Search Results (5)

Soybeans (Glycine max L.), a globally significant crop, play a critical role in economic, nutritional, and ecological systems, particularly in rotational farming due to their nitrogen-fixing capacity. This study investigated the residual effects of vermicompost (VC) and vermicompost tea (VCT) applied during a preceding corn cycle on subsequent soybean growth and productivity in an organic corn–soybean rotation. Soybeans were grown in raised beds previously treated with different VCT concentrations and combinations of VC+VCT, without additional fertilization during the soybean phase. Physiological traits, including leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD values) and stomatal conductance, were measured alongside biomass, yield, and plant leaves nutrient concentrations. VC+VCT treatments significantly increased biomass and yield, with VC1+VCT20 achieving the highest biomass (3.02 tons/ha) and yield (1.68 tons/ha). Leaf nutrient analysis revealed increased uptake of both macro- and micronutrients in amended treatments, while SPAD and stomatal conductance values remained consistently higher than in the control. Soil analyses confirmed improved nutrient retention and cation exchange capacity in amended plots, demonstrating the legacy benefits of organic inputs. Therefore, residual VCT and VC+VCT applications improved soybean productivity, nutrient acquisition, and physiological performance in rotational systems. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility, this strategy supports climate-smart agriculture principles and contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Full article

Non-point source pollution from agricultural land use is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, causing serious threats to water, air, and soil quality. Environmental regulations have been shown to have a significant negative effect on pollutant emissions. However, empirical studies examining the impact of agricultural environmental regulations on cultivated land non-point source pollution are limited. To explore the effects of environmental regulations on cultivated land non-point source pollution, this study focuses on the Dongting Lake Plain. Using statistical data from 2010 to 2020, we analyze the temporal and spatial changes in cultivated land non-point source pollution before and after the implementation of the “Zero Growth of Fertilizer and Pesticide Use Action Plan”. A spatial econometric model is used to assess the impact of environmental regulations on pollution. The results indicate that non-point source pollution in the Dongting Lake Plain shows positive global spatial autocorrelation. Locally, in 2010 and 2015, high-high clusters were dominant, while low-low clusters were less common. By 2020, low-low clusters became the main pattern of pollution. The introduction of the Zero Growth Action Plan had a negative impact on pollution intensity within the region and positive spillover effects on neighboring areas. In terms of emission structure, the plan significantly reduced nitrogen emission intensity and pesticide loss, but had a positive impact on phosphorus emissions. The level of regional economic development had a significant negative effect on pollution intensity, while urbanization had a positive effect. Agricultural technological progress showed a negative spatial spillover effect on phosphorus emissions, and regional economic development had a negative spatial spillover effect on nitrogen and pesticide emissions. This study provides evidence of the impact of environmental regulations on cultivated land non-point source pollution and offers valuable insights for the development of future pollution control policies. Full article

We used systems thinking (ST) to identify the critical components of beef cattle production through the lens of ecosystem services (ES), offering a holistic approach to address its adverse externalities. We identified eight critical feedback loops in beef production systems: (i) grazing and soil health, (ii) manure management and soil fertility, (iii) feed efficiency and meat production, (iv) water use and soil moisture, (v) cultural services and community engagement, (vi) energy use, (vii) carbon sequestration and climate regulation, and (viii) environmental impact. Our analysis reveals how these interconnected loops influence each other, demonstrating the complex nature of beef production systems. The dynamic hypothesis identified through the loops indicated that improved grazing and manure management practices enhance soil health, leading to better vegetation growth and cattle nutrition, which, in turn, have a positive impact on economic returns to producers and society, all of which encourage the continuation of interlinked beef and ecosystem stewardship practices. The management of beef production ES using ST might help cattle systems across the globe to contribute to 9 of the 17 different United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the “zero hunger” and “climate action” goals. We discussed the evaluation framework for agrifood systems developed by the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity to illustrate how ST in beef cattle systems could be harnessed to simultaneously achieve the intended environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of beef cattle systems. Our analysis of the literature for modeling and empirical case studies indicates that ST can reveal hidden feedback loops and interactions overlooked by traditional practices, leading to more sustainable beef cattle production outcomes. ST offers a robust framework for enhancing ES in beef cattle production by recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological and agricultural systems, enabling policymakers and managers to develop more effective and sustainable strategies that ensure the long-term health and resilience of humans and ES. Full article

At present, the problem of non-point source pollution and carbon emissions caused by excessive application of fertilizer is increasingly serious and has caused damage to the ecological environment. The “zero growth of fertilizer use by 2020 action plan” was introduced to solve the related ecological and environmental problems. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 1998 to 2020, this paper used the super efficiency SBM model to measure the ecological efficiency of grain production in China, and further verified the mediating effect of fertilizer application amount on the effect of zero growth of fertilizer on the ecological efficiency of grain production using the mediating effect model. The results showed that (1) zero growth of fertilizer action had a significant effect on the ecological efficiency of grain production. That is, the implementation of zero growth of fertilizer action can help improve the ecological efficiency of grain production. (2) The application amount of fertilizer played a mediating role in the mechanism of the effect of zero growth of fertilizer action on the ecological efficiency of grain production. (3) The implementation of the zero growth of fertilizer action effectively reduced the amount of fertilizer application and reduced fertilizer non-point source pollution and carbon emissions, which improved the ecological efficiency of grain production. According to the results of empirical research, to promote the sustainable development of agricultural production, more relevant ecological and environmental protection policies should be introduced and relevant subsidies should be increased. Full article

China has not only successfully fed 20% of the world’s population using only 9% of the world’s arable land; it has also become the world’s largest producer of various agricultural products. The widespread application of mineral fertilizers played a critical role in accomplishing this achievement. In this study, we conducted an integrative analysis of China’s mineral fertilizers over the last six decades from multiple perspectives—domestic production, consumption and international trade at national and international levels, and the agricultural use of fertilizers at a regional level. In addition, we quantitatively estimated fertilizer nutrient surpluses for 30 provinces in mainland China for the time period spanning from 1987 to 2018 and integrated the results as a reference to the evaluation of the implementation of the Zero Growth Action Plan regulating fertilizer use by 2020. We concluded that by 2019, 83% and 93% of the provinces had already achieved zero growth in fertilizer use and fertilizer nutrient surpluses, respectively. This shows promising potential for China in finalising the Zero Growth Action Plan of Fertilizers nationwide by 2020. Full article