Agricultural Systems最新文献

{"title":"The influence of market access on grain legume adoption and intensity in African small-holder households","authors":"Andrew P. Barnes ,&nbsp;James Hammond ,&nbsp;Tarirai Muoni ,&nbsp;Alan Duncan","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Grain legumes have been promoted to support nutrition, soil quality and income growth. However, uptake is generally low across African smallholders and a number of studies have identified lack of market access for legumes as a main constraint.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The study employs a cross-sectional dataset of 20,218 smallholder households across 10 African countries to explore the level of legume intensity and the characteristics and determinants of adoptionl.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An indicator of grain legume intensity is derived on individual plot areas. To accommodate both the high amounts of non-adoption and the differences in the distribution of intensity observed by country we employ a zero-inflated beta regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>There is little diversity in grain legume species planted, though Kenya has the most diversity in legumes grown. Mean legume cultivation intensity ranges from 8% of total cropping area to over 25% in Zambia and Ethiopia. The influence of market access for legumes is a strong and significant predictor of intensity. Conversely, we find the presence of markets for cash crops reduces the incentive to adopt legumes.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Development strategies should combine household-level interventions with broader market-oriented approaches, as improving legume market access is essential for scaling legume production and enhancing food security, income diversification, and ecological resilience across the region. By analysing a large sample of households across diverse agro-ecological zones, we provide generalizable evidence that complements localized studies. Estimating the decision to both cultivate and intensify legumes within the same model reveals a duality that emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to strengthen legume markets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104647"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073690","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}

{"title":"Synergistic optimization of field management measures for yield increase and emission reduction of Panax notoginseng based on DNDC model and NSGA-III","authors":"Qiliang Yang ,&nbsp;Liuhui Mo ,&nbsp;Wentao Zhang ,&nbsp;Ling Yang ,&nbsp;Chunhao Cao ,&nbsp;Na Li","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104650","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;CONTEXT&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Panax Notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Panax genus in the Araliaceae family. It has the core effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, stopping bleeding, and reducing swelling, which is known as “gold cannot be exchanged” due to its unique medicinal value. At present, there were widespread problems of yield decline and environmental effects caused by improper management measures such as chemical fertilizer application, irrigation, and tillage in the production process of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;OBJECTIVE&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Therefore, this study constructed the EFAST-DNDC-NSGA-III collaborative framework to optimize the field planting management measures of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; and realize sustainable development of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; with increased yield and reduced emissions.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;METHODS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The crop varieties genetic parameters and field management parameters sensitive to &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; yield and greenhouse gas emissions in the DNDC model were analyzed by the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (EFAST) method. The applicability of DNDC model to &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; was calibrated and validated by adjusting the sensitive crop varieties genetic parameters. Finally, based on the NSGA-III multi-objective optimization algorithm, the appropriate field management measures to promote increased production and reduced emissions of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; were explored.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The results identified that water demand, root carbon‑nitrogen ratio, grain carbon‑nitrogen ratio, leaf carbon‑nitrogen ratio, and nitrogen fixation coefficient were the main sensitivity parameters affecting &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; yield. It was found that the DNDC model had good applicability to &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; (&lt;em&gt;d&lt;/em&gt; = 0.89, &lt;em&gt;NRMSE&lt;/em&gt; = 0.16) by adjusting the sensitivity parameters to calibrate and verify the DNDC model. Further sensitivity analysis of field management measures revealed that urea application rate, irrigation amount, fertilization depth, tillage depth, and nitrification inhibitor efficiency were key field management measures affecting the yield and environmental emissions (CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and N&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O) of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt;. On this basis, the NSGA-III multi-objective optimization algorithm was applied to perform Pareto optimization on these five key management practices, obtaining an optimal solution set that balances yield maximization with environmental emission minimization. The results showed that the optimized scheme with irrigation amount of 16–23 mm, urea application amount of 160–210 kg N·ha&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, fertilization depth of 10–25 cm, plowing depth of 5–10 cm, and nitrification inhibitor efficiency of 30–50% could maintain the yield per unit area of &lt;em&gt;Panax notoginseng&lt;/em&gt; or increase by 50%, while CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; and N","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104650"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073692","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}

{"title":"Integrating agroecological suitability of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) with biodiversity and land-use constraints in Peru","authors":"Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez ,&nbsp;Betty K. Guzman ,&nbsp;Elgar Barboza ,&nbsp;Manuel Oliva ,&nbsp;Angel Fernando Huaman-Pilco ,&nbsp;Nilton B. Rojas-Briceño","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Cacao cultivation is vital for rural economies in Peru, but its expansion often overlaps with sensitive ecosystems, raising concerns for biodiversity conservation. Despite international commitments to deforestation-free supply chains, integrated analyses combining agroecological suitability with land-use constraints remain scarce in Peru.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVES</h3><div>This study aims to identify suitable areas for cacao cultivation under multiple exclusion scenarios, evaluate conflicts with biodiversity and conservation areas, and quantify degraded lands that could provide opportunities for agroforestry-based restoration.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>Cacao suitability was modelled with an ensemble of nine machine-learning algorithms using bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic predictors. Outputs were filtered to exclude biophysical barriers and overlaid with national-scale layers of species richness, protected areas, forest cover, and degraded lands through GIS-based spatial analysis to evaluate exclusion scenarios and trade-offs.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>The ensemble achieved high predictive power, with Random Forest (AUC = 0.997) and XGBoost (AUC = 0.972) performing best. Highly suitable areas were concentrated in the Andean-Amazon transition, especially in San Martín, Cusco, Huánuco, and Junín departments, where they overlapped with biodiversity hotspots and legally protected areas. Degraded yet suitable lands highlighted opportunities to expand cacao through agroforestry systems, reducing forest pressure and enhancing ecological restoration.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>By integrating suitability modelling with national-scale geospatial layers, this study delivers a framework linking crop suitability with land-use constraints. The findings support national-scale planning while remaining adaptable to local contexts. They also align with international policy frameworks such as the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), promoting sustainable cacao production, biodiversity conservation, and long-term rural development in Peru.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104637"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071710","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}

{"title":"Cropland use intensity, stability, and crop transition dynamics in the Songhua River Basin (2000–2024): Implications for sustainable land use and food security","authors":"Lai Gan ,&nbsp;Xiao Xiao ,&nbsp;Yishan Li ,&nbsp;Qiyuan Hu ,&nbsp;Yang Lan ,&nbsp;Yang Xie ,&nbsp;Fei Lun","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>The Songhua River Basin (SRB), a vital grain base within the global black soil belt, faces unquantified instability from agricultural intensification and urbanization. However, existing assessments fail to integrate long-term spatial cropland use intensity, stability, and fine-scale crop management transitions, limiting our understanding of agricultural resilience.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This study aims to quantify spatiotemporal dynamics and reveal the coupling mechanism between management practices and stability in the SRB. Specifically, we sought to: (1) characterize the spatiotemporal cropland dynamics; (2) unpack the nexus of cropland use intensity, stability and crop-type transitions; and (3) identify the driving forces and inform policy.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>To achieve these objectives, we developed an integrated framework to jointly assess cropland use intensity (CUI), cropland stability (CS), and crop-type transition pathways. We defined CUI as cumulative cultivated years and CS as a new index quantifying the persistence of cultivation within a pixel's dynamic land-use window (ratio of actual to potential years). Leveraging 25 years (2000–2024) of time-series Landsat imagery, we employed a Random Forest classifier to generate annual 30-m maps of cropland and major crops (maize, rice, soybean), achieving an overall accuracy &gt;90% and Kappa &gt;0.85.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Our analysis revealed a landscape of high commitment but fragile trade-offs. Over 55% of croplands exhibited very high use intensity (&gt;20 years), with 60% classified as Highly Stable (HS) or Fully Stable (FS), concentrated in the fertile midstream and downstream plains. However, a severe quality-quantity trade-off was identified: while 100.4 × 10³ km² of new land was reclaimed, 40% of this expansion remained Unstable (US), largely confined to ecologically marginal zones. Concurrently, 9.8 × 10³ km² of high-quality, stable cropland was irreversibly lost to urban expansion. Crucially, we established a strong non-linear coupling between stability and management: high-frequency crop-type transitions (i.e., rotation) were strictly associated with resilient, high-stability zones, whereas low-frequency patterns characterized the extremes of either monoculture or instability.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>This study provides a novel, integrated assessment moving beyond conventional area-based metrics. The findings offer a clear policy mandate for the SRB and similar grain bases: sustainable food security requires a paradigm shift from maintaining “cropland area balance” to managing “cropland stability,” prioritizing strict zoning to protect stable cropland and incentivizing sustainable rotation systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104652"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073691","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}

{"title":"Long-term balanced organic and synthetic nitrogen fertilization can realize sustainable crop production","authors":"Chong Zhang ,&nbsp;Xin Zhang ,&nbsp;Robert M. Rees ,&nbsp;Wim de Vries ,&nbsp;Luis Lassaletta ,&nbsp;Jagdish K. Ladha ,&nbsp;Xiaotang Ju","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Manure recycling to cropland reduces synthetic fertilizer use and nitrogen (N) waste while increasing soil carbon (C) sequestration, which is important for sustainable crop production. However, few studies have systematically integrated long-term N budgets with changes of soil C and N stocks and the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>We aim to quantify the long-term responses of crop productivity, changes of soil C and N stock, reactive N losses and the GHG balance to various C and N management practices, thus providing evidence for sustainable crop production.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We used a 15-year wheat-maize double cropping system in the North China Plain. The experiment included eight fertilization treatments with contrasting C and N management practices. Crop productivity, N losses, changes of soil C and N stock; and the GHG balance were evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Compared with conventional fertilization with excess synthetic N, long-term balanced organic and synthetic N fertilization (in which N rates were determined using an N balance approach and target N yield, and the rates of synthetic N equal to the difference between above N rate and mineralized N from manure) increases crop yield and N harvest by 8–11%, and soil C and N sequestration by 191–230%, while reducing N inputs by 23%, thus also reducing reactive N losses by 40% and the GHG balance from 59 to −2143 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹. Although the N surplus was relatively high in the balanced organic and synthetic N fertilization, it did not cause high N losses but achieved high soil C and N sequestration and crop yield, which were not achieved under the optimum synthetic N fertilization.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>This study emphasizes the benefits of combining organic and synthetic N within an appropriate N management framework, offering a global model for sustainable crop production in croplands. Site-specific adjustments could be necessary when applying these findings to other regions with distinctly different soil or climatic conditions. We should interpret N surplus cautiously because a high N surplus does not necessarily lead to high N losses with manure recycling to croplands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104653"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073646","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}

{"title":"Time is money: Spatially explicit system analysis for rice-wheat cropping systems of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains, India","authors":"Maxwell Mkondiwa ,&nbsp;Avinash Kishore ,&nbsp;Sonam Sherpa ,&nbsp;Anton Urfels ,&nbsp;Bhavani Pinjarla ,&nbsp;Virender Kumar ,&nbsp;Panneerselvam Peramaiyan ,&nbsp;Andrew McDonald","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Late sowing of wheat is a major reason for poor yields in eastern India (Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh) due to a shorter growing period, and risk of terminal heat stress. Despite big losses and widespread awareness, late sowing of wheat is widely prevalent in the region. Why? Most wheat is sown after harvesting monsoon rice from the same plot. Later rice harvests interfere with timely wheat sowing.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>The aim of the study is to analyse the interdependence between the rice and wheat to optimize crop establishment dates at the cropping systems level for increasing yields, revenues and mitigating risks.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We collected production practices data from 5021 plots sequentially cultivated with rice and wheat in the State of Bihar and the eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh. We use this unique data to implement a multivariate Bayesian geo-additive model and risk-return optimization framework to determine rice and wheat sowing dates that give the highest risk-adjusted economic gains to farmers.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</h3><div>Early transplanting of rice and early sowing of wheat have spatially differentiated yield, revenue, and risk (minimal variance) benefits. We find that early transplanting of rice (between June 20 and July 20) and wheat (between November 1 and November 15) leads to a revenue gain of 5000–10,000 Rs ha⁻¹ (∼62.5–125 US$ ha⁻¹) at minimal risk and no revenue trade-offs (non-negative correlation). Conversely, late transplanting of rice has negative effects on correlation of rice and wheat yields therefore leading to a yield and revenue tradeoff. Evidence of spatially differentiated dependence between rice and wheat yield systems implies that analysing these crops separately may be suboptimal.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Spatial intelligence on cropping system inter-dependence can help farmers select the appropriate crop management practices (e.g., variety duration, irrigation, fertilizer application) and adjust their sowing dates based on local conditions and constraints, thereby optimizing yields and incomes in the rice-wheat system. It can also help policy makers in implementing spatially differentiated entry points for increasing yields and farm incomes at minimum risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104648"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073731","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}

{"title":"Adaptive Crop Management Strategies to Mitigate Climate Change Impacts on Rice and Maize Production in the Philippines","authors":"Lanie A. Alejo ,&nbsp;Orlando F. Balderama ,&nbsp;Elmer A. Rosete ,&nbsp;Juan M. Pulhin","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Climate change is altering temperature and rainfall patterns, threatening agricultural productivity in tropical countries like the Philippines. Isabela Province, a major rice and corn producing region, is highly exposed to these risks. Estimating future yield responses and identifying adaptation options are essential for ensuring food security.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the impacts of climate change on rice and corn yields in Isabela by 2050 under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP5–8.5). It also evaluated whether adjusting planting dates and applying supplemental irrigation could reduce potential yield losses.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>Simulations were conducted using the DSSAT crop simulation model for upland rice, lowland rice, and rainfed corn. Mid-century climate data were sourced from DOST-PAGASA under CMIP6 scenarios. Simulations covered dry, normal, and wet years across planting seasons. Weekly planting runs identified optimal sowing dates, while additional runs evaluated irrigation effects. Crop genetic coefficients were based on previously calibrated and validated Philippine crop simulation studies using the DSSAT model.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Yield reductions were observed under all climate scenarios, particularly in lowland rice and rainfed corn during the dry season. CO₂ fertilization helped mitigate losses in upland systems. Retrofitting planting calendars improved yields by up to 150% in upland rice, 42% in lowland rice, and 82% in rainfed corn. When irrigation was added, yield gains increased further by up to 229%, 118%, and 120%, respectively. Dry years showed the highest improvements. Adjusting planting schedules and adding irrigation are effective, climate-smart strategies to boost yield and resilience. These measures can help reduce yield losses and support food security planning in climate-vulnerable regions. The findings provide practical insights for local adaptation and agricultural policy development.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>This study highlights the potential of climate-informed planting calendars and targeted irrigation as low-cost, high-impact adaptation strategies. These approaches can enhance the resilience of rice and corn systems and support climate-smart agricultural planning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104639"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146033223","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}

{"title":"Quantifying the mitigation potential of greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields under optimal irrigation and carbon management in the Lake Tai region","authors":"Zewei Jiang ,&nbsp;Shihong Yang ,&nbsp;Qingqing Pang ,&nbsp;Mohamed Abdalla ,&nbsp;Junyi Wang ,&nbsp;Grant A. Campbell ,&nbsp;Pete Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>The synergistic effects of water‑carbon management on greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation across regional paddy fields remains unclear. A critical knowledge gap exists in evaluating trade-offs between regional GHG reduction, carbon sequestration, and agronomic outcomes under climate-smart practices.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>The objectives are to: (1) quantify the spatio-temporal mitigation potential of optimized irrigation and carbon management, including straw return, manure, and biochar, from paddies in the Lake Tai region, China; (2) investigate historical (2000-2020) and future 80-year climate scenarios; (3) propose optimal water-carbon management strategies for climate adaptation.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>The DeNitrification DeComposition Biochar-Controlled Irrigation (DNDC-BC) model was calibrated and validated against observed GHG emissions, soil organic carbon (SOC), and rice yield. Regional simulations incorporated spatial datasets (meteorological, topography, soil, and management) and CMIP6 climate projections. Additionally, system-level sustainability was evaluated using TOPSIS analysis integrating GHG emissions, rice yield, and SOC.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Results demonstrated that DNDC-BC performed well in identifying GHG emission hotspots and accurately predicting SOC levels and rice yield. The cumulative methane (CH₄) emissions from paddies in the Lake Tai region over the past two decades was 281.73 Gg. As a result of urbanization and atmospheric deposition, total CH₄ emissions have declined, while total nitrogen oxide (N₂O) emissions fluctuated between 5 and 6 Gg. Under both historical and future climate change conditions, biochar application (CB_20; 20 t ha⁻¹) with controlled irrigation (CI), has the best mitigation potential. The emission reduction ratio for CH₄ was between 23.53%–57.44%.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Overall, the combination of CI and biochar amendment is recommended at a regional scale for its potential to mitigate GHG emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, reduce irrigation water use, and improve rice yields. However, the economic feasibility of implementing this strategy should be carefully considered when promoting it at scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104646"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034409","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}

{"title":"Trajectories of change for farmers to integrate agri-environmental practices: A longitudinal study of adoption dynamics","authors":"Aurélie Dumont,&nbsp;Julie Ruiz,&nbsp;Stéphane Campeau","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>The adoption of agri-environmental practices (AEPs) is rarely linear. Farmers follow complex trajectories shaped by technical systems, individual perceptions, and broader socio-environmental conditions. Cross-sectional studies often miss this variability, highlighting the need for longitudinal approaches that capture how change unfolds over time.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examines the diversity of individual trajectories through which AEPs are voluntarily integrated into system of farming practices. It characterises trajectories across four dimensions—direction, speed, continuity, and extent—using the CIAEP framework (<em>Change towards the Integration of Agri-Environmental Practices</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A six-year longitudinal study (2015, 2017, 2021) was conducted with 20 farmers in southern Quebec, Canada. Repeated interviews documented the integration of three sets of practices: environmentally aligned AEPs, soil conservation practices, and riparian buffer strips. Farmers were positioned within stages of change using the CIAEP framework.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>Farmers experienced varied trajectories in the integration of different practices. Soil conservation practices were often marked by setbacks and discontinuities, while riparian buffers advanced more steadily. For most farmers, trajectories were slow, with only a few reaching operationalisation or full integration. Major shifts typically occurred after “trigger” moments when environmental challenges were recognised. Rapid trajectories were observed but rarely sustained; slower, continuous ones were more often associated with partial integration.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study demonstrates the value of longitudinal analyses for capturing adoption dynamics and variability among farmers. It provides methodological insights into change processes and practical guidance for policymakers and advisors: sustained, tailored support aligned with farmers' trajectories is essential to foster durable integration of AEPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104638"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014541","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}

{"title":"Dynamic trajectories and maturity of farmer collaboration for biodiversity sensitive farming – Insights from the FRAMEwork Farmer Clusters","authors":"Iris C. Bohnet ,&nbsp;Gerid Hager ,&nbsp;Thomas Rellensmann ,&nbsp;Claire Hardy ,&nbsp;Niamh M. McHugh ,&nbsp;Daniela Ablinger ,&nbsp;Virginia Bagnoni ,&nbsp;Gillian Banks ,&nbsp;Marco Beyer ,&nbsp;Lennard Duijvestijn ,&nbsp;Pierre Franck ,&nbsp;Kristina Janeckova ,&nbsp;Riina Kaasik ,&nbsp;Youri Martin ,&nbsp;Anna-Camilla Moonen ,&nbsp;Aliyeh Salehi ,&nbsp;Carlos Sánchez-García ,&nbsp;Martine Schoone ,&nbsp;Clare Scott ,&nbsp;Jan Travnicek ,&nbsp;Graham S. Begg","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2026.104644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Building on the Farmer Cluster approach, which has evolved over the past decade in England to address ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss at the landscape scale, FRAMEwork (Farmer clusters for Realising Agrobiodiversity Management across Ecosystems), a Horizon 2020 project, established a network of eleven Farmer Clusters across Europe.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>To test the effectiveness of the FRAMEwork Farmer Clusters, a new level of technological and scientific support was offered to the clusters providing opportunities for collaboration, co-production of knowledge, co-innovation, peer-to-peer learning, and monitoring.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We provide an overview of the eleven clusters and an in-depth comparative multiple case study analysis to understand the dynamic trajectories and levels of maturity shaping the development and outcomes of each of the Farmer Clusters.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>We identified five formative dimensions – governance, leadership, facilitation, group characteristics and context – all of which are interdependent and dynamic, affecting the functioning of the Farmer Clusters, and leading to different levels of maturity. Comparing the situation of each cluster regarding the five dimensions and the level of maturity, we found that the clusters started in distinct contexts with diverse initial conditions across Europe – from favourable to unfavourable. This led to different dynamic trajectories on a pathway to biodiversity sensitive farming.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>The maturity assessment matrix offers a valuable tool for Farmer Clusters to reflect on their progress and capacity in achieving their goals, guiding future efforts for effective cluster management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"233 ","pages":"Article 104644"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146014539","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}