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33 pages, 1759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Potential for Multi-Functional Use of Industrial Hemp Greater than Maize under Saline Conditions?

by Anna Tedeschi, Domenico Cerrato and Massimo Menenti

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15646; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315646 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

There is a new and growing interest in using hemp as a raw material for a wide portfolio of food and non-food products. This study provides a synthesis of such information on the basis of literature and experimental data. For comparison, similar information [...] Read more.

There is a new and growing interest in using hemp as a raw material for a wide portfolio of food and non-food products. This study provides a synthesis of such information on the basis of literature and experimental data. For comparison, similar information on maize is provided. To document multiple uses of both crops, a list of products was compiled and the fraction of the total dry biomass of each plant part used for each product was estimated. A field experiment was carried out on the response of hemp and maize to irrigation scheduling and to the quality of irrigation water. Both literature and our experiment show that water and salinity stress reduce the total dry biomass, but do not modify substantially the relative availability for the intended marketable products. The field experiment did show that total biomass declined as salinity increased for both crops, but the partition in different fractions did not change significantly with the increase in salinity for all plant fractions and both crops. The market value of the observed, reduced, yield of maize and hemp was estimated. The experimental findings suggest that widespread use of hemp would lead to a more resilient and sustainable agri-food system, although regulatory and medium enterprise policies should be adapted to bring about this development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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14 pages, 9048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Osmotic Stress and Temperature Effects on Germination and Seedlings Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) via Hydrothermal Time Model

by Kiran Arshad, Abd Ullah, Sami Ullah, Hanin A. Bogari, Mohamed L. Ashour, Javaria Noor, Fazal Amin and Sikandar Shah

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912049 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Germination models are really useful in predicting seed germination, attributed to their application in economic crop management. Hence, we evaluated cardinal temperatures (Ts), seed germination behavior, and model coefficients of fenugreek under varying temperatures (Ts; 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C) and water [...] Read more.

Germination models are really useful in predicting seed germination, attributed to their application in economic crop management. Hence, we evaluated cardinal temperatures (Ts), seed germination behavior, and model coefficients of fenugreek under varying temperatures (Ts; 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C) and water potentials (ψ_s 0, −0.01, −0.02, and −0.05 MPa). We observed that the maximum and minimum hydrotime constant (θH) values at 20 °C, respectively. The base water potential at 50 percentiles (Ψb 50) exhibited an asymmetrical pattern with the highest (−0.9 MPa) value computed at 40 °C and the lowest (−0.13 MPa) at 10 °C. Furthermore, the ceiling temperature (TC), base temperature (Tb), and optimal temperature (To) of Fenugreek were determined to be 34.5 °C, 7.8 °C, and 18 °C, respectively. In addition, we observed that germination index, germination rate index, germination percentage, germination energy, Timson germination index, seed vigor index I and II, and root-shoot ratio are at their highest values at 20 °C and lowest at −0.05 MPa at 40 °C. Based on our findings, we suggest that the hydrothermal time model (HTT) can be used to explore the independent and synergistic effects of both T and ψ on the germination of seeds in different environmental conditions. The obtained model coefficients indicate that fenugreek is temperature-sensitive and suitable for agriculture in irrigated regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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20 pages, 1096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pattern of Grain Production Potential and Development Potential in China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor

by Xiaoyan Bu, Ge Shi and Suocheng Dong

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610102 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC) region is part of the Silk Road Economic Belt and is critical to world food grain safety, and thus, developing its potential grain production will help counter any global food crisis. In this study, a grain production potential [...] Read more.

The China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor (CMREC) region is part of the Silk Road Economic Belt and is critical to world food grain safety, and thus, developing its potential grain production will help counter any global food crisis. In this study, a grain production potential measurement system for the CMREC was designed and developed using spatial data to progressively correct environmental factor functions. The potential yield per unit area and potential area of four grain crops in 48 provinces were scientifically and systematically evaluated, and the grain production potential, development potential, and development potential range were calculated. The results show that the grain production potential and development potential of the corridor are significant. The yield of wheat and maize is mainly distributed in Siberia and the south of the Russian Far East. The development potential of soybean is very large and is mainly concentrated in the Russian Far East and northeast region of Mongolia. However, there is little room for paddy yield improvement, and its potential is mainly concentrated in northeast China. The grain production potential forms a high-value region with a low value from north to south, high value in the middle, extending from northwest to southeast. Grain and cereals in the whole region amounted to 8.45 × 10⁸ t (4.25 × 10⁸ t in Russia, 4.03 × 10⁸ t in China, and 0.12 × 10⁸ t in Mongolia). In terms of grain type, maize has the highest productivity potential with 1.96 × 10⁸ t, followed by wheat at 1.45 × 10⁸ t. The potential for paddy is 0.58 × 10⁴ t, whereas soybean has the lowest potential of 0.40 × 10⁸ t. The results of this study provide evidential support in the form of data for the development of the complementary advantages of agricultural resources, construction of the CMREC, and joint development of a food resource free trade zone. The CMREC will strengthen the development of modern, green, high-yield, high-quality, and efficient grain production zones for soybean and maize, and promote the diversification of grain resource cooperation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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15 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Returns to Disease Resistance Research When Pest Management Is an Option

by Daniel F. Mooney, Scott M. Swinton, Cristian Subía and Eduardo Peralta

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052859 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

Resistant cultivars offer a pathway to sustainable intensification by maintaining yields and reducing inputs in the face of disease pressure. Past studies of economic returns to crop breeding research for disease resistance measured farm-level benefits, by comparing yields for improved resistant varieties (RVs) [...] Read more.

Resistant cultivars offer a pathway to sustainable intensification by maintaining yields and reducing inputs in the face of disease pressure. Past studies of economic returns to crop breeding research for disease resistance measured farm-level benefits, by comparing yields for improved resistant varieties (RVs) to susceptible traditional varieties. This approach will poorly approximate actual research benefits if non-RV pest management options exist, because it does not account for farmer pest control behavior. We propose a unit cost model that controls for farm-level yields and pesticide inputs. The model estimates the difference in unit variable costs (UVC), with and without disease pressure for RV adopters and non-adopters, while holding pest control inputs, farm characteristics, and other factors fixed. We apply the model to data from 136 bean farmer households in northern Ecuador, where RV research is ongoing and fungicide use is widespread. We find no difference in UVC, with and without disease pressure for non-adopters. For adopters, UVC is 24% lower with disease pressure than without. This translates to an ex-post net present value (NPV) of USD 698,828 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 17%, compared to an NPV of USD 887,391 and IRR of 29%, when accounting for yield differences only. The results oblige impact assessments to account for changes in yields and input costs when pest management is an option. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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13 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participatory Selection of Amaranthus Genotypes in the KwaMbonambi Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

by Ngcebo C. Mncwango, Corlina M. Van Jaarsveld, Nontuthuko R. Ntuli and Sydney Mavengahama

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11962; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111962 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1634

Abstract

Participatory variety selection (PVS) is a process that tests promising genotypes in farmers’ fields through a close farmer–researcher collaboration approach, which enhances the acceptance of new varieties by farmers. However, limited studies have been conducted to select Amaranthus genotypes that have potential for [...] Read more.

Participatory variety selection (PVS) is a process that tests promising genotypes in farmers’ fields through a close farmer–researcher collaboration approach, which enhances the acceptance of new varieties by farmers. However, limited studies have been conducted to select Amaranthus genotypes that have potential for future breeding programmes in South Africa. Therefore, this study was aimed at selecting Amaranthus genotype(s) that is/are preferred by farmers in northern KwaZulu-Natal, using the PVS approach. Seedlings of fifteen Amaranthus genotypes were each planted in separate 10 × 10 m plots. Fourteen local farmers managed these genotypes and also determined the preferred traits to be used to evaluate them. These traits were: mild taste; profuse stem branching; big and numerous leaves; soft texture; and longer shelf life. Plants at four months after transplant were then evaluated and ranked according to farmers’ preferred traits using score sheets designed on a four-point Likert scale or five-point hedonic scale. However, genotype ACAT seed fair had the best scoring for appealing taste and aroma, and profuse branching. The TOT 8789 genotype had the largest and softest leaves. Again, A. thunbergii had the most numerous leaves of them all. These genotypes are thus recommended for multi-environment testing, seed multiplication, genetic improvement, and promotion for cultivation in South Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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13 pages, 1643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Consumption of Nitrogen Fertilisers and Environmental Efficiency in Crop Production of EU Countries

by Tamara Rudinskaya and Zdeňka Náglová

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168720 - 4 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

Mineral fertilisers such as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) are commonly used as important inputs in agricultural production. Their inadequate use can result in lower yields and loss of quality. However, excessive use of nitrogen can lead to environmental pollution and adverse effects [...] Read more.

Mineral fertilisers such as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) are commonly used as important inputs in agricultural production. Their inadequate use can result in lower yields and loss of quality. However, excessive use of nitrogen can lead to environmental pollution and adverse effects on human health. This paper assesses nitrogen fertiliser use and the environmental efficiency of crop production of EU member states using the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) approach. The results of the analysis show that the crop sector in the five member states of the European Union (i.e., Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Austria and Spain) is relatively environmentally efficient. In the remaining member states, efficiency is lower by varying degrees. This means that their agricultural sectors use too much fertiliser to produce the same output as more efficient farms, compared to other countries. The results of the study shed light on the environmental efficiency of crop production in the tEU and can contribute to the application of better management techniques and more effective agricultural policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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12 pages, 236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Feasibility and Competitiveness Levels of Soybean Varieties in Rice-Based Cropping System of Indonesia

by Ruly Krisdiana, Nila Prasetiaswati, Imam Sutrisno, Fachrur Rozi, Arief Harsono and Made Jana Mejaya

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8334; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158334 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3047

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the financial feasibility of growing soybean varieties and their competitiveness in the rice-based cropping system of Indonesia. The research was conducted at two locations in 2020. The results showed that the use of improved varieties of soybean [...] Read more.

This research was conducted to determine the financial feasibility of growing soybean varieties and their competitiveness in the rice-based cropping system of Indonesia. The research was conducted at two locations in 2020. The results showed that the use of improved varieties of soybean yielded 2.24 t/ha and 2.09 t/ha, which was higher than using local (non-improved) varieties. The use of improved varieties was financially feasible with Revenue Cost (R/C) ratios of 1.88–1.98 and Benefit Cost (B/C) ratios of 0.88–0.98. The competitiveness of soybeans in Mojokerto and Pasuruan was lower compared to maize and mungbean. Soybean could compete with competing crops if the productivity and price were higher than the current conditions. To be able to compete with maize, the soybean productivity should be 5.14–5.22 t/ha if the current soybean price per kg is IDR 7200 (about US $ 0.51). To compete with mungbean, the soybean productivity should reach 3.05 t/ha with the current price per kg of IDR 7200 (about US $ 0.51). When measured by the price level, to be able to compete with maize, the soybean selling price per kg should be IDR 14,428–IDR 14,893 (about USD 1.06) with a productivity level of 2.24 t/ha. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

21 pages, 3670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) Mucus Inspired Bionic Fertilizer to Stimulate Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth

by Zhihong Zhang, Yali Wu, Vi Khanh Truong and Dongguang Zhang

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084299 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3381

Abstract

Background: Increasing population and food consumption are placing unprecedented demands on crop production. Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world, the improvement of its yield primarily depends on the application of chemical fertilizer. Methods: Earthworm activity is an [...] Read more.

Background: Increasing population and food consumption are placing unprecedented demands on crop production. Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world, the improvement of its yield primarily depends on the application of chemical fertilizer. Methods: Earthworm activity is an essential factor in promoting soil fertility and stimulating plant growth. Inspired by amino acids composition of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) epidermal mucus, the liquid fertilizer was developed and prepared by utilizing a bionic approach. The influence of earthworm epidermal mucus (mucus), the mucus-mimicked mixture of amino acids (bionic fertilizer) and urea fertilizer (urea) on maize emergence and growth were studied and compared with the control group (distilled water). Experimental cultivation tests were conducted. The aforementioned three types of liquid fertilizer effects on maize seed vigor index, seedling emergence rate and plant quality were quantitatively evaluated. Results: Based on the conducted research, it was found that the beneficial effects of different fertilizers for maize emergence rate were ranked as follows: mucus > bionic fertilizer > urea. The low concentration treatments were beneficial to the maize emergence, while the high concentration treatments were helpful to the maize growth and root development. Besides, the lower concentration of mucus was the most effective fertilizer treatment for improving seedling quality. In addition, the test results of three types of liquid fertilizer effects on maize growth indicated that the higher concentration treatments provided more nitrogen nutrition than lower concentration treatments. Furthermore, the maize stem height and diameter were significantly promoted (p < 0.05) by the three types of liquid fertilizer. The beneficial influences of liquid fertilizer treatments for plant height, stem diameter, relative chlorophyll content and photosynthetic characteristic of leaves were ranked as follows: bionic fertilizer > urea > mucus. Conclusions: Bionic fertilizer demonstrated significant beneficial fertilizing effects (p < 0.05), which increased soil nutrients, improved maize physiological parameters, promote its growth and improved dry matter accumulation. The tested results verified the effectiveness of bionic fertilizer on stimulating maize growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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11 pages, 687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Chlorophyll Content for Precision Nitrogen Management in Durum Wheat Cultivars under Semi-Arid Conditions

by Ferhat Kizilgeci, Mehmet Yildirim, Mohammad Sohidul Islam, Disna Ratnasekera, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal and Ayman EL Sabagh

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3725; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073725 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 7469

Abstract

To impart sustainability to modern intensive farming systems, environmental pollution caused by nitrogenous fertilizers in needs to be reduced by optimizing their doses. To estimate the grain yield and nutrtional quallity of wheat, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll content (SPAD) [...] Read more.

To impart sustainability to modern intensive farming systems, environmental pollution caused by nitrogenous fertilizers in needs to be reduced by optimizing their doses. To estimate the grain yield and nutrtional quallity of wheat, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll content (SPAD) are potential screening tools to identify the N deficiency and screen out the promising cultivars. The two-year field study was comprised with five levels of nitrogen (N) (control, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹) and two durum wheat genotypes (Sena and Svevo). The experimental design was split-plot, in which N levels were placed in the main plots, while wheat genotypes were arranged in sub-plots. To predict the yield and quality traits, the NDVI and SPAD values recorded at heading, anthesis and milky growth stages were taken as response variables. The results revealed that N fertilization significantly influenced the SPAD and NDVI attributed traits of durum wheat, except NDVI at milky stage (NDVI-M) during the first year. The maximum value of NDVI was recorded by 150 kg N ha⁻¹, while control treatment gave the minimum value. The grain yield was increased with the increasing dose of the N up to 100 kg N ha⁻¹ (4121 kg ha⁻¹), and thereafter, it was declined with further increased of N levels. However, the variation between the genotypes was not significant, except NDVI and SPAD values at the milky stage. The genotype Svevo had the highest NDVI values at all growth stages, while the genotype Sena recorded the maximum SPAD values during both years. Similarly, the N levels significantly influenced the quality traits (protein, wet gluten, starch test weight and Zeleny sedimentation) of both genotypes. The highly significant relationship of SPAD and NDVI with the grain yield and yield attributes showed their reliability as indicators for determining the N deficiency and selection of superior wheat genotypes for ensuring food security under climate change scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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12 pages, 1331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Amendments Boost Soil Fertility and Rice Productivity and Reduce Methane Emissions from Paddy Fields under Sub-Tropical Conditions

by Md Mahamudul Haque, Juel Datta, Tareq Ahmed, Md Ehsanullah, Md Neaul Karim, Mt. Samima Akter, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Alaa Baazeem, Adel Hadifa, Sharif Ahmed and Ayman EL Sabagh

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3103; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063103 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4099

Abstract

Deteriorating soil fertility and gradually decreasing rice productivity along with higher greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields have emerged as serious threats to the sustainability of rice production and food security. Rice production in the subtropical environment in Bangladesh is mostly dependent on [...] Read more.

Deteriorating soil fertility and gradually decreasing rice productivity along with higher greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields have emerged as serious threats to the sustainability of rice production and food security. Rice production in the subtropical environment in Bangladesh is mostly dependent on synthetic inorganic fertilizer to maintain productivity; however, the inorganic fertilizer has negative effects on global warming. Climate-smart and resilient agricultural production systems are major concerns nowadays to meet sustainable development goals. The study was conducted to evaluate the optimum rate and source of organic amendments on rice productivity and soil fertility along with CH₄ emission. A total of nine nutrient combinations were used in the study. The CH4 emission, soil redox potential (Eh), soil pH, soil nitrogen and organic carbon, available phosphorus, rice grain and straw were greatly affected by the application of different rates and sources of the nutrient. However, the soil exchangeable K content, plant height, and harvest index were not affected. Among the treatments, the application of 75% recommended fertilizer (RF) + biosolid 2 t ^ha−1 (T3) was the most effective and showed the superior performance in terms of available P (12.90 ppm), the number of grains panicle⁻¹ (121), and 1000-grain weight (24.6g), rice grain, and straw yield along with the moderate CH₄ emission (18.25 mg m⁻²h⁻¹). On the other hand, the lowest soil Eh (−158 mV) and soil pH (6.65) were measured from the treatment T3. The finding of this study revealed that the application of 75% of RF + biosolid 2 t ha⁻¹ can be recommended as the preferable soil amendment for boosting rice yield, reduce CH₄ emissions, and sustainably maintain soil fertility. Furthermore, this finding may help to introduce preferable soil amendment doses, which will contribute to boosting rice productivity and economic turnouts of the farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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Review

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20 pages, 3576 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overviewing Drought and Heat Stress Amelioration—From Plant Responses to Microbe-Mediated Mitigation

by Saima Iqbal, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Chunjia Li, Asif Iqbal and Rana Nadeem Abbas

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021671 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3381

Abstract

Microbes (e.g., plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes) are the natural inhabitants of the soil-plant-environment ecosystem having the potential to ameliorate the negative effects of environmental extremities. Plant-microbe interactions are integral events of agricultural ecosystems which must be studied in order to [...] Read more.

Microbes (e.g., plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes) are the natural inhabitants of the soil-plant-environment ecosystem having the potential to ameliorate the negative effects of environmental extremities. Plant-microbe interactions are integral events of agricultural ecosystems which must be studied in order to modulate the systemic mechanisms in field crops. Under changing climatic scenarios, drought and heat stresses tend to induce numerous physiological, morphological, metabolic and biochemical alterations in crop plants, while microbes hold the potential to mitigate these adverse impacts in a sustainable way. However, plant-microbe interaction mechanisms remain understudied owing to their complexities in the rhizosphere and within the cellular systems of plants. In this review, we have attempted to summarize microbes’ interactions with crop plants that tend to influence hormonal and nutrients balance, and the biosynthesis of metabolites and phytohormones, etc. In particular, focus has been kept on the underlying mechanisms related to plant-microbe interactions which confer abiotic stress tolerance. Moreover, various physiological, morphological, metabolic and biochemical responses of plants subjected to water scarcity and elevated temperatures have been synthesized objectively. Lastly, from the perspective of microbes’ application as biofertilizers, both challenges and future research needs to develop microbe-mediated tolerance as a biologically potent strategy have been strategically pointed out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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19 pages, 1276 KiB

Open AccessReview

Traceability Information Model for Sustainability of Black Soybean Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review

by Syaiful Anwar, Tomy Perdana, Meddy Rachmadi and Trisna Insan Noor

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9498; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159498 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2987

Abstract

Traceability information as a solution option becomes an important task for the industry in providing products, preparing sustainable raw materials, and ensuring adequate safety quality. The emergence of these demands makes the industry perform tracking in order to prepare product inventories ranging from [...] Read more.

Traceability information as a solution option becomes an important task for the industry in providing products, preparing sustainable raw materials, and ensuring adequate safety quality. The emergence of these demands makes the industry perform tracking in order to prepare product inventories ranging from raw materials to products that have been produced. Based on these reasons, the scope of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature on various aspects of implementing information traceability models and sustainability of supply chain on economic, social, environmental, technological, institutional, and infrastructural dimensions. For this purpose, we use the Scopus, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, and ProQuest databases. We used the PRISMA model to identify, filter, and test for the eligibility of articles to be included. We selected 52 articles contributed by this search engine. We found was that between 2018 to 2021 there was increasing interest in this research. The dominant traceability information model in the article uses blockchain, the rest use operations research (OR), Google Earth Engine (GEE), website-based, Unified Modeling Language (UML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), physical markup language (PML), logit, enterprise resource planning (ERP), soft independent modelling of class analogies (SIMCA), and Spatially Explicit Information on Production to Consumption Systems (SEI-PCS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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17 pages, 1264 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Framework for the Heterogeneity and Ecosystem Services of Farmland Landscapes: An Integrative Review

by Xiaohui Wang, Yao Wu, Kiril Manevski, Manqi Fu, Xiaogang Yin and Fu Chen

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212463 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

It is essential for the sustainable development of farmland landscapes to balance ecosystem service trade-offs and improve resource use efficiency during crop production. Thus, an integrative and concept-centric qualitative approach was applied by combining the patch–corridor–matrix model of landscape ecology and the crop [...] Read more.

It is essential for the sustainable development of farmland landscapes to balance ecosystem service trade-offs and improve resource use efficiency during crop production. Thus, an integrative and concept-centric qualitative approach was applied by combining the patch–corridor–matrix model of landscape ecology and the crop layout theory of farming systems into a theoretical framework. The thesis concludes that a farmland landscape comprises three compositions: the crop (the main crop and the service crop), the non-crop, and the non-vegetation, leading to heterogeneous composition and configuration. The main crop, typically displayed as large patches with a high distribution ratio, provides most of the provisioning services, while the service crop performs many regulation services. The non-crop and non-vegetation compositions often appear as strips that can connect different patches as corridors and support the provisioning services of crops. Non-crop compositions mainly focus on support and regulation services, while non-vegetation compositions support farming operations. Further research is needed in several respects, including the ecological impact and ecosystem service trade-offs of the composition and configuration heterogeneity, and strategies for the adoption of cropping systems and agronomic measures at the landscape scale, which are essential to the evaluation, improvement, and redesign of farmland landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Production of Crop Plants)

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