Search Results (129)

The quality of Crocus sativus L. flowers, beyond their stigmas, is influenced by the presence of bioactive metabolites also in their floral bio-residues. Given the effect of climatic and soil variables on these bioactive compounds, the aim of this research was to develop an agroecological zoning of saffron crop areas within the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) La Mancha region (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) by integrating the floral metabolite content with climatic and soil variables. To achieve this, a total of 173 samples were collected during the 2022 and 2023 harvests and analyzed via RP-HPLC-DAD to determine crocins, picrocrocin, kaempferols, and anthocyanins. Two new indices, Cropi (crocins + picrocrocin) and Kaeman (kaempferols + anthocyanins), were defined to classify flowers into four quality categories (A–D). High-quality classifications (A and B) were consistently associated with plots grouped in the meteorological stations of Ontur, El Sanchón, and Bolaños, indicating favorable edaphoclimatic conditions and climatic parameters, such as moderate temperatures and reduced humidity, for metabolite biosynthesis. In contrast, plots included in the meteorological stations of Tarazona and Pedernoso were mostly assigned to lower categories (C and D). Spatial analysis using thematic maps revealed that areas with an intermediate carbonate content, less calcareous soils, and higher organic matter levels were linked to higher flower quality. These findings highlight the influence of soil characteristics and climate, with distinct seasonal contrasts, that positively influence metabolite synthesis and flower quality. Full article

The development of agriculture with special characteristics has become a global trend, especially in highland areas with unique local advantages. Plateau-characteristic agriculture plays an important role in ensuring food security, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable development in plateau areas. However, because many plateau areas are ecologically fragile and have limited environmental recovery capacity, failure to manage them properly can lead to irreversible environmental degradation and affect socioeconomic stability. Therefore, ensuring plateau-characteristic agroecological security (PCAES) is particularly important and warrants in-depth investigation. However, existing research has yet to systematically identify the key factors affecting PCAES. To fill this gap, this study analyzes 41 factors affecting PCAES at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Then, a DTP (driver–pressure–state–impact–response–management (DPSIRM), technology–environment–resources–economy (TERE), and production–operation–service (POS), collectively referred to as DTP) hierarchy is established to analyze the factors from different perspectives. On this basis, we use a hierarchical decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify nine key factors that influence PCAES, including biodiversity indices, intensity of investment in pollution control, a comprehensive mechanization rate of major crops, and intensity of agricultural R&D investment, among others. Finally, based on the interrelationships among these key factors, we put forward recommendations for PCAES management, taking into account domestic and international experience and the actual situation of the plateau region. Clarifying the factors affecting PCAES will help local governments undertake targeted risk management and scientific decision-making and promote the sustainable development of local economies. Full article

Reducing fertilizer and pesticide use is a crucial path for the green transformation of agricultural production, which has garnered sustained attention in research on sustainable agricultural development. Based on the theoretical analysis, this article analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of fertilizer and pesticide usage intensity (FUI and PUI) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) over the past 20 years and uses a Two-Way Fixed Effects Model to test their impacts and mechanisms. Findings show that agricultural development in the YRD shows a pattern of specialization and intensification with a significant north–south divide, with zero growth and reduction in fertilizer and pesticide use across the region from 2010 to 2015, but the current FUI and PUI are still nearly three and five times higher than the global average. Over the past 20 years, the FUI is high in the north and low in the south, high in the plains and low in mountainous-hilly areas, and high in suburban areas and low in remote counties. Adversely, the PUI is high in the south and low in the north, high in mountainous-hilly areas and low in plains, and high in suburban areas and low in remote counties. The FUI and PUI of characteristic agricultural areas of fruit, tea, and forestry in southern Anhui and southwestern Zhejiang, as well as the agroecological and facility agriculture clusters in southern Jiangsu and the suburbs of Shanghai, have approached the peak and successfully moved into the new green development stage earlier compared to other areas. In contrast, the grain and oil production plains areas along the Yangtze River, the coast, in northern Anhui, and in northern Jiangsu are relatively lagging behind. The combination of soil, water, light, and heat resource conditions and modes of agriculture production shape the absolute figures of FUI and PUI, and factors such as the level of local economic development and public fiscal expenditure significantly influence the trajectories of spatiotemporal differentiation in the progress of reducing fertilizer and pesticide in the YRD. Full article

This study presents the evaluation of tools for weed analysis and management to support agroecological practices in organic farming, emphasizing agriculture digitalization, and remote sensing. The main aim was to provide techniques for monitoring and predicting weed spread using multispectral satellite and drone data, without the use of chemical inputs. Key findings indicate that VV and VH channels of Sentinel-1 and B2, B3, B4, and B8 channels of Sentinel-2 are not different regarding tillage, herbicide use, or sowing density. However, RE and NIR channels of drone detected significant variations and proved effectiveness for weediness monitoring. The NIR channel is sensitive to agrotechnical factors such as cultivation type, making it valuable for field monitoring. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that B2, B3, B8 channels of Sentinel-2, and RE and NIR drone channels are the most reliable for predicting weed levels. Conversely, Sentinel-1 showed limited predictive utility. Random effect models confirmed that Sentinel-2 and drone channels can accurately account for site characteristics and timing of weed proliferation. Taken together, these tools provide effective organic weed monitoring systems, enabling rapid identification of problem areas and adjustments in agronomic practices. Full article

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) holds agricultural economic value and forestry carbon sequestration potential, with Taiwan’s annual tea production exceeding TWD 7 billion. However, climate change-induced stressors threaten tea plant growth, photosynthesis, yield, and quality, necessitating an accurate real-time monitoring system to enhance plantation management and production stability. This study surveys tea plantations at low, mid-, and high elevations in Nantou County, central Taiwan, collecting data from 21 fields using conventional farming methods (CFMs), which emphasize intensive management, and agroecological farming methods (AFMs), which prioritize environmental sustainability. This study integrates leaf area index (LAI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), and quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) data with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-derived visible-light and multispectral imagery to compute color indices (CIs) and multispectral indices (MIs). Using feature ranking methods, an optimized dataset was developed, and the predictive performance of eight regression algorithms was assessed for estimating tea plant physiological parameters. The results indicate that LAI was generally lower in AFMs, suggesting reduced leaf growth density and potential yield differences. However, PRI and ΦPSII values revealed greater environmental adaptability and potential long-term ecological benefits in AFMs compared to CFMs. Among regression models, MIs provided greater stability for tea plant physiological parameters, whereas feature ranking methods had minimal impact on accuracy. XGBoost outperformed all models in predicting parameters, achieving optimal results for (1) LAI: R² = 0.716, RMSE = 1.01, MAE = 0.683, (2) PRI: R² = 0.643, RMSE = 0.013, MAE = 0.009, and (3) ΦPSII: R² = 0.920, RMSE = 0.048, MAE = 0.013. Overall, we highlight the effectiveness of integrating gradient boosting models with multispectral data to capture tea plant physiological characteristics. This study develops generalizable predictive models for tea plant physiological parameter estimation and advances non-contact crop physiological monitoring for tea plantation management, providing a scientific foundation for precision agriculture applications. Full article

The flax (Linum usititassimum L.) plant can grow in various agroecological environments. However, there are some factors that affect the production and quality of flax. Sowing date is one of the important factors determining crop productivity. In this study, four different sowing dates (20–22 March, 1–3 April, 15–18 April and 30 April, respectively) were applied to determine the appropriate sowing date in terms of yield and oil quality in three flax varieties (Sarı Dane, Kara Kız, Beyaz Gelin). The study results showed that by delaying sowing, the seed filling period of the plant was exposed to high temperatures, and this caused decreases in seed yield. In other words, the most positive results in terms of agronomic characteristics were obtained from the first sowing date. In this respect, the highest oil yield of 760 kg ha⁻¹ and the highest oil content of 34% were obtained from the Sarı Dane variety. Similarly, flaxseed showed high values in terms of alphalinolenic acid (54.25%), palmitic acid (6.36%), stearic acid (7%), oleic acid (22.54%) and linoleic acid (14%) at the first and second planting times, while these rates decreased relatively as the planting time was delayed. According to the results of the two-year study, it was determined that the ecological conditions of the region were suitable for flax cultivation. However, it is clear that delaying the sowing date causes significant decreases in both the agronomic traits of flax and the oil quality for industrial purposes. In this respect, considering the ecology of the region, sowing flax in the last week of March or the first week of April is suitable for optimum yield and oil quality. Full article

Water quality is a fundamental parameter for assessing the suitability of surface waters. Likewise, the hydrochemical behavior is critically important to understand for rivers used in irrigation. This study aims to evaluate and characterize the surface water quality of the Voghji River catchment basin for irrigation, as it reveals the hydrochemical origins in the catchment basin. Nine key parameters, including EC, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, CO₃²⁻, and HCO₃⁻, were measured at seven sampling points in July and September 2017. The ion concentration patterns in July followed the sequence: Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Mg²⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻ > CO₃²⁻, while in September, they were Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > Cl⁻ > CO₃²⁻. The sequences were almost similar between the two months, with minor differences in cation distribution, particularly between Mg²⁺ and K⁺. Overall, Ca²⁺ and HCO₃⁻ were the dominant ions in the studied surface water samples. The concentrations of K⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and HCO₃⁻ were found to be well below the FAO irrigation water standards, indicating that the waters of the Voghji River and its tributaries (Achanan, Vachagan, and Geghi) were generally safe for irrigation. However, the FAO threshold value was exceeded only for CO₃²⁻ in the Vachagan River in Kapan Town. The chemical analysis of surface waters in the Voghji River catchment basin revealed dominant Ca²⁺-HCO₃⁻ and mixed Ca²⁺-K⁺-SO₄²⁻-Cl⁻ facies, with key geochemical processes including carbonate and gypsum dissolution, silicate weathering, and cation exchange. Ionic correlations indicated that Na⁺ and Cl⁻ sources were influenced by both natural (e.g., halite dissolution, weathering) and anthropogenic inputs, while Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ primarily originated from carbonate dissolution. The Gibbs diagram suggested that rock–water interactions were the primary natural mechanism controlling the water chemistry, with evaporation also playing a significant role. Various indices, including the Kelly index, magnesium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, potential salinity, residual sodium carbonate, soluble sodium percentage, and irrigation water quality index, were applied, along with US Salinity Laboratory diagram and Wilcox diagram, to further assess the irrigation suitability. Most indices confirmed the suitability of the waters for irrigation; however, the Achanan River near the mouth and the Voghji River downstream of Kapan Town exhibited moderate salinity levels, underscoring the need for water management to prevent potential soil degradation. Full article

In the field of conservation tillage, no-till seeding technology has emerged as an efficient and environmentally friendly form of agricultural production. It is increasingly recognized as a crucial avenue toward sustainable agricultural development. This study focuses on the research of no-till seeding technology, specifically analyzing the technical characteristics of no-till seeders, their principles of operation, and their application. No-till planters are designed to either minimize or eliminate soil tillage. When paired with precision seeding technology, they can significantly reduce soil erosion, promote soil and water conservation, reduce agricultural production costs, and ensure optimal growing conditions for crops. No-till seeding breakers play a critical role in resolving the stubble-breaking issue that is inherent in no-till seeding technology. The integration of no-till planters with stubble breaker knife technology can substantially improve the adaptability and operational efficiency of no-tillage operations under conservation tillage scenarios. This progress offers indispensable technical backup, which not only aims to ramp up food production levels but also contributes agro-ecological protection of the environment. Full article

This study examines the impact of agroecological practices on soil quality and crop yields in small-scale farming, focusing on the combination of microbial soil inoculation, crop rotation, and conservation tillage methods. Conducted at the SZIA Agroecological Garden MATE in Gödöllő, Hungary, the experiment used 12 plots, employing various conservation tillage techniques, including soil loosening with and without microbial inoculants, as well as no-till systems with and without inoculation. Six of the plots were inoculated with beneficial bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation, phosphorus mobility, nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and pathogen suppression. In 2024, peas (Pisum sativum L.) were planted following potatoes in a small-scale market-oriented crop rotation, with the continuous monitoring of crop performance and soil characteristics. This ongoing study focuses on evaluating the long-term effects of crop rotation on key agricultural parameters, aiming to optimize practices over time. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) revealed no significant differences across most parameters (p > 0.05), except for total sugar content (p < 0.05), which aligns with expectations given the limited tillage prior to the study. The standard significance level of p < 0.05 was used to balance error risks, ensure adequate statistical power, and maintain consistency with established agricultural research practices. However, the study trends indicated potential long-term benefits, particularly in plots with microbial inoculants, where pea yield and pod size showed improvement compared to non-inoculated and control plots. Microbial inoculants may show long-term effects, as they gradually improve soil health, support microbial communities, and enhance nutrient cycling, which takes time to become noticeable. These findings highlight the potential advantages of combining conservation tillage with microbial inoculants, suggesting that this combination could foster enhanced soil health and productivity over time. The novel setting of this study underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to fully capture the benefits of agroecological interventions, emphasizing their role in achieving sustainable agricultural practices and improving small-scale farming outcomes. Full article

The Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute (EARI) adopted four mung bean varieties for cultivation, following extensive research on their adaptability, productivity, and drought tolerance. However, the physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties of these cultivars, which can vary significantly due to genetic and agro-ecological differences, have not been sufficiently explored in previous research. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate these properties to facilitate their seamless integration into food formulation and product development. The study results revealed that the protein content of these varieties ranged from 22.63 to 25.84 g/100 g, while carbohydrate content ranged from 54.9 to 58.82 g/100 g. Moreover, all examined varieties exhibited elevated levels of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, phenylalanine, and leucine. The foaming capacity and emulsion activity varied between 40.27–49.2% and 52.75–54.13%, respectively. The loss modulus of all varieties surpassed the storage modulus. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents ranged from 2.36 to 3.05 mg GAE/g and 1.42 to 2.22 mg QE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activities were assessed using different assays and revealed that all samples were concentration-dependent, with all cultivars exhibiting high antioxidant activity at higher concentrations. The comparative analysis of the examined varieties revealed that none excelled in all of the tested parameters. However, these diverse qualities make Ethiopian mung bean varieties suitable for various food formulations tailored to specific desired characteristics. Full article

During the last six decades, Lebanon’s landscapes have undergone significant regime shifts whose causes are under-investigated. Using land cover maps from 1962 and satellite imagery from 2014 and 2023 in five randomly selected villages across Lebanon’s major agroecological zones (AEZs), we identified salient trends in the urbanization-driven transformation of land use and land cover (LULC). Household socio-economic characteristics and environmental pressures were analyzed as independent variables influencing land use decisions. Logistic regression (LR) was employed to assess the significance of these variables in shaping farmers’ choices to transition toward “perennialization”—namely fruit tree monocropping or protected agriculture. The LR results indicate that education reduced the likelihood of “perennialization” by 45% (p < 0.001). Farm size positively influenced “perennialization” (p < 0.01), suggesting that land availability encourages this agricultural practice. In contrast, water availability negatively affects “perennialization” (p < 0.01), though farmers may still opt to irrigate by purchasing water during shortages. Our findings underline the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental dynamics and historical events in shaping Lebanon’s rural landscapes and they offer insights into similar transformations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Full article

This study coupled precision agriculture with agroecology to improve the agricultural systems’ sustainability in a climate variability context, characterized by fewer rainy days and more extreme events. A three-year comparative analysis was carried out in a durum wheat rotation, divided into two plots of 2.5 ha each, one managed with conventional methods (CP, sunflower as intermediate crop) and another managed with an agroecological approach (AE, field bean as green manure crop), featuring prescription maps for site-specific mineral fertilization. The statistical analysis of durum wheat parameters, soil characteristics, and economic variables was conducted alongside the examination of climatic data. In AE soil, the exchangeable calcium was statistically different from CP soil (6044 mg kg⁻¹ and 5660 mg kg⁻¹, respectively). Cation exchange capacity was significantly higher in AE (32.7 meq 100 g⁻¹), compared to CP (30.9 meq 100 g⁻¹). In AE, wheat yield (2.36 t ha⁻¹) was higher than in CP (2.07 t ha⁻¹), despite extreme rainfall causing flooding in some parts of the AE plot. The economic balance was only 6% in favor of CP (EUR + 2157), confirming the AE approach’s resilience (EUR + 2027), despite the higher costs of cover cropping and site-specific fertilization. The novelty of integration between “smartish” precision agriculture and agroecology allows for sustainable management. Full article

The abandonment of cultivated land has profoundly affected the agroecological landscape, national food security, and farmer livelihoods, especially in China. Based on land use change survey data and national geoinformation survey data, this paper identified the distribution of abandoned cultivated land and analyzed the overall characteristics and spatial differentiation patterns of abandoned cultivated land in China. The results showed that: (1) In 2017, the abandoned area of cultivated land in China was approximately 9.10 million hectares, with an overall abandoned rate of approximately 5.57%. (2) The distribution of abandoned land in China had obvious spatial differences, and the trend of the area of abandoned land had an “inverted U” shape from east to west. (3) The pattern of abandonment showed a trend of spreading from a scattered distribution to a concentrated and continuous expansion from the edges of large cities and remote rural areas to the main grain-producing regions of fertile cultivated land. (4) The cultivated land abandonment has a great impact on grain production capacity, and there are differences among provinces. In 2017, China lost 40.89 million tons of grain yield due to cultivated land abandonment, accounting for 6.48% of the total grain yield, and the loss of potential grain yield reached 254.45 million tons. The cultivated land abandonment was driven not only by social effects under the dual structure of urban and rural areas but also by the rational choices of farmers under the overall balance of national policy, cultivated land income, and opportunity cost under the framework of urbanization. In the future, policy tools such as fallowing, land conversion, high farmland construction standards, and subsidies should be used to implement differentiated land use policies and optimize the spatial pattern of cultivated land use. Full article

To mitigate the conflict between ecological restoration and the pursuit of economic benefits in characteristic agriculture within plateau regions, this study proposes a theoretical framework for supervising plateau-characteristic agroecological security (PCAES). Initially, characteristic agriculture is conceptualized as an artificial ecosystem resulting from the complex interactions between the ecological environment and specific agricultural resources in a given plateau region; thus, PCAES is defined as a sustainable developmental state of plateau-characteristic agriculture that ensures a high-quality resource supply without compromising ecological integrity. Subsequently, a theoretical framework of PCAES is constructed by analyzing supervisory subjects, objects, and their interrelationships, followed by an in-depth study from three different perspectives. At the foundational level, the monitoring and evaluation mechanism focuses on gathering data regarding resource composition and environmental conditions to assess ecological security. At the intermediate level, the early warning and decision-making mechanism aims at estimating potential ecological security issues and then designing and selecting optimal measures. At a higher level, the control and assurance mechanism directs stakeholders toward compliance with ecological safety regulations via resource allocation and macro-policy interventions while ensuring effective system operation. This study holds significant implications for advancing green development initiatives, enhancing agricultural scientific innovation, and promoting sustainable practices in plateau agriculture. Full article

Whether digital village construction can effectively promote agriculture’s green development is essential for modernizing agriculture and rural areas. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2022, this study empirically examines the relationship between digital village construction and agroecological efficiency and explores its mechanism of action and threshold effect, contributing to the exploration of agricultural digitization and sustainable development. This study shows that (1) AEE is positively associated with digital village construction; (2) the positive association size varies in regions and construction levels; (3) agricultural land transfer and technological innovation play a mediating role in the positive effect; and (4) there is a single threshold value for the positive effect of digital village construction, and after crossing the threshold value, its marginal effect shows a positive and increasing nonlinear characteristic. This study enhances our comprehension of digital village development to advance agroecological efficiency and offers theoretical insights and policy recommendations for optimizing the rural digital infrastructure and fostering sustainable agricultural growth. Full article