Search Results (922)

Accurate mapping of rice cultivation is vital for ensuring food security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and achieving sustainable development goals. However, large-scale deep learning–based crop mapping remains limited due to the demand for vast, uniformly distributed, high-quality samples. To address this challenge, we propose a Progressive Deep Learning Crop Mapping (PDLCM) framework for national-scale, high-resolution rice mapping. Beginning with a small set of localized rice and non-rice samples, PDLCM progressively refines model performance through iterative enhancement of positive and negative samples, effectively mitigating sample scarcity and spatial heterogeneity. By combining time-series Sentinel-2 optical data with Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar imagery, the framework captures distinctive phenological characteristics of rice while resolving spatiotemporal inconsistencies in large datasets. Applying PDLCM, we produced 10 m rice maps from 2022 to 2024 across the middle and lower Yangtze River Basin, covering more than one million square kilometers. The results achieved an overall accuracy of 96.8% and an F1 score of 0.88, demonstrating strong spatial and temporal generalization. All datasets and source codes are publicly accessible, supporting SDG 2 and providing a transferable paradigm for operational large-scale crop mapping. Full article

The worldwide population is anticipated to reach 10.12 billion by the year 2100, thereby amplifying the necessity for sustainable agricultural methodologies to secure food availability while reducing ecological consequences. Conventional synthetic pesticides, while capable of increasing crop yields by as much as 50%, present considerable hazards such as toxicity, the emergence of resistance, and environmental pollution. This review examines biopesticides, originating from microbial (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma spp.), plant, or animal sources, as environmentally sustainable alternatives which address pest control through mechanisms including antibiosis, hyperparasitism, and competition. Biopesticides provide advantages such as biodegradability, minimal toxicity to non-target organisms, and a lower likelihood of resistance development. The global market for biopesticides is projected to be valued between USD 8 and 10 billion by 2025, accounting for 3–4% of the overall pesticide sector, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12–16%. To mitigate production costs, agro-industrial byproducts such as rice husk and starch wastewater can be utilized as economical substrates in both solid-state and submerged fermentation processes, which may lead to a reduction in expenses ranging from 35% to 59%. Strategies for process intensification, such as the implementation of intensified bioreactors, continuous cultivation methods, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring systems, significantly improve the upstream stages (including strain development and fermentation), downstream processes (such as purification and drying), and formulation phases. These advancements result in enhanced productivity, reduced energy consumption, and greater product stability. Patent activity, exemplified by 2371 documents from 1982 to 2021, highlights advancements in formulations and microbial strains. The integration of circular economy principles in biopesticide production through process intensification enhances the safety, quality, and sustainability of food systems. Projections suggest that by the 2040s to 2050s, biopesticides may achieve market parity with synthetic alternatives. Obstacles encompass the alignment of regulations and the ability to scale in order to completely achieve these benefits. Full article

In northwestern Ecuador, where more than 90% of the original forest cover has been lost, it is unknown how soil chemistry influences bat diversity. This study evaluated bat diversity, non-herbaceous plant community structure, and soil nutrients in 30 plots distributed across crops on two farms separated by 32 km. Soil analyses revealed variations in organic matter and nutrients, identifying calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron as the most influential. A total of 1662 individuals of 24 non-herbaceous plant species and 193 individuals of 16 bat species were recorded, dominated by frugivorous and nectarivorous guilds. Generalized linear mixed models showed significant relationships between bat diversity indices and soil nutrients. These elements improve tree growth, fruiting, and flowering, which increases the quality and availability of food resources for bats. In return, these mammals provide key ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. Our findings highlight that soil chemistry indirectly regulates bat communities by influencing vegetation structure and resource availability. This integrated approach underscores the importance of soil–plant–animal interactions in tropical agricultural landscapes, offering practical guidance. Full article

In recent decades, species within the genus Amaranthus L. (amaranth) have garnered growing global interest due to their exceptional nutritional value, functional properties, and agricultural versatility. Traditionally consumed as leafy vegetables or pseudo-cereals, several Amaranthus species are now receiving renewed attention in the context of the development of modern functional foods. This review evaluates the data on nutritional composition, health-promoting properties, and potential applications of Amaranthus spp. in sustainable food systems in peer-reviewed publications from the last 25 years. Amaranth is rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, positioning it as a significant factor in addressing malnutrition and enhancing food security. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and peptides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities, suggesting its potential as a part of healthy diets, alleviating the risk of non-communicable diseases. The presence of anti-nutritional factors, including saponins, phytates, and oxalates, has also been explored, with implications for nutrient bioavailability and overall health effects. In addition to its nutritional advantages, Amaranthus spp. demonstrate strong adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, thus performing as a crop resilient under climate stress. Their olfactory and sensory attributes are also considered important for consumers’ acceptance and market integration. By synthesising traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research, this review underscores the potential of Amaranthus spp. as a multifunctional food source that could support health promotion, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability. Full article

The world faces increasing food, environmental, and human security issues, primarily attributed to an overburdened agricultural sector struggling to keep pace with rising population and demand for food, energy, and fiber. Advances in food production and agriculture, especially with monoculture farming, have continued to meet these demands but at a high price regarding resource depletion and environmental devastation. This is especially severe in developing world areas with rural populations with thin resource margins. Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a solution to provide shielding for food production, ensure environmental protection, and promote social equity while addressing many of these issues. Regenerative agriculture food production aims to restore soils, forests, waterways, and the atmosphere and operate with lower offsite negative environmental and social impacts. This review discusses the fundamental principles and practices of sustainable plant protection for regenerative farming. It focuses on the role of biological and ecological processes, reduces non-renewable inputs, and aims to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into pest control practices. It offers essential transition strategies, including critical changes from conventional integrated pest management (IPM) to agro-ecological crop protection, focusing on systemic approaches to design agroecosystems. It also reaffirms the importance of a vast diversity of pest control methods that are culturally, mechanistically, physically, and biologically appropriate for regenerative farming practices. Ultimately, the aim is to encourage ecological, economic, and social sustainability for the future of more resilient and controlled agricultural practices. Full article

Restrictions on crop production in Ultisols are primarily driven by low soil fertility, which leads to the unsustainable use of soil resources and food insecurity. Significantly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance nutrient availability for plants, which in turn contributes to greater soil productivity and supports sustainable crop production. This study aims to evaluate the effects of AMF inoculation combined with chemical fertilisation on maize growth and yield in three series of Ultisols. A pot experiment was performed with a 2 × 3 factorial CRD with five replications. Two factors were studied as follows: (1) AMF (Glomus sp.) (non-AMF and AMF inoculation) and (2) rates of chemical fertiliser (0, 50, and 100% of the recommended fertiliser rate for maize, CF). The results showed that AMF significantly enhanced the growth and yield of maize at all CF rates for all soil series at p ≤ 0.01. Total biomass and grain yield following AMF treatment were markedly higher than yields obtained without treatment. Likewise, AMF significantly improved the photosynthetic physiology and NPK content of maize. The CF rate had a negative impact on AMF root colonisation, and AMF efficiency also decreased as the CF rate increased. The relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD) on maize growth and yield was the highest at 0% CF, with averages of 34.49% and 52.35%; however, these values decreased to 7.43% and 8.73% at 100% CF, respectively. Despite this, the RMD of maize growth and yield remained positive for all soil series. These findings suggest that AMF are an effective means of supporting sustainable maize cultivation in Ultisols. Full article

Organic micropollutants in agricultural soils pose significant ecological and health risks. This study conducted the first large-scale, integrated non-targeted screening and targeted analysis across China’s major food-producing regions. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, 498 micropollutants were identified, including pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, food additives, natural products, and emerging contaminants. Spatial analysis revealed strong correlations in pesticide detections between Henan and Hebei, as well as between Hebei and Shandong, indicating pronounced regional similarities in pesticide occurrence patterns. Concentrations of 50 quantified micropollutants showed clear spatial variability, which was associated with precipitation, water use, and agricultural output, reflecting climate–agriculture–socioeconomic synergies. Greenhouse soils accumulated higher micropollutant levels than open fields, driven by intensive agrochemical inputs, plastic-film confinement, and reduced phototransformation. Co-occurrence patterns indicated similar pathways for personal care products, industrial chemicals, and pesticides, whereas natural products and pharmaceuticals showed lower levels of co-occurrence due to crop-specific exudates, fertilization, and rainfall-driven leaching. Among cropping systems, orchard soils had the highest micropollutant accumulation, followed by paddy and vegetable soils, consistent with frequent pesticide use and minimal tillage. Risk quotients indicated moderate-to-high ecological risks at over half of the sites. These results reveal complex soil pollution patterns and highlight the need for dynamic inventories and spatially differentiated, crop- and system-specific mitigation strategies. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important crop globally, being a starchy, energy-dense food source rich in several micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Achieving food security for everyone is highly challenging in the context of growing populations and climate change. As a highly adaptable crop, potatoes can significantly contribute to food security for vulnerable populations and have outstanding commercial relevance. Specific pre- and post-harvest parameters influence potato quality. It is vital to understand how these factors interact to shape potato quality, minimizing post-harvest losses, ensuring consumer safety, and enhancing marketability. This review highlights how pre-harvest (cultivation approaches, agronomic conditions, biotic and abiotic stresses) and post-harvest factors impact tuber’s microbial stability, physiological behaviour, nutritional, functional attributes and frying quality. Quality parameters, such as moisture content, dry matter, starch, sugar, protein, antioxidants, and color, are typically measured using both traditional and modern assessment methods. However, advanced non-destructive techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, enable rapid, high-throughput quality inspection from the field to storage. This review integrates recent advancements and specific findings to identify factors that contribute to substantial quality degradation or enhancement, as well as current challenges. It also examines how pre- and post-harvest factors collectively impact potato quality. It proposes future directions for quality maintenance and enhancement across the field and storage, highlighting research gaps in the pre- and post-harvest linkage. Full article

Volcanic eruptions can mobilize naturally occurring toxic elements such as arsenic into surrounding ecosystems, contaminating soil, water, and food webs. Despite increasing evidence of arsenic enrichment in volcanic regions, comprehensive exposure assessments that integrate dietary and drinking water pathways remain limited, particularly in post-eruption contexts where baseline data are scarce. Following the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption, this study conducted a probabilistic risk assessment to quantify aggregate exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) among residents of Batangas, Philippines. A Monte Carlo simulation framework (10,000 iterations) integrated post-eruption environmental data on total arsenic in soil, lake water, drinking water and clam tissues with modeled bioaccumulation and transfer factors for fish and major terrestrial crops. Two exposure scenarios, lower bound (50% iAs fraction) and upper bound (90% iAs fraction), were applied to capture uncertainty in arsenic speciation and bioavailability. Simulated iAs concentrations followed the order rice > corn > vegetables > root crops. Aggregate daily iAs doses averaged 3.0 ± 1.4 µg/kg bw/day (lower bound) and 4.0 ± 2.0 µg/kg bw/day (upper bound), with females showing slightly higher exposures and pregnant women exhibiting lower doses. Sensitivity analysis identified clam intake, rice intake, and iAs in rice, clams, and drinking water as dominant determinants of total exposure. All simulated individuals exceeded the U.S. EPA non-cancer reference dose (HQ > 1) and cancer risk benchmark (10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴), indicating substantial health concern. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustained environmental monitoring, arsenic speciation analyses, biomonitoring, and public health programs to guide evidence-based management in arsenic-affected volcanic regions. Full article

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic trace metal of increasing concern in agricultural soils. This study investigated the uptake, accumulation, and tissue-level distribution of Tl(I) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in three agricultural soils differing in soil pH and texture. In the seedling pot experiment (0–100 mg kg⁻¹ soil Tl), plant Tl concentrations increased dose-dependently, and were at least an order of magnitude lower in the alkaline soil than in the acidic soils. Bioaccumulation factors of roots and shoots generally exceeded unity and declined with increasing Tl dose in acidic soils, consistent with uptake saturation and physiological stress at high exposure. To elucidate how soil Tl speciation and pH regulate Tl availability, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used; it showed that Tl(I)—sorbed on illite was the predominant species in all soils (89–95%), with a minor fraction (5–11%) associated with non-specific adsorption. In maturity pots (5 mg kg⁻¹ soil Tl), both crops grown in the moderately acidic, coarse-textured soil translocated a small fraction of absorbed Tl to grains, with wheat and rice containing 0.24 and 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ Tl, respectively. Comparatively, plants in the more acidic soil failed to reach maturity, and grain Tl was not detected in the alkaline soil. LA-ICP-MS mapping revealed Tl enrichment in the bran and embryo of rice and in the crease, bran, and embryo of wheat, indicating that unpolished grains may pose higher dietary exposure risks than polished products. Overall, these findings demonstrate the key roles of soil pH and mineral composition in governing soil Tl availability and plant Tl uptake, whereas plant transport processes regulate grain Tl loading. In the absence of food-safety standards for Tl, the results of this study underscore the need to better understand and mitigate Tl transfer from contaminated soils into human food chains via cereal crops. Full article

As humanity prepares for prolonged space missions and future extraterrestrial settlements, developing reliable and resilient food-production systems is becoming a critical priority. Space agriculture, the cultivation of plants beyond Earth (particularly on the Moon and Mars), faces a constellation of interdependent environmental, biological, and engineering challenges. These include limited solar radiation, elevated ionizing radiation, large thermal variability, non-Earth atmospheric pressures, reduced gravity, regolith substrates with low nutrient-holding capacity, high-CO₂/low-O₂ atmospheres, pervasive dust, constrained water and nutrient availability, altered plant physiology, and the overarching need for closed-loop, resource-efficient systems. These stressors create an exceptionally challenging environment for plant growth and require tightly engineered agricultural systems. This review examines these constraints by organizing them across environmental differences, resource limitations, biological adaptation, and operational demands, emphasizing their systemic interdependence and the cascading effects that arise when one subsystem changes. By integrating findings from planetary science, plant biology, space systems engineering, biotechnology, robotics, and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), the review outlines current limitations and highlights emerging strategies such as regolith utilization, advanced hydroponics, crop selection and genetic engineering, and the use of robotics, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) for monitoring and automation. Finally, the article underscores the broader relevance of space–agriculture research for terrestrial food security in extreme or resource-limited environments, providing a structured foundation for designing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems for space exploration and beyond. Full article

In the present context of climate changes, multipurpose and stress-resistant crops tend to be widely grown in areas with severe environmental conditions, such as drought and saline-alkali land. Due to its effective adaptation to high-temperature dry conditions, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a highly resistant and versatile crop. Sorghum is cultivated as a grain, sweet stem, forage material, and broomcorn, and is a source of fuel, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and building materials. Sorghum could be part of an integrated circular economy due to its special manufacturing possibilities. Despite having plenty of beneficial properties, sorghum is not very popular all over the world. Thus, the main purpose of our study is to reveal its benefits and various manufacturing possibilities. Currently known more for being used as animal feed and for biofuel production, once popularized, sorghum could become an important vector of food security. The present study reviews the latest data, highlighting the potential of sorghum to develop new food products, noting the functional and health properties of sorghum in foods and the processing possibilities of sorghum-based products. Full article

Azole compounds are extensively utilized in plant protection products for managing pests and diseases in both agriculture and horticulture. Moreover, azoles are the most extensively used class of fungicides worldwide. In addition to being effective against human pathogenic fungi, they are used in the food and agricultural industries to prevent and control fungal infections in crops. Unfortunately, the extensive use of azoles and subsequent overexposure have led to undesirable effects on ecosystems and non-target aquatic and terrestrial organisms. In the last decade alone, the European Union (EU) has prohibited numerous pesticides, many of which are based on azoles. Numerous azoles, especially triazoles, pyrazoles, imidazoles, and oxazoles, are still approved as active ingredients in plant protection products in the EU due to their excellent activity and minimal environmental and health impacts. However, for some, the expiry date is as close as March 2026. A computational approach for estimating their effectiveness against harmful and non-target organisms in soil, as well as detailed research into the molecular mechanism of action, is used for further evaluation of the compounds. This review provides an overview of azole pesticides and a summary of recent knowledge addressing their toxicity, future prospects, methods, and strategies to overcome their limitations. Full article

Agricultural water resources face growing pressure from rising food demand and environmental changes. In large agricultural irrigation areas, water and land use is closely linked to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and food production. Therefore, regulating the water–land–energy–food–carbon nexus under multiple external changes is essential for achieving sustainable agriculture. This study aims to optimize water and land allocation in large agricultural irrigation areas to enhance yields and reduce carbon emissions under different external environments and production conditions. A spatial–temporal synergistic optimization and regulation model for water and land resources in large agricultural irrigation zones is developed. Based on 191 representative irrigation districts in Heilongjiang Province, multiple scenarios are constructed, including water-saving irrigation, climate change and low-carbon irrigation energy transitions. Optimal solutions are identified using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III. The results indicate that, after optimization in the current scenario, crop production increased by 2.13%, carbon emissions decreased by 1.23%, and irrigation energy productivity rose by 9.33%. Concurrently, water-saving irrigation should be prioritized in western regions. This study provides an efficient water management pathway for major food production regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients for crop production. However, their losses throughout the agri-food system pose significant environmental and public health risks. India, with its diverse dietary cultures and large agricultural sector, presents a unique context for evaluating nutrient footprints. This study aims to provide the first sub-national assessment of food-related N and P footprints across Indian states and union territories, evaluating how vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets influence these footprints. Methods: This study employed a diet-sensitive bottom-up approach using national dietary consumption statistics from 2011–2012 to estimate food N and P footprints. The analysis incorporated regional dietary profiles and nutrient use efficiencies in crop production, along with food waste data, to quantify the affecting factors. Results: The national average food footprints were estimated at 13.11 kg-N capita⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 1.16 kg-P capita⁻¹ year⁻¹, with sub-national variation ranging from 52% to 144% of the national average for N, and 46% to 166% for P. Regions with prevalent non-vegetarian diets exhibited significantly higher footprints than those with vegetarian diets. Low nutrient use efficiencies (NUE 19%, PUE 31%) and consumer-level food waste (contributing nearly 4%) were also identified as key drivers of elevated footprints. Conclusions: The findings indicate that dietary choices, agricultural nutrient management, and food waste practices collectively contribute to the nutrient-related risks in India. Enhancing nutrient use efficiency, promoting plant-based diets, and improving waste management in culturally and regionally sensitive ways are crucial for reducing N and P losses. These findings provide actionable insights for the development of sustainable nutrition and agro-environmental policies. Full article