New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety

Abstract submission deadline

closed (15 March 2023)

Manuscript submission deadline

15 June 2023

Viewed by

6457

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growth of the world's population and the increasing vulnerability of agriculture due to global climate change have influenced global thinking about food security. The agricultural sector is at the center of food production, and the main challenges of modern agricultural production are to produce and provide sufficient quantities of healthy and nutritionally valuable food. Other challenges include adapting to climate change while reducing the impact on climate change and biodiversity loss. To meet these challenges, new knowledge must be gained in research and appropriately implemented into sustainable agricultural practices. The agricultural sector is characterized by its complexity and diversity; thus, new solutions and innovative farming practices should be implemented in every aspect of agricultural production, from plant production and animal husbandry to the application of new technologies, appropriate farm management, and environmental impact assessment.

The adoption of new sustainable practices to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the impact on the environment includes the introduction and integration of knowledge from different disciplines such as circular bioeconomy, soil management, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, information technology, and digitalization. In addition to providing food, the agricultural sector also plays an important role in providing renewable energy sources in the form of bioenergy and contributes to carbon neutrality. However, as food production is an energy-demanding process, crosstalk with other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, geothermal and tidal energy, and hydropower should also be given due consideration, as they can be used not only in agriculture but in all areas of production and daily life in general.

In this Special Issue, we invite you to share your scientific achievements with a holistic approach and contribute to our common goal of maintaining coexistence on the globe through scientific ideas and analysis.

You are invited to participate in the International Renewable Energy Summit (INSORE2023) and in the 58th Croatian & 18th International Symposium on Agriculture. We particularly welcome contributions from SA 2023 and INSORE2023.

Dr. Kristina Kljak
Dr. Klaudija Carović-Stanko
Dr. Darija Lemić
Prof. Dr. Jernej Jakše
Dr. Kurt A. Rosentrater
Prof. Dr. Arup Kumar Goswami
Dr. Craig Sturrock
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.408	3.1	2011	18.6 Days	2000 CHF	Submit
Energies energies	3.252	5.0	2008	15.5 Days	2200 CHF	Submit
Foods foods	5.561	4.1	2012	15.8 Days	2400 CHF	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.889	5.0	2009	17.7 Days	2200 CHF	Submit

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All Agriculture Energies Foods Sustainability

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessArticle

A New Mode of a Natural Convection Solar Greenhouse Dryer for Domestic Usage: Performance Assessment for Grape Drying

by

M. A. Tawfik

,

Khaled M. Oweda

,

M. K. Abd El-Wahab

and

W. E. Abd Allah

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051046 - 12 May 2023

Viewed by 437

Abstract

It is known that the natural convection (NC) solar drying process is a simple and cheap method for drying foodstuffs, but it is not preferable for common users in the case of drying high-moisture content agro-products due to the slow rate of drying. [...] Read more.

It is known that the natural convection (NC) solar drying process is a simple and cheap method for drying foodstuffs, but it is not preferable for common users in the case of drying high-moisture content agro-products due to the slow rate of drying. Meanwhile, the forced convection (FC) drying process is most appropriate for such products, but its economic feasibility may be affected due to high initial and maintenance costs. Therefore, the present study proposed a controlled natural convection (CNC) drying mode using a solar greenhouse dryer (SGD) for drying grapes with two types of cover materials, glass and Plexiglas, through intermittent operation with a PV system to save energy as a simple and inexpensive domestic dryer instead of the common forced convection SGD and the conventional natural convection SGD. The obtained results of the new CNC drying mode using a Plexiglas SGD showed a higher drying rate than the NC drying mode and are close to the FC drying mode using the same cover material. The initial moisture content of the grapes was reduced from 5.91 g water/g dry matter to the final moisture content of 0.15 g water/g dry matter within 12 h and 15 h for the CNC and NC drying modes, respectively, using the Plexiglas SGD. Moreover, the thermal drying efficiency for the two mentioned drying modes was 12.5 and 9.7%, respectively. The Page model was found to be the most appropriate model to predict the kinetics of the SGD in all drying modes, regardless of the cover type. The new CNC drying mode using the Plexiglas SGD achieved the lowest cost per kg of dried grapes (1.26 USD/kg), the highest total saved costs over the lifespan of the dryer (USD 245.46) and the shortest payback period (1.08 years) compared to the other two dryers, NC-SGD and FC-SGD. Generally, the CNC-SGD had good performance over the NC-SGD because it is not affected by the fluctuation in the volume, velocity and direction of the inlet ambient air/wind during drying grapes as a high-moisture content product without external heating sources or complicated parts. Thus, the proposed drying system has the advantage in terms of simplicity, cheapness and saving energy compared to FC-SGD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Assessment Method of Sugarcane Cultivation Suitability in Guangxi Province, China, Based on Multi-Source Data

by

Senzheng Chen

,

Huichun Ye

,

Chaojia Nie

,

Hongye Wang

and

Jingjing Wang

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050988 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 441

Abstract

Conducting suitability assessment for sugarcane cultivation is of great significance for optimizing the sugarcane cultivation structure and industrial layout. In this paper, based on the requirements of sugarcane growth and development on climate, terrain, and other environmental conditions, as well as the influence [...] Read more.

Conducting suitability assessment for sugarcane cultivation is of great significance for optimizing the sugarcane cultivation structure and industrial layout. In this paper, based on the requirements of sugarcane growth and development on climate, terrain, and other environmental conditions, as well as the influence of natural disasters, a total of 11 specific indicators in terms of climate factor, terrain factor, and disaster factor were selected to construct a sugarcane cultivation suitability assessment system based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, using Guangxi Province, China, as an example, a suitability assessment for sugarcane cultivation was conducted using multi-source data on climate, terrain, and hazards over the past 30 years. The results showed that among 11 indicators, including annual average temperature, elevation had the largest contribution rate, followed by precipitation during the period of ≥20 °C, slope, and the autumn drought frequency. From the spatial distribution, 37% of the provincial regions were suitable for sugarcane cultivation, mainly distributed in Chongzuo City, Nanning City, Qinzhou City, and Beihai City. In total, 44% of the provincial regions were moderately suitable for sugarcane cultivation, mainly distributed in Hezhou City, Laibin City, and Liuzhou City. Additionally, only 19% of the provincial regions were unsuitable for sugarcane cultivation, mainly distributed in Baise City, Hechi City, and Guilin City, with the terrain factor being the main influencing factor of sugarcane suitability assessment. In order to make reasonable use of land resources and increase sugarcane yield, it is suggested that sugarcane cultivation areas should be adjusted to the central and southern regions such as Chongzuo City, Nanning City, Beihai City, and Qinzhou City, and other industries should be developed in the northern regions which are not suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessArticle

Why Are Farmers Reluctant to Sell: Evidence from Rural China

by

Pan Wang

and

Di Liu

Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13040814 - 31 Mar 2023

Viewed by 636

Abstract

The agricultural marketing behavior of farmers is crucial for the realization of production value. Based on survey data from 406 citrus farmers in Hubei Province, this paper empirically examines the effects of risk aversion and Internet use on farmers’ marketing behavior in terms [...] Read more.

The agricultural marketing behavior of farmers is crucial for the realization of production value. Based on survey data from 406 citrus farmers in Hubei Province, this paper empirically examines the effects of risk aversion and Internet use on farmers’ marketing behavior in terms of fresh produce. The results show that, first, farmers are generally reluctant to sell, with reluctant sellers accounting for about one-third of the total sample, and most report high levels of Internet use. Second, risk aversion and Internet use have a significant impact on farmers’ reluctance to sell. The higher the level of farmer risk aversion, the lower the reluctance to sell, while Internet use significantly increases the probability of farmers being reluctant to sell. Third, Internet use weakens the inhibiting effect of risk aversion on reluctance to sell. These findings help to clarify the factors influencing farmers’ reluctance to sell and provide reference suggestions for promoting high-quality agricultural development and rural industrial revitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessArticle

Switch or Stay? Applying a Push–Pull–Mooring Framework to Evaluate Behavior in E-Grocery Shopping

by

Terrylina A. Monoarfa

,

Ujang Sumarwan

,

Arif I. Suroso

and

Ririn Wulandari

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076018 - 30 Mar 2023

Viewed by 692

Abstract

This study investigates the antecedents of the intention to switch to e-grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is critical in recommending that e-grocery shopping service providers improve their competitiveness by responding to customer expectations. This study proposes a push–pull–mooring framework to describe [...] Read more.

This study investigates the antecedents of the intention to switch to e-grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is critical in recommending that e-grocery shopping service providers improve their competitiveness by responding to customer expectations. This study proposes a push–pull–mooring framework to describe the influence of dissatisfaction on the physical market, the attractiveness of e-grocery, and switching costs as factors that drive switching intentions. This study surveyed 252 Indonesians aware of the existence of an e-grocery mobile application, and applied structural equation modeling as an analytical method to explain causal relationships between variables thought to influence switching intentions to e-grocery shopping. The results showed that the attractiveness of e-grocery had a significant effect on switching intention. Likewise, switching costs ultimately drive customer intention to switch to e-grocery shopping. However, dissatisfaction is not a driving factor directly affecting switching costs and intentions. Finally, e-grocery services cannot replace the local tradition of Indonesian people who prefer to shop for groceries in physical markets. Nevertheless, these findings provide theoretical and practical contributions to retail grocery businesses that have integrated conventional and digital services as a future strategy that drives business sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Monitoring System for Leucoptera malifoliella (O. Costa, 1836) and Its Damage Based on Artificial Neural Networks

by

Dana Čirjak

,

Ivan Aleksi

,

Ivana Miklečić

,

Ana Marija Antolković

,

Rea Vrtodušić

,

Antonio Viduka

,

Darija Lemic

,

Tomislav Kos

and

Ivana Pajač Živković

Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010067 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424

Abstract

The pear leaf blister moth is a significant pest in apple orchards. It causes damage to apple leaves by forming circular mines. Its control depends on monitoring two events: the flight of the first generation and the development of mines up to 2 [...] Read more.

The pear leaf blister moth is a significant pest in apple orchards. It causes damage to apple leaves by forming circular mines. Its control depends on monitoring two events: the flight of the first generation and the development of mines up to 2 mm in size. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop two models using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and two monitoring devices with cameras for the early detection of L. malifoliella (Pest Monitoring Device) and its mines on apple leaves (Vegetation Monitoring Device). To train the ANNs, 400 photos were collected and processed. There were 4700 annotations of L. malifoliella and 1880 annotations of mines. The results were processed using a confusion matrix. The accuracy of the model for the Pest Monitoring Device (camera in trap) was more than 98%, while the accuracy of the model for the Vegetation Monitoring Device (camera for damage) was more than 94%, all other parameters of the model were also satisfactory. The use of this comprehensive system allows reliable monitoring of pests and their damage in real-time, leading to targeted pest control, reduction in pesticide residues, and a lower ecological footprint. Furthermore, it could be adopted for monitoring other Lepidopteran pests in crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

get_app

subject

View online as:
Abstract Page
Full-Text HTML

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Bioconversion of Wetland Plant Biomass for Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida Cultivation: Studies on Proximate and Biochemical Characterization

by

Mohssen Elbagory

,

Sahar El-Nahrawy

,

Alaa El-Dein Omara

,

Ebrahem M. Eid

,

Archana Bachheti

,

Pankaj Kumar

,

Sami Abou Fayssal

,

Bashir Adelodun

,

Rakesh Kumar Bachheti

,

Pankaj Kumar

,

Boro Mioč

,

Vinod Kumar

and

Ivan Širić

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122095 - 07 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1170

Abstract

The abundant biomass growth of aquatic macrophytes in wetlands is one of the major concerns affecting their residing biota. Moreover, the biomass degenerates within the wetlands, thereby causing a remixing of nutrients and emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, it is crucial to find [...] Read more.

The abundant biomass growth of aquatic macrophytes in wetlands is one of the major concerns affecting their residing biota. Moreover, the biomass degenerates within the wetlands, thereby causing a remixing of nutrients and emission of greenhouse gases. Therefore, it is crucial to find sustainable methods to utilize the biomass of aquatic macrophytes devoid of environmental concerns. The present study investigates the utilization of the biomass of three aquatic macrophytes, including the lake sedge (CL: Carex lacustris Willd.), water hyacinth (EC: Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms), and sacred lotus (NL: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) to produce oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida) mushrooms. For this purpose, different combinations of wheat straw (WS: as control) and macrophyte’s biomass (WH) such as control (100% WH), CL50 (50% WH + 50% CL), CL100 (100% CL), EC50 (50% WH + 50% EC), EC100 (100% EC), NL50 (50% WH + 50% NL), and NL100 (100% NL) were used for P. florida cultivation under controlled laboratory conditions. The results showed that all selected combinations of wheat straw and macrophyte biomass supported the spawning and growth of P. florida. In particular, the maximum significant (p < 0.05) growth, yield, bioefficiency, proximate, and biochemical parameters were reported using the WH substrate followed by CL, NL, and EC biomass, which corresponds to the reduction efficiency of the substrate parameters. Therefore, the findings of this study reveal that the biomass of selected aquatic macrophytes can be effectively utilized for sustainable mushroom cultivation while minimizing the risk associated with their self-degeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Insights in Agriculture: Sustainability, Digitalization and Food Safety)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-6