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The escalating use of agrochemicals in agriculture presents significant challenges to human health, the environment, and agricultural workers. In response, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 encourages sustainable farming approaches, like the adoption of eco-friendly farming methods and innovations for localized weed control. Remotely piloted aircraft fitted with imaging sensors have emerged as a viable option for specific weed control. However, addressing technological challenges is necessary to enable widespread adoption. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of an identification algorithm designed to generate maps for targeted pesticide application. Georeferenced images were acquired through remotely piloted aircraft flights conducted over commercial soybean and second-crop corn areas. Post-processed kinematic corrections of Global Navigation Satellite System coordinates achieved centimeter-level image accuracy. Orthomosaics generated from processed images provided the data for the analyzed algorithm, which produced localized application maps. Field validation data were gathered to create a ground truth map, and the weed identification performed by the algorithm was evaluated using the two-classes confusion matrix method. The performance indicators demonstrated average results of 0.78 for precision, 0.95 for recall, 0.77 for accuracy, 0.80 for F-score, and 0.56 for the Pearson's correlation. These values reveal the algorithm's proficient identification of weeds with surface areas exceeding 400 cm2. Utilizing artificial intelligence techniques for aerial images categorization offers a viable strategy for weed recognition and location-specific pesticide application. Nonetheless, further refinement is required to improve the algorithm's exactness and consistency, particularly to recognize weeds smaller than 400 cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicoverpa armigera is a highly devastating and polyphagous pest attacking on different field crops. Effective management of this pest is essential for sustainable agriculture. While traditional chemical pesticides are widely used for their immediate results and ease of application, nanoemulsions offer a promising alternative, paving the way for advanced, efficient pesticide formulations.The current research aimed to develop oil-in-water (O/W) chlorantraniliprole stable nanoemulsion using combinations of different solvents (butanol, dimethyl sulfoxide and toluene), tween- 80 (non-ionic surfactant) and sodium laurel sulfonate (anionic co-surfactant) to reduce the dose and increase toxicity of chlorantraniliprole as targeted pesticide. Ultrasonication, a high energy emulsification method, is adopted to obtain the particle size in nanometre (nm). The nano size of emulsion is confirmed by Dynamic light scattering (62.43 nm), Scanning electron microscopy (55 ± 5 nm), X-ray diffraction (42.9 nm), and Transmission electron microscopy (22.5 ± 2.5 nm), Stability of synthesized nanoemulsion is confirmed via, centrifugation, freeze thaw cycle, heating cooling test, and zeta potential. Moreover, the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole nanoformulations is evaluated against H. armigera and compared with commercially available chlorantraniliprole formulation (18.5 SC). Chlorantraniliprole nanoemulsion formulation is 3.3 times more toxic than commercial formulation using topical application method (3rd instar larvae) and 2.2 times more toxic than commercial formulation using diet incorporation method (1st instar larvae). Consequently, this cutting-edge research holds great potential for revolutionizing targeted pesticide delivery systems, paving the way for more effective and precise pest management in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has changed exponentially from the time of famine to the existent, when food is produced globally to feed a population that is expanding at an exponential rate. The intensification of agriculture through the introduction of mechanical, industrial, and economic inputs has been a hallmark of major agricultural revolutions, which have enabled this transformation. However, the explosion of agricultural inputs consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation brought about by this quick development in agriculture has also resulted in long-term environmental crises. These challenges have highlighted the pressing need to safeguard our communal spaces, especially the environment, by means of a participatory strategy that engages nations everywhere, irrespective of their level of development. One notable effort in this area is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which emphasizes the value of utilizing the complementary effects of plant and animal products to improve soil fertility, encourage the growth of beneficial microbes, and improve development of crops. The development of self-sustaining agro-ecosystems is the ultimate goal. Consequently, the world is depending on the use of microbial formulations in agriculture to address the "5F" crisis; food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, and finance. Despite the fact that there are now many studies being conducted in this area, the market need for effective microbial formulations outweigh the supply. Many different microbes have been considered so far for their potential as plant stimulants, but there are still innumerable soil microorganisms that need to be found in order to play a useful role in the formulation companies. The present review deals with improving the broad range of mechanism of microbial formulations, delivery methods, challenges and biosafety issue and assessment for agricultural sustainability that support the sustainable development goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the nematicidal and fungicidal activity of the biosurfactant (BS) produced by the strain Serratia ureilytica UTS was evaluated. The highest mortality of J2 juveniles of the nematode Nacobbus aberrans was 92.3% at a concentration of 30 mg/mL. Among the phytopathogenic fungi, the concentration of 1.0% of the crude extract of the biosurfactant was the one that obtained the highest percentage inhibition against the phytopathogens Fusarium oxysporum 72.2%, Fusarium sp., 80.2% and Alternaria solani 100% at 168 h of incubation. Analysis of the BS by GC-MS revealed the presence of the three amino acids alanine, homocystine and valine in its composition. As well as the presence of fatty acids: stearic acid, lauric acid and palmitic acid. With nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrophotometry (MS) analysis, the crude extract was found to have the structure of a quaternary ammonium salt derived from stearic fatty acid, which is a component of the biosurfactant. Based on this evidence, it is suggested that the BS produced by S. ureilytica has a lipopeptide-like chemical structure and possesses nematicidal and fungicidal activity, and is therefore proposed for potential use and application as a biopesticide for the benefit of regenerative and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recalcitrant nature of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw, one of the most abundant agricultural residues, presents challenges for efficient decomposition, limiting nutrient release and organic matter retention in soils. Understanding the effects of tillage practices on wheat straw decomposition and shaping associated microbial communities is essential for enhancing microbial-mediated breakdown and optimizing residue management to enhance soil health, nutrient cycling, and sustainability in agricultural systems. In this study, the effect of different tillage practices on wheat straw decomposition and associated bacterial and fungal community compositions during non-growing and growing seasons were studied. To simulate tillage, litter bags filled with wheat straw were placed at respective soil depths for conventional (22–24 cm) and reduced (8–10 cm) tillage, and on the surface for the no-tillage treatment. The subsets of the litter bags were randomly retrieved after 145 days and at the end of the experiment after 290 days. Statistical analysis revealed that tillage treatments significantly influenced the decomposition rate and nutrient release over time. Overall, the alpha diversity of the decomposition-associated microbial community was not substantially affected by different tillage treatments, while beta diversity exhibited distinct microbial community compositions in relation to tillage practices. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of wheat straw decomposition-associated bacterial and fungal communities' response to different tillage treatments, with observations made at two distinct sampling times (non-growing and growing seasons) under certain edaphic and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases pose a major risk to worldwide agriculture, negatively impacting crop production and economic stability. The introduction of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) associated with Cas proteins has marked a new phase in identifying plant pathogens, providing unmatched accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. This review delves into the effect of CRISPR-Cas technologies on agricultural disease management strategies. Techniques like SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and HOLMES demonstrate the potential for swift and on-site pathogen identification, merging high sensitivity with precision. Moreover, combining assays such as Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) and Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) with CRISPR/Cas improves diagnostic capabilities, making them ideal for field use due to their rapidity and cost-efficiency. These advancements indicate a transition toward sustainable agriculture by enhancing the ability to diagnose plant diseases more effectively. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas systems for detecting plant diseases not only strengthens global food security but also opens avenues for innovative, sustainable disease management practices in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change brings new challenges to the sustainable development of agriculture in the new era. Accurately grasping the patterns of climate change impacts on agricultural systems is crucial for ensuring agricultural sustainability and food security. Taking the Loess Plateau (LP), China as an example, this study used a coupling coordination degree model and spatial autocorrelation analysis to portray the spatial and temporal features of crop-cropland coupling relationship from 2000 to 2020 and explored the impact law of climate change through geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR). The results were as follows: 1) the crop-cropland coupling coordination degree of the LP showed a gradual upward trend from 2000 to 2020, forming a spatial pattern with lower values in the central region and higher values in the surrounding areas. 2) There was a positive correlation in the spatial distribution of crop-cropland coupling coordination degree in the LP from 2000 to 2020, and the high value-low value (H-L) and low value-low value (L-L) agglomerations continued to expand eastward, while the spatial and temporal evolution of the high value-high value (H-H) and low value-high value (L-H) agglomerations was not obvious. 3) The impacts of climatic elements on crop-cropland coupling coordination degree in the LP showed strong heterogeneity in time scales. The inhibitory impacts of summer days (SU) and frost days (FD) accounted for a higher proportion, while the annual average temperature (TEM) had both promoting and inhibiting impacts. The impacts proportion and intensity of extreme heavy precipitation day (R25), continuous drought days (CDD), and annual precipitation (PRE) all experienced significant changes. 4) In space, the impacts of SU and FD on the crop-cropland coupling coordination degree varied with latitude and altitude. The adaptability of the LP to R25 gradually strengthened, and the extensions of CDD and increase of PRE led to the increasing inhibition beyond the eastern region of LP, and TEM showed a promoting impact in the Fenwei Plain. As an important grain-producing area in China, the LP should actively deal with the impacts of climate change on the crop-cropland coupling relationship, vigorously safeguard food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of fruit-based agroforestry systems with pulses, supported by nutrient management, presents a sustainable approach for developing nations, enhancing productivity along with soil and human health. This study evaluated the impact of planting conditions and nutrient management on the growth, yield, and soil attributes of Vigna mungo (mash) under a wild pomegranate-based agroforestry system. A factorial experiment using RBD with twelve integrated nutrient treatments (T1: RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), T2: FYM (100% N equivalent basis), T3: Vermicompost (100% N equivalent basis), T4: Goat manure (100% N equivalent basis), T5: Jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha, T6: 50% RDF + 50% FYM, T7: 50% RDF + 50% VC, T8: 50% RDF + 50% GM, T9: 50% RDF + 50% Jeevamrut, T10: 50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% VC, T11: 50% RDF + 25% GM + 25% Jeevamrut and T12: Control) were tested under both wild pomegranate canopy and open conditions, each replicated thrice. The results indicated that Vigna mungo exhibited better growth and yield parameters in open conditions compared to the wild pomegranate canopy with the T6 treatment. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed improvements in physical and chemical properties under the agroforestry system with T2. Economically, the agroforestry system with wild pomegranate + Vigna mungo yielded the highest net returns (US$ 1094.09 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (2.72) compared to monocropping. This study accentuates the potential of integrating fruit trees with pulse crops under appropriate nutrient management to achieve sustainable practices, improved farmer incomes and improve soil and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring food security through sustainable systems remains a key goal for the agricultural sector. However, poor crop management practices in recent decades have caused significant ecological harm, evidenced by climate change impacts, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Biotic and abiotic stresses during crop development further reduce yield and quality. Reviving traditional farming practices, such as the milpa system, offers a solution to boost production sustainably while repairing past damage. This comprehensive polyculture system centers on maize, intercropped with beans, squash, chili, fava beans, and other crops. Ecologically, milpas enhance biodiversity, improve soil physicochemical properties, and mitigate environmental harm through beneficial interactions among plants, insects, and microorganisms. This work examines these interactions, with a focus on the role of beneficial microorganisms in reversing environmental damage and revitalizing milpa systems. Adopting these tools can strengthen traditional practices, promoting sustainability and ensuring food security.Article Highlights: Milpa systems enhance product diversity and support the cultural and economic well-being of small producers. The ecological interactions within milpa systems help mitigate climate change and benefit the environment. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms provide a sustainable approach to improving milpa production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province. Using Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), the study assesses food availability, nutrition sources, and coping mechanisms. The methodology includes field surveys, interviews, and analysis of 30 years of climate data. Ward-wise investigations reveal challenges and opportunities through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Motivated by the complex dynamics affecting food security and agricultural practices amid evolving environmental conditions, this research highlights community struggles and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for a balance between traditional and hybrid agriculture, calling for adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations is crucial for sustainable food production. Results show higher food stock in some wards due to drought-resistant crops, while others face challenges with traditional farming reliance. Climate data analysis indicates significant temperature increases, affecting rice adaptation and traditional practices. Increased adoption of hybrid crops, supported by irrigation and improved technical knowledge, boosts cereal productivity. The study concludes a positive correlation between agro-biodiversity and food security, highlighting diverse agricultural systems' importance in mitigating climate change challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a major threat to the livelihoods of communities in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly those in the Republic of Congo and Chad. Agroforestry has been identified as a sustainable option to enhance livelihoods while limiting the threat posed by climate change. It is against this background that this study investigates the livelihood assets and resilience of agroforestry practitioners in the Republic of Congo and Chad. Making use of a mixed methods and comparative analysis approach, findings reveal different livelihood assets categorized into natural, physical, human, social, and financial capitals. Natural assets, particularly trees, are universally recognized across both countries, but water availability differs significantly, with 81% of practitioners in the Republic of Congo having access compared to only 43% in Chad. Physical assets show stark contrasts; while over 70% of practitioners in the Congo reported having access to necessary tools and irrigation systems, only 17% of those in Chad reported similar access. Human assets highlight a reliance on indigenous knowledge in both countries, yet Chad faces lower formal education levels, particularly among livestock-based agroforestry practitioners. Social capital is notably stronger in the Republic of Congo, where 72% of practitioners benefit from robust networks, compared to only 41% in Chad. Financial assets are generally low, but particularly precarious in Chad, where savings range from 8 to 26%, limiting investment capacity. Resilience scores linked to these assets reveal that agroforestry practitioners in the Republic of Congo generally demonstrate higher resilience across all categories. Regression analysis highlights a strong positive relationship between various agroforestry practices (especially food crop-based and cash crop-based systems) and livelihood resilience, with coefficients suggesting a greater impact in Chad. This underscores the urgent need for policies that enhance access to physical, human, and financial resources, particularly in Chad, to foster sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security. These findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to strengthen livelihood assets, enhance resilience, and promote the adoption of effective agroforestry practices in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is a depletable and non-renewable resource essential for food production, crop growth, and supporting ecosystem services, such as the retaining and cycling of various elements, including water. Therefore characterization and preservation of soil biological health is a key point for the development of sustainable agriculture. We conducted a comprehensive review of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to develop forecasting models based on soil microbiota data able to monitor and predict soil health. We also investigated the potentiality of AI-based Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for improving the use of microorganisms to enhance soil health and fertility. While available studies are limited, potential applications of AI seem relevant to develop predictive models for soil fertility, based on its biological properties and activities, and implement sustainable precision agriculture, safeguarding ecosystems, bolstering soil resilience, and ensuring the production of high-quality food. Article Highlights: Maintaining healthy soil is crucial for sustainable agriculture to ensure long-term food production and environmental protection. Soil microbiota plays a main role in preserving soil health, therefore a correct analysis of soil microorganisms will help farmers understand and improve soil quality. Although research is limited, integrating AI technologies to monitor soil health holds great promise for sustainable precision agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, promptly and accurately identifying leaf diseases is crucial for sustainable crop production. To address this requirement, this research introduces a hybrid deep learning model that combines the visual geometric group version 19 (VGG19) architecture features with the transformer encoder blocks. This fusion enables the accurate and précised real-time classification of leaf diseases affecting grape, bell pepper, and tomato plants. Incorporating transformer encoder blocks offers enhanced capability in capturing intricate spatial dependencies within leaf images, promising agricultural sustainability and food security. By providing farmers and farming stakeholders with a reliable tool for rapid disease detection, our model facilitates timely intervention and management practices, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and mitigated economic losses. Through extensive comparative analyses on various datasets and filed tests, the proposed depth wise separable convolutional-TransNet (DSC-TransNet) architecture has demonstrated higher performance in terms of accuracy (99.97%), precision (99.94%), recall (99.94), sensitivity (99.94%), F1-score (99.94%), AUC (0.98) for Grpae leaves across different datasets including bell pepper and tomato. Furthermore, including DSC layers enhances the computational efficiency of the model while maintaining expressive power, making it well-suited for real-time agricultural applications. The developed DSC-TransNet model is deployed in NVIDIA Jetson Nano single board computer. This research contributes to advancing the field of automated plant disease classification, addressing critical challenges in modern agriculture and promoting more efficient and sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions. In future, studies on nano biochar interactions with soil microbiota, surface modifications, long-term environmental impacts, reduced methane gas emissions, and biocompatibility could provide insights into optimizing its use in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are considered an effective eco-friendly biostimulator. However, relatively few studies have examined how PGPB affect the native bacterial community of major crops. Thus, this study investigates the impact of a PGPB consortium, comprising Pseudomonas sp. G31 and Azotobacter sp. PBC2 (P1A), on the soil bacterial community of wheat under field conditions. As a result of PGPB application, we observed a significant increase in seed yield, as well as in nitrate content (1st and 3rd time points) and available phosphorus (2nd time point) in the rhizosphere compared to control. For the metataxonomic study, Next-Generation Sequencing was performed using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system. The consortium used did not have a significant impact on the diversity of native soil bacteria and slightly affected the taxonomic composition of bacteria with no significant changes in bacterial dominants at the phylum and genus level. Nevertheless, 3 weeks after application, P1A increased the relative abundance of Nitrospira which could have influenced the increase in nitrates in the rhizosphere, and also decreased Bdellovibrio. The results indicate that the P1A consortium, due to its ability to promote plant growth without detrimental alternations in the bacterial community of the soil, may be a potential candidate for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food production predominantly depends on a limited number of cereal crops; however, numerous other crops have the potential to support the nutrition and economy of many local communities in developing countries. The different crop species characterized as having relatively low perceived economic importance or agricultural significance are known as underutilized crops. Millet is one of the underutilized crops with significant potential to address nutrient and hunger-related challenges in many developing countries like Nepal due to its versatility and climate resilience. Little is known about the determinants of adoption, cultural importance, and nutritional benefits of millet. Therefore, this study uses data from 1988 to 2019 and examines trends in millet production and its climate resilience, employing the Dynamic Ordinary Least Square Method. Results indicate that fertilizer use, cultivated area, and rural population significantly impact millet production in Nepal, while mean temperature has a negative but insignificant effect. The findings suggest that climate change does not significantly impact millet production. Millet is well adapted to challenging environments and offers superior nutritional value, suggesting that integration of millet into modern agriculture could be a valuable tool for creating a more sustainable, equitable, resilient, and healthy agrifood system that benefits both people and the planet. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers to enhance underutilized crops such as millet and implement strategies to integrate them into central agrifood systems. It also has a more considerable socio-economic impact on local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants, as sessile organisms, must adapt to a range of abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and cold, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change. These stresses significantly impact crop productivity, posing challenges for sustainable agriculture and food security. Recent advances in omics studies and genetics have shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress responses, including the role of calcium (Ca2⁺) signaling, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), and cell wall-associated sensors in detecting and responding to environmental changes. However, gaps remain in understanding how rapid stress signaling is integrated with slower, adaptive processes. Emerging evidence also highlights crosstalk between abiotic stress responses, plant immunity, and growth regulation, mediated by key components such as RAF-SnRK2 kinase cascades, DELLA proteins, etc. Strategies to enhance crop stress resistance without compromising yield include introducing beneficial alleles, spatiotemporal optimization of stress responses, and decoupling stress signaling from growth inhibition. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and innovative technologies to bridge fundamental research and practical agricultural applications, aiming to develop resilient crops for sustainable food production in an era of escalating environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study highlights the critical mechanistic data supporting the ecological restoration advantages of biochar (BC) and its role in sustainable environmental management. Recognizing the substantial influence of specific feedstock sources and pyrolysis parameters on BC efficacy, this research aims to address these gaps through an extensive investigation into the potential benefits of BC application in ecological restoration. The methodology involves a systematic exploration of effects of BC from latest literature on various aspects of agricultural sustainability, including its ability to support crop growth, improve nutrient bioavailability, facilitate co-composting, enhance consumption efficiency, and contribute to water quality restoration. The main results of the study reveal that BC usage results in a net negative carbon (C) footprint, mitigates heavy metal pollution, and enhances soil and ecosystem health. In bioenergy production, BC serves as a versatile resource for generating renewable energy, reducing waste, and facilitating C sequestration. Advanced BC techniques, such as tailored pyrolysis processes and activation methods, further enhance its effectiveness in ecosystem restoration and sustainable resource management. Furthermore, the research identifies deficiencies in current literature and proposes future research directions to advance understanding of BC application. Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering feedstock and pyrolysis variables in BC research and highlights the potential of BC to contribute to ecological sustainability. However, concerns regarding potential health implications for humans in agricultural contexts warrant further investigation and risk assessment to ensure safe and sustainable BC application. Highlights: Rehabilitation efficiency of biochar (BC) depends on feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. BC benefits; crop productivity, nutrient availability, and water quality. The mechanistic data supporting BC ecological restoration perks. Adaptability of BC in habitat restoration, posing worker health concerns. BC understanding, identifying literature gaps and proposing future research areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A serious challenge of our time, threatening the whole of humanity, is the lack of food. The aggravation of this problem in many countries is caused by climate change, natural and man-made disasters, deterioration of the epidemiological and geopolitical situation. Therefore, food security is of great importance for achieving global Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of the article is to study the problem of food security and self-sufficiency as a factor of the country's sustainable development, develop an author's methodology and assess the level of food self-sufficiency in Kazakhstan, substantiate ways to improve it. Hypothesis: Proof/refutation of the need to increase food self-sufficiency in order to achieve country's sustainable development. Methods: The author's methodology for assessing food self-sufficiency by individual product groups. Information: A comparative analysis of existing methods, official statistical data, FAO data, a list of socially significant food products, physiological norms of food consumption in Kazakhstan. Results: Calculations showed an increase in the level of Kazakhstan's self-sufficiency for most types of socially significant food products in 2010–2022. However, there are big differences across the Kazakhstan's regions. The level of self-sufficiency was very high in 5 regions, and in 2 western regions there was a very low level of self-sufficiency in most types of products, except meat. Conclusions: To improve food security and ensure sustainable development of Kazakhstan, it is recommended to strengthen the state's regulatory role in the development of the agro-industrial complex, cooperation between agricultural producers and processing enterprises, the development of international food trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials are being greatly used in the agriculture sector to address a variety of problems including soil erosion, non-bioavailability of nutrients, pest infestation, and climate change. In this study, the peel waste of commonly available banana variety in southern India Musa acuminata was used for synthesizing carbon nanoparticles and this article focusses on analyzing the effects of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in assisting the vegetative propagation of Orthosiphon aristatus. The effect of synthesized CNPs on the plant phenotype were examined for growth metrics including the number of new leaves formed, increase in aerial height of stem cuttings, number of nodes, leaf area, and root length. In addition, biochemical constituents including tryptophan, protein, and carbohydrate levels and photosynthetic pigments including chlorophylls and carotenoids were quantified. The treated stem cuttings at 5% CNPs had the highest increase in shoot length (7.35 cm) and more new leaves were observed (5.77) and the highest root length was also observed in the stem cuttings exposed to 5% CNPs (3 cm). Plants treated with CNPs showed a significant rise (p < 0.05) in the levels of carotenoid and chlorophyll and the highest rise in total chlorophyll content was observed in stem cuttings exposed to 10% CNPs (0.86 mg/g). Thus, this work gives a comprehensive understanding of developing value-added products (CNPs) from commonly discarded wastes and the effect of CNPs on plants' phenotype and physiology, opening the road for sustainable agricultural practices. Article Highlights: Peels of Musa acuminata utilized for fabrication of carbon nanoparticles CNPs effectively promoted vegetative growth and levels of biochemical constituents, photosynthetic pigments in Orthosiphon aristatus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the world economy and in the increasing population. The decrease of crop yield and productivity by fungal infestation is one of the main concerns in agriculture. Synthetic fungicides are effective against several fungal infestations. However, although the tremendous use of synthetic fungicides to obtain high production yield has helped to cope with the growing population, it is gradually contaminating the ecosystem. Chemical fungicides have raised major concerns regarding environmental sustainability, human health, and increased resistance in fungal strains. Therefore, there is a need for a safer and more sustainable alternative. Microalgae provide a clean and sustainable solution to this emerging problem. Microalgal extracts have been reported to be a potent bio-fungicide. This review explores the efficiency, uses, and environmental advantages of using microalgal extracts as bio-fungicide. The composition of microalgal extract contains many antifungal and antimicrobial chemicals that can be used as an eco-friendly bio-fungicide. Furthermore, microalgal extracts can contribute to sustainable agriculture practices by reducing the dependence on chemical fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aspergillus flavus, a seed-borne fungal pathogen, colonizes host plants and exploits nutrients, hindering the growth of seedlings such as peanut and maize. This study investigates the effectiveness of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus albus strains NNK24 and NDP61, which belong to the Bacillus cereus group, in suppressing A. flavus AF1. Results: The antifungal activity of these CFSs was attributed to their surfactant properties and chemical composition. These were characterized using rapid chemical assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS), combined with bioinformatic tools such as Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) and Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas). Identified putative antifungal compounds included two diketopiperazines (cyclo(Pro-Leu) and cyclo(2-hydroxy-Pro-Leu)), four macrolactins (7-O-succinyl macrolactin A, 7-O-methyl-5′-hydroxy-3′-heptenoate-macrolactin, macrolactin B, and macrolactin C), two siderophores (petrobactin and bacillibactin), and three cyclic lipopeptides (kurstakin 1, 2 or 3, and 4). These compounds are hypothesized to act synergistically via multiple mechanisms, including disruption of fungal membranes, iron capture, direct antibiosis, and triggering plant immunity. Both CFSs strongly suppressed the harmful effects of A. flavus AF1 and seed-borne A. flavus on peanut and maize seedlings, reducing disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI) compared to controls. The disease control efficacy (DCE) of the CFSs was comparable to that of the commercial fungicide. Additionally, the CFSs enhanced seed germination, vigor, seedling length, and weight in both peanut and maize. Vigor index (VI) values increased by 222.4–286.0% in peanuts and 181.7–216.4% in maize at 7 days after treatment (DAT). Conclusion: CFSs of B. albus NNK24 and NDP61 show significant potential as bioprotective agents for sustainable agriculture. Importantly, their use eliminates the need for live bacterial cells from the B. cereus group, addressing biosafety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban growth in sub-Saharan Africa presents significant challenges to sustainable development, food security, and environmental conservation. The rapid urban expansion and impact on agricultural land reduction in central Ethiopian metropolitan areas (Addis Ababa and Sheger city) exemplify these issues while simultaneously offering opportunities for sustainable development. This study aims to quantify and characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban expansion in Addis Ababa and the surrounding Sheger city, explicitly focusing on understanding the impact of urban expansion on farmlands. The supervised random forest (RF) classification in the Google Earth Engine platform was used to prepare land use and land cover (LULC) for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2023. The study employed an analytical framework incorporating multiple methodologies: intensity analysis at interval, categorical, and transitional levels to quantify urban growth trajectories; gradient direction and distance analyses to examine spatial expansion patterns; and Land Expansion Index (LEI) and Landscape Dynamic Typology (LDT) metrics to characterize the urban morphology and spatial dynamics of the study area. The results revealed that edge expansion is the predominant mode of urban development, primarily affecting farmlands in the eastern section. Built-up areas quadrupled between 1990 and 2023, whereas arable land declined. Intensity analysis revealed significant changes, particularly affecting farmlands. Our LDT analysis showed reduction in stable areas and increased in LULC changes from 1990 to 2023. The findings highlight the need for revised urban development strategies in Ethiopia to focus on compact and efficient growth while safeguarding agricultural lands, aligning with SDGs 2, 11, and 15 to promote balanced development that ensures urban and agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a stable supply of nutritious food for the growing global population is a major challenge, especially through a sustainable food system. Maize is host to a vast microbial community in its root zone. Microorganisms associated with maize play an essential role in enhancing plant growth and productivity. The purpose of this review is to explore the interactions within the rhizosphere of maize, focusing on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), contribute to improved phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and overall plant health. Through the synthesis of 200 papers, elucidated the interactions within the maize rhizosphere, highlighting the activity and assembly mechanisms of soil microorganisms crucial to maize crop production that have been widely analyzed. Incorporating microbial benefits into sustainable agricultural practices presents several challenges, including environmental variability (temperate vs tropical), unpredictable field performance, and the influence of advanced crop management techniques on microbial communities. To address these challenges, future research should prioritize microbiome engineering, precision agriculture, and the development of climate-resilient microbial strains. A deeper understanding of the maize microbiome holds significant potential for advancing biofertilizer development and sustainable farming practices by overcoming technological, environmental large-scale implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow River Basin is China's grain production base and ecological barrier, with an important strategic position. Therefore, it is of great significance to analyze spatiotemporal pattern of ecosystem services and agricultural green, and further exploring the driving mechanism of coordination using the GTWR model to examine how the Yellow River Basin's agriculture evolve sustainably. The results indicate that: (1) In 2011–2021, the Yellow River Basin's ecosystem service value showed a state of growth first and then decline, indicating that the decrease trend cannot be ignored; the Yellow River Basin has seen a steady rise in agricultural green level, with regional disparities progressively disappearing. (2) Although the Yellow River Basin's agriculture and ecosystem has tended towards coordinated development, it was still in the primary stage of coordination; the tendency of downstream > midstream > upstream was seen in the notable geographical disparities, and the gap was continuously closing. (3) The harmonization of ecosystem service value and agricultural green development is driven by multiple factors. The influence of social factors has undergone a transition from negative influence to positive influence; economic factors generally had a positive impact, but there existed a certain amount of instability; the overall state of natural factors was relatively stable, with little change in areas with positive coefficients. In areas with negative coefficients, their negative effects gradually decreased and showed a trend towards positive development. In light of the finding above, some recommendations are put forth to promote sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costus pictus, recognized as the "insulin plant," is a renowned medicinal plant with a diverse phytochemical composition, which confers a comprehensive spectrum of biological attributes. This is the first study on modeling the drying kinetics of Costus pictus rhizomes and analyzing the predictive capability of mathematical modeling and artificial neural network (ANN). C. pictus rhizomes were dried in a laboratory tray dryer at different temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) to produce a functional dried powder. Henderson and Pabis's model well-described the drying kinetics. ANN with a feed-forward backpropagation algorithm was applied to understand the drying characteristics. Moisture ratio and moisture content were optimally trained with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function for hidden layer. Comparative analysis validated that ANN had an unrivaled prediction potential. Color studies substantiated the overall acceptability of a dried product. Rhizomes dried at 60 °C had the best antioxidant, polyphenol, and flavonoid properties. Investigation into the influence of different solvents (water, ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate) on these attributes revealed that methanol, followed by water, showed most significant effects. Thus, 60 °C–dried rhizomes revealed shorter drying time with accelerated drying rates, and moisture diffusivity and activation energy were observed as 2.3520 × 10−7 m2/s and 41.088 kJ/mol, respectively. It also exhibited conserved qualitative characteristics and had high phytochemical constituents with remarkable antioxidant potential. The results provided a thorough grasp of the diverse traits of C. pictus rhizome powders, suggesting their utilization in herbal formulations and nutraceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides play a crucial role in modern agriculture by controlling weeds and ensuring sustainable crop productivity. However, the use of herbicides has raised concerns regarding their contamination, posing serious threat to the environment, biodiversity, and food safety. Recent trends indicate a decline in the overall volume of herbicides usage, suggesting a shift towards more specific and targeted formulations of herbicides. Also, there has been an increased use of systemic and pre-emergence herbicides. The global agriculture still faces several challenges because of the adverse environmental impacts caused by herbicide contamination, both at the application site and offsite. In view of the growing concern, it is necessary to develop new herbicides with greater selectivity or bio-based herbicide that can degrade after successful control of the intended weed population and minimize or eliminate the environmental hazards. Furthermore, the adoption of integrated weed management practices rather than prolonged and repeated use of herbicide in agriculture can effectively reduce the growth of herbicide-resistant weed populations. The present review is a single valuable resource, providing insights into the recent trends and future challenges associated with herbicide use in modern agriculture, with a focus on human health and food safety. Also, we emphasize the advancements in herbicide technology, emergence of new herbicide-resistant weed species, regulatory considerations, and alternative approaches in herbicide use, all of which are particularly valuable to agroecology, policymakers, and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an essential component of human sustenance in this world. These days, with a growing population, we must significantly increase agricultural productivity to meet demand. Agriculture moved toward technologies as a result of the demand for higher yields with less resources. Increasing awareness of the significance and influence of agricultural practices in global climate change has made the use of energy-efficient innovations a vital aspect of the agriculture sector. The use of greenhouses to provide controlled environments that encourage effective plant growth is one of the current associated approaches. If not properly maintained, the energy used to run the greenhouses' chillers, heaters, humidifiers, carbon dioxide (CO₂) generators, and carbon emissions becomes expensive. The goal of this research is to create a sustainable greenhouse model while achieving the best plant growth requirements with minimal use of energy. In order to achieve the lowest possible amount of energy consumption, the optimization model considered temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and sunlight as essential parameters in the environment. The Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization technique was utilized for setting the environmental parameters for plant growth, considered for the suggested system. The system's inputs were plant-preferred factors, and plant comfort was achieved by applying ABC to boost the parameters' efficiency. A fuzzy controller was utilized to regulate different devices, including humidifiers, heaters, chillers, and CO₂ generators, by entering the introduced values. The overall efficacy of the fuzzy controllers that switch On/Off the actuators was obtained by minimizing the error between the best estimates of environmental factors and the ABC optimized values. Additionally, the suggested method was contrasted with other effective algorithms, such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Firefly Algorithm (FA), and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Based on the results of the comparison analysis between the ABC algorithm and current practices, present procedures do not minimize the fluctuations in the inaccuracy between the target and actual environmental parameters, which is a necessary step towards increasing energy efficiency. The suggested method used 162.19 kWh for temperature control, 84.65405 kWh for Humidity, 131.2013 kWh for Sunlight, and 603.55208 kWh for CO₂ management, indicating the maximum energy efficiency. ACO needed 172.2621 kWh, 88.269 kWh, 175.7127 kWh, and 713.2125 kWh, in contrast to FA 169.7983 kWh, 86.04496 kWh, 155.8442 kWh, and 743.7986 kWh. Temperature, Humidity, Sunlight, and CO₂ were measured by GA at 164.1609 kWh, 86.19566 kWh, 174.6429 kWh, and 734.9514 kWh, respectively. In terms of Plant comfort, the suggested approach also outperformed 0.986770848 ACO (0.944043), FA (0.949832), and GA (0.946076). It is important to note that the research being done has the potential to minimize operating costs and maximize the amount of energy needed for plant growth, thereby creating a model for sustainable greenhouse agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The widely inefficient agricultural use of phosphorus (P) causes environmental damage. At the same time, an uneven resource distribution risks supply shortages for this essential nutritional element. Effective governance solutions help to stimulate a more sustainable P management and fulfil the human right to food. This article applies a qualitative governance analysis to develop an integrated governance solution for the multi-layered problems of agricultural P use primarily by economic instruments. Based on P-related challenges and the cornerstones of sustainable P management, an assessment scheme for economic instruments for P is conceptualized and applied. Results: Results show that there is no 'one fits all' solution for all problems associated with agricultural P use. We find a combination of (1) an economic instrument for rock phosphate-based fertilizers with (2) a tax for P surpluses and (3) a regulation on contaminant levels in fertilizers addresses all P-related problems effectively. Conclusions: The optimal P governance combines economic and regulatory policy instruments. Besides addressing sustainable P management and thus contributing to the implementation of the right to food, the policy mix also positively impacts further ecological challenges such as disrupted N cycles, climate change and biodiversity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification in the Northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plain (NWIGP), a critical food bowl supporting millions of people, is leading to groundwater depletion and soil health degradation. This is primarily driven by conventional cultivation practices in the rice–wheat (RW) cropping system, which dominates over 85% of the IGP. Therefore, this study presents a systematic literature review of input management in the RW system, analyzes district-wise trends, outlines the current status, identifies problems, and proposes sustainable management options to achieve development goals. Our district-wise analysis estimates potential water savings from 20 to 60% by transitioning from flood to drip, sprinkler, laser land leveling, or conservation agriculture (CA). Alongside integrating water-saving technologies with CA, crop switching and recharge infrastructure enhancements are needed for groundwater sustainability. Furthermore, non-adherence with recommended fertilizer and pesticide practices, coupled with residue burning, adversely affects soil health and water quality. CA practices have demonstrated substantial benefits, including increased soil permeability (up to 51%), improved organic carbon content (up to 38%), higher nitrifying bacteria populations (up to 73%), enhanced dehydrogenase activities (up to 70%), and increased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi populations (up to 56%). The detection of multiple fertilizers and pesticides in groundwater underscores the need for legislative measures and the promotion of sustainable farming practices similar to European Union strategies. Lastly, emphasis should be placed on fostering shifts in farmers' perceptions toward optimizing input utilization. The policy implications of this study extend beyond the NWIGP region to the entire country, stressing the critical importance of proactive measures to increase environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concerns over food safety have intensified calls for alternatives to toxic pesticides in agriculture. Despite these concerns, the global agricultural industry remains heavily reliant on chemical pesticides to maintain crop yields. However, the overuse of these chemicals has resulted in significant biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for safer, non-toxic, and sustainable alternatives. Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), a cost-effective and relatively safe industrial oxidant commonly used for disinfection, has shown potential for plant disease management. However, its application in this context remains largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of TCCA in controlling Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the causative agent of bacterial canker in kiwifruit, and explore its underlying mechanisms of action. Our results demonstrate that TCCA effectively inhibits Psa growth in vitro, even at low concentrations, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20 mg/L (TCCA added directly to the Psa suspension) and 100 mg/L (Psa cells mixed with liquid LB medium before adding TCC). In vivo, TCCA treatment at a concentration of 500 mg/L substantially reduced Psa colonization on both kiwifruit leaves and canes, outperforming conventional bactericides such as copper hydroxide, chlorothalonil, and ethylicin, as well as alternative treatments like pyraclostrobin-dysonline and Xinjunan acetate. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TCCA inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, impaired motility, disrupted cell integrity, and suppressed the expression of virulence-related genes, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. Additionally, TCCA treatment of both healthy and infected canes induced the activity of key defense-related enzymes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), suggesting that TCCA may activate systemic plant defense responses. These findings position TCCA as a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional toxic bactericides, offering a sustainable and effective solution for plant disease management with reduced ecological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases pose a significant threat to global food security, necessitating innovative and sustainable strategies for disease management. Due to its numerous emerging and innovative applications, nanotechnology has garnered interest in a variety of sectors. Engineered nanoparticles are versatile materials with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm that can be used as fungicides, bactericides, and nano-fertilizers because of their high reactivity, wide surface area, and tiny size. In order to achieve the goals of sustainable farming, nano-bioformulations are being developed. Biopolymers, including cellulose, starch, alginate, chitin, and chitosan, with ecological endurability are employed for synthesizing nano-formulations. The second most prevalent biopolymer after cellulose is chitosan, which is utilized extensively because of its special qualities, which include non-toxicity, pH sensitivity, abundance, biodegradability, biocompatibility, low allergenicity, and bioabsorbability. Chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived from chitin, has gained attention for its antifungal, antibacterial, and elicitor properties. The combination of natural biopolymers with nanotechnology presents an opportunity to revolutionize agriculture and plant protection. High surface area, positive charge, and nanoscale size are some of the distinct physicochemical characteristics of nano-chitosan that boost its bioactivity and improve the interaction with plant tissues. Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) have multifaceted modes of action, viz., direct antimicrobial activity, induction of plant defense, and modulation of microbial gene expression. It is broadly used in disease suppression and improving overall plant health. The techniques, viz., ionic gelation, emulsion cross-linking, and solvent evaporation, are commonly used to synthesize ChNPs, showing better control over particle size, stability, and biocompatibility. The present review highlights the synthesis of ChNPs, their potential applications in crop protection, their mechanism of action against plant pathogens, and their toxicity in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contamination in agricultural groundwater and soil is a significant economic and health problem worldwide. It inhibits soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation in symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum E109 (E109), a commonly used rhizobial strain for commercial biofertiliser formulation in Argentina. In the context of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture promoted by FAO, co-inoculating legumes with As-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is suggested as a superior alternative to single inoculation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of As on plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits -siderophore and indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilisation, diazotrophic activity and hydrolytic enzymes activity- in E109 and three other PGPB strains: Pseudomonas sp. AW4 (AW4), Bacillus pumilus SF5 (SF5) and Bacillus toyonensis SFC 500-1E (Bt). In addition, bacterial compatibility and adhesion on soybean seed were evaluated. Arsenic significantly reduced PGP traits of E109 even at low concentrations, AW4's traits remained unchanged, while those of SF5 and Bt traits were affected (positively or negatively) only at the highest concentrations tested (500 µM arsenate, 250 µM arsenite). All PGPB strains were compatible with E109 under both control and As-stress conditions. Soybean seed adhesion was reduced for E109, only under As stress. Findings suggest that the effect of As on PGP traits is highly strain-dependent and influenced by As concentration and speciation. AW4, SF5, and Bt strains show promise for co-inoculation with E109 in soybean cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme temperature events significantly impact agricultural water, but it is still unclear how changes in agricultural water policies will affect extreme temperature differences. We analyzed the relationship between agricultural water usage and extreme temperature variations across 30 Chinese provinces from 2015 to 2022. Using an innovative grey model approach, we projected temperature variation trends under different agricultural water policy scenarios. Our analysis reveals that moderate increases in agricultural water allocation effectively reduced temperature extremes in most provinces. The impact was particularly pronounced in regions with high grey relation degrees, especially resonant regions where the mitigation effects were the strongest. We found that agricultural water policies have complex, nonlinear effects on temperature variations, with distinct patterns emerging across different provinces. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for regional variations in water use for climate adaptation strategies. Our research provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to balance agricultural sustainability with climate resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathogens cause plant diseases that significantly decrease crop yields, posing a serious threat to global food security. While plant disease resistance has traditionally been understood as the trait determined by the plant innate immune system and the pathogen virulence system, recent research underscores the pivotal role of the plant microbiome in disease resistance. Plant-associated microbiomes confer protection against pathogens through direct pathogen inhibition, resource competition, and activation of plant immune responses. Agricultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, disease-resistant breeding, biocontrol, and organic farming modulate plant microbiomes, thereby influencing disease resistance. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in understanding the intricate interactions among plants, pathogens, and microbiomes. We emphasize the need for in-depth mechanistic studies linking agricultural practices to microbiome dynamics and propose future research directions to leverage microbiomes for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping, based on the interplay between cereals and legumes, might be an encouraging approach to improve soil fertility and crop productivity and to guarantee more sustainable farming systems. However, plant consociation is also influenced by the interaction between roots and soil microbial communities, and different plant genotypes might differently respond to this management. Here, a 2-year field study was carried out, verifying the impact of intercropping and the inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on two varieties of durum wheat, using a lentil variety as intercropped plant species, on wheat agronomic parameters and grain features, as well as on microbial communities of soil, rhizosphere and wheat roots. Results showed a genotype effect on diverse agronomic parameters, gluten quality and grain elemental concentrations. Additionally, intercropping and AM fungal inoculation affected and shaped the microbial alpha diversity and composition, especially for the AMF community, at root level. Overall, the effects of the considered treatments (intercropping with lentil and AM fungal inoculation) were noticeably influenced by the specific wheat genotype, suggesting the importance to conduct a careful selection of intercropped genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of various feedstocks. It can be further modified to enhance its properties and is referred to as modified biochar (MB). The research interest in MB application in soil has been on the surge over the past decade. However, the potential benefits of MB are considerable, and its efficiency can be subject to various influencing factors. For instance, unknown physicochemical characteristics, outdated analytical techniques, and a limited understanding of soil factors that could impact its effectiveness after application. This paper reviewed the recent literature pertaining to MB and its evolved physicochemical characteristics to provide a comprehensive understanding beyond synthesis techniques. These include surface area, porosity, alkalinity, pH, elemental composition, and functional groups. Furthermore, it explored innovative analytical methods for characterizing these properties and evaluating their effectiveness in soil applications. In addition to exploring the potential benefits and limitations of utilizing MB as a soil amendment, this article delved into the soil factors that influence its efficacy, along with the latest research findings and advancements in MB technology. Overall, this study will facilitate the synthesis of current knowledge and the identification of gaps in our understanding of MB. Highlights: The application of modified biochar significantly increased over the past decade. Modified biochar demonstrated promising properties for specific applications, particularly in soil. However, outdated analytical techniques and limited understanding of soil factors could affect its efficiency. The potential benefits, along with limitations in commercialization and future approaches, were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (CMPA) herbicide is crucial due to the potential health risks linked to exposure through drinking water, air, and food, which may adversely affect liver and kidney functions. To address this environmental concern and promote sustainable agriculture, a sensitive carbon paste sensor incorporating a composite material was developed. The composite sensor is based on porous cobalt-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate metal–organic framework and exfoliated montmorillonite nanolayers (Co-OF/MMt). This sensor enables the voltammetric detection of CMPA in real soil samples using linear sweep adsorptive anodic stripping voltammetry (LS-AdASV), facilitating early and accurate monitoring of herbicide levels. The Co-OF/MMt nanocomposite was synthesized via a hydrothermal method involving the precipitation of Co-OF in the presence of MMt. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized materials was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM-Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and surface area analysis (BET). The resulting modified carbon paste sensor, utilizing 1.0% Co-OF/MMt nanocomposite, exhibited superior electrochemical properties compared with the bare carbon paste sensor, possessing an electroactive surface area of 1004.1 m2/g with a minimal resistivity (Rct) of 330 Ω. Under standard operating conditions, the developed sensor demonstrated detection limits of 0.03 nM and 0.1 nM across two broad linear ranges (0.03 to 0.10 nM – 0.10 to 1.0 nM) and (0.1 to 1.0 nM – 1.0 to 7.0 nM), respectively, for CMPA determination in both bulk and soil samples. These results pointed out the promising electrochemical modified sensor for the direct and simple detection of certain herbicides in environmental matrices, without the need for sample pretreatment steps. This capability supports sustainable development goals by enhancing effective environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation tillage technology adoption has contributed significantly to sustainable agricultural development, but its effectiveness has been hindered by conflicts among governments, agribusinesses, and rural households. The collaboration among governments, agribusinesses, and rural households (GAR collaboration) is a significant institutional innovation for advancing green agricultural development. This study constructs a theoretical framework incorporating environmental characteristics, collaboration capacity, and the effectiveness of green agricultural technology adoption to analyze the impact and heterogeneity effects of GAR collaboration. Using village-level survey data from Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Gansu Provinces, with a focus on conservation tillage technology, this study explores the mechanisms by which GAR collaboration influences green technology adoption. The findings reveal that: (1) GAR collaboration mechanisms are crucial for improving the effectiveness of green agricultural technology adoption; (2) Environmental characteristics directly affect the adoption effectiveness and indirectly influence it through collaboration capacity; (3) Village size has a heterogeneous effect on the impact of GAR collaboration, being more pronounced in smaller villages; and (4) GAR collaboration primarily enhances the adoption effectiveness by reducing transaction costs and defection risks. These insights contribute to the theoretical foundations of collaborative approaches in green agriculture and provide practical solutions to improve technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice fields are important wildlife habitats; however, intensive agricultural practices have reduced the population of farmland birds. As a high-level consumer, the great egret (Ardea alba) serves as an indicator of the overall biodiversity of rice fields. However, little is known about the effects of farming methods on the feeding habitat selection of the great egret. Therefore, we examined the influence of eco-friendly and conventional farming methods on prey characteristics and great egret feeding behavior in rice field ecosystems. We employed focal observations and trap-based sampling to quantify prey characteristics and great egret feeding behaviors in eco-friendly and conventional rice fields. Great egrets showed more hunting attempts per minute and a higher intake rate in conventional fields, but feeding efficiency did not differ. Moreover, they consumed larger loaches in eco-friendly fields than in conventional fields. Great egrets exhibited slower feeding behaviors in eco-friendly fields due to the increased handling time of larger prey, such as loaches. Eco-friendly fields supported a higher abundance of larger-sized loaches than conventional fields, indicating their potential for supporting a higher abundance of great egrets. Our findings highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices for the conservation of the great egret. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture has emerged as a critical topic in the context of sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. A key aspect impacting the sustainability of the agriculture supply chain is the usage of agrochemicals. Transitioning to sustainable alternatives from agrochemicals poses challenges, as it affects farms' productivity, income, and food supply to the market. The delicate balance between farm income and greenhouse gas emissions related to chemical fertilizer usage has not been addressed adequately using a dynamic system behavior perspective. This study employs a System Dynamics model to simulate the impact of adopting biofertilizers on the triple-bottom-line performance of the agrochemical supply chain from a policy perspective. The model aims to understand stakeholder behavior within the fertilizer supply chain and enhance its sustainability. Additionally, the study models the effects of various input subsidies using the design of experiments in an Indian agrochemical supply chain, examining trade-offs involved in the triple-bottom-line (social, environmental, and economic) parameters for each subsidy. The simulation model offers policymakers insights into determining appropriate subsidy levels to facilitate a sustainable transition of agricultural supply chains. In this context, various possible scenarios were obtained by simulating the policy parameters (agriproduct price, chemical fertilizer prices, biofertilizer fixed costs, and biofertilizer subsidies) resulting in optimal levels of environmental impact, producer profit, and social benefit. It also provides a comprehensive evaluation of the triple-bottom-line effects of policy strategies, thereby facilitating the comprehension of trade-offs in the supply chains of lower/middle-income countries. The study contributes valuable guidance for policymakers to make informed decisions for promoting sustainable agriculture and achieving the triple-bottom-line objectives in the agrochemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the risks tied to agricultural crop production in watersheds impacted by climate change presents a considerable challenge for effective water resource management. In response to this pressing issue, our study introduces a new metric called the Crop Cultivation Risk Index (CCRI). This index is formulated to quantify the risks of crop failure from the water resources management point of view by considering various critical factors, including evaporation rates, minimum water requirements for plant growth (MRW), and the agricultural standardized precipitation index (aSPI). The analysis of the Tashk watershed revealed significant numerical insights. ​Over 50% of the catchment area exhibited CCRI values ranging from 0.5 to 1.3, indicating a moderate to low risk of wheat crop failure in these regions.​ This trend was particularly pronounced in the central sections of the watershed, where conditions are less favorable for crop growth. These findings suggest that stakeholders in these areas can adopt more resilient agricultural practices, knowing that the risk of failure is relatively manageable. Conversely, regions displaying CCRI values above 1.3, reaching a maximum of 2.3, signify optimal conditions for wheat cultivation. Specifically, the highest CCRI values, which were recorded at 2.31, are predominantly found in the northwestern and southeastern sections of the catchment. These areas demonstrate a strong capacity for supporting wheat production, encouraging farmers to focus on these regions for potential agricultural expansion. Such numerical insights can facilitate informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to more effective resource management strategies and sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is one of the most auspicious crops of Asia and Africa. It can adapt to harsh environmental conditions and be cultivated in various agroecological areas. The Garhwal Himalayas region contains a wide diversity of finger millet that remains unexplored. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to describe the finger millet accessions from the Garhwal region using distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) guidelines to evaluate variability among accessions. An assortment of sixty-six finger millet accessions and two varieties were categorized using twenty agro-morphological traits during the summers of 2023 and 2024. The observations were recorded per DUS guidelines standardized by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV & FR). A few more characters were recorded that were not part of the DUS guidelines, such as the presence of the whorl, which was further divided into two categories: 1. One finger in the second whorl, and 2. Multiple fingers in the second whorl. The arrangement of leaves, inflorescence type, seed density, and seed discontinuity on the fingers were also noted. This study documented the arrangement of leaves and types of multiple whorls in finger millet for the first time. On PCA analysis, the first two components showed a variation of 28.1%. The maximum contribution was found in PC 1 (15.55%), while component 2 (PC 2) contributed 12.38% to the total variability. This study highlights the importance of detailed phenotyping in uncovering the genetic potentials of finger millet and developing crop improvement initiatives for sustainable agriculture and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to frequently changing global climatic conditions, the frequency of abiotic stresses such as unexpected flooding, drought, different temperature regimes leading high or low temperature, soil salinization, and nutrient deficiency or toxicity has been dramatically increased. These stresses are important threats to sustainable agriculture causing numerous direct and indirect effects on plants ultimately influence the quantity and quality of food crops. However, plants are equipped with array of internal methods for coping with devastating impacts of stress including production of antioxidants, osmoprotectants, proteins, phytohormones, relocation of nitrogen, phosphorus etc. Phytohormones in general play crucial role in the regulation of various physiological and biochemical processes in terms of plant growth, development, and productivity under normal as well as stressful conditions. Adaptation and resistance towards these stresses need sophisticated perception, signalling, and responsive mechanisms. In this review, we go through recent developments in comprehension how jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) control abiotic stress responses in plants. Interaction of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with the roots of higher plants alters the concentration of endogenous phytohormones and exemplifies a novel pattern of hormonal interaction. PGPR help plants withstand abiotic stressors by altering the sensitivity to response and controlling the production of phytohormones. Since they activate signalling pathways, the interaction of phytohormones is essential for the survival of plants under adverse conditions and emphasis is given on the crosstalk of JA, SA, and PGPRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd-contaminated saline soil is now becoming a serious threat affecting sustainable agriculture throughout the world. In this study, organic amendments (OA) were applied to Cd-contaminated saline soils to, firstly, reduce the bioavailability of Cd in soil and, secondly, minimize Cd accumulation in red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus) plant. The soil was treated with 1% and 2% of cow dung (CD), vermicompost (VC), waste tea (WT), saw dust (SD), rice hull (RH), and compost. Red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus) plant was grown using a pot experiment in control and OA-treated soil stressed with both salinity (4 dsm−1 and 8 dSm−1) and Cd (5 mgkg−1). In slightly saline conditions (4 dSm−1), the addition of 1% CD and VC reduced the bioavailable Cd in the soil to 17.44% and 15.12%, respectively. The reduction increased to 24.42% and 25.58% with 2% rate of application in the same soil. However, in moderately saline soil (8 dSm−1), the reduction varied significantly only with the higher rate. Shoot Cd content was reduced by 85.86% using 2% VC in low saline soil. The bioconcentration factor was also lowered with the addition of CD and VC; however, the performance proved to be better in low saline soil at 2% rate of application. The health risk index (HRI) value for the adults was observed to be < 1 only when the soil with low salinity was treated with 2% VC. Consequently, VC can be used in Cd-contaminated saline soils for red amaranth cultivation to reduce risks to people's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to emphasize the importance of site selection in snail farming by examining how differences in environmental variables and regional characteristics influence the mineral content of Cornu aspersum snails. This is achieved through a comparative analysis of the mineral contents in their muscle tissue and shells, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, ash, and dry matter, across two locations in the Black Sea region: Fatsa (F) and Sinop (S). The study found that snails allocate resources based on available calcium to strengthen their shells for survival. Snails in Fatsa, with high sodium intake, may be unhealthy and suffer from dehydration, and the quality of their meat appears poor due to unfavorable calcium-to-phosphorus and sodium-to-potassium ratios. In Sinop, higher calcium and inorganic content in shells provided hardness, while high calcium in meat caused toughness. These findings underscore the significance of understanding and managing soil profiles for sustainable snail farming, thereby informing site selection and optimizing conditions for growth and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (OC) sequestration in farmlands can be improved through fertilizer applications, particularly with the addition of organic amendments. However, our knowledge of the effects of long-term different fertilization on OC chemical stability and carbon management index (CMI), as well as their response to crop productivity remains limited in rice–rice cropping system. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of fertilization on various OC sequestration indicators in bulk soil and chemical fractions, and establish their relationships with crop productivity. The treatments selected in the present study were those which had undergone long-term fertilization under double-rice cropping including: (1) no fertilization (CK); (2) combined application of chemical nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilizers (NPK); (3) the doubled rate of NPK treatment (2NPK); and (4) NPK treatment plus organic fertilizers (NPKM). After 29 years of fertilization, we observed that NPKM resulted in the highest OC stocks (11.47 and 26.15 Mg ha−1, respectively) and distribution ratios (24 and 54%, respectively) in the less-labile fraction and passive pool. Conversely, it showed the lowest OC values in the labile fraction and active pool compared to CK, NPK, and 2NPK treatments. Additionally, NPKM significantly (P < 0.05) increased CMI (by 47 and 33%) over CK and NPK treatments, which suggests that soil receiving NPKM was better managed. Apart from maintaining higher crop yields and increasing OC input, NPKM also tremendously enhanced OC sequestration as indicated by the highest soil OC stock (48.80 Mg ha−1) and OC sequestration rate (CSR, 0.37 Mg ha−1 yr−1). There was an increasing trend of CSR and passive OC pool, but a decreasing trend of carbon sequestration efficiency with increasing OC input, which may be associated with OC saturation behavior of soil. Furthermore, crop yield showed significant positive linear correlations with passive OC pool and CMI. In summary, long-term combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers enhanced OC sequestration and crop productivity by improving passive OC pool and CMI, which contributed to realize agricultural sustainability in double-cropping rice regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This academic research delves into the effects of the sustainable finance market on the sustainability of the industrial and agricultural sectors across six East Asian economies, utilizing the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model. With East Asia's heightened vulnerability to climate change, the region exhibits significant potential for sustainability initiatives. Analyzing data from 2000 to 2020, the study uncovers robust correlations between the value of the green finance market and sustainable development in both agriculture and industry. A marginal 1% rise in the green finance market value results in substantial improvements in sustainable development, particularly within the industrial sector. Conversely, CO2 emissions, GDP, and CPI are found to have detrimental effects on sustainability, highlighting the necessity for balanced economic growth and environmental stewardship. In contrast, variables such as the official exchange rate and an educated populace emerge as pivotal drivers of sustainability, underscoring the importance of policy interventions and educational initiatives in fostering environmental responsibility. The policy implications for East Asian economies include the strategic allocation of resources, enhanced education and awareness programs, and the implementation of targeted policies to address environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, countries face the dual challenge of meeting food demands while dealing with climate change. It is in this context that agrivoltaics emerges as a solution to meet the targets of two sustainable development goals apparently in conflict when it comes to land use such as "Zero Hunger" and "Affordable and Clear Energy". However, this technology has evolved the most in Europe and, to a lesser extent, in other parts of the world. The objective of the research is to analyze the current state of agrivoltaics in the Americas, its background, the socio-political situation, the main designs, the land use under the system, the main findings, as well as the challenges and limitations as a transforming tool for sustainable food and energy production in the continent. A systematic quantitative review was conducted, examining the Web of Science, Scopus, Nature, Springer Link, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute and Google Scholar databases. Results show that countries with most advancement in this technology are the United States and Chile, although there are others where interest in the subject is increasing, such as Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. The design configurations used are solar tracking systems and semi-transparent technology. In North America, it is applied for vegetable production, beekeeping and grazing, mainly sheep. However, in South America, its application is more focused on agricultural production, with the exception of Brazil. Despite the favorable social context, the legislative framework is the most significant barrier to the adoption and consolidation of this technology in the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted on arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) co-contaminated soil to discern the influence of varying proportions of pig manure compost (PM) vis-à-vis chemical fertilizers (NPK) on the mitigation of Cd and As absorption by rice. Our findings illustrated that by increasing the PM proportions from 25 to 100%, it manifested a statistically significant reduction in the mobilized fractions of Cd, accounting for up to 77% reduction in soil CaCl2-Cd concentrations. Conversely, the NaHCO3-As reactions were contingent on the distinct PM application rates. Furthermore, augmented PM application rates correlated with a substantial surge in Cd and As concentrations within the iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) plaques, ranging from up to 116.6% and 85.9%, respectively. This led to a concomitant decline in Cd and As concentrations within the grains, up to 72.6% and 74.5%, respectively. Notably, grain concentrations of As and Cd diminished progressively with increased PM application, reaching a nadir with the 75% PM treatment. In summary, the observed mitigation in contamination is postulated to stem from the modulation of soil attributes via PM addition, which curtails Cd availability, combined with the bolstered immobilization of As and Cd by the Fe/Mn plaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]