emissions remains unclear in this context. This paper aims to offer a useful policy reference for low-carbon agriculture based on agrochemical inputs. Taking northeast China as an example, we incorporated chemical fertilizers as a factor in the generalized Divisia index model (GDIM) and conducted a decoupling analysis using a decoupling effort index (DEI) on data from 2000 to 2020. The factor decomposition results indicate that the chemical fertilizer input scale served as a driving factor with a declining trend, and carbon productivity from chemical fertilizer shifted from an inhibiting effect to a driving effect on agricultural carbon emissions. The results of integrating the GDIM with a DEI indicate that reducing chemical fertilizer inputs and exerting the inhibiting effect of carbon productivity from chemical fertilizer both contribute to effective decoupling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture with Innovative Technology and Equipment: Towards a Low-Carbon Era)
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