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Miscanthus holds a promise as a biocrop due to its high yield, perenniality and ability to grow on infertile soils. However, the current commercial biomass production of Miscanthus is mostly limited to a single sterile triploid clone of M. × giganteus. Nevertheless, parental species of M. × giganteus, Miscanthus sacchariflorus and Miscanthus sinensis contain vast genetic diversity for crop improvement. With M. sacchariflorus having a natural geographic distribution in cold‐temperate northeast China and eastern Russia, we hypothesised that it has substantial variation in physiological response to chilling. Using a semi‐high‐throughput method, we phenotyped 209 M. sacchariflorus genotypes belonging to six genetic groups for non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) and photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII) kinetics under warm and chilling treatments in three growing seasons. In response to the chilling treatment, all genetic groups exhibited an increase in NPQ induction rate indicating faster activation of NPQ in light. Notably, under chilling, the Korea/NE China/Russia 2x and N China 2x groups stood out for the highest NPQ rate in light and the highest steady‐state NPQ in light. This NPQ phenotype may contribute adaptation to chilling during bright, cold mornings of spring and early autumn in temperate climates, when faster NPQ would better protect from oxidative stress. Such enhanced adaptation could expand the growing season and thus productivity at a given location or expand the range of economically viable growing locations to higher latitudes and altitudes. A genome‐wide association study identified 126 unique SNPs associated with NPQ and ΦPSII traits. Among the identified candidate genes were enzymes involved in the ascorbate recycle and shikimate pathway, gamma‐aminobutyric acid and cation efflux transporters. Identifying natural variation and genes involved in NPQ and ΦPSII kinetics considerably enlarges the toolbox for breeding and/or engineering Miscanthus with optimised photosynthesis under warm and chilling conditions for sustainable feedstock production for bioenergy. Chilling affects the productivity and geographical distribution of most crops. Using a semi‐high‐throughput approach to investigate photosynthesis‐related traits, we characterised variation existing in the bioenergy crop Miscanthus under chilling and warm conditions and identified potential genes associated with it. Under chilling, two genetic groups from the northern edge of Miscanthus distribution stood out for faster activation of photoprotection. This trait may contribute adaptation to chilling in temperate climates, when faster photoprotection would better defend from oxidative stress. Enhanced chilling adaptation could expand the growing season and thus productivity or enlarge the range of growing locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical strategies for bioenergy planning in the face of climate change should rely on ready‐to‐use yield projections. Perennial grasses grown in marginal lands (MLs) provide abundant feedstocks to be converted into different energy vectors. The aim of this study was to provide a model‐based assessment of how much energy, in the form of biomethane and bioethanol, can be achieved by Miscanthus and giant reed across Italy. Marginal lands were here conceived as low profitable non‐irrigated areas, without mechanization and/or nature conservation constraints. Marginal lands eligible for simulations were selected crossing environmental factors and ecological requirements of the two crops. The biophysical model Arungro was calibrated considering rainfed/full‐irrigated systems using multiple‐site and multiple‐year datasets. The model was connected to a georeferenced database, with information on (i) current/future climate, (ii) agronomic practices, (iii) soil physics/hydrology, (iv) MLs, and (v) crop suitability to environment and simulations were performed at 500 × 500 m spatial resolution across all Italian regions. Under baseline conditions (i.e., 1981–2010), the total area of MLs available for energy crops (i.e., 49,100 km2) allowed to obtain 23,500 (giant reed) and 23,700 (Miscanthus) Giga‐m3 CH4‐STP of biomethane and 18,600 (giant reed) and 24,400 (Miscanthus) Giga‐liters of bioethanol. While the amount of energy carriers is expected to increase, on average, of +4.6% in 2055 and + 0.4% (mean of +9.2%—South, −2.4%—Center, −5.4%—North Italy) in 2085 for Miscanthus, giant reed‐based productions are projected to be more stable across the country and time frames (+6.7% in 2055; +2.8% in 2085). This study contributed to define a modular and detailed procedure aimed at quantifying attainable energy yields from bioenergy grasses in MLs. The consideration of fine‐resolution multiple‐scale heterogeneity allowed for an in‐depth investigation of biomass productivity, attainable energy yields, and related stability under current/climate change scenarios, highlighting critical spots and opportunities within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural lands hold significant potential for CO2 sequestration, particularly when utilizing biomass crops and agricultural residues. Among these, Miscanthus × giganteus (mxg) stands out due to its high productivity and carbon sequestration capabilities. Recognizing the importance of such biomass crops, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) as a crucial strategy for achieving net‐zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This study examines the carbon uptake potential of mxg during its establishment year at the Sustainable Advanced Bioeconomy Research (SABR) farm in Iowa, USA, where mxg was planted at a density exceeding previous studies. Using eddy covariance (EC) measurements, we quantified the net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE), and derived gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Our findings reveal that SABR's mxg exhibited a significant carbon uptake of −621 g C m−2, a threefold increase compared to a similar EC site in the "corn‐belt" (University of Illinois Energy Research Farm; UIEF), which was established with lower planting density and pre‐commercial planting equipment. Favorable growing conditions and advanced planting technologies at SABR likely contributed to this high carbon uptake. Comparisons with other global EC studies indicated a strong correlation between higher planting densities and greater carbon uptake. These results suggest that increasing mxg planting density can enhance carbon uptake, but further studies are necessary to evaluate the impacts under varying environmental conditions and management practices. Additionally, economic analyses are essential to determine the viability of higher planting densities. Our study underscores the potential of optimized mxg management practices to contribute significantly to CO2 uptake and supports the development of BECCS as a viable climate change mitigation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The publication presents data on the removal of heavy metals by energy crops Miscanthus giganteus L. and Phalaris arundinacea L. when grown on technologically polluted soils. The yield of Miscanthus giganteus averaged 16.96 t/ha over the two years of research, and that of Falaris arundinacea – 4.38 t/ha, respectively. The nature of heavy metal accumulation by energy plants depended on the type of crop and its productivity during the years of cultivation. The concentration of all heavy metals in the phytomass of energy crops did not exceed the threshold limit value (TLV), except for zinc in miscanthus giganteus plants (by 9–11 mg/kg). Compared to the years of the study, in the second year of cultivation, the coefficient of heavy metal absorption by plants increased significantly compared to the first year due to an increase in the vegetative mass of plants. On average, in 2021–2023, the energy crops Phalaris arundinacea and Miscanthus x giganteus removed a significant amount of heavy metals from 1 ha of soil. It has been proven that energy crops such as Phalaris arundinacea and Miscanthus x giganteus contribute to the purification of technologically contaminated soils from heavy metals, and their products can be used further as biofuels and for other purposes, as the content of toxicants in their phytomass does not exceed the TLV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Annals of Applied Biology has undergone significant changes in 2025, including a rebranding with a new strapline of 'Biosciences for Sustainability' and the launch of a new platform by Wiley to process submissions. The editorial board structure has been revamped to improve efficiency in manuscript handling and decision-making. Special issues and tributes to former colleagues are also highlighted, with a focus on enhancing the overall experience for authors, reviewers, and readers. [Extracted from the article]

Retrofitting as biomass and coal co-firing power plants with carbon capture and storage (BCP-CCS) is essential in the decarbonization of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) for China that plays a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality globally. Many studies have conducted a purpose-oriented analysis to explore the retrofit-potential for BCP-CCS, ignoring the actual competition among CFPPs for availability of biomass residues and access to carbon sequestration sites. Thus, from the perspective of individual CFPPs, it's still uncertain how BCP-CCS retrofit will influence the incremental cost and carbon emission reduction. This study proposes a ternary-matched coupling of "biomass residues-CFPPs-sequestration sites" at plant scale, analyzing available biomass and carbon-sequestration resources around each CFPP separately and carrying out cost-benefit assessments. Results suggest that the net carbon emissions of all CFPPs become neutral at 30 km without biomass shortages, indicating BCP-CCS has the potential to assist China's coal-fired power sector reach carbon-neutrality. But for negative emission target, it is suggested that within biomass-collection radii of 30 km, 13 % of CFPPs can't achieve co-firing ratios above 10 %. Achieving the full retrofit potential of all CFPPs will inevitably face biomass resource competition and demand energy crops as supplementary fuel. It's also found that only 16 provinces possess sufficient marginal lands to grow energy crops. The incremental levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of each CFPP is highly collected with surrounding biomass and carbon sequestration resources, the highest of which reach above 450 CNY/MWh in the southernmost regions lacking both. A delayed retrofit time could help decrease the incremental LCOE but damage the carbon reductions greatly. Also, the critical carbon price needs to be 400–500 CNY/t to help balance the retrofit cost for 70 % CFPPs at various co-firing ratios. This study highlighted the importance of availability for biomass resources and implemented a high-resolution assessment of BCP-CCS deployment at plant-level, which could provide a detailed guidance for the present and future decarbonization of CFPPs in China. • BCP-CCS retrofit potential of coal-fired power plant (CFPP) is limited by resources. • Not all CFPPs can meet co-firing ratios over 30 % with 50 km biomass collection radii. • 75 % of CFPPs have an economically rational CO 2 -transport distance of 250 km. • CFPPs could meet carbon-neutral with biomass collection radii above 20 km. • Only 16 provinces have sufficient marginal lands to tackle biomass shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is widespread controversy over whether biodegradable films (BFs) can replace polyethylene films (PEFs) to obtain similar mulching effects on crop yield and soil physicochemical properties in arid irrigated regions. To explore this issue, a three-year field experiment was conducted using two widely-used BFs (black and transparent BFs respectively) and traditional transparent PEFs as mulching materials to examine their aging characteristics and mulching effects in an irrigation maize field of northwest China (no-mulching as CK). The data revealed a noticeable decrease in surface integrity after aging for both BFs compared with PEFs, yet the surface cracks of BFs showed dispersed and randomly distributed characteristics. Particularly, BFs was not fully degraded within each growing season as desired, across 3 growing seasons. The aging properties of black and transparent BFs and their effects on soil functions were essentially indistinguishable. The aging of BFs significantly augmented the abundance of fragment- and fiber-shaped microplastics (MPs) in soils, relative to PEFs (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, BFs mulching achieved comparable soil warming effects as PEFs did, under sunny and rainy days in each growing season. However, soil water storage at plough and deep soil layer for both BFs was significantly lower than that of PEFs (p < 0.05). BFs mulching significantly improved the proportion of soil macroaggregates relative to PEFs (p < 0.05), and evidently decreased soil bulk density (p < 0.05). Moreover, it significantly improved soil labile organic carbon (LOC) content, while lowering soil total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and ammonium-nitrogen content relative to that of PEFs (p < 0.05). Critically, relative to PEFs, BFs mulching harvested similar crop biomass and economic benefits, and better soil functions. The findings provided new insights into the reasonable usage and management of BFs for better sustainability in agricultural practice. [Display omitted] • Two main biodegradable films (BFs) did not completely degrade in maize field in each of 3 years. • 3-year BFs mulching evidently increased fragment-shaped microplastics in soils. • Water conservation efficiency of BFs was lower than that of polyethylene films (PEFs). • BFs mulching improved soil labile organic C level while lowering soil N level relative to PEFs mulching. • Yet, BFs mulching obtained similar field productivity as PEFs did across 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The response of soil biodiversity slightly differs between meadows and wheat fields. • Soil biodiversity is more affected by farming practices than by punctual AV trackers. • The vicinity of AV trackers provides undisturbed soil and vegetation conditions. The development of renewable energy technologies is growing rapidly, with solar energy being the most promising source. Agrivoltaics in particular offers the advantage to combine crop and energy production on the same land. While many studies have looked at the impact of ground-mounted solar power panels on uncultivated grassland, very few have focused on agrivoltaic structures, and none on dual axis trackers with bi-dimensional turning mount-holding panels and limited ground anchorage. Our study focused on the relative impact of such trackers (via anchorage constraint to farming practices, and mobile shading) on the physical, chemical and biological soil features in both wheat croplands and meadows relative to farming practices known for impacting these features. Using a PLS-PM analysis, we show that despite altered chemicals conditions near the tracker and the higher specific plant richness brought by the PV structure, thereby changing environmental conditions, there are no significant effects on organisms compared to agricultural practices. Comparing hay meadows and wheat fields suggests varied impacts, prompting the need for further comparative studies across different agricultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop geometry greatly impacts tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production under naturally-ventilated poly-house (NVPH) structures exerting significantly energy footprints. We compared agronomic attributes and energy indices of tomatoes established at different crop geometry (viz. 45 × 45, 60 × 45, 75 × 45 and 90 × 30 cm) under NVPHs. A spacing of 60 × 45 cm exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher polar and equatorial diameter, compared with narrower (45 × 45 cm) and widest (90 × 30 cm) spacing. Plant height exhibited a sigmoidal growth pattern across crop geometry. Fruit yield varied significantly (p < 0.05) with fruit size and crop geometry; with lower yields for smaller-sized tomatoes (<25 g) at narrower spacing, while higher yields for large-sized tomatoes (>90 g) at wider spacing. At 60 × 45 cm spacing, fruit yield reached 122.4 Mg ha−1 with total energy input of 44.7 GJ ha−1, energy output of 97.9 GJ ha−1 achieved with specific energy and energy productivity of 0.46 MJ kg−1 and 2.49 kg MJ−1, respectively. Cumulative energy gain was highest at 60 × 45 cm, indicating potential for improved energy efficiency in tomato production. These results showed the highest proportion of direct and non-renewable energy across crop geometry. Study underscores the significant impact of crop geometry on tomato production and energy efficiency in NVPH structures, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and resource management. [Display omitted] • Crop geometry greatly impacts tomato production and E I in naturally-ventilated poly-houses. • Close spacing (60 × 45 cm) produced 122.4 Mg ha−1 yield with E I of 44.7 GJ ha−1 • E O of 97.9 GJ ha−1 was achieved with E S of 0.46 MJ kg−1 and E P of 2.49 kg MJ−1 • Cumulative energy gain highest at 60 × 45 cm indicate potential for improved energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Annals of Applied Biology has introduced a new strapline, "Biosciences for Sustainability," to better reflect its focus on high-quality research in applied biology. The journal is owned by the Association of Applied Biologists (AAB), a learned society founded in 1904 with a membership of 1000 individuals across 12 specialist groups. The AAB aims to ensure that the content of Annals aligns with the interests of its members and activities, focusing on advances in plant biology and agricultural production. The journal maintains strict statistical rigor in article reviews and welcomes submissions that enhance its quality and strengthen ties with the AAB. [Extracted from the article]

Jatropha curcas L. is an important energy crop whose growth is affected by abiotic stress. TIFY proteins regulate plant growth and respond to adverse conditions in higher plants. However, little information is available regarding the functions of the TIFY family genes in J. curcas. In this research, 14 members of the JcTIFY family were identified in J. curcas at the genome-wide level. These members belong to four subfamilies: jasmonate-ZIM-domain (JAZ), ZIM/ZIM-like, PEAPOD, and TIFY, and they are distributed across seven linkage groups. The TIFY proteins, consisting of 135–458 amino acids, are all hydrophilic and are predicted to be located in the nucleus. Although members of the same branch have different exon-intron structures, they share similar conserved domains and motif compositions. Protein interaction predictions indicate that TIFY proteins can form dimers and are involved in the jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling pathways. The role of TIFY in the growth of J. curcas was demonstrated by the analysis of cis-acting elements and expression of TIFY under various conditions and tissues. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that chilling stress and methyl jasmonate significantly induced the expression of JcJAZs, particularly JcTIFY5B. Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed clear interactions between JcJAZs. Luciferase complementation and yeast two-hybrid assays demonstrated that JcTIFY10 formed a homodimer both in vivo and in vitro. JcJAZ proteins can form heterodimers with other proteins of the same family, and some proteins can form homodimers via the TIFY domain. The subcellular localization of JcTIFY5A and JcTIFY10 was in the nucleus, while JcTIFY9 was found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. These results provide significant insights into the TIFY gene-mediated abiotic stress response and plant hormone signal transduction events in J. curcas. • The TIFY family of Jatropha curcas has 14 members (JcTIFYs). • 14 JcTIFY family members classified into four subfamilies (ZML, JAZ, PPD, and TIFY). • JcJAZs play an important role in the cold response of Jatropha curcas. • MeJA treatment up-regulated the expression levels of JcJAZs under cold stress. • The JAZ subfamily proteins can form dimers via the TIFY domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various lignocellulose feedstocks were sourced through an innovative double crop rotation system for production of advanced bioethanol. Dedicated biomass crops that grow with high yields with low cost and greenhouse gas emissions (hemp, biomass sorghum, and sunn hemp) were integrated with the cultivation of conventional food crops to recover agricultural residues (wheat straw, corn stover). These feedstocks with low indirect land use change risk were subjected to a biorefinery approach for the production of advanced ethanol from cellulosic and hemicellulosic sugars and co-production of lignin. The processing steps included tandem pre-extraction and acetone organosolv fractionation, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the obtained cellulose-enriched pulp (producing mainly C6 sugars), detoxification of hemicellulose hydrolysate (mainly C5 sugars) and fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars to ethanol. High recovery of cellulose in the pulp (87–100 %), C5 oligomeric and monomeric sugars in the hydrolysate (80–90 %) and isolated lignin (72–84 %) showed that process efficiency can be maintained across the various types of feedstocks. The ethanol production titres and productivity obtained by fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on the C6 sugar enzymatic hydrolysates were robust and similar to those values obtained on model glucose substrate. C5 sugar hydrolysates after detoxification and evaporation were readily converted to ethanol with Spathaspora passalidarum CBS 10155. Sunn hemp and hemp feedstocks showed both less optimal enzymatic digestibility of cellulosic pulps and lower ethanol production rates from their hemicellulose hydrolysates. The present work shows the applicability of the aforementioned biorefinery approach for the production of advanced ethanol with a diverse set of lignocellulosic feedstocks obtained from an integrated food and bioenergy production system based on rotating crops. It also highlights that the most critical processing steps for process monitoring and optimisation are the pulp enzymatic hydrolysis of pulps and the detoxification of the C5 sugar hydrolysates. • Pre-extraction, acetone organosolv and ethanol fermentation on diverse feedstocks. • Lignocellulosic feedstocks were sourced through innovative double crop rotation. • Consistent pulp, hemicellulose and lignin production from the different feedstocks. • Ethanol production from C6 sugars was robust and similar to model substrates. • Sunn hemp and hemp had lesser performance in saccharification and detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work develops a comprehensive exergy and energy assessment of a cogeneration process using Giant Reed as feedstock, which consists of a biomass dryer, a fluidized bed gasifier, an internal combustion engine operating in a cogeneration mode (CHP), and two different users for the cogenerated heat. One process layout uses cogenerated heat in a district heating network (CHP + DH layout). In the second process layout, the cogenerated heat produces additional electricity through an Organic Rankine Cycle (CHP + ORC layout). In addition to the performance of reed gasification (cold gas efficiency about 0.6), the results showed that the highest rational efficiency was reached in the cogeneration unit, while the highest relative irreversibilities were found in the gasifier and the dryer. The overall energy efficiencies are 0.46 and 0.22 for the CHP + DH and CHP + ORC layouts, respectively, while the overall exergy efficiencies are 0.21 and 0.20. The difference in the sustainability index is just 2 %. The results and methods of this research work can be used to properly design Giant Reed (or similar biomass) gasification plants and bioenergy systems for combined heat and power production, and developing case-studies considering the sustainable use of this feedstock according to a thermodynamic approach based on the second principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate crops (ICs) are grown on large areas in Sweden and elsewhere for their function as cover or catch crops and to increase soil fertility, and they are usually soil-incorporated. The aim of this study was to investigate if aboveground biomass from ICs can be a sustainable source of biofuel feedstock. For that, the biomass yield of fertilized and unfertilized ICs was studied in field experiments and their energy potential determined using methane potential assays. Furthermore, we estimated the economic viability of biogas vehicle fuel production using the IC biomass. Our results indicated that it is economically viable to produce biomethane gas for vehicle fuel quality, from several intermediate crops grown in Northwest Europe, when the intermediate crop biomass was harvested with a self-loading forage wagon, used fresh or as silage as biogas feedstock and processed to methane gas in a large scale biogas plant. Nitrogen fertilization of intermediate crops was useful only when the intermediate crop is established early enough for the plant to make use of the nitrogen and 3 of the 9 investigated IC species could be grown economically feasible even without nitrogen fertilization and covering the full feedstock production costs. Other factors important for economic viability were a high gross methane yield per hectare combined with a high dry matter content in the IC biomass, with high dry matter yields to be prioritized over a higher specific methane yield. Further research is needed on the impact of IC maturity on methane production and suitable harvest technology. [Display omitted] • Biomass and methane yield of intermediate crops (ICs) grown in Northwest Europe. • Economic viability for production of transportation fuel was assessed. • It was economic viable to produce fuel from several unfertilized and fertilized ICs. • High gross methane yield per hectare and high dry matter content were important. • Nitrogen fertilization was useful only when the ICs were established early enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of modern agriculture has spurred leading companies to establish smart industrial parks in rural areas, facilitating integrated agri-product supply chains leveraging abundant crops, space, and natural resources. However, operating various segments within agri-product supply chains, such as crop growth, fruit refrigeration, and fruit transportation, requires a large energy supply, and may lead to substantial operation costs. Integrating the renewable energy-based power system with the agri-product supply chain emerges as a promising solution to address the high energy consumption within the supply chain. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-timescale collaborative operation framework for a rural integrated power system and agri-product supply chain (RIPS-APSC). Key innovations include: (1) Firstly, this framework innovatively integrates an agri-product supply chain into the power system to optimize energy operations and address high energy consumption challenges. (2) Secondly, in the production link of the agri-product supply chain, a dynamic energy-consumption-based crop growth model is established that accurately estimates greenhouse energy consumption and crop yield based on environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. (3) Subsequently, this study introduces an operation optimization model for the RIPS-APSC system that uniquely integrates crop growth, agri-product refrigeration, transportation, and energy consumption. (4) Finally, the hourly timestep for energy consumption and the daily timestep for crop growth are both contained in the operation optimization model, addressing the challenge of inconsistent timesteps within the proposed multi-timescale collaborative operation framework. A case study involving greenhouses, central cooling warehouses, and consumers validates the proposed framework, and some sensitivity analyses are conducted in this work. The findings reveal that daily greenhouse energy consumption rises with the crop growth cycle and stabilizes after reaching maximum leaf area. The optimal refrigerated storage temperature for the warehouse is determined to be the upper limit of its temperature range. Additionally, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that decreasing the desired indoor temperature of greenhouses and the refrigerated storage temperature of the warehouse both lead to increased total system costs. • A multi-timescale collaborative operation framework of rural power system is proposed. • The framework incorporates an agri-product supply chain into rural power system. • A dynamic energy-consumption-based crop growth model is established. • The daily fruit yield follows a variation trend akin to an S-shaped curve. • A lower desired indoor temperature in greenhouses leads to increased energy imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much effort has been spent on promoting conservation agriculture (CA) in Northern Benin to sustain the transition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cropping systems toward agroecology. However, its limited adoption by farmers is often ascribed to initial yield penalties during the transition to CA and to trade-offs around crop biomass use. Here, we assess the effect of different CA-based cropping systems promoted in the region on water productivity and cotton yield in a three-year cotton/maize (Zea mays L.) crop rotation during the initial transition phase to CA. Three CA options were assessed combining different levels of soil disturbance and cover, and introducing cover crops to alleviate the biomass trade-offs. Direct seeding (DS), strip tillage (ST), and direct seeding mulched-based cropping systems (DMC) were compared with conventional tillage (CT) from 2017 to 2019 under a dominant soil type in the region, Haplic Lixisols. Two legume species, Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw. and Crotalaria retusa L. were grown as cover crops with maize under ST and DMC. The experiment followed a randomized block design comprising six replicates. After 2–3 years of DMC, the cotton yield advantage with respect to CT increased from 5 % to 7 %. Cotton yield penalties of respectively 11 % in 2018 and 26 % in 2019 were found for DS. ST treatment went from a yield advantage of 8 % in 2017 to a yield penalty of 20 % in 2019. The DMC and CT treatments gave similar and highest boll weights compared to the ST and DS treatments. The treatments had no significant difference regarding the number of bolls per plant. Soil water storage in the upper 30 cm depth and water use efficiency (WUE) were the highest in the plots with the DMC treatment compared to CT, ST, and DS. At 28 days of active vegetative stage (between 34 and 62 days after sowing), the WUE of seed cotton was 0.11 kg ha−1 mm−1 under DMC, while it was 0.08, 0.07, and 0.04 kg ha−1 mm−1 under DS, CT, and ST, respectively. The performance of DMC at increasing water productivity could be an argument to improve adoptability by farmers in northern Benin who are facing increased weather variability, given that the yield penalties often associated with early transitions to CA were not observed here with full DMC. • After 3 years of DMC, the cotton yield increases of 5–7 % compared to CT. • DMC exhibited no yield penalties in a transition to conservation agriculture. • Soil water storage use efficiency were the highest in the DMC treatment. • For maize yields, no significant differences were observed between treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]