Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The topic “Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications” explores innovative strategies, methodologies, and applications to enhance agricultural resource efficiency while addressing food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. With increasing pressures on land, water, energy, and labor due to climate change and population growth, this topic highlights cutting-edge practices and advanced research methods for sustainable agriculture.

We welcome contributions that investigate novel approaches, interdisciplinary methods, and real-world applications to tackle agricultural resource challenges. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Efficiency in agricultural resource use (land, water, energy, labor);
• Climate-smart and regenerative agriculture;
• Precision agriculture and digital farming technologies;
• AI, machine learning, and smart irrigation in agriculture;
• Water and soil resource management for sustainability and efficiency;
• Renewable energy integration and circular economy approaches;
• Sustainable supply chains, economic strategies, and governance frameworks;
• Policy innovation, sustainability metrics, and life cycle assessments.

The submission deadline is 31 December 2025, with papers being published on an ongoing basis. Submissions are welcome at any time. 

We look forward to your contributions regarding this impactful topic.

Prof. Dr. Goodness C. Aye
Prof. Dr. Marthinus C. Breitenbach
Prof. Dr. Mulatu Fekadu Zerihun
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	4.5	7.8	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600
Economies economies	2.3	5.2	2013	23.1 Days	CHF 1800
Resources resources	4.3	7.3	2012	23.3 Days	CHF 1800
Sustainability sustainability	4.1	8.9	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400
Technologies technologies	5.2	6.7	2013	19.1 Days	CHF 1800

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Agriculture Economies Resources Sustainability Technologies

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26 pages, 425 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-Low-Power Energy Harvesters for IoT-Based Germination Systems: A Decision Framework Using Multi-Criteria Analysis

by Enrique García-Gutiérrez, Daniel Aguilar-Torres, Omar Jiménez-Ramírez, Eliel Carvajal-Quiroz and Rubén Vázquez-Medina

Technologies 2026, 14(2), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14020082 - 27 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1092

Abstract

The growing miniaturization of electronic systems and the expansion of sustainable, autonomous IoT technologies emphasize the need for efficient, ultra-low-power energy harvesting devices. This study evaluates fifteen devices from five industry leaders for use in small-scale autonomous seed germination systems. Its novelty lies [...] Read more.

The growing miniaturization of electronic systems and the expansion of sustainable, autonomous IoT technologies emphasize the need for efficient, ultra-low-power energy harvesting devices. This study evaluates fifteen devices from five industry leaders for use in small-scale autonomous seed germination systems. Its novelty lies in applying a competitive profile matrix within a flexible multicriteria evaluation framework based on the simple additive weighting (SAW) method that uses a comprehensive set of competitive technology factors (CTFs). The results demonstrate that a transparent and structured methodology can generate prioritized lists of suitable energy harvesters while accounting for technical, economic, and environmental trade-offs. The study also shows that device rankings depend on the scope and objectives of the project. If these change, then the CTF selection, classification, and weighting adjust accordingly. Therefore, the relevance of this study lies in the adaptability, replicability, and audibility of the proposed framework, which supports the selection of informed technology for autonomous, IoT-based germination systems and other technological projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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19 pages, 1724 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Evolution and Scenario Prediction of Agricultural Total Factor Productivity Under Extreme Temperature: Evidence from Jiangsu Province

by Yue Zhang, Yan Chen and Zhaozhong Feng

Agriculture 2026, 16(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16020176 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 495

Abstract

With the intensification of global climate change, frequent extreme temperature events pose increasing challenges to agricultural production. The aim of this study is to characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of county-level agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) under extreme temperature events, reveal key driving factors [...] Read more.

With the intensification of global climate change, frequent extreme temperature events pose increasing challenges to agricultural production. The aim of this study is to characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of county-level agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) under extreme temperature events, reveal key driving factors and crop-specific heterogeneity, and predict potential high-risk areas, which is crucial for providing scientific basis for risk management and adaptive policy formulation in globally climate-sensitive agricultural regions. This paper selects Jiangsu Province as a typical case study, uses the DEA-Malmquist model to measure agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP), systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution characteristics of ATFP at the county scale, and selects the random forest and XGBoost ensemble models with optimal accuracy through model comparison for prediction, assessing the evolution trends of ATFP under different climate scenarios. The results showed that: (1) From 1993 to 2022, the average ATFP increased from 0.7460 to 1.1063 in the province, though development showed uneven distribution across counties, exhibiting a “high in the south, low in the north” gradient pattern. (2) Mechanization, agricultural film and land inputs are the core elements driving the overall ATFP increase but there are obvious crop differences: mechanization has a more prominent role in promoting the productivity of wheat and maize, while labor inputs have a greater impact on the ATFP of rice. (3) The negative impacts of extreme climate events on agricultural production will be significantly amplified under high-emission scenarios, while moderate climate change may have a promotional effect on certain crops in some regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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17 pages, 4143 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Improving Resource Efficiency in Plant Protection by Enhancing Spray Penetration in Crop Canopies Using Air-Assisted Spraying

by Seweryn Lipiński, Piotr Markowski, Zdzisław Kaliniewicz and Piotr Szczyglak

Resources 2025, 14(10), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14100165 - 17 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Efficient pesticide application remains a critical resource-management challenge in modern agriculture, where limited spray penetration reduces treatment efficacy, wastes chemical inputs, and increases environmental losses. This study quantified the effect of air-assisted spraying (AAS) on droplet deposition in two contrasting field crops, oilseed [...] Read more.

Efficient pesticide application remains a critical resource-management challenge in modern agriculture, where limited spray penetration reduces treatment efficacy, wastes chemical inputs, and increases environmental losses. This study quantified the effect of air-assisted spraying (AAS) on droplet deposition in two contrasting field crops, oilseed rape and wheat. Field trials were conducted using a sprayer equipped with an adjustable airflow module, and spray coverage was measured with water-sensitive papers at multiple canopy heights and orientations. In oilseed rape, AAS improved deposition on front-facing and top surfaces in the lower canopy, for example, increasing top-surface coverage at 90 cm from 53.4% to 65.5% at 6 km∙h⁻¹, indicating more uniform distribution and enhanced penetration. In wheat, which typically exhibits a more open canopy structure compared to oilseed rape, AAS effects were smaller and less consistent, with the greatest gain on front-facing lower surfaces (from 13.3% to 21.9% at 7 km∙h⁻¹). Although drift was not measured in this experiment, previous studies using the same sprayer prototype demonstrated measurable reductions, supporting the environmental relevance of improved deposition. These results highlight the role of canopy architecture in determining AAS performance and underscore the technology’s potential to reduce pesticide inputs, minimize off-target losses, and improve the resource efficiency of crop protection in line with EU Farm to Fork objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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39 pages, 1425 KB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Agricultural Socialized Services in Mitigating Rural Labor Shortages: A Multi-Crop Analysis of Production Performance

by Zhixiong Liu, Yuheng Wei, Ruofan Liao and Jianxu Liu

Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111151 - 27 May 2025

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

China’s agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges due to rapid urbanization. The rural labor force is declining, and the agricultural workforce is aging significantly. This labor shortage, worsened by the exodus of agricultural technicians, threatens food security and agricultural sustainability. This study analyzes data [...] Read more.

China’s agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges due to rapid urbanization. The rural labor force is declining, and the agricultural workforce is aging significantly. This labor shortage, worsened by the exodus of agricultural technicians, threatens food security and agricultural sustainability. This study analyzes data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2022 using a transcendental logarithmic production function. The research examines how agricultural socialized services can alleviate rural labor shortages by improving production efficiency. It also investigates these services’ impact on labor input intensity and grain yield across different crops and regions. The results show that socialized agricultural services effectively promote food production. At the national level, these services can promote a 54.4% increase in total crop production. Agricultural socialized services are gradually developing toward labor substitution. The significant negative interaction coefficient between services and labor confirms this substitution effect. The input–output elasticity of these services is positive for total crop and cereal crop production in major production areas. It also shows positive elasticity for total crop and tuber crop production in non-major production areas. The national-level “service-labor” technical elasticity of substitution maintains values above zero, averaging 0.37 across regions, offering an effective solution to agricultural labor shortages. This study identifies a threshold effect where these services’ impact on food production significantly increases with business scale expansion. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing agricultural socialized services through strengthened service systems, differentiated regional strategies, technological innovation, and comprehensive support policies. Such targeted approaches would enhance substitution effects and service efficiency, addressing labor shortages and boosting food production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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16 pages, 1106 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Factors Enhancing Marketability of Coastal Agricultural Products in Rural South Africa

by Ifeanyi Mbukanma, Vikela Liso Sithole and Yiseyon Sunday Hosu

Economies 2025, 13(5), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13050141 - 20 May 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2341

Abstract

This study explores the dynamics of marketing agricultural products in the coastal regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, through an analysis of existing literature and empirical data collected from selected participants to model farmers’ marketing experiences and identifies an improvement pathway. This [...] Read more.

This study explores the dynamics of marketing agricultural products in the coastal regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, through an analysis of existing literature and empirical data collected from selected participants to model farmers’ marketing experiences and identifies an improvement pathway. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the factors that inhibit and enable the marketability of coastal agricultural products. Employing a causal relationship research methodology, this paper reviewed the current situation through a bottom-up approach, providing valuable insights for policymakers, interventionists, researchers, and practitioners who aim to support rural coastal agricultural growth and livelihood enhancement in the Eastern Cape. Data were collected from 215 participants from the sample of 4212 registered coastal small-scale farms in the Eastern Cape through a multi-staged sampling procedure. The findings through Path analysis empirically revealed that technological resources, efficient supply chain systems, supportive government policies, and unlimited market access significantly enhance the marketability of coastal agricultural products. The study recommends addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, stringent regulatory requirements, and the effects of climate change, which is essential for advancing the marketability of coastal agricultural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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27 pages, 1627 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Agro-Tourism Integration and County-Level Sustainability: Mechanisms and Regional Heterogeneity in China

by Qi Wang, Xianhui Dang, Ting Song, Guangpeng Xiao and Yongqin Lu

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4549; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104549 - 16 May 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3732

Abstract

The agro-tourism integration model combines agricultural production, rural life, and tourism experiences, bringing new opportunities for the sustainable development of counties. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of the agro-tourism integration on the sustainable development of counties, reveal the [...] Read more.

The agro-tourism integration model combines agricultural production, rural life, and tourism experiences, bringing new opportunities for the sustainable development of counties. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of the agro-tourism integration on the sustainable development of counties, reveal the underlying mechanisms and regional heterogeneity effects, and provide a scientific basis for the formulation of rural revitalization policies. Based on panel data from 1749 counties in China from 2008 to 2021, an empirical test using a propensity score matching-difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) model found that the National Policy on Leisure Agriculture and Rural Tourism Demonstration Counties significantly enhances the level of sustainable development in counties through three mechanisms: stimulating consumer demand, attracting capital inflows, and optimizing industrial structure. Moreover, the effect is more pronounced in the western regions of China. In terms of theory, this study shifts the focus to the county level, constructing a comprehensive measurement index system for county-level sustainable development. It analyzes the mechanisms through which the integration of agriculture and tourism operates and verifies the policy effects. In terms of practice, policy implementations are proposed to adopt a multi-pronged approach to increase agricultural-tourism consumption; to promote government-enterprise cooperation and introduce long-term funding; and to develop the service industry in a location-specific manner to continuously optimize the industrial structure. This study indicates that agro-tourism integration is an effective path for the sustainable development of counties. The policy design needs to take into account the differences in regional resource endowments. This has important implications for promoting county-level development in a location-specific manner under the rural revitalization strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Efficient and Sustainable Agricultural Resource Use: Advances in Research Methods and Applications)

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