Search Results (177)

To achieve regional sustainable development, the low-carbon transformation of agriculture is essential, as it serves both as a significant carbon source and as a potential carbon sink. This study calculated the agricultural carbon emissions in Liaocheng from 2010 to 2022 by analyzing processes including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and agricultural input. Additionally, a simulation model of the water–energy–food–carbon nexus (WEFC-Nexus) for Liaocheng’s agricultural production process was developed. Using Vensim PLE 10.0.0 software, this study constructed a WEFC-Nexus model encompassing four major subsystems: economic development, agricultural production, agricultural inputs, and water use. The model explored four policy scenarios: business-as-usual scenario (S1), ideal agricultural development (S2), strengthening agricultural investment (S3), and reducing agricultural input costs (S4). It also forecast the trends in carbon emissions and primary sector GDP under these different scenarios from 2023 to 2030. The conclusions were as follows: (1) Total agricultural carbon emissions exhibited a three-phase trajectory, namely, “rapid growth (2010–2014)–sharp decline (2015–2020)–gradual rebound (2021–2022)”, with sectoral contributions ranked as livestock farming (50%) > agricultural inputs (27%) > crop cultivation (23%). (2) The carbon emissions per unit of primary sector GDP (CEAG) for S2, S3, and S4 decreased by 8.86%, 5.79%, and 7.72%, respectively, compared to S1. The relationship between the carbon emissions under the four scenarios is S3 > S1 > S2 > S4. The relationship between the four scenarios in the primary sector GDP is S3 > S2 > S4 > S1. S2 can both control carbon emissions and achieve growth in primary industry output. Policy recommendations emphasize reducing chemical fertilizer use, optimizing livestock management, enhancing agricultural technology efficiency, and adjusting agricultural structures to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Full article

In this study, relevant rice cultivation data were collected through a local survey, and the life cycle assessment (LCA) method was employed to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice production on consolidated land in the Red River Delta (RRD). Systematic sampling was used in face-to-face interviews with 45 rice farming households in a representative commune of Hai Duong province. Specific GHG emissions were significantly higher in the summer crop (averaged at 11.4 t CO₂-eq/ha or 2.2 t CO₂-eq/t grain) than in the spring crop (6.8 t CO₂-eq/ha or 1.2 t CO₂-eq/t grain). Methane was a dominant GHG emitted from paddy fields, contributing 84% of the total emissions of CO₂-eq in the summer crop and 73% in the spring crop. Fertilizer use and N₂O emissions accounted for 9% of emissions in the summer crop and 16% in the spring crop. Energy consumption for machinery and irrigation added a further 4% and 8%, respectively. Annually, as of 2023, the rice production activities in the RRD release 7.3 Tg of CO₂-eq (100 years), a significant contribution to the national GHG emissions. GHG emissions under alternative scenarios of rice straw management were assessed. This study highlights the role of land consolidation in improving water management, which contributes to lowering emissions. Based on the findings, several mitigation measures could be identified, including improved irrigation practices, optimized fertilizer use, and the promotion of sustainable rice straw management practices. Full article

Circular economy in the context of municipal organic waste management has boosted the emergence of novel composting scenarios, such as community composting and decentralized urban composting in small installations, which favors localized management and valorization of organic waste streams. However, there is little information about the agronomic use of the composts obtained from these new organic waste management systems as an alternative for inorganic fertilization in crop production. In this work, municipal solid waste-derived composts from two decentralized composting scenarios (CM1 and CM2 from community composting, and CM3 and CM4 from decentralized urban small-scale composting plants) were applied and mixed in the top layer of a calcareous clayey-loam soil to assess their effects as alternative substitutes for conventional soil inorganic fertilization (IN) during two successive cultivation cycles of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in pots with the amended soils. These treatments were also compared with an organic waste (goat–rabbit manure, E) and a control treatment without fertilization (B). The effects of the fertilizing treatments on the crop yield and quality, as well as on the properties of the soil considered were studied. In general, the application of the different composts did not produce negative effects on lettuce yield and quality. The compost-derived fertilization showed similar lettuce yields compared to the inorganic and manure-derived fertilizations (IN and E, respectively), and higher yields than the soil without amendment (B), with increases in the initial yield values of B, for the first cycle from 34.2% for CM1 to 53.8% for CM3, and from 20.3% for CM3 to 92.4% for CM1 in the second cycle. Furthermore, the organically amended soils showed a better crop development, obtaining higher values than the control treatment in the parameters studied. In addition, the incorporation of the organic treatments improved the soil characteristics, leading to 1.3 and 1.2 times higher organic matter contents in the soils with CM2 and in the soils with CM1, CM3, and E, respectively, compared to the control soil without fertilizing treatment (B), and 2.0 and 1.8 times greater organic matter contents, respectively, compared to soil with inorganic fertilization (IN). Therefore, the use of municipal solid waste-derived composts from these new organic waste management systems, such as the decentralized composting scenarios studied (community composting and urban decentralized small-scale composting plants), is presented, not only as a sustainable valorization method, but also as an alternative for the use of inorganic fertilizers in lettuce cultivation, while enhancing soil properties, contributing to increasing the circularity of agriculture. Full article

Fertilizer application is a critical component of turfgrass management as it influences growth, color, stress tolerance, and overall quality. However, limited information exists on how fertilizer application, particularly nitrogen (N), affects hybrid bermudagrass performance and actual plant evapotranspiration (ET_a) in both well-watered and deficit irrigation scenarios. A 7-week greenhouse experiment was conducted over two replicated runs to evaluate responses of ‘TifTuf’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. traansvalensis Burtt Davy) to three nitrogen rates (0, 2.4, and 4.8 g N m⁻² month⁻¹) and three irrigation levels (1.0, 0.65, and 0.30 × ET_a). Fertilized turfgrass exhibited 11–12% greater ET_a compared to unfertilized turfgrass, with no significant differences between the two fertilizer rates. Under well-watered conditions (1.0 × ET_a), the high nitrogen rate significantly improved visual quality (7.8) relative to the unfertilized control (7.1) and the low-rate treatment (7.4). High-rate fertilizer application significantly enhanced visual quality at both deficit levels (7.2 and 6.6, at 0.65 and 0.30 × ET_a, respectively) compared to the unfertilized control (6.2 and 5.9, at 0.65 and 0.30 × ET_a, respectively). At 0.30 × ET_a, low-rate fertilizer application also significantly improved visual quality (7.0) compared to the unfertilized control. Soil nitrate-N levels increased with higher nitrogen application (1.30 ppm, 0.48 ppm, and 0.37 ppm, respectively, for high-rate, low-rate, and unfertilized), and shoot tissue analysis revealed greater N concentration in fertilized turfgrass (1.51%, 1.24%, and 0.85%, respectively, for high-rate, low-rate, and unfertilized). Clipping production and water use efficiency (WUE) were also improved with fertilization, although root development was hindered at the 0.30 × ET_a irrigation level. These findings demonstrate that nitrogen fertilization improves visual quality, shoot growth, WUE, and drought response; however, tradeoffs such as elevated water use and nitrate-N leaching risk necessitate careful management to balance turfgrass performance with water conservation and ecosystem service preservation. Full article

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was utilized to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of composite non-point source pollution in the Yapu Port Basin, China, and to quantify the pollutant load contributions from various sources. Scenario-based simulations were designed to assess the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies, focusing on both agricultural and urban non-point source pollution control. The watershed was divided into 39 sub-watersheds and 106 hydrologic response units (HRUs). Model calibration and validation were conducted using the observed data on runoff, total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). The results demonstrate good model performance, with coefficients of determination (R²) ≥ 0.85 and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies (NSEs) ≥ 0.84, indicating its applicability to the study area. Temporally, pollutant loads exhibited a positive correlation with precipitation, with peak values observed during the annual flood season. Spatially, pollution intensity increased from upstream to downstream, with the western region of the watershed showing higher loss intensity. Pollution was predominantly concentrated in the downstream region. Based on the composite source analysis, a series of management measures were designed targeting both agricultural and urban non-point source pollution. Among individual measures, fertilizer reduction in agricultural fields and the establishment of vegetative buffer strips demonstrated the highest effectiveness. Combined management strategies significantly enhanced pollution control, with average TN and TP load reductions of 22.18% and 22.70%, respectively. The most effective scenario combined fertilizer reduction, improved urban stormwater utilization, vegetative buffer strips, and grassed swales in both farmland and orchards, resulting in TN and TP reductions of 67.2% and 56.2%, respectively. Full article

Increasing pressures on groundwater in the last decades have led to a deterioration in the quality of groundwater for human consumption around the world. Beyond the essential evaluation of groundwater dynamics and quality, analyzing the situation from the perspective of the Ecosystem Services Assessment (ESA) approach can be useful to support aquifer management plans aiming to recover aquifers’ capacity to provide good quality water. This work illustrates how to implement the ESA using groundwater flow and nitrate transport modelling for evaluating future trends of the provisioning service Groundwater of Good Quality for Human Supply. It has been applied to the Medina del Campo Groundwater Body (Spain), where the intensification of agricultural activities and groundwater exploitation since the 1970s caused severe nitrate pollution. Nitrate status and future trends under different fertilizer and aquifer exploitation scenarios were modelled with MT3DMS coupled to a MODFLOW model calibrated with piezometric time series. Historical land use and fertilizer data were compiled to assess nitrogen loadings. Besides the uncertainties of the model, the results clearly show that: (i) managing fertilizer loads is more effective than managing aquifer exploitation; and (ii) only the cessation of nitrogen application by the year 2030 would improve the evaluated provisioning service in the long term. The study illustrates how the ESA can be incorporated to evaluate the expected relative impact of different management actions aimed at improving significant groundwater services to humans. Full article

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen (N) management in saline soils is critical for sustainable cotton production in arid regions that have been subjected to climate change. In this study, a two-year factorial field experiment (3 salinity levels × 3 N rates × 3 irrigation quotas) is integrated with the RZWQM2 model to (1) identify water–N–salinity thresholds for cotton yield and (2) to project climate change impacts under SSP2.4-5 and SSP5.8-5 scenarios (2031–2090) in Xinjiang, China, a global cotton production hub. The results demonstrated that a moderate salinity (6 dS/m) combined with a reduced irrigation (3600 m³/hm²) and N input (210 kg/hm²) achieved a near-maximum yield (6918 kg/hm²), saving 20% more water and 33% more fertilizer compared to conventional practices. The model exhibited a robust performance (NRMSE: 5.94–12.88% for soil–crop variables) and revealed that warming shortened the cotton growing season by 1.2–9.5 days per decade. However, elevated CO₂ (832 ppm by 2090) levels under SSP5.8-5 increased yields by 22.6–42.1%, offsetting heat-induced declines through enhanced water use efficiency (WUE↑27.5%) and biomass accumulation. Critically, high-salinity soils (9 dS/m) required 25% additional irrigation (4500 m³/hm²) and a full N input (315 kg/hm²) to maintain yield stability. These findings provide actionable strategies for farmers to optimize irrigation schedules and nitrogen application, balancing water conservation with yield stability in saline-affected arid agroecosystems that have been subjected to climate change. Full article

Continuous use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, sporadic sewer overflow events, and an increase in urbanization have led to significant nutrient/pollutant loadings into the semi-arid Arroyo Colorado River basin, which is located in South Texas, U.S. Priority nutrients that require reduction include phosphorus and nitrogen and to mitigate issues of low dissolved oxygen, in some of its river segments. Consequently, the river’s potential to support aquatic life has been significantly reduced, thus highlighting the need for restoration. To achieve this restoration, a watershed protection plan was developed, comprising several preventive mitigation measures, including installing green infrastructure (GI) practices. However, for effective reduction of excessive nutrient loadings, there is a need to study the effects of different combinations of GI practices under current and future land use scenarios to guide decisions in implementing the cost-effective infrastructure while considering factors such as the existing drainage system, topography, land use, and streamflow. Therefore, this study coupled the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with the System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) model to determine the effects of different combinations of GI practices on the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus under changing land use conditions in three selected Arroyo Colorado subwatersheds. Two land use maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Forecasting Scenarios of land use (FORE-SCE) model for 2050, namely, A1B and B1, were implemented in the coupled SWAT-SUSTAIN model in this study, where the urban area is projected to increase by 6% and 4%, respectively, with respect to the 2018 land use scenario. As expected, runoff, phosphorus, and nitrogen slightly increased with imperviousness. The modeling results showed that implementing either vegetated swales or wet ponds reduces flow and nutrients to meet the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) targets, which cost about USD 1.5 million under current land use (2018). Under the 2050 future projected land use changes (A1B scenario), the cost-effective GI practice was implemented in vegetated swales at USD 1.5 million. In contrast, bioretention cells occupied the least land area to achieve the TMDL targets at USD 2 million. Under the B1 scenario of 2050 projected land use, porous pavements were most cost effective at USD 1.5 million to meet the TMDL requirements. This research emphasizes the need for collaboration between stakeholders at the watershed and farm levels to achieve TMDL targets. This study informs decision-makers, city planners, watershed managers, and other stakeholders involved in restoration efforts in the Arroyo Colorado basin. Full article

Summer maize is an important grain crop in the North China Plain, but the problem of irrational application of water and fertilizer is becoming increasingly serious. Optimizing water and nitrogen management not only improves yield but also reduces water and fertilizer waste and environmental pollution. The Aquacrop model was calibrated and validated using a two-year summer maize field trial, and 16 different water and nitrogen scenarios were simulated and analyzed. In particular, the field trials were divided into 10 water–nitrogen treatments. The results showed that (1) the model has good applicability to the growth process of summer maize in the North China Plain. (2) Excessive water and nitrogen application would reduce yield by 5.6–33.7%, nitrogen bias productivity by 8.1–32.5%, and water use efficiency by 6.4–84.6%. (3) The optimal irrigation and nitrogen application program for furrow-irrigated summer maize is an irrigation quota of 360 mm in conjunction with nitrogen application of 240 kg/ha. This study provides a theoretical basis for a water-saving, fertilizer-saving, high-yield water and fertilizer management system for summer maize in the North China Plain. Full article

Excessive nutrients transported from agricultural fields into the environment are causing environmental and ecological problems. This study uses an integrated multi-media modeling system version 1 (IMMMS 1.0) linking air, land surface, and watershed processes to assess corn grain yield and nitrogen (N) losses resulting from changing fertilization conditions across the contiguous United States. Two fertilizer management scenarios (FMSs) were compared and evaluated: 2006 FMS, developed based on the 2006 fertilizer sales data; and 2011 FMS, developed based on 2011 fertilizer sales and manure. Corn grain yields captured historical reported values with average percent errors of 4.8% and 0.7% for the 2006 FMS and 2011 FMS, respectively. Increased nitrogen (N) application of 21.2% resulted in a slightly increased corn grain yield of 5% in the 2011 FMS, but the simulated total N loss (through denitrification, volatilization, water, and sediment) increased to 49.3%. A better correlation was identified between crop N uptake and N application in the 2006 FMS (R² = 0.60) than the 2011 FMS (R² = 0.51), indicating that applied N was better utilized by crops in the 2006 FMS. Animal manure could create nutrient surpluses and lead to greater N loss, as identified in the regions of the Pacific and Southern Plains in the 2011 FMS. Manure nutrient management is important and urgently needed to protect our air and water quality. The IMMMS 1.0 is responsive to different FMSs and can be utilized to address alternative management scenarios to determine their impact when addressing the sustainability of food production and environmental issues. Full article

The intensification of agricultural practices, such as the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, the expansion of irrigation systems, and land use conversion, has led to substantial biodiversity loss and the disruption of ecosystem functions. Traditional washing procedures for fresh produce involve substantial water usage and can generate wastewater, which requires proper management to prevent environmental contamination. By skipping the washing stage, these reduced water and energy inputs contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. Although this approach may benefit sustainability and the environment, the market success of a product with a sustainable attribute ultimately depends on consumer acceptance and their willingness to pay (WTP) for it. This study investigates consumer preferences and WTP for a local potato variety called “Agria”, with a specific focus on the sustainability attribute concerning the sale of washed versus unwashed potatoes. We conducted an experimental study with consumers in northeastern Spain, where this potato variety is grown, and simulated market shares under varying price scenarios. The methodology involved a choice experiment that evaluated three characteristics: price, local origin, and presentation (washed versus unwashed). The methodology also incorporated attribute non-attendance (ANA) to capture all aspects of the decision-making process. The findings reveal that consumers preferred the locally grown variety over those from other origins and were willing to pay a premium. Although consumers preferred washed potatoes, they would purchase unwashed potatoes at a discount price of EUR 0.2/kg. The results provide marketing and pricing strategies for local producers and retailers and market share projections aligned with consumer preferences for local food. Empirically, the study contributes to the literature on consumer preferences and sustainable food systems by (i) integrating the “washed versus unwashed” attribute with local origin to inform more effective marketing strategies; and (ii) supporting local potato growers through the identification of viable lunch strategies for a differentiated, unwashed product that extends shelf life, reduces food waste, and promotes sustainability by lowering water and energy use in post-harvest processing. For methodologically, it applies ANA in the context of potato choice experiments—an approach rarely used in this domain—to enhance the understanding of consumer decision-making. Full article

Sustainable agricultural intensification requires innovative approaches to simultaneously enhance productivity and mitigate environmental impacts—a challenge critical to global food security and climate change mitigation. The traditional fertilization system, with a single application of nitrogen fertilizer, while effective for crop yields, often leads to soil organic carbon (SOC) depletion, whereas green manure systems offer a dual benefit of nitrogen supply and SOC sequestration potential. However, the mechanisms by which green manure substitution enhances soil carbon sequestration (SCS) remain systematically underexplored in comparison to chemical fertilization. This review systematically examines (1) the mechanisms underlying SOC sequestration, (2) SOC losses associated with traditional fertilization practices, and (3) the theoretical foundation and practical applications of green manure as a nitrogen fertilizer substitute. We provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms through which green manure substitution drives SCS. Furthermore, we identify three critical areas for future investigation: (i) optimization of green manure management strategies to enhance SCS efficiency; (ii) comprehensive assessment of green manure’s ecological benefits through long-term, multi-scale studies; and (iii) evaluation of green manure’s climate change adaptation capacity and carbon sequestration potential across diverse climatic scenarios. These findings fundamentally advance our understanding of green manure’s role in sustainable agriculture by establishing its dual function as both a nitrogen source and carbon sequestration driver. In addition, these insights have immediate relevance for agricultural policy and practice, particularly in regions where soil health and carbon storage are prioritized alongside crop yield. Full article

In order to explore the applicability of the peanut growth simulation model CSM-CROPGRO-Peanut under conditions of mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang, and to determine the optimal scenario for parameter estimation and model validation, field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 on the water and nitrogen regulation of peanut. Based on the water requirements during the stages of peanut growth, three irrigation levels (low, medium, and high) and two nitrogen application levels (100% N and 50% N) were set, resulting in six treatments. An additional control treatment (CK) with a medium irrigation level and no nitrogen application was also included. In this study, four different parameter estimation and validation protocols were designed, and different parameter estimation results were obtained using the DSSAT-GLUE parameter estimation module. The results showed that the FL-SH (time between first flower and first pod), FL-SD (time between first flower and first seed), SIZLF (time between first flower and first seed), XFRT (maximum size of full leaf), and WTPSD (maximum weight per seed) parameters exhibited strong variability, with coefficients of variation of 24.33%, 22.9%, 19.78%, 14.47%, and 23.82%, respectively, and were significantly affected by environment–management interactions. Other parameters showed weaker variability, with coefficients of variation that were all less than 10%. The model outputs varied significantly among different parameter estimation protocols. Scenario 3, which used data from the adequate irrigation and adequate fertilization treatment (W3N2) environment across both years for parameter estimation and data from other treatments for validation, showed the highest model calibration and validation accuracy. The average absolute relative error (ARE) and normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) for model calibration and validation were the lowest at 9.1% and 10.1%, respectively. The CSM-CROPGRO-Peanut model effectively simulated peanut growth and development as well as soil moisture dynamics under mulched drip irrigation conditions in Xinjiang, with the highest simulation accuracy observed under full irrigation conditions. The findings provide a basis for using the CSM-CROPGRO-Peanut model to develop suitable irrigation and nitrogen application regimes for peanuts under mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang. Full article

Agricultural runoff ranks second only to atmospheric deposition as a source of nitrogen pollution to streams in the southeastern United States. Climate-smart practices such as irrigation have the potential to reduce these impacts and provide resilience in the face of climate change. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of irrigation amounts and fertilizer application strategies on surface nitrate export to surrounding steams. Data from an existing experiment on corn nitrogen fertilization in the Southeastern US was utilized and a crop simulation model was employed to simulate the water and nitrogen dynamics within the soil with particular emphases on nutrient uptake and residual nutrients. left in the soil after harvest under varying fertilization scenarios. A hydrologic and nutrient export model was developed to run in conjunction with the crop model to simulate lateral export from the fields. The results of this study indicate that climate and nutrient management are the dominant factors in determining surface nutrient transport under both rain fed and irrigated conditions, confirming previous studies. The overall results show that irrigation, on average, reduced nutrient export from the surface, especially in dry years. The effect is even greater if the nutrients are applied later in the year while irrigation is on-going. While this present study provides an initial look at the potential impacts of irrigation on nutrient export in humid areas, the available on-farm observational data is limited in its content. However, the results obtained support existing literature and provide further evidence on the impact of irrigation as a climate resilient practice and will help direct future studies in the region. Full article

This modeling study evaluates the combined effects of organic fertilization and irrigation regimes on olive productivity and environmental sustainability in southern Italy. Field experiments were conducted in an organic olive grove (cv. Leccino) under Mediterranean conditions, testing four organic fertilization treatments—biochar (BCH), compost (CMP), dried blood (DB), and a commercial organic fertilizer (CTR)—and two irrigation strategies. The CropWat model was employed to simulate additional irrigation scenarios, ranging from full irrigation (Full; 100% ETc) to rainfed conditions. Results showed that biochar-treated olive groves achieved the highest yields (up to 3756 kg ha⁻¹ under full irrigation), outperforming other treatments, with yields of 3191 kg ha⁻¹ (CMP), 2590 kg ha⁻¹ (DB), and 2110 kg ha⁻¹ (CTR). Deficit irrigation strategies, such as ceasing irrigation during the pit-hardening stage (Red_Farm; 1160 m³ ha⁻¹), reduced water use by 67% compared to Full (3600 m³ ha⁻¹) while maintaining satisfactory yields (3070 kg ha⁻¹ vs. 2035 kg ha⁻¹ on average across all fertilization treatments). Water footprint (WFP) analysis revealed that BCH consistently achieved the lowest WFP values (e.g., 1220 m³ t⁻¹ under Full and 687 m³ t⁻¹ under rainfed conditions), outperforming CTR (1605 m³ t⁻¹), CMP (1645 m³ t⁻¹), and DB (1846 m³ t⁻¹) under full irrigation and 810 m³ t⁻¹, 1219 m³ t⁻¹, and 1147 m³ t⁻¹ with no irrigation water supply. Incremental water productivity (IRincr) and marginal water footprint efficiency (WFP_incr) further demonstrated that BCH optimized both productivity and environmental sustainability, with IRincr values of 0.55 kg m⁻³ and WFP_incr values of 1.58 m³ kg⁻¹ (averaged for all water regimes), better than CTR (0.40 kg m⁻³ and 2.14 m³ kg⁻¹), CMP (0.46 kg m⁻³ and 1.93 m³ kg⁻¹), and DB (0.38 kg m⁻³ and 2.32 m³ kg⁻¹). An aggregated scoring system, based on standardized and normalized data, ranked BCH under the Red_Farm irrigation strategy as the most effective management approach, achieving the highest overall score compared to the other fertilizer treatments in combination with the different irrigation strategies, thereby balancing high yields with significant water savings. Full article