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This study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether using renewable and non-renewable energy, CO2 emissions, and the resulting changes in temperature and precipitation can alter cereal yields in European Union countries. To this end, a panel data set covering 1992–2021 has been used to analyse the impact of climate change and economic factors on cereal production in European Union countries. The study employed various analytical techniques to better understand the impact of climate change and economic factors on cereal crop yields. These included using annual average temperature and rainfall to measure climate change, energy consumption, and economic growth to analyse the economic aspects. To achieve the objective, feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) models with robust standard errors and bootstrap and a quantile regression (QR) model with marginal analysis were employed. The Westerlund cointegration test confirmed the presence of cointegration between cereal production and climate variables, economic growth, and energy consumption. The results indicate that increases in temperature and precipitation may contribute to increased cereal production in European Union countries. In contrast, energy consumption, including renewable energy and CO2 emissions, may have a nonlinear effect on cereal production. Quantile regression analysis suggests climate change may impact crop yields most in countries with low and moderate cereal production per hectare. Increased CO2 emissions may increase yields in the initial period, but excessive CO2 may negatively impact cereal production in the long term. It would be advisable for countries with low and moderate crop productivity to consider implementing technological advances and combating global warming by modernising cultivation methods and making greater use of renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the total production water use and efficiency of three major cereal crops, namely rice, wheat, and corn, in the Huai River region and provides a reference for ensuring food security and promoting the sustainable development of food production. The study took 35 prefecture-level cities in the Huai River and Yishusi water systems as the study objects, and based on data on cereal production, water resources, and climate in sub-cities from 2000 to 2019, the Penman–Monteith model, Exploratory Spacial Data Analysis (ESDA) model and spatial Durbin model were used to measure the water footprint intensity of cereal production in the basin to reflect its water use efficiency and analyze its spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors. The water footprint of cereal production in the Huai River basin tended to stabilize, and the overall water footprint intensity of cereal production decreased by 82.86%. The spatial clustering of the water footprint intensity was significant, and the clustering state gradually stabilized. Socio-economic conditions, agricultural production inputs, agricultural production conditions, natural conditions, and resource endowments had a significant impact on the water footprint intensity of cereal production. The study concludes that the total amount of water used for cereal production in the Huai River basin has increased as a whole, and water use efficiency has generally improved. There are significant spatial differences in the water use efficiency of cereal production in the Huai River basin, with the higher areas being the lower reaches of the main stream of the Huai River and the Yishusi system, and the lower areas being the Anhui section of the main stream of the Huai River. The improvement in the rural economic development level, technological development level, and effective irrigation area can promote an improvement in the water use efficiency of cereal production, while the improvement in the urbanization level, fertilizer application, annual sunshine hours, and average annual temperature will have a suppressive effect on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cheliff plain (North of Algeria) experienced substantial impacts from climate variability, particularly notable as the majority of cereal cultivation areas rely on rainfed practices, devoid of irrigation. Certainly, the insufficient rainfall during the critical phases of the crop's life cycle in 2020-2021 resulted in cereal production in this region dropping to 51500 kg, which is less than half of the yield from the 2019-2020 agricultural season (124300 kg). The study aimed to assess the influence of climate change on cereal crop yields in the Upper Cheliff Plain by analyzing trends in rainfall, temperature, and humidity time series over 30 years, from 1981 to 2020. This was established with mathematical formulas and statistical assessments of cereal production. The study revealed three distinct periods: 1981-1987, 1988-2004, and 2005-2020. Annual rainfall decreased by 11% between 1988-2004, while temperatures increased by 0.1°C in recent decades, leading in lower humidity. In 2017/2018, with a rainfall of 634 mm, the average yields of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L), durum wheat (Triticum durum L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L) were respectively 2800, 3100 and 2100 kg ha-1. In 1996/1997, when rainfall was less than 246 mm, yields of the same species did not exceed 600, 700, and 700 kg ha-1. It can be explained by the vulnerability of cereals to water stress. The results illustrate the strong link between selected climatic parameters and agricultural production in the semi-arid climate such as the Upper Cheliff Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) can enhance cereal yields, improve grain quality and reduce agrochemical inputs. However, several challenges are associated with achieving enhanced NUE, e.g., a frequently poor synchronization between N supply and demand; low grain yields per unit of N input; and inherent trade-offs between grain yield and quality. Scope: To address these challenges, we focus on the temporal perspective of NUE related processes at different growth stages, and propose the utilization of beneficial microbes, e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for their roles in affecting aspects of NUE particularly at the later development stages. Conclusion: Some evidence suggests that AMF can directly promote N uptake and use in cereals, by regulating N transporters, but the indirect effects of AMF on NUE related processes at different growth stages are poorly known. Here we explore AMF and their potential roles in promoting NUE related processes that enhance crop P and N uptake post-anthesis, when nutrient supply often is low. In order to fully exploit the opportunities for beneficial root-fungal symbiosis, we propose approaches for plant breeding and crop management, and consider the potential of plant-microbe interactions post-anthesis to promote NUE and the sustainable production of especially cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the growing global demand for food and the urgent need to address environmental challenges, it is essential to understand the factors that influence cereal production. This research set out to examine the intricate relationships between land use practices, agricultural methods, industrialization, energy intensity, carbon emissions, urban population growth, gross domestic savings, and cereal production across fifteen key cereal-producing states in the Americas. The study employs a Panel VAR/GMM model with data spanning from 2000 to 2021. The findings indicate that the lag of all variables exerts a strong, positive, and statistically significant effect on their current values. However, the lag of cereal production on other variables reveals a mixed and weaker effect, with cereal production showing a slight negative impact on land use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Conversely, the lag of land use positively influences cereal production, underscoring land management's crucial role. Meanwhile, the lag of agricultural practices, while mostly insignificant on other variables including cereal production, negatively affects urban population growth, suggesting that agricultural activities may slow urbanization. Additionally, industrialization has no significant effect on cereal production, except a weak negative influence on CO2 emissions and energy intensity. In contrast, Carbon dioxide emissions, exhibit a significant negative effect on cereal production, highlighting their detrimental impact on agricultural output. Moreover, the lag of energy intensity negatively affects CO2 emissions, suggesting more efficient energy use could help reduce emissions. Meanwhile, Urban population growth also has a significant negative impact on cereal production, indicating that urbanization may harm food security. The effect of gross domestic savings is generally weak and statistically insignificant across variables, though it shows some negative influence on both cereal production and urban population growth. Lastly, Granger causality tests show significant bidirectional causality between land use and cereal production, as well as between CO2 emissions and cereal production. The stability tests indicate that the model remains stable with impulse response functions. Based on these findings, the study offers practical policy implications, acknowledges limitations, and suggests future research directions, providing valuable insights for balancing agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and urban development. • Lag of Land use significantly impacts cereal output. • Lag of Agricultural practices negatively affect urbanization. • Lag of CO2 emissions negatively affect cereal production. • Energy efficiency reduces CO2 emissions, benefiting cereal production. • Granger tests reveal bidirectional causality between land use and cereal output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Transformative strategies in cereal production for BRICS countries between 1990 and 2021 are analyzed. • Panel data analyses and Machine Learning algorithms are applied. • Innovations and better land management boost food production in BRICS countries. • Emissions from agriculture significantly reduce long-term cereal yields. • Ensemble methods confirm the influence of technological innovations on cereal production. Amidst escalating food insecurity and climate change threats, which exacerbate food shortages and increase agricultural emissions, this paper explores transformative strategies in cereal production within the BRICS countries from 1990 to 2021. The uncontrolled growth of intensive agriculture, aimed at satisfying the growing global demand for food in a context already threatened by climate change, has led to a uniformity of crops with devastating impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, resulting in a transformation of soil and its capacity to implement ecosystem services, such as food, fiber, and raw material production, nutrient recycling, carbon sequestration, clean water availability, and the regulation of water regimes and local temperatures. These changes have had negative consequences on agricultural production. Thus, sustainable agriculture faces three closely related challenges: reducing environmental impact, in-creasing productivity, and adapting to and mitigating climate change. This analysis utilizes advanced econometric tools such as panel second-generation unit root tests, Westerlund's cointegration test, second-generation long-run estimators, and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test, together with several machine learning algorithms, to investigate the influence of technological innovations and improved land management on cereal yields. The findings demonstrate a positive correlation between technological advancements, enhanced land management for cereal cultivation, and the food production index with increased cereal output. At the same time, emissions from agriculture significantly reduce yields over time. Furthermore, an interaction analysis reveals that the comprehensive integration of these factors significantly boosts cereal productivity. The study also identifies directional causal relationships between technological and emission factors and cereal production, suggesting a complex interplay with land use. Sustainable land use is one of the key conditions for ensuring the ecological resilience of agricultural practices in terms of providing ecosystem services. Implementing these strategies calls for a collaborative approach among governments, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders, considering each BRICS nation's unique environmental, socio-economic, and local contexts, and fostering regional cooperation to promote sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulative crop recovery of synthetic fertiliser nitrogen (N) over several cropping seasons (legacy effect) generally receives limited attention. The increment in crop N uptake after the first‐season uptake from fertiliser can be expressed as a fraction (∆RE) of the annual N application rate. This study aims to quantify ∆RE using data from nine long‐term experiments (LTEs). As such, ∆RE is the difference between first season (RE1st) and long‐term (RELT) recovery of synthetic fertiliser N. In this study, RE1st was assessed either by the 15N isotope method or by a zero‐N subplot freshly superimposed on a long‐term fertilised LTE treatment plot. RELT was calculated by comparing N uptake in the total aboveground crop biomass between a long‐term fertilised and long‐term control (zero‐N) treatment. Using a mixed linear effect model, the effects of climate, crop type, experiment duration, average N rate, and soil clay content on ∆RE were evaluated. Because the experimental setup required for the calculation of ∆RE is relatively rare, only nine suitable LTEs were found. Across these nine LTEs in Europe and North America, the mean ∆RE was 24.4% (±12.0%, 95% CI) of annual N application, with higher values for winter wheat than for maize. This result shows that fertiliser‐N retained in the soil and stubble may contribute substantially to crop N uptake in subsequent years. Our results suggest that an initial recovery of 43.8% (±11%, 95% CI) of N application may increase to around 66.0% (±15%, 95% CI) on average over time. Furthermore, we found that ∆RE was not clearly related to long‐term changes in topsoil total N stock. Our findings show that the—often used—first‐year recovery of synthetic fertiliser N application does not express the full effect of fertiliser application on crop nutrition. The fertiliser contribution to soil N supply should be accounted for when exploring future scenarios on N cycling, including crop N requirements and N balance schemes. Highlights: Nine long‐term cereal experiments in Europe and USA were analysed for long‐term crop N recovery of synthetic N fertiliser.On average, and with application rates between 34 and 269 kg N/ha, crop N recovery increased from 43.8% in the first season to 66.0% in the long term.Delta recovery was larger for winter wheat than maize.Observed increases in crop N uptake were not explained by proportionate increases in topsoil total N stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the sources of competitiveness of Czech cereal production by considering precision farming technology and employing micro-level data collected in the FADN database for the period 2005-2018. The analysis is based on the stochastic frontier modelling of an input distance function in the specification of the four-component model, which currently represents the most advanced approach to technical efficiency analysis. To provide a robust estimate of the model, the paper employs methods which control for the potential endogeneity of netputs in the four-step estimation procedure. Furthermore, the total factor productivity change is calculated using the Törnqvist-Theil index. The results reveal that Czech cereal producers took great advantage of their production possibilities and experienced technological progress, which contributed considerably to productivity dynamics and consequently to an increase in their competitiveness. Precision farming, which is associated with a large number of innovations reflected in technological change and optimal resource use, contributed to higher technical efficiency connected with cost savings in Czech cereal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzed the evolution of the cereal sector in the North-East Region of Romania, in the period 2015- 2019. In order to carry out a more realistic study, a series of quantitative indicators specific to the cereal sector were analyzed. Also, the factors that directly influenced the results obtained in this sector were highlighted. In the North-East Region, the corn crop is on the first place in the ranking of cereal crops. This culture also holds a significant place at the macro-regional level. In 2019, in the North-East Region, 464,008 ha were cultivated with corn out of a total of 966,729 ha, cultivated in Macroregion Two, which represents 48%. A significant role in the economy of the cereal sector in the North-East region is played by the wheat culture. In this region, in 2019, 25.78% of the areas related to this cereal crop registered at the level of the Macroregion Two were cultivated. The largest productions were made at the corn crop. The productions made for this crop in 2019 were differentiated at the level of the counties in this region. The increase of the productivity of all medium and long-term cereal crops will be possible if farmers adopt an agriculture, in which new technologies will occupy a central place. The data used in the paper were collected from the National Institute of Statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is often affected by abiotic stress such as high temperatures and water deficit. Due to this, grain yield can be reduced by a water deficit and an inadequate grain filling as well as affect synthesis of polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of water deficit on yield in spring wheat cultivars during grain filling stage, and evaluate total polyphenol content in whole wheat flour. Experiments were conducted at two locations during 2016-2017 growing season, using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, with 12 treatments consisting of three irrigations levels and four spring wheat cultivars. In Site 1, interaction (P < 0.05) was obtained between water deficit level and cultivar, 'Pantera-INIA CL' achieved highest grain yield (10.5 Mg ha-1), with a well-watered treatment, while 'Lasana' reached lowest grain yield (8.5 Mg ha-1), with a severe water deficit. However, water deficit did not affect significantly (P > 0.05) grain yield in Site 2, and differences were observed only between cultivars (P < 0.05) in a range of 6.1 to 7.1 Mg ha-1. Total polyphenol content was not affected by water deficit, differences were only observed between cultivars in both locations (P < 0.05). However, cultivars showed a higher total polyphenol content in Site 1. Water deficit level did not negatively influence yield of four wheat cultivars evaluated in Site 2. While in Site 1, only yield of 'Lasana' and 'Pantera-INIA CL' was reduced, with severe water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somalia is among the poorest countries on the planet. Since the fall of Siad Barre's regime in 1991, the country has been in a near-constant state of food insecurity and suffered two officially declared famines. In order to address the issue of food insecurity in Somalia, a greater understanding of each of the components that contribute to the Somali food supply is merited. Cereal crops make up a third to half of the Somali diet by calories and are among the most important food crops produced by the country. This study investigated the historic trends in domestic cereal production, cereal imports, and food aid (reported in cereal equivalents) in Somalia by exploring secondary data publicly available from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the World Food Programme. These data were related to World Bank population data in Microsoft Excel and average per capita production, import, and aid figures were calculated. Median changes over time and their associated interquartile ranges were reported. The data demonstrated that Somali cereal production levels have not improved since the 1960's, and since that time, they have been characterized by an extreme amount of year-to-year volatility. Moreover, maize and sorghum are the only meaningful fractions of Somalia's domestic cereal production, and recent total production of each crop is well below the levels observed in the 1980's. When combined, per capita production of maize and sorghum has decreased precipitously over time (falling from a high of 91 kg per capita in 1972 to just 30 kg per capita in 2012). This is likely due to a combination of stagnant production and rapidly increasing Somali population (up over 350% since 1961). This has increased the importance of cereal imports and aid to Somalia and has made the country vulnerable to disruptions in international cereal markets and foreign government policies. Improving domestic cereal production in Somalia should be part of any future food security strategy for the country. Recent agricultural research in Somalia suggests that the implementation of simple agricultural best management practices can increase cereal production in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Belt and Road" Initiative is the inevitable result of globalization in the new era. As an important strategic resource, food production research is of great significance to regional and global food security. By a quantitative analysis of cereals production, planting area, yield and planting structure, the spatial-temporal patterns and regional differences of countries along the "Belt and Road" were revealed based on time- series data of nearly 40 years. The results showed that: (1) The countries along the "Belt and Road" were important cereals production areas, and the production accounted for 50% to 60% of the world total. A constant growth trend of cereals production was showed during 1977- 2016. Per capita cereals production has increased with much difference at country level during 1995-2016, which means the man-grain relationship has been gradually improved and the regional food security has increased. (2) There were obvious regional differences in cereals production in countries along the "Belt and Road", and the spatial pattern was relatively stable. China, India and Russia were high cereals production countries. Cereals production in countries in Southeast and South Asia was generally high, while that in the Arabian Peninsula was relatively low. (3) Rice, wheat and maize were major cereal crops in countries along the "Belt and Road", and rice contributed the most to the total production. The proportions of rice and wheat were relatively stable, but that of maize was increasing. Meanwhile, the regional distribution characteristics of the three major crops were also obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal grains are widely used as staple foods, therefore ensuring a steady supply of food globally requires cereal production, and South Asia contributes significantly to this endeavor. However, the global food system is thought to be responsible for around one-fourth of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with grain production being a major contributor to this system. With the increasing need for food, especially cereal grains, it is difficult to reduce GHG emissions from food production on limited land. However, the cereal production - land use - agricultural GHG emissions nexus has been disregarded in earlier studies which needs to be identified for the sustainable food production system. Therefore, this research aims to assess the interactions between agricultural GHG emissions, food production index, and land usage on cereal production in South Asia. This study employs the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) model as a baseline model for a panel data set of 1990–2020 and further checks the validity via Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) and robust least square procedure to tackle the endogeneity, serial correlation, and outlier issues. Findings confirm that growing the food production index and land usage boosts cereal grain production in South Asia, whereas rising agricultural CO 2 emissions lessen output in the long run. In this paper, we also deploy Dumitrescu and Hurlin's (2012) panel causality test to prove a dual causal connection between the food production index, land use, and cereal food production. From a policy perspective, the findings indicate the necessity of integrating green agro-technology into land cultivation practices in order to achieve increased grain production and mitigate GHG emissions originating from the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food demand of the growing and increasingly affluent world population may necessitate additional food grains production by the year 2100 by 1 billion Mg and meat production by 200 million Mg. However, of the 3 billion Mg food grains produced globally, ~30% are wasted through postharvest losses in developing countries and an inefficient supply chain system in developed nations. Rather than increasing the area under production, an appropriate strategy is to reduce food waste and enhance productivity of drylands through adoption of an efficient irrigation system or use of conservation agriculture based on no-till, residue mulch, cover cropping, and integrated nutrient management. Grain yield (GY) is affected by the product of four factors: evapotranspiration (ET), transpiration: ET ratio (T/ET), 1/TR, and the harvest index (HI) [GY = ET × 1/TR × HI]. TR or transpiration ratio is the kg of water required to produce 1 kg of the aboveground biomass. The most impact determinant of GY is ET. Thus, conserving water in the root zone is essential to improving agronomic productivity of dryland agriculture. By narrowing the yield gap and conserving water in the root zone, it is technically feasible to produce the cereals needed to meet the global demand by the year 2100 on 0.5 billion ha of cropland. However, the importance of judicious governance for translating science of water management into action cannot be overemphasized. After all, it's all about water. Its judicious management is critical to enhance ET, improve GY, and advance food and nutritional security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeast Asia is not only the important part of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (CAFTA), but also the foremost frontier and transportation junction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Since the 1990s, especially after the establishment of the CAFTA in 2010, the economic and trade exchanges in the CAFTA have been enhanced extensively and deeply. The investigations on the statuses of cereal production in China, the largest food consuming and importing country, and in the most important rice producing and exporting regions in the world, and the trade between them, are of great significance to implement the national strategies of“Going Out”and“Bringing In”, develop the Maritime Silk Road, and improve the geo- security environment. With the annual cereal production and trade statistics of China and the ASEAN countries during 1961- 2013 from the FAOSTAT, the temporal dynamics and spatial patterns of cereal production and trade at country and sub- regional scales were analyzed by means of the concentration index and regression analysis methods. The results showed that: 1) With respect to cereal production, the total cereal production increased 4.06 times in the ASEAN during 1961- 2013 at an annual growth rate of 3.10%, about 8.09×108 t in 2013. The cereal trade increased 3.19 times in the ASEAN during 1961-2013 at an average annual growth rate of 2.79%. The import of cereal grew at an average annual rate of 3.05% while the total export of the cereals increased 2.40 times during this period. The import quantities of cereal outnumbered those of the export was mostly caused by the adjustment of import and export in China. However, the cereal’import and export in other countries of the CAFTA were increasingly balanced. 2) Spatially, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam were the major grain producing countries, dominated by maize and rice crops. The trade deficit of cereals in China was increasingly enlarged and the trade center gradually moved to Southeast Asia. 3) The relationship between cereal production and trade (import and export) in China and the ASEAN was intensive, and the cereal trade was greatly influenced by cereal grain production. However, there existed much difference at country level. Among them, China’s cereals export is the barometer of cereals trade in the CAFTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of the deployment of United Nations Blue Helmets on economic activity in South Sudan with a special focus on agricultural production. Since UN troops are predicted to improve security, in particular, we expect a positive relationship between deployment of UN blue Helmets and cereal production. We test our hypothesis using an original data-set including all the 78 South Sudanese counties over the period 2009–2011. We control for the non-random assignment of UN troops through an Instrumental Variables approach. Our empirical results show that a 10% increase in the size of the troop allows the production of additional 600 tonnes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine the effects of technological development (via fertilizer and pesticide consumption) and information and communication technology (ICT) on cereal production in four ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand) from 1991 to 2018. For empirical investigation, this study used advanced econometric methodologies. The estimated results demonstrate the long-run co-integration relationship between the variables. Pooled mean group (PMG)-based empirical results show that technological development (via fertilizer consumption and pesticide use) significantly increases cereal production in the long-run after confirming the long-run association among the variables of interest. Similarly, ICT also significantly enhances cereal production in the long-run. It has been thoroughly demonstrated that technological development and ICT play an important role in increasing cereal production and ensuring food security in the selected ASEAN countries. Furthermore, the findings of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) causality test show unidirectional causality from fertilizer consumption and pesticide use to cereal production, as well as bidirectional causality between ICT and cereal production. In this regard, it is critical for local farmers to produce high added value through technological development while also serving as a regional base and supply center in agriculture. To ensure that technological innovations enhance productivity, ICT-based agriculture, and the adoption of technology in the production of agricultural products, governments should promote locally sustainable ICTs, such as mobile phones and Internet-based digital tools and services. [Display omitted] • The impacts of technological advancement and ICT on cereal production are examined. • Technological advancement and ICT enhance cereal production in the long-run. • Bidirectional causality is discovered between ICT and cereal production. • Unidirectional causality is shown from fertilizer and pesticide to cereal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the analysis of cereal production in the EU. The analysis provides the comparison of production technologies and technical efficiency among EU countries using the country specific multiple output distance function models in the first step and metafrontier approach in the second step to determine the level and development of technical efficiency. The results show the high technical efficiency of cereal producers in the analyzed countries. On average, the differences in technical efficiency among the analyzed countries are not pronounced; however, the technologies used as well as the determinants of technical efficiency differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Impact of ICT and technological development on cereals production is examined. • FGLS and D-K standard errors methods are used on panel data. • ICT promoted cereals production significantly in the long-run. • Fertilizers use enhanced cereals production significantly in the long-run. This article examines the impact of information–communication–technology (ICT) and technological development (i.e., fertilizers and pesticides usage) on cereal production in selected Asian–7 economies (Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) covering the period from 2000 to 2018. This empirical estimation has been carried out based on the CIPS, CADF, Westerlund bootstrap panel co–integration, Driscoll and Kraay (D–K), Feasible generalized least square (FGLS), and Dumitrescu and Hurlin (D–H) causality methods. The findings are the following: (1) the results confirmed that ICT has a statistically significant and positive impact on cereal production in the long run. (2) It is observed that fertilizers used have a statistically significant and positive effect on cereal production of selected economies in the long run. (3) Furthermore, the empirical outcomes identified a statistically significant two-way causal connection running from selected co–integrated variables (i.e., ICT, fertilizers, pesticides, and land size) to cereal production. Finally, this article suggests fruitful policy implications regarding ICT and technological development for selected economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global crop production has doubled since the Green Revolution on the average, but crop yield has stagnated or even declined in some regions. In the same time, food demand has highly increased due to population growth and higher living standards. The use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers has improved crop yields but also contaminated food and the environment, thus leading to a global food crisis. Here, we reviewed the historical trends of global pesticide and fertilizer application, cereal yields, and production. Our main findings are as follows: (1) fertilizer and pesticide consumption increased for 35-40 % of the countries; (2) cereal production in 38 % of countries and yields in 47 % of countries either stagnated or decreased from 1961 to 2010; (3) countries showing stagnated or decreased yields are countries with low gross domestic product per capita, mainly situated in Africa, South America, and West Asia. Our findings thus evidence a global imbalance in food production and the usage of fertilizers and pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotational perennial grass/clover has multiple effects in cropping systems dominated by cereals. This study evaluated the environmental impact of rotational grass/clover ley for anaerobic digestion in a cereal-dominated grain production system in Sweden. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was used to compare two scenarios: (i) a cropping system including only spring barley and winter wheat; and (ii) a cropping system including 2-year grass/clover ley in combination with spring barley and winter wheat. The functional unit was one tonne of grain. The two main functions of the grass/clover crop were to provide feedstock for biogas production and to act as an organic fertiliser for allocation among the cereal crops in the rotation. Special consideration was given to nitrogen (N) management and the rotational effects of the grass/clover ley. In total, 73% of the N requirement of cereals in the ley scenario was met through symbiotic N fixation. Replacing diesel with biogas and mineral fertiliser with digested grass/clover biomass (digestate) reduced the use of fossil fuels substantially, from 1480MJ per tonne in the reference scenario to −2900MJ per tonne in the ley scenario. Potential eutrophication per tonne grain increased in the ley scenario, mainly owing to significantly higher ammonia emissions from spreading digestate and the larger area required for producing the same amount of grain. Potential acidification also increased when N mineral fertiliser was replaced by digestate. Crops relying on symbiotic N fixation are a promising feedstock for reducing the use of non-renewable energy in the production chain of farm-based bioenergy, but careful handling of the N-rich digestate is required. Replacing cereals intended for feed or food with bioenergy crops leads to indirect land use changes (iLUC) when the displaced crops must be produced elsewhere and the benefits obtained when biofuels replace fossil fuels may thereby be outweighed. In this study, the iLUC factor assumed had a critical effect on global warming potential in the ley scenario. However, carbon sequestration and the higher yield potential of subsequent cereal crops can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from iLUC to a varying extent. We recommend that crop sequences rather than single crops be considered when evaluating the environmental impact of production systems that include perennial legumes for food, feed and bioenergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Meeting demands for increased cereal production in China is a great challenge and this paper provides updated information on cereal production and the potential adaptation of cropping systems to climate change, as well as on progress in improving yield potential and developing molecular markers and GM cereals in China. Maize production and soybean imports are increasing significantly to meet the strong demand for feed by a rapidly growing livestock industry. Extension of the rice and maize growing seasons in northeastern China and improvement of the cropping system through delayed wheat planting have contributed to improving cereal productivity despite changing climatic conditions. Significant improvements in yield potential of rice, maize, and wheat have been achieved. Comparative genomics has been successfully used to develop and validate functional markers for processing quality traits in wheat, and also for developing new varieties. Although transgenic Bt rice and maize, and maize expressing phytase have been developed, their commercialization has not been officially permitted. International collaboration has contributed significantly to cereal production by providing germplasm and improved crop management practices. Full integration of applied molecular technologies into conventional breeding programs and promotion of lower-input technologies, will play a key role in increasing and sustaining future cereal production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the last three decades there has been a major shift in China''s agriculture with the conversion from cereal fields to vegetable production, however little is known about the impact of this land use change on labile soil carbon and microbial community structure. We conducted a study to characterize dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soil microbial community by comparing greenhouse vegetable fields with contrasting management intensity and adjacent cereal fields (wheat–maize rotation) in Shouguang and Quzhou in North China. Compared with cereal fields, greenhouse vegetable cultivation increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), while it decreased the soil pH, particularly at the high-intensity site. The DOC concentration was significantly higher in greenhouse vegetable fields than in cereal fields, whereas DOC composition differed between greenhouse vegetable fields and cereal fields only at high management intensity. Chemical fractionation indicated that DOC from greenhouse vegetable fields with high management intensity was less decomposed than DOC from cereal fields, because the percentage of hydrophobic acid (HOA) as DOC was higher in vegetable fields. Vegetable production significantly changed the microbial community structure in comparison to cereal fields: high-intensity management increased total bacteria, G (+) bacteria and fungi, while low-intensity decreased fungi and increased bacteria-to-fungi ratio. The main factor affecting microbial community structure was soil pH in this study, accounting for 24% of the differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article puts forward a model of the role of phosphorus in crop production, soil phosphorus dynamics and phosphorus loading that integrates the salient economic and ecological features of phosphorus management, with grain production in southern Finland as an application. The model accounts for the links between phosphorus fertilization, crop yield, accumulation of soil phosphorus reserves, and phosphorus loading into waterways. It can be used to guide precision phosphorus management as a means to mitigate agricultural phosphorus loading. Erosion control is considered as an additional measure to reduce phosphorus loading through soil loss. A dynamic programming approach and numerical solution method are used to analyze the intertemporally optimal combination of fertilization and erosion control and the associated soil phosphorus development. The optimal fertilizer application rate changes markedly over time in response to changes in the soil phosphorus level. Erosion control was found to increase welfare only on land that is highly susceptible to erosion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rain-fed agriculture is the most common farming strategy in rural Ethiopia. A short rainy period called Belg (February–May) is caused by easterly winds from the Indian Ocean and a longer rainy season (Kiremt) which occurs between July and October is the result when the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is located over the horn of Africa. The staple food is Injera preferably made from Tef (Eragrostis tef) but it is common to mix it with other cereals like Sorghum or Barley. The aim of this study is to analyse regional differences in yearly precipitation, seasonal, variability, intensity and the start of the short and the long rainy in the central highlands during the period 1987–2007. The analysis is done by comparing the three decades between 1978 and 2007. Analyses of total rainfall, seasonal changes, rainfall variability and rainy days were conducted from daily rainfall data from seven stations. Daily temperature data from two stations were used to calculate potential evaporation. Rainfall results show an increase in the annual rainfall and also in Kiremt season. The Belg rainfall has, on the other hand, declined during the 30 year period that has been analysed. High rainfall variability, more extreme rainfall during the start of the Kiremt season and more rainy days during the Kiremt season were found. The Belg season shows an increase in temperature and potential evaporation as well. The possibility to grow cereal during Kiremt season is considered to be more or less the same during the past 30 years but in the last decade it has become impossible in the southern part of the study area due to a shortening of the Belg season. Cereal production is considered to be a bigger problem in the last decade around some rainfall stations especially in South Wollo where population numbers are high and land is under greater pressure than the southern areas of the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of soil organic matter (SOM) in agricultural systems has been widely studied in conjunction with the potential for greenhouse gas mitigation. However, the link between SOM accumulation in croplands, crop productivity and yield stability has not yet been clearly established. In this paper, we collected data on provincial yearly crop productivity (yields, total cropland area) during 1949–1998 and the average SOM contents in croplands sampled and determined from the National Soil Survey in 1979–1982 of mainland China. The cereal productivity was assessed both with an overall mean of 1949–1998 and with the mean values for different time periods within this overall time, respectively. The yield variability within a single stabilizing stage, and between the fluctuating years, was calculated as a negative measure of yield stability. The correlation between SOM and cereal productivity was very significant for most provinces, but the relationship has become less significant as we approach the present. Moreover, the average yield variability was very significantly and negatively correlated with the cropland SOM level. The findings support our previous hypothesis from case studies, that C sequestration in China's croplands may provide win–win benefits, by enhancing crop productivity and stabilizing yield. This offers a sound basis as a greenhouse gas mitigation strategy by promoting C sequestration in croplands, and enhancing food security in China's agriculture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study attempts to investigate the effects of global climate change (via temperature and rainfall) on cereal production in Sichuan over the 1978–2018 period, whether agricultural credit combining with technical progress (i.e., mechanical farming rate) mitigate the effect of climate change. The present study empirically analyzed the short-term and long-term interrelation among all the considered variables by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The results of the ARDL bounds testing revealed that there is a long-term cointegration relationship between the variables. The findings showed that temperature significantly negatively affected cereal production, while rainfall significantly contributed to cereal production in the context of Sichuan province, China. Agricultural credit, especially in the long run, significantly improved cereal production, implying that agricultural credit is used to invest in climate mitigation technologies in cereal production. Findings further indicated that the mechanical farming rate significantly enhanced cereal production, indicating that technical progress has been playing a vital role. This study suggests that the policymakers should formulate more comprehensive agricultural policies to meet the financial needs of the agricultural sector and increase support for production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the input–output energy-flow patterns and CO2 emissions from the wheat–rice crop rotation system. In this regard, an arid region of Punjab, Pakistan was selected as the study area, comprising 4150 km2. Farmers were interviewed to collect data and information on input/output sources during the 2020 work season. The total energy from these sources was calculated using appropriate energy equivalents. Three energy indices, including energy use efficiency (ηe), energy productivity (ηp), and net energy (ρ), were defined and calculated to investigate overall energy efficiency. Moreover, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique was used to optimize the input energy in wheat and rice production. Finally, CO2 emissions was calculated using emissions equivalents from peer-reviewed published literature. Results showed that the average total energy consumption in rice production was twice the energy consumed in wheat production. However, the values of ηe, ηp, and ρ were higher in wheat production and calculated as 5.68, 202.3 kg/GJ, and 100.12 GJ/ha, respectively. The DEA showed the highest reduction potential in machinery energy for both crops, calculated as −42.97% in rice production and −17.48% in wheat production. The highest CO2 emissions were found in rice production and calculated as 1762.5 kg-CO2/ha. Our conclusion indicates that energy consumption and CO2 emissions from wheat–rice cropping systems can be minimized using optimized energy inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the effect of global climate change (CO 2 emissions), financial development, and technical progress (fertilizer consumption and improved seed distribution) on cereal production in Pakistan over the 1977–2014 period. The study undertakes the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to investigate the long-term interrelation among the variables. The outcomes of the ARDL bounds-testing approach confirmed the presence of a long-term relationship among the variables. Empirical results revealed that CO 2 emissions have a negative impact on cereal production in the short-run and long-run. It means that increase in global climate change will decrease cereal production. Findings further showed that financial development has a positive impact on cereal production in both cases. It suggests that increasing financial development will enhance cereal production, which will ensure the country's food security. In addition, technical progress has a significantly positive impact on cereal production in both cases. The dynamic OLS, fully modified OLS, and the canonical cointegrating regression estimators confirmed the robustness of the findings. Financial development is essential for sustainable agriculture production; therefore, policymakers should devise a comprehensive agriculture policy that addresses the financial needs of the agriculture sector and attracts investment. The financial institutions may use carbon financing as a tool to intervene in the financial market to generate funds for the application of cleaner production principles and the use of best practices for agriculture development and sustainable production. Image 1 • We examined the impact of financial development, climate change, and technical progress on cereal production. • The ARDL approach is employed to explore the long-run relationship among the variables. • Findings reveal that financial development improves cereal production in both long-run and short-run. • CO 2 emissions have adverse impact on cereal production in both cases. • Technical progress will leads to increase cereal production in both long-run and short-run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable rainfall, water stress, and spring frost are the main challenges for cereal growers in the Mediterranean region. The potential of wheat and barley to adapt to contrasting weather conditions was investigated through the adoption of no-till, supplemental irrigation and drought tolerant cultivars over a period of three years. Seasonal precipitation was 732, 336 and 685 mm in the first, second and third seasons, respectively. The second and third seasons were characterized by the occurrence of spring frost. No tillage did not affect productivity in either crop, while supplemental irrigation increased yield only in barley. For wheat, the grain yield was 60 and 43% respectively lower in the second and third seasons than in the first season. For barley, grain yield was 43% higher in the first season than the other two. The negative effect of frost on wheat yield was indirectly assessed by crop growth simulation. Principal component analysis shows that freezing temperatures associated with spring frost and rainfall both dictated crop growth and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]