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Simultaneous and dynamic detection of diseases from infield images of citrus plants is the primary objective of this investigation. Refraining from discarding the disease-related issues would reduce agricultural yield and production, resulting in significant crop loss and economic instability. Computer Vision offers an inexpensive and efficient solution for detecting and predicting multiple diseases from infield images of citrus plants in various stages of plant growth. This study aims to perform simultaneous detection and prediction of cankers, mites, and nutritional deficiencies from infield images of citrus plants. For this purpose, over 4914 samples are annotated that are obtained from 441 image samples collected from orchards of citrus plants. Initially, the input image is subject to preprocessing followed by segmentation of prominent leaf regions and disease prediction. Contributions investigated in this work are two-fold: a deep semantic segmentation model named Dynamic U-Net is employed to extract prominent regions of interest, and a dynamic, lightweight object detection deep learning model for predicting diseases. From experimental outcomes, the segmentation efficiency is found to be 89.07% foreground accuracy, 0.7881 of IoU, and 0.9188 of the Dice coefficient. The object detection performance is quantified using the mapped metric, resulting in 0.85, 0.71, 0.64, and 0.27 efficiency concerning plant diseases, cankers, mites, and nutritional deficiency. As per the findings, the proposed approach is an effective solution to perform automated detection and prediction from infield images of citrus plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers in South Africa face issues related to water shortages and poor irrigation water management. This study investigated barriers to improving water-use efficiency (WUE) in smallholder production practices in Numbi, South Africa. The objectives were to identify barriers in redesigning production practices for higher agricultural productivity and analyze the relationship between irrigation water supply and the adoption of WUE methods. From a population of 7696 people, 141 smallholder farmers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique through Taro Yamane's sample size formula. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Unreliable water supply (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), poor soil water retention (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), lack of water-efficient irrigation systems (M = 3.91, SD = 0.71), lack of water storage facilities (M = 3.85, SD = 0.93), limited access to credit (M = 4.09, SD = 0.85), income instability due to market fluctuations (M = 3.96, SD = 0.91), inadequate knowledge of irrigation management (M = 4.00, SD = 0.84), and harsh climatic factors were identified. A positive correlation (r = 0.339, n = 141, p < 0.001) between irrigation water source and WUE techniques was evident, indicating that irrigation water source had an insignificant impact on WUE methods. Resolving these barriers requires a holistic approach focusing on investments in irrigation infrastructure and targeted education initiatives by extension agents and other stakeholders, as this can enhance agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examined the utilization of digestate as an organic fertilizer to enhance crop yields. In contemporary agriculture, applying digestate as a fertilizer is gaining traction as a viable method for boosting crop productivity. The paper delved into recent studies on the impact of digestate fertilization on crop quality and yield, explaining the production process of digestate, its application techniques, and its effects on plant health. The rise in environmental pollution has underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, increasing the adoption of natural fertilizers. Digestate, a by-product of the methane fermentation process in biogas production, is rich in essential nutrients vital for plant growth and development. This article explored various aspects of digestate fertilization, including its chemical composition and effects on soil and plants. Additionally, it presented scientific findings on the use of digestate as an alternative fertilizer for field crops. The review aimed to provide a thorough understanding of digestate fertilization as well as highlight its potential advantages and challenges in agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the present scenario of chicken husbandry and breeding practices in the rural districts of Sidama Region, southern Ethiopia. Four districts, namely Hula, Shebedino, Aleta Chuko, and Boricha were purposefully selected based on their chicken production potential and agroecological distinctiveness. The study data were collected from 161 chicken‐keeping households through interviews, on‐farm follow‐ups, group discussions, and field observations. Descriptive statistics and indexed ranking procedures were applied to summarize the data using SAS software. The chicken farming system was predominantly free‐scavenging, followed by slowly growing semi‐intensive and few intensive farming systems. The majority of rural farmers were keeping chickens primarily to support family income and for home use. A decreasing flock size of indigenous chickens and an increasing trend of improved chicken distribution and rearing were observed. It has been noted that farmers have a good experience of selecting hatching eggs, breeding cocks, and hens. In highland districts, pure breeding is common, while in midland and lowland districts, crossbreeding is more common due to the high distribution of exotic breeds. In all study districts, chickens mainly rely on scavenging with minimal feed supplementation and sit on simple perches fixed in family houses and kitchens. More than 65% of farmers use various traditional medications that were known by farmers to cure sick chickens. Furthermore, the study identified seasonal feed shortages, disease outbreaks, unplanned breeding, limited management knowledge, predators, and drought as major bottlenecks to chicken production. Thus, these findings could raise guiding information to improve small‐scale chicken husbandry and breeding practices, which help poor rural families, and the major bottlenecks to ensure sustainable poultry farming were identified. Moreover, the high mortality of chickens observed during peak dry and wet seasons in the Boricha and Hula districts, respectively, calls for further research on the adaptation potentials of chickens in their respective ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on empowering rural women farmers and promoting inclusive agricultural development. The primary emphasis is on how mobile technology enables rural women producers to become more self-reliant in agriculture, promotes market participation, strengthens social connections, facilitates socioeconomic integration, enhances rural quality of life, and fosters sustainable agricultural development. In addition, this study also analyses the influence of demographic factors on the use of mobile technology among rural women farmers. This study was carried out in Kerala, a renowned agricultural state in India. In Kerala, the Palakkad district is known to be the granary of Kerala due to the availability of fertile valleys, rivers, forests, and paddy fields. Data were collected from 192 rural women farmers from Palakkad via semi-structured interviews, questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions (FGD). The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Garratt ranking method. The results demonstrate that mobile technology markedly enhances access to agricultural information, market engagement, and social connectivity, resulting in greater empowerment for rural women farmers. Nonetheless, obstacles such as insufficient digital literacy and inadequate mobile infrastructure access persist as considerable impediments. The findings demonstrate the revolutionary potential of mobile phone use in bridging information gaps, empowering women farmers in rural areas, and advancing equitable agricultural development, as well as the barriers faced by rural women in using mobile technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is a common method for managing organic waste and creating nutrient-rich soil amendments. Recently, biochar, a carbon-rich material from biomass pyrolysis, has been noted for potentially improving composting. This study examines the impact of adding biochar to compost made from cow manure and kitchen waste through a controlled lab experiment. The treatments were labeled as CMX (cow manure), KWX (kitchen waste), and CMKWX (both) with X being the percentage of CM, KW, and CMKW minus that of biochar in the mixture. Key parameters such as temperature (T), pH, and electric conductivity (EC) were tracked during the composting processes, and the final composts were analyzed for total nitrogen (N), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total potassium (TK), organic carbon (OC), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and organic matter (OM). The results showed that adding less than 10% biochar influenced composting positively. Specifically, 5% biochar amendment led to higher thermophilic temperatures (45–57 °C) and stable pH levels (6.3–8.7) compared to controls. However, biochar did not significantly enhance EC, which peaked at 1.78 dS/m in both the control and 5% biochar treatments. Nutrient analysis revealed that biochar increased Ca2+ (13.62 meq/g) and Mg2+ (5.73 meq/g) retention in CM composts (CM85 and CM100). The highest OM content was 16.84% in CM90, while the lowest was 3.81% in CM95. Higher OM negatively affected TN, with CM treatments having more OM and KW treatments having more TN. TP and TK were higher in control treatments without biochar. This study highlights the benefits of integrating biochar with organic waste for enhancing compost nutrient profiles and soil fertility. It was observed that the more diverse the compost feedstock, i.e., CMKW, the higher the nutrient content for treatments containing less than 10% biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed priming method like hydropriming rejuvenate the seed and fulfil the need of seed germination and establishment. In cereals like wheat which is the staple food of global population often encounter stress during seedling establishment stage. To avoid this, the present experiment aims to explore the effect of different pre-sowing techniques on germination, growth characteristics, and yield and quality traits of wheat variety (HD-2967). The field trial was laid in Randomised block design during Rabi season 2022-2023 under three replications at Agricultural research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun and Lab studies was conducted in Agronomy lab, Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun. The seeds of wheat variety HD 2967 were primed with seven different treatments including varied time and different concentrations of GA3 and organopriming. The results of investigation revealed that hydropriming for 12h significantly improved the growth and yield characteristics. All pre-sowing techniques enhances the seeds quality and yield as it increases the enzyme activity such as amylase, protease and lipase that have great role in development and growth of an embryo. So, hydropriming can be the cheapest source of priming for a farmer which is easy to perform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global seaweed market is expected to reach USD 17.8 billion by 2032, fuelled by growing demand for sustainable and healthy food solutions and expanding applications in agriculture and aquaculture. However, this rapid growth poses significant challenges, particularly in managing diseases that often establish themselves in intensive macroalgal culture facilities. Red rot disease, Olpidiopsis, and green spot disease often affect marine macroalgae species of high commercial interest, as seen in Pyropia/Porphyra as has already happened for “ice-ice” malaise on Kappaphycus, causing huge economic losses. These diseases are caused by infectious agents that find their place in extreme environmental conditions, such as those characterized by sudden changes in temperature and pollution. Despite technological advances aimed at monitoring the well-being of cultivated seaweed, discrepancies between regions’ technological capabilities and species vulnerability exacerbate management difficulties. This review provides an overview of diseases prevalent among marine algae, their impact on aquaculture, and the effectiveness of currently adopted treatments. This study highlights the need to improve disease management strategies and highlights the importance of understanding host–pathogen interactions in order to mitigate future epidemics.

Abstract Sustainable farming practices aim to produce agricultural products at a low environmental cost, ensuring food availability for future generations. These approaches combine the production of agricultural crops and livestock for site-specific uses, with an emphasis on long-term objectives including satisfying the food supply worldwide, improving the environment, making the most efficient use of resources and boosting the welfare of farmers and society as a whole. Sustainability in farming is mostly dependent on soil health, which is the soil’s capacity to function within ecological and land-use boundaries. It enhances general wellness, maintains the purity of the air and water, and supports biological productivity. The depletion of soil functions brought about by modern agricultural intensification has an impact on ecosystem services and long-term productivity. The goal of sustainable farming is to raise fertility and organic matter in the soil. Key practices include carbon farming, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management (IPM), and precision farming. In order to support sustainable crop production, these techniques improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity. Going forward, research should concentrate on developing novel approaches to tackle the issues of climate change and global food security.

This study investigates the impact of row spacing management on the yield, tillering, and water retention capacities of two maize varieties (F1 hybrids): Alombo (FAO 240) and SY Ignis (FAO 320). Through a comprehensive field experiment, we explored how varying inter-row and intra-row spacings influence plant physiological traits, including tillering frequency, relative water content (RWC), and yield components such as ear weight, seed number, and thousand kernel weight. Our findings demonstrate that narrower inter-row spacing (0.375 m) coupled with wider intra-row spacing (0.33 m) compared to inter-row spacing (0.75 m) with intra-row spacing (0.16 m) significantly enhances tillering, RWC, and grain yield, particularly for SY Ignis. The study reveals that tillering variability, influenced by spatial arrangement, serves as a potential indicator of yield outcomes, with increased tillering associated with higher biomass production and grain yield. Additionally, the research highlights the critical role of precise spatial arrangement in optimizing maize hydration, underscoring the strategic balance between inter-row and intra-row spacing for maintaining optimal moisture levels and supporting plant health. The results underscore the complexity of row spacing effects, which are not only variety-specific but also dependent on environmental and site-specific conditions, advocating for the adoption of tailored agricultural management practices to optimize crop production efficiency, especially under changing climate conditions.

Abstract Background Traditionally managed semi-natural pastures are recognised for their high biodiversity. One drawback is that these pastures are often low in fodder production and hence rather unprofitable, which may lead to abandonment. Two ways to increase production and profitability and maintain grazing are to (i) offer the grazers supplementary feed, or (ii) co-enclose the semi-natural pasture with an improved pasture. Both practices may transfer nutrients to the semi-natural pasture, with potential negative effects on biodiversity. This systematic review aimed to analyse the available evidence concerning the following primary question: “What is the effect of giving grazers access to additional nutrient sources on biodiversity in semi-natural pastures?” (Q1). We also used two supporting questions: “What is the effect of giving grazers access to additional nutrient sources on nutrient status of the soils of semi-natural pastures?” (Q2) and “How do the grazers of semi-natural pastures behave while having access to additional nutrient sources?” (Q3). Methods Searches for peer-reviewed and grey literature were made using bibliographic databases, search engines, specialist websites, and stakeholder contacts. Literature was screened for relevance according to predefined eligibility criteria, and critical appraisal was performed using the tool CEECAT. A database of the relevant studies was compiled. Descriptive information about the evidence base is presented in tables and an interactive evidence atlas. Because of absent study setup replication, Q1 and Q2 were not analysed quantitatively. However, sample size allowed the use of mixed modelling to quantitatively analyse Q3 regarding the effects of (i) co-enclosing an improved pasture on grazers’ electivity for the improved area, and (ii) supplementary feed on the forage intake of grazers. Review findings A total of 12 articles on the effects of supplementary feeding and 19 on the effects of co-enclosing an improved pasture were included, of which some targeted multiple review questions. Because of the limited literature, it is not possible to draw any conclusions concerning the effects on biodiversity (Q1) or nutritional status (Q2) in semi-natural pastures. For Q3, 28 studies fulfilled our criteria, of which 18 investigated the behaviour of grazers related to co-enclosing an improved pasture, and 10 investigated their forage intake while having access to supplementary fodder. The results show that all grazer species except goats preferred grazing in the improved areas regardless of whether they were grazing together with other grazer species or not. We found no effect of supplementary feeding on forage intake of the grazers. Conclusions We detected a knowledge gap concerning the effects of the two additional nutrient sources on semi-natural pasture biodiversity (Q1) and nutrient status (Q2), which points toward further research needs. Analysis of Q3 showed that grazers prefer to graze improved compared to semi-natural pasture areas. However, how this behaviour subsequently affects nutrient transport and biodiversity is unclear and cannot be translated into management recommendations. To gain better knowledge about the primary question of our review, research focusing specifically on this question is needed. We provide suggestions for how such studies could be designed, including spatio-temporal setup, and key management and environmental conditions to consider.

Intercropping is an agricultural technique where many crops are grown together on the same field, and it is becoming more widely acknowledged for its ability to improve productivity in food and forage production. This farming method allows for the strategic integration of a profitable crop with cover or non-profitable crops to achieve reciprocal benefits, while also spreading advantages across different agricultural systems. Intercropping designs differ to attain greater crop yields, reduce the use of chemicals and fertilizers, and enhance water-use efficiency, especially in the demanding circumstances of arid and semi-arid countries. This study examines new mechanisms via which intercropping enhances sustainable agriculture, including recent progress in ecological, genetic, and microbial interactions that enhance plant growth and resilience. The adaptability of the Mediterranean region, for varied agricultural methods is also assessed, with a particular focus on the possibilities for implementing intercropping systems. This study provides a thorough analysis of existing research, emphasizing the many advantages of intercropping and its contribution to the progress of sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable farming practices aim to produce agricultural products at a low environmental cost, ensuring food availability for future generations. These approaches combine the production of agricultural crops and livestock for site-specific uses, with an emphasis on long-term objectives including satisfying the food supply worldwide, improving the environment, making the most efficient use of resources and boosting the welfare of farmers and society as a whole. Sustainability in farming is mostly dependent on soil health, which is the soil's capacity to function within ecological and land-use boundaries. It enhances general wellness, maintains the purity of the air and water, and supports biological productivity. The depletion of soil functions brought about by modern agricultural intensification has an impact on ecosystem services and long-term productivity. The goal of sustainable farming is to raise fertility and organic matter in the soil. Key practices include carbon farming, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management (IPM), and precision farming. In order to support sustainable crop production, these techniques improve soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity. Going forward, research should concentrate on developing novel approaches to tackle the issues of climate change and global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global seaweed market is expected to reach USD 17.8 billion by 2032, fuelled by growing demand for sustainable and healthy food solutions and expanding applications in agriculture and aquaculture. However, this rapid growth poses significant challenges, particularly in managing diseases that often establish themselves in intensive macroalgal culture facilities. Red rot disease, Olpidiopsis, and green spot disease often affect marine macroalgae species of high commercial interest, as seen in Pyropia/Porphyra as has already happened for "ice-ice" malaise on Kappaphycus, causing huge economic losses. These diseases are caused by infectious agents that find their place in extreme environmental conditions, such as those characterized by sudden changes in temperature and pollution. Despite technological advances aimed at monitoring the well-being of cultivated seaweed, discrepancies between regions' technological capabilities and species vulnerability exacerbate management difficulties. This review provides an overview of diseases prevalent among marine algae, their impact on aquaculture, and the effectiveness of currently adopted treatments. This study highlights the need to improve disease management strategies and highlights the importance of understanding host–pathogen interactions in order to mitigate future epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Special-Issue Editors introduce the Strategic Management Conference in Latin America (SMLA) and three exemplary articles that emerged from it. The articles feature research on important Macromarketing topics, including sound and sustainable housing policies, farmers' adaptation to climate change, and crisis management and adaptation. Macromarketing has a rich, if perhaps under-reported, tradition of research on the interactions among markets, marketing and society in Latin America. This special issue is intended to provide a forum for such research and to inspire further participation in the Macromarketing discourse among Latin American scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is making water management increasingly difficult due to rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns, impacting crop water availability and irrigation needs. This study investigated the ability of machine learning and satellite remote sensing to monitor water status and physiology. The research focused on predicting different eco-physiological parameters in an irrigated peach orchard under Mediterranean conditions, utilizing multispectral reflectance data and machine learning algorithms (extreme gradient boosting, random forest, support vector regressor); ground data were acquired from 2021 to 2023 in the south of Italy. The random forest model outperformed in predicting net assimilation (R2 = 0.61), while the support vector machine performed best in predicting electron transport rate (R2 = 0.57), Fv/Fm ratio (R2 = 0.66) and stomatal conductance (R2 = 0.56). Random forest also proved to be the most effective in predicting stem water potential (R2 = 0.62). These findings highlighted the potential of integrating machine learning techniques with high-resolution satellite imagery to assist farmers in monitoring crop health and optimizing irrigation practices, thereby addressing the challenges determined by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Farmers in Nigeria are using agrochemicals inappropriately which pose health and environmental risks. The current research aims at establishing the socio‐economic pressure factors behind these practices and also assesses the effectiveness of measures into reducing the risky use of agrochemicals. Data were collected from 840 participants comprising farmers and agrochemical marketers using a multistage sampling technique across six states in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and detailed case studies were employed to explore socio‐economic antecedents of agrochemical application. Results: Findings of this study showed that market demands, costs, and unavailability of safer compounds put the farmers in a dilemma regarding proper usage of agrochemicals. Among the farmers in Esanland, 96% of them applied agrochemicals in their farming activities without first following the best practices, and the reason was that 61% of them mentioned that they were compelled to use it due to market demands. Likewise in Fadan Daji, 65% farmers revealed that high cost and no training were the causes of their improper use of agrochemicals. This study also established that factors that hindered the prevention of these practices including financial constraints, lack of adequate education and training, and weak enforcement of regulations. Conclusion: This study suggested that to encourage proper utilization of agrochemicals, extended emphasis needs to be placed on addressing the socio‐economic factors. Hence, the study recommended the following measures: incentives to facilitate the use of sustainable practices by encouraging financial rewards, extensive education, and training on the benefits of sustainable practices as well as new legislation to reduce supply of reckless agrochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern "intensive" agriculture drives the biodiversity-climate crisis but is also central to global food security. Future farming needs management approaches that maintain (or even enhance) food production while reducing negative climate and biodiversity impacts. Intercrops could provide part of the solution, increasing biodiversity and boosting production with fewer inputs. However, barriers remain to their wide-scale uptake, in particular tailoring intercrops to local equipment, management practice, and environment. We analyze data from multiple trials of cereal-legume intercrops conducted on farms across Europe between 2018 and 2021. Our study is the first attempt, to our knowledge, to quantify the yield benefits of cereal-legume intercropping undertaken at commercially relevant scales for farms across Europe. We used crop performance ratio (CPR)—the ratio of the observed intercrop yield compared to the expected yield based on monoculture yields—as our metric of intercrop performance. Using CPR, we found a roughly 30% yield gain across all sites. However, CPR was modulated by a number of factors. CPR was not strongly affected by management except for the negative effects of direct drilling and the positive effects of organic fertilizer addition. CPR also depended on intercrop composition (number and identity of components), background yields (being highest where yields were lower), and rainfall (being higher with higher rainfall). Our findings allow us to reduce uncertainty about how intercrops will perform in realistic local farm conditions, give guidance for tailoring intercrops to local farming conditions, and provide key goals for further work to integrate intercrops into sustainable farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Agriculture education promotes farmers and societal welfare through a more efficient use of resources and the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Nevertheless, farmers' educational attainment is limited across countries. This study explores farmers' intention to participate in formal agriculture education. Design/methodology/approach: A discrete choice experiment survey with 363 farmers exploring their preferences for different specifications within a diploma in agriculture was employed. We focus on Northern Ireland, a country with a relatively large agricultural sector and were farmers have a low level of formal education. Findings: Our results show that farmers exhibited a preference for short courses delivered in the evenings, with 75% of the teaching time delivered online, favouring educational topics linked to farm performance against those related to socio-environmental outcomes. Part-time younger farmers, operating in small farms located in less favoured areas, reported the highest willingness to pay for the course. However, farmers that had previously participated in a Young Farmer Payment Scheme reported the lowest interest in undertaking the course. Practical implications: The study provides useful information to education providers in relation to the design of agriculture courses to better meet farmers' preferences and therefore encourage levels of uptake. Secondly, the study can help policymakers to make informed decisions about policy instruments incentivising farmers to engage in education. Theoretical implications: By drawing from random parameter choice models, the study highlights that the heterogeneity of farmers' preferences should be considered when modelling their decision to engage in agriculture education. Originality/value: This is the first study that elicits farmers' preferences towards agriculture education via a discrete choice experiment. Secondly, the study explores preference heterogeneity based on farmers and farms' characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola Golden and Birchfield 1965, is a dangerous crop pest that affects rice production on a global scale. The largest rice-producing countries struggle with the impacts of RRKN infestation, namely, underdeveloped plants and a reduction in rice grain that can reach up to 70% of crop yield. In addition, the shift to strategies of sustainable pest management is leading to a withdrawal of some of the most effective pesticides, given the dangers they pose to the environment and human health. Volatile metabolites produced by plants can offer safer alternatives. The present study characterized the nematicidal activity of volatile phytochemicals against the RRKN and compared the most active with commercial nematicides concerning their safety to the environment and human health. Rice plants were used to grow large numbers of RRKNs for direct-contact bioassays. Mortality induced by the volatiles was followed for four days on RRKN second-stage juveniles. Of the 18 volatiles tested, carvacrol, eugenol, geraniol, and methyl salicylate showed the highest mortalities (100%) and were compared to traditional nematicides using (eco)toxicological parameters reported on freely available databases. While methyl salicylate had a faster activity, carvacrol had more lasting effects. When compared to synthetic nematicides, these volatile phytochemicals were reported to have higher thresholds of toxicity and beneficial ecotoxicological parameters. Ultimately, finding safer alternatives to traditional pesticides can lower the use of damaging chemicals in farming and leverage the transition to agricultural practices with a lower impact on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditionally managed semi-natural pastures are recognised for their high biodiversity. One drawback is that these pastures are often low in fodder production and hence rather unprofitable, which may lead to abandonment. Two ways to increase production and profitability and maintain grazing are to (i) offer the grazers supplementary feed, or (ii) co-enclose the semi-natural pasture with an improved pasture. Both practices may transfer nutrients to the semi-natural pasture, with potential negative effects on biodiversity. This systematic review aimed to analyse the available evidence concerning the following primary question: "What is the effect of giving grazers access to additional nutrient sources on biodiversity in semi-natural pastures?" (Q1). We also used two supporting questions: "What is the effect of giving grazers access to additional nutrient sources on nutrient status of the soils of semi-natural pastures?" (Q2) and "How do the grazers of semi-natural pastures behave while having access to additional nutrient sources?" (Q3). Methods: Searches for peer-reviewed and grey literature were made using bibliographic databases, search engines, specialist websites, and stakeholder contacts. Literature was screened for relevance according to predefined eligibility criteria, and critical appraisal was performed using the tool CEECAT. A database of the relevant studies was compiled. Descriptive information about the evidence base is presented in tables and an interactive evidence atlas. Because of absent study setup replication, Q1 and Q2 were not analysed quantitatively. However, sample size allowed the use of mixed modelling to quantitatively analyse Q3 regarding the effects of (i) co-enclosing an improved pasture on grazers' electivity for the improved area, and (ii) supplementary feed on the forage intake of grazers. Review findings: A total of 12 articles on the effects of supplementary feeding and 19 on the effects of co-enclosing an improved pasture were included, of which some targeted multiple review questions. Because of the limited literature, it is not possible to draw any conclusions concerning the effects on biodiversity (Q1) or nutritional status (Q2) in semi-natural pastures. For Q3, 28 studies fulfilled our criteria, of which 18 investigated the behaviour of grazers related to co-enclosing an improved pasture, and 10 investigated their forage intake while having access to supplementary fodder. The results show that all grazer species except goats preferred grazing in the improved areas regardless of whether they were grazing together with other grazer species or not. We found no effect of supplementary feeding on forage intake of the grazers. Conclusions: We detected a knowledge gap concerning the effects of the two additional nutrient sources on semi-natural pasture biodiversity (Q1) and nutrient status (Q2), which points toward further research needs. Analysis of Q3 showed that grazers prefer to graze improved compared to semi-natural pasture areas. However, how this behaviour subsequently affects nutrient transport and biodiversity is unclear and cannot be translated into management recommendations. To gain better knowledge about the primary question of our review, research focusing specifically on this question is needed. We provide suggestions for how such studies could be designed, including spatio-temporal setup, and key management and environmental conditions to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is an agricultural technique where many crops are grown together on the same field, and it is becoming more widely acknowledged for its ability to improve productivity in food and forage production. This farming method allows for the strategic integration of a profitable crop with cover or non-profitable crops to achieve reciprocal benefits, while also spreading advantages across different agricultural systems. Intercropping designs differ to attain greater crop yields, reduce the use of chemicals and fertilizers, and enhance water-use efficiency, especially in the demanding circumstances of arid and semi-arid countries. This study examines new mechanisms via which intercropping enhances sustainable agriculture, including recent progress in ecological, genetic, and microbial interactions that enhance plant growth and resilience. The adaptability of the Mediterranean region, for varied agricultural methods is also assessed, with a particular focus on the possibilities for implementing intercropping systems. This study provides a thorough analysis of existing research, emphasizing the many advantages of intercropping and its contribution to the progress of sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to develop predictive models that use artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast early pest infestations in agriculture by integrating climate and soil data. Pests significantly threaten global food security, causing up to 40% of crop losses annually, highlighting the need for proactive pest management strategies. The study uses a hybrid approach, combining Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, to analyze how variables such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, soil pH, soil moisture, and nutrient levels influence pest behavior. The models were trained and tested on diverse datasets, and evaluation metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-AUC were used to determine their effectiveness. The Random Forest model showed the highest accuracy at 89%, making it the most reliable for early pest detection. The findings demonstrate the potential of AI in enhancing agricultural productivity by enabling early warnings, reducing pesticide use, and supporting more sustainable farming practices. This study contributes to the development of scalable, data-driven solutions that integrate environmental variables, enabling better pest management and supporting global food security efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsustainable pig breeding is a great threat to the environment. Ammonia is one of the main pollutants emitted in piggery vent air. This work is a comparative survey that presents the findings on the effectiveness of ammonia adsorption from air using various activated carbons (ACs). Detailed consideration is given to the effects of (i) type of raw material (wood char, wood pellet, and commercial lignite-based char), (ii) preparation method (CO2, steam, and KOH activation), and (iii) activation conditions (temperature and KOH/char ratio), on the porous structure of ACs and their ammonia sorption capacity and reversibility. Response surface methodology and genetic algorithm were used to find optimum KOH activation conditions. Economic analyses of AC production were performed using process modeling in Aspen software. It was found that ACs obtained from wood char in KOH activation show a maximum ammonia capacity of 397 g/kg, which is at least 2.5-fold higher than that reached on ACs from physical activation. A lower activation temperature (<750 °C) and a higher KOH/char ratio (>3) were preferred for effective adsorption, regardless of the type of feedstock. High sorption reversibility was achieved (87–96%). This makes the obtained sorbents promising sorbents for ammonia removal from piggery vent air with potential subsequent application as nitrogen-enriched biochar for crop fertilization. Thus, it facilitates sustainable pig breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for sustainable farming solutions, the integration of advanced computational techniques offers significant potential. This study addresses the problem of optimizing resource allocation in farming systems to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact. We propose a novel method combining the Penguin Optimization Algorithm (POA) with Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). The POA, inspired by the hunting strategies of penguins, is employed to optimize farming parameters. Simultaneously, intelligent agents using DRL are trained to adapt and make real-time decisions for resource management. Results demonstrate a 25% increase in crop yield and a 15% reduction in water usage compared to traditional methods. Additionally, soil nutrient levels were maintained at optimal levels 90% of the time, ensuring long-term soil health. This hybrid approach presents a promising pathway toward achieving sustainable and efficient farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to understand the urban small ruminant production system in the peri-urban area of southern Benin and investigate farmers’ feeding strategies in the dry season. One hundred and twenty-five (125) farms were interviewed (survey n°1) in five urbanized municipalities, using a semi-structured questionnaire on their socio-economic characteristics and production strategies, including their feeding practices. A typology of small ruminant farm types was implemented, and the farm types were characterized. Then, the feeding strategies were investigated in-depth in the most urbanized sub-area (Abomey-Calavi) on 120 farms (survey n°2). In addition, for 03 months in the dry seasons, thirty (30) farms were monitored in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi to assess the diversity of feed resources used. Six small ruminant farming systems were identified throughout the five municipalities. Goat farms were more common than sheep farms. Free grazing on communal grazing lands was the primary forage source, with supplementation provided on all farms. However, the feed supplementation strategies varied between farm types. Feed resources used included tree fodders (Manihot esculenta, Elaeis guineensis, Musa spp., Gliricidia sepium) or agro-industrial by-products (corn bran, soybean bran, cassava peels) in all farm types, and crop residues mainly in SC and SGC when they were available. Variations were observed (p

ABSTRACTTechnologies are essential for reducing environmental impact and increasing agricultural productivity. Previous adoption studies indicate several socioeconomic, technological, and institutional variables influencing the adoption of agricultural technologies. With less than a decade to the United Nation's sustainable development agenda for 2030, there are yet reports on farmers' resistance to sustainable agricultural technologies. Using a survey and multistage sampling procedure in selecting the respondents of 405 smallholder Chinese farmers, the study models farmers' adoption intensity of sustainable agricultural technologies and their impact on productivity. A 5-point Likert scale was used to analyse farmers' SAT perception levels. The PSM was used to eliminate a major proportion of bias when estimating a more precise treatment effect or impact of SAT adoption on productivity. The findings showed that farmers have mixed perceptions (positive and negative) about SAT adoption, which is reflected in their adoption decisions. The study found that family members as extension officers positively impacted farmers' adoption behaviour. On the contrary, regular visits by agricultural extension services had no impact on farmers' adoption behaviour, but positive on productivity. The results clearly showed elements of constraints in farmers' decision-making. The ATT results showed a significant and positive impact of SATs' adoption on productivity.

Objectives: To identify optimal planting time for maximizing growth and flowering, and assess the impacts of various fertilization techniques on plant growth and soil health in chrysanthemum. Methods: The investigation was conducted at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India from 2022 to 2023. The study aimed to investigate the impact of various planting times and fertilization schedules on the yield, quality, and soil health characteristics of chrysanthemum. Different planting times from 15 June to 30 August under organic and inorganic fertilization regimes were evaluated. Data related to vegetative growth, flowering, soil chemical and biological properties were recorded. Results: Planting on 15 June along with inorganic fertilization resulted in improved vegetative characters like plant height (74.37 cm) and plant spread (30.56 cm), flowering characters like cut flower stem length (64.07 cm), stem strength (10.40°), flower diameter (11.80 cm) and duration of flowering (22.50 days) and soil chemical properties like available N, P, K (326.53, 40.36 and 359.48 kg/ha, respectively). However, planting on June 15 combined with organic fertilization led to enhancement in soil microbiological properties, including bacterial count (138.33 cfu/g soil), fungal count (31.75 cfu/g soil), actinomycetes count (62.46 cfu/g soil), microbial biomass (52.62 µg/g soil) as well as vase life (19.70 days). Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that planting time and fertilization significantly impacted chrysanthemum growth, yield and soil properties. The 15 June planting with inorganic fertilization boosted growth, yield and macronutrient content, while organic fertilization on the same date enhanced soil microflora. Flowering was influenced by planting time and organic fertilization showed promise as an alternative to chemical fertilization. Optimizing planting schedules and using organic fertilizers would lead to sustainability and offer economically viable alternatives to conventional crop management.

Brigandage in Nigeria has been examined from various dimensions. However, little has been done about the effects that crime has on food security. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of brigandage on food security, with a focus on the Nahuche community in Zamfara State. The study was premised on the theory of routine activities. An exploratory research design was adopted for the study. Data were elicited from farmers, and traders using semi-structured interviews, and thereafter subjected to thematic analysis. A purposive sampling technique was adopted in the selection of respondents for the study. Findings show that brigandage was intense in the study area. Farmers were attacked and kidnapped from their farms for ransom, resulting in the abandonment of farmlands. It was also found that farmers were forced to pay harvest fees to the brigands before they were allowed to harvest their crops. Consequently, a significant drop in farmers' output and the associated shortage of food were experienced in the community. The study concludes that brigandage caused food insecurity in Nahuche community that hitherto enjoyed food security. Regrettably, the security personnel seems to be overwhelmed as the crime continues to worsen. By implication, the community stands to experience food insecurity as long as brigandage persists. Among others, the study recommends that brigands be made to perceive the risk of apprehension as high through the intensification of law enforcement. Farmers and traders should avoid predictable daily routines that expose them to victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of cashew crops carries numerous economic advantages, and countries worldwide that produce this crop face a high demand. The effects of wind speed and wind direction on crop yield prediction using proficient deep learning algorithms are less emphasized or researched. We propose a combination of advanced deep learning techniques, specifically focusing on long short-term memory (LSTM) and random forest models. We intend to enhance this ensemble model using dynamic time warping (DTW) to assess the spatiotemporal data (wind speed and wind direction) similarities within Jaman North, Jaman South, and Wenchi with their respective production yield. In the Bono region of Ghana, these three areas are crucial for cashew production. The LSTM-DTW-RF model with wind speed and wind direction achieved an R2 score of 0.847 and the LSTM-RF model without these two key features R2 score of (0.74). Both models were evaluated using the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, which is commonly used in time series analysis to assess stationarity, where the LSTM-DTW-RF achieved a 90% level of confidence, while LSTM-RF attained an 87.99% level. Among the three municipalities, Jaman South had the highest evaluation scores for the model, with an RMSE of 0.883, an R2 of 0.835, and an MBE of 0.212 when comparing actual and predicted values for Wenchi. In terms of the annual average wind direction, Jaman North recorded (270.5 SW°), Jaman South recorded (274.8 SW°), and Wenchi recorded (272.6 SW°). The DTW similarity distance for the annual average wind speed across these regions fell within specific ranges: Jaman North (±25.72), Jaman South (±25.89), and Wenchi (±26.04). Following the DTW similarity evaluation, Jaman North demonstrated superior performance in wind speed, while Wenchi excelled in wind direction. This underscores the potential efficiency of DTW when incorporated into the analysis of environmental factors affecting crop yields, given its invariant nature. The results obtained can guide further exploration of DTW variations in combination with other machine learning models to predict higher cashew yields. Additionally, these findings emphasize the significance of wind speed and direction in vertical farming, contributing to informed decisions for sustainable agricultural growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification and landscape homogenisation are major drivers of biodiversity loss in European agricultural landscapes. Improvements require changes in farming practices, but empirical evidence on farmers' motivations underlying their on-farm biodiversity management remains fragmented. To date, there is no aggregated overview of behavioural determinants that influence European farmers' decisions to implement biodiversity-friendly farming practices. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by conducting a systematic literature review of 150 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2022. We identified 108 potential determinants of farmers' behaviour, which were integrated into a multilevel framework. The results show that the farmers' decisions are complex and often non-directional processes, shaped by numerous external (at a society, landscape, community, and farm level) and internal factors. These factors are embedded in regional and cultural contexts. However, the analysis of study sites indicates that the spatial coverage of scientific evidence on biodiversity-friendly farming measures is uneven across Europe. Given the diversity of local and socio-cultural conditions, there is a need for public policies, including the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy, to address more specifically determinants encouraging biodiversity-friendly farm management. This entails reflecting culture-specific perspectives and incorporating experiential knowledge into multilevel policy design processes, as well as offering regionally adapted advice on measure implementation and biodiversity impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malaysian government has been challenged with handling unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste that pollutes the environment and emits greenhouse gases, mainly methane and nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gases have been contributing to climate change. In contrast, these wastes consist of high moisture and readily biodegradable nutrients that can serve as the perfect substrate rate for fermentation. The valuable nutrients contained in these wastes can produce liquid organic fertilizers (LOF), which help improve the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and reduce the demand for inorganic fertilizers and costs to farmers. In this regard, a study was conducted to produce and characterize LOF derived from unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste. The waste was identified from the nearest wet market, collected, and incubated in containers with a ratio of 1: 2: 0.1 (10 kg unmarketable vegetable and food waste: 20 L water: 1 kg inducer) for 30, 45, and 60 days. The unmarketable vegetables and fruits were fermented using three different types of inducers: yeast (Y), brown sugar (BS), and shrimp paste (SP). Unmarketable vegetables and fruit waste with no inducer were also included as a control. Samples from the produced LOF were taken after 30, 45, and 60 days of fermentation, filtered, and subjected to analysis for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macro-, and micronutrients. These experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest nitrogen (0.95%), phosphorus (0.31%), potassium (1.68%), copper (0.23 ppm), and manganese (9.03 ppm) were obtained from LOF fermented for 60 days using yeast, indicating that it improved the nutrient availability of agricultural waste. Moreover, this treatment provided optimum pH and EC values for the growth and development of plants. Thus, LOF derived from unmarketable vegetable and fruit waste can be considered an attractive alternative for supplementing chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste recycling is crucial for sustainable farming operations and farming practices. Life cycle assessment has emerged as an innovative and comprehensive viewpoint that considers the entire recycling process to evaluate the potential and true implications of agricultural waste recycling. This study considered methods for recycling different agricultural waste streams, such as crop waste, animal manure, pruning materials, and by-products and subsequent uses. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment method was used to investigate the process of handling agricultural waste, from collection and recycling to final usage in the agricultural system. Environmental impact categories, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, eutrophication, acidification, and land use, were evaluated to determine their potential effects on climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem health. The results were compared with those of 31 studies that analyzed the potential environmental impacts of agricultural waste management. Various methods initially developed and implemented for agricultural waste landfilling methods have now changed to energy-generating sources, such as biochar, biogas, briquettes, and various energy production methods. Furthermore, composting, a popular method of recycling agricultural waste, significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and energy use compared to traditional waste disposal techniques. The study also examines cutting-edge technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and biomass-to-energy conversion, highlighting their potential to manage agricultural waste and being a sustainable energy source. These findings indicate potential environmental advantages in terms of decreased greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, leading to a circular economic approach for agriculture. When integrating agricultural waste, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis, biochar is highlighted as a waste recycling method that is promising for sustainable waste management. In addition to efficiently managing agricultural waste, these technologies help generate electricity and sequester carbon, thereby advancing the objectives of climate change mitigation and circular economy. Although life cycle assessment has been used to analyze several waste management strategies, including those specific to agricultural waste, certain significant gaps and discoveries still require attention for a more thorough analysis. It might be challenging to gather complete and accurate data to assess the entire lifecycle of agricultural waste management technology. The direct environmental effects of waste management are frequently the focus of life cycle assessment studies, but they may overlook secondary effects such as indirect land use change, habitat damage, and biodiversity effects. It is crucial to consider these secondary effects in a more comprehensive analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous and native chickens play a pivotal role in rural economies, providing income and food security. India is one of the world's top producers of poultry, with a total chicken population of 851.8 million in 2019 and 37.2% representing native or indigenous breeds. In recent years, the rising demand for native chicken meat and government-backed projects in India have led to a shift from traditional backyard chicken raising to semi-intensive and intensive farms, empowering marginalized communities and women. Consumer preferences for native chicken meat in India was examined in this study, employing a two-part model with a logit model and log-normal OLS model to analyse responses from 503 consumers. Additionally, factor analysis revealed nine key factors influencing attitudes. Gender, age, income, education, marital status, cohabitation, household size, the presence of seniors or children, and consumption frequency significantly shaped preferences. Factors such as psychological well-being, affordability, knowledge, nutrition, food quality, fitness, purity, and sustainability had negative effects on preference and quantity purchased. The study reveals a strong consumer preference for native chicken meat, attributed to its organic nature, including traditional farming and sustainable production. To enhance sustainability of semi-intensive and intensive native chicken farming, it is imperative to address pricing disparities and ensure the consistent availability of native chicken meat. Achieving long- term sustainability in native chicken farming requires aligning consumer demand with ethical and environmentally sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards improving agriculture in this area with differing level of success. Over the same period, there have been dramatic advances in remote sensing (RS) technologies with tailored applications to sustainable agriculture globally. However, the extent to which intervention schemes have harnessed the incipient potential of RS for achieving sustainable agriculture in the study area is unknown. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the synergy between agriculture policy interventions and applications of RS towards optimizing results. Thus, this study used systematic literature review and desk analysis to identify previous and current projects and studies that have applied RS tools and techniques to all aspects of agriculture in the study area. Databases searched include Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, AoJ, and PubMed. To consolidate the gaps identified in the literature, ground-truthing was carried out. From the 26 focused publications found on the subject, only 13 (54%) were found employing RS in various aspects of agriculture observations in the study area. Out of the 13, 5 studies focused on mapping the extents of irrigation areas; 2 mapped the size of crop and pasturelands; 1 focused on soil water and nutrient retention; 1 study focused on crop health monitoring; and another focused on weeds/pest infestations and yield estimation in the study area. On the type of data, only 1 (7%) study used MODIS, 2 (15%) used ASTER image, 1 used Sentinel-2 data, 1 used Planetscope, 1 used IKONOS, 5 used Landsat images, 1 used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and another 1 used RADAR for mapping and monitoring agriculture activities in the study area. There is no evidence of the use of LiDAR data in the area. These results validate the hypothesis that failing agriculture in the study area is due to a paucity of high-quality spatial data and monitoring to support informed farm decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]