Research

17 pages, 1741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Agricultural Credit Mitigate the Effect of Climate Change on Cereal Production? Evidence from Sichuan Province, China

by Wensong He, Wei Chen, Abbas Ali Chandio, Bangzheng Zhang and Yuansheng Jiang

Atmosphere 2022, 13(2), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13020336 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate the effects of global climate change (via temperature and rainfall) on cereal production in Sichuan over the 1978–2018 period, whether agricultural credit combining with technical progress (i.e., mechanical farming rate) mitigate the effect of climate change. The present [...] Read more.

This study attempts to investigate the effects of global climate change (via temperature and rainfall) on cereal production in Sichuan over the 1978–2018 period, whether agricultural credit combining with technical progress (i.e., mechanical farming rate) mitigate the effect of climate change. The present study empirically analyzed the short-term and long-term interrelation among all the considered variables by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The results of the ARDL bounds testing revealed that there is a long-term cointegration relationship between the variables. The findings showed that temperature significantly negatively affected cereal production, while rainfall significantly contributed to cereal production in the context of Sichuan province, China. Agricultural credit, especially in the long run, significantly improved cereal production, implying that agricultural credit is used to invest in climate mitigation technologies in cereal production. Findings further indicated that the mechanical farming rate significantly enhanced cereal production, indicating that technical progress has been playing a vital role. This study suggests that the policymakers should formulate more comprehensive agricultural policies to meet the financial needs of the agricultural sector and increase support for production technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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17 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Heading Shift of Barley Cultivars on the Weather Patterns around Heading and Yield in Alaska

by Mingyuan Cheng, Mingchu Zhang, Robert M. Van Veldhuizen and Charles W. Knight

Atmosphere 2022, 13(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13020310 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Barley heading date has advanced in Fairbanks (64.83° N, 147.77° W), Alaska, USA. However, it is unclear if this advance coincidently causes weather pattern changes around heading and leads to yield loss. Using the Variety Trial and weather data in Fairbanks and Delta [...] Read more.

Barley heading date has advanced in Fairbanks (64.83° N, 147.77° W), Alaska, USA. However, it is unclear if this advance coincidently causes weather pattern changes around heading and leads to yield loss. Using the Variety Trial and weather data in Fairbanks and Delta Junction (64.05° N, 145.60° W) from 1991 to 2018, two barley cultivars were selected to analyze the yield and weather trends, the yield variation explained by weather, and the effect of extreme weather on yield. The results showed that the heading date of ‘Otal’ significantly advanced and yield significantly declined in Fairbanks while there were no heading and yield changes of ‘Otal’ in Delta Junction and of ‘Thual’ in both Fairbanks and Delta Junction. The weather pattern changed around heading due to advanced heading of ‘Otal’ in Fairbanks. The climate factors at 7–10 days around heading explained over 50% of ‘Otal’ yield variation in Fairbanks. The results suggest that ‘Otal’ can still be good to plant in Delta Junction but not in Fairbanks. To cope with the climate change in Alaska, the farmers should increase the diversity of barley cultivars, select non-photoperiod sensitive cultivars and cultivars with longer duration from planting to heading, and sow late to avoid the impact on heading and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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16 pages, 2312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Possible Impacts of Different Global Warming Levels on Major Crops in Egypt

by Gamil Gamal, Magdy Samak and Mohamed Shahba

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121589 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3208

Abstract

Climate change implications are a severe risk to food security and the economy. Global warming could disturb the production of both rainfed and irrigated agriculture thru the amplify of yield water requests in many areas. In this study, the fast-track projections available through [...] Read more.

Climate change implications are a severe risk to food security and the economy. Global warming could disturb the production of both rainfed and irrigated agriculture thru the amplify of yield water requests in many areas. In this study, the fast-track projections available through the Inter-Sectors Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI-MIP) were presented and analyzed to assess the effects of two global warming (GW) levels (1.5 and 2.0 °C) on the maize and wheat yields in Egypt. Outcomes proposed spatial variations in the effects of temperature change on crop yield. Compared with the referenced situation, an observed national average change in wheat yield about 5.0% (0.0% to 9.0%) and 5.0% (−3.0% to 14.0%) under GW1.5 and GW2.0 respectively. While for maize yield, the change in national average about −1.0% (−5.0% to 3.0%) and −4.0% (−8.0% to 2.0%) under GW1.5 and GW2.0 respectively. GW1.5 could be helpful for wheat yield, but the positive effect decayed when the warming level reached 2.0 °C overhead the pre-industrial level. Nevertheless, the possible deviations to Egypt’s maize production under the GW1.5 and GW2.0 scenarios are unclear where the models do not agree with the sign of change. Adjusting the temperature rise within 1.5 °C would diminish the yield reduction, as it is an extraordinary priority to safeguard crop production. To achieve Progress of innovative agronomic managing plans and swapping to additional drought-resistant crops may be valuable for coping with climate change in regions vulnerable to yield decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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21 pages, 1266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Perception and Uptake of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Rice Production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

by Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke, Mark Umunna Amadi, Chukwudi Loveday Njoku and Emeka Emmanuel Osuji

Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111503 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4297

Abstract

Rice production in Nigeria is vulnerable to climate risks and rice farmers over time have experienced the risks and their respective impacts on rice farming. Rice farmers have also responded to perceived climate risks with strategies believed to be climate-smart. Farmers’ perception of [...] Read more.

Rice production in Nigeria is vulnerable to climate risks and rice farmers over time have experienced the risks and their respective impacts on rice farming. Rice farmers have also responded to perceived climate risks with strategies believed to be climate-smart. Farmers’ perception of climate risks is an important first step of determining any action to be taken to counteract the negative effects of climate change on agriculture. Studies on the link between perceived climate risks and farmers’ response strategies are increasing. However, there are limited studies on the determinants of rice farmers’ perception of climate events. The paper therefore examined climate change perception and uptake of climate-smart agriculture in rice production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria using cross-sectional data from 347 rice farmers in an important rice-producing area in Nigeria. Principal component analysis, multivariate probit regression model and descriptive statistics were adopted for data analysis. Perceived climate events include increased rainfall intensity, prolonged dry seasons, frequent floods, rising temperature, severe windstorms, unpredictable rainfall pattern and distribution, late onset rain, and early cessation of rain. Farmers’ socioeconomic, farm and institutional characteristics influenced their perception of climate change. Additionally, rice farmers used a variety of climate-smart practices and technologies to respond to the perceived climate events. Such climate-smart practices include planting improved rice varieties, insurance, planting different crops, livelihood diversification, soil and water conservation techniques, adjusting planting and harvesting dates, irrigation, reliance on climate information and forecasts, planting on the nursery, appropriate application of fertilizer and efficient and effective use of pesticides. These climate-smart agricultural measures were further delineated into five broad packages using principal component analysis. These packages include crop and land management practices, climate-based services and irrigation, livelihood diversification and soil fertility management, efficient and effective use of pesticide and planting on the nursery. High fertilizer costs, lack of access to inputs, insufficient land, insufficient capital, pests and diseases, floods, scorching sun, high labour cost, insufficient climate information, and poor extension services were the barriers to uptake of climate-smart agriculture in rice production. Rice farmers should be supported to implement climate-smart agriculture in rice production in order to achieve the objectives of increased rice productivity and income, food security, climate resilience and mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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20 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Response of Spring–Summer-Grown Black Gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) in Indian Subtropics

by Purabi Banerjee, Bishal Mukherjee, Visha Kumari Venugopalan, Rajib Nath, Malamal Alickal Sarath Chandran, Eldessoky S. Dessoky, Ismail A. Ismail, Ehab I. El-Hallous and Akbar Hossain

Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111489 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2892

Abstract

The thermal environment of a crop is one of the prime factors enhancing growth and production by regulating its physiological processes at different phenophases. To study the impact of thermal regime on spring–summer-grown black gram (variety Pant Urd 31), an experiment was conducted [...] Read more.

The thermal environment of a crop is one of the prime factors enhancing growth and production by regulating its physiological processes at different phenophases. To study the impact of thermal regime on spring–summer-grown black gram (variety Pant Urd 31), an experiment was conducted with different sowing dates (from the first to the third week of March), soil application of cobalt (Co) and foliar sprays of potassium (K) and boron (B) in various combinations in the split–split plot design during 2020 and 2021. The first-week-of-March-sown crop recorded more accumulated growing degree-days (GDD), photothermal units (PTU) and heliothermal units (HTU) with a longer duration than the later sown crop. Higher daily mean temperature during the reproductive stage of the later sown crop compelled it to complete the phenophases earlier than the normally sown crop, leading to yield reduction. Soil application of Co at 4 kg ha⁻¹ and foliar sprays of K at 1.25% and B at 0.2% mitigated the adversities of excess heat irrespective of sowing dates. Variations in GDD and HTU, respectively, explained variations of about 75.8% and 87.3% in the final dry matter accumulation and of 72.9% and 84.8% in seed yield through polynomial regressions in the respective years. The maximum mean thermal use efficiency (TUE) for biomass production (0.24 g m⁻²/°C/day⁻¹) and seed yield (0.11 g m⁻²/°C/day⁻¹) were observed with Co soil application and combined foliar sprays of K and B due to higher dry matter production or seed yield with lower heat units accumulation in the first sown crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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22 pages, 3999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugarcane Yield Forecast in Ivory Coast (West Africa) Based on Weather and Vegetation Index Data

by Edouard Pignède, Philippe Roudier, Arona Diedhiou, Vami Hermann N’Guessan Bi, Arsène T. Kobea, Daouda Konaté and Crépin Bi Péné

Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111459 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

One way to use climate services in the case of sugarcane is to develop models that forecast yields to help the sector to be better prepared against climate risks. In this study, several models for forecasting sugarcane yields were developed and compared in [...] Read more.

One way to use climate services in the case of sugarcane is to develop models that forecast yields to help the sector to be better prepared against climate risks. In this study, several models for forecasting sugarcane yields were developed and compared in the north of Ivory Coast (West Africa). These models were based on statistical methods, ranging from linear regression to machine learning algorithms such as the random forest method, fed by climate data (rainfall, temperature); satellite products (NDVI, EVI from MODIS Vegetation Index product) and information on cropping practices. The results show that the forecasting of sugarcane yield depended on the area considered. At the plot level, the noise due to cultivation practices can hide the effects of climate on yields and leads to poor forecasting performance. However, models using satellite variables are more efficient and those with EVI alone may explain 43% of yield variations. Moreover, taking into account cultural practices in the model improves the score and enables one to forecast 3 months before harvest in 50% and 69% of cases whether yields will be high or low, respectively, with errors of only 10% and 2%, respectively. These results on the predictive potential of sugarcane yields are useful for planning and climate risk management in this sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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18 pages, 8334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Agricultural Drought on Sunflower Production across Hungary

by Endre Harsányi, Bashar Bashir, Firas Alsilibe, Karam Alsafadi, Abdullah Alsalman, Adrienn Széles, Muhammad Habib ur Rahman, István Bácskai, Csaba Juhász, Tamás Ratonyi and Safwan Mohammed

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101339 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4081

Abstract

In the last few decades, agricultural drought (Ag.D) has seriously affected crop production and food security worldwide. In Hungary, little research has been carried out to assess the impacts of climate change, particularly regarding droughts and crop production, and especially on regional scales. [...] Read more.

In the last few decades, agricultural drought (Ag.D) has seriously affected crop production and food security worldwide. In Hungary, little research has been carried out to assess the impacts of climate change, particularly regarding droughts and crop production, and especially on regional scales. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of agricultural drought on sunflower production across Hungary. Drought data for the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were collected from the CARBATCLIM database (1961–2010), whereas sunflower production was collected from the Hungarian national statistical center (KSH) on regional and national scales. To address the impact of Ag.D on sunflower production, the sequence of standardized yield residuals (SSYR) and yield losses Y_lossAD was applied. Additionally, sunflower resilience to Ag.D (SRAg.D) was assessed on a regional scale. The results showed that Ag.D is more severe in the western regions of Hungary, with a significantly positive trend. Interestingly, drought events were more frequent between 1990 and 2010. Moreover, the lowest SSYR values were reported as −3.20 in the Hajdu-Bihar region (2010). In this sense, during the sunflower growing cycle, the relationship between SSYR and Ag.D revealed that the highest correlations were recorded in the central and western regions of Hungary. However, 75% of the regions showed that the plantation of sunflower is not resilient to drought where

SRAg . D_{x}

< 1. To cope with climate change in Hungary, an urgent mitigation plan should be implemented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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23 pages, 2319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nexus between Environmental Impact and Agricultural Sector Linkages: A Case Study of Pakistan

by Muhammad Jawad Sajid and Muhammad Habib ur Rahman

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091200 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

Agriculture has a substantial environmental impact. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between agriculture’s environmental impacts and linkages, particularly for the key agriculture-based Pakistani economy. Additionally, the literature on environmental linkages rarely estimates multiple types of linkages in a single [...] Read more.

Agriculture has a substantial environmental impact. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between agriculture’s environmental impacts and linkages, particularly for the key agriculture-based Pakistani economy. Additionally, the literature on environmental linkages rarely estimates multiple types of linkages in a single study. This study fills these critical research gaps. The study estimates the land, water, nitrogen, and CO₂ impacts and linkages of Pakistan’s agriculture sector using an input–output model and the hypothetical extraction method. The results indicated that agriculture directly accounted for approximately 27%, 93%, 92%, and 1% of Pakistan’s total sectoral land, water, nitrogen, and CO₂ impacts (LWNC), respectively. While the sector indirectly contributed almost 2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.4% of Pakistan’s total LWNC. The bulk of direct LWNC impacts were caused by agricultural purchases from downstream sectoral importers. The majority of the indirect LWNC impacts were induced by agriculture’s re-imports. The agricultural purchases from the downstream sector of “Food and Beverages” induced the greatest environmental impact. To ensure sustainable agriculture, particularly in Pakistan, the agriculture sector’s direct and indirect environmental impacts should be reduced not only through better management practices and technology, but also by focusing on intermediate sectoral sources of direct and indirect environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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14 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adoption of Promising Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.) Genotypes for Yield and Quality Characteristics in the Semiarid Climate of Turkey

by Yunus Güzel and Gülen Özyazıcı

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091199 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2330

Abstract

This study was conducted for two seasons from 2018 to 2020 to determine fenugreek genotypes yield and quality characteristics under semiarid climatic conditions. Fenugreek genotypes viz., Adana, Afghanistan, Gaziantep, Iraq, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Mardin, Şanlıurfa with varieties of Berkem and Gürarslan were used as [...] Read more.

This study was conducted for two seasons from 2018 to 2020 to determine fenugreek genotypes yield and quality characteristics under semiarid climatic conditions. Fenugreek genotypes viz., Adana, Afghanistan, Gaziantep, Iraq, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Mardin, Şanlıurfa with varieties of Berkem and Gürarslan were used as plant material in the research. Field trials were conducted with four replications according to the randomized complete block design. The results revealed that the time to emergence varied from 16.0 to 19.9 days, 50% flowering from 160.9 to 170.4 days, and the vegetation period from 202.0 to 209.3 days. According to the results of two years of research, plant height varied from 64.60 to 78.70 cm, first pod height from 25.26 to 41.76 cm, pod width from 2.91 to 3.29 mm, pod length from 10.07 to 12.60 cm, number of pods per plant from 12.00 to 18.73, number of seeds per pod from 12.55 to 15.55, biological yield from 5.12 to 7.62 t/ha⁻¹, seed yield from 0.91 to 1.38 t/ha⁻¹, harvest index from 17.91 to 24.35%, thousand-seed weight from 13.87 to 17.45 g, fatty oil content from 5.18 to 9.16%, fatty oil yield from 49.3 to 111.6 kg ha⁻¹, and the trigonelline ratio varied from 0.71 to 1.32%. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed for the pod width, while highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed for all other parameters. According to the research results, Mardin, Kayseri, and Adana genotypes were statistically in the same group with Berkem cultivar in terms of seed yield. A higher fatty oil content was obtained in the Afghanistan genotype (9.16%) than in the Berkem cultivar (8.11%). Gaziantep, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, and Kayseri genotypes contained higher trigonellin than the Berkem and Gürarslan varieties. The obtained information was the result of the Mardin, Kayseri, Adana, Gaziantep, and Afghanistan genotypes that can be used in breeding studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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10 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Effects of Organic Amendments on Maize Biomass and Nutrient Availability in Upland Calcareous Soil

by Syed Turab Raza, Jianping Wu, Zulfiqar Ali, Raheel Anjum, Nazir Ahmed Bazai, Adugna Feyissa and Zhe Chen

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081034 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

The current study is focuses on a sustainable agricultural ecosystem for soil fertility and human health improvement. To estimate the effects of applying organic amendments (compost, vermicompost, biochar, organic manure and rapeseed cake) on crop growth of maize and nutrient uptake in calcareous [...] Read more.

The current study is focuses on a sustainable agricultural ecosystem for soil fertility and human health improvement. To estimate the effects of applying organic amendments (compost, vermicompost, biochar, organic manure and rapeseed cake) on crop growth of maize and nutrient uptake in calcareous soil, eleven treatments were studied, which included compost (CM), cow manure vermicompost (CMV), pig manure vermicompost (PMV), biochar vermicompost (BCV), biochar (BC), conventional synthetic fertilizers (NPK), CMV in addition to NPK (CMV + NPK), and PMV in addition to NPK (PMV + NPK), organic manure (OM), rapeseed cake (RC) and control without any fertilization (CK). Maize above and belowground biomass were analyzed in glass greenhouse experiments. The results showed that nitrogen and carbon contents showed significant differences among treatments. Vermicompost significantly showed higher biomass as compared to inorganic fertilizers except for RC. All vermicompost treatments also showed better nutrient availability as compared to NPK and CK. In conclusion, vermicompost with all substrates are recommended for application as organic fertilizers. Our study will help promote the application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers rather than only inorganic fertilizers for environmental health and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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15 pages, 2336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Proteome Response to Drought Stress and Antioxidant Potential in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

by Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Abida Parveen, Gayatri Jamwal, Umer Basu, Ranjeet Ranjan Kumar, Pradeep K. Rai, Jag Paul Sharma, Adel I. Alalawy, Mohammed A. Al-Duais, Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Muhammad Habib ur Rahman, Ali Raza, Subhan Danish and Mohamed I. Sakran

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081021 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

Advances in proteome research have opened the gateway to understanding numerous metabolic pathways and fundamental mechanisms involved in abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of four tomato genotypes i.e., Kashi Amrit, Kashi Anupam, EC-317-6-1, and WIR-4360 was determined under [...] Read more.

Advances in proteome research have opened the gateway to understanding numerous metabolic pathways and fundamental mechanisms involved in abiotic stress tolerance. In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of four tomato genotypes i.e., Kashi Amrit, Kashi Anupam, EC-317-6-1, and WIR-4360 was determined under drought stress to ascertain the scavenging potential for reactive oxygen species (ROS). A significant increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) activities in all the four genotypes under drought stress was observed, which seemed to be associated with a protective role against ROS (p < 0.001). Based on the antioxidant enzyme activities, a proteomic approach was applied to study differential protein expression in two selected genotypes from different species i.e., EC-317-6-1 (Solanum pimpinellifolium) and Kashi Amrit (Solanum lycopersicum) grown under irrigated, drought, and re-watering conditions. To reveal the protein network regulated under these conditions, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was employed to identify and quantify the number of proteins in drought-sensitive (Kashi Amrit) and tolerant (EC-317-6-1) genotypes. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight analysis (MALDI-TOF) revealed a total of 453 spots after fine-tuning factors i.e., smoothness, saliency, and minimum area that responded to drought. Out of 453 total spots, 93 spots were identified in Kashi Amrit and 154 in EC-317-6-1 under irrigated conditions, whereas 4 spots were identified in Kashi Amrit and 77 spots in EC-317-6-1 under drought conditions. Furthermore, differentially expressed proteins were distinguished according to the fold change of their expression. Information provided in this report will be useful for the selection of proteins or genes in analyzing or improving drought tolerance in tomato cultivars. These findings may assist in the construction of a complete proteome database encompassing various divergent species which could be a valuable source for the improvement of crops under drought-stress conditions in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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19 pages, 8102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Groundwater Potential for Irrigation, by Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of District Lower Dir, Pakistan

by Abid Sarwar, Sajid Rashid Ahmad, Muhammad Ishaq Asif Rehmani, Muhammad Asif Javid, Shazia Gulzar, Muhammad Ahmad Shehzad, Javeed Shabbir Dar, Alaa Baazeem, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Muhammad Habib Ur Rahman, Milan Skalicky, Marian Brestic and Ayman EL Sabagh

Atmosphere 2021, 12(6), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12060669 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5944

Abstract

The changing climate and global warming have rendered existing surface water insufficient, which is projected to adversely influence the irrigated farming systems globally. Consequently, groundwater demand has increased significantly owing to increasing population and demand for plant-based foods especially in South Asia and [...] Read more.

The changing climate and global warming have rendered existing surface water insufficient, which is projected to adversely influence the irrigated farming systems globally. Consequently, groundwater demand has increased significantly owing to increasing population and demand for plant-based foods especially in South Asia and Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the potential areas for groundwater use for agriculture sector development in the study area Lower Dir District. ArcGIS 10.4 was utilized for geospatial analysis, which is referred to as Multi Influencing Factor (MIF) methodology. Seven parameters including land cover, geology, soil, rainfall, underground faults (liniment) density, drainage density, and slope, were utilized for delineation purpose. Considering relative significance and influence of each parameter in the groundwater recharge rating and weightage was given and potential groundwater areas were classified into very high, high, good, and poor. The result of classification disclosed that the areas of 113.10, 659.38, 674.68, and 124.17 km² had very high, high, good, and poor potential for groundwater agricultural uses, respectively. Field surveys for water table indicated groundwater potentiality, which was high for Kotkay and Lalqila union councils having shallow water table. However, groundwater potentiality was poor in Zimdara, Khal, and Talash, characterized with a very deep water table. Moreover, the study effectively revealed that remote sensing and GIS could be developed as potent tools for mapping potential sites for groundwater utilization. Furthermore, MIF technique could be a suitable approach for delineation of groundwater potential zone, which can be applied for further research in different areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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13 pages, 1546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Potassium Sulfate Application Improved Photosynthetic Characteristics, Water Relations and Seedling Growth of Drought-Stressed Maize

by Allah Wasaya, Muhammad Affan, Tauqeer Ahmad Yasir, Atique-ur-Rehman, Khuram Mubeen, Haseeb ur Rehman, Muqarrab Ali, Farukh Nawaz, Ahmed Galal, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Mohammad Sohidul Islam, Mohamed El-Sharnouby, Muhammad Habib ur Rahman and Ayman EL Sabagh

Atmosphere 2021, 12(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12060663 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

Changing climates and frequent spells of drought have increased the risk of crop failure, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, thus multiplying the vulnerability of food-insecure populations. The exogenous application of potassium (K) can potentially ameliorate the adverse effects of drought in maize [...] Read more.

Changing climates and frequent spells of drought have increased the risk of crop failure, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, thus multiplying the vulnerability of food-insecure populations. The exogenous application of potassium (K) can potentially ameliorate the adverse effects of drought in maize by maintaining cell osmotic potential and turgidity, provided its optimum doses are applied. The present experiment comprised two maize cultivars, viz. Islamabad Gold (drought tolerant) and Azam (drought susceptible), grown under well-watered (80% water-holding capacity (WHC)), mild drought (60% WHC) and severe drought (40% WHC) conditions. Different doses of K, viz. 0%, 1% and 2%, were also tested to screen out the most superior concentration. Drought stress markedly reduced root and shoot lengths (25% and 16%, respectively) along with their dry weights (20% and 10%, respectively). Moreover, a substantial reduction in leaf relative water content (RWC) (24%), stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis rates, chlorophyll pigments a, b and total chlorophyll contents (31%) were recorded, compared with well-watered conditions. However, foliar application of K₂SO₄ at 2% concentration outperformed other doses by improving growth attributes, RWC (10%), total chlorophyll (9%) and proline (12%) under severe drought conditions. Our findings confirmed the effectiveness of foliage-applied K₂SO₄ in ameliorating drought effects in rainfed maize; however, more doses and sources of K could be tested for developing it as a potent source to cope with water stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate)

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