Search Results (388)

Amidst global climate change, carbon emissions across the edible vegetable oil supply chain are critical for sustainable development. This paper systematically reviews the existing literature, employing life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze key factors influencing carbon footprints at stages including cultivation, processing, and transportation. It reveals the differential impacts of fertilizer application, energy structures, and regional policies. Unlike previous reviews that focus on single crops or regions, this study uniquely integrates global data across major edible oils, identifying three critical gaps: methodological inconsistency (60% of studies deviate from the requirements and guidelines for LCA); data imbalance (80% concentrated on soybean/rapeseed); weak policy-technical linkage. Key findings: fertilizer emissions dominate cultivation (40–60% of total footprint), while renewable energy substitution in processing reduces emissions by 35%. Future efforts should prioritize multidisciplinary integration, enhanced data infrastructure, and policy scenario analysis to provide scientific insights for the low-carbon transformation of the global edible oil industry. Full article

At present, transportation energy comes primarily from fossil fuels. In order to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, it is necessary to transition to low-carbon transportation technologies. These technologies can include battery electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and biofuel vehicles. This transition includes not only the development and production of suitable vehicles, but also the development of appropriate infrastructure. For example, in the case of battery electric vehicles, this infrastructure would include additional grid capacity for battery charging. For fuel cell vehicles, infrastructure could include facilities for the production of suitable electrofuels, which, again, would require additional grid capacity. In the present paper, we look at some specific examples of infrastructure requirements for battery electric vehicles and vehicles using hydrogen and other electrofuels in either internal combustion engines or fuel cells. Analysis includes the necessary additional grid capacity, energy storage requirements and land area associated with renewable energy generation by solar photovoltaics and wind. The present analysis shows that the best-case scenario corresponds to the use of battery electric vehicles powered by electricity from solar photovoltaics. This situation corresponds to a 47% increase in grid electricity generation and the utilization of 1.7% of current crop land. Full article

The agriculture sector is a major contributor to the economy of Alberta, Canada, accounting for almost 2.8% of the total GDP. Considering its importance, implementing efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems is vital for promoting sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions like Lethbridge County, Alberta, Canada. Although irrigation is primarily carried out using the Oldman River and its allied reservoirs, groundwater pumping becomes a supplementary necessity during periods of limited surface water availability or droughts. This research investigates the potential of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar energy, to meet the energy requirements for crop irrigation. The study begins by identifying and calculating the water requirements for major crops in Lethbridge County, such as wheat and barley, using the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s CROPWAT 8.0 software. Subsequently, energy calculations were conducted to meet the specific crop water demand through the design of a hybrid energy system using Homer Pro 3.16.2. A technoeconomic analysis of the renewable hybrid system has been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and novelty of the proposed work. Outcomes revealed that the proposed system is both efficient and economical in fulfilling the crop water requirement through groundwater pumping, promoting sustainable agriculture, and helping to ensure food security in the region. Full article

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most cultivated crops in South Africa, serving as a staple food, stock feed, and a key element in several industrial applications. It contributes significantly to the growth of the South African agricultural economy. The cultivation of maize generates a large amount of agricultural waste, mainly in the form of maize stover (MS), which encapsulates leaves, stalks, cobs, and husks. Approximately 5.15 metric tons (Mt) yr⁻¹ of MS are generated in South Africa. This corresponds to an energy potential of 94 PJ. There is immense potential to surpass the annual yield of MS by 126% up to about 11.66 Mt yr⁻¹ through practices such as zero tillage and improved agricultural production systems. MS may pose a serious threat to the environment if not managed in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Valorization of MS into biogas presents an excellent opportunity to effectively control biomass waste while contributing to renewable energy production and mitigating dependence on depleting fossil fuels. However, MS continues to be overlooked as a sustainable bioenergy resource due to its lignocellulosic structure. This study explores the potential of converting MS into biogas for heat and power generation, addressing both energy needs and waste management in South Africa. The purpose is to provide knowledge that will inform researchers, innovators, industrialists, policy makers, investors, and other key stakeholders interested in renewable energy systems. Collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders are vital to leverage biogas as a technology to promote socio-economic development in South Africa. Full article

Agrivoltaic greenhouses in southern Spain offer a sustainable way to manage excessive irradiance levels by generating renewable energy. This study presents a shading experiment on tomato cultivation in a raspa-y-amagado greenhouse in Almeria, southern Spain, during the 2023–2024 growing season. Photovoltaic modules were mimicked by opaque plastic sheets that were arranged in a checkerboard pattern on the roof of the greenhouse. Two shading zones (30% and 50% roof cover ratio) were compared against an unshaded control zone. Microclimate, plant physiology, yield and quality were monitored during the study. The results show that shading influenced the microclimate, which directly impacted crop yield. The 30% and 50% shading zones resulted in 15% and 26% crop yield reductions, respectively. A preliminary, theoretical analysis of potential revenues of the photovoltaic yield showed that reductions in crop yield can be overcompensated by the energy generated by the PV system. For the summer crop cycle, a higher PV production and lower crop yield reductions can be expected. The economic advantage demonstrates the potential of agrivoltaic greenhouses in southern Spain. Full article

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family originated from Asia or Africa and well adapted to the Mediterranean environment. As an oilseed crop with a high oil content (35–65%), it is nowadays used for biofuels production, with a large potential for applications in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors as well. As for other oilseed crops, the interest towards this crop has grown exponentially in the past decades because of the necessity of limiting fossil fuels, obtaining clean energy, and use of a renewable energy source as required by RED (Renewable Energy Directive) within the European Union. Moreover, castor has a great adaptability in different soil and climate conditions, and it is known as a low-key maintenance crop. These characteristics, together with the necessity of increasing renewable energy sources, with the possibility of re-evaluating marginal lands, make castor the ideal plant to be exploited in the years to come. This review aims at giving useful information regarding its cultivation and soil and climate requirements, providing an overview on its spread on the market. Full article

Agricultural waste poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges globally, with estimates indicating that 10–50% of agricultural products are discarded annually as waste. This review explores strategies for managing agricultural waste to mitigate its adverse impacts and promote sustainable development. Agricultural residues, such as those from sugarcane, rice, and wheat, contribute to pollution when improperly disposed of through burning or burying, contaminating soil, water, and air. However, these residues also represent untapped resources for bioenergy production, composting, mulching, and the creation of value-added products like biochar, bioplastics, single-cell protein and biobased building blocks. The paper highlights various solutions, including integrating agricultural waste into livestock feed formulations to reduce competition for human food crops, producing biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel from lignocellulosic materials, and adopting circular economy practices to upcycle waste into high-value products. Technologies such as anaerobic digestion for biogas production and gasification for synthesis gas offer renewable energy alternatives and ample feedstocks for gas fermentation while addressing waste management issues. Composting and vermicomposting enhance soil fertility, while mulching improves moisture retention and reduces erosion. Moreover, the review emphasizes the importance of policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and farmer education in promoting effective waste management practices. By implementing these strategies, agricultural waste can be transformed into a resource, contributing to food security, environmental conservation, and economic growth. Full article

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an innovative approach to food production, offering the potential to achieve reduced or even positive environmental and social outcomes compared to the soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional agriculture. Simultaneously, a sophisticated dual-use system combining solar energy generation from photovoltaics with agricultural production, called agrivoltaics, is rapidly expanding. Combining these approaches into regenerative agrivoltaics offers a promising solution to the challenges regarding food in a rapidly warming world. This review theoretically examines the compatibility and mutual benefits of combining agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture while also identifying the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for implementing this system. A foundation for advancing regenerative agrivoltaics is made by identifying areas for research, which include the following: (1) carbon sequestration, (2) soil health and fertility, (3) soil moisture, (4) soil microbial activity, (5) soil nutrients, (6) crop performance, (7) water-use efficiency, and (8) economics. By addressing the intersection of agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability, regenerative agrivoltaics emphasizes the transformative potential of integrated systems in reshaping land use and resource management. This evaluation underscores the importance of policy and industry collaboration in facilitating the adoption of regenerative agrivoltaics, advocating for tailored support mechanisms to enable widespread implementation of low-cost, zero-carbon, resilient food systems. Full article

The implementation of renewable energy systems (RESs) in the agricultural sector has significant potential to mitigate the negative effects of fossil fuel-based products on the global climate, reduce operational costs, and enhance crop production. However, the intermittent nature of RESs poses a major challenge to realizing these benefits. To address this, thermal energy storage (TES) and hybrid heat pump (HHP) systems are integrated with RESs to balance the mismatch between thermal energy production and demand. In pursuit of clean energy solutions in the agricultural sector, a 3942 m² greenhouse in Yeoju-si, South Korea, is equipped with 231 solar thermal (ST) collectors, 117 photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors, four HHPs, two ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), a 28,500 m³ borehole TES (BTES) unit, a 1040 m³ tank TES (TTES) unit, and three short-term TES units with capacities of 150 m³, 30 m³, and 30 m³. This study evaluates the long-term performance of the integrated hybrid renewable energy and thermal energy storage systems (HRETESSs) in meeting the greenhouse’s heating and cooling demands. Results indicate that the annual system performance efficiencies range from 25.3% to 68.5% for ST collectors and 31.9% to 72.2% for PVT collectors. The coefficient of performance (COP) during the heating season is 3.3 for GSHPs, 2.5 for HHPs using BTES as a source, and 3.6 for HHPs using TTES as a source. During the cooling season, the COP ranges from 5.3 to 5.7 for GSHPs and 1.84 to 2.83 for ASHPs. Notably, the HRETESS supplied 3.4% of its total heating energy directly from solar energy, 89.3% indirectly via heat pump utilization, and 7.3% is provided by auxiliary heating. This study provides valuable insights into the integration of HRETESSs to maximize greenhouse energy efficiency and supports the development of sustainable agricultural energy solutions, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Full article

This study aimed to assess the impact of climatic alteration on food security in Saudi Arabia. Date productivity, temperature, and precipitation represent the data which were collected from various sources linked to the study subject and cover the period from 1980 to 2023. The Engle–Granger two-step procedure, the VECM, and forecast analysis were applied to test the long-term relationship, short-term integration, and forecasting, respectively. Moreover, qualitative analysis was used to reveal the influence of climatic change on food security. The results discovered long-term co-integration between date productivity and temperature. Additionally, the results revealed that there has been long-running co-integration between date productivity and the precipitation series. Temperature and precipitation negatively and significantly impacted date productivity during the study period. With reference to forecast results, the graph was validated using various forecast indicators: the Alpha, Gamma, Beta, and Mean Square Error equivalents were 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, and 5.47, respectively. Moreover, the growth rates of date productivity were equal to 0.82 and 0.08 for the periods from 1980 to 2022 and 2023 to 2034 (forecast), respectively, indicating that there is a decrease in the growth rate of date productivity (0.08) during the forecast period. From these results, the conclusion is that climatic change (temperature and precipitation) negatively impacts date productivity. In addition, the growth rate during the forecast period decreased, indicating that climatic change is affecting food security currently and will continue to do so in the future. This study recommended specific policy interventions and innovations in agricultural practices, including developing and implementing a national framework focused on climate-smart agriculture, balancing productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. This could be aligned with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. Additionally, this could include investing in research and development by increasing public–private partnerships to support agricultural R&D in arid regions, with a focus on heat- and drought-resistant crop varieties and water-efficient farming systems. Regarding agricultural innovations, these could include the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, the expansion of rainwater harvesting infrastructure, recycling treated wastewater for agriculture, and reducing reliance on groundwater sources. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plays a crucial role in the revitalization of the dairy industry and grassland agriculture in China. However, regional differences in economic and environmental performance have not been adequately specified or quantified. This study compares alfalfa production in Wuhe County (Southern China) and Ar Horqin Banner (Northern China) by integrating cost–benefit analysis (CBA) with life cycle assessment (LCA). Field data from 22 enterprises were analyzed using one ton of alfalfa hay and a net profit of CNY 10,000 as functional units, over a three-year evaluation period (2017–2019). The assessment encompassed four impact categories: primary energy demand (PED), global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), and water use (WU). The northern case systems exhibited 67.45% higher production costs but 96.99% greater profitability per ton compared to the southern case, alongside 2.13 × 10⁻² greater environmental impact. Conversely, the southern case systems were less profitable and demonstrated an 18.6% higher environmental impact per CNY 10,000 net profit compared to the northern case. Regional environmental hotspots differed: fertilizer use dominated impact in the south, whereas irrigation and electricity consumption drove burdens in the north. To facilitate a sustainable transition, policymakers should implement region-specific support measures, such as ecological incentives and crop rotation schemes for the south, and water-saving technologies along with renewable energy integration for the north. Farmers and enterprises are encouraged to adopt precision input strategies and climate risk management tools, while researchers should focus on advancing adaptive breeding techniques and optimizing resource utilization. The development of a unified system that integrates economic and environmental metrics is crucial for enabling stakeholders to drive the sustainable transformation of alfalfa production. Full article

The main objective of energy balance analysis is to guide farmers in making informed decisions that promote the efficient management of natural resources, optimise the use of agricultural inputs, and improve the overall economic performance of their farms. In addition, it supports the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop diversification, the use of renewable energy sources, and the recycling of agricultural by-products and residues into natural energy sources or fertilisers. This paper analyses the variation in energy efficiency between 2019 and 2022 of the main crops in Angola: maize, soybean, and rice, and the forest production of eucalyptus biomass in agroforestry farms. The research was based on the responses to interviews conducted with the managers of the farms regarding the machinery used, fuels and lubricants, labour, seeds, phytopharmaceuticals, and fertilisers. The quantities are gathered by converting data into Megajoules (MJ). The results show variations in efficiency and energy balance. In corn, efficiency fluctuated between 1.32 MJ in 2019 and 1.41 MJ in 2020, falling to 0.94 MJ in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before rising to 1.31 MJ in 2022. For soybeans, the energy balance went from a deficit of −8223.48 MJ in 2019 to a positive 11,974.62 MJ in 2022, indicating better use of resources. Rice stood out for its high efficiency, reaching 81,541.33 MJ in 2021, while wood production showed negative balances, evidencing the need for more effective strategies. This research concludes that understanding the energy balance of agricultural operations in Angola is essential not only to achieve greater sustainability and profitability but also to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems against external factors such as climate change, fluctuations in input prices, and economic crises. A comprehensive understanding of the energy balance allows farmers to assess the true cost-effectiveness of their operations, identify energy inefficiencies, and implement more effective strategies to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impacts. Full article

Concerns about sustainable energy sources arise due to the non-renewable nature of petroleum. Escalating demand for fossil fuels and price inflation negatively impact the energy security and economy of a country. The generation and usage of biofuel could be suggested as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Several studies have investigated the potential of using edible crops for biofuel production. However, the usage of algae as suitable feedstock is currently being promoted due to its ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions, capacity to generate more oil per area, and potential to mitigate energy crises and climate change with no detrimental impact on the environment and food supply. Furthermore, the biorefinery approach in algae-based biofuel production controls the economy of algal cultivation. Hence, this article critically reviews different cultivation systems of algae with critical parameters including harvesting methods, intended algae-based biofuels with relevant processing techniques, other applications of valorized algal biomass, merits and demerits, and limitations and challenges in algae-based biofuel production. Full article

This study conducts a bibliometric and content analysis based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, aiming to map the evolution and key themes in horticultural research in the context of technological innovation and sustainability. The results reveal a strong orientation toward digitalization and automation, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence, mechatronic systems, and sensor-based monitoring in crop management. In the field of biotechnology, keywords such as gene expression, genetic diversity, and micropropagation reflect a sustained research interest in improving crop resilience and disease resistance through genetic and in vitro propagation techniques. Furthermore, concepts such as environmental control, soilless culture, energy efficiency, and co-generation highlight the focus on optimizing growing conditions and integrating renewable energy sources into protected horticultural systems. The geographical distribution of studies highlights increased academic output in countries like India and regions of sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting a global interest in transferring advanced technologies to vulnerable areas. Moreover, collaboration networks are dominated by leading institutions such as Wageningen University, which act as hubs for knowledge diffusion. The findings suggest that future research should prioritize the development of durable, energy-efficient horticultural technologies adapted to various agro-climatic zones. It is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders support interdisciplinary research initiatives, promote knowledge transfer mechanisms, and ensure equitable access to innovation for smallholder farmers and emerging economies. Full article

Straw has been used as a building material since time immemorial and has been considered as a waste product from the agricultural sector, usually used for feed, bedding, or fertilization. Nowadays, the construction industry strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is focusing on renewable materials; hence, straw seems to be an attractive, low-energy option. Straw bales or blown insulation are common uses, with limited detailed knowledge regarding the properties of different straw types. Straw is made up of the dry stems of crops. Straw’s chemical composition will differ with different crops and can have a great impact on its effectiveness. As a renewable material, straw also has the potential to be used in buildings, enhancing thermal insulation and reducing environmental impacts. This study considers four kinds of straw: barley, oats, oilseed rape, and triticale, regarding their possible usage in insulation materials. The thermal conductivity, bulk density, and dust generation of each type were tested in the laboratory. Among them, the best performance was shown by the barley straw treated with mechanical pulping using a knife mill at 4000 rpm for 60 s, which showed the lowest bulk density and thermal conductivity and generated the least dust. It is thus proven to be an environmental insulation material with significant implications for sustainable construction and energy-efficient building design, further helping in maintaining environmental sustainability in building construction. Full article