Journal Description
Agriculture
Agriculture
is an international, scientific peer-reviewed open access journal published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Plant Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agriculture include: Poultry, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.3 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
Fast Quality Detection of Astragalus Slices Using FA-SD-YOLO
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122194 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
Quality inspection is a pivotal component in the intelligent sorting of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), a medicinal plant of significant pharmacological importance. To improve the precision and efficiency of assessing the quality of Astragalus slices, we present the FA-SD-YOLO model, an innovative advancement over
[...] Read more.
Quality inspection is a pivotal component in the intelligent sorting of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), a medicinal plant of significant pharmacological importance. To improve the precision and efficiency of assessing the quality of Astragalus slices, we present the FA-SD-YOLO model, an innovative advancement over the YOLOv8n architecture. This model introduces several novel modifications to enhance feature extraction and fusion while reducing computational complexity. The FA-SD-YOLO model replaces the conventional C2f module with the C2F-F module, developed using the FasterNet architecture, and substitutes the SPPF module with the Adaptive Inverted Fusion (AIFI) module. These changes markedly enhance the model’s feature fusion capabilities. Additionally, the integration of the SD module into the detection head optimizes parameter efficiency while improving detection performance. Performance evaluation highlights the superiority of the FA-SD-YOLO model. It achieves accuracy and recall rates of 88.6% and 89.6%, outperforming the YOLOv8n model by 1.8% and 1.3%, respectively. The model’s F1 score reaches 89.1%, and the mean average precision (mAP) improves to 93.2%, reflecting increases of 1.6% and 2.4% over YOLOv8n. These enhancements are accompanied by significant reductions in model size and computational cost: the parameter count is reduced to 1.58 million (a 47.3% reduction), and the FLOPS drops to 4.6 G (a 43.2% reduction). When compared with other state-of-the-art models, including YOLOv5s, YOLOv6s, YOLOv9t, and YOLOv11n, the FA-SD-YOLO model demonstrates superior performance across key metrics such as accuracy, F1 score, mAP, and FLOPS. Notably, it achieves a remarkable recognition speed of 13.8 ms per image, underscoring its efficiency and suitability for real-time applications. The FA-SD-YOLO model represents a robust and effective solution for the quality inspection of Astragalus membranaceus slices, providing reliable technical support for intelligent sorting machinery in the processing of this important medicinal herb.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Products Processing and Quality Detection)
Open AccessArticle
Practices, Challenges, and Future of Digital Transformation in Smallholder Agriculture: Insights from a Literature Review
by
Yuyang Yuan and Yong Sun
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122193 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in global agricultural development. The digital transformation of smallholder agriculture can enhance productivity, increase farmers’ income, ensure food security, and promote sustainable rural development. However, existing studies often fail to analyze the holistic nature of this transformation
[...] Read more.
Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in global agricultural development. The digital transformation of smallholder agriculture can enhance productivity, increase farmers’ income, ensure food security, and promote sustainable rural development. However, existing studies often fail to analyze the holistic nature of this transformation and lack a systematic review of the relevant literature. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive presentation of the current studies on the digital transformation of smallholder agriculture through logical synthesis and reflective summarization, thereby offering valuable academic insights and practical guidance for the digital transformation of smallholder farming. This study constructs an analytical framework centered on “government–technology–smallholders” using a literature review methodology, systematically examining the main practices, challenges, and future strategies for the digital transformation of smallholder agriculture. Our review reveals that current practices primarily focus on digital agricultural production, rural e-commerce, and agricultural information exchange. We identify key challenges at the government, technical, and smallholder levels, including inadequate digital agriculture policies, limited availability of digital applications, difficulties in adapting uniform technologies to the diverse contexts of smallholders, insufficient resources and endowment among smallholder farmers, significant group disparities, and constraints imposed by social and cultural factors. To enhance the digital transformation of smallholder agriculture, it is essential to improve the supply of policy resources, increase attention to and responsiveness toward smallholder needs, and refine digital governance policies. Additionally, we must develop user-friendly digital applications that cater to the varied digital needs of farmers, reduce access costs, enhance digital literacy, foster an inclusive environment for digital agricultural development, and respect and integrate the social and cultural contexts of smallholder communities. This study deepens the understanding of digital transformation in smallholder agriculture and provides theoretical insights and practical guidance for policymakers, technology developers, and smallholder communities. It contributes to sustainable agricultural development and supports rural revitalization and shared prosperity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
Open AccessArticle
The South American Black Bumblebee (Bombus pauloensis) as a Potential Pollinator of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
by
Denise Nery, Florencia Palottini and Walter M. Farina
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2192; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122192 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
We assessed if the commercially reared South American bumblebee Bombus pauloensis forages resources in alfalfa crops by monitoring their colony activity daily. We analyzed the pollen collected by using pollen traps specifically designed for B. pauloensis nests and counted the number of bumblebees
[...] Read more.
We assessed if the commercially reared South American bumblebee Bombus pauloensis forages resources in alfalfa crops by monitoring their colony activity daily. We analyzed the pollen collected by using pollen traps specifically designed for B. pauloensis nests and counted the number of bumblebees in the crop. Consequentially, colony activity was found to be highest during the mornings; 65% of the pollen trap samples analyzed contained alfalfa pollen grains, and 60% of the total pollen loads were identified as alfalfa pollen. Although the honey bee was the predominant pollinator observed in the crop, the high percentage of alfalfa pollen found in the pollen traps of B. pauloensis nests suggests that this species forages resources in alfalfa crops and could be considered a potential managed pollinator.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bees as a Tool for Agricultural Production)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Sowing Date and Nitrogen Rates on Morphometric Features and Photosynthetic Performance in Sugar Beet
by
Beata Michalska-Klimczak, Grażyna Mastalerczuk, Zdzisław Wyszyński, Vladimír Pačuta and Marek Rašovský
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122191 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
Sugar beet is a critical crop for global sugar production, and optimizing its growth and yield requires a thorough understanding of the effects of agronomic practices such as sowing date and nitrogen fertilization. This study was conducted in the WULS-SGGW Experimental Field in
[...] Read more.
Sugar beet is a critical crop for global sugar production, and optimizing its growth and yield requires a thorough understanding of the effects of agronomic practices such as sowing date and nitrogen fertilization. This study was conducted in the WULS-SGGW Experimental Field in Miedniewice, Poland, during two growing seasons. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization on the morphometric features and photosynthetic performance of the Lubelska sugar beet variety grown in Luvisols soil. The experiments were arranged as split-plot designs (SPDs) with four replications. The factors of the experiment were the sowing date (optimal and delayed by two weeks) and nitrogen fertilization at doses of 0, 60, and 120 kg N·ha−1. The photosynthetic activity of sugar beet plants was measured four times during the growing season using chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters. Morphometric features were determined by collecting sugar beet plants after each chlorophyll fluorescence measurement. The obtained results demonstrate the significant effect of nitrogen doses on the morphometric parameters of aboveground biomass. Increasing nitrogen doses also differentiated chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, such as FV/F0, FV/FM, PIABS, ET0/CS0, and ET0/CSM. A two-week delay in sowing affected both the fluorescence parameters and morphometric features of sugar beet, highlighting the interaction between agronomic practices and plant physiology.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Soil Thermal Conductivity in Chinese Loess Plateau
by
Yan Xu, Yibo Zhang, Wanghai Tao and Mingjiang Deng
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122190 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
The Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) is ecologically fragile, and water resources are extremely scarce. Soil thermal conductivity (λ) is a vital parameter for controlling surface heat transfer and is the key to studying the energy exchange and water balance of the soil surface.
[...] Read more.
The Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) is ecologically fragile, and water resources are extremely scarce. Soil thermal conductivity (λ) is a vital parameter for controlling surface heat transfer and is the key to studying the energy exchange and water balance of the soil surface. The objective of this study is to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of soil thermal conductivity on the Loess Plateau. The research primarily employed soil heat transfer models and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform for remote sensing cloud computing, compares and analyzed the suitability of six models (Cambell model, Lu Yili model, Nikoosokhan model, LT model, LP1 model, and LP2 model), and utilized the selected improved model (LT model) to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of thermal conductivity on the CLP, examining the impacts of soil particle composition, bulk density, elevation, moisture content, and land use on thermal conductivity. The results show that the LT model is the best in the relevant evaluation indices, with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.84, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.18, and relative error (RE) of 0.16. Furthermore, the λ on the CLP shows an overall trend of increasing from northwest to southeast, with a lower λ between May and August and a higher one between September and October. The λ of different land use types is as follows: built-up land > cropland > grassland > forest land > barren. The bulk density (ρb) and altitude mainly influence λ in the CLP. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for studying hydrothermal variation in the CLP, model application, energy development, and land resource use.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
Open AccessArticle
Toxicity of Post-Emergent Herbicides on Entomopathogenic Fungi Used in the Management of Corn Leafhopper: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessments
by
Matheus Rakes, Maíra Chagas Morais, Maria Eduarda Sperotto, Odimar Zanuzo Zanardi, Daniel Bernardi, Anderson Dionei Grützmacher and Leandro do Prado Ribeiro
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122189 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
This is the first study to assess the physicochemical and biological compatibility of herbicides used in corn crops with entomopathogenic fungi used in the management of Dalbulus maidis in Brazil. The biological index was employed to ascertain the in vitro compatibility of the
[...] Read more.
This is the first study to assess the physicochemical and biological compatibility of herbicides used in corn crops with entomopathogenic fungi used in the management of Dalbulus maidis in Brazil. The biological index was employed to ascertain the in vitro compatibility of the herbicides with pure spores (not formulated) of tested fungal isolates (Esalq-1296 of Cordyceps javanica and IBCB66 and Simbi BB15 of Beauveria bassiana). The results indicated a significant interaction between herbicides and fungal isolates when colony diameter and colony-forming units (CFU) were considered. Furthermore, changes in physicochemical characteristics were observed in some mixtures of herbicides and mycoinsecticides tested. The number of CFU was significantly reduced as the exposure time increased in the mixtures containing all the herbicides tested. In general, the Esalq-1296 isolate of C. javanica, formulated in a suspension concentrate (Octane®), proved to be more sensitive to the herbicides studied. In vivo bioassays demonstrated that, despite the synergistic effect of the binary mixtures of herbicides and mycoinsecticides on D. maidis mortality, the presence of the herbicide in the mixtures prevented the extrusion of entomopathogens from cadavers; therefore, caution is recommended when combining mycoinsecticides and post-emergent herbicides in tank mixtures aiming to manage D. maidis.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management Systems in Agriculture)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Trends in Machine and Deep Learning Techniques for Plant Disease Identification: A Systematic Review
by
Diana-Carmen Rodríguez-Lira, Diana-Margarita Córdova-Esparza, José M. Álvarez-Alvarado, Juan Terven, Julio-Alejandro Romero-González and Juvenal Rodríguez-Reséndiz
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2188; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122188 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
This review explores the use of machine learning (ML) techniques for detecting pests and diseases in crops, which is a significant challenge in agriculture, leading to substantial yield losses worldwide. This study focuses on the integration of ML models, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks
[...] Read more.
This review explores the use of machine learning (ML) techniques for detecting pests and diseases in crops, which is a significant challenge in agriculture, leading to substantial yield losses worldwide. This study focuses on the integration of ML models, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which have shown promise in accurately identifying and classifying plant diseases from images. By analyzing studies published from 2019 to 2024, this work summarizes the common methodologies involving stages of data acquisition, preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and prediction to develop robust ML models. The findings indicate that the incorporation of advanced image processing and ML algorithms significantly enhances disease detection capabilities, leading to the early and precise diagnosis of crop ailments. This can not only improve crop yield and quality but also reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Future research should focus on enhancing the robustness of these models to varying environmental conditions and expanding the datasets to include a wider variety of crops and diseases. CNN-based models, particularly specialized architectures like ResNet, are the most widely used in the studies reviewed, making up 42.36% of all models, with ResNet alone contributing 7.65%. This highlights ResNet’s appeal for tasks that demand deep architectures and sophisticated feature extraction. Additionally, SVM models account for 9.41% of the models examined. The prominence of both ResNet and MobileNet reflects a trend toward architectures with residual connections for deeper networks, alongside efficiency-focused designs like MobileNet, which are well-suited for mobile and edge applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combining Machine Learning Algorithms with Earth Observations for Crop Monitoring and Management)
Open AccessArticle
AI-Based Monitoring for Enhanced Poultry Flock Management
by
Edmanuel Cruz, Miguel Hidalgo-Rodriguez, Adiz Mariel Acosta-Reyes, José Carlos Rangel and Keyla Boniche
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122187 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
The exponential growth of global poultry production highlights the critical need for efficient flock management, particularly in accurately counting chickens to optimize operations and minimize economic losses. This study advances the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture by developing and validating an
[...] Read more.
The exponential growth of global poultry production highlights the critical need for efficient flock management, particularly in accurately counting chickens to optimize operations and minimize economic losses. This study advances the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture by developing and validating an AI-driven automated poultry flock management system using the YOLOv8 object detection model. The scientific objective was to address challenges such as occlusions, lighting variability, and high-density flock conditions, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of computer vision applications in agricultural environments. The practical objective was to create a scalable and reliable system for automated monitoring and decision-making, optimizing resource utilization and improving poultry management efficiency. The prototype achieved high precision (93.1%) and recall (93.0%), demonstrating its reliability across diverse conditions. Comparative analysis with prior models, including YOLOv5, highlights YOLOv8’s superior accuracy and robustness, underscoring its potential for real-world applications. This research successfully achieves its objectives by delivering a system that enhances poultry management practices and lays a strong foundation for future innovations in agricultural automation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational, AI and IT Solutions Helping Agriculture)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Foliar Zn Application Increases Zn Content in Biofortified Potato
by
Shirley Zevallos, Elisa Salas, Pedro Gutierrez, Gabriela Burgos, Bert De Boeck, Thiago Mendes, Hugo Campos and Hannele Lindqvist-Kreuze
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122186 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2024
Abstract
Given the widespread micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations, crop biofortification has been proposed as a solution to increase nutrient concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effect of combining biofortification strategies on the agronomic characteristics and nutritional composition of potato. The effect of
[...] Read more.
Given the widespread micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations, crop biofortification has been proposed as a solution to increase nutrient concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effect of combining biofortification strategies on the agronomic characteristics and nutritional composition of potato. The effect of foliar fertilization (FF) with zinc (Zn) on five potato genotypes (G): four biofortified clones developed through conventional breeding with different Zn levels (high, medium, and low in Zn, and one high in Fe and Zn) and a commercial variety (‘Yungay’) were evaluated. At harvest, the number of tubers per plant, the weight of tubers per plant, and the average tuber weight were evaluated as yield components, and tuber samples were collected for micronutrient determination. For yield components, the analysis with linear mixed models showed no significant G × D interaction effects, but highly significant differences were observed among G. The Zn concentration in tubers showed a highly significant effect in the G × D interaction. The simple effects analysis showed that biofortified genotypes responded to FF with Zn by significantly increasing the tuber Zn concentrations by an average of 43% (range 28–61%), despite growing in alkaline soils. In contrast, the ‘Yungay’ variety showed a 6% increase. Clones biofortified through conventional genetic improvement responded better to agronomic FF with Zn compared to the non-biofortified commercial variety, demonstrating that both are synergistic strategies that can achieve a significant increase in Zn concentrations in tubers. The result of this study might be used to further biofortification efforts and decrease nutritional deficiencies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Biofortification of Crops: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives)
►▼
Show Figures
Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Pathways to Rural Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges in the Creation of an Agrotechnological District in Ingaí City, Brazil
by
Caroline Mendonça Nogueira Paiva, Derick David Quintino, Thacyo Bruno Custódio de Morais, Elisa Guimarães Cozadi, Jaqueline Severino da Costa, Paulo Henrique Montagnana Vicente Leme and José Roberto Soares Scolforo
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122185 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
An agrotechnological district (ATD) integrates sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to transform rural communities by stimulating socioeconomic development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ingaí, a dairy-producing municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands to benefit from the implementation of an ATD.
[...] Read more.
An agrotechnological district (ATD) integrates sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to transform rural communities by stimulating socioeconomic development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ingaí, a dairy-producing municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands to benefit from the implementation of an ATD. This study aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of an ATD in the municipality, considering its socioeconomic characteristics, the level of producers’ technological adoption, connectivity infrastructure, support networks, and rural and market management. The method was based on an exploratory case study, using semi-structured group interviews for data collection, conducted in March 2024, with agricultural stakeholders. As a result, key challenges emerged: limited connectivity infrastructure; ineffective property management; rural family succession problems; barriers in accessing credit; resistance to the adoption of technologies; and dependence on the local government. Opportunities included the strengthening of support networks among the agents of rural productive activity; the promotion of technology adoption by producers; and creating training and rural extension programs. The adoption of these initiatives can stimulate Ingaí’s economic and social development, generate multiplier effects in its region of influence, and serve as a model for other initiatives in the state of Minas Gerais, the main dairy hub in the country, and one of the primary drivers of Brazilian agribusiness.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
Open AccessArticle
Seed Inoculation with Halotolerant Strains Enhance Brassicaceae Seedling Establishment Under Saline Conditions
by
Carlos González-Cobo, Glòria Escolà, Roser Tolrà, Mercè Llugany, Charlotte Poschenrieder, Eliana Bianucci and Silvia Busoms
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122184 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
Soil salinity inhibits germination and seedling establishment, causing patchy crop stands, uneven growth, and poor yields. This study aims to evaluate the early-stage salinity tolerance of Brassicaceae seeds inoculated with plant growth-promoting bacterial (PGPB) strains (E1 and T7) isolated from saline soils. Non-inoculated
[...] Read more.
Soil salinity inhibits germination and seedling establishment, causing patchy crop stands, uneven growth, and poor yields. This study aims to evaluate the early-stage salinity tolerance of Brassicaceae seeds inoculated with plant growth-promoting bacterial (PGPB) strains (E1 and T7) isolated from saline soils. Non-inoculated and inoculated seeds of Lobularia maritima, Sinapis alba, and Brassica napus were cultivated under control and salinity conditions, first in agar plates to assess a germination inhibitory concentration of salt for each species and later in soil irrigated with water containing 0 or 75 mM NaCl. Our results indicate that T7 was the only strain able to increase the germination of L. maritima under saline conditions. However, an increase in shoot biomass, root length, and number of branches was observed in L. maritima and S. alba plants inoculated with T7 and in B. napus with E1. Concomitantly, those seedlings exhibited less oxidative damage and greater capacity to balance plant reactive oxygen species production. This study suggests that inoculation of seeds with halotolerant PGPB strains is a suitable strategy for improving the negative effects of salinity in the early stages. Nonetheless, the observed specific plant–host interaction highlights the need for establishing tailored PGPB–crop associations for specific unfavourable environmental conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Seed Science and Technology)
Open AccessArticle
Investigating Farmers’ Perceptions of Drone Technology in Thailand: Exploring Expectations, Product Quality, Perceived Value, and Adoption in Agriculture
by
Adisak Suvittawat
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2183; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122183 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
This study examines farmers’ perceptions of drone technology in agriculture, highlighting its growing importance in modern farming. Despite the potential benefits of drones, there remains a research gap in understanding how factors like expectations, product quality, and perceived value influence adoption. This research
[...] Read more.
This study examines farmers’ perceptions of drone technology in agriculture, highlighting its growing importance in modern farming. Despite the potential benefits of drones, there remains a research gap in understanding how factors like expectations, product quality, and perceived value influence adoption. This research seeks to fill that gap through a survey of 410 farmers in Thailand who have prior drone usage experience. The methodology employed a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires, with data analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicate that expectations, mediated by perceived product quality and value, significantly influence farmers’ attitudes toward drone technology. Product quality—particularly in terms of precision, durability, and ease of use—emerged as a key factor in shaping trust and adoption. Economic, social, and personal perceptions were also found to drive perceived value. The study concludes that aligning drone features with farmer expectations can increase perceived value, facilitating wider adoption. Policymakers and service providers are encouraged to focus on enhancing product functionality and offering targeted educational programs to build confidence among farmers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic factors influencing agricultural innovation and offers practical recommendations for promoting sustainable technological adoption in the sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
Open AccessArticle
The Dynamic Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil Respiration in Different Types of Grasslands in the Barkol Lake Basin
by
Xiangdong Cao, Chengyi Zhao, Hongtao Jia and Jinyu Yang
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122182 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
Determining regional and global carbon cycles hinges on investigating the dynamic characteristics and influencing factors of soil respiration in various types of natural grasslands located in arid regions, and these characteristics are important indicators for assessing the structural and functional health of grassland
[...] Read more.
Determining regional and global carbon cycles hinges on investigating the dynamic characteristics and influencing factors of soil respiration in various types of natural grasslands located in arid regions, and these characteristics are important indicators for assessing the structural and functional health of grassland ecosystems. Such investigations also provide theoretical support for carbon sink monitoring, energy conservation, emission reduction and low-carbon development in the western arid zone and are important for obtaining an in-depth understanding of the carbon cycle, as well as for ecosystem management, restoration and the reconstruction of arid areas. In this study, during the growing season (from May to October) of 2022, the LI-8100A automated soil CO2 flux system was used to measure the soil respiration rate (Rs), temperature from 1.5 m above the surface to depths of 5–25 cm (T, T5, T10, T15, T20 and T25) and the soil moisture content (SM) at a depth of 20 cm in four types of grasslands: lowland meadow, alpine meadow, temperate desert steppe and temperate steppe desert. Five replicates were established for each plot, and the responses of Rs to T and SM were fitted to construct the optimal regression model. The results revealed that (1) the daily average soil respiration was highest in the lowland meadow (0.07 to 5.76 μmol·m−2·s−1), followed by the alpine meadow (−0.57 to 0.95 μmol·m−2·s−1), the temperate desert steppe (−0.45 to 3.0 μmol·m−2·s−1) and the temperate steppe desert (−1.29 to 1.61 μmol·m−2·s−1); (2) the soil respiration rates of the four grassland types were significantly correlated with the temperature in the 5–15 cm soil layer, and the best model was an exponential function; the peak values generally appeared between 13:00 and 17:00 (h), with the minimum values at 2:00 or 8:00 (h); the maximum value was observed in July–August, and the minimum value was observed in October; and the soil respiration in the lowland meadow was higher than that in the other three types of grassland during the same period. The average variation intensities of the soil respiration from May to October were as follows: temperate steppe desert (91.78%) > temperate desert steppe (76%) > alpine meadow (58.77%) > lowland meadow (43.93%). (3) The partial correlation analysis revealed that when soil temperature was used as a control, the correlation between SM and soil respiration in the four types of grasslands changed, and the coefficient of determination (R2) increased to varying degrees, explaining up to 80% of the variation in the soil respiration in the lowland meadows. The correlation between soil respiration and the SM normalized to 10 °C explained up to 93.8% of the variation in soil respiration; the two-factor fitting equations revealed that the model with soil temperature and SM was superior to the single-factor model with either soil temperature or SM.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
Open AccessArticle
Multi-Scenario Simulation of Optimal Landscape Pattern Configuration in Saline Soil Areas of Western Jilin Province, China
by
Chunlei Ma, Wenjuan Wang, Xiaojie Li and Jianhua Ren
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2181; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122181 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
The Songnen Plain is a significant region in China, known for its high grain production and concentrated distribution of soda saline land. It is also considered a priority area for cropland development in the country. However, the Songnen Plain is now facing prominent
[...] Read more.
The Songnen Plain is a significant region in China, known for its high grain production and concentrated distribution of soda saline land. It is also considered a priority area for cropland development in the country. However, the Songnen Plain is now facing prominent issues such as soil salinization, soil erosion, and deteriorating cropland quality, which are exacerbated by climate change and intensified human activities. In order to address these challenges, it is crucial to adjust the quantitative structure and layout of different landscapes in a harmonious manner, aiming to achieve synergistic optimization, which is posed as the key scientific approach to guide comprehensive renovation policies, improve saline–alkaline land conditions, and promote sustainable agricultural development. In this study, four scenarios including natural development, priority food production (PFP), ecological security priority (ESP), and economic–ecological-balanced saline soil improvement were set up based on Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results demonstrated that the SSI scenario, which focused on economic–ecological equilibrium, displayed the most rational quantitative structure and spatial layout of landscape types, with total benefits surpassing those of the other scenarios. Notably, this scenario involved converting unused land into saline cropland and transforming saline cropland into normal cropland, thereby increasing the amount of high-quality cropland and potential cropland while enhancing the habitat quality of the region. Consequently, the conflict between food production and ecological environmental protection was effectively mitigated. Furthermore, the SSI scenario facilitated the establishment of a robust ecological security and protection barrier, offering valuable insights for land use planning and ecological security pattern construction in the Songnen Plain, particularly in salt-affected areas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Saline–Alkali Land Ecology and Soil Management)
Open AccessArticle
Characterizing Bacterial Communities in Agroecosystems of the UNESCO Global Geopark Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca
by
Mario Alberto Martínez-Núñez and Quetzalcoátl Orozco-Ramírez
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122180 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
This study explores the diversity and functions of microbiomes in ancient agroecosystems of the Mixteca Alta Geopark (MAG). Microbiome analysis could provide insights into soil bacterial communities and their role in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. We used 16S rRNA
[...] Read more.
This study explores the diversity and functions of microbiomes in ancient agroecosystems of the Mixteca Alta Geopark (MAG). Microbiome analysis could provide insights into soil bacterial communities and their role in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to identify key features in the composition of the microbiota of the Lama-bordo, Valley, and Terrace agroecosystems in MAG. Analysis of agroecosystem soils revealed 21 bacterial phyla, with Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi dominating. These microbial communities contribute to soil health, carbon cycling, and disease suppression. The study identified specific phylogroups and metabolic pathways associated with nutrient-rich environments like Lama-bordo and Valley, and nutrient-poor, sandy soils like Terrace. Soils from Lama-bordo and Valley were grouped due to microbiome similarity despite geographic separation, whereas Terrace soils differed. Nutrient-rich Lama-bordo and Valley soils host copiotrophic bacteria, while nutrient-poor Terrace soils favor oligotrophic species like Acidobacteria. Functional analysis of microbiomes reveals distinct metabolic pathways, including antibiotic biosynthesis (streptomycin, vancomycin) suggesting a role in plant disease resistance, amino acid pathways indicating active nitrogen cycling, and vitamin B5 and lipoic acid pathways contributing to energy metabolism and antioxidant functions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Growth Kinetics Modeling and Evaluation of Antiphytopathogenic Activity of Newly Isolated Fungicolous Epicoccum nigrum Associated with Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporaceae)
by
Radka Baldzhieva, Mariya Brazkova, Denica Blazheva, Bogdan Goranov, Petya Stefanova, Zlatka Ganeva, Desislava Teneva, Petko Denev and Galena Angelova
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2179; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122179 (registering DOI) - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
In the present study, an unknown fungal strain was isolated from the fruiting body of a local Dryad’s Saddle mushroom (Polyporaceae). The molecular identification of the isolate was performed by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the strain was identified with
[...] Read more.
In the present study, an unknown fungal strain was isolated from the fruiting body of a local Dryad’s Saddle mushroom (Polyporaceae). The molecular identification of the isolate was performed by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the strain was identified with 100.00% confidence as Epicoccum nigrum. The morphological characteristics, including the distinctive colony pigmentation, conidiophore structure, and conidial shape, were determined to ensure comprehensive characterization of the fungus. The modeling of the kinetics of the growth process was conducted with the applying the logistic curve model and the reverse autocatalytic growth model, and the concentrations of the compounds in the nutrient medium required for the E. nigrum development were established. Controlled submerged cultivation was carried out for cultural liquid obtaining, which was further used for the evaluation of the biological activities. The untreated cultural liquid demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum where the minimal inhibitory concentration was 1.25 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity was also detected toward Botrytis cinerea (2.5 mg/mL) and Aspergillus flavus (2.5 mg/mL). The direct utilization of crude cultural liquid for phytopathogenic control is a sustainable approach that will provide the opportunity for the development of an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)
Open AccessArticle
Incorporation of Relay Intercropping in Wheat–Fresh Maize–Fresh Soybean Cropping System Improves Climate Resource Utilization and Economic Benefits in Yangtze River Delta
by
Bo Li, Jian Liu, Qingming Ren, Xiaoxu Shi, Wenyuan Shen, Yafeng Wei and Fei Xiong
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2178; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122178 - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
In the Yangtze River Delta region, demand from consumers for fresh maize and fresh soybeans is increasing. The cropping systems applied in agricultural production have a low utilization of light and temperature resources. In order to construct a novel planting pattern for fresh
[...] Read more.
In the Yangtze River Delta region, demand from consumers for fresh maize and fresh soybeans is increasing. The cropping systems applied in agricultural production have a low utilization of light and temperature resources. In order to construct a novel planting pattern for fresh maize and fresh soybean with a high-efficiency utilization of climate resources, we conducted a field experiment to compare the annual yield, allocation, and utilization efficiency of climatic resources and the economic benefits between the conventional double-cropping system with wheat-fresh soybeans (CK) and the triple-cropping planting patterns comprising wheat-fresh maize/fresh soybeans (W1) or wheat-fresh maize/fresh maize(W2) at Nantong, Jiangsu, China, from 2016 to 2020. Compared with the conventional double-cropping system, the triple-cropping planting patterns increased the annual yield by 6547 kg ha−1 and 11,979 kg ha−1 and increased the annual biomass by 4389 kg ha−1 and 10,425 kg ha−1, respectively. The annual economic benefit of triple-cropping planting patterns increased by 2775 RMB ha−1 and 12,765 RMB ha−1, respectively. The triple-cropping planting patterns respectively increased the annual radiation production efficiency by 0.08 g MJ−1 and 0.28 g MJ−1, the annual temperature production efficiency by 1.65 kg ha−1 °C−1 and 4.30 kg ha−1 °C−1, and the annual precipitation production efficiency by 4.40 kg mm−1 ha−1 and 9.67 kg mm−1 ha−1. Considering the yields, resource-use efficiency, and economic benefits, the wheat–fresh maize–fresh soybean system is suitable for application in YRD region and worth extending in the Yangtze River region. However, ways to improve fertilizer utilization efficiency in the wheat–fresh maize–fresh soybean system need to be studied.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Systems and Management)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Rapid Identification Method for Cottonseed Varieties Based on Near-Infrared Spectral and Generative Adversarial Networks
by
Qingxu Li, Hao Li, Renhao Liu, Xiaofeng Dong, Hongzhou Zhang and Wanhuai Zhou
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122177 - 29 Nov 2024
Abstract
China is a major cotton-growing country with numerous cotton varieties, each exhibiting significant differences in yield and fiber quality. However, the current management of cottonseed varieties is disorganized, resulting in severe homogenization and the presence of counterfeit and mislabeled varieties. The detection of
[...] Read more.
China is a major cotton-growing country with numerous cotton varieties, each exhibiting significant differences in yield and fiber quality. However, the current management of cottonseed varieties is disorganized, resulting in severe homogenization and the presence of counterfeit and mislabeled varieties. The detection of cottonseed variety information has become a critical issue for the Chinese cotton industry. In this study, we collected near-infrared (NIR) spectral data from six cottonseed varieties and constructed a GAN for cottonseed NIR data (GAN-CNIRD) model to generate additional cottonseed NIR data. The Euclidean distance method was used to label the generated NIR data according to the characteristics of the true NIR data. We then applied Standard Normal Variate (SNV), Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC), and Normalization algorithms to preprocess the combined dataset of generated and real cottonseed NIR data. Feature wavelengths were extracted using Bootstrap Soft Shrinkage (BOSS) and Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) algorithms. Subsequently, we developed Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Random subspace method (RSM), and convolutional neural network (CNN) models to classify the cottonseed varieties. The results showed that for the LDA model, the use of feature wavelengths extracted after Normalization-BOSS processing achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 97.00%. For the RSM model, the use of feature wavelengths extracted after SNV-CARS processing achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 98.00%. For the CNN model, the use of feature wavelengths extracted after MSC-CARS processing achieved the best performance with an accuracy of 100.00%. Data augmentation using GAN-CNIRD-generated cottonseed data improved the accuracy of the three optimal models by 6%, 5%, and 6%, respectively. This study provides a crucial reference for the rapid detection of cottonseed variety information and has significant implications for the standardized management of cottonseed varieties.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Determinants and Methods of Quality Management in Agriculture and Food Processing)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Mycotoxin Adsorbent on Laying Performance and Oviduct Health of Laying Hens in Aflatoxin B1 Exposed
by
Yi Wei, Meng Sun, Jingjing Sun, Qiuyu Jiang and Bingkun Zhang
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2176; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122176 - 28 Nov 2024
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination causes huge economic losses in animal husbandry by inhibiting growth and performance. The addition of mycotoxin binders to contaminate diets has been widely used for mycotoxin removal. Bentonite and yeast cell walls have received increasing attention as efficient and low-cost adsorbents.
[...] Read more.
Aflatoxin contamination causes huge economic losses in animal husbandry by inhibiting growth and performance. The addition of mycotoxin binders to contaminate diets has been widely used for mycotoxin removal. Bentonite and yeast cell walls have received increasing attention as efficient and low-cost adsorbents. This study utilizes a mycotoxin adsorbent (MAB) to bind Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed. The trial was a randomized trial design, with 240 forty-three-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens allocated to four groups, and with 80 birds in each group. The three diets used in the experiment were: (1) control diet; (2) control diet + 0.2 mg/kg AFB1; (3) control diet+ 0.2 mg/kg AFB1 + 2.0 g/kg MAB. All laying hens were fed a basal diet for one week. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks followed by a 1-week adaptation phase. The results show that laying hens fed the AFB1-contaminated diet had decreased performance and egg quality and reduced oviduct index and length. Blood biochemical parameters show that AFB1 leads to increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Compared to the control diet groups, exposure to the AFB1-contaminated diet resulted in liver and uterine tissue damage, mainly manifested by inflammatory infiltration. Compared with AFB1-contaminated diets, liver and uterine damage was alleviated with the AFB1 + MAB diet and partially restored to control levels. At the same time, we also observed that AFB1 treatment up-regulated the expression of Interferon-α (IFN-α), CASPASE-3, and CASPASE-8 in the uterus of laying hens, but this phenomenon was alleviated after adding the MAB. Therefore, under the experimental conditions, supplementation of MAB in AFB1-contaminated hen diets was an effective intervention to reduce aflatoxin toxicity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxin Contamination in Farm Animals: Innovative Reduction Strategies)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Study on the Impact of the Rural Population Aging on Agricultural Total Factor Productivity in China
by
Guifang Su, Zhe Chen, Wei Li and Xianli Xia
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122175 - 28 Nov 2024
Abstract
The rural population aging poses a great challenge to China’s agricultural production, which is dominated by small farmers. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces or cities (except Tibet) in China from 2005 to 2020, the DEA-Malmquist index is employed to measure
[...] Read more.
The rural population aging poses a great challenge to China’s agricultural production, which is dominated by small farmers. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces or cities (except Tibet) in China from 2005 to 2020, the DEA-Malmquist index is employed to measure the agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) in each province (city), and then the mediation effect model is used to reveal the mechanism by which the rural population aging affects the ATFP through farmland transfer, agricultural social services, and agricultural machinery. The results show that the rural population aging has made a significant contribution to the ATFP, and farmland transfer, agricultural socialized services and agricultural machinery have a intermediary effect on the increase of the ATFP. Further decomposition of ATFP reveals that the rural population aging can significantly contribute to the scale efficiency and technical progress rate through farmland transfer, agricultural socialization services and agricultural machinery, but does not have a significant effect on pure technical efficiency. In order to promote the high-quality and high-efficiency development of agriculture in the context of population aging, it is necessary to optimize the market environment for farmland transfer, improve the agricultural socialized service system, and continue to strengthen agricultural science and technology innovation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Agriculture Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Conferences
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
21 November 2024
Free Media Partnership Between Agriculture and the 13th International Conference of Young Scientists, “Young Scientists for Advance of Agriculture” (AGRISCI2024), 26 November 2024, Vilnius, Lithuania
Free Media Partnership Between Agriculture and the 13th International Conference of Young Scientists, “Young Scientists for Advance of Agriculture” (AGRISCI2024), 26 November 2024, Vilnius, Lithuania
Topics
Topic in
Agriculture, Agronomy, Crops, Foods, Plants
The Future of Farming in a Changing World: From Physiology to Technology
Topic Editors: Giuseppe Ferrara, Olaniyi Amos FawoleDeadline: 1 December 2024
Topic in
Agriculture, Animals, Dairy, Foods, Nutrients
Advances in Animal-Derived Non-Cow Milk and Milk Products
Topic Editors: Jacek Antoni Wójtowski, Jan Pikul, Maria Markiewicz-KęszyckaDeadline: 20 December 2024
Topic in
Agriculture, Crops, Molecules, Pharmaceuticals, Plants
Natural Compounds in Plants, 2nd Volume
Topic Editors: William N. Setzer, Zdenek WimmerDeadline: 31 December 2024
Topic in
Agriculture, Animals, Dairy, Genes, IJMS, Veterinary Sciences
Application of Reproductive and Genomic Biotechnologies for Livestock Breeding and Selection
Topic Editors: Manuel García-Herreros, Pedro M. AponteDeadline: 20 March 2025
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Agriculture
Weed Biology, Ecological Problems and New Strategies for Weed Management and Control
Guest Editors: Thomas Gitsopoulos, Nikos KrigasDeadline: 5 December 2024
Special Issue in
Agriculture
Application of Vision Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming—2nd Edition
Guest Editors: Xiuguo Zou, Xiaochen Zhu, Wentian Zhang, Yan Qian, Yuhua LiDeadline: 5 December 2024
Special Issue in
Agriculture
Fruit Germplasm Resource Conservation and Breeding
Guest Editors: Zhike Zhang, Xianghui YangDeadline: 5 December 2024
Special Issue in
Agriculture
Applications of Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Digital Soil Mapping
Guest Editors: Jing Geng, Yongsheng Hong, Yiyun ChenDeadline: 10 December 2024