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Despite the importance of crop responses to low fertility conditions, few studies have examined the extent to which domestication may have limited crop responses to low-fertility environments in aboveground and belowground traits. Moreover, studies that have addressed this topic have used a limited number of wild accessions, therefore overlooking the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of wild relatives. To examine how domestication has affected the response of aboveground and belowground agronomic traits, we measured root and leaf functional traits in an extensive set of wild and domesticated chickpea accessions grown in low and high nitrogen soil environments. Unlike previous studies, the wild accessions used in this study broadly capture the genetic and phenotypic diversity of domesticated chickpea’s (Cicer arietinum) closest compatible wild relative (C. reticulatum). Our results suggest that the domestication of chickpea led to greater capacities for plasticity in morphological and biomass related traits but may have lowered the capacity to modify physiological traits related to gas exchange. Wild chickpea displayed greater phenotypic plasticity for physiological traits including stomatal conductance, canopy level photosynthesis, leaf level photosynthesis, and leaf C/N ratio. In contrast to domesticated chickpea, wild chickpea displayed phenotypes consistent with water loss prevention, by exhibiting lower specific leaf area, stomatal conductance and maintaining efficient water-use. In addition to these general patterns, our results indicate that the domestication dampened the variation in response type to higher nitrogen environments for belowground and aboveground traits, which suggests reduced genetic diversity in current crop germplasm collections.

High external nitrogen (N) inputs can maximize maize yield but can cause a subsequent reduction in N use efficiency (NUE). Thus, it is necessary to identify the minimum effective N fertilizer input that does not affect maize grain yield (GY) and to investigate the photosynthetic and root system consequences of this optimal dose. We conducted a 4-year field experiment from 2014 to 2017 with four N application rates: 300 (N300), 225 (N225), 150 (N150), and 0 Kg ha−1 (N0) in the Northwest of China. GY was assessed by measuring the photosynthetic capacity and root system (root volume, surface area, length density and distribution). Grain yield decreased by −3%, 7.7%, and 21.9% when the N application rates decreased by 25%, 50%, and 100% from 300 Kg ha−1. We found that yield reduction driven by N reduction was primarily due to decreased radiation use efficiency (RUE) and WUE instead of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation and evapotranspiration. In the N225 treatment, GY, WUE, and RUE were not significantly reduced, or in some cases, were greater than those of the N300 treatment. This pattern was also observed with relevant photosynthetic and root attributes (i.e., high net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and root weight, as well as deep root distribution). Our results suggest that application of N at 225 Kg ha−1 can increased yield by improving the RUE, WUE, and NUE in semi-arid regions.

Indian agriculture is plagued by several complex challenges like declining factor productivity, poor resource use efficiency, lesser share in Indian economy (14.4%); high dependence of population on agriculture and allied sectors (52%); more thrust on annual cereal crop production etc. Nearly, 86% of the Indian farmers are small and marginal (

Indoor vertical farming has been gaining increased popularity worldwide as a method of addressing food security while satisfying sustainability needs. This fact sheet written by and published by the UF/IFAS provides a comprehensive summary of the current status of indoor vertical farming in the United States and globally, commercial derivatives, major sustainability benefits and limitations and challenges. Learn about the limitations and challenges of the industry as well as the potential benefits both for food security and resource sustainability. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr429

Field studies were conducted during rabi season of 2015–16 to 2017–18 at research farm of Advanced Centre for Rainfed Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu to study the effect of foliar application of nutrients on crop performance, economics, resource use efficiency and soil properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum. L). The experiment comprising seven treatments (viz. control, 0.5% K foliar spray (KNO3), 0.5% K foliar spray (KNO3) + 0.5% N foliar spray (Urea), 0.5% K foliar spray (KCl), 0.5% K foliar spray (KCl) + 0.5% N foliar spray (Urea), 0.5% N foliar spray (Urea), foliar spray of water) was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that all yield attributes, viz. plant height, number of tillers/m row, spike length, 1000 grain weight were significantly higher with foliar application than the other treatments. Highest grain (2198 kg/ha) and straw yield (3430 kg/ha) were obtained with foliar application of 0.5% K (KCl) + 0.5% N (urea) in addition to 100% RDF soil application (T5). Similarly, the maximum build up of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, nutrient uptake, net return (₹ 29008 kg/ha) and B:C ratio (2.45) were recorded in T5 treatment. Significantly higher RWUE (19.49 kg/ha-mm), agronomic use efficiency (21.64 and 65.47) and apparent recovery of nitrogen and potassium (0.74 and 2.22) were observed in T5. The foliar application of 0.5% K (KCl) + 0.5% N (urea) in addition to 100% RDF had pronounced effect on soil properties, resource use efficiency, economics and crop performance of wheat under rainfed conditions.

Land use efficiency (LUE), energy efficiency (EE), and air quality are key indicators when assessing urban-related Sustainable Development Goals, yet recent trends and trade-offs in and around urban areas worldwide remain largely unknown. We use an Earth Observation approach to map the land-energy-air sustainability nexus and highlight distinct urban–rural gradients worldwide (2000–2015). In the Global South, urban areas perform relatively better in land-energy-air sustainability trends than rural areas, which are the least sustainable in our global comparative analysis. Comparatively, urban areas in the Global North tend to be less sustainable than surrounding rural regions. Trade-offs among land-energy-air change directions are mostly related to EE versus air quality in urban areas, while spatial and temporal trade-offs between LUE and EE are more pronounced in suburban and rural areas. Integrating satellite data is crucial for tracking the progress of the land-energy-air nexus and can guide context-specific strategies to account for urban–rural differences in achieving sustainability and creating more livable environments.

The technology development in agriculture has been rapid resulting in development of tissue culture technique. South Gujarat is the main banana producing hub in Gujarat. Banana is mainly grown in Bharuch district of South Gujarat. The present study was carried out to estimate resource use efficiency of banana crops. The study revealed that the overall average elasticity, co-efficient of multiple determination and return to scale it could be said that gross income of banana crop increased proportionately with an increase in the area under banana cultivation, planting material and total human labour. The ratio of MVP to MFC for all resources were less than one except area under banana cultivation which indicating that there is a need to reduce expenditure on it and increase the expenditure on area under banana cultivation for optimum profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in understanding ecosystem functioning has grown in recent years due to the effects of species loss on ecosystem processes. Even though biotic and abiotic factors control ecosystem processes, their relative influence may vary according to ecosystem dynamics. In flood and coastal plains, these dynamics are mainly represented by flood pulses and hydroregime, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of abiotic and biotic factors for the ecosystem processes represented by zooplankton secondary production (SP), biomass (ZB), and resource use efficiency (RUE) in lentic waterbodies subjected to different hydrological regimes. We hypothesised that abiotic factors would more strongly determine the ecosystem processes in temporary waterbodies and floodplain lakes, given their greater susceptibility to environmental changes. Biotic factors would be more relevant in coastal lagoons due to their greater temporal stability.Sampling was undertaken quarterly over 1 year in eight coastal lagoons, 10 temporary ponds and five floodplain lakes. The environments were characterised in relation to limnological variables, and zooplankton functional divergence, functional dispersion (FDis), functional evenness, functional richness, and taxonomic richness were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify seasonal changes in SP, ZB, RUE, functional diversity, richness, and abiotic factors. Linear mixed models were used to determine which abiotic and biotic factors were the most important for ZB, SP, and RUE.In the coastal lagoons, RUE differed over time. In the temporary ponds and floodplain lakes, no seasonal significant differences were observed for any of the zooplankton production variables. The linear mixed model analyses showed that models composed mainly of biotic factors were better fitted to the production variables. For coastal lagoons, phytoplankton density affected ZB, SP, and RUE increasing them by 9.9 mg DW/m3, 12.4 mg DW/m3, and 1.23, respectively. For temporary ponds, FDis lowered ZB by 6.9 mg DW/m3 and taxonomic richness increased SP and RUE by 14.2 mg DW/m3 and 1.17, respectively. For floodplain lakes, FDis lowered ZB it by 9.9 mg DW/m3 and functional divergence lowered RUE by 0.81.The present study demonstrates that biotic factors are the main determinants of ecosystem processes in neotropical lentic waterbodies, irrespective of their annual hydrological regimes. Complementarity effects and high functional diversity are more important in more stable environments, whereas redundancy and low functional diversity prevail in environments subject to more frequent environmental changes. Biotic factors play a major role in ensuring the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and indicate the important role of biodiversity in enabling ecosystem states to be maintained after disturbances and to prevent changes in ecosystem processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication still is one of the greatest anthropogenic impacts affecting aquatic ecosystems. Food web manipulations to reverse eutrophic conditions have been applied, mainly by reducing fish stocks. However, the long-term results of biomanipulation are still ambiguous. The objective of this study was to evaluate biomanipulation effects on zooplankton functional diversity and production during 24 years of monitoring a shallow temperate lake. Temporal variation in crustacean biomass (CB), zooplankton resource use efficiency (RUE), limnological variables, functional diversity indices and functional traits were assessed using the Mann–Kendall test. The effects of the limnological and functional variables on zooplankton production (CB and RUE) were analyzed by generalized least squares models (GLSs). We found decreasing trends for almost all the limnological variables, indicating a reduction in lake eutrophic conditions. We also observed a decreasing trend in functional traits related to pelagic habitat, filter-feeding mode, herbivore feeding preference and body size. The GLS results showed that functional dispersion and chlorophyll a are important determinants of zooplankton production. The effects of fish biomanipulation produced no significant temporal trends in zooplankton biomass. In fact, the increase in submerged macrophytes promoted littoral food webs, which was likely the main determining factor of the changes in zooplankton functional traits and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study gives insights on production performance of one of Bihar's most important vegetable, the cauliflower. Compound annual growth in area, production and productivity of cauliflower were analyzed to investigate the expansion or shrinkage of the cauliflower in Samastipur district of Bihar as well as for the entire state. In this investigation, resource use efficiency of the respondent farmers were also calculated to know whether the farmers are operating technically, allocatively or cost effectively or not in production of cauliflower in the study area. Significant positive growth in area, production and productivity of cauliflower in Bihar was observed during the period of investigation .The growth in area, production and productivity of cauliflower exhibited almost similar trend in case of Samastipur district. The analysis of resource use efficiency of cauliflower production revealed that the mean level of technical, allocative and cost efficiencies of all the sample respondents were estimated at 0.67, 0.61 and 0.41 which implied that the cauliflower growers could decrease the current input by 33.00%, reduce the cost of production of cauliflower by 39.00% for which they would have to be more aware of relative input prices prevailing in the market, while deciding upon quantum of various inputs, and reduce the current cost of the produce by 59.00% to achieve a potential minimum cost of production relative to the efficient farmers given current level of output. In this way the efficiency scores suggest that there is a considerable scope for decreasing inputs and thereby reducing the cost of production in cauliflower cultivation in the study area. The study pointed out that the farmers in the study area were not properly aware about the package of practices of cultivation of cauliflower and under or over utilizing the resources of productivity causing gap in output of the crop. Proper farmer's field trials and awareness campaigns on improved practices and correct method of use of inputs need to be imparted which will ultimately benefit the producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the characteristics of annual yield, distribution and utilization of climatic resources, and establishing rational quantitative indexes of annual climatic resources distribution for different cropping systems are helpful to provide theoretical basis for further improving annual yield and resource use efficiency in the Yellow-Huaihe-Haihe Rivers plain. In this study, the experiment was conducted from 2011 to 2015 at Xinxiang, Henan province to analyze the grain yield, biomass, dry matter production energy, and distribution and utilization efficiency of climatic resources under four cropping systems, namely winter wheat-summer maize, winter wheat-summer soybean, double maize and one-season spring maize. There were no differences in the annual grain yield, total biomass, and dry matter production energy between the winter wheat-summer maize and double maize cropping systems, but they were significantly higher than those of the winter wheat-summer soybean and one-season spring maize cropping systems, with an average increase of 45.4%-61.5%, 37.3%-71.3%, and 35.77%-70.7%, respectively. The annual radiation production efficiency, radiation use efficiency of grain and total biomass for double maize and one-season spring maize cropping systems were significantly higher than those of the winter wheat-summer maize and winter wheat-summer soybean cropping systems, with an average increase of 11.8%-66.7% in the annual radiation production efficiency, and 0.13-0.42 and 0.18-0.69 percentage points increase in the radiation use efficiency of grain and total biomass, respectively. The accumulative temperature distribution rate for two seasons of winter wheat-summer maize was 45.6% and 54.4%, respectively, while those of double maize was 51.4% and 48.6%, respectively. The accumulative temperature ratio between two seasons was of winter wheat-summer maize 0.8, while that of double maize was 1.1. Considering both yield and resource use efficiency, winter wheat-summer maize and double maize cropping systems can be used to optimize the layout of planting patterns and support the sustainable development of agricultural production in the Yellow-Huaihe-Haihe Rivers plain. Furthermore, clarifying the accumulated temperature distribution rate and the accumulated temperature ratio between two seasons is helpful to optimize climate resource distribution, and further improve the yield potential and the resources use efficiency of double cropping system in the Yellow- Huaihe-Haihe Rivers plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton-wheat double-cropping system is widely used in the Yellow River Valley of China, but whether and how different planting patterns within cotton-wheat double-cropping systems impact heat and light use efficiency have not been well documented. A field experiment investigated the effects of the cropping system on crop productivity and the capture and use efficiency of heat and light in two fields differing in soil fertility. Three planting patterns, namely cotton intercropped with wheat (CIW), cotton directly seeded after wheat (CDW), and cotton transplanted after wheat (CTW), as well as one cotton monoculture (CM) system were used. Cotton-wheat double cropping significantly increased crop productivity and land equivalent ratios relative to the CM system in both fields. As a result of increased growing degree days (GDD), intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR), and photothermal product (PTP), the capture of light and heat in the double-cropping systems was compared with that in the CM system in both fields. With improved resource capture, the double-cropping systems exhibited a higher light and heat use efficiency according to thermal product efficiency, solar energy use efficiency (Eu), radiation use efficiency (RUE), and PTP use efficiency (PTPU). The cotton lint yield and biomass were not significantly correlated with RUE across cropping patterns, indicating that RUE does not limit cotton production. Among the double-cropping treatments, CDW had the lowest GDD, IPAR, and PTP values but the highest heat and light resource use efficiency and highest overall resource use efficiency. This good performance was even more obvious in the high-fertility field. Therefore, we encourage the expanded use of CDW in the Yellow River Valley, especially in fields with high fertility, given the high productivity and resource use efficiency of this system. Moreover, the use of agronomic practices involving a reasonably close planting density, optimized irrigation and nutrient supply, and the application of new short-season varieties of cotton or wheat can potentially enhance CDW crop yields and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, 3 billion people are without access to modern fuels or technologies for cooking/heating, 900 million people lack access to safe water, 2.6 billion lack improved sanitation, 2 billion people lack food security intermittently, and more than 820 million people are chronically hungry due to extreme poverty. This paper on the allocation of and access to water, energy and food (WEF) nexus rests on the 'Rawlsian' conception of distributive justice to human security and the competing demands for WEF. Based on a review of papers on access and allocation published from 2008 through 2020, this paper finds that 'policy coordination' among all the actors (at all levels in general and local levels in particular) governing the water–energy–food nexus is the key to promoting equitable allocation of and access to WEF. Only legitimate governance with robust legal structures in place can provide for the equitable allocation in the WEF nexus. Effective stakeholder participation in governance of the nexus is necessary and ensured when power asymmetries, interdependencies and rights are accounted for in principles of procedural justice. Moreover, to ensure access to people in the WEF nexus, the distribution of the three goods and related rights must be delivered as a 'triplet'. This will promote the goal to mitigate trade-offs and promote synergies among the resources as well as conserve the environment within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing resources use efficiency in intensive cultivation systems of maize (Zea mays L.) can play an important role in increasing the production and sustainability of agricultural systems. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate DM yield and the efficiency of inputs uses under different levels of water, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in maize. Therefore, three levels of irrigation including 80 (ETc80), 100 (ETc100) and 120% (ETc120) of crop evapotranspiration were considered as the main plots, and the factorial combination of three levels of zero (N0), 200 (N200) and 400 (N400) kg N ha−1 with three levels of zero (P0), 100(P100) and 200 (P200) kg P ha−1 was considered as the sub plots. The results showed that increasing the consumption of water and P was led to the reduction of N and P utilization efficiency, while RUE increased. WUE was also increased in response to application of N and P, but decreased when ETC increased. DM yield under ETc80 treatment reduced by 11 and 12%, respectively, compared to ETc100 and ETc120 which was due to reduction of cumulative absorbed radiation (Rabs(cum)) and RUE. Under these conditions, changes of stomatal conductance (gs) had little effect on DM yield. It was also found that N limitation caused 11 and 20% reduction in DM yield compared to N200 and N400, respectively. This yield reduction was mainly the result of decrease in RUE. By decreasing Rabs(cum), P deficiency also reduced DM yield by 5 and 9%, respectively, relative to P100 and P200 treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping is the simultaneous cultivation of plant species in the same field for a considerable proportion of their growing periods. Interest in intercropping for sustainable agriculture is on the rise and the number of scientific studies on intercropping is strongly increasing. Here we assess the current status of knowledge on factors that determine yield, yield stability and resource use efficiency of intercropping as compared to sole cropping. Distinguishing resource use into acquisition and conversion shows that intercrops are mainly improving acquisition rather than conversion efficiency. We also make an attempt to quantify the importance of reduced biotic stresses through pests, diseases, and weeds. We particularly focus on blank spots in the knowledge and possible bias in existing literature and ask which research approaches are needed to advance the field and pave the way for a wider usage of intercropping in modern sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we explore the quantitative challenges posed by the intended circular biobased economy. To do this, we present the relative sizes, in terms of mass and energy, of the agro‐food and fossil production system, and the interrelations in the system of transformation to food, feed, materials, and energy. We deduce that the flows in the fossil system are of a comparable magnitude to the agricultural / biomass production in terms of mass and energy. This implies that replacing a significant fraction of fossil‐derived products by biobased products will be a huge challenge. Solving this challenge will require both efficiency improvements and circular innovations. The analysis reveals major inefficiencies in the current system. In terms of mass, the pathways from agricultural production to food seem quite inefficient, on average less than 10%. This suggests space for efficiency improvement. The relatively low efficiency of livestock production confirms the relevance of diet change. Likewise, enhanced utilization of side streams appears significant. However, we show that in the current system of linear chains, such solutions are insufficient to provide an alternative to the current volume of fossil use. We argue that, next to biobased solutions, multifunctional use and recycling will be essential if we want to maintain current living standards and reduce dependence on fossil feedstock. We reflect on this consideration, and define four different cycles in the combined biomass / fossil system. These circles may be optimized and extended to improve the circularity of our carbon‐based production systems and to fight climate change. © The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree invasions of Mediterranean‐climate ecosystems pose a significant threat to both biodiversity and functioning, by excluding native species, altering soil nutrient status and depleting water resources. In order to attain greater relative biomass associated with successful invasion in these characteristically resource‐poor environments, invasive species must have novel traits that enable better acquisition (e.g. deep roots) or exploitation of different resources (e.g. N2 fixation) and/or more efficient use of available resources than native species. We compared the ecophysiological and morphological traits of three abundant native species to those of the invasive Australian tree species, Acacia cyclops. This species is widely invasive in the Mediterranean‐climate coastal vegetation of South Africa that includes the Strandveld vegetation type. A. cyclops had 30–50% greater foliar N concentrations (P < 0.001) in comparison with the native species and lower foliar δ15N values that may indicate N2 fixation. Additionally, A. cyclops maintained higher photosynthetic rates over the dry summer season (ca. 15 μmol m−2 s−1) than the native species. These higher photosynthetic rates may result from sustained access to water due to deeper rooting abilities as indicated by the more negative δD values (P < 0.001) of A. cyclops (−43‰) in comparison with the some native species (−29 to −37‰). Acacia cyclops did not, however, exhibit greater water use efficiencies or photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiencies (P > 0.05) compared to native species. Invasiveness of A. cyclops into this resource‐limited Mediterranean‐climate ecosystem appears to be supported by greater resource acquisition, possibly partially through N2 fixation and greater rooting depth, rather than greater resource use efficiency or conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Climate change has posed great challenges to rice production. Temperature and solar radiation show significant variations in central China. This study aims to analyze the responses of different rice genotypes to the variations of temperature and solar radiation in central China, and to find the way of identifying the optimal sowing date to improve and stabilize rice production. For this end, four rice genotypes (two Indica and two Japonica cultivars) were cultivated at two locations under irrigation conditions in 2 years with six sowing dates. RESULTS: We investigated variations of rice grain yield, resource use efficiency, average daily temperature and solar radiation during different phenological stages. Rice grain yield could increase by about 2–17% in central China. Compared with solar radiation, temperature was a more important factor affecting rice grain yield in central China. The grain yield showed great correlation with the means temperature during different phenological stages, especially during the first 20 days after heading (GT20). Besides our results demonstrated that the grain yield displayed slender variations when the GT20 was within 24.9–26.4 °C. However, GT20 was higher than 26.4 °C in most cases, which became more frequent due to climate changes. Analysis of climate change during the last 25 years revealed that the frequency of GT20 within 24.9–26.4 °C was increased by the delay of sowing date. CONCLUSION: We propose that delaying sowing date to achieve the optimal GT20 (24.9 °C–26.4 °C) can be an effective strategy to stabilize and improve rice grain yield and resource use efficiency in central China. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the optimal cultivar × sowing date × plant density for summer maize (Zea mays L.) in the Northern Huang–Huai–Hai (HHH) Plain of China, field experiments were conducted over two consecutive years (2018–2019) on a loam soil in the Northern HHH Plain. A split–split plot design was employed in this study, and the main plots included three cultivars (HM1: early-maturing cultivar; ZD958: medium-maturing cultivar; DH605: late-maturing cultivar); subplots consisted of three sowing dates (SD1: June 10; SD2: June 17; SD3: June 24); sub-sub plots include two plant densities (PD1: 6.75 × 104 plants ha−1; PD2: 8.25 × 104 plants ha−1). The results showed that the effects of cultivar and plant density on grain yield of summer maize were not significant, and the sowing date was the major factor affecting the grain yield. Delayed sowing significantly decreased the grain yield of summer maize, this was due mainly to the reduced kernel weight, which is associated with the lower post-anthesis dry matter accumulation. Moreover, radiation use efficiency (RUE), temperature use efficiency (TUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) were significantly affected by cultivar, sowing date, and plant density. Selecting early- and medium-maturing cultivars was beneficial to the improvements in RUE and TUE, and plants grown at earlier sowing with higher plant density increased the RUE and TUE. The interactive analysis of cultivar × sowing date × plant density showed that the optimum grain yields of all tested cultivars were observed at SD1-PD2, and the optimum RUE and TUE for HM1, ZD958, and DH605 were observed at SD1-PD2, SD2-PD2, and SD2-PD2, respectively. The differences in the optimum grain yield, RUE, and TUE among the tested cultivars were not significant. These results suggested that plants grown at earlier sowing with reasonable dense planting had benefits of grain yield and resource use efficiency. In order to adapt to mechanized grain harvesting, early-maturing cultivar with lower grain moisture at harvest would be the better choice. Therefore, adopting early-maturing cultivars grown with earlier sowing with reasonably higher plant density would be the optimal planting pattern for summer maize production in the Northern HHH Plain of China in future.

The realization of the full objectives of international policies targeting global food security and climate change mitigation, including the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement COP21 and the European Green Deal, requires that we (i) sustainably increase the yield, nutritional quality and biodiversity of major crop species, (ii) select climate-ready crops that are adapted to future weather dynamic and (iii) increase the resource use efficiency of crops for sustainably preserving natural resources. Ultimately, the grand challenge to be met by agriculture is to sustainably provide access to sufficient, nutritious and diverse food to a worldwide growing population, and to support the circular bio-based economy. Future-proofing our crops is an urgent issue and a challenging goal, involving a diversity of crop species in differing agricultural regimes and under multiple environmental drivers, providing versatile crop-breeding solutions within wider socio-economic-ecological systems. This goal can only be realized by a large-scale, international research cooperation. We call for international action and propose a pan-European research initiative, the CropBooster Program, to mobilize the European plant research community and interconnect it with the interdisciplinary expertise necessary to face the challenge.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of irrigation with oilfield produced water on the concentration of some soil nutrients, as well as on the performance and concentration of nutrients in the roots and on aerial parts of the ornamental sunflower 'Sunbright' (Helianthus annuus), and to define the operating costs for the production of floral stems under an irrigated system. 'Sunbright' sunflower plants were cultivated in a Typic Quartzipsamment in the state of Ceará, Brazil, and subjected to drip irrigation treatments with oilfield produced water treated by filtration (PWF), or by reverse osmosis (PWO), besides a control treatment with groundwater (GW) from the Açu aquifer. The study was carried out for three successive production cycles. Irrigation with PWF modifies the concentration of exchangeable salts in the soil, increasing Na+ in the shallow layers, affecting the vegetative growth and the nutrient accumulation in the roots and shoots, in such a way that brackish water may impact operating costs and revenues in the production of floral stems. PWO has a minor effect on soil nutrients and it is not able to modify the agronomic performance of the ornamental sunflowers, in comparison with irrigation with GW. The cost-benefit ratio was positive with all types of water in the following order: GW> PWF> PWO.

Ensuring higher productivity and profitability, gainful employment and adequate supply of food, feed, fodder and fiber for a growing human and livestock population, along with maintaining environmental sustainability are major challenges in agricultural production systems of arid and semi-arid regions. Integrated farming systems (IFS) comprising of many agri-innovations have the potential to meet such requirements. An association of individual and interdependent components of farming on a given piece of land, taking cognizance of available natural resources and the differential requirement of a wide range of farming community, remains the guiding principle of IFS. Research conducted across arid and semi-arid regions is reviewed here in order to understand the role of IFS in enhancing production, income and livelihood; minimizing risk associated with farming in arid and drier semi-arid regions; utilizing and conserving the resources; and in enhancing mitigation and adaptation to climate change. It has been conclusively established that IFS involving integration of different enterprises (crop, livestock, horticulture, forestry, poultry and fish) enhanced productivity, profitability, resource use efficiency, generated more employment and minimized resources degradation and risks. IFS, therefore, could be a key form of farming intensification needed for achieving future food security and environmental sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. Promoting adoption of the location-specific IFS in future is linked directly with coherent policy, institutional commitment, infrastructure development, better coordination among different agricultural and rural development programme and agencies, and a stimulus package of incentives. The relevance of IFS in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change is also discussed.

Potato is the fourth most important staple crop in China. To meet the increased demand and environmental objectives, potato production should be enhanced by sustainable practices that aim to maximize yield and resource use efficiencies and minimize environmental impacts. Most experiments so far have taken place on experimental stations, while on-farm experimentation is needed to evaluate, demonstrate and scale more sustainable practices. On-farm field experiments were conducted in two years (2017, 2018) in northern China to investigate and demonstrate the effects of different nitrogen (N) fertiliser and irrigation input levels on potato yield, quality, resource use efficiency and environmental impacts. The 2017 experimental results on one farmer’s field showed that under irrigated conditions, adding N fertiliser (from 0 to 267 kg ha−1) did not increase yield due to the high soil N supply, rather it reduced tuber quality. The 2018 experimental results, in which four additional farmers were involved, indicated that, under irrigated conditions, reducing N fertiliser from the current rates (189–252 kg ha−1) to lower levels (109–181 kg ha−1) did not affect yield nor quality; while further reducing N fertiliser inputs (to 9–117 kg ha−1) resulted in a yield reduction (18% on average) in some fields. In both years, irrigation improved tuber yield and quality compared to that under rainfed conditions. The nitrogen use efficiency was improved and N surplus was reduced by applying irrigation and reducing N fertiliser input. Farmers expressed they were willing to reduce N fertiliser input by 10–20%, and indicated that a widespread adaptation of drip irrigation is hindered by the high costs and labor requirements. Site-specific recommendations on optimum N fertiliser and irrigation management must be provided, which should preferably be based on regular quantitative monitoring of soil N supply and soil moisture content.

Understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) is a central topic in ecology. Multi‐trait–based functional diversity has been proposed to improve mechanistic understanding of the BEF relationship; however, how trait‐based functional diversity affects ecosystem functioning and processes has rarely been addressed in aquatic ecosystems.Here, we examined the causal relationships between three phytoplankton functional diversity indices (FAD2, functional diversity based on dendrograms [FDc], FRic) and Shannon diversity index versus resource use efficiency for nitrogen (RUEN), phosphorus (RUEP) and silicate (RUESi), with monthly long‐term datasets from the marine (Western English Channel, 2000–2014) and freshwater (Lake Kasumigaura, 1984–2012) ecosystems.We employed Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM), a novel method developed for identifying causality for nonlinear dynamical systems; this is in contrast to linear approaches that cannot distinguish causality from correlation. CCM found that FDc is the most robust functional diversity index among the selected functional diversity indices (FAD2, FDc, FRic) in predicting phytoplankton resource use efficiency and exhibited a much stronger causal effect than the Shannon index.Furthermore, scenario exploration analysis indicates that most causal effects from phytoplankton diversity indices on resource use efficiency (RUEN, RUEP and RUESi) are on average positive, and FDc exhibited the most consistent positive causal effects on phytoplankton resource efficiency in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. Thus, increasing FDc can enhance phytoplankton resource use efficiency in aquatic ecosystems.Synthesis. Our results show significant causal effects of functional diversity on phytoplankton resource use efficiency in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. Among all selected functional diversity indices, functional diversity based on dendrogram is the most robust functional diversity index in promoting phytoplankton resource efficiency. Our study provides empirical evidences in natural aquatic systems that trait‐based functional diversity represents better species niche partitioning than the Shannon index and thereafter enhances resource use efficiency. This finding can improve our understanding on trophic transfer and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RFMS promoted photosynthesis by improving soil hydrothermal conditions. • RFMS shortened vegetative growth but prolonged reproductive growth. • RFMS positively affected the dynamics and allocation of key production resources. • RFH was more efficient at using resources than RFL. Utilizing ridge-furrow construction combined with plastic film mulching system (RFMS) is an effective strategy for improving crop productivity in semi-arid areas. However, the key mechanisms by which RFMS stimulates the integrated utilization of key production resources (thermal, water and radiation) to affect maize production is not well-defined. In the Loess Plateau of China, three treatments were applied in a two-year field experiment: 1) RFH with RFMS at a high coverage ratio (50 cm mulched ridge:10 cm unmulched furrow); 2) RFL with RFMS at a low coverage ratio (60 cm mulched ridge:60 cm unmulched furrow); and 3) FP as the control without mulching. RFMS significantly improved soil hydrothermal conditions, which enhanced photosynthesis and promoted canopy growth to intercept more radiation. With an increase of soil thermal time (TT soil) by 199.1–415.1 °C d compared with FP, the thermal effect of RFMS improved maize crop phenology by shortening the duration of vegetative stage to prolonging reproductive stage by 1–3 days, thereby prioritizing the allocation of the captured radiation, thermal and water to reproductive growth. These alterations significantly increased maize grain yield by 38.0–59.6%, and enhanced the efficient use of resources by 13.7–21.9% in thermal, 34.6–59.8% in water and 30.0–50.0% in radiation, which enhanced when increasing coverage (RFH vs. RFL). Overall, these alterations of RFMS on hydrothermal, as an adaptive strategy, can positively mark the capture and allocation of resources and the conversion of resources into biological materials (especially grains) in semi-arid areas like the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The logistic equation could well characterize crop growth under plastic mulching (PM). • The plant height accumulation occurred earlier than aboveground biomass accumulation. • The PM accelerated wheat growth when the apical meristem was underground. • The accelerated effects of PM continued to be enhanced from t 1h to t mh for maize growth. The use of plastic mulching is considered to be a primary solution to improve crop productivity in dryland farming of northwest China. However, the interaction of this management practice on cereal crop growth and environment factors is not clearly understood. Based on a three rotation cycles field experiment from 2013 to 2016, this study, based on the logistic equation, tried to quantify the impacts of continuous plastic mulching (PM) on the crop growth dynamics in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system on the Loess Plateau, northwest China. The results showed that the logistic equation did well in the characterization of wheat and maize growth dynamics with its characteristic parameter (e.g., inflection points). Both in wheat and maize growth seasons, the plant height accumulation occurred earlier than the aboveground biomass accumulation. In comparison to the crop growth under the non-mulched treatment, the acceleration effects of PM treatment on the crop growth continued to be enhanced when the apical meristem was underground. For wheat, the improved soil hydrothermal conditions under the PM treatment effectively accelerated the wheat leaves' appearance and the tiller nodes development, which increased the final spike number and grain yields. For maize, because of the greater radiation and water use efficiency during the maize growth seasons, the PM treatment increased the maize kernels per spike and the thousand-seed weight, and significantly improved maize yields. Attributable to improved soil hydrothermal conditions and beneficial interactions between the crop growth and the external environment, the PM treatment significantly improved crop production and increased resource use efficiency, which may greatly contribute to the sustainability of local dryland farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To meet the projected substantial growth in the global demand for meat, we are challenged to develop additional protein-rich feed ingredients while minimizing the use of natural resources. The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF) have the capacity to convert low-value organic resources into a high quality protein source for pigs, chickens and fish and as such may increase both the productivity and the efficiency of the food chain. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental opportunities of BSF larvae reared on different sources using up to date literature data on the efficiency of BSF larvae in converting such resources into biomass. The current EU legislative framework was used to classify the various resources for rearing insects. Data of forty articles published until 1 September 2017 were used, reporting on in total 78 (mixtures of) resources used for growing BSF larvae. Data on the resource conversion efficiency on dry matter (DM) and N basis was presented in 11 and 5 studies, evaluating 21 and 13 resources, respectively. Resources studied included food and feed materials (A, n = 8 resources), foods not intended (anymore) for human consumption (B1, n = 4), and residual streams such as food waste (D, n = 2), and animal manure (E, n = 7). Conversion efficiency varied from 1.3 to 32.8% for DM and from 7.4 to 74.8% for N. Using life cycle assessment, our environmental results showed that resources within the legal groups (i.e. A and B1) that are, at the moment, not allowed in EU as animal feed have in general a lower impact in terms of global warming potential, energy use, and land use. On a per kg protein basis, BSF larvae reared on a resource that contains food (e.g. sorghum) and feed (e.g. dried distillers grains with solubles) products generally have higher environmental impacts than conventional feed protein sources (fishmeal and soybean meal). Using insects as feed, therefore, has potential to lower the environmental impact of food production but a careful examination of the resource is needed in terms of environmental impact, safety and economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a well-known and accurate methodology for comparison of environmental impacts of activities including different agricultural management systems. Since the used inputs have an important role in environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, LCA have been extensively applied for crop species. This study was conducted to assess the environmental impact of saffron production systems based on field area (<0.5, 0.5-1 and >1 ha) in the Khorasan-e Razavi province using LCA methodology. The amounts of utilized agricultural inputs from the first year to the sixth year were collected by means of a questionnaire (13 fields from each area). In this regard, four phases, which are goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment and interpretation, were designed to assess life cycle index with ISO14044 procedure. Functional unit were considered as one kg of flower. Three main categories as impacts on environment including global warming, acidification and eutrophication (terrestrial and aquatic) were defined. Finally, an index -called environmental index (EcoX) was calculated. Cronbach's alpha was used assessing the reliability of the questionnaire. The results showed that the Cronbach's alpha was computed with α=%84. The average values for global warming, acidification and eutrophication terrestrial and aquatic categories were calculated with115.41±53.41 kg CO2 equiv. / one kg flower yield, 0.35±0.16 kg SO2 equiv./ one kg flower yield, 0.58±0.27 kg NOx equiv./ one kg flower yield and 0.20±0.09 kg PO4 equiv./ one kg flower yield, respectively. The largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the global warming category was related to CH4. The maximum emission of pollutants in acidification, eutrophication terrestrial and eutrophication aquatic categories was related to NH3. The results revealed that, field area affected the amounts of utilized agricultural inputs and environmental impacts as flower yield. Eutrophication and climate change categories had more sensitivity and affected as intensification based on field area. Therefore, one of the appropriate approaches to mitigate and decline the environmental impacts of agricultural production is achieving higher economical yield per unit of area by increasing resource use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plant species are hypothesized as being more efficient at resource acquisition and use, resulting in faster growth than co-occurring non-invasive plant species. Nonetheless, some findings suggest that trait differences between invasive and non-invasive species are context dependent. In this study, two forms of an invasive vine species, Dolichandra unguis-cati, were used to test the context-dependent hypothesis. Dolichandra unguis-cati is a weed of national significance in Australia with two different forms: the ‘long pod’ (LP) and ‘short pod’ (SP). The two forms have different levels of distribution on the eastern Seaboard of the continent, with the SP form occurring extensively in both States of Queensland and New South Wales while the LP form is found only in isolated sites in South-East Queensland. This study examines whether differences in eco-physiological performance could be responsible for differential success of the two forms. A partially factorial experiment was set up in controlled conditions where potted plants of both forms were grown under two levels of light, water and nutrient resources (high and low) for 15 months. We measured several traits that are known to correlate with plant performance and resource use efficiency (RUE). The SP form exhibited higher values of carbon assimilation, RUE, number of subterranean tubers and leaf nitrogen than the LP form. However, the LP form produced greater biomass than the SP form, with the difference driven mainly by high resource conditions. The LP form displayed significantly higher phenotypic integration (number of traits significantly correlated) than the SP form in response to all treatments while the SP form exhibited higher phenotypic integration than the LP form in response to high resource conditions only. The SP form displayed traits that are well suited for successful colonization, possibly explaining its increased success in Australia, while the LP form possessed traits of opportunistic plants. Overall, we find that the two forms of the weedy vine deploy different carbon economies in response to resource conditions, which is evidence of the context-dependent trait hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Consumption of animal-source food is criticised, among other reasons, for its relatively high environmental impact. It is, however, increasingly acknowledged that livestock can contribute to nutrition security if they upcycle low-opportunity-cost feed (LCF) – food waste, food processing by-products and grass resources – into nutritious animal-source food. So far, however, no study explored the allocation question "to which livestock should we feed what LCF to maximise livestock's contribution to human nutrition". Here we optimise the use of the LCF available in the EU, using a model that assigns LCF to those livestock systems that maximise animal protein production. We included the five most common livestock systems in the EU – pigs, laying hens, broilers, dairy cattle and beef cattle – considering their nutrient requirements under three productivity levels (low, mid and high). LCF availability is based on current food supply combined with food wastage and food processing data, and current grassland productivity. Our results showed that optimal conversion of LCF available in the EU, could supply 31 g animal protein per EU capita per day. We confirmed that this optimal conversion requires a variety of both livestock systems and productivity levels. Dominant livestock systems were those that have a high conversion efficiency (laying hens, dairy cattle), were best able to valorise specific LCF (dairy cattle for grass; pigs for food waste), and could valorise low quality LCF because of their low productivity. Limiting the model to use only conventional, high productive, livestock reduced animal protein supply by 16% to 26 g/(cap*d). Besides the efficiency with which livestock used the available LCF, the estimated protein supply from livestock fed solely on LCF, was sensitive to assumptions regarding the availability and quality of LCF, especially grass resources. Our model provides valuable insights into how livestock can efficiently use LCF, which is essential for a transition towards a circular food system. Highlights • Feeding only EU leftovers to livestock can supply 31 g protein/(cap*d). • This supply requires optimal distribution of leftovers over livestock systems. • Livestock productivity should be adapted to the nutrient density of available leftovers. • Reduced productivity enables valorisation of low quality feeds. • Preference for meat consumption reduces animal protein supply with 13%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]