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Archaeological plant remains are key data in the identification of the material consequences of imperial interventions in past local lifeways. In this paper, the spatial and stratigraphic analysis of plant remains preserved in a hypothesized kitchen context from the archaeological site of Dhiban, Jordan, is presented in detail. This context is dated to ca. a.d. 570–640 based on 16 AMS dates, a time when the Dhiban community was part of and located at the eastern edge of the Byzantine empire. Analysis of over 130 point-provenienced flotation samples reveals a local emphasis on the agricultural production of wheat, peas, and grape, in spite of the challenges of water management in a semi-arid landscape. Comparison with other nearby and contemporaneous sites indicates that while all grew a similar suite of crops, their frequencies vary, possibly indicating a community of agricultural practice specializing in different foodstuffs or crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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While chemical fertilizers and pesticides have significantly enhanced crop productivity per unit of land in China, the excessive utilization of these chemicals has led to a range of environmental issues that are not conducive to the sustainable development of China's agriculture. Controlling the use of fertilizers and pesticides in crop cultivation is therefore necessary and has been adopted as an action plan since 2015 in China. However, the effects of fertilizer and pesticide reductions have not been systematically investigated. This paper explores how yields and land use for rice, wheat, corn, and soybean cultivation shift when reducing their fertilizer and pesticide inputs using China's provincial crop-land integrated partial equilibrium model (the CPMCL model). Simulation results for different scenarios show that, among the studied crops, rice and wheat exhibit greater adaptability than corn and soybeans. Reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides within the interval from 0% to 3.5% may increase the total demand of land resources for crop production from 0.220% to 4.21%. Limited land resources will be allocated to more profitable crops to maximize output, which means the land use for wheat production may increase over 20% while for rice, corn and soybean may decrease around 4% under the shock of fertilizer and pesticide reductions. Merely reducing fertilizer and pesticide inputs in crop cultivation may exacerbate the conflict between crop production and land resource conservation in China, which means the technology and efficiency of fertilizer and pesticide use needs to be improved. The findings of this paper can help formulate more province-specific and crop-targeted plans to properly reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, thus promoting sustainable land use while ensuring food security and protecting the environment. • China's provincial PE model integrates crop production and land use is formulated • Interrelationship between chemical inputs, land inputs, and crop yields is revealed • Impacts of fertilizer and pesticide reduction are analyzed nationally and provincially [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has become a global and persistent challenge, posing threats to ecosystems and organisms. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in scientific research focused on understanding microplastics in the soil‒plant system. This surge is primarily driven by the direct impact of microplastics on agricultural productivity and their association with human activities. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the current research on microplastics in soil‒plant systems. We systematically analysed 192 articles and observed a significant rise in research interests since 2017. Notably, China has emerged as a leading contributor in terms of published papers, closely followed by Germany and the Netherlands. Through co-authorship network analysis, we identified 634 different institutions that participated in publishing papers in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences having the most collaborations. In the co-occurrence keyword network, we identified four clusters focusing on the diversity of microplastics within the agroecosystem, transportation, and quantification of microplastics in soil, analysis of plastic contamination type and impact, and investigation of microplastic phytotoxicity. Furthermore, we identified ten research priorities, categorized into the effects of microplastics in "soil" and "plant". The research hotspots were found to be the effect of microplastics on soil physicochemical properties and the synergistic phytotoxicity of microplastics with other pollutants. Overall, this bibliometric analysis holds significant value, serving as an important reference point and offering valuable suggestions for future researchers in this rapidly advancing field. [Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis on the microplastic (MP) in the soil-plant system was conducted. • The research hotspots and progress of MPs in the soil-plant system were demonstrated. • A remarkable increase in research on MPs in the soil-plant system has been recorded since 2017. • Identified ten research priorities on microplastic in the soil-plant system. • Synergistic toxicity of MPs and other pollutants poses a greater risk to soil organisms and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the intricate relationship between agricultural productivity and the pursuit of a just energy transition in China. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a nation grappling with environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, China faces the imperative to transition toward a more sustainable and equitable energy system. This paper investigates the role of agriculture in this transition, recognizing its pivotal position as a significant emitter of greenhouse gases while also being vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. By examining the potential synergies and conflicts between agricultural productivity enhancement and the goals of reducing emissions and promoting social justice, this study aims to shed light on strategies that can effectively align agricultural development with the objectives of a just energy transition. The result indicates substantial internal disparities and strong agglomeration effects (referring to areas with similar agricultural total factor productivity) within China's agricultural total factor productivity distribution. Over the past 17 years (2005–2021), the average agricultural productivity has shown a commendable upward trend, marking a 2.8% growth rate. This increase signifies ongoing efforts and advancements in the agricultural sector, leading to improved productivity levels. Our results also show a significant positive spatial correlation in agricultural total factor productivity, suggesting a tendency for spatial agglomeration. The years 2005 and 2021 stand out as periods marked by significant adverse effects resulting from the interplay of diverse factors on agricultural productivity. By integrating findings from various sectors, this study provides insights into the complex interplay between agriculture and energy transition, emphasizing the need for integrated, holistic approaches that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and resilience in China's pursuit of a just energy future. • This study explores the relationship between agricultural productivity and energy transition. • Our aim is to align agricultural development with the objectives of energy transition. • The analysis connects productivity and equity. • We emphasize sustainability and resilience in China's pursuit of a just energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core of dual circulation in the Loess Plateau and the greening Yellow River is sustainable development. Gully agricultural sustainable production is extremely important to ensuring a more sustainable Loess Plateau. Here, we investigate the overall characteristics of gully agricultural production sustainable transformation (GAPT) in the Loess Plateau from a macro perspective. We also analyze the evolution, stage characteristics, and trends in gully agricultural production space using theoretical analysis and empirical research from the multi-dimensional perspective of spatio-temporal-development. The findings reveal that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the gully agricultural production structure in the Loess Plateau exhibited a trend of hierarchical upgrading. In general, gully agricultural production in the Loess Plateau has entered a relatively stable new normal stage of structural adaptation adjustment. (2) Throughout the past two decades, gully agricultural production development in the Loess Plateau has gradually improved, progressing from a low to a high level. Additionally, overall regional disparity has diminished over time. (3) The overall fluctuation of GAPT in the Loess Plateau has increased, with more pronounced changes observed in agricultural functions and ecological security maintenance. At different stages, various factors had demonstrated varying effects on the GAPT, leading to significantly diverse outcomes in production sustainable transformation in response to changes in factor levels. Overall, understanding sustainable gully agricultural production is immensely important for exploring human-earth interactions and forging a sustainable path within this intricate balance. Our research outcomes offer valuable insights for fostering gully rural transformation, optimizing crop planting modes, enhancing the gully living environment, and ultimately propelling the Loess Plateau towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. • This paper proposed a multi-dimension analysis framework for gully agricultural production sustainable transformation (GAPT). • We quantified GAPT 's trends and characteristics of Loess Plateau, China. • Policy suggestions were given for strategy for more sustainable Loess Plateau. • This research has significance for the gully rural revitalization and green sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]