Rice farming, a means of food security and livelihood for billions of farmers, particularly in Asia, has come under scrutiny because of its resource-intensive nature and contribution to climate change. The direct-seeding method of rice, commonly known as direct-seeded rice (DSR), has been proposed as an alternative to the traditional transplanting method of cultivation, offering several ecosystem services. This study undertakes a meta-analysis of existing studies to quantify the trade-off between rice yield and ecosystem services due to DSR adoption. The findings show that transitioning to DSR leads to enhanced carbon sequestration (+9.80 %), reduced water use (+18 %), increased nutrient availability (+20 %), and lower emissions of methane (-94.59 %) and carbon dioxide (+29.58 %). In addition, compared to transplanted rice, the cultivation costs associated with direct-seeded rice (DSR) are reduced by 17.68 %. However, this also results in a lower yield, which introduces uncertainty regarding the net economic benefits of DSR. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate both trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services and crop yield, depending on the concurrent implementation of other improved cultivation techniques and growing environments. The findings suggest that the implementation of DSR, in conjunction with improved crop management practices and the provision of incentives to farmers for the environmental benefits it generates, will help its upscaling.
{"title":"Unravelling trade-offs and synergies of direct-seeded rice in Indian agriculture: A meta-analysis","authors":"Kiran Kumara T.M. , Pratap Singh Birthal , Dinesh Chand Meena , Anjani Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127897","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127897","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rice farming, a means of food security and livelihood for billions of farmers, particularly in Asia, has come under scrutiny because of its resource-intensive nature and contribution to climate change. The direct-seeding method of rice, commonly known as direct-seeded rice (DSR), has been proposed as an alternative to the traditional transplanting method of cultivation, offering several ecosystem services. This study undertakes a meta-analysis of existing studies to quantify the trade-off between rice yield and ecosystem services due to DSR adoption. The findings show that transitioning to DSR leads to enhanced carbon sequestration (+9.80 %), reduced water use (+18 %), increased nutrient availability (+20 %), and lower emissions of methane (-94.59 %) and carbon dioxide (+29.58 %). In addition, compared to transplanted rice, the cultivation costs associated with direct-seeded rice (DSR) are reduced by 17.68 %. However, this also results in a lower yield, which introduces uncertainty regarding the net economic benefits of DSR. Nonetheless, the results demonstrate both trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services and crop yield, depending on the concurrent implementation of other improved cultivation techniques and growing environments. The findings suggest that the implementation of DSR, in conjunction with improved crop management practices and the provision of incentives to farmers for the environmental benefits it generates, will help its upscaling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 127897"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127892
S.S. Sonu , Latha Rangan
Pressing challenges of rising food demand, malnutrition, competition for essential resources (land, water and energy), changing climate, and unforeseen events such as pandemics, have heightened the urgency for resilient, nutritious and diversified crops. Amaranth, an ancient grain with roots in Aztec culture, comprising of approximately 60–70 species can be categorized as vegetable, grain, or wild types. Known for its remarkable nutritional profile – rich in protein, squalene, essential amino acids and unique phytochemicals – amaranth has re-emerged as a superfood. Its resilience to environmental stress, low care and availability of diverse genetic resources for breeding, makes it a promising candidate for addressing modern agricultural challenges. In this review, we explore into the diverse aspects of amaranth that positions it as a key player in tackling food security and agricultural issues. It explores the historical context and geographical distribution of grain amaranth, tracing its journey from a staple food in ancient diets to its reintroduction as a superfood. The major points include: 1) C4 efficiency and stress tolerance detailing mechanism along with anatomical and biochemical adaptations; 2) advances in genomics, including high-quality genome assemblies and plastome characterization crucial for understanding its evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity; 3) specific databases that facilitate access to genomic information and support population genetic analyses for crop improvement; and 4) potential as a functional food and its therapeutic benefits. Collectively, this review advocates for amaranth as a super crop with significant promise for enhancing global food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, while suggesting future avenues for research.
{"title":"Amaranth: From Aztec tradition to climate-smart agriculture – Examining genetic resources, nutritional benefits, and resilience","authors":"S.S. Sonu , Latha Rangan","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pressing challenges of rising food demand, malnutrition, competition for essential resources (land, water and energy), changing climate, and unforeseen events such as pandemics, have heightened the urgency for resilient, nutritious and diversified crops. Amaranth, an ancient grain with roots in Aztec culture, comprising of approximately 60–70 species can be categorized as vegetable, grain, or wild types. Known for its remarkable nutritional profile – rich in protein, squalene, essential amino acids and unique phytochemicals – amaranth has re-emerged as a superfood. Its resilience to environmental stress, low care and availability of diverse genetic resources for breeding, makes it a promising candidate for addressing modern agricultural challenges. In this review, we explore into the diverse aspects of amaranth that positions it as a key player in tackling food security and agricultural issues. It explores the historical context and geographical distribution of grain amaranth, tracing its journey from a staple food in ancient diets to its reintroduction as a superfood. The major points include: 1) C4 efficiency and stress tolerance detailing mechanism along with anatomical and biochemical adaptations; 2) advances in genomics, including high-quality genome assemblies and plastome characterization crucial for understanding its evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity; 3) specific databases that facilitate access to genomic information and support population genetic analyses for crop improvement; and 4) potential as a functional food and its therapeutic benefits. Collectively, this review advocates for amaranth as a super crop with significant promise for enhancing global food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, while suggesting future avenues for research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 127892"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145384479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Crop yield prediction (CYP) along with crop growth parameter estimation (CGPE) recently gained prominence as essential means for optimizing agricultural resource use and addressing global food security challenges, particularly in regions with vulnerable climates and diverse agricultural systems, such as the Mediterranean one. Artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing (RS) play an important role in achieving such objectives.
Objective
To identify present methodologies and frameworks, emerging trends, research gaps and future directions in the integrated use of AI and RS in the Mediterranean area for CYP and CGPE.
Methods
We systematically reviewed the published scientific literature on the topic (106 studies) by means of the PRISMA methodology.
Result and conclusions
We found that integration of AI, particularly machine learning methods such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Networks, along with satellite-based RS platforms such as Sentinel-2, Sentinel-1, MODIS, and Landsat-8, demonstrated strong potential to enhance monitoring and support adaptive agricultural decision-making. Deep learning models, such as Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short Term Memories, are emerging tools for spatio-temporal modelling, although their use is limited, likely due to data and computational constraints. Wheat is the most frequently analyzed crop, alongside high-value perennial crops like olives and vineyards. Data acquisition relies predominantly on satellite imagery, though hybrid approaches incorporating unmanned aerial vehicle and ground-based data are promising in improving prediction accuracy. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, including uneven geographical research coverage, limited model transferability, and insufficient consideration of crop phenology. A critical lack of standardized validation datasets and the underrepresentation of North African and Middle Eastern countries further constrain progress.
Significance
To fully harness AI-RS integration for sustainable agriculture and food security in the Mediterranean area, and similar agroecosystems, future efforts should aim at i) prioritizing cross-regional collaboration, ii) focusing on hybrid AI-RS methods, iii) developing phenology-aware models, and iv) widening access to data.
{"title":"Integration of artificial intelligence and remote sensing for crop yield prediction and crop growth parameter estimation in Mediterranean agroecosystems: Methodologies, emerging technologies, research gaps, and future directions","authors":"Wondimagegn Abebe Demissie, Luca Sebastiani, Rudy Rossetto","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Crop yield prediction (CYP) along with crop growth parameter estimation (CGPE) recently gained prominence as essential means for optimizing agricultural resource use and addressing global food security challenges, particularly in regions with vulnerable climates and diverse agricultural systems, such as the Mediterranean one. Artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing (RS) play an important role in achieving such objectives.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To identify present methodologies and frameworks, emerging trends, research gaps and future directions in the integrated use of AI and RS in the Mediterranean area for CYP and CGPE.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically reviewed the published scientific literature on the topic (106 studies) by means of the PRISMA methodology.</div></div><div><h3>Result and conclusions</h3><div>We found that integration of AI, particularly machine learning methods such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Networks, along with satellite-based RS platforms such as Sentinel-2, Sentinel-1, MODIS, and Landsat-8, demonstrated strong potential to enhance monitoring and support adaptive agricultural decision-making. Deep learning models, such as Convolutional Neural Networks and Long Short Term Memories, are emerging tools for spatio-temporal modelling, although their use is limited, likely due to data and computational constraints. Wheat is the most frequently analyzed crop, alongside high-value perennial crops like olives and vineyards. Data acquisition relies predominantly on satellite imagery, though hybrid approaches incorporating unmanned aerial vehicle and ground-based data are promising in improving prediction accuracy. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, including uneven geographical research coverage, limited model transferability, and insufficient consideration of crop phenology. A critical lack of standardized validation datasets and the underrepresentation of North African and Middle Eastern countries further constrain progress.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>To fully harness AI-RS integration for sustainable agriculture and food security in the Mediterranean area, and similar agroecosystems, future efforts should aim at i) prioritizing cross-regional collaboration, ii) focusing on hybrid AI-RS methods, iii) developing phenology-aware models, and iv) widening access to data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 127894"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145404602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127884
Alvaro Delgado , David Ruiz , Javier Rodrigo , Eike Luedeling , Eduardo Fernandez , Hajar Mojahid , Brenda I. Guerrero , M. Engracia Guerra , Nestor Santolaria , Patricia Irisarri , Jose A. Egea , Lars Caspersen , Mehdi Ben Mimoun , Halima Hajjioui , Meryem Erami , Ossama Kodad , Adnane El Yaacoubi , Mohamed Ghrab , Haïfa Benmoussa , Nadia Borgini , Erica Fadón
The Mediterranean Basin, a key region for temperate fruit and nut production, faces significant challenges due to global warming, which disrupts the synchronization of tree phenological cycles with seasonal changes. This study examines the agroclimatic requirements for flowering in four temperate fruit species (almond, apricot, Japanese plum, and sweet cherry) across multiple Mediterranean locations in Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. Using a standardized experimental protocol and the same chill and heat accumulation models (Dynamic and Growing Degree Hours models, respectively), we characterized the dormancy phases and flowering patterns of 17 cultivars, including six that were evaluated for the first time. The results revealed significant variability in chill and heat accumulation across sites, reflecting differences in climatic conditions. While flowering dates were generally consistent across regions, notable differences were observed in the length of the endo-dormancy phase, with longer endo-dormancy periods not always corresponding to higher chill requirements (CR). We found that the climatic region was more important than the year-to-year temperature variability in determining agroclimatic requirements. A compensatory relationship between chill and heat accumulation was observed, indicating cultivar plasticity to adapt and respond to varying environmental conditions. This adaptive capacity in response to fluctuating levels of chill and heat appears to vary among Prunus species. The findings highlight the importance of considering agroclimatic characteristics of cultivars in orchard design to ensure the resilience of temperate fruit crops to climate change. This study provides critical data for improving chill and heat models and underscores the need for further research into phenological plasticity and adaptation traits. The insights gained are intended to support the sustainability of Mediterranean orchards under current and projected climate scenarios.
{"title":"Cultivar plasticity in temperate fruit trees across the Mediterranean region: Different combinations of chill and heat lead to dormancy release","authors":"Alvaro Delgado , David Ruiz , Javier Rodrigo , Eike Luedeling , Eduardo Fernandez , Hajar Mojahid , Brenda I. Guerrero , M. Engracia Guerra , Nestor Santolaria , Patricia Irisarri , Jose A. Egea , Lars Caspersen , Mehdi Ben Mimoun , Halima Hajjioui , Meryem Erami , Ossama Kodad , Adnane El Yaacoubi , Mohamed Ghrab , Haïfa Benmoussa , Nadia Borgini , Erica Fadón","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Mediterranean Basin, a key region for temperate fruit and nut production, faces significant challenges due to global warming, which disrupts the synchronization of tree phenological cycles with seasonal changes. This study examines the agroclimatic requirements for flowering in four temperate fruit species (almond, apricot, Japanese plum, and sweet cherry) across multiple Mediterranean locations in Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. Using a standardized experimental protocol and the same chill and heat accumulation models (Dynamic and Growing Degree Hours models, respectively), we characterized the dormancy phases and flowering patterns of 17 cultivars, including six that were evaluated for the first time. The results revealed significant variability in chill and heat accumulation across sites, reflecting differences in climatic conditions. While flowering dates were generally consistent across regions, notable differences were observed in the length of the endo-dormancy phase, with longer endo-dormancy periods not always corresponding to higher chill requirements (CR). We found that the climatic region was more important than the year-to-year temperature variability in determining agroclimatic requirements. A compensatory relationship between chill and heat accumulation was observed, indicating cultivar plasticity to adapt and respond to varying environmental conditions. This adaptive capacity in response to fluctuating levels of chill and heat appears to vary among <em>Prunus</em> species. The findings highlight the importance of considering agroclimatic characteristics of cultivars in orchard design to ensure the resilience of temperate fruit crops to climate change. This study provides critical data for improving chill and heat models and underscores the need for further research into phenological plasticity and adaptation traits. The insights gained are intended to support the sustainability of Mediterranean orchards under current and projected climate scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127884"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145383308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127895
Barbara Pipan, Mohamed Neji, Vladimir Meglič, Lovro Sinkovič
Common buckwheat is valued for its adaptability, nutritional quality and potential to enhance sustainable cropping systems. However, yield instability and limited data on long-term genetic and nutritional stability remain key challenges. To address this, we conducted a nine-year field study (2012–2020) of the Slovenian variety Čebelica under Central European conditions, integrating agronomic, environmental, nutritional and genetic analyses. Grain yields varied widely (498.8–1418.0 kg ha−1), primarily due to climatic differences, with the precipitation as the dominant factor (F = 4.324, P = 0.027). Crop rotation explained 39.9 % of yield variation, with highest productivity following oats, maize or red clover. In contrast, protein (10.1–12.5 %) and fat (2.6–3.2 %) contents were highly stable (CV < 6 %), indicating robust physiological regulation. Micro-nutrient trends showed increasing iron and zinc, and decreasing sodium. Redundancy analysis revealed that precipitation, soil phosphorus and solar radiation explained over 75 % of trait variation, highlighting complex environmental control. Solar radiation influenced a trade-off between protein/fat and total phenolic content, suggesting metabolic shifts under varying light. Genetic analysis using nine SSR loci showed high diversity (Ho = 0.863) and a significant genetic shift between 2014 and 2015. Principal coordinate analysis and Mantel test (r = 0.556, P = 0.005) confirmed temporal genetic structuring, indicating ongoing adaptation despite the use of a single variety. These findings demonstrate that Čebelica is a nutritionally stable yet genetically dynamic variety, well suited for climate-resilient agriculture. This work offers rare, long-term insights into the ecological, agronomic and genetic dynamics of an underutilised but valuable crop.
{"title":"Adapted and yet evolving: Long-term agronomic, nutritional and genetic assessment of the buckwheat variety Čebelica (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) under Central European conditions","authors":"Barbara Pipan, Mohamed Neji, Vladimir Meglič, Lovro Sinkovič","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127895","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127895","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Common buckwheat is valued for its adaptability, nutritional quality and potential to enhance sustainable cropping systems. However, yield instability and limited data on long-term genetic and nutritional stability remain key challenges. To address this, we conducted a nine-year field study (2012–2020) of the Slovenian variety Čebelica under Central European conditions, integrating agronomic, environmental, nutritional and genetic analyses. Grain yields varied widely (498.8–1418.0 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>), primarily due to climatic differences, with the precipitation as the dominant factor (F = 4.324, <em>P</em> = 0.027). Crop rotation explained 39.9 % of yield variation, with highest productivity following oats, maize or red clover. In contrast, protein (10.1–12.5 %) and fat (2.6–3.2 %) contents were highly stable (CV < 6 %), indicating robust physiological regulation. Micro-nutrient trends showed increasing iron and zinc, and decreasing sodium. Redundancy analysis revealed that precipitation, soil phosphorus and solar radiation explained over 75 % of trait variation, highlighting complex environmental control. Solar radiation influenced a trade-off between protein/fat and total phenolic content, suggesting metabolic shifts under varying light. Genetic analysis using nine SSR loci showed high diversity (Ho = 0.863) and a significant genetic shift between 2014 and 2015. Principal coordinate analysis and Mantel test (r = 0.556, <em>P</em> = 0.005) confirmed temporal genetic structuring, indicating ongoing adaptation despite the use of a single variety. These findings demonstrate that Čebelica is a nutritionally stable yet genetically dynamic variety, well suited for climate-resilient agriculture. This work offers rare, long-term insights into the ecological, agronomic and genetic dynamics of an underutilised but valuable crop.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127895"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145383309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A participatory living-lab, implemented in Occitania region (south of France), is clustering farmers, processors, chefs, researchers, teachers, students and citizens, interested by einkorn (Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum). During meetings, field days, open laboratories days, farms or mills visits, several assertions were collected and the ten most commonly cited were selected. For each assertion, experiments were set up and the results were compared with the scientific literature in order to discuss, confirm or refute them. We concluded by right or false for each assertion: “French farmers grow very few varieties of einkorn”: right, “There is no genetic diversity in the einkorn species”: false, “Yield is the only trait farmers are interested in”: false, “The einkorn is only adapted to very specific environmental conditions”: false, ““IGP haute Provence” is the best adapted to our Living Lab cropping conditions”: false, “Einkorn is not adapted to agroforestry”: right, with the current varieties, “Einkorn is of great benefit to celiac patients”: false, “Einkorn is more digestible than durum wheat”: false, ““IGP Haute Provence” is the variety of einkorn that makes the best pasta”: false, “Einkorn is less profitable than wheat because of its low yield”: false . The participatory einkorn breeding program being implemented will allow to meet the constraints and requirements of all stakeholders.
{"title":"Ten assertions on einkorn from a participatory living-lab: Right or false?","authors":"Dominique Desclaux , Marie-Françoise Samson , Gwénaëlle Jard , Loubnah Belahcen , Marie-Hélène Robin , Dylan Clair , Francesco Valente , Yuna Chiffoleau","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127893","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127893","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A participatory living-lab, implemented in Occitania region (south of France), is clustering farmers, processors, chefs, researchers, teachers, students and citizens, interested by einkorn (<em>Triticum monococcum</em> subsp. <em>monococcum</em>). During meetings, field days, open laboratories days, farms or mills visits, several assertions were collected and the ten most commonly cited were selected. For each assertion, experiments were set up and the results were compared with the scientific literature in order to discuss, confirm or refute them. We concluded by right or false for each assertion: “<em>French farmers grow very few varieties of einkorn</em>”: right, <em>“There is no genetic diversity in the einkorn species”:</em> false, <em>“Yield is the only trait farmers are interested in”:</em> false, <em>“The einkorn is only adapted to very specific environmental conditions</em>”: false, <em>““IGP haute Provence” is the best adapted to our Living Lab cropping conditions”:</em> false<em>, “Einkorn is not adapted to agroforestry”:</em> right, with the current varieties, <em>“Einkorn is of great benefit to celiac patients</em>”: <em>false</em>, <em>“Einkorn is more digestible than durum wheat</em>”: false, “<em>“IGP Haute Provence” is the variety of einkorn that makes the best pasta”:</em> false, <em>“Einkorn is less profitable than wheat because of its low yield”:</em> false <em>.</em> The participatory einkorn breeding program being implemented will allow to meet the constraints and requirements of all stakeholders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127893"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145383323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127883
Wang Mengmeng , Jiang Mengyuan , Dong Zhiqiang , Qin Quan , Zhao Hong , Zhang Qian
Shandong Province is the main production area of winter wheat in China. And it has been significantly affected by drought in recent years. It is of great significance for the safety of winter wheat production, if the impact of drought stress on a larger scale could be assessed accurately. LAI (Leaf Area Index) had an intuitive response to drought stress. In order to fully characterize the impact of drought stress on the growth and development of winter wheat on a larger scale, the technical advantages of water control experiment, WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies) model and remote sensing inversion were integrated to explore the drought impact assessment method of winter wheat, named the stepwise correction of “site-area-region” of LAI. The water control experiment of winter wheat in the key development period (from jointing period to flowering period) was carried out in Taian agrometeorological experimental station. Through the analyzing of characteristics of change of LAI and yield, the drought impact was assessed at the single site scale. And then, the drought assessment module of the WOFOST model was corrected by the water control experimental data at the single site. And the LAI and yield of multiple sites in the province could be simulated under drought conditions at the area scale. On this basis, MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) remote sensing inversion data was optimized by the simulated LAI data of WOFOST model. Finally, the drought impact assessment in Shandong Province was completed at the regional scale. The results showed that the water control experiment could reveal the impact of different drought intensities on the LAI and yield of winter wheat at the single site scale. And at the area scale, the WOFOST model could quantitatively evaluate the growth loss of winter wheat caused by different intensities of drought. At the regional scale, the established LAI revision model had a good correction effect on LAI products of remote sensing, the D-index, mAE and mRE of LAI before and after correction were 0.99, −0.54, and −6.1 %, respectively. In addition, using a quadratic parabola to fit the correlation between LAI and Rsm (Relative Soil Moisture) on different dates, all of which passed the significance test (P < 0.01). It indicated that the corrected LAI could be used to evaluate the impact of drought on the growth and development of winter wheat.
{"title":"Research on drought impact assessment method of winter wheat based on stepwise correction of LAI in “site-area-region”","authors":"Wang Mengmeng , Jiang Mengyuan , Dong Zhiqiang , Qin Quan , Zhao Hong , Zhang Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shandong Province is the main production area of winter wheat in China. And it has been significantly affected by drought in recent years. It is of great significance for the safety of winter wheat production, if the impact of drought stress on a larger scale could be assessed accurately. LAI (Leaf Area Index) had an intuitive response to drought stress. In order to fully characterize the impact of drought stress on the growth and development of winter wheat on a larger scale, the technical advantages of water control experiment, WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies) model and remote sensing inversion were integrated to explore the drought impact assessment method of winter wheat, named the stepwise correction of “site-area-region” of LAI. The water control experiment of winter wheat in the key development period (from jointing period to flowering period) was carried out in Taian agrometeorological experimental station. Through the analyzing of characteristics of change of LAI and yield, the drought impact was assessed at the single site scale. And then, the drought assessment module of the WOFOST model was corrected by the water control experimental data at the single site. And the LAI and yield of multiple sites in the province could be simulated under drought conditions at the area scale. On this basis, MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) remote sensing inversion data was optimized by the simulated LAI data of WOFOST model. Finally, the drought impact assessment in Shandong Province was completed at the regional scale. The results showed that the water control experiment could reveal the impact of different drought intensities on the LAI and yield of winter wheat at the single site scale. And at the area scale, the WOFOST model could quantitatively evaluate the growth loss of winter wheat caused by different intensities of drought. At the regional scale, the established LAI revision model had a good correction effect on LAI products of remote sensing, the D-index, mAE and mRE of LAI before and after correction were 0.99, −0.54, and −6.1 %, respectively. In addition, using a quadratic parabola to fit the correlation between LAI and Rsm (Relative Soil Moisture) on different dates, all of which passed the significance test (P < 0.01). It indicated that the corrected LAI could be used to evaluate the impact of drought on the growth and development of winter wheat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127883"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127890
Amit Asiag Tabatznik , Tom Shlomovich , Dan Gamrasni , Smadar Harpaz-Saad , Martin Goldway , Amir Raz
Avocado, one of the most important tropical fruits, does not reach its full yield potential. Among the main reasons for this deficiency are low fruit set of 0.1–1 %, and massive abscission of young fruitlets. Our aim was to reduce these two phenomena and thereby to increase avocado yield. Our objective was to utilize a practical approach not employed so far in the avocado orchard. We hypothesized that since the phytohormone ethylene is involved in the senescence of the reproductive organs and also in fruit abscission, applying a liquid formula of the ethylene action inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) will improve fertilization, and reduce young fruitlet abscission. The experiments were conducted on the popular cultivar Hass and the relatively heat and drought-tolerant cultivar Gem. Spraying liquid 1-MCP during the flowering period, led to a 50–100 % increase in fruit set followed by a yield rise of up to 50 % in Hass and up to 100 % in Gem. The increase in the number of fruits on the tree did not reduce the average fruit weight. Molecular analysis showed that the increase in fruit set was not accompanied by a rise in self-pollination. Thus, we suggest that the treatment improved pistil receptivity during the female phase but did not extend it until the male phase. Treating young fruitlets with liquid 1-MCP reduced abscission significantly but the effect lessened as the fruit developed, resulting in a moderate increase in yield.
{"title":"Increasing avocado (Persea americana) yield by applying 1-MCP, an ethylene action inhibitor, during the flowering period and at the early stages of fruitlet development","authors":"Amit Asiag Tabatznik , Tom Shlomovich , Dan Gamrasni , Smadar Harpaz-Saad , Martin Goldway , Amir Raz","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avocado, one of the most important tropical fruits, does not reach its full yield potential. Among the main reasons for this deficiency are low fruit set of 0.1–1 %, and massive abscission of young fruitlets. Our aim was to reduce these two phenomena and thereby to increase avocado yield. Our objective was to utilize a practical approach not employed so far in the avocado orchard. We hypothesized that since the phytohormone ethylene is involved in the senescence of the reproductive organs and also in fruit abscission, applying a liquid formula of the ethylene action inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) will improve fertilization, and reduce young fruitlet abscission. The experiments were conducted on the popular cultivar Hass and the relatively heat and drought-tolerant cultivar Gem. Spraying liquid 1-MCP during the flowering period, led to a 50–100 % increase in fruit set followed by a yield rise of up to 50 % in Hass and up to 100 % in Gem. The increase in the number of fruits on the tree did not reduce the average fruit weight. Molecular analysis showed that the increase in fruit set was not accompanied by a rise in self-pollination. Thus, we suggest that the treatment improved pistil receptivity during the female phase but did not extend it until the male phase. Treating young fruitlets with liquid 1-MCP reduced abscission significantly but the effect lessened as the fruit developed, resulting in a moderate increase in yield.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127890"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127888
Biao Wang , Jianfeng Chen , Libo Fu , Tianwu Dong , Yuanquan Chen , Wangsheng Gao , Peng Sui
Optimized mulching strategies are expected to control weeds while providing multiple ecological functions. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the effects of mulching on weed control and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) in organic tea plantations. Here, a field study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 to evaluate the impacts of three mulching practices (RS: rice straw mulching; WBF: weed barrier fabric mulching; BG: living mulch with bahia grass; Control: mechanical weeding) on weed control, soil quality index (SQI), EMF and the trade-offs among ecosystem functions by integrating 35 ecosystem indicators. Compared with the control, mulching effectively decreased weed biomass by 53.8–94.1 % by obstructing sunlight and limiting growth space. RS and WBF increased soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon by 21.6–23.4 % and 17.2–21.9 %. The addition and decomposition of organic matter in RS increased nitrogen availability and alleviated soil acidification and drought. Moreover, the diversity of bacterial and fungal microorganisms was elevated under RS and BG. Mulching increased tea yield by 4.49 %-5.71 % by introducing sufficient soil nutrients and fostering better soil environment. WBF and BG enhanced economic returns by 59.4 % and 62.1 % through reducing labor costs. Mulching significantly increased EMF and SQI by 17.8–39.4 % and 7.47–16.0 % through improving soil nutrients supply and weed control functions. The degree of trade-offs between weed control and other ecosystem functions was diminished under mulching. Overall, mulching practices could achieve a win-win outcome between weed control and ecosystem multifunctionality. These findings filled a knowledge gap in tea plantations and provided rare evidence for sustainable weed management in perennial agricultural systems.
{"title":"The impact of diverse mulching practices on soil quality and ecosystem multifunctionality in organic tea plantations: From the insights into weed management","authors":"Biao Wang , Jianfeng Chen , Libo Fu , Tianwu Dong , Yuanquan Chen , Wangsheng Gao , Peng Sui","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Optimized mulching strategies are expected to control weeds while providing multiple ecological functions. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the effects of mulching on weed control and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) in organic tea plantations. Here, a field study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 to evaluate the impacts of three mulching practices (RS: rice straw mulching; WBF: weed barrier fabric mulching; BG: living mulch with bahia grass; Control: mechanical weeding) on weed control, soil quality index (SQI), EMF and the trade-offs among ecosystem functions by integrating 35 ecosystem indicators. Compared with the control, mulching effectively decreased weed biomass by 53.8–94.1 % by obstructing sunlight and limiting growth space. RS and WBF increased soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon by 21.6–23.4 % and 17.2–21.9 %. The addition and decomposition of organic matter in RS increased nitrogen availability and alleviated soil acidification and drought. Moreover, the diversity of bacterial and fungal microorganisms was elevated under RS and BG. Mulching increased tea yield by 4.49 %-5.71 % by introducing sufficient soil nutrients and fostering better soil environment. WBF and BG enhanced economic returns by 59.4 % and 62.1 % through reducing labor costs. Mulching significantly increased EMF and SQI by 17.8–39.4 % and 7.47–16.0 % through improving soil nutrients supply and weed control functions. The degree of trade-offs between weed control and other ecosystem functions was diminished under mulching. Overall, mulching practices could achieve a win-win outcome between weed control and ecosystem multifunctionality. These findings filled a knowledge gap in tea plantations and provided rare evidence for sustainable weed management in perennial agricultural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127888"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2025.127889
Raúl Allende-Montalbán , Genís Simon-Miquel , Daniel Plaza-Bonilla
Replacing mineral nitrogen fertilizers with organic sources or service crops is often proposed to enhance resource nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. However, in semi-arid irrigated systems, evidence of their agronomic performance is limited. A three-year field experiment in a wheat-wheat-rapeseed rotation compared five strategies: unfertilized control (0 N), full mineral fertilization (FM), pre-sowing slurry + mineral top-dressing (BAU), full slurry fertilization (FS), and a legume companion cover crop (CCC). In both wheat cropping seasons, CCC yielded less than FM, BAU and FS, and showed lower water use efficiency, with no benefits from biological N fixation. A non-significant trend of lower yields in CCC compared to 0 N was also observed in 2021 and 2022. FM and FS achieved equivalent yields at comparable N rates, indicating that slurry can fully replace mineral fertilizer for both pre-sowing and top-dressing applications without yield or nitrogen use efficiency penalties, while also increasing soil organic carbon in surface layers. These results highlight the need for critical evaluation of CCC in semi-arid irrigated systems, as they may not improve -and can even reduce- productivity and resource use efficiency.
{"title":"To what extent replacing N fertilization by a companion service cover crop maintains crop productivity and N use efficiency?","authors":"Raúl Allende-Montalbán , Genís Simon-Miquel , Daniel Plaza-Bonilla","doi":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eja.2025.127889","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Replacing mineral nitrogen fertilizers with organic sources or service crops is often proposed to enhance resource nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. However, in semi-arid irrigated systems, evidence of their agronomic performance is limited. A three-year field experiment in a wheat-wheat-rapeseed rotation compared five strategies: unfertilized control (0 N), full mineral fertilization (FM), pre-sowing slurry + mineral top-dressing (BAU), full slurry fertilization (FS), and a legume companion cover crop (CCC). In both wheat cropping seasons, CCC yielded less than FM, BAU and FS, and showed lower water use efficiency, with no benefits from biological N fixation. A non-significant trend of lower yields in CCC compared to 0 N was also observed in 2021 and 2022. FM and FS achieved equivalent yields at comparable N rates, indicating that slurry can fully replace mineral fertilizer for both pre-sowing and top-dressing applications without yield or nitrogen use efficiency penalties, while also increasing soil organic carbon in surface layers. These results highlight the need for critical evaluation of CCC in semi-arid irrigated systems, as they may not improve -and can even reduce- productivity and resource use efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51045,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Agronomy","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 127889"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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