Editorial

4 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies

by Moucheng Liu, Xin Chen and Yuanmei Jiao

Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030473 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 817

Due to the extensive degree of the consumption of resources and energy by industrial agriculture, there is a growing awareness of sustainable agriculture development that should not only increase yield to meet people’s demands for food security, but should also improve product quality [...] Read more.

Due to the extensive degree of the consumption of resources and energy by industrial agriculture, there is a growing awareness of sustainable agriculture development that should not only increase yield to meet people’s demands for food security, but should also improve product quality and promote the multi-functionality of the agricultural ecosystem [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Contract Length Matter? The Impact of Various Contract-Farming Regimes on Land-Improvement Investment and the Efficiency of Contract Farmers in Pakistan

by Rabia Mazhar, Hossein Azadi, Steven Van Passel, Rando Värnik, Marcin Pietrzykowski, Rytis Skominas, Zou Wei and Bi Xuehao

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091651 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 962

Abstract

Land-tenure security is integral to local communities’ socioeconomic development. It has been a center of debate in academia and for legislators and advocates to implement reforms to enhance efficient and sustainable development in land management. Yet, knowledge gaps remain in how various contract-farming [...] Read more.

Land-tenure security is integral to local communities’ socioeconomic development. It has been a center of debate in academia and for legislators and advocates to implement reforms to enhance efficient and sustainable development in land management. Yet, knowledge gaps remain in how various contract-farming regimes contribute to land-improvement investment and technical efficiency. This study used a data set of 650 farm households collected through a two-stage stratified sampling to investigate the influence of three contract-farming regimes: long-term, medium-term, and short-term contracts, on the land-improvement investment, productivity, and technical efficiency of contract farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The study used multivariate probit and ordinary least square regression models to examine the posit relationships. The findings highlight that farmers with long-term land contracts have higher per hectare yield, income and profit than those with medium-term and short-term contracts. The results confirm that farmers with medium- and long-term contracts tend to invest more in land-improvement measures, i.e., organic and green manure. Further, the study findings demonstrate that long-term land tenures are more effective when farmers make decisions regarding the on-farm infrastructure, like tube-well installation, tractor ownership, and holding farm logistics. Last, the study results confirm that long-term contracts are more robust regarding technical efficiency. Moreover, the findings support the Marshallian inefficiency hypothesis and extend the literature on contract farming, land-improvement investment, and land use policy, and offer coherent policy actions for stakeholders to improve farmers’ productivity, technical efficiency, and income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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26 pages, 3800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficiency of China’s Agricultural Circular Economy and Its Influencing Factors under the Rural Revitalization Strategy: A DEA–Malmquist–Tobit Approach

by Chenghan Guo, Rong Zhang and Yuntao Zou

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071454 - 23 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1475

Abstract

In 2018, the Chinese government proposed the Rural Revitalization Strategy with the objective of bolstering economic development, social progress, and ecological protection in rural areas, thereby achieving rural modernization. This paper employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and the Malmquist index model [...] Read more.

In 2018, the Chinese government proposed the Rural Revitalization Strategy with the objective of bolstering economic development, social progress, and ecological protection in rural areas, thereby achieving rural modernization. This paper employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and the Malmquist index model to measure the efficiency and changes of the agricultural circular economy in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2017 to 2020. Using Tobit regression, we further examine the correlation analysis in the context of the rural revitalization policy. The study reveals that the efficiency of China’s agricultural circular economy continued to grow between 2017 and 2020. The policy of the rural revitalization strategy significantly impacts the efficiency of the agricultural circular economy. Government financial support has a significant positive influence on the efficiency of the agricultural circular economy. Based on the research findings, we proposed several constructive suggestions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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20 pages, 9467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis on Coupling Coordination Degree for Cropland and Livestock from 2000 to 2020 in China

by Jianxing Chen, Xuesong Gao, Yanyan Zhang, Petri Penttinen, Qi Wang, Jing Ling, Ting Lan, Dinghua Ou and Yang Li

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071304 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 953

Abstract

The decoupling of cropland and livestock due to the industrialization of livestock production is a difficult problem for sustainable agricultural development in many global locations, including China. As population and urbanization increase, this decoupling is likely to become more serious. To date, the [...] Read more.

The decoupling of cropland and livestock due to the industrialization of livestock production is a difficult problem for sustainable agricultural development in many global locations, including China. As population and urbanization increase, this decoupling is likely to become more serious. To date, the relationship between cropland and livestock has been mainly studied from a single perspective, and mostly at the regional and the local scales. Thus, the objective of our study is to systematically assess the coupling relationship between cropland and livestock from multiple aspects on a large scale. Here, we used a complex system covering cropland, livestock and environment subsystems to comprehensively analyze the spatio-temporal variation of the coupling coordination between cropland and livestock and its influencing factors in China over the past two decades. Elaborating on the data, we constructed a comprehensive system of evaluation indexes for cropland–livestock systems. We used a coupling coordination degree model to evaluate the coupling coordination relationship between cropland and livestock in 31 provinces of China during 2000–2020. The results show that the range of cropland–livestock and cropland–livestock–environment coupling coordination degree was 0.4–0.9. In most of the provinces, there was no risk of cropland and livestock decoupling; however, the coupling coordination degree needed to be increased. More attention should be paid to the coordinated development of cropland and livestock coupling in urbanized areas such as Beijing and Tianjin, where cropland and livestock decoupling was more likely to occur. Among the assessed 29 factors, 15 and 16 had an impact on the cropland–livestock and the cropland–livestock–environment coupling coordination degrees, respectively. Our study provides science-based evidence to support estimating the coupling relationship between cropland and livestock in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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17 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Public Extension and Advisory Services for Sustainable Rice Production

by Khodran Alzahrani, Mubashar Ali, Muhammad Imran Azeem and Bader Alhafi Alotaibi

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051062 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Agriculture is an integral constituent of Pakistan’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for nearly 65% of the population living in rural areas. Rice is the second major staple food after wheat and a significant source of foreign exchange earnings through Basmati [...] Read more.

Agriculture is an integral constituent of Pakistan’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for nearly 65% of the population living in rural areas. Rice is the second major staple food after wheat and a significant source of foreign exchange earnings through Basmati exports. Pakistan has established an extensive network of agricultural extension to educate the farming community about modern agricultural practices for enhancing the agricultural productivity of major food crops grown in the country. The present study was undertaken to evaluate rice farmers’ views about public extension services and to identify their perspective regarding various ways of enhancing rice production in Pakistan. A multi-stage simple random sampling technique was employed, and data were collected from 193 rice farmers with the help of structured interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. The findings revealed that a vast majority of the rice farmers were poorly satisfied with the public extension services. The results of the Spearman Rank-Order Correlation showed that landholding size had a significant effect on deciding extension contact; public extension agents are more likely to visit and serve those rice farmers who possess large landholders and therefore have the tendency to intentionally neglect small-scale rice farmers. For enhancing rice production in Pakistan, farmers believed that the provision of subsidized agricultural inputs and a minimum support price for rice is indispensable. Based on our findings, we suggest that to make public extension services more effective, public extension agents should particularly focus on the capacity building of small-scale farmers rather than large-scale farmers. Moreover, there is a need to broaden the scope of public extension services from simple crop protection measures to a set of comprehensive sustainable agricultural practices for increasing agricultural productivity, resource-use efficiency, as well as resilience toward adverse impacts of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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18 pages, 5154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Financial Literacy and Farmland Abandonment Relationship in Ghana

by Martinson Ankrah Twumasi, Bright Senyo Dogbe, Ernest Kwarko Ankrah, Zhao Ding and Yuansheng Jiang

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030580 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

Farmland abandonment has been a major concern for policymakers in most developing nations since it is associated with food security and poverty alleviation. In view of this, assessing its potential determinants is essential and timely. This study examines the relationship between financial literacy [...] Read more.

Farmland abandonment has been a major concern for policymakers in most developing nations since it is associated with food security and poverty alleviation. In view of this, assessing its potential determinants is essential and timely. This study examines the relationship between financial literacy and farmland abandonment in Ghana using survey data (N = 572). The study employs endogenous switching regression (ESR) for its estimation. Our findings show that financial literacy is low among rural dwellers. Also, the findings depict that financial literacy is positively related to farmland abandonment reduction. Moreover, different household groups depict a heterogeneous relationship between financial literacy and farmland abandonment. Thus, the association between financial literacy and farmland abandonment reduction is more pronounced for low-income farm households and female farmers. We recommended that financial literacy programs can be organized or shown on national radios and television to provide financial education to the country’s residents. Our findings could offer some implications for stimulating agricultural intensification while ensuring rural advancements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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26 pages, 565 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Re-Measurement of Agriculture Green Total Factor Productivity in China from a Carbon Sink Perspective

by Zhuohui Yu, Qingning Lin and Changli Huang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122025 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1998

Abstract

Accurate measurement of agricultural total factor productivity (AGTFP) is crucial to measure the level of sustainable agricultural development, and agricultural carbon sink is an important element to leverage the development of green transformation. Few studies have incorporated agricultural carbon sink into the measurement [...] Read more.

Accurate measurement of agricultural total factor productivity (AGTFP) is crucial to measure the level of sustainable agricultural development, and agricultural carbon sink is an important element to leverage the development of green transformation. Few studies have incorporated agricultural carbon sink into the measurement framework of AGTFP, and the evolutionary dynamics and related spatial effects of Chinese AGTFP from the perspective of carbon sinks are unclear. On this basis, the paper used a provincial-level agricultural panel data set of China from 2000 to 2019 to measure the provincial indicators of agricultural carbon sinks, CO₂ emissions and agricultural non-point source pollution. Then, we incorporated these environmental factors into the measurement framework of AGTFP and used the SBM-DEA model to calculate the Chinese AGTFP from the perspective of carbon sinks. We further analyzed the spatial and temporal divergence and convergence of AGTFP in China using Moran’I and spatial econometric models. We found that after measuring AGTFP, including agricultural carbon sinks, 28 out of 30 Chinese provinces showed an increased trend, but the development gap between regions was obvious. The spatial econometric model showed a significantly positive spatial correlation between the AGTFP of each province and did not have absolute α-convergence and absolute β-convergence characteristics. After adding the control variables of resource endowment of each province, it showed conditional β-convergence characteristics, and the spatial spillover effect of China’s AGTFP was increasing. Finally, the paper proposed policy recommendations for the sustainable and coordinated development of China’s agricultural regions in response to the research findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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18 pages, 12980 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Degradation Pattern of Five Biodegradable, Potentially Low-Environmental-Impact Mulches under Laboratory Conditions

by Jaime Villena, Marta M. Moreno, Sara González-Mora, Jesús A. López-Perales, Pablo A. Morales-Rodríguez and Carmen Moreno

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111910 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1560

Abstract

The use of biodegradable (BD) plastic mulch materials as alternatives to the widely used low-density polyethylene (PE) is increasing nowadays, mainly for environmental reasons. However, the success of these materials depends, in addition to fulfilling their function, on completely degrading in the short [...] Read more.

The use of biodegradable (BD) plastic mulch materials as alternatives to the widely used low-density polyethylene (PE) is increasing nowadays, mainly for environmental reasons. However, the success of these materials depends, in addition to fulfilling their function, on completely degrading in the short term, which depends on both their composition and environmental conditions. This study focused on the degradation pattern of five BD plastic materials of different composition (i.e., corn and potato starch, and polylactic acid plastic (PLA) films, blended with different copolyesters during their manufacture), in two soils with different granulometry (Soil 1 has less clay content than Soil 2), taken from organic vegetable fields under controlled laboratory conditions. Conventional PE was used as a reference. The degree of degradation was evaluated through the number of fragments, weight loss, and surface area loss until their total disappearance. The degradation trend of the BD materials was similar in both soils, although much faster in Soil 2. Their total visible disappearance was in the following ranges: potato starch, 225–250 days in Soil 1, 150–200 days in Soil 2; corn starch, 550 days in Soil 1, 300 days in Soil 2; PLA, 1000–1050 days in Soil 1, 350–475 days in Soil 2. PE remained practically intact in both trials. The degradation model of potato starch materials fitted a decreasing exponential model in both soils, while the other bioplastics followed a decreasing Gompertz model, in all cases with steeper slopes in Soil 2. The curves of the degradation models indicated how the same material can degrade differently depending on the type of soil, information that could be useful for users and manufacturers in the framework of a sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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17 pages, 3465 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Influence of Converting Food Crops to Forage Crops Policy Implementation on Herbivorous Livestock Husbandry Development—Based on Policy Pilot Counties in Hebei, China

by Huanhuan Zhang, Guogang Wang, Jinge Liu, Shuai Hao and Shengnan Huang

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111872 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1290

Abstract

In the context of increasing consumption of herbivorous livestock products, competition between humans and animals for food, and increasing environmental constraints, it is necessary to solve the problem of sustainable development of China’s livestock industry and increase the protection and development of the [...] Read more.

In the context of increasing consumption of herbivorous livestock products, competition between humans and animals for food, and increasing environmental constraints, it is necessary to solve the problem of sustainable development of China’s livestock industry and increase the protection and development of the grassland livestock industry while making good use of production resources in agricultural areas in order to explore the development potential of the herbivorous livestock industry in agricultural areas. The Converting Food Crops to Forage Crops Policy (CFFP), as an important measure of agricultural supply-side structural reform, aims to develop a high-quality forage industry and a high-quality herbivorous livestock industry. However, over the years of policy implementation, few studies have examined the impact effects of the policy on the development of the regional herbivorous livestock industry. To fill this research gap and provide theoretical support for subsequent policy implementation, the study used the synthetic control method to examine the impact of policy implementation on the development of herbivorous livestock production in the pilot counties in Hebei Province from 2010 to 2020. The study discovered that the policy’s implementation encouraged the expansion of herbivorous livestock production in the pilot counties, but the policy’s effects on various regions and livestock species varied due to the influence of local production bases and resource endowments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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19 pages, 1615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scenarios for Sustainable Farming Systems for Macadamia Nuts and Mangos Using a Systems Dynamics Lens in the Vhembe District, Limpopo South Africa

by Fenji Materechera and Mary Scholes

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101724 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3216

Abstract

Agriculture is arguably one of the most important economic sectors for South Africa’s development as it is directly linked to food security. Farming systems in South Africa have been characterized by a duality where large-scale commercial farmers and small-scale farmers co-exist. The conventional [...] Read more.

Agriculture is arguably one of the most important economic sectors for South Africa’s development as it is directly linked to food security. Farming systems in South Africa have been characterized by a duality where large-scale commercial farmers and small-scale farmers co-exist. The conventional approach to understanding agricultural production in the country has always viewed the two farming systems as mutually exclusive. The study argues that there are various points of interaction between the two kinds of farmers and by using a systems dynamics approach to evaluate the two farming systems this can be applied to agricultural decision making. Data were used to identify and characterise small- and large-scale farming systems of two tree crops (mangos—Mangifera indica L. and macadamia nuts—Macadamia integrifolia M&B.) in the Vhembe district of Limpopo South Africa. The interactions between the two different farmers are illustrated using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) of the two farming systems under similar commodities. Results, presented as four conceptual scenarios, show that there are multiple points of interaction, such as the interdependence of farmers of macadamia nuts to meet export demands. Policy recommendations to strengthen collaboration between small-scale mango farmers and implement irrigation expansion for farmers who depend on rain-fed farming are discussed and present opportunities for the co-functioning of the two farming systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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19 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Agricultural Green Supply Chain Management by a Novel Integrated Fuzzy-Delphi and Grey-WINGS Model

by Muwen Wang and Kecheng Zhang

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101512 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2200

Abstract

This study suggests a novel hybrid model for calculating the interrelationships between factors by integrating the Fuzzy set, Delphi, the Grey theory, and Weighted Influence Nonlinear Gauge System (WINGS) approaches in agricultural green supply chain management (AGSCM). Fuzzy Delphi helps to select 12 [...] Read more.

This study suggests a novel hybrid model for calculating the interrelationships between factors by integrating the Fuzzy set, Delphi, the Grey theory, and Weighted Influence Nonlinear Gauge System (WINGS) approaches in agricultural green supply chain management (AGSCM). Fuzzy Delphi helps to select 12 indicators from 19 factors by defuzzification for ambiguity associated with subjective judgment by 10 experts in data collection. Grey WINGS can illustrate the relationships, direction, and strength of factors simultaneously, which illustrates that environmental law, green consciousness, product quality, and price are the most significant factors of AGSCM. The results can help operators not only to analyze these key influencing factors, but also to understand the complex cause-and-effect relationships between these factors. This integrated model will hopefully provide a useful tool to agricultural policy makers and decision makers for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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19 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Technology on Land Rent-Out Behavior: Information Sharing or Exclusion?

by Xiaofan Zuo and Zhisheng Hong

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071046 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

In the digital age, it is critical to understand the nexus between digital technology (DT) and land rent-out behavior (LRB). It has implications for reducing the rate of land abandonment to achieve sustainable agricultural development. A large dataset (n = 5233) dating [...] Read more.

In the digital age, it is critical to understand the nexus between digital technology (DT) and land rent-out behavior (LRB). It has implications for reducing the rate of land abandonment to achieve sustainable agricultural development. A large dataset (n = 5233) dating from 2016 and coming from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) is used to explore the impact of DT on LRB by applying several econometric models, also including the “Recursive Bivariate Probit (RBP) model” and “Chain Multiple Mediation effect (CMM) model”. We provide empirical evidence that the DT’s information sharing effect positively impacted LRB, while an opposite effect is observed by the “digital divide (DT_GAP)” i.e., information exclusion that negatively impacted LRB. We further test the effect of two other variables, namely “digital information dependence” and “non-farm jobs” supposed as mediating factors of DT and DT_GAP in influencing LRB, respectively in a positive and negative way. In particular, the variable “nonfarm jobs” plays a mediating role conditional on the variable “digital information dependence” as a mediating variable at the first level. In addition, statistical tests reveal that the impact of DT and the DT_GAP on LRB is not significant in terms of regional preferences but is significant in terms of age of householder and household income level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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17 pages, 4259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity of Fish in Aquaculture and of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Traditional Rice–Fish Coculture

by Yingying Ye, Weizheng Ren, Shixiang Zhang, Lufeng Zhao, Jianjun Tang, Liangliang Hu and Xin Chen

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070997 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

The genetic diversity of cultured species (e.g., plants and fish) has decreased as intensive agriculture and aquaculture have increased in recent decades. Maintaining genetic diversity in agriculture is a significant concern. To test whether aquaculture affects the genetic diversity of aquatic animals and [...] Read more.

The genetic diversity of cultured species (e.g., plants and fish) has decreased as intensive agriculture and aquaculture have increased in recent decades. Maintaining genetic diversity in agriculture is a significant concern. To test whether aquaculture affects the genetic diversity of aquatic animals and whether traditional agriculture could help maintain genetic diversity, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the genetic diversity of cultured and wild populations. We also examined the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the traditional rice–fish coculture in the south of Zhejiang Province, China, using 20 microsatellite loci. The results of the meta-analysis showed a negative overall effect size of all cultured aquatic animals that were tested both when weighted by population replicate and when weighted by the inverse of variance. Aquaculture has caused a general decline in the genetic diversity of many cultured aquatic animals. The results from the survey of a traditional rice–fish coculture system in the south of Zhejiang Province of China showed high levels of genetic diversity in all 10 sampled populations (mean Na = 7.40, mean Ne = 4.57, mean I = 1.61, mean He = 0.71, and mean Ho = 0.73). Both the conventional analysis and a model-based analysis revealed a high and significant genetic divergence among the 10 sampled populations all over the three counties (F_ST value ranged from 0.00 to 0.13, and Nei’s genetic distance ranged from 0.07 to 0.62). Populations within Yongjia and Jingning counties were also genetically differentiated, respectively. Furthermore, molecular variance (AMOVA), membership coefficients estimated by STRUCTURE, PCoA, and migration network analysis supported the findings from pairwise F_ST values. Our results suggest that the traditional rice–fish coculture plays an important role in maintaining the genetic diversity of carp cocultured in rice paddies and future policies should favor the conservation of the rice–fish system and raise the awareness of farmers on methods to maintain carp genetic diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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7 pages, 1434 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Improved Production of Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) Microtubers MAC-3 Morphotype in Liquid Medium Using Temporary Immersion System (TIS-RITA^®)

by Gilmar Peña-Rojas, Roxana Carhuaz-Condori, Vidalina Andía-Ayme, Victor A. Leon and Oscar Herrera-Calderon

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070943 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

Essential molecules are embedded within the millenary crop Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua); these compounds are critical for the Andean people’s traditional diet and extensively utilized by the pharmaceutical industry in Peru. In the Andean region, conventional cropping techniques generate microtubers susceptible to a viral [...] Read more.

Essential molecules are embedded within the millenary crop Tropaeolum tuberosum (mashua); these compounds are critical for the Andean people’s traditional diet and extensively utilized by the pharmaceutical industry in Peru. In the Andean region, conventional cropping techniques generate microtubers susceptible to a viral infection, which substantially endangers mashua’s production. Therefore, we developed an innovative in vitro technique condition for enhancing the agriculture process for micro tubers production. The temporary immersion system (TIS) permits the production of high-quality microtubers in a reduced space, a lower amount of time, and in large quantities compared with tubers grown under traditional conditions. To obtain T. tuberosum’s microtubers via TIS, we propagated seedlings, utilizing TIS-RITA^® vessels. A set of immersion frequency times were evaluated. Interestingly, results showed that immersion at 2 min every 3 h was more beneficial compared with 2 min every 5 h based on microtubers produced after 10 weeks from the treatments, revealing an efficient frequency setting which outputted improved microtubers quality and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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15 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Can Agricultural Machinery Harvesting Services Reduce Cropland Abandonment? Evidence from Rural China

by Ping Xue, Xinru Han, Yongchun Wang and Xiudong Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070901 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are the main targets of sustainable development goals. It is well known that cropland resources are the most essential factor in achieving sustainable development goals. However, China has been facing the problem of a [...] Read more.

Ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture are the main targets of sustainable development goals. It is well known that cropland resources are the most essential factor in achieving sustainable development goals. However, China has been facing the problem of a continuous reduction in cropland resources. Reducing the abandonment of cropland has become an important way to curb the reduction in cropland resources. Can agricultural machinery harvesting services reduce cropland abandonment in rural China? To answer this scientific question, this study employs the Survey for Agriculture and Village Economy data from 8345 samples of 12 provinces in rural China. The extended regression models (i.e., the extended probit regression model and the extended interval regression model) are used to empirically analyze the relationship between agricultural machinery harvesting services accessed by farmers and cropland abandonment. The results are as follows. Agricultural machinery harvesting services accessed by farmers significantly reduced the probability of cropland abandonment and the proportion of the area of abandoned cropland in farmers’ contracted cropland area decreased by 18.5% and 20.3%, respectively. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis results showed that farmers’ access to agricultural machinery harvesting services significantly reduced cropland abandonment in small-scale groups, without elderly households, with nonagricultural income groups, and in the eastern region. This study also provides some policy implications for policymakers to reduce cropland abandonment in rural China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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18 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yield Responses of Grain Sorghum and Cowpea in Binary and Sole Cultures under No-Tillage Conditions in Limpopo Province

by Tlou E. Mogale, Kingsley K. Ayisi, Lawrence Munjonji and Yehenew G. Kifle

Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050733 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3916

Abstract

Climate change is severely disrupting ecosystem services and crop productivity, resulting in lower crop growth and yields. Studies have emphasized the importance of assessing conservation practices through crop modelling to improve cropland productivity. There is a lack of accurate information in the performance [...] Read more.

Climate change is severely disrupting ecosystem services and crop productivity, resulting in lower crop growth and yields. Studies have emphasized the importance of assessing conservation practices through crop modelling to improve cropland productivity. There is a lack of accurate information in the performance of conservation practices as well as data for improved crop modelling. No-tillage sorghum–cowpea intercrop experiments were established to assess the productivity of four sorghum cultivars and cowpea at two densities of 37,037 and 74,074 per plants and generate data for improved crop modelling. The leaf area index (LAI) varied in sorghum cultivars and cowpea densities during the two growing seasons. Cultivars Enforcer and NS5511 produced the highest grain yields of 4338 kg per ha and 2120 kg per ha, respectively, at Syferkuil. Ofcolaco’s Enforcer and Avenger were the highest yielding cultivars at Ofcolaco, with mean yields of 2625 kg per ha and 1191 kg per ha, respectively. At Syferkuil, cowpea yield was 93% and 77% more in sole compared to binary cultures during the growing seasons at Syferkuil. At Ofcolaco, sole yielded approximately 96% more grain than binary. The findings confirm that for the sorghum–cowpea intercrop to improve overall system productivity, cowpea density should be increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

16 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on the Theory and Practice of Grassland Eco-Compensation in China

by Zhidong Li, Boru Su and Moucheng Liu

Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050721 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2287

Abstract

In order to curb the phenomenon of grassland degradation caused by human activity, China has begun the exploration of grassland eco-compensation, setting an example for the ecological protection of grasslands and sustainable use of resources around the world. At this stage, China has [...] Read more.

In order to curb the phenomenon of grassland degradation caused by human activity, China has begun the exploration of grassland eco-compensation, setting an example for the ecological protection of grasslands and sustainable use of resources around the world. At this stage, China has invested more than 170 billion yuan in grassland eco-compensation, benefiting 12 million farmer and herder households. The related research involves various perspectives, scopes, and methods, but lacks systematic reviewing. This study reviews the relevant theoretical and practical research and explores the connotations and effects of grassland eco-compensation in China. In general, the current grassland eco-compensation in China is a large-scale ecological-economic institutional arrangement with the following five characteristics: (1) the goals are to maintain the grassland ecosystem services and increase the income of herder households; (2) the main bodies are governments and herder households; (3) the main method is financial transfer payments; (4) the compensation standards are based on the opportunity costs of the herder households’ responses as the lower limits and the grassland ecosystem service values as the upper limits; and (5) it is a comprehensive compensation system that requires legal, regulatory, technological support and long-term mechanisms. Since 2011, driven by the grassland eco-compensation policy, the income levels of herder households in each pilot area have generally increased, and the overall ecology of grasslands has slightly improved. However, there are still some areas where overload is common. Additionally, there are regional differences in the satisfaction degree of herder households, which is mainly affected by factors such as family income, compensation cognition and family holding grassland scale. Our analysis shows that the shortcomings of current theoretical research are mainly reflected in the low precision of scientific compensation standards, the lack of a basis for differentiated standards, and the single compensation method. The shortcoming of practical research is that most effect evaluations cannot reflect the role of eco-compensation in it. This study suggests that future work should focus on the response mechanism of herder households and the improvement of the compensation measures. At the same time, the scope of research should be expanded, and we should learn from advanced compensation experience in other fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture: Theories, Methods, Practices and Policies)

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