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Sustainability in Agricultural Systems and Ecosystem Services

A topical collection in Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This collection belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

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Editors

Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: protected area management; natural resource management; sustainability assessment; multicriteria analysis; choice experiments; ecosystem service assessment and management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: sustainability analysis; environmental impact evaluation; life cycle assessment; ecological footprint; decision support systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays world requires that food systems adapt to meet the demands of a growing population, to deal with the urgency of climate change and the challenge of environmental conservation in the face of a range of planetary pressures. By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.8 billions, requiring a 70 percent increase in food production. At the same time agriculture needs to adopt sustainable solutions that lead to healthier agro-ecosystems, to carry on producing of food into the future.

Ecosystem services underpin most part of the agricultural production systems. However, they are considered to be as free and expected component of the production system instead of an essential component that could cease if not properly managed. Ecosystem-based approaches offer an option to increase the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems, strengthening key natural ecosystem services, protecting rural livelihoods and ensuring food security.

This Topical Collection will comprise a selection of papers presenting original and innovative contributions to the research field of sustainability of agricultural systems. In particular, contributions about the following themes will be considered: the promotion of agriculture based on diversifying farms and farming landscapes; the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into food production; the evaluation of positive and effective incentives systems for diversification, involving also trade and consumption; the assessment of sustainability and resilience in agricultural systems; the multifunctional agriculture and ecosystem services production and the advancement in decision support tools for improving sustainability of agricultural systems.

Papers selected for this Topical Collection will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications. 

Dr. Lucia Rocchi
Dr. Luisa Paolotti
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ecosystem-based agriculture
  • biodiversity-based agriculture
  • ecosystem services management
  • ecosystem services production
  • agro-ecosystem services assessment
  • sustainable ecosystems services
  • resilience in agricultural systems

Published Papers (10 papers)

2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021, 2020

11 pages, 1550 KiB  
Article
Farmer Perception of Links between Grassland Diversity and Animal Health in Relation to Farm Structure
by Ambra Di Blasi, Claire Manoli, Charles Banliat, Sylvain Plantureux, Timothée Petit, Sébastien Couvreur and Audrey Michaud
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16793; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416793 - 13 Dec 2023
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Grasslands cover a substantial share of land area in the world and in Europe, where they are used to feed herbivores and provide a range of ecosystem services. Grasslands also help in animal health maintenance by hosting a diversity of plant species with [...] Read more.
Grasslands cover a substantial share of land area in the world and in Europe, where they are used to feed herbivores and provide a range of ecosystem services. Grasslands also help in animal health maintenance by hosting a diversity of plant species with antioxidant components. This animal health benefit has been under-researched. The aim of this study is to capture how farmers perceive links between grassland diversity and animal health, and to examine whether their perceptions are related to their farm and its structure. For that purpose, we conducted 103 surveys in three regions of France to collect farmers’ perceptions regarding animal health, grassland diversity, and the link between the two. We then used factorial analysis of mixed data to study the relationship between the farmers’ perceived links between grassland and animal health and their type of farm structure and management. For 61 farmers, there was a strong link between grassland diversity and animal health. However, we found no statistical relationship between the type of farm and the type of farmer-perceived link between grassland diversity and animal health, and the farmers who perceived a strong link employed a wide range of feeding systems. Further research is needed to deeply analyze farmers’ practices and perceptions of grassland–health links. Full article
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14 pages, 502 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Pollination Ecosystem Service of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Based on a Beekeeping Model in Hungary
by Aliz Feketéné Ferenczi, Isván Szűcs and Andrea Bauerné Gáthy
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 9906; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139906 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
Apiaries must be ecologically and economically sustainable to provide pollination as a unique ecosystem service. Pollination as an ecosystem service is economically, socially, and environmentally irreplaceable. Therefore, it is essential to improve the profitability of beekeeping activities, which are mainly carried out in [...] Read more.
Apiaries must be ecologically and economically sustainable to provide pollination as a unique ecosystem service. Pollination as an ecosystem service is economically, socially, and environmentally irreplaceable. Therefore, it is essential to improve the profitability of beekeeping activities, which are mainly carried out in rural areas. With this in mind, the main objective of this article is to assess pollination as one of the ecosystem services provided by bees, based on the specificities of Hungarian honey production. The authors’ analysis is based on a Hungarian apiary with 300 colonies active in migratory beekeeping. The model farm produces a wide variety of honey thanks to its migratory beekeeping, visiting several bee pastures during the beekeeping season. This paper presents an approach to quantify the ecosystem services provided by honey bees (Apis mellifera) using two economic valuation methods (productivity change and surrogate market goods) belonging to the family of cost-based valuation. The results of the monetary valuation of the ecosystem services provided by bees can provide a starting point for further research to help decision-makers and farmers to calculate a fair “pollination fee” for beekeepers, which will significantly help beekeepers to maintain beekeeping, an important and beneficial activity for all of us. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021, 2020

20 pages, 1459 KiB  
Article
Pluralistic Valuation of Codling Moth Regulation by Brown Long-Eared Bats in English Apple Orchards
by Francis Murphy and Joe Ament
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11966; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911966 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1516
Abstract
The benefits humans utilise from the ecological interactions of the Brown Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) have gone relatively unnoticed in the UK. This study aimed to expose one such interaction through a pluralistic valuation of Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) [...] Read more.
The benefits humans utilise from the ecological interactions of the Brown Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) have gone relatively unnoticed in the UK. This study aimed to expose one such interaction through a pluralistic valuation of Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) regulation by P. auritus in the context of English apple orchards. A stage-structured model linking C. pomonella population dynamics through consumption by P. auritus was created to understand crop loss reduction estimates due to this predation. The model found that the presence of a single P. auritus individual resulted in a significant reduction of 81.06–83.68% crop lost per hectare. The results of the avoided costs methods yielded a range of economic estimates with between GBP 307.59 and 604.95/ha private, ecological and social costs being avoided. Traditional biodiverse apple orchards that support P. auritus habitats are at risk from land development and agricultural intensification which would have serious consequences on biodiversity. The findings of this study could form the basis of further research that informs apple orchard managers, local communities dependent on apple production and policymakers of the importance of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture. Full article
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25 pages, 1722 KiB  
Review
Regenerative Agriculture and Its Potential to Improve Farmscape Function
by Tom O’Donoghue, Budiman Minasny and Alex McBratney
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105815 - 11 May 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 13653
Abstract
Recent reviews have identified major themes within regenerative agriculture—soil health, biodiversity, and socioeconomic disparities—but have so far been unable to clarify a definition based on practice and/or outcomes. In recent years, the concept has seen a rapid increase in farming, popular, and corporate [...] Read more.
Recent reviews have identified major themes within regenerative agriculture—soil health, biodiversity, and socioeconomic disparities—but have so far been unable to clarify a definition based on practice and/or outcomes. In recent years, the concept has seen a rapid increase in farming, popular, and corporate interest, the scope of which now sees regenerative agriculture best viewed as a movement. To define and guide further practical and academic work in this respect, the authors have returned to the literature to explore the movement’s origins, intentions, and potential through three phases of work: early academic, current popular, and current academic. A consistent intention from early to current supporters sees the regeneration, or rebuilding, of agricultural resources, soil, water, biota, human, and energy as necessary to achieve a sustainable agriculture. This intention aligns well with international impetus to improve ecosystem function. The yet to be confirmed definition, an intention for iterative design, and emerging consumer and ecosystem service markets present several potential avenues to deliver these intentions. To assist, the authors propose the Farmscape Function framework, to monitor the impact of change in our agricultural resources over time, and a mechanism to support further data-based innovation. These tools and the movement’s intentions position regenerative agriculture as a state for rather than type of agriculture. Full article
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15 pages, 1324 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Environmental Adaptability Efficiency of the Agricultural System in China
by Xianglong Tang, Chenyu Lu, Peng Meng and Wei Cheng
Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3685; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063685 - 21 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Since its emergence, the development of agriculture has always been closely related to changes in the natural environment. The productivity and development of agriculture largely depend on natural conditions and agriculture and has an important impact on the environment. The development of modern [...] Read more.
Since its emergence, the development of agriculture has always been closely related to changes in the natural environment. The productivity and development of agriculture largely depend on natural conditions and agriculture and has an important impact on the environment. The development of modern conventional agriculture has also led to a series of ecological, economic, and social problems that threaten human development and sustenance. China has historically been heavily reliant on agriculture and provides food and clothing for approximately 22% of the world’s population while only accounting for 9% of the world’s cultivated land and 6% of freshwater resources. Since the 21st century, the agricultural development of China has faced increasing resource and environmental constraints due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Based on the perspective of efficiency evolution, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and spatial autocorrelation analysis (SAA) were used to test the environment adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural systems across 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, and explore its temporal and spatial evolution patterns and characteristics. Our study thus possesses both theoretical and practical significance. Furthermore, this study would enable the development of methods to assess China’s agricultural systems, in addition to providing a theoretical basis and guidelines for the creation of sustainable agriculture development strategies both in China and in other countries and regions. The following are the main conclusions of this study: (1) from 2000 to 2018, the overall environmental adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural systems exhibited a gradual upward trend, achieving a transition from medium-level efficiency towards high-level efficiency, and the environmental adaptability of agricultural systems continued to increase. However, a certain gap remained between the level achieved and the DEA’s level of effectiveness, and therefore additional efforts are required to close this gap. (2) The environmental adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural system showed a significant positive correlation in spatial distribution. Particularly, clear spatial aggregation characteristics were observed at the provincial level, which was also characterized by strong features of spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity. Moreover, the degree of spatial aggregation increased gradually over time. High-value areas were mainly located along the southeast coastal area, whereas low-value areas were primarily located in the inland areas of the northwest. Therefore, environmental adaptability efficiency generally followed a northwest-southeast spatial distribution. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2020

12 pages, 1585 KiB  
Article
Gum Arabic Production and Population Status of Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton in Dryland Forests in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia
by Gizachew Zeleke, Tatek Dejene, Wubalem Tadesse and Pablo Martín-Pinto
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11671; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111671 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton is a multi-purpose dryland tree species that produces gum arabic, a commercially valuable product. However, this resource is underused in Ethiopian dryland areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population status and potential gum yield of [...] Read more.
Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton is a multi-purpose dryland tree species that produces gum arabic, a commercially valuable product. However, this resource is underused in Ethiopian dryland areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population status and potential gum yield of S. senegal growing in natural stands in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. Forty-five sample plots, each measuring 20 × 20 m, were established at 500 m intervals along transects, with 1 m2 subplots located within the main plots to determine regeneration. S. senegal trees with a diameter at breast height of between 2 and 12 cm were most prevalent. Forty-two tree species were associated with S. senegal, of which 16 were gum- and resin-producing species. S. senegal was positively associated with Vachellia tortilis, Senegalia mellifera, Vachellia nilotica, Commiphora edulis, and Dobera glabra. Senegalia senegal comprised approximately 35% of regenerating trees. The maximum gum arabic yield obtained was 3948 g tree−1. Linear models of dendrometric variables indicated that gum arabic yield is better predicted by tree diameter than by height. Despite the limitations of this pioneer survey, the population status and yield potential suggest that gum arabic could be sustainably produced and commercialized in natural stands of S. senegal in the studied dryland areas, providing local communities with supplementary seasonal incomes. Full article
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16 pages, 4060 KiB  
Article
A Study on Optimal Agroforestry Planting Patterns in the Buffer Zone of World Natural Heritage Sites
by Xing Luo, Kangning Xiong, Juan Zhang and Dong Chen
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011544 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1914
Abstract
As the protection layer of world natural heritage sites, the buffer zone should enable economic development while protecting the environment. To carry out agricultural activities in the buffer zone, it is necessary to balance agricultural development and environmental protection. In addition, the development [...] Read more.
As the protection layer of world natural heritage sites, the buffer zone should enable economic development while protecting the environment. To carry out agricultural activities in the buffer zone, it is necessary to balance agricultural development and environmental protection. In addition, the development of agroforestry has the benefits of developing the economy, maintaining biodiversity, and protecting the environment. In order to promote the coordination of environmental protection and community economic development, it is particularly important to scientifically select agroforestry planting patterns in the buffer zone of world natural heritage sites. This study utilized a mixed-methods research approach that included qualitative and quantitative research. Taking the buffer zone of Shibing Karst Heritage Site in southern China as an example, based on the seven agroforestry planting patterns surveyed in the buffer zone of the world natural heritage site, the four dimensions of net output value, carbon emission, environmental cost, and comprehensive livelihood score of different agroforestry planting patterns were calculated. The sorting scores of the values were calculated as Borda numbers. The sorting scores of the seven agroforestry planting patterns were B(A1) = 17, B(A2) = 18, B(A3) = 8, B(A4) = 8, B(A5) = 14, B(A6) = 12, and B(A7) = 7. The results showed that the priority sequence of seven agroforestry patterns was A2 > A1 > A5 > A6 > A3 = A4 > A7. A2 was the best among the seven agroforestry planting patterns, and A7 ranked last. The results can provide a quantitative evaluation basis for scientific optimization of agroforestry development planting patterns, and provide a reference for promoting the protection of world natural heritage. Full article
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10 pages, 1595 KiB  
Project Report
CROSYMED Project: Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency through Legumes in Agroecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin
by Mohamed Lazali, Simon Boudsocq, Elisa Taschen, Mohamed Farissi, Wissem Hamdi, Parthenopi Ralli and Hervé Sentenac
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4695; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094695 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Modern intensive agricultural systems generally focus on the productivity of monocultures. They are characterized by a low diversity of crops, with uniform and symmetrical planting layouts. They largely rely on the utilization of chemical inputs. They are widely denounced for their negative environmental [...] Read more.
Modern intensive agricultural systems generally focus on the productivity of monocultures. They are characterized by a low diversity of crops, with uniform and symmetrical planting layouts. They largely rely on the utilization of chemical inputs. They are widely denounced for their negative environmental impacts. In this context, the ecological intensification framework proposes the exploitation of biodiversity in order to better achieve such ecosystem services and soil conservation. Intercropping, i.e., the simultaneous growth of two or more crops mixed in the same field, appears to have the potentialities to improve the productivity, resilience capacity, and ecological sustainability of agroecosystems through the intensification of such positive interactions between plants as facilitation and niche complementarity. Cereal–legume intercropping turns out to be effective in low-N agroecosystems, since legumes have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen via their symbiosis with rhizobia. This fixed N, in turn, benefits the cereal through various ecological processes. The objective of the project is to improve the benefit of legumes for intercropped cereals in low-input agroecosystems through the management of plant–plant and plant–microbe interactions. The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis requires phosphorus and iron to be efficient. While these nutrients are prone to be lacking in N-limited agroecosystems, as is the case in Mediterranean agroecosystems, plant–plant interactions and rhizobacteria and mycorrhiza interactions seem to play an important role in their acquisition and efficient utilization. We propose the development of a participatory research project in four Mediterranean agroecosystems. Agronomic and environmental diagnosis will be performed in the field to assess N and P biogeochemical cycles, as well as Fe availability, in combination with the plant performances and the diversity of soil microorganisms. Molecular identification of soil microorganisms from the most productive sites will be done and research of genes for tolerance to Fe- and P-deficiencies will be realized. Glasshouse experiments involving various cultivars of cereals and legumes, as well as the previously identified microorganisms, will be done in order to disentangle the various mechanisms of nutrient acquisition, sharing, and transfer between plants. Other experiments will assess the effects of cereal–legume–microbe interactions on the development and architecture of the plant root systems and root hair development. The lines of research are integrated with a strategy of functional ecology on plant–microbe–soil interactions in the agroecosystems of Gabès (Tunisia), Boumedfaa (Algeria), Beni Mellal (Morocco), and Thessaloniki (Greece). Using multidisciplinary and innovative approaches, the program will provide novel knowledge and understanding of agroecosystem management for food production. Full article
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2020

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

5 pages, 633 KiB  
Opinion
Towards Sustainable Organic Farming Systems
by Daniel El Chami
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9832; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239832 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3574
Abstract
The European Union green deal has proposed the “organic farming action plan” to render a farming system that is more sustainable and adaptable in terms of climate change mitigation and thus enable meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). While this policy [...] Read more.
The European Union green deal has proposed the “organic farming action plan” to render a farming system that is more sustainable and adaptable in terms of climate change mitigation and thus enable meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). While this policy instrument is fundamental to achieving sustainable agriculture, there is still no agreement on what sustainable agriculture is and how to measure it. This opinion paper proposes an ecosystem-based framework for the crop life cycle to determine the balance between the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability toward supporting decision-making. Full article
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16 pages, 4917 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Agricultural Systems: A Bibliometrics Analysis of Ecological Modernization Approach
by Lucia Rocchi, Antonio Boggia and Luisa Paolotti
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229635 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3278
Abstract
Agricultural systems need to be more sustainable. Nowadays, the global food production has a remarkable impact in terms of greenhouse gases production, terrestrial acidification, eutrophication and land consumption. Moreover, one of the effects of unsustainable agriculture is depletion of ecosystem services (ES) on [...] Read more.
Agricultural systems need to be more sustainable. Nowadays, the global food production has a remarkable impact in terms of greenhouse gases production, terrestrial acidification, eutrophication and land consumption. Moreover, one of the effects of unsustainable agriculture is depletion of ecosystem services (ES) on which agricultural systems themselves are dependent. Alternative agricultural systems are possible: the aim of this review was to analyze one of these alternative systems, i.e., strong ecological modernization, to understand relevant topics and current state of the art connected with it. As a result that strong ecological modernization can be considered an ecosystem services-based farming system, we focused on the development of topics related to ecosystem services but also to diversification. The review has been conducted applying a bibliometrics approach to recognize the main papers, authors, organization and countries, as well as trend topics and main themes investigated. The results showed that basic research content involves agrobiodiversity, agroecology and diversified farming systems. At the same time, the review revealed a lack about the social and economic dimensions of sustainability that need to be addressed for promoting a true transition to a strong ecological modernization. Full article
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