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With climate change, there has been increasing concern over allocations of scarce water supplies in California during times of drought. This study looks at how cultural practices in perennial crops have changed over time, specifically related to application of irrigation water and to planting densities. We use University of California Sample Costs of Production Budgets from 1980-2021 for all major perennial crops in California, to compile information on the commonly implemented irrigation and planting practices across various crops and regions. After controlling for regional variation in water applied due to agroclimatic factors, irrigation water use per acre has remained largely stable for most crops, while planting densities have increased for many crops, including olives, grapes, avocados, plums, and almonds. A notable exception is pistachios in the South San Joaquin Valley, which experienced an increase in water applied, with stable yields and planting densities. Our methods of calculating significant trends in water use, including yields and density of orchards, give further insight into the use of water in California agriculture.

Land degradation, climate change, soil and water contamination have led to increased interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Most agricultural practices are focused on growing annual crops, which require significant amounts of synthetic fertilizers, contribute to CO2 emissions and disrupt natural biological processes. Natural Systems Agriculture has been developed to reverse this paradigm by imitating nature through perennial grain crops. Kernza® intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is a promising perennial crop producing healthy grain for direct human consumption and forage for livestock while providing multiple ecosystemic services. Given these reasons, consider its cultivation in Argentina is relevant. This research aimed to predict Kernza crop suitability in the Azul district by modeling different climatic and soil densification scenarios. The model showed that Kernza can be grown in Azul, and that southern areas were most suitable. This model allowed generating information for land use planners and farmers to consider planting in Argentina, particularly, in Azul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The riverbank areas of the Arequipa region are periodically subject to landslides caused by seismic activity, natural changes in land structure, and climate-related factors. These events have significant social and economic impacts on the local population. Therefore, it is crucial to explore sustainable, efficient, and costeffective methods for stabilizing slopes. One such method involves enhancing slope stability by increasing the shear strength of the soil through unconventional means. This study examines how adding roots from two perennial crops affects the shear strength of silty sand soils near a riverbank in Arequipa City. The study specifically focuses on Distichlis spicata and Kikuyuochloa clandestine crops, which have extensive root systems developed through stolons. Physical characterization tests were carried out on two samples of silty sand along with direct shear tests using different values of root area ratio at various depths to assess soil-root interaction parameters comprehensively. The test results indicate that both Distichlis spicata crop and Kikuyuochloa clandestina crop alter the soil's shear strength by increasing the friction angle. The modification of cohesion depends on the specific type of crop as well as soil characteristics. Thus, both crops decrease cohesion in one type of soil and increase it in the other one. It can be concluded that integrating these crops into soils significantly enhances their maximum shear stress under elevated normal stresses, thus improving slope stability overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For nearly two centuries, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) breeders have improved fruit quality and yield by selecting traits on fruiting stems, termed "reproductive uprights." Crop improvement is accelerating rapidly in contemporary breeding programs due to modern genetic tools and highthroughput phenotyping methods, improving selection efficiency and accuracy. Methods: We conducted genotypic evaluation on 29 primary traits encompassing fruit quality, yield, and chemical composition in two full-sib cranberry breeding populations--CNJ02 (n = 168) and CNJ04 (n = 67)--over 3 years. Genetic characterization was further performed on 11 secondary traits derived from these primary traits. Results: For CNJ02, 170 major quantitative trait loci (QTL; R²= 0.10) were found with interval mapping, 150 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 9 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. In CNJ04, 69 major QTL were found with interval mapping, 81 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 4 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. Meta-QTL represent stable genomic regions consistent across multiple years, populations, studies, or traits. Seven multi-trait meta-QTL were found in CNJ02, one in CNJ04, and one in the combined analysis of both populations. A total of 22 meta-QTL were identified in cross-study, cross-population analysis using digital traits for berry shape and size (8 meta-QTL), digital images for berry color (2 meta-QTL), and three-study cross-analysis (12 meta-QTL). Discussion: Together, these meta-QTL anchor high-throughput fruit quality phenotyping techniques to traditional phenotyping methods, validating state-of-the-art methods in cranberry phenotyping that will improve breeding accuracy, efficiency, and genetic gain in this globally significant fruit crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A network of agronomists, researchers, and practitioners associated with cacao farming provided open access to their independent field trials across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A centralized dataset was assembled using qualitative and quantitative data from 25 experimental field trials (hereafter referred to as “CacaoFIT”) spanning several LAC agroecosystems. This dataset was used to document the main traits and agroclimatic attributes of the cacao cultivation model being tested within the CacaoFIT network. By synthesizing data from an entire network of cacao trials, this study aimed to highlight specific design features and management practices that may contribute to better cacao farming sustainability. The CacaoFIT network comprises 200 ha of field trials testing over 150 cacao genotypes and set up under dierent shade canopy design, management, and research goals. Small-sized trials were common across Mesoamerica, whereas medium to large-size trials were distinct to South America. Cacao trials were 15 years old (on average) and ranged from 3 to 25 years of establishment. Most cacao trials were managed conventionally (i.e., 55%), while 20% were under organic practices, and the remaining 25% presented both conventional and organic management approaches. Most field trials (ca. 60%) planted an average of 10 international clones or national cultivars at high (1,230–1,500 plants ha−1 ) and medium density (833–1,111 plants ha−1 ). Mixed shade canopies were the dominant agroforestry model, while timber vs. leguminous shade canopies were also common. The diversity and depth of research domains examined across the CacaoFIT network varied widely. Agronomy and agroforestry topics dominated the research agenda across all trials, followed by environmental services domains. Cacao physiology and financial performance were researched to a lesser extent within the network. Five featured field trials from CacaoFIT oered technical guidelines to inform cacao farming within similar contexts. This collaborative work is a scaold to encourage public–private partnerships, capacity building, and data sharing amongst cacao researchers across the tropic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation, climate change, soil and water contamination have led to increased interest in sustainable agricultural practices. Most agricultural practices are focused on growing annual crops, which require significant amounts of synthetic fertilizers, contribute to CO2 emissions and disrupt natural biological processes. Natural Systems Agriculture has been developed to reverse this paradigm by imitating nature through perennial grain crops. Kernza® intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum Intermedium) is a promising perennial crop producing healthy grain for direct human consumption and forage for livestock while providing multiple ecosystemic services. Given these reasons, consider its cultivation in Argentina is relevant. This research aimed to predict Kernza crop suitability in the Azul district by modeling different climatic and soil densification scenarios. The model showed that Kernza can be grown in Azul, and that southern areas were most suitable. This model allowed generating information for land use planners and farmers to consider planting in Argentina, particularly, in Azul. Highlights: • Kernza can be grown in Azul district, especially in the deep, loamy soils of the southern areas. • The P50% precipitation scenario was found to be the most suitable for Kernza cultivation. • Considering different soil densification scenarios is crucial, as they affect water availability and water logging. • Kernza offers valuable ecosystem services and holds promise for land use planners and farmers in Azul and Argentina.

Crop landcover datasets are crucial for modern agriculture, aiding farmers, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders. These databases offer extensive insights into crop distribution, facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable practices, particularly under a changing climate. Moreover, these datasets drive research, fostering collaborations and innovation for resilient agriculture. In Portugal, the COS dataset is vital, offering insights into agrarian landscapes and supporting sustainable practices. However, in recent versions, since 2007, information on permanent crops has been aggregated, necessitating complementary datasets and tools. The current paper addresses this gap by providing an open-source dataset focusing on perennial crops in mainland Portugal. Based on the 2019 agricultural census from the Portuguese Statistical Institute (INE), this dataset contributes to the spatial understanding of permanent crop distribution, being freely available for researchers, farmers and policymakers. The dataset includes a selection of perennial crops commonly cultivated in Portugal, such as Prunus dulcis (Almond), Malus domestica (Apple), Castanea sativa (Chestnut), Ceratonia siliqua (Carob), Prunus avium (Sweet Cherry), Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Olea europaea (Olive), Citrus limon (Lemon), Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange), Juglans regia (Walnut), Citrus reticulata (Mandarin), Prunus persica (Peach), Pyrus communis (Pear), and Prunus domestica (Plum). Further information regarding the Administrative Units of each crop is also available. This comprehensive list provides a detailed overview of the types of permanent crops included in the dataset, offering valuable insights into the Portuguese agricultural landscape.

Over the last decades, the use of irrigation in vineyards has grown exponentially in response to climate change. In the Mediterranean region, irrigation is the most widely used method of preventing water stress and high sugar content in grapes. However, little is known about potential irrigation effects on biodiversity. This study aims to understand the effect of irrigation on inter-row vegetation, on the abundance of beneficial arthropods and on the predation of pest insects. In the Luberon region of South-Eastern France, nine irrigated and nine non-irrigated vineyards were analysed. Drip irrigation was applied only during the two driest months of the growing season. We found lower flower cover in irrigated vineyards but no difference in species richness and total vegetation cover. Similarly, abundances of several beneficial arthropods were directly affected by irrigation, such as crab spiders, ladybirds, ladybird larvae and parasitic wasps. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that negative irrigation effects on these arthropods were mediated by negative effects on flower cover. Predation rates were also lower in irrigated vineyards but only during daytime. Grapevine yield was not affected by irrigation. Experiments manipulating water availability under controlled conditions may help to understand this surprisingly strong effect of irrigation on flower cover and beneficial arthropod abundance.

• Drip irrigation is currently the main solution adopted by winegrowers to cope with climate change in Mediterranean vineyards. • Evidence of the ecological impact is still scarce. • Irrigation reduced entomophilous flower cover in vineyard inter-rows. • Irrigation negatively affected beneficial arthropods. • Irrigation reduced the diurnal predation. Over the last decades, the use of irrigation in vineyards has grown exponentially in response to climate change. In the Mediterranean region, irrigation is the most widely used method of preventing water stress and high sugar content in grapes. However, little is known about potential irrigation effects on biodiversity. This study aims to understand the effect of irrigation on inter-row vegetation, on the abundance of beneficial arthropods and on the predation of pest insects. In the Luberon region of South-Eastern France, nine irrigated and nine non-irrigated vineyards were analysed. Drip irrigation was applied only during the two driest months of the growing season. We found lower flower cover in irrigated vineyards but no difference in species richness and total vegetation cover. Similarly, abundances of several beneficial arthropods were directly affected by irrigation, such as crab spiders, ladybirds, ladybird larvae and parasitic wasps. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that negative irrigation effects on these arthropods were mediated by negative effects on flower cover. Predation rates were also lower in irrigated vineyards but only during daytime. Grapevine yield was not affected by irrigation. Experiments manipulating water availability under controlled conditions may help to understand this surprisingly strong effect of irrigation on flower cover and beneficial arthropod abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionFor nearly two centuries, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) breeders have improved fruit quality and yield by selecting traits on fruiting stems, termed “reproductive uprights.” Crop improvement is accelerating rapidly in contemporary breeding programs due to modern genetic tools and high-throughput phenotyping methods, improving selection efficiency and accuracy.MethodsWe conducted genotypic evaluation on 29 primary traits encompassing fruit quality, yield, and chemical composition in two full-sib cranberry breeding populations—CNJ02 (n = 168) and CNJ04 (n = 67)—over 3 years. Genetic characterization was further performed on 11 secondary traits derived from these primary traits.ResultsFor CNJ02, 170 major quantitative trait loci (QTL; R2≥ 0.10) were found with interval mapping, 150 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 9 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. In CNJ04, 69 major QTL were found with interval mapping, 81 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 4 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. Meta-QTL represent stable genomic regions consistent across multiple years, populations, studies, or traits. Seven multi-trait meta-QTL were found in CNJ02, one in CNJ04, and one in the combined analysis of both populations. A total of 22 meta-QTL were identified in cross-study, cross-population analysis using digital traits for berry shape and size (8 meta-QTL), digital images for berry color (2 meta-QTL), and three-study cross-analysis (12 meta-QTL).DiscussionTogether, these meta-QTL anchor high-throughput fruit quality phenotyping techniques to traditional phenotyping methods, validating state-of-the-art methods in cranberry phenotyping that will improve breeding accuracy, efficiency, and genetic gain in this globally significant fruit crop.

Abstract Due to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit.

A network of agronomists, researchers, and practitioners associated with cacao farming provided open access to their independent field trials across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A centralized dataset was assembled using qualitative and quantitative data from 25 experimental field trials (hereafter referred to as “CacaoFIT”) spanning several LAC agroecosystems. This dataset was used to document the main traits and agroclimatic attributes of the cacao cultivation model being tested within the CacaoFIT network. By synthesizing data from an entire network of cacao trials, this study aimed to highlight specific design features and management practices that may contribute to better cacao farming sustainability. The CacaoFIT network comprises 200 ha of field trials testing over 150 cacao genotypes and set up under different shade canopy design, management, and research goals. Small-sized trials were common across Mesoamerica, whereas medium to large-size trials were distinct to South America. Cacao trials were 15 years old (on average) and ranged from 3 to 25 years of establishment. Most cacao trials were managed conventionally (i.e., 55%), while 20% were under organic practices, and the remaining 25% presented both conventional and organic management approaches. Most field trials (ca. 60%) planted an average of 10 international clones or national cultivars at high (1,230–1,500 plants ha−1) and medium density (833–1,111 plants ha−1). Mixed shade canopies were the dominant agroforestry model, while timber vs. leguminous shade canopies were also common. The diversity and depth of research domains examined across the CacaoFIT network varied widely. Agronomy and agroforestry topics dominated the research agenda across all trials, followed by environmental services domains. Cacao physiology and financial performance were researched to a lesser extent within the network. Five featured field trials from CacaoFIT offered technical guidelines to inform cacao farming within similar contexts. This collaborative work is a scaffold to encourage public–private partnerships, capacity building, and data sharing amongst cacao researchers across the tropics.

In hillside watersheds, forests play a crucial role in protecting against soil erosion. Not only does forest vegetation cover serve as a biological measure to prevent soil erosion, it also generates income through sustainable management practices. However, there is a scarcity of research that evaluates and compares the profitability of perennial woody crops with that of other agricultural crops by integrating biological aspects within an economic analytical framework in Central Madagascar. In this study, we address this gap by combining a biological growth model that captures complex forest dynamics with economic management data to utilize the discounted cash flow method. We applied this approach to evaluate and compare the profitability of forest management and agricultural crop production in the hillside watershed areas of Central Madagascar, which have experienced severe humaninduced soil erosion. Although our results showed that timber production is a profitable option, other agricultural crops generate much higher profits, indicating that financial subsidies alone may not be enough to shift land use toward perennial woody crops. In addition, growing fruit trees such as oranges and mangoes appears to be a much more financially attractive option for local farmers than annual agricultural crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial crops are important both economically and as a component of a healthy and nutritious diet (e.g., many fruits and nuts). However, the study of perennial crop production and farmer response to output price changes (i.e., supply response) is complex thanks to the dynamic nature of investment and decision making in these industries. The body of literature relevant to perennial crop supply response is also small relative to that of annual commodity crops. In this article, we contribute the first literature review on perennial crop supply response modeling in more than 30 years. We catalog advancements in estimating perennial crop supply response and discuss the application of these methods and trade‐offs economists should be aware of when using them. In addition, we highlight future modeling developments that may be valuable to the field, with the hope this research will encourage additional economic research on this interesting and important topic and in turn provide new insights for perennial crop producers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Most of the phosphorus incorporated into agricultural soils through the use of fertilizers precipitates in the form of insoluble salts that are incapable of being used by plants. This insoluble phosphorus present in large quantities in soil forms the well-known "phosphorus legacy". The solubilization of this "phosphorus legacy" has become a goal of great agronomic importance, and the use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria would be a useful tool for this purpose. In this work, we have isolated and characterized phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere of hop plants. Two particular strains, Pseudomonas taetrolens ULE-PH5 and Pseudomonas sp. ULE-PH6, were selected as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria due to their high phosphate solubilization capability in both plate and liquid culture assays and other interesting traits, including auxin and siderophore production, phytate degradation, and acidic and alkaline phosphatase production. These strains were able to significantly increase phosphate uptake and accumulation of phosphorus in the aerial part (stems, petioles, and leaves) of hop plants, as determined by greenhouse trials. These strains are promising candidates to produce biofertilizers specifically to increase phosphate adsorption by hop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollinators are critical to ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Endemic bee diversity and abundance among different crops has not been extensively studied, especially among perennial crops in Washington state. The goals of this study were to characterize bee genera diversity in south central Washington state, determine the abundance and diversity of bees among crop types, and determine if farming practices influence abundance and diversity by comparing bee diversity in managed agricultural sites to adjacent unmanaged, natural sites. This study investigated bee genera diversity and abundance in blueberry fields produced under organic certification programs, conventionally produced Concord juice and wine grape vineyards, conventionally produced spearmint and peppermint fields, and conventionally produced hopyards. The majority of bees found in the study were ground-nesting. Mint fields had the highest pollinator abundance and richness. In general, there was a greater abundance, diversity, and richness of bees found in unmanaged compared with managed sites. This indicates that areas of high agricultural intensity have relatively low bee genera abundance and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compensate for their sessile nature, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms enabling them to adapt to ever-changing environments. One such prominent feature is the evolution of diverse life history strategies, particularly such that annuals reproduce once followed by seasonal death, while perennials live longer by cycling growth seasonally. This intrinsic phenology is primarily genetic and can be altered by environmental factors. Although evolutionary transitions between annual and perennial life history strategies are common, perennials account for most species in nature because they survive well under year-round stresses. This proportion, however, is reversed in agriculture. Hence, perennial crops promise to likewise protect and enhance the resilience of agricultural ecosystems in response to climate change. Despite significant endeavors that have been made to generate perennial crops, progress is slow because of barriers in studying perennials, and many developed species await further improvement. Recent findings in model species have illustrated that simply rewiring existing genetic networks can lead to lifestyle variation. This implies that engineering plant life history strategy can be achieved by manipulating only a few key genes. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of genetic basis of perenniality and discuss major questions and challenges that remain to be addressed. Perennial crops promise sustainable agriculture in response to climate change. A better understanding of genetic basis of perenniality paves the way for developing perennial crops. This review summarizes our current understanding of genetic basis of perenniality and discusses major questions and challenges that remain to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hillside watersheds, forests play a crucial role in protecting against soil erosion. Not only does forest vegetation cover serve as a biological measure to prevent soil erosion, it also generates income through sustainable management practices. However, there is a scarcity of research that evaluates and compares the profitability of perennial woody crops with that of other agricultural crops by integrating biological aspects within an economic analytical framework in Central Madagascar. In this study, we address this gap by combining a biological growth model that captures complex forest dynamics with economic management data to utilize the discounted cash flow method. We applied this approach to evaluate and compare the profitability of forest management and agricultural crop production in the hillside watershed areas of Central Madagascar, which have experienced severe human-induced soil erosion. Although our results showed that timber production is a profitable option, other agricultural crops generate much higher profits, indicating that financial subsidies alone may not be enough to shift land use toward perennial woody crops. In addition, growing fruit trees such as oranges and mangoes appears to be a much more financially attractive option for local farmers than annual agricultural crop production.

Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars.

Climate change and global warming are the foremost anthropogenically accelerated catastrophes that are already causing world-wide challenges, but threaten to thwart global food, environmental and nutritional security in the future. Climate change affects ecosystem services and interactions between biotic and abiotic factors. The most drastic consequences have been observed in the agricultural and livestock sector, with diminished production and productivity potential. Agriculture and allied sectors contribute markedly to the production of greenhouse gases; however, integrated management practices can be used to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and its adverse impacts. Forage crops and their wild relatives maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services and minimise the drastic effects of climate change. Forage crops adapted to harsh environments have certain unique features such as perenniality, deep root system, high resource-use efficiency (light, nutrients and water), and low production of methane and N2O, making them suitable for future use under climate change. This review highlights the prominent features of various cultivated and rangeland forage crops that may be crucial to understanding impacts of climate change. We discuss the wild relatives of forage crops, which are often adapted for multiple stresses, and highlight their mechanisms for adaptation under climate change. We consider the advanced breeding and biotechnological tools useful for developing climate-smart forage crops. This review provides novel insight into forage crops and their wild relatives in terms of their exploitation in future stress breeding programmes and paths for developing climate-resilient crops. Climate change substantially affects the global food, environmental and nutritional security, as well as biodiversity and ecosystem services. Wild relatives of forage crops and their functional trait diversity can be exploited for future stress breeding programs and development of climate-resilient crops. Forage crops could be used to curtail emission of greenhouse gases and improve resource-use efficiency (light, nutrients and water) in degraded land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection of agricultural production from enemies must be carried out with maximum protection of the treated plantations and targeted utilization of the working fluid. Therefore, it is necessary that the distribution of the working fluid is consistent with the parameters of the treated object. In this context, the influence of the technical parameters and the mode of operation of three air rotary sprayers on the distribution of the working fluid was investigated. It was established that the formed air torch from the three different spraying bodies, with different diameter and number of fins, affects differently the nature of the distribution of the working fluid in height, and the frequency of rotation very little affects the relative distribution. Research shows that the choice of one or another working body must be consistent with the formation of the treated vineyard or orchid garden. In accordance with the nature of the relative distribution, the use of fan rotary spreader a diameter of 600 mm in the predominant treatment of vineyards and 500 mm in the treatment of orchards can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel methodological approach for parcel-based crop classification in highly fragmented landscapes is presented. • The potential of Sentinel-2 time series to identify citrus crops status is studied. • Differences were found in the OSAVI and NDMI profiles that enable the identification of non-productive, productive and abandoned crops. • The spatial and temporal transferability of the OSAVI and NDMI time series is assessed. Agricultural land abandonment (ALA) is becoming a growing phenomenon around the world that needs to be monitored and quantified. A massive abandonment of citrus orchards has been experienced in the last years in the Comunitat Valenciana (CV) region (Spain) driven by different socio-economic factors. Therefore, developing time and cost-efficient methods for monitoring ALA is a priority. Citrus are a perennial crop trees which make orchards have low spectral variation during the year. In the CV region, they are planted in relatively small parcels, thus creating a highly fragmented and heterogeneous landscape. This study proposes a machine learning-based classification framework that uses annual time series of spectral indices extracted from Sentinel-2 images to identify crop status at parcel level. The method is based on features extracted from the reconstructed OSAVI and NDMI time series used to train a Random Forest classifier. Then, a parcel-based classification is performed using the parcel boundaries and the probabilities of belonging to each category for the full pixels inside the boundaries. The research assessed the potential to identify three statuses of crops (non-productive, productive, and abandoned). Results on three different temporal and spatial datasets provided an overall accuracy ranging from 89 to 92 %, demonstrating the importance of multi-temporal data to identify the abandonment of perennial crops. Furthermore, we studied the ability of the model to be spatially and temporally transferred. Limitations to recall the abandoned parcels when using models trained in other areas or time periods are exposed, opening the way to model improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive farming systems benefit from the additional ecosystem services provided by tree integration, which generate different growing conditions for the main crop. We studied yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) responses to growing conditions in monoculture (the conventional cropping system of yerba mate) and in three agroforestry systems: (1) yerba mate + Balfourodendron riedelianum ; (2) yerba mate + Peltophorum dubium ; and (3) yerba mate + Toona ciliata. Mainly, we focused on water relations and the hydraulic architecture of yerba mate. Agroforestry cropping systems provided a shade cover of around 34–45% and yielded as high as the conventional system. The shade cover influenced the allocation pattern to enhance leaf light capture, incrementing the leaf area to the sapwood area at the branch level. We also found a higher specific hydraulic conductivity in stems of yerba mate plants in consortium with T. ciliata than in the conventional cropping system, as well as higher resistance to water deficits due to lower vulnerability to embolism in the stems. During a severe drought, yerba mate plants had a similar stem and leaf water potential in both agricultural systems. Still, plants in monoculture had lower hydraulic safety margins and higher signs of leaf damage and mortality. This indicates that integrating trees into the yerba mate cultivation increases water stress resistance which would be beneficial to avoid restrictions on crop productivity under severe droughts induced by climate change. Plant resistance to drought is very important in the face of global warming that threatens agriculture. Integrating trees into Ilex paraguariensis cultivation provides additional ecosystem services and different growing conditions that the crop must acclimate. We found that plants in agroforestry systems are more resistant to water stress and have a greater safety margin than plants in monocultures, with similar yields. The incorporation of trees in this perennial crop can effectively be used to maintain productivity under water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in agricultural land are an important part of the Land Use, Land‐Use Change and Forestry component of national greenhouse gas emission inventories. Furthermore, as climate mitigation strategies and incentives for carbon farming are being developed, accurate estimates of SOC stocks are essential to verify any management‐induced changes in SOC. Based on agricultural mineral soils in the Danish soil‐monitoring network, we analysed management effects on SOC stocks using data from the two most recent surveys (2009 and 2019). Between 2009 and 2019, the average increase in SOC stock was 1.2 Mg C ha−1 for 0–50 cm despite a loss of 1.2 Mg C ha−1 from the topsoil (0–25 cm), stressing the importance of including deeper soil layers in soil‐monitoring networks. Comparing all four national surveys (1986, 1997, 2009, 2019), the mean SOC stock of mineral soils in Denmark appears stable. The change in SOC stock between 2009 and 2019 was analysed in detail in relation to management practices as reported by farmers. We found that the effects of single management factors were difficult to isolate from co‐varying factors including soil parameters and that the use of farm management data to explain changes in SOC stocks observed in soil‐monitoring networks appears limited. Uncertainty in SOC stock estimates also arises from low sampling frequency and statistical challenges related to regression to the mean. However, repeated stock measurements at decadal intervals still represent a benchmark for the overall development in regional and national SOC storage, as affected by actual farm management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the phosphorus incorporated into agricultural soils through the use of fertilizers precipitates in the form of insoluble salts that are incapable of being used by plants. This insoluble phosphorus present in large quantities in soil forms the well-known “phosphorus legacy”. The solubilization of this “phosphorus legacy” has become a goal of great agronomic importance, and the use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria would be a useful tool for this purpose. In this work, we have isolated and characterized phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere of hop plants. Two particular strains, Pseudomonas taetrolens ULE-PH5 and Pseudomonas sp. ULE-PH6, were selected as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria due to their high phosphate solubilization capability in both plate and liquid culture assays and other interesting traits, including auxin and siderophore production, phytate degradation, and acidic and alkaline phosphatase production. These strains were able to significantly increase phosphate uptake and accumulation of phosphorus in the aerial part (stems, petioles, and leaves) of hop plants, as determined by greenhouse trials. These strains are promising candidates to produce biofertilizers specifically to increase phosphate adsorption by hop plants.

The agriculture sector can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing its own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, sequestering carbon in vegetation and soils, and providing biomass to substitute for fossil fuels and other GHG‐intensive products. The sector also needs to address water, soil, and biodiversity impacts caused by historic and current practices. Emerging EU policies create incentives for cultivation of perennial plants that provide biomass along with environmental benefits. One such option, common in northern Europe, is to include grass in rotations with annual crops to provide biomass while remediating soil organic carbon (SOC) losses and other environmental impacts. Here, we apply a spatially explicit model on >81,000 sub‐watersheds in EU27 + UK (Europe) to explore the effects of widespread deployment of such systems. Based on current accumulated SOC losses in individual sub‐watersheds, the model identifies and quantifies suitable areas for increased grass cultivation and corresponding biomass‐ and protein supply, SOC sequestration, and reductions in nitrogen emissions to water as well as wind and water erosion. The model also provides information about possible flood mitigation. The results indicate a substantial climate mitigation potential, with combined annual GHG savings from soil‐carbon sequestration and displacement of natural gas with biogas from grass‐based biorefineries, equivalent to 13%–48% of current GHG emissions from agriculture in Europe. The environmental co‐benefits are also notable, in some cases exceeding the estimated mitigation needs. Yield increases for annual crops in modified rotations mitigate the displacement effect of increasing grass cultivation. If the grass is used as feedstock in lieu of annual crops, the displacement effect can even be negative, that is, a reduced need for annual crop production elsewhere. Incentivizing widespread deployment will require supportive policy measures as well as new uses of grass biomass, for example, as feedstock for green biorefineries producing protein concentrate, biofuels, and other bio‐based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of most tropical sectors is clouded by growing constraints linked to, among many other parameters, climate change, price volatility and labour scarcity. Perpetuating agricultural systems inherited from the colonial era (a time of abundant arable land, protected markets, and cheap and disciplined labour) will not be enough to prepare these sectors in facing immediate crucial challenges unless substantial structural transformations are made. Implementing a successful agroecological transition in a 70-billion USD sector, covering 25 million ha worldwide, calls for drastic changes in mind-sets and practices. The key issue is no longer simply to increase productivity, but to foster innovations designed to support endangered tropical biodiversity, while providing a decent living for shrinking agricultural communities in the Global South. Agroforestry practices have a role to play in providing substantial climate change mitigation with an impact comparable to other climate-focused solutions, such as reforestation. The expected contribution of oil palm-based agroforestry relies on agro-environmental services, as basic agricultural functions such as soil preservation, pollination, or pest control can be ensured by living organisms inside and around the plantation. Diversified systems are able to achieve both economic and environmental gains, as they use land more efficiently than monocultures. Building on regenerative agriculture, new plantation designs are emerging and deserve to be thoroughly assessed to establish evidence-based advocacy for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial bioenergy crops are increasingly important for the production of ethanol and other renewable fuels, and as part of an agricultural system that alters the climate through its impact on biogeophysical and biogeochemical properties of the terrestrial ecosystem. Few Earth System Models (ESMs) represent such crops, however. In this study, we expand the Energy Exascale Earth System Land Model to include perennial bioenergy crops with a high potential for mitigating climate change. We focus on high‐productivity miscanthus and switchgrass, estimating various parameters associated with their different growth stages and performing a global sensitivity analysis to identify and optimize these parameters. The sensitivity analysis identifies five parameters associated with phenology, carbon/nitrogen allocation, stomatal conductance, and maintenance respiration as the most sensitive parameters for carbon and energy fluxes. We calibrated and validated the model against observations and found that the model closely captures the observed seasonality and the magnitude of carbon fluxes. The validated model represents the latent heat flux fairly well, but sensible heat flux for miscanthus is not well captured. Finally, we validated the model against observed leaf area index (LAI) and harvest amount and found modeled LAI captured observed seasonality, although the model underestimates LAI and harvest amount. This work provides a foundation for future ESM analyses of the interactions between perennial bioenergy crops and carbon, water, and energy dynamics in the larger Earth system, and sets the stage for studying the impact of future biofuel expansion on climate and terrestrial systems. Plain Language Summary: Perennial bioenergy crops are not well represented in global land models, despite projected increase in their production. Our study expands Energy Exascale Earth System Land Model to include perennial bioenergy crops and calibrates the model for miscanthus and switchgrass. The calibrated model captures the seasonality and magnitude of carbon and energy fluxes. This study provides the foundation for future research examining the impact of perennial bioenergy crop expansion. Key Points: The study expands the Energy Exascale Earth System Land Model to include perennial bioenergy crops miscanthus and switchgrassCalibrated model captures the observed seasonality and the magnitude of carbon and energy fluxesThis study provides the foundation for future research examining the impact of perennial bioenergy crop expansion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial Lewis flax (Linum lewisii Pursh) has the potential to be grown as a new oilseed crop that could simultaneously meet commodity production, ecosystem service provisioning, and farm resiliency goals. Despite many potential benefits, Lewis flax remains minimally explored as an agronomic crop. Determining agronomic best practices for producing economically relevant stands of Lewis flax is critical to its adoption as an oilseed crop. Several aspects of Lewis flax agronomic production were explored through the lens of adaptive management between 2020 and 2022. Initial field trials aimed at assessing spring-seeded Lewis flax row spacing, plant population density, and intercropping strategies with legumes and grasses failed due to poor establishment. Heavy rains and excessive weed pressure further complicated attempts to reestablish these initial trials. We established additional Lewis flax plots via fall and dormant seeding in response to the failure of our first experiment. This second experiment focused on exploring row spacing, population density, and seeding timing impacts on flax production. Flax yield did not differ among our treatments, averaging 59 kg ha-1. The low yields realized by our field trials may be due to several factors including need for harvest technology optimization, high weed pressure, and need for Lewis flax genetic improvement. Our study is a first step toward developing recommendations for optimal production strategies for Lewis flax in an agronomic context. Continued exploration of methods to improve management and yield of Lewis flax will be critical to its successful development as an agronomic crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the Government's decisions from the period 2004 to 2013, a significant amount of state forests and forest land was eased for the growing of perennial crops (vineyards and olive yards) on a total surface of 24,310.24 ha throughout the state. Although greatly opposed by forestry professionals, since a vast amount of private agricultural land in the state is not utilized due to unresolved proprietary issues, these surfaces have become agricultural land by coming into force from the Forest Act of 2014. In case these dedicated surfaces are not put into function, the amount of non-utilized agricultural land is increasing and so is the danger from forest fires, and loss of biological and landscape diversity. On the other hand, if all these surfaces were utilized, a significant adverse impact on the ecological network would occur because on many ecological network sites more than 1% of the dedicated area consists of target habitat types (mostly maquis). The purpose of this paper is, to use GIS tools and analysis of the so-far signed easement contracts, to determine what amount of dedicated surfaces were utilized and point out the failure and environmental dangers that may arise from these decisions which can still be revoked, and the affected area can be brought back into the forest area of the Republic of Croatia, i. e. sustainable forest management can still be reinstated and forest functions restored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Agricultural producers, academics and policy‐makers are increasingly interested in multifunctional tree crop systems as a solution for maintaining ecosystem services and producing food. The US Midwest is emerging as a hotbed of such systems in the temperate North in the form of farm‐scale woody perennial polyculture enterprises, but they are currently only a tiny fraction of the landscape. Understanding how such approaches might be scaled up, thus, requires learning from the farmers that are at the forefront of the transition of land to woody perennial polyculture to answer a range of questions: What unique management knowledge is being implemented by farmers to manage complexity on multiple scales? What key challenges have farmers faced? And what values and motivations underpin these fledgling efforts? From 13 interviews with 18 midwestern perennial polyculture farmers, we found that they largely used a small portion of their farm's land for their perennial enterprises, and did not earn a large portion of their income from them, though this was projected to increase as trees matured. Through experimentation, innovation and farmer networks, the farmers had amassed unique adaptive management expertise for balancing diverse crops and livestock within multifunctional tree crop systems over time and space, an area largely absent from mainstream agricultural science and policy. The barriers these farmers report facing are largely economic rather than biophysical, involving access to capital, insurance, mid‐sized markets and regional processing infrastructure, as well as government programmes mismatched with perenniality. Cross‐cutting these topics, farmers sought to fulfil values anchored in their relationships to land, to the community or to both. The values of long‐termism, learning and sharing, diversity, stewardship and care of farmland, connection to nature and wildlife, self‐sustenance, other‐sustenance and eudaimonia were embodied and expressed in farmer decisions from the practical to the personal. Economic and agrarian policy, as well as programme development for multifunctional tree crop systems, should (a) be designed to align with farmer's values and motivations and (b) take advantage of their expert management and systems knowledge to drive appropriate and successful transitions to sustainable environments and livelihoods. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Aim of study: To analyse the diffusion of the crop by producing forecast models, that intend to help farmers in their decision-making. Area of study: Spain. The area dedicated to pistachio cultivation in Spain has multiplied by 36 in the period 2010 to 2020, reaching 44,244 ha. Material and methods: This study brings together data on the evolution of pistachio cultivation based on the following parameters: cultivated area, yield, and price. Methods are based on internal, external influence models and on an influence-price-crop yield pattern. Main results: The results indicate that given a constant crop yield, raising pistachio prices, will bring a production increase that generate the saturation level of the system. Similarly, with a constant pistachio price and an increment of the crop yield, the saturation level of the system increases. Regarding the pattern of influence, it is shown that in a context of suitable market prices for pistachio and an optimal synergy of the production factors that favour the crop yield not only increases the level of saturation of the system but also the duration of the diffusion process. Research highlights: The diffusion curve is sigmoidal with a well-defined inflection point and three well-defined phases. The adoption of pistachio in Spain responds to a model of internal influence (logistic) and never to models of external influence. According to the results, the process has a zero-innovation effect, while the dynamics of the process is completely determined by an imitation effect.

Abstract Perennial bioenergy crops are increasingly important for the production of ethanol and other renewable fuels, and as part of an agricultural system that alters the climate through its impact on biogeophysical and biogeochemical properties of the terrestrial ecosystem. Few Earth System Models (ESMs) represent such crops, however. In this study, we expand the Energy Exascale Earth System Land Model to include perennial bioenergy crops with a high potential for mitigating climate change. We focus on high‐productivity miscanthus and switchgrass, estimating various parameters associated with their different growth stages and performing a global sensitivity analysis to identify and optimize these parameters. The sensitivity analysis identifies five parameters associated with phenology, carbon/nitrogen allocation, stomatal conductance, and maintenance respiration as the most sensitive parameters for carbon and energy fluxes. We calibrated and validated the model against observations and found that the model closely captures the observed seasonality and the magnitude of carbon fluxes. The validated model represents the latent heat flux fairly well, but sensible heat flux for miscanthus is not well captured. Finally, we validated the model against observed leaf area index (LAI) and harvest amount and found modeled LAI captured observed seasonality, although the model underestimates LAI and harvest amount. This work provides a foundation for future ESM analyses of the interactions between perennial bioenergy crops and carbon, water, and energy dynamics in the larger Earth system, and sets the stage for studying the impact of future biofuel expansion on climate and terrestrial systems.

Erosion and pollution in the Citarum River have reached a very worrying stage. To overcome this problem, the government has launched the Citarum Harum program. One of the policies synergistic with the Citarum Harum program is the application of soil and water conservation principles in farming seasonal crops in the upper Citarum watershed (UCW). Historically, policies and programs for developing pro-conservation farming in this area have been carried out for at least three decades but have not been effective. Increasing the effectiveness of policies requires the existence of suitable instruments. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the attitudes and behavior of farmers in applying soil and water conservation. This study aims to identify the factors influencing farmers' probabilities and participation in applying soil and water conservation techniques. A double-hurdle approach is used to identify determinants of farmers' participation and intensity in applying conservation practices. The data were collected from samples of 244 farm households' growing seasonal crops out of 499 farm households sample in the Bandung and West Bandung Districts. The results show that the determinants of farmer participation and intensity in the application of conservation lie in the ability to finance, land tenure and utilization, and the physical condition of the land. The level of education only affects participation opportunities, even if the increment is significant. In the future, conservation priorities must be more directed at a vegetative approach through developing synergistic perennial crops with particular efforts to convert vegetables on the sloping lands to perennial crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial agriculture refers to agricultural systems in which perennial crops are a central strategy for producing farm products and ecosystem services. Perennial agriculture offers a range of ecosystem services, including improved soil health and biodiversity, high carbon sequestration rates, agroecosystems better adapted to climate change, improved water quality, and economically viable products. Shifting U.S. agriculture to be perennial-focused will require a range of support structures, including federal policy changes. Federal policymakers should support perennial agriculture by establishing safety nets like those available for annual crops, centering perennial practices in cost-sharing conservation programs, facilitating market opportunities, and investing in perennial agriculture research and development.

Abstract The objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters and to evaluate the genotypic diversity of 12 'Tahiti' acid lime (Citrus latifolia) genotypes grafted onto two rootstocks. The experiment was carried out from July 2017 to January 2019, in the municipality of São Mateus, in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Vegetative (stem diameter, canopy projection diameter, and plant height), productive (yield and fruit number), and fruit quality (fruit diameter, soluble solids content, and juice yield) traits were determined. A mixed model was used to estimate heritability and repeatability coefficients, as well as to predict clonal values. Scion diversity was determined through the standardized mean difference of Euclidean distances, and genotypes were clustered by modified Tocher. Clustering quality and trait importance were evaluated using the principal component analysis (PCA). Genotypic variance was observed, which is indicative of the possibility of selection of superior genotypes. The Tocher method showed the presence of three clusters, which is in alignment with the PCA results. The multivariate analyses allows of the selection and the recommendation of superior 'Tahiti' acid lime genotypes.

Considering the critical importance of insect pollination to food security and documented declines in wild bee populations, it is imperative to develop effective conservation and management strategies that promote the health of wild bee communities associated with agroecosystems. Identifying wild bee visitors of crops, including crop-flower visitors and species that nest within cropping areas, may prove critical to this endeavor as optimal conservation strategies may differ among bee species and/or guilds, regions, and cropping systems. Although lists of bee species that are associated with North American crops are scattered throughout the literature, there is a need for a comprehensive compilation of those species by crop, region, and nesting guild. Here, we searched the literature to compile a list of wild bee species associated with 33 major crops in North America and assessed the overlap in bee species communities among crops and regions. Of the 739 crop-associated bee species retrieved, 405 species (54.8%) were ground nesters, and 438 species (59.3%) were identified as crop-flower visitors of at least one crop. Because of their nesting and foraging behavior, we argue that these species are more likely to be exposed to agricultural pesticide residues than bee species that do not nest in the ground or feed directly on crop flowers. We further compiled lists of wild bees that have been found to be associated with all of the four most surveyed perennial fruit crops (apple, blueberry, cranberry, strawberry) and all of the three most surveyed cucurbit crops (cucumber, Cucurbita, watermelon) in eastern North America. These lists of bee species can be used to focus attention on species needing better protection strategies within agroecosystems, especially for these two important North American crop groups and can also inform the development of multi-species pesticide risk assessment schemes.

Cacao in Honduras is cultivated under traditional shade tree species (Inga sp., Erythrina sp., Gliricidia sp.), fruit and timber species deliberately planted or selected and managed from natural regeneration. Typically, the shade canopy of these cacao plantations is poorly managed resulting in high tree density and heavy shading, thus affecting cacao yield performance overtime. We assessed 12 cacao plots made up of 15–35 useful timber shade trees with varying spacing 6 × 9, 9 × 9, 8 × 10, and 10 × 12 m. Initially, each plot consisted of three shade components plus cacao. Plantain (Musa x paradisiaca) and madreado (Gliricidia sepium) were used as temporary shade and timber species, were selected as permanent shade. Dasometric data were retrieved to assess growth rates of timber species and cacao yield per plant were recorded to explore the effects of shade cover yield performance and the incidence of main diseases. Specifically, we: a) calculated growth rates and build curves for diameter (DBH), total height (Ht), and commercial volume (Vc) and compared the growing performance with ANOVA and DGC tests; b) run a correlation analysis between shade cover, timber basal area, cocoa yields, and the incidence of monilia and black pod. Statistical differences were found in terms of growth rates among timber species evaluated. Mean annual growth rates were 2.25 cm in DBH, 1 m in Ht, and the standing commercial timber gained was 4.2 m3ha−1year−1. Cocoa yields ranged between 950 and 1,365 kg ha1year1 and were negatively affected by both increased tree cover and timber basal area. Cacao yields were reduced up to 25% when tree cover and tree basal area were over 40% and 10 m2ha−1, respectively. Regardless of timber tree species, no significant effect of tree cover was found on the incidence of cacao diseases. After 22 years, total revenues were determined by the proportion of incomes provided by each component of the agroforestry systems assessed. Five out of 12 timber-based cacao plantations accumulated more than U$95,000 of combined revenues, equivalent to incomes of US$3775 ha−1 year−1. Timber-based cacao plantations are a promising alternative for farm diversification in northern Honduras.

Marginal agricultural land (MAL) has received much attention in research and policy formation as a potential resource for cultivating biomass for energy and biobased products. However, it is still unclear whether biomass from MAL meets the requirements of social sustainability. This study develops a conceptual linkage between value‐chain analysis and social life‐cycle analysis (S‐LCA), and assesses both positive impacts (handprints) and negative impacts (footprints). A participatory approach including interviews and surveys was used to understand views and perceptions of the relevant stakeholders. A systemic strategy was applied to analyze value‐chain activities, understand challenges, and identify competitive advantages and disadvantages. For S‐LCA, the variety of impacts and indicators was met through a literature review and a consistent scoring system. The cultivation of perennial crops on MAL tends to cause skepticism among stakeholders, who are concerned about long‐term commitment and biodiversity risks. Annual crops, on the other hand, are perceived by all stakeholder categories as very promising opportunities across all impact categories and indicators. They can facilitate income diversification and offer smart sustainable cropping options through crop rotation, agroforestry, etc. Most of the technological pathways examined are highly innovative, have a low technological readiness level, and are still at the early market development stage. As such they are ranked by stakeholders as medium opportunities for short‐term implementation. In contrast, pyrolysis to industrial heat, ethanol from switchgrass, insulation material from hemp, and biogas/biomethane from sorghum are considered opportunities with good chances of being implemented in the short term. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the income of crop growers per unit area and restoring the fertility of marginal soils are major challenges of agricultural sustainability in the Indian agrarian economy. This study investigates the benefits of plant communities consisting of Indian licorice (Abrus precatorius L.), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.), chilli (Capsicum annum L.), and a microbial consortium of four plant growth‐promoting bacteria and fungi (Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus firmus, Aspergillus luchuensis, and Aspergillus tamarii) on production of plant biomass, income of growers, and its ability to improve soil fertility over a 2 year period. The three crop species were planted in all possible groupings at one, two, and three species diversity levels with three replication and two treatments, that is, with plant growth‐promoting microbes (PGPM) and without PGPM. The maximum increases in biomass (6.8 mega gram ha−1) and aboveground carbon sequestration (3.2 mega gram ha−1) were found for the three species diversity level of LSC (Indian licorice–stevia–chilli) plus PGPM. The highest belowground carbon sequestration (35 mega gram ha−1) and maximum soil fertility benefits [for example, pH (1.16‐times), electrical conductivity (7.53‐times), bulk density (1.84‐times), soil total organic carbon (3.99‐times), available nitrogen (5.95‐times), dehydrogenase (6.16‐times), microbial biomass carbon (4.06‐times), and colony‐forming units (4.44‐times)] were recorded at the two species diversity level of LC (Indian licorice‐chilli) with and without PGPM, compared with the soil properties before cultivation of these plants/additives. The highest net income (9.9 Lac ha−1 yr−2) was estimated for the two species diversity level (LS) plus addition of PGPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]