Search Results (133)

Global warming impacts agricultural production and food security, particularly in high-latitude regions with high temperature sensitivity. As a major grain-producing area in China and one of the fastest-warming regions globally, Northeast China (NEC) has received considerable research attention. However, the existing literature lacks sufficient exploration of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in climate change impacts. Based on data on rice, corn, and soybean yields, as well as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine duration in NEC from 1993 to 2022, this study employs Sen’s slope estimation, the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of grain yields and their responses to climate change. The results show that ① 1993–2022 witnessed an overall rise in grain yields per unit area in NEC, with Liaoning growing fastest. Rice yields increased regionally; corn yields rose in Liaoning and Jilin, while soybean yields increased only in Liaoning. During the growing season, rainfall trended upward with fluctuations, temperatures rose steadily, and sunshine duration declined in Heilongjiang. ② Except for corn and soybeans in the early period, other crops exhibited significant yield spatial agglomeration. High–high agglomeration areas first expanded, then shrank, eventually shifting northward to the region of Jilin Province. ③ Climatic factors show marked spatiotemporal heterogeneity in impacts: positive effect areas of rainfall and temperature expanded northward; sunshine duration’s influence weakened, but its negative effect areas spread. ④ Differences in crop responses are closely linked to their physiological characteristics, regional climate evolution, and agricultural adaptation measures. This study provides a scientific basis for formulating region-specific agricultural adaptation strategies to address climate change in NEC. Full article

The vulnerability of regional agricultural systems continues to intensify under the influence of global climate change. Understanding the spatiotemporal variation in meteorological elements and their agricultural response mechanisms has become a critical scientific challenge for ensuring food security. This study focuses on the 852 Farm in the typical area of the albic soil region on the Sanjiang Plain in China. This research integrates multi-source meteorological observations and crop yield data from 2001 to 2024. Using methods such as wavelet analysis, grey relational analysis, and cross-wavelet analysis, this study systematically investigates the dynamic changes and cyclical evolution patterns of key meteorological factors and their impact on the yields of different staple crops. The results indicate that, in terms of trend evolution, air temperature, relative humidity, and surface temperature show no significant upward trend (Z > 0; p > 0.05), while precipitation significantly increases (Z > 0; p < 0.05). Evaporation and sunlight show a nonsignificant downward trend (Z < 0; p > 0.05). The yields of rice, soybean, and corn generally exhibit fluctuating upward trends (Z > 0; p > 0.05). In terms of periodic coupling characteristics, meteorological factors exhibit multi-time-scale oscillations at 22a, 12a, and 8a. The yields of the three staple crops form significant time–frequency couplings with meteorological factors in the 22a and 8a periods. Regarding the correlation, air temperature demonstrates the highest grey correlation degree (γ ≥ 0.8) and strong coherence with crop yields, followed by precipitation and sunlight. These findings provide a theoretical and quantitative basis for understanding the multi-scale interactive mechanisms of climate adaptation in agricultural systems of the albic soil region, as well as for managing and optimizing climate-resilient farming practices. Full article

This study investigates the effects of low nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stress on the growth and yield of nine barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (1267-2, 1749-1, 1149-3, 2017Y-2, 2017Y-16, 2017Y-17, 2017Y-18, 2017Y-19, and XBZ17-1-61), all of which are spring two-rowed hulled barley types from the Economic Crops and Beer Material Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Data were collected over two consecutive growing seasons (2021–2022) at Huangyang Town (altitude 1766 m, irrigated desert soil with 1.71% organic matter, 1.00 g·kg⁻¹ total N, 0.87 g·kg⁻¹ total P in 0–20 cm plough layer) to elucidate the correlation between stress tolerance traits and yield performance. Field experiments were conducted under two treatment conditions: no fertilization (NP0) and normal fertilization (180 kg·hm⁻² N and P, NP180). Growth indicators (plant height, spike length, spikelets per unit area, etc.) and quality indicators (proportion of plump/shrunken grains, 1000-grain weight, protein, starch content) were measured, and data were analyzed using correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results revealed that low N and P stress significantly impacted quality indicators, such as the proportion of plump and shrunken grains, while having a minimal effect on growth indicators like plant height and spike length. Notably, the number of spikelets per unit area emerged as a critical factor positively influencing yield. Among the tested genotypes, 1749-1, 1267-2, 1149-3, 2017Y-16, 2017Y-18, 2017Y-19, and XBZ17-1-61 exhibited superior yield performance under low N and P stress conditions, indicating their potential for breeding programs focused on stress resilience. Included among these, the 1749-1 line showed the best overall performance and consistent results across both years. Full article

The rice-wheat rotation is the main agricultural cropping system in Jiangsu Province, playing a vital role in ensuring food security and promoting economic development. However, current research on rice-wheat systems mainly focuses on in-situ controlled experiments at the point scale, with limited studies addressing carbon footprint (CF) and energy balance (EB) at the regional scale and long time series. Therefore, we analyzed the evolution patterns of the CF and EB of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province from 1980 to 2022, as well as their influencing factors. The results showed that the sown area and total yield of rice and wheat exhibited an increasing–decreasing–increasing trend during 1980–2022, while the yield per unit area increased continuously. The CF of rice and wheat increased by 4172.27 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ and 2729.18 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹, respectively, with the greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGI) showing a fluctuating upward trend. Furthermore, CH₄ emission, nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and irrigation were the main factors affecting the CF of rice, with proportions of 36%, 20.26%, and 17.34%, respectively. For wheat, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, compound fertilizer, and total N₂O emission were the primary contributors, accounting for 42.39%, 22.54%, 13.65%, and 13.14%, respectively. Among energy balances, the net energy (NE) of rice exhibited an increasing and then fluctuating trend, while that of wheat remained relatively stable. The energy utilization efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (EPD), and energy profitability (EPF) of rice showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, while wheat decreased by 46.31%, 46.31%, and 60.62% during 43 years, respectively. Additionally, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, and compound fertilizer accounted for 43.91–45.37%, 21.63–25.81%, and 12.46–20.37% of energy input for rice and wheat, respectively. Moreover, emission factors and energy coefficients may vary over time, which is an important consideration in the analysis of long-term time series. This study analyzes the ecological and environmental effects of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province, which helps to promote the development of agriculture in a green, low-carbon, and high-efficiency direction. It also offers a theoretical basis for constructing a low-carbon sustainable agricultural production system. Full article

Blueberry is a high-value fruit crop in the United States, with Georgia and Florida serving as important early-season production regions. In these areas, several thrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), including Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), Frankliniella bispinosa (Morgan), and Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood), have emerged as economically significant pests. While F. tritici and F. bispinosa primarily damage floral tissues, S. dorsalis targets young foliage. Their rapid reproduction, high mobility, and broad host range contribute to rapid population buildup and complicate the management programs. Species identification is often difficult due to overlapping morphological features and requires the use of molecular diagnostic tools for accurate identification. Although action thresholds, such as 2–6 F. tritici per flower cluster, are used to guide management decisions, robust economic thresholds based on yield loss remain undeveloped. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices include regular monitoring, cultural control (e.g., pruning, reflective mulch), biological control using Orius insidiosus (Say) and predatory mites, and chemical control. Reduced-risk insecticides like spinetoram and spinosad offer effective suppression while minimizing harm to pollinators and beneficial insects. However, the brief flowering period limits the establishment of biological control agents. Developing species-specific economic thresholds and phenology-based IPM strategies is critical for effective and sustainable thrips management in blueberry cropping systems. Full article

The competitive ability of weeds against crop plants is determined by the amount of macronutrients taken up from the soil. Macronutrient uptake is influenced by nutrient concentrations in plants and, above all, the amount of weed biomass produced per unit area. The present study was conducted as a part of a field experiment with winter oilseed rape, which has been carried out since 1967. Winter oilseed rape has been grown continuously since 1967 in the same field and in a six-field crop rotation. In winter oilseed rape monoculture, weed management was implemented to mitigate soil fatigue. Winter oilseed rape yields were twice as high in crop rotation than in monoculture, and weed biomass was more than three times higher in the continuous cropping system than in crop rotation. Winter oilseed rape yields were higher in crop rotation without a weed control than in monoculture, including monoculture with a weed control. Nitrogen (N) uptake by rape seeds and straw was significantly higher, whereas N uptake by weeds was lower in crop rotation than in monoculture. In all years of this study, N uptake by weed biomass was higher in monoculture than in crop rotation due to higher weed infestation levels in the continuous cropping system, and N uptake was not significantly affected by N content. The weed control induced a greater increase in N uptake by rape seeds and straw in monoculture than in crop rotation. The results indicate that integrating crop rotation with herbicide protection can help increase yields while reducing weeds, which promotes a more sustainable crop production system. The use of crop rotation contributes to a more efficient use of nitrogen by crops, while reducing its uptake by weeds. Full article

Rapid urbanization, climate variability, and land degradation are increasingly challenging traditional open-field farming systems. Soilless farming (SLF) has emerged as a complementary approach to enhance horticultural resilience in space-constrained and climate-stressed environments. This review critically evaluates the role of SLF within the broader framework of climate-smart agriculture (C-SA), with a particular focus on its applications in urban and peri-urban settings. Drawing on a systematic review of the existing literature, the study explores how SLF technologies contribute to efficient resource use, localized food production, and environmental sustainability. By decoupling crop cultivation from soil, SLF enables precise control over nutrient delivery and water use in enclosed environments, such as vertical farms, greenhouses, and container-based units. These systems offer notable advantages regarding water conservation, increased yield per unit area, and adaptability to non-arable or degraded land, making them particularly relevant for high-density cities, arid zones, and climate-sensitive regions. SLF systems are categorized into substrate-based (e.g., coco peat and rock wool) and water-based systems (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics), each with distinct design requirements, nutrient management strategies, and crop compatibility. Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation—further enhance SLF system efficiency through real-time data monitoring and precision control. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. High setup costs, energy demands, and the need for technical expertise continue to limit large-scale adoption. While SLF is not a replacement for traditional agriculture, it offers a strategic supplement to bolster localized food systems and address climate-related risks in horticultural production. Urban horticulture is no longer a peripheral activity; it is becoming an integral element of sustainable urban development. SLF should be embedded within broader resilience strategies, tailored to specific socioeconomic and environmental contexts. Full article

Agroforestry systems can improve land use efficiency and increase the output of agricultural and forestry products. In this study, a camphor forest–winter rapeseed composite system was used as the research object from 2023 to 2024. A randomized block experiment was used to set different slopes, S1, S2, and S3 (5°, 10°, and 15°), and camphor forest densities D1, D2, and D3 (row spacing of 1.5 m × 1.5 m, 1.0 m × 1.5 m, 1.0 m × 1.0 m) to compare a single crop (CK) of winter rapeseed and analyze its growth status. This study showed that slope and camphor forest density significantly affected the growth indicators of winter rapeseed. Among the intercropping treatments, S1D2 (5°, 1.0 m × 1.5 m) performed best. In the late growth period of winter rapeseed (flowering to maturity), the treatment increased leaf area index, relative chlorophyll content, root system indicators (length, surface area, volume), theoretical yield, and actual yield, and it increased the aboveground biomass per unit area. Although the actual yield of intercropping on slopes S1, S2, and S3 was 2.52%, 2.82%, and 1.72% lower than that of monocropping, respectively, the ground surface was exposed and idle in winter after the camphor trees were cut down in September. Intercropping winter rapeseed with camphor trees can improve land utilization and increase surface coverage. The results showed that the S1D2 (5°, 1.0 m × 1.5 m), S2D1 (10°, 1.5 m × 1.5 m), and S3D1 (15°, 1.5 m × 1.5 m) treatments performed well in terms of biomass accumulation and yield, and they can be used as recommended intercropping patterns for different slopes. Full article

Optimizing irrigation and sowing schedules is critical for enhancing crop performance and resource efficiency, especially in water-limited environments. However, the balancing the trade-offs between crop yield, energy use, and environmental impacts remains a complex challenge. This study investigates the eco-efficiency of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Vojvodina region (Serbia) under three irrigation regimes (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration—ET_c) and three sowing periods (mid-April, late May/early June, and late June/early July). A combined energy analysis and cradle-to-farm gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was employed to assess sustainability trade-offs. Results show that early sowing with full irrigation achieved the highest crop yields, energy use efficiency, and net energy gain while minimizing specific energy input. However, this strategy also incurred the greatest environmental burden due to elevated water and fertilizer inputs. In contrast, late sowing and deficit irrigation reduced environmental impacts at the expense of productivity and energy performance. The most balanced outcome—combining acceptable yield with lower environmental pressure—was observed under early sowing (mid-April) and moderate deficit irrigation (60% of ET_c). Importantly, the study reveals discrepancies between energy and environmental assessments; energy analysis favors high-yield, high-input systems, whereas LCA emphasizes environmental burdens per unit area, often favoring low-input strategies. These findings underscore the need for integrated, site-specific management approaches that optimize both agronomic performance and environmental sustainability, particularly under growing climate and resource constraints. Full article

Promoting the intensive utilization of arable land is a critical strategy for addressing the scarcity problem of arable land resources and thus ensuring food security. However, public emergencies pose significant challenges to the intensive utilization of arable land. Based on the pressure-state response (PSR) model and taking Sichuan Province, known as China’s “Heavenly Granary”, as an example, this study constructs a suitable evaluation system and analyzes the variation trend of the intensive utilization of arable land from the perspective of public emergencies. Key factors constraining the intensive utilization of arable land are further analyzed using the obstacle diagnostic model. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) Despite the shocks of public emergencies, the intensive utilization level of arable land in Sichuan Province in China shows an overall upward trend, indicating a high level of resilience and adaptability. (2) The pressure to utilize arable land intensively in Sichuan exhibits periodic fluctuations, yet the state remains generally stable. The whole system shows positive adaptive responses to external pressures and contemporary conditions during the mid-to-late stages of the research period. Nevertheless, coordination among subsystems within the PSR framework remains suboptimal, and a dynamic equilibrium across the subsystems has not yet been achieved. (3) Obstacle factors constraining the intensive arable land utilization in Sichuan exhibit notable temporal variations. Early-period constraints centered on multiple cropping indexes, grain yield per unit area, and irrigation index, reflecting limitations of traditional agricultural production modes. In the later stages, key obstacles shifted to factors including per capita cultivated land, population density, and pesticide/fertilizer input index, highlighting the impediment effects caused by evolving socio-demographic dynamics influenced by public emergencies. The findings of this study reveal critical pathways for local governments to achieve sustainable arable land management amidst global uncertainties. Full article

The soybean yield per unit area in Xinjiang has reached a high level, with the crop maturing quickly because of the higher temperatures and levels of mechanization. However, environmental factors cause flowers and pods to shed easily, limiting yield potential. Efficient plant growth regulators (PGRs) used to increase crop yields have gained popularity, but their effectiveness in reducing flower and pod shedding, considering factors such as environment, crop variety, and time of spraying, remains unclear. This study investigated whether spraying several PGRs could reduce soybean flower and pod shedding. Field experiments were conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Ili, Xinjiang, China, using α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca), and iron chlorine e6 (ICE6) with foliar applications of 300, 450, and 45 g ha⁻¹ at the four-node stage (V4) and full pod stage (R4). All PGR treatments reduced flower and pod shedding over the years and resulted in an increase in the average flower and pod numbers compared to normal-growth-treated (CK) soybeans. The effective slowing of flower and pod shedding during the critical pod formation stage (R4) ensured a stable yield potential. The flower-to-pod conversion rate was higher after spraying plants with PGRs than for the CK group, and pod retention was higher at the beginning of maturity (R7). Our results demonstrated that spraying PGRs (NAA, Pro-Ca, and ICE6) effectively reduced soybean flower and pod shedding, optimized pod distribution, and increased soybean yield potential. The study findings provide a useful reference for global soybean growers to optimize planting methods. Full article

Long-term excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in sweet maize farmland in South China has led to low nitrogen absorption and high emissions of reactive nitrogen (RN). In this study, four kinds of organic materials, including maize straw, cow manure, biochar, and biogas residue, were applied to sweet maize farmland for three consecutive cropping seasons to substitute 20% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. We compared the effects of different nitrogen substitution practices on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrogen surplus (NSP), and nitrogen footprint (NF) in farmland, with conventional fertilization as the control (CK). Results demonstrated that nitrogen substitution practices increased crop nitrogen uptake by 18.80–52.37%, NUE by 16.00–43.03%, and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFP_N) by 46.18–74.31%, while reducing nitrogen surplus and loss by 7.84–21.84% and 12.08–42.88%, respectively. From a life cycle assessment perspective, nitrogen footprint per unit area (NF_A) and per unit yield (NF_Y) decreased by 13.64–32.24% and 34.26–47.64%, respectively. The results demonstrated that partial substitution with organic fertilizers improved nitrogen utilization as well as reduced nitrogen surplus, loss and, footprint in the sweet maize cropping system in South China. Biochar substitution achieved the most significant improvements. This study provides a research basis for nitrogen management in the sweet maize cultivation system in South China and valuable information for achieving sustainable agricultural development in typical subtropical areas in East Asia. Full article

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has potential for intercropping with banana (Musa spp.) plants, thus contributing to the sustainability of plantations. The study evaluated the growth and yield of ‘Prata Anã’ banana and seasonality, yield and essential oil properties of lemongrass grown in intercropping and the land equivalent ratio. A randomized block design in a split plot arrangement was used, evaluating two cropping systems (sole crop and intercropping) and three harvest seasons during the year for lemongrass and two harvest seasons for banana, separately. The banana can be intercropped with lemongrass without interfering with its growth and production. The biomass production and essential oil yield of lemongrass differed according to cropping system and seasonality. The chemical composition of the essential oil showed stability in the concentration of citral (mixture of neral and geranial), with an average of 94.43%. Seasonal variations were observed in the content of these compounds and other components of the essential oil, emphasizing the importance of the time of harvest in the overall value of the oil. The result demonstrates the viability of intercropping, which not only provides crop yields for both species and produces more per unit area than a sole crop but also optimizes the use of resources and promotes more sustainable farming practices. Full article

Small grain crops showed significant yield variation under different nitrogen fertilization treatments. Understanding factors influencing yield is crucial for optimizing productivity. This study assessed how nitrogen fertilization affects grain number, grain weight, and other yield components in triticale, wheat, six-rowed, and two-rowed barley across multiple locations and seasons. Key traits, including grain number per spike, spike number per unit area, and spike dry weight, were analyzed. Triticale cultivars achieved the highest average grain yield (GY) of 8709 kg ha−1, significantly outperforming wheat (7656 kg ha−1) and six-rowed barley (7676 kg ha−1), particularly under high nitrogen (100 kg N) fertilization, where triticale reached 9184 kg ha−1. Grain number per unit area (GN) was strongly positively correlated with GY across all crops, with the highest GN values observed in triticale (21,937) under 100 kg N fertilization. Fruiting efficiency (FE) and spike dry weight at anthesis (SDWa) showed crop-specific relationships with GN, with the strongest association between GN and SDWa observed in triticale, while FE exhibited the highest values in wheat (112.3) and the lowest in two-rowed barley (82). Triticale’s superior yield was linked to greater grain number and spike dry weight, while wheat’s high fruiting efficiency contributed to its performance. Despite its high spike number and spike dry weight, two-rowed barley had lower grain number per spike, limiting its yield. Nitrogen fertilization improved yield components across all crops, though trade-offs between grain weight and other traits were observed. These findings provide insights for breeders and agronomists in optimizing small grain production. Full article

Taking six provinces and one city in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River as the main research object, this study investigated the carbon footprint of agricultural production in the region and promoted the development of agricultural carbon reduction. This study used the internationally mainstream IPCC emission factor method to calculate the carbon footprint of agricultural production, and selected indicators such as rural population, crop planting area, rural per capita GDP, and urbanization rate to analyze the influencing factors of agricultural carbon footprint in various provinces in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River based on an extensible STIRPAT model. Due to differences in agricultural production conditions, the carbon footprint per unit area and unit yield vary among provinces and cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. From the 15 year average, the carbon footprint per unit area is synchronized with the carbon footprint per unit yield, with Zhejiang Province having the highest (9830.48 kg (CO₂ eq)/hm², 0.65 kg (CO₂ eq)/kg), Hubei Province in the middle (5017.90 kg (CO₂ eq)/hm², 0.54 kg (CO₂ eq)/kg), and Jiangxi Province having the lowest (3446.181 kg (CO₂ eq)/hm², 0.46 kg (CO₂ eq)/kg). From the perspective of emission structure, the carbon footprint generated by agricultural resource inputs accounts for the largest proportion, with fertilizer and fuel use being the main contributors to emissions. In the analysis of influencing factors, the indicators that mainly promote the carbon footprint of agricultural production include the following: rural population (R), ratio of agricultural value added to GDP(Z), total sown area of crops (B), level of agricultural technology (total power of agricultural machinery) (J), and degree of agricultural mechanization (N). The indicators that mainly inhibit the carbon footprint of agricultural production include the per capita disposable income of rural residents (P), rural GDP per capita (G), and urbanization rate (C). Other indicators have a relatively weak impact on carbon footprint. Overall, optimizing agricultural resource input, improving mechanized productivity, and reasonably controlling fertilizers are important ways of reducing carbon emissions from agricultural production. In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, it is still necessary to formulate emission reduction measures tailored to different ecological environment characteristics to achieve sustainable agricultural development. Full article