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It is crucial to ensure the suitable stocking density for Nile tilapia fry since Nile tilapia is among the most consumed fish species globally. In this study, fry were distributed at three stocking densities, 1000 fry/m3 (low density, LD), 2000 fry/m3 (middle density, MD), and 4000 fry/m3 (high density, HD). Then each stocking density was subdivided into two groups where three aquaria were supplied with fresh dechlorinated water (FW, 0.35 g saline/L), and the other three aquaria were fortified with underground brackish water (BW, ≈ 8 g saline/L). Subsequently, fry were kept under these experimental conditions and offered 40% crude protein thrice daily at 4–5% of the body mass for 15 days, then switched to 30% thrice daily at 3–4% of the body mass until the end of the trial (60 days). Except for the dissolved oxygen, salinity, and total ammonia nitrogen, the measured water characteristics (temperature and pH) were not markedly (P˃0.05) affected by the stocking density or water salinity. Stocking density was a significant factor in the case of final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate (P<0.05). The water salinity and stocking density markedly affected the digestive enzyme activity (protease, lipase, and amylase) (P<0.05). The stocking density, water salinity, and their interaction were significant factors in the lysozyme activity. The stocking density significantly affected the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and fish fry in LD showed higher SOD, CAT, and GPx than fish in MD or HD in FW or BW (P<0.05). Malondialde-hyde (MDA) was affected by the stocking density, and fish fry in LD showed lower MDA than in MD or HD under FW or BW (P<0.05). Increased density to HD in the FW or BW induced slight degeneration of the intestinal mucosal lining. In conclusion, Nile tilapia fry can grow in brackish water (≈ 8 g saline/L) with 1000 to 2000 fry/m3 without affecting growth performance, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, intestinal histological features, and immune and antioxidative responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity of the rearing environment in farmed animals can improve welfare and stocking success by enhancing natural behaviours, reducing stress, and decreasing pathogen occurrence. Although microbial diversity is often associated with well-being, their direct and indirect effects on health of farmed animals remain underexplored. We examined the impact of structural heterogeneity of aquaculture tanks on microbial communities in tank biofilm and fish gut microbiome. Enrichment (stones and shelters) significantly promoted microbial diversity and community homogeneity in tank biofilm. However, diversity of gut microbiome did not depend on rearing treatment or microbial composition of the environment. Fish in enriched tanks exhibited greater compositional variation in gut microbiome than those in standard tanks. Tanks without enrichments had higher occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacterial families (Corynebacteriaceae and Staphylococcaceae), while enriched tanks had more beneficial gut microbes (Lactobacillus). Microbial diversity in tank biofilm was negatively associated with fish mortality during a natural epidemic of Flavobacterium columnare, suggesting a protective effect of diverse microbial communities. These findings support environmental enrichment in mitigating disease outbreaks through enhanced microbial diversity, providing important implications for disease control and sustainable health management in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heterogeneity of the rearing environment in farmed animals can improve welfare and stocking success by enhancing natural behaviours, reducing stress, and decreasing pathogen occurrence. Although microbial diversity is often associated with well-being, their direct and indirect effects on health of farmed animals remain underexplored. We examined the impact of structural heterogeneity of aquaculture tanks on microbial communities in tank biofilm and fish gut microbiome. Enrichment (stones and shelters) significantly promoted microbial diversity and community homogeneity in tank biofilm. However, diversity of gut microbiome did not depend on rearing treatment or microbial composition of the environment. Fish in enriched tanks exhibited greater compositional variation in gut microbiome than those in standard tanks. Tanks without enrichments had higher occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacterial families (Corynebacteriaceae and Staphylococcaceae), while enriched tanks had more beneficial gut microbes (Lactobacillus). Microbial diversity in tank biofilm was negatively associated with fish mortality during a natural epidemic of Flavobacterium columnare, suggesting a protective effect of diverse microbial communities. These findings support environmental enrichment in mitigating disease outbreaks through enhanced microbial diversity, providing important implications for disease control and sustainable health management in aquaculture.

Abstract This study investigates the intricate factors influencing meat quality, including breed, rearing conditions, and processing, with a primary focus on oxidative stress in Holstein Friesian and Simmental cattle within conventional and intensive production systems. A notable difference in oxidative stress was found between animals subjected to intensive-farming versus conventional practices, with Holstein cattle showing a more pronounced antioxidant gene response than Simmental. The analysis revealed that intensive rearing conditions resulted in increased DNA repair activity and expression of stress-response proteins like heat shock proteins, suggestive of greater cellular damage and an adaptive stress response. Muscle tissue analyses, revealed a clear distinction in gene expression associated with meat quality between the breeds and the type of farming system. A negative correlation emerged between oxidative stress levels and genes related to muscle development, which affects meat quality. Intensive farming conditions altered the expressions of apoptotic proteins, impacting meat quality at the molecular level. These results underscore the profound effect rearing conditions have on meat quality, driven by stress-related molecular responses. This highlights the need for further research into the influence of husbandry practices on animal welfare and meat quality, with the intention of developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of intensive-farming.

Simple Summary: Selenium is an essential element in the diet of both humans and animals. By obtaining adequate levels of Se in the animal body, animal products can be obtained that will provide a valuable source of Se in the human diet. The present study investigated the bioavailable selenium content in organs and tissues from beef cattle. Our results show that selenium-deficient animals had a higher percentage of bioavailable selenium in tissues than animals with normal selenium levels. In addition, the highest concentration of bioavailable selenium was found in the kidneys and the highest percentage of bioavailable selenium was found in the muscles. The results of the study indicate that more attention should be paid to selenium supplementation in animals to ensure normal selenium levels during insufficient supply. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of bioavailable Se between different organs in beef cattle with regard to selenium status. The animals were divided into two groups based on serum selenium concentration, viz. normal and deficient Se status. Bioavailable selenium was extracted from the organs by simulated in vitro digestion, and its concentration was determined by spectrofluorimetry. The percentage of bioavailable Se was calculated in the liver, kidney, lung, spleen, heart, and longissimus dorsi muscle, based on the total Se content. In all animals tested, the highest bioavailable selenium concentrations were found in the kidney (0.175–0.408 µg/g) and the lowest in the longissimus dorsi muscle (0.04–0.042 µg/g), regardless of Se status. The highest bioavailability of Se was recorded in bulls, reaching 56.6% in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the lowest in the kidney (21.4%). The study showed that cattle with Se deficiency had a higher percentage of bioavailable Se in their tissues than those with normal Se levels. This is most likely related to the fact that the body seeks to ensure optimal levels of the element in the organs during insufficient supply. Despite balanced feeding, there was a deficiency of Se. This is most likely related to the fact that, in plants, it occurs mainly in its inorganic form, which is less well-utilised by the animals and does not cover their needs for this element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is one of the most critical global health concerns today. While emissions from industrial activities and combustion processes are the primary threats to air quality, intensive farming activities also contribute significantly, especially through ammonia emissions that promote the formation of secondary pollutants, such as particulate matter. Advancements in air quality research have been achieved by enhancements in emissions characterisation, modelling techniques, and sensor technology, expanding the availability of air pollution data beyond traditional ground sensor observations, which are often lacking in rural agricultural areas. Accordingly, this paper demonstrates the advantages of integrating traditional and non-conventional data to investigate farming-related air pollution through a case study in the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy. The study incorporates an array of data sources, including ground sensors and atmospheric composition model estimates. The concurrent utilisation of these diverse datasets is explored through machine learning modelling, focusing on assessing the influence of agricultural activities on particulate matter distribution patterns. Finally, the reliability of non-conventional air pollution data for health risk assessment applications is also investigated. The paper critically discusses the main findings based on empirical results, highlighting the significance of integrating multiple data sources to complement traditional air quality monitoring while outlining the main limitations in terms of the accuracy and usability of such non-conventional data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the intricate factors influencing meat quality, including breed, rearing conditions, and processing, with a primary focus on oxidative stress in Holstein Friesian and Simmental cattle within conventional and intensive production systems. A notable difference in oxidative stress was found between animals subjected to intensive-farming versus conventional practices, with Holstein cattle showing a more pronounced antioxidant gene response than Simmental. The analysis revealed that intensive rearing conditions resulted in increased DNA repair activity and expression of stress-response proteins like heat shock proteins, suggestive of greater cellular damage and an adaptive stress response. Muscle tissue analyses, revealed a clear distinction in gene expression associated with meat quality between the breeds and the type of farming system. A negative correlation emerged between oxidative stress levels and genes related to muscle development, which affects meat quality. Intensive farming conditions altered the expressions of apoptotic proteins, impacting meat quality at the molecular level. These results underscore the profound effect rearing conditions have on meat quality, driven by stress-related molecular responses. This highlights the need for further research into the influence of husbandry practices on animal welfare and meat quality, with the intention of developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of intensive-farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak's gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop sustainable production of greenhouse crops, the economic, energy, and environmental aspects of production should be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic, energy, and environmental (3E) sustainability of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper production in greenhouses by performing material flow cost accounting (MFCA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) material and methods. Calculating the economic and energy value of losses in agricultural sustainability assessment studies is not common. Using the LCA method alone does not allow us to calculate the monetary and energy value of waste. If this method is used simultaneously with MFCA, this gap will be filled. The system boundary for LCA was from cradle to farm, and for MFCA, foreground processes were considered. The production of each crop was compared at the level of 1000 m2 during 1 year. Data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews. The gross value of production for cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper were 8982, 16387, and 17610 $/1000 m2, respectively. The negative production of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper were 702, 718, and 449 $/1000 m2, respectively. The benefit-to-cost ratio in the production of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper was calculated as 2.8, 5.17, and 5.8, respectively. The economic productivity in the production of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper was calculated at 10.25, 7, and 4.4 kg/$. Labor cost was the main cost in the production of all three crops. The total input energy for the production of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper was estimated to be 99.4, 123.1, and 164.6 GJ/1000 m2, respectively. Negative products in the production of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper were obtained at − 24.2, − 23.9, and − 13.5 GJ/1000 m2, respectively. The energy productivity of cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper was calculated as 0.23, 0.26, and 0.08 kg/MJ, respectively. The specific energy indices were 4.32, 3.79, and 12.20 MJ/kg for cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper, respectively. The energy ratio in the production of tomato (0.02) was higher than bell pepper (− 0.02) and cucumber (− 0.06). From the perspective of energy, electricity was recognized as the hotspot for the production of three crops. Global warming (GWP100a), ozone layer depletion (ODP), acidification (AC), and eutrophication (EP) indices were calculated for all three crops. Tomato production was ranked first in all impact categories. On-farm emissions and electricity consumption were identified as environmental hotspots. The subsidized price of electricity, natural gas, and chemical fertilizers has led to their excessive use in the production of greenhouse plants. It can be concluded that bell pepper has the best performance from an economic point of view. However, its production is not justified in terms of energy. Tomato was ranked first in terms of energy, and cucumber was ranked first in terms of low environmental impacts. The production of these plants with energy and chemical fertilizer subsidies is currently cost-effective. If the prices are corrected, the production of these plants will face serious challenges. Producing electricity from sunlight and mechanizing production processes can be a solution to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during October 2022–January 2023 at Defence Institute of Bio-energy Research-Defence Research and Development Organisation, Haldwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand to evaluate the growth, quality production and yield of celery under the hydroponic, soilless and soil conditions. Higher crop productivity of celery crop was found under hydroponic system as compared to other medium. The experiment revealed that there is a better provision for vertical space utilization and protection from soil-borne disease under hydroponic farming as compared to traditional farming. This experiment paved a new way for the need and future perspective of hydroponic technology to achieve the desirable quality of vegetable crop production by using modern farming technology such as hydroponics on a small and medium scale. The present experiment also summarized that this farming plays an important role in crop production to maintain market growth in coming years. In this respect, hydroponics is an emerging technology which play a vital role in urban and pre-urban area and positively effective in the ways to promote healthy and developed future for the planet and its people.

A set of 4 soil column duplicates was irrigated with treated wastewater to study the possible leaching of nitrate, salt, and Escherichia coli to groundwater. The reclaimed water was a municipal secondary effluent, stored for 5 days to attenuate microbial contamination. It had nitrate concentration of 36.1±4.9 mgN/L, electrical conductivity of 1.6±0.1 mS/cm, and E. coli content between 36 and 918 MPN/100 mL (median value of 194 MPN/100 mL). Soil column tests were carried out over a period of 80 days, considering both the cultivation of a typical Mediterranean crop (pepper) and the edge case of non-cultivated soil. Nitrate and salt were up-taken by crops for around 90% and 50%, respectively, while they leached through non-cultivated soil according to linear relationships, with nitrate moving faster than salts. Due to its natural decay, E. coli never reached 66 cm depth. Crop irrigation with reclaimed water can be managed so as not to cause significant leaching of E. coli and nitrate, even though it may result in a small leaching of salt. Replacing groundwater with reclaimed water as an irrigation source should be considered as a possible action to protect aquifers, and especially those suffering from saline contamination, from the effects of overexploitation and overfertilization practices.

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak’s gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants.

Since the 1970s, intensive and industrial agriculture has been developing in the Senegal River region, through crops such as rice, sugarcane, and horticulture. Formerly known for hosting large herds of transhumant pastoralists in the dry season, the Delta region has seen irrigated systems gradually reduce herders’ access to key resources such as water and pastures. In response to the food crisis of 2008, the Senegalese government facilitated access to agro-industries on pastoral lands that were previously difficult to irrigate, sparking a renewed tension with herders. However, it is important to note that herders located near the agro-industries also benefit from new resources thank to negotiations on compensations. To pacify their relationship, herders and agro-industries unofficially develop synergy strategies to coexist, but these are not without risk as they reinforce the dependence links between shareholders and require official coordination which is currently non-existent. The future of this circular economy is subject to many hazards (climatic, economic, social) whose impacts and management must be discussed through transparent local-level coordination.

This study aimed to calculate a sustainability index of duck farming. Data was collected through a questionnaire by a scientific judgment of expert researchers in duck farming. Data were grouped using the multidimensional scaling (MDS and MICMAC and analyzed using) comprising social, economic, ecological, technological, and human resources dimensions with a total of 38 attributes in Rapfish software. The sustainability index was calculated as 44.13%, which indicates that farming has a less sustainable category with consideration of some leverage factors. These findings indicate that the high feed price, fluctuations in the price of duck products, diseases, and an extensive maintenance system warrant further attention to improve sustainability. MICMAC's analysis showed that the intensity of counseling, knowledge of livestock health, and livestock waste management are the main driving variables and prerequisites in determining the sustainability of a duck business. The prospective analysis identified several strategies to improve sustainability that can be carried out, including increasing the capacity of human resources through training/counseling/comparative studies, increasing the capacity of existing institutions, and advocating and socializing intensive duck business cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les zoonoses sont un groupe de maladies infectieuses qui se transmettent naturellement de l'animal à l'humain. On évalue actuellement à plus de 70 % les maladies infectieuses émergentes d'origine animale. Ces zoonoses ne sont pas récentes, elles ont accompagné l'humain depuis son apparition sur Terre et surtout lorsque l' Homo sapiens a quitté son statut naturel de chasseur-cueilleur nomade itinérant pour se sédentariser, devenant agriculteur et éleveur. Le rapprochement humain-animal et sol, réservoirs d'agents infectieux potentiellement pathogènes, a été la source des premières épizooties, préfigurant ainsi toutes les épidémies ou pandémies futures. Le Néolithique fut le point de départ de la dégradation progressive et inexorable de la biodiversité animale et végétale (déforestation, domestication). Dans un deuxième temps, l'accroissement de population, s'accélérant dès le XIXe siècle avec la révolution industrielle et agricole, a considérablement dégradé la biodiversité, contribuant à l'émergence de nouvelles zoonoses, qui se sont amplifiées depuis le début des années 1980. Les liens entre les atteintes des écosystèmes, perte de la biodiversité et émergence des maladies zoonotiques, sont de plus en plus probants, comme le montrent les mécanismes à l'origine des zoonoses actuelles : perturbation du cycle de transmission des agents pathogènes, rupture de l'effet dilution de ces dernières modifications, voire destruction des habitats naturels. En parallèle, on doit s'interroger sur les activités humaines comme les pratiques d'agriculture intensive, d'élevage industriel, ou encore le commerce international d'animaux sauvages, autant de facteurs de diffusion des zoonoses. Une organisation multisectorielle de la santé, comme le suggère le concept "One earth, one health", devrait nous permettre d'avoir une vision globale pour comprendre les interactions entre santé humaine, animale et écosystèmes, afin d'apporter des propositions concrètes pour lutter contre ces pratiques délétères. Zoonoses are a group of infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted from animals to humans. More than 70 % of emerging infectious diseases of animal origin are currently estimated. These zoonoses are not recent; they have accompanied human since his appearance on earth and especially when Homo sapiens left his natural status as an itinerant nomadic hunter-gatherer to settle down, becoming a farmer and breeder. The bringing together of Human-Animal and soil, reservoirs of potentially pathogenic infectious agents, was the source of the first epizootics, thus prefiguring all future epidemics or pandemics. The Neolithic era was the starting point for the gradual and inexorable degradation of animal and plant biodiversity (deforestation, domestication). Secondly, population growth, accelerating from the 1 9th century with the industrial and agricultural revolution, considerably aggravated biodiversity. The links between damage to ecosystems, loss of biodiversity and the emergence of zoonotic diseases are more and more convincing, as shown by the mechanisms at the origin of current zoonosis: disruption of the transmission cycle of pathogenic agents, modification, even destruction natural habitats. At the same time, we must question human activities such as intensive farming practices, industrial farming, or the international trade in wild animals, all of which are factors in the spread of zoonosis. A multi-sectoral health organization as suggested by the concept "one planet one health", should allow us to have a global vision to understand the interactions between human and animal health and ecosystems in order to bring concrete proposals to fight against these harmful practices. Contributing to the emergence of new zoonoses, which have increased since the beginning of the 1980s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global warming fight should focus on agriculture, especially on olive crops, due to their potential role in combating it. One of the leading olive oil-producing countries is Turkey; therefore, evaluating and quantifying the environmental impacts of its olive oil production is essential. This is the first analysis of Turkey that encompasses both the farming and the industrial phases through a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). As a representative value chain, it was considered an intensive system, according to the representativeness of rainfed and irrigated areas, with two-phase and three-phase olive oil extraction in Turkey. In the climate change category, analysis results gave a value of 3.04 kg of CO2 equivalent for 1 kg of unpackaged virgin olive oil. The phase that contributes the most in all impact categories is the farming phase (2.53 kg of CO2 equivalent), whereas the most impactful activities are fertilization and irrigation (69.5% of impact in this stage). The results have been compared to others obtained by different value chains, revealing an intermediate position in environmental impact. It can be concluded that better agricultural practices should be implemented, including the optimization of energy and water systems, in order to minimize the negative environmental effect of olive oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long term intensive agricultural farming has impacted negatively the soil health, especially in arid climates. This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term (1993 to 2020) farming practices on the chemical and biological properties of soil and water of Al-Batinah region. Soil and water samples were collected from eight farms and characterized for their chemical and biological soil properties. The results of soil samples indicated significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in average soil chemical and biological properties over time. Soil electrical conductivity (ECe) increased from 'low salinity' (1.5 dS m−1 ± 0.49) to 'highly saline' (6.6 dS m−1 ± 1.35), and soil pH decreased from 8.4 to 7.5. The organic matter increased from 'very low' (0.2%) to 'medium' (1.9%), and the Olsen phosphorus increased from deficient (6.5 mg kg−1 ± 0.9) to excessive (76 mg kg−1 ± 10.4). Sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate ions were also significantly increased during this period, while no significant differences was observed in soil potassium, and calcium concentration. The soil (ECe) showed significant positive correlation with soil sodium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, potassium, calcium, and water electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, sodium, potassium, and significant negative correlation with soil pH. Soil organic matter showed significant a positive correlation with soil phosphorus. Soil sodium showed significant positive correlations with soil magnesium, chloride, sulfate, potassium, calcium, and water electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, sodium, and potassium. The Al-Batinah region soils showed some positive changes including an increase in organic matter, and a decrease in soil pH. Also, negative changes occurred such an excessive increase of soil phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate ions. Our findings can be used to inform the public policies and strategies for a more sustainable soil and agricultural management in Oman..

Introduction: Fertilizer application above plant nitrogen (N) requirements, leading to N use inefficiency, has become the primary source of N surplus, posing nonpoint pollution threats. Chao Lake has received N loadings, primarily from the agroecosystem that surrounds it. Based on 10 years of field monitoring and experiment, this study used optimum fertilizer rates (30% N reduction) to evaluate nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and N export in the Chao Lake watershed of paddy rice-wheat rotational farming.Methods: Five treatments were tested, namely, the Blank Treatment (CK), Conventional Fertilization Treatment (CFT), High Fertilization Treatment (HFT), Reduced Fertilization Treatment (CFT), Reduced Fertilization Treatment plus Straw addition (RFTS). The parameters employed to measure NUE were 1) by calculating NUE indicators; Agronomic efficiency (kg kg-1), recovery efficiency (%), and partial factor productivity (kg kg-1) 2) using the European Union NUE framework as a comparison tool. N export was measured using N export parameters, namely, nitrogen loading (kg ha-1yr-1), nitrogen runoff loss ratio (%), and net nitrogen runoff loss ratio (%).Results and discussion: Results revealed that optimum N fertilizer input levels maintained high crop and biomass yields. The empirical model of y = y0 + a * exp (−0.5 * (x-x0)/b2) explains the relationships between input N fertilizer and corresponding yield returns. Low yield responses to increased N input beyond certain limits were observed, which may lead to N accumulations. N export was much lower from the reduced fertilization treatments than other treatments. N export increased in 10 years for both paddy rice and wheat seasons. Runoff volume influenced N export more than any other environmental factor studied.Conclusion: Overall, optimal fertilizer levels produced high NUE, maintained high economic yield, and produced lesser N exports; NUE was in the order of reduced > high > conventional fertilization treatments, while it decreased in 10 years (2008–2018) across all treatments. Such strategies that further reduce fertilizer levels by accounting for excess supplies are vital for consolidating effective N control measures.

The mechanical and electrical development in dairy farming in China increases energy-related carbon emission (CE). To support the sustainable planning strategy of the department, this study calculated the CE and the carbon emission intensity (CI) of the direct energy consumed in dairy farms from 21 provinces in China. Through four dimensions analysis including the national level, farm scale, inter-provincial distribution, and main producing area, this study illustrates the impact of the environment, production, and management on CE. The total CE of nationwide dairy farming was about 2.4 Tg CO2 eq. in 2019, and the CIs of the 21 provinces varied from 0.009 to 0.216 kg CO2 eq. per kg of milk. The results indicate that the management mode applied in large-scale dairy farms (500 heads and above) varies considerably due to inadequate adaptation to climate. In general, semi-arid and semi-humid regions are more suitable for dairy farming than arid and humid regions. In the main milk-producing area, the spatial aggregation effect is visible in the carbon reduction potential. The present study suggests that further steps to promote sustainability and milk productivity are embodied when the replacement of fossil fuels and the management standardization are adapted to regional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat production in its current shape is burdened with multiple environmental challenges. Technological solutions have been touted as a means of reconciliation of economic growth and environmental sustainability. In Northern Ireland, anaerobic digestion (AD) technology was presented as a solution for more sustainable animal waste management and greenhouse gas emission reduction in the context of the Going for Growth (GfG) agrifood strategy. AD sites were also eligible for the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) subsidy support scheme. While criminological engagement with the issues around food crime is yet inchoate, even less attention has been paid to the issue of the criminogenic nature of responses to food production harm. The paper fills this lacuna by discussing how an ostensibly positive initiative of incentivising AD through subsidy provision may have criminogenic potential: it may exacerbate environmental harm due to its ineffectiveness for dealing with ammonia emissions from animal waste, and create opportunities for deviance, such as breaches in planning regulation and subsidy fraud.

The study examines the effect of crop production technology intensification on wheat yield under drought conditions. The causal effect of fertilizers and herbicides usage was quantified based on a dataset of reports from 196 farms located in the Kulunda Steppe in Altai Krai. To quantify causal effects, the various methods were tested – Two Means Comparison tests and Linear regression. Due to the not experimental nature of the data, Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the sample based on the main indicative signs (covariates). We refined the effects of crop technologies intensification based on the balanced sample. The results showed that, according to all considered methods, intensification of agriculture even in the dry climatic conditions resulted in the expected growth of wheat yield. The average causal effect of intensive farming was +2.02 dt/ha. The results also showed that it is possible to obtain more correct estimates of causal effects based on balanced samples. Using simple approaches like Two Means Comparison methods lead to underestimation or overestimation. Finally, we highlighted some limitations and peculiarities of the Propensity Score Matching method. However, the Propensity Score Matching can be considered a good and prospective tool for developing digital services in agricultural analytics.

A farming system is a comprehensive technology system affecting agricultural production and its long-term development. Efficient farming systems can fully exploit and utilize limited resources, promote the all-round development of agriculture, and ensure the continuous increase of crop production. Here, we reviewed the development stages and characteristics of the farming system research in China, and identified the opportunities and challenges in the future. Since the 1950s, China’s farming system research has experienced three stages: slow starting, boosting, and exploring sustainable development. The latest stage explores ways to combine agricultural intensification and sustainability to satisfy the increasing demands for food and the importance of environmental protection. It is highlighted that the link between intensification and sustainability is not entirely opposition or complementary. Sustainable intensification is a viable farming system that meets China’s present and future needs. To foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial approach, principles of sustainable intensification should be adhered to, i.e., the interaction between intensification and sustainability, strengthening the macro-investment in agriculture, and optimizing the structure and function of the farming system regarding the time and local conditions. Therefore, it is important to coordinate the relationship between intensification and sustainability at an appropriate scale to improve the function of farming systems.

The paper presents the reason of beef production for human food security and the necessity of special dairy and beef breeds in order to balance the milk and the meat production in cattle farming. That is a difficult target for many countries since they don’t dispose of large natural pastures to extensively feed the beef cattle herds. At the same time many European countries breed only dual purpose cattle breeds. So the idea of intensive farming with beef breeds or crosses is developed. To speed up this kind of programs Open MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer) Farm technology is proposed and it is completed with the needed facilities for production and preservation of embryos. Concerning the MOET Farm which confers directly pure bred beef calves, emphases is put on veterinary quarantine and heifer receptors conditioning. Concerning embryo conservation the direct transfer (DT) technique is recommended. Modalities of integrating dairy farms and beef cattle farms are finally discussed as recommended strategy for Romanian Agriculture.

Simple Summary: No previous studies have focused on pain perception and management in intensively raised dairy cattle in China. The results of this survey study show that severely painful conditions such as parturition and fracture have the highest score in pain perception. Pain perception is highly associated with pain management willingness. To promote animal welfare and reduce unnecessary production losses, training in pain perception and management should be emphasised. Pain in dairy cattle is gaining attention globally. This study investigated the current attitudes of Chinese dairy practitioners to pain and its management in intensively raised dairy cattle. A total of 465 valid questionnaires with 26 painful conditions scored on numerical rating scales were collected from dairy practitioners. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and multivariate regression models. Dystocia was perceived as the most painful, while mild mastitis with milk changes only was perceived as the least painful. Respondents who agreed with the statement "pain management is worthwhile" tended to give a higher pain score. Young respondents (≤23 years old) and those from farms with ≤1000 cattle had lower pain scores for conditions with severe pain and low variability but higher pain scores for conditions with less severe pain and high variability, whereas highly educated respondents had consistently lower pain scores. As for pain management, older respondents (≥24 years old) tended to choose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and farms with >1000 cattle were more likely to use analgesics. Training in pain perception and management should be emphasised with the hope of promoting animal welfare and reducing unnecessary production losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long term intensive agricultural farming has impacted negatively the soil health, especially in arid climates. This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term (1993 to 2020) farming practices on the chemical and biological properties of soil and water of Al-Batinah region. Soil and water samples were collected from eight farms and characterized for their chemical and biological soil properties. The results of soil samples indicated significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in average soil chemical and biological properties over time. Soil electrical conductivity (ECe) increased from 'low salinity' (1.5 dS m−1 ± 0.49) to 'highly saline' (6.6 dS m−1 ± 1.35), and soil pH decreased from 8.4 to 7.5. The organic matter increased from 'very low' (0.2%) to 'medium' (1.9%), and the Olsen phosphorus increased from deficient (6.5 mg kg−1 ± 0.9) to excessive (76 mg kg−1 ± 10.4). Sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate ions were also significantly increased during this period, while no significant differences was observed in soil potassium, and calcium concentration. The soil (ECe) showed significant positive correlation with soil sodium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, potassium, calcium, and water electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, sodium, potassium, and significant negative correlation with soil pH. Soil organic matter showed significant a positive correlation with soil phosphorus. Soil sodium showed significant positive correlations with soil magnesium, chloride, sulfate, potassium, calcium, and water electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate, sodium, and potassium. The Al-Batinah region soils showed some positive changes including an increase in organic matter, and a decrease in soil pH. Also, negative changes occurred such an excessive increase of soil phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate ions. Our findings can be used to inform the public policies and strategies for a more sustainable soil and agricultural management in Oman.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global warming fight should focus on agriculture, especially on olive crops, due to their potential role in combating it. One of the leading olive oil-producing countries is Turkey; therefore, evaluating and quantifying the environmental impacts of its olive oil production is essential. This is the first analysis of Turkey that encompasses both the farming and the industrial phases through a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA). As a representative value chain, it was considered an intensive system, according to the representativeness of rainfed and irrigated areas, with two-phase and three-phase olive oil extraction in Turkey. In the climate change category, analysis results gave a value of 3.04 kg of CO2 equivalent for 1 kg of unpackaged virgin olive oil. The phase that contributes the most in all impact categories is the farming phase (2.53 kg of CO2 equivalent), whereas the most impactful activities are fertilization and irrigation (69.5% of impact in this stage). The results have been compared to others obtained by different value chains, revealing an intermediate position in environmental impact. It can be concluded that better agricultural practices should be implemented, including the optimization of energy and water systems, in order to minimize the negative environmental effect of olive oil production.

The commercial egg laying sector was one of the most evolved in the world, and consequently in Brazil. The country today is the seventh egg producer in the world and has modified its production pattern mainly regarding the production systems. Chronologically, four periods of egg production can be characterized (Windhorst, 2017): 1. first steps in intensive breeding (before 1930); 2. beginning of modern production (1930-1960); 3. spread of intensive egg production (1960-2000); 4. Trends in animal welfare and sustainability (2000-present). It is possible to verify the use of different forms of hosting. In the cage system, conventional cages, enriched or enrichable collective cages can be used. In the aviary system, nests or mixed vertical or horizontal systems can be used. Regarding systems with access to external areas, Free-range systems, aviaries with solariums or paddocks can be observed. In these last systems, organic production systems can be characterized, if dietary standards and use of medicines are met. In Brazil, cage production systems are still the vast majority, and the Instituto Ovos Brasil estimated that only 2% of the total eggs produced in the country come from non-cage systems. These systems require modern installations, but EMBRAPA points out some important trends in Brazilian laying poultry farming: 1. trend towards automation of the laying system; 2. automatic egg collection; 3. automatic feeding; 4. monitoring of environmental conditions inside the warehouses; 4. Alternative or conventional cages; 5. High housing densities of laying hens. Therefore, it is important to discuss not only the production systems, but also the quality of the eggs produced in this system. Consumers have become increasingly interested in seeking more sustainable alternatives that comply with established criteria for maintaining animal welfare. According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Brazil jumped from per capita consumption of 168 eggs in 2013 and reaching 257 eggs in 2021, being one of the most consumed foods during the pandemics, maintaining slightly lower values, of 242 eggs per consumer in 2023. This shows the importance of carefully evaluating the quality of eggs offered to consumers and the means of connecting production systems with consumers' desires. Some commercial establishments in Brazil, as well as in different countries around the world, have prioritized companies that are concerned with production criteria and the physical and sensorial characteristics of eggs, including shell and yolk colors. However, costs have been a major challenge in Brazil, since in different systems, both equipment costs and production density, especially the number of birds per unit area. Another major Brazilian challenge is the exportation of eggs, as international demand for this food has increased in recent years, and Brazil has great potential to meet these demands. However, according to ABPA, only 1% of Brazil's total production was exported in 2023, but the amount sent to other countries practically doubled compared to 2022. Therefore, discussing these systems in Brazil and around the world becomes important to guide the next steps in the evolution of egg production and quality in Brazil and around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of intensive whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei cultivation is to obtain high productivity to meet market needs. One of the efforts to boost production is to provide optimal feeding to increase the shrimp growth rate. This study analyzes the productivity of an intensive shrimp farm using Powersim simulations based on specific growth rates (SGR) and average daily growth (ADG) to determine the resulting production criteria. The cultivation lasted for 90 days by stocking 16 grow-out ponds with post-larvae (PL10) at a density of 80 PL per m2. Shrimp samples were weighed every 10 days after day-30 of culture until harvest. The average productivity obtained from this study was 8.86 t/ha/crop. According to our criteria, this productivity level was low, presumably, due to the low growth rate that may have resulted from low-quality larvae, sublethal nitrite concentrations, low survival rate, and high feed conversion ratio. The SGR-based and ADG-based simulations using Powersim Studio 10 Express confirm the low production, which does not meet the criteria for intensive farming. However, ADG-based simulation shows that the prolonged culture to 126 days results in higher shrimp production and productivity that fall into the lower level of the intensive system. This study also proposes production criteria and productivity ranges for whiteleg shrimp farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of chicken waste to farmland could be detrimental to public health. It may contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from feces and their subsequent entry into the food chain. The present study analyzes the metagenome and resistome of chicken manure and litter obtained from a commercial chicken farm in Poland. ARB were isolated, identified, and screened for antibiogram fingerprints using standard microbiological and molecular methods. The physicochemical properties of the chicken waste were also determined. ARGs, integrons, and mobile genetic elements (MGE) in chicken waste were analyzed using high-throughput SmartChip qPCR. The results confirm the presence of many ARGs, probably located in MGE, which can be transferred to other bacteria. Potentially pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms and phytopathogens were isolated. More than 50% of the isolated strains were classified as being multi-drug resistant, and the remainder were resistant to at least one antibiotic class; these pose a real risk of entering the groundwater and contaminating the surrounding environment. Our results indicate that while chicken manure can be sufficient sources of the nutrients essential for plant growth, its microbiological aspects make this material highly dangerous to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high stocking density in intensive vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming results in the accumulation of organic matter that can cause disease and failure of shrimp farming. So it is necessary to use a good farming system and good water quality management to maintain optimal water quality parameters. The semi-biofloc system is a shrimp farming system that is developing in Indonesia with several advantages, one of which is the maintenance of water quality due to the activity of heterotrophic bacteria processing organic matter. This study aims to determine water quality management in intensive shrimp farming with biofloc systems. The research was conducted on August 28 - October 28 at Tambak Windu Bulusan using the observation method. The data obtained were then analyzed descriptively using tabel and graphic. The results showed that water quality management in semi-biofloc intensive shrimp farming includes monitoring water quality, early fertilization for cultivation, giving synbiotics as a carbon source, probiotics as bacteria availability, aeration for adding oxygen and flow and flow trough to reduce suspension in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat production in its current shape is burdened with multiple environmental challenges. Technological solutions have been touted as a means of reconciliation of economic growth and environmental sustainability. In Northern Ireland, anaerobic digestion (AD) technology was presented as a solution for more sustainable animal waste management and greenhouse gas emission reduction in the context of the Going for Growth (GfG) agrifood strategy. AD sites were also eligible for the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) subsidy support scheme. While criminological engagement with the issues around food crime is yet inchoate, even less attention has been paid to the issue of the criminogenic nature of responses to food production harm. The paper fills this lacuna by discussing how an ostensibly positive initiative of incentivising AD through subsidy provision may have criminogenic potential: it may exacerbate environmental harm due to its ineffectiveness for dealing with ammonia emissions from animal waste, and create opportunities for deviance, such as breaches in planning regulation and subsidy fraud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The ancient Japanese rice farming in Edo era entered a highly mature period of intensive farming after its introduction since remote ages, its localization development during the medieval times and its refined development in the middle ages. The technologies of both ancient Japanese rice farming and farming tools presented features of absorption and transformation, as well as introduction and innovation, in the process of their localization. Thus, traditional Chinese agronomy brought about the sustainable development of rice farming in ancient Japan. However, although it relied on foreign technology, the Japanese rice farming was able to innovate independently according to local reality so as to form its dual inherent characteristics of homology and creativity. Furthermore, it constructed typical island-country rice farming technology system, which differed from Chinese farming even if they belonged to the same category. A comparative study of yield value shows that on the one hand, ancient Japan’s rice farming technology was so effective that its technical level was very close to that of ancient China; the form of rice farming in Japan had not only a far-reaching impact on the ancient society, but also a very important reference significance for the development of contemporary ecological agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waxy starch with a modified amylose-to-amylopectin ratio is desired for a range of applications in food and non-food industries; however, yield performance and grain quality characteristics of waxy wheat cultivars are usually inferior in comparison to advanced non-waxy cultivars. In this study, we compared waxy ('Eldija', 'Sarta') and non-waxy ('Skagen', 'Suleva DS') winter wheat cultivars grown under high and low-input farming systems over two cropping seasons by evaluating their yield and grain quality, including flour, dough, and starch physicochemical properties. The yield of waxy cv. 'Sarta' was significantly lower compared to the non-waxy cultivars across all trials; however, waxy cv. 'Eldija' had a similar yield as non-waxy cultivars (except under high-input conditions cv. 'Skagen'). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between protein and gluten content of waxy and non-waxy cultivars. Low amylose content typical for waxy wheat cultivars highly correlated (r ≥ 0.8) with lower falling number, flour yield and sedimentation values, lower nitrogen % used for grain, higher flour water absorption and flour particle size index. In general, properties dependent on starch structure demonstrated consistent and significant differences between both starch types. The prevailing heat waves during the grain filling period decreased grain test weight but increased protein and gluten content and caused gluten to be weaker. Dough development time at these conditions became longer, dough softening lowered and starch content decreased, but A-starch, starch peak and final viscosity values increased. Low-input farming had a negative effect on grain yield, grain nitrogen uptake and grain test weight but increased phosphorus content in grain. The unique dough mixing properties of waxy cultivar 'Eldija' suggest that it could be used in mixtures along with non-waxy wheat for dough quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical and electrical development in dairy farming in China increases energy-related carbon emission (CE). To support the sustainable planning strategy of the department, this study calculated the CE and the carbon emission intensity (CI) of the direct energy consumed in dairy farms from 21 provinces in China. Through four dimensions analysis including the national level, farm scale, inter-provincial distribution, and main producing area, this study illustrates the impact of the environment, production, and management on CE. The total CE of nationwide dairy farming was about 2.4 Tg CO2 eq. in 2019, and the CIs of the 21 provinces varied from 0.009 to 0.216 kg CO2 eq. per kg of milk. The results indicate that the management mode applied in large-scale dairy farms (500 heads and above) varies considerably due to inadequate adaptation to climate. In general, semi-arid and semi-humid regions are more suitable for dairy farming than arid and humid regions. In the main milk-producing area, the spatial aggregation effect is visible in the carbon reduction potential. The present study suggests that further steps to promote sustainability and milk productivity are embodied when the replacement of fossil fuels and the management standardization are adapted to regional characteristics.

Globally, the soils underlying managed grasslands are an important reservoir of carbon (C), with the management of the land strongly influencing whether the soils gain, lose or maintain C. Further, improved grassland management, such as rotational grazing and increased sward diversity, are widely promoted to increase soil C sequestration despite limited evidence. Using data from New Zealand's grazed dairy grasslands, we examined the effect of management practices on C stocks through measurement of the net ecosystem C balance (NECB) across 68 site-years. Management practices tested included year-round rotational grazing, differing pasture sward composition, irrigation, periodic supplemental feed cropping and pasture renewal. Excluding years where supplemental feed cropping occurred, the mean (±95% confidence interval) NECB was −12 ± 30 g C m−2 y−1 (65 site-years; the negative value represents C loss), indicating the soil C stocks of these ecosystems were likely near steady-state. The processes of pasture renewal and the transition between pasture and crops resulted in reduced C inputs from photosynthesis of between −232 and −94 g C m−2. This reduced C input was partially overcome with the application of effluent or manure at the time of cultivation where applied. There was no difference in NECB between irrigated (−26 ± 114 g C m−2 y−1) and non-irrigated (−19 ± 198 g C m−2 y−1) pastures. In general, conventional ryegrass/white clover pastures were more beneficial for C stocks than alternative pasture species and mixes. Periodic cropping for supplemental feed resulted in C losses, with the magnitude depending on crop type and management, although data were limited to three site-years. [Display omitted] • Carbon (C) balances of grazed flat-land dairy pastures were near steady-state. • C loss during pasture and crop establishment depended on time to net CO 2 uptake. • Ryegrass/white clover pastures were better for C stocks than alternative swards. • Irrigation had inconclusive effects on C balance and may depend on pasture species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waxy starch with a modified amylose-to-amylopectin ratio is desired for a range of applications in food and non-food industries; however, yield performance and grain quality characteristics of waxy wheat cultivars are usually inferior in comparison to advanced non-waxy cultivars. In this study, we compared waxy (‘Eldija’, ‘Sarta’) and non-waxy (‘Skagen’, ‘Suleva DS’) winter wheat cultivars grown under high and low-input farming systems over two cropping seasons by evaluating their yield and grain quality, including flour, dough, and starch physicochemical properties. The yield of waxy cv. ‘Sarta’ was significantly lower compared to the non-waxy cultivars across all trials; however, waxy cv. ‘Eldija’ had a similar yield as non-waxy cultivars (except under high-input conditions cv. ‘Skagen’). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between protein and gluten content of waxy and non-waxy cultivars. Low amylose content typical for waxy wheat cultivars highly correlated (r ≥ 0.8) with lower falling number, flour yield and sedimentation values, lower nitrogen % used for grain, higher flour water absorption and flour particle size index. In general, properties dependent on starch structure demonstrated consistent and significant differences between both starch types. The prevailing heat waves during the grain filling period decreased grain test weight but increased protein and gluten content and caused gluten to be weaker. Dough development time at these conditions became longer, dough softening lowered and starch content decreased, but A-starch, starch peak and final viscosity values increased. Low-input farming had a negative effect on grain yield, grain nitrogen uptake and grain test weight but increased phosphorus content in grain. The unique dough mixing properties of waxy cultivar ‘Eldija’ suggest that it could be used in mixtures along with non-waxy wheat for dough quality improvement.

Africa’s rapidly growing population is exerting a lot of pressure on agricultural resources including maize yields and harvest area. Across Africa, access to advanced options for increasing maize yields are inadequate. This is daunting as most of the cultivation of maize is in the hands of smallholder farmers who have inadequate access to modern methods of farming. This has resulted in an increase in dependency on harvest area to increase yields. However, it is still unclear how this maize-yield-harvest-area dynamic plays out across different regions of Africa. This study uses crop yield and harvest area time series data from FAOSTAT for the period 1961–2019. The data are analyzed using linear interpolation, the normalization technique, the rate of change, the Pearson correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination and regression analysis. The results show that maize yields and harvest area have increased by 71.35% and 60.12%, respectively across Africa. Regionally, West, Middle and East Africa witnessed a positive relationship between maize yields and harvest area while in North and Southern Africa, maize yields and harvest area have an inverse relationship. For example, in assessing the relationship between maize yield and harvest area in Africa, this work observes that North Africa has a correlation of −35% and an R2 of 12%, while Southern Africa has a correlation of −36% and R2 of 13%. On the other hand, West Africa has a correlation of 87% and an R2 of 76%, while Middle Africa recorded a correlation of 66% and an R2 of 42%. East Africa recorded a correlation of 76% and R2 of 61%. These results confirm that maize yield and harvest area have a positive relationship in West, Middle and East Africa and a negative relationship in North and Southern Africa. These results underscore the fact that in North and Southern Africa, maize production is less dependent on harvest area as is the case in the other regions of Africa. Such findings have implications for adaptation planning especially in sub-Saharan Africa where food insecurity is closely related to land and forest degradation.

This article develops a calculation method to compare the total effect of different agricultural land-use systems on biodiversity. The results of the calculations offer a clear indication of which land-use system provides the highest biodiversity possible to produce a desired quantity of agricultural output. Furthermore, the method can be used to compare all types of farming systems. To give a numerical example, the method is used here to compare the data currently available for conventional agriculture and organic agriculture. Given that the currently available data lack information regarding second moments, a statistical test is not possible. Under this caveat, the results indicate that conventional agriculture allows for more biodiversity in the production of a desired quantity of agricultural goods because its higher productivity helps to spare land, which can then be used as a natural habitat. • Comparison of the total biodiversity effect for all types of farming systems and variants. • Integration of differences in agricultural productivity and biodiversity in the area under cultivation and on spared land. • Clear indication of the land-use system with the highest biodiversity possible to produce a desired quantity of output. • Acquisition of only four empirical values necessary for pairwise comparisons. • Numerical example based on the available data for organic and conventional farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]