1
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Wollburg P, Bentze T, Lu Y, Udry C, Gollin D. Crop yields fail to rise in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312519121. [PMID: 38739799 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312519121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Drawing on a harmonized longitudinal dataset covering more than 55,000 smallholder farms in six African countries, we analyze changes in crop productivity from 2008 to 2019. Because smallholder farmers represent a significant fraction of the world's poorest people, agricultural productivity in this context matters for poverty reduction and for the broader achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our analysis measures productivity trends for nationally representative samples of smallholder crop farmers, using detailed data on agricultural inputs and outputs which we integrate with detailed data on local weather and environmental conditions. In spite of government commitments and international efforts to strengthen African agriculture, we find no evidence that smallholder crop productivity improved over this 12-y period. Our preferred statistical specification of total factor productivity (TFP) suggests an overall decline in productivity of -3.5% per year. Various other models we test also find declining productivity in the overall sample, and none of them finds productivity growth. However, the different countries in our sample experienced varying trends, with some instances of growth in some regions. The results suggest that major challenges remain for agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. They complement previous analyses that relied primarily on aggregate national statistics to measure agricultural productivity, rather than detailed microdata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Wollburg
- Living Standards Measurement Study, Development Data Group, World Bank, Rome 00184, Italy
- Development Economics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6706KN, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Bentze
- Living Standards Measurement Study, Development Data Group, World Bank, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Yuchen Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005
| | - Christopher Udry
- Department of Economics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Douglas Gollin
- Department of Economics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3UQ, United Kingdom
- Department of Economics, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155
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2
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Xu P, Li G, Zheng Y, Fung JCH, Chen A, Zeng Z, Shen H, Hu M, Mao J, Zheng Y, Cui X, Guo Z, Chen Y, Feng L, He S, Zhang X, Lau AKH, Tao S, Houlton BZ. Fertilizer management for global ammonia emission reduction. Nature 2024; 626:792-798. [PMID: 38297125 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Crop production is a large source of atmospheric ammonia (NH3), which poses risks to air quality, human health and ecosystems1-5. However, estimating global NH3 emissions from croplands is subject to uncertainties because of data limitations, thereby limiting the accurate identification of mitigation options and efficacy4,5. Here we develop a machine learning model for generating crop-specific and spatially explicit NH3 emission factors globally (5-arcmin resolution) based on a compiled dataset of field observations. We show that global NH3 emissions from rice, wheat and maize fields in 2018 were 4.3 ± 1.0 Tg N yr-1, lower than previous estimates that did not fully consider fertilizer management practices6-9. Furthermore, spatially optimizing fertilizer management, as guided by the machine learning model, has the potential to reduce the NH3 emissions by about 38% (1.6 ± 0.4 Tg N yr-1) without altering total fertilizer nitrogen inputs. Specifically, we estimate potential NH3 emissions reductions of 47% (44-56%) for rice, 27% (24-28%) for maize and 26% (20-28%) for wheat cultivation, respectively. Under future climate change scenarios, we estimate that NH3 emissions could increase by 4.0 ± 2.7% under SSP1-2.6 and 5.5 ± 5.7% under SSP5-8.5 by 2030-2060. However, targeted fertilizer management has the potential to mitigate these increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Geng Li
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Municipal Engineering Lab of Environmental IoT Technologies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jimmy C H Fung
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Zhenzhong Zeng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Joint Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiafu Mao
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Yan Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cui
- School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilin Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lian Feng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaokun He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuguo Zhang
- Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexis K H Lau
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shu Tao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Benjamin Z Houlton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Global Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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3
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Zhang G, Wu Q. Crop yields: speed up delivery of promising genes. Nature 2023; 623:32. [PMID: 37907633 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
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4
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Gu B, Zhang X, Lam SK, Yu Y, van Grinsven HJM, Zhang S, Wang X, Bodirsky BL, Wang S, Duan J, Ren C, Bouwman L, de Vries W, Xu J, Sutton MA, Chen D. Cost-effective mitigation of nitrogen pollution from global croplands. Nature 2023; 613:77-84. [PMID: 36600068 PMCID: PMC9842502 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cropland is a main source of global nitrogen pollution1,2. Mitigating nitrogen pollution from global croplands is a grand challenge because of the nature of non-point-source pollution from millions of farms and the constraints to implementing pollution-reduction measures, such as lack of financial resources and limited nitrogen-management knowledge of farmers3. Here we synthesize 1,521 field observations worldwide and identify 11 key measures that can reduce nitrogen losses from croplands to air and water by 30-70%, while increasing crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 10-30% and 10-80%, respectively. Overall, adoption of this package of measures on global croplands would allow the production of 17 ± 3 Tg (1012 g) more crop nitrogen (20% increase) with 22 ± 4 Tg less nitrogen fertilizer used (21% reduction) and 26 ± 5 Tg less nitrogen pollution (32% reduction) to the environment for the considered base year of 2015. These changes could gain a global societal benefit of 476 ± 123 billion US dollars (USD) for food supply, human health, ecosystems and climate, with net mitigation costs of only 19 ± 5 billion USD, of which 15 ± 4 billion USD fertilizer saving offsets 44% of the gross mitigation cost. To mitigate nitrogen pollution from croplands in the future, innovative policies such as a nitrogen credit system (NCS) could be implemented to select, incentivize and, where necessary, subsidize the adoption of these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojing Gu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiuming Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shu Kee Lam
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yingliang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment of the Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Shaohui Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- China Academy for Rural Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Sitong Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiakun Duan
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Ren
- Policy Simulation Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lex Bouwman
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Earth Sciences - Geochemistry, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim de Vries
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jianming Xu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mark A Sutton
- Edinburgh Research Station, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, UK
| | - Deli Chen
- School of Agriculture and Food, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Chen J, Liu Y, Zhou W, Zhang J, Pan T. Effects of climate change and crop management on changes in rice phenology in China from 1981 to 2010. J Sci Food Agric 2021; 101:6311-6319. [PMID: 33969880 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crop phenology change is co-determined by climate change and adaptation strategies, such as crop management, but their combined and isolated impacts on rice phenology are still unclear. Quantifying the impacts and identifying the main contributors are critical to food security under climate change. Thus we distinguished and quantified the relative contribution of climate change and crop management to rice (Oryza sativa L.) phenological changes in China from 1981 to 2010, using a first-difference multivariate regression method. RESULTS Rice phenology has changed over the past 30 years in China. The mean length of the phenological stage from emergence to transplanting was shortened, whereas the mean length of the stage from transplanting to heading, from heading to maturity, was prolonged. The relative contribution of crop management was greater than that of climate change for single and late rice, which took up over 90% of the total change in certain phenology stages. Among the climatic factors, temperature was the dominant contributor, which accounted for more than 50% of the change in rice phenology. The stage from transplanting to heading of early rice and late rice had strongly negative sensitivities to increasing temperature. CONCLUSIONS Crop management has offset the adverse effects of climate change on single and early rice phenology in China over the past 30 years to some extent, while further adaptation measures such as adjusting sowing date, shifting rice varieties, applying nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation should be applied to late rice in southern China, especially in a warmer future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weimo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Ferraro PJ, Fooks J, Iovanna R, Kecinski M, Larson J, Meiselman BS, Messer KD, Wilson M. Conservation outreach that acknowledges human contributions to climate change does not inhibit action by U.S. farmers: Evidence from a large randomized controlled trial embedded in a federal program on soil health. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253872. [PMID: 34197511 PMCID: PMC8248691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies and practices that reduce the environmental impacts of US agriculture are well documented. Less is known about how best to encourage their adoption. We report on the results of a large randomized controlled trial conducted with nearly 10,000 agricultural producers in the United States. The experiment was embedded in US Department of Agriculture outreach efforts to improve soil conservation practices. USDA varied the content of mailings to test two sets of competing theories about outreach to agricultural producers. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find no evidence that acknowledging the link between climate change and agricultural production discourages conservation action. Furthermore, we find that producers who were invited to a webinar were less likely to take any action to learn more about conservation practices than producers who were not told about the webinar, a result that runs counter to the popular wisdom that offering more options leads to more action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Ferraro
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacob Fooks
- New York Life Insurance Company, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rich Iovanna
- United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Maik Kecinski
- Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Joel Larson
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ben S. Meiselman
- United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Tax Policy, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kent D. Messer
- Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Mike Wilson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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7
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Silvestri C, Bacchetta L, Bellincontro A, Cristofori V. Advances in cultivar choice, hazelnut orchard management, and nut storage to enhance product quality and safety: an overview. J Sci Food Agric 2021; 101:27-43. [PMID: 32488859 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a major species of interest for nutritional use within the Betulaceae family and its nuts are widely used throughout the world in the chocolate, confectionery, and bakery industries. Recently its cultivation has been expanded in traditional producer countries and established in new places in the southern hemisphere, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia. Introducing hazelnut in new environments could reduce its productivity, lead the trees to experience eco-physiological disorders, and expose the crop to high pressure from common and new pests and diseases. Thus, new approaches in cultivar choice guidance, in the sustainable orchard management and even in nut storage and kernel quality evaluation are urgently required to improve the hazelnut production and processing chain. The main objective of this study was to systematize the published information regarding recent findings about the cultural operations that directly influence nut and kernel quality, support varietal choice for new plantations, and list the recent advances in nut storage and in quality and safety evaluation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Silvestri
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Loretta Bacchetta
- Biotechnology and Agroindustrial Division, ENEA Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bellincontro
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems. University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Valerio Cristofori
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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8
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Zhang Q, Shi F, Abdullahi NM, Shao L, Huo X. An empirical study on spatial-temporal dynamics and influencing factors of apple production in China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240140. [PMID: 33027300 PMCID: PMC7540895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of supply-side structural reform, revealing the characteristics of spatial–temporal dynamics and influencing factors of China’s apple production layout is of great significance to ensure apple supply and demand balance and timely adjustment of industrial policies and regional layout strategies. Based on national and provincial apple production data from 1978 to 2016, this study used the apple production concentration index to analyse the evolution characteristics of regional apple production patterns in China. A theoretical analysis framework was established and a spatial econometric model was used to quantitatively explore the influencing factors of China’s apple production layout. The results showed that, first, since the reform and opening-up policy, a general trend of fluctuating growth was found for apple production in China. The centre of apple production layout moved in the southwest direction, with the shift from the Bohai Bay region to the Loess Plateau region. Second, apple production had a significant spatial correlation, while the degree of spatial agglomeration gradually decreased. Third, these changes were significantly influenced by apple comparative income, infrastructure, policies, and climatic conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to continue optimizing and adjusting the apple spatial layout to enhance the technological progress and economic effect of the apple industry and to ensure the stability and balance of regional supply and demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Zhang
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Center of Western Rural Development, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
| | - Fanji Shi
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nazir Muhammad Abdullahi
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Center of Western Rural Development, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
| | - Liqun Shao
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Center of Western Rural Development, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
| | - Xuexi Huo
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- Center of Western Rural Development, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi, China
- * E-mail:
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9
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Olodo KF, Barnaud A, Kane NA, Mariac C, Faye A, Couderc M, Zekraouï L, Dequincey A, Diouf D, Vigouroux Y, Berthouly-Salazar C. Abandonment of pearl millet cropping and homogenization of its diversity over a 40 year period in Senegal. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239123. [PMID: 32925982 PMCID: PMC7489563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultivated diversity is considered an insurance against major climatic variability. However, since the 1980s, several studies have shown that climate variability and agricultural changes may already have locally eroded crop genetic diversity. We studied pearl millet diversity in Senegal through a comparison of pearl millet landraces collected 40 years apart. We found that more than 20% of villages visited in 1976 had stopped growing pearl millet. Despite this, its overall genetic diversity has been maintained but differentiation between early- and late-flowering accessions has been reduced. We also found stronger crop-to-wild gene flow than wild-to-crop gene flow and that wild-to-crop gene flow was weaker in 2016 than in 1976. In conclusion, our results highlight genetic homogenization in Senegal. This homogenization within cultivated pearl millet and between wild and cultivated forms is a key factor in genetic erosion and it is often overlooked. Improved assessment and conservation strategies are needed to promote and conserve both wild and cultivated pearl millet diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katina F. Olodo
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse (CERAAS), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Thiès, Senegal
- Laboratoire National de Recherche sur les Productions Végétales (LNRPV), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Senegal
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail: (KFO); (CBS)
| | - Adeline Barnaud
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse (CERAAS), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Thiès, Senegal
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ndjido A. Kane
- Laboratoire National de Recherche sur les Productions Végétales (LNRPV), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Senegal
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cédric Mariac
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Adama Faye
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire National de Recherche sur les Productions Végétales (LNRPV), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Dakar, Senegal
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Marie Couderc
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Leïla Zekraouï
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Anaïs Dequincey
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Diégane Diouf
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
- Laboratoire Commun de Microbiologie (LCM), Dakar, Senegal
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Environnement, Biodiversité et Développement Durable, Université du Sine Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass (USSEIN), Kaolack, Senegal
| | - Yves Vigouroux
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Berthouly-Salazar
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Centre d’Etude Régional pour l’Amélioration de l’Adaptation à la Sécheresse (CERAAS), Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole (ISRA), Thiès, Senegal
- Laboratoire Mixte International Adaptation des Plantes et microorganismes associés aux Stress Environnementaux (LMI LAPSE), Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail: (KFO); (CBS)
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10
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Parker LE, McElrone AJ, Ostoja SM, Forrestel EJ. Extreme heat effects on perennial crops and strategies for sustaining future production. Plant Sci 2020; 295:110397. [PMID: 32534613 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.110397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extreme heat events will challenge agricultural production and raise the risk of food insecurity. California is the largest agricultural producer in the United States, and climate change and extreme heat may significantly affect the state's food production. This paper provides a summary of the current literature on crop responses to extreme heat, with a focus on perennial agriculture in California. We highlight contemporary trends and future projections in heat extremes, and the range of plant responses to extreme heat exposure, noting the variability in plant tolerance and response across season, crop, and cultivar. We also review practices employed to mitigate heat damage and the capacity for those practices to serve as adaptation options in a warmer and drier future. Finally, we discuss current and future research directions aimed at increasing the adaptive capacity of perennial agriculture to the increased heat exposure anticipated with climate change. Collectively, the literature reviewed makes clear the need to understand crop responses and tolerances to heat within the context of climate change and climate extremes in order to sustain crop production, preserve agricultural communities, and bolster food security at local, national, and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Parker
- USDA California Climate Hub, Davis, CA, United States; John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Andrew J McElrone
- USDA-ARS Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Steven M Ostoja
- USDA California Climate Hub, Davis, CA, United States; John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, United States; USDA-ARS Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Elisabeth J Forrestel
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
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11
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Abstract
Most business-as-usual scenarios for farming under changing climate regimes project that the agriculture sector will be significantly impacted from increased temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. Perhaps ironically, agricultural production contributes substantially to the problem with yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of about 11% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions, not including land use change. It is partly because of this tension that Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) has attracted interest given its promise to increase agricultural productivity under a changing climate while reducing emissions. Considerable resources have been mobilized to promote CSA globally even though the potential effects of its widespread adoption have not yet been studied. Here we show that a subset of agronomic practices that are often included under the rubric of CSA can contribute to increasing agricultural production under unfavorable climate regimes while contributing to the reduction of GHG. However, for CSA to make a significant impact important investments and coordination are required and its principles must be implemented widely across the entire sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Pinto
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicola Cenacchi
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ho-Young Kwon
- Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratories, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Jawoo Koo
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Shahnila Dunston
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
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12
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Morel K, Revoyron E, San Cristobal M, Baret PV. Innovating within or outside dominant food systems? Different challenges for contrasting crop diversification strategies in Europe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229910. [PMID: 32163455 PMCID: PMC7067481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovations supporting a shift towards more sustainable food systems can be developed within the dominant food system regime or in alternative niches. No study has compared the challenges faced in each context. This paper, based on an analysis of 25 cases of European innovations that support crop diversification, explores the extent to which barriers to crop diversification can be related to the proximity of innovation settings with dominant food systems. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of interviews and participatory brainstorming, we highlight 46 different barriers to crop diversification across the cases, at different levels: production; downstream operations from farm to retailing, marketing and consumers; and contracts and coordination between actors. To characterise the diversity of innovation strategies at food system level, we introduce the concept of “food system innovation settings” combining: (i) the type of innovative practice promoted at farm level; (ii) the type of value chain supporting that innovation; and (iii) the type of agriculture involved (organic or conventional). Through a multiple correspondence analysis, we show different patterns of barriers to crop diversification according to three ideal-types of food system innovation settings: (i) “Changing from within”, where longer rotations are fostered on conventional farms involved in commodity supply chains; (ii) “Building outside”, where crop diversification integrates intercropping on organic farms involved in local supply chains; and (iii) “Playing horizontal”, where actors promote alternative crop diversification strategies—either strictly speaking horizontal at spatial level (e.g. strip cropping) or socially horizontal (arrangement between farmers)–without directly challenging the vertical organisation of dominant value chains. We recommend designing targeted research and policy actions according to the food systems they seek to develop. We then discuss further development of our approach to analyse barriers faced in intermediate and hybrid food system configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morel
- SyTra, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- UMR SADAPT, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Revoyron
- UMR SADAPT, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
- USC LEVA, INRAE, Ecole Supérieure d’Agricultures, Angers, France
| | | | - Philippe V. Baret
- SyTra, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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13
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Abstract
Many studies have estimated the adverse effects of climate change on crop yields, however, this literature almost universally assumes a constant geographic distribution of crops in the future. Movement of growing areas to limit exposure to adverse climate conditions has been discussed as a theoretical adaptive response but has not previously been quantified or demonstrated at a global scale. Here, we assess how changes in rainfed crop area have already mediated growing season temperature trends for rainfed maize, wheat, rice, and soybean using spatially-explicit climate and crop area data from 1973 to 2012. Our results suggest that the most damaging impacts of warming on rainfed maize, wheat, and rice have been substantially moderated by the migration of these crops over time and the expansion of irrigation. However, continued migration may incur substantial environmental costs and will depend on socio-economic and political factors in addition to land suitability and climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Sloat
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
| | - Steven J Davis
- Department of Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - James S Gerber
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Frances C Moore
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Deepak K Ray
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Paul C West
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Mueller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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14
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Tanzi AS, Eagleton GE, Ho WK, Wong QN, Mayes S, Massawe F. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) for food and nutritional security: synthesis of past research and future direction. Planta 2019; 250:911-931. [PMID: 30911885 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Winged bean is popularly known as "One Species Supermarket" for its nutrient-dense green pods, immature seeds, tubers, leaves, and mature seeds. This underutilised crop has potential beneficial traits related to its biological nitrogen-fixation to support low-input farming. Drawing from past knowledge, and based on current technologies, we propose a roadmap for research and development of winged bean for sustainable food systems. Reliance on a handful of "major" crops has led to decreased diversity in crop species, agricultural systems and human diets. To reverse this trend, we need to encourage the greater use of minor, "orphan", underutilised species. These could contribute to an increase in crop diversity within agricultural systems, to improve human diets, and to support more sustainable and resilient food production systems. Among these underutilised species, winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) has long been proposed as a crop for expanded use particularly in the humid tropics. It is an herbaceous perennial legume of equatorial environments and has been identified as a rich source of protein, with most parts of the plant being edible when appropriately prepared. However, to date, limited progress in structured improvement programmes has restricted the expansion of winged bean beyond its traditional confines. In this paper, we discuss the reasons for this and recommend approaches for better use of its genetic resources and related Psophocarpus species in developing improved varieties. We review studies on the growth, phenology, nodulation and nitrogen-fixation activity, breeding programmes, and molecular analyses. We then discuss prospects for the crop based on the greater understanding that these studies have provided and considering modern plant-breeding technologies and approaches. We propose a more targeted and structured research approach to fulfil the potential of winged bean to contribute to food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Stefano Tanzi
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Graham Ewen Eagleton
- Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Nay Pyi Taw, 15011, Myanmar
| | - Wai Kuan Ho
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Quin Nee Wong
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sean Mayes
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Festo Massawe
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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15
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Gregory PJ, Mayes S, Hui CH, Jahanshiri E, Julkifle A, Kuppusamy G, Kuan HW, Lin TX, Massawe F, Suhairi TASTM, Azam-Ali SN. Crops For the Future (CFF): an overview of research efforts in the adoption of underutilised species. Planta 2019; 250:979-988. [PMID: 31250097 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Crops For the Future (CFF), as an entity, has established a broad range of research activities to promote the improvement and adoption of currently underutilised crops. This paper summarises selected research activities at Crops For the Future (CFF) in pursuit of its mission 'to develop solutions for diversifying future agriculture using underutilised crops'. CFF is a research company focussed on the improvement of underutilised crops, so that they might be grown and consumed more widely with benefits to human food and nutritional security; its founding guarantors were the Government of Malaysia and the University of Nottingham. From its base in Malaysia, it engages in research around the world with a focus on species and system diversification. CFF has adopted a food system approach that adds value by delivering prototype food, feed and knowledge products. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) was adopted as an exemplar crop around which to develop CFF's food system approach with emphasis on the short-day photoperiod requirement for pod-filling and the hard-to-cook trait. Selective breeding has allowed the development of lines that are less susceptible to photoperiod but also provided a range of tools and approaches that are now being exploited in other crops such as winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), moringa (Moringa oleifera) and proso (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail (Setaria italica) millets. CFF has developed and tested new food products and demonstrated that several crops can be used as feed for black soldier fly which can, in turn, be used to feed fish thereby reducing the need for fishmeal. Information about underutilised crops is widely dispersed; so, a major effort has been made to develop a knowledge base that can be interrogated and used to answer practical questions about potential exploitation of plant and nutritional characteristics. Future research will build on the success with Bambara groundnut and include topics such as urban agriculture, rural development and diversification, and the development of novel foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Gregory
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Sean Mayes
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Chai Hui Hui
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Ebrahim Jahanshiri
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Advina Julkifle
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Giva Kuppusamy
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Ho Wai Kuan
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Tan Xin Lin
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Festo Massawe
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - T A S T M Suhairi
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Sayed N Azam-Ali
- Crops for the Future, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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16
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Talchabhadel R, Karki R. Assessing climate boundary shifting under climate change scenarios across Nepal. Environ Monit Assess 2019; 191:520. [PMID: 31359147 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7644-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the climate boundary shifts from the historical time to near/mid future by using a slightly modified Köppen-Geiger (KG) classification scheme and presents comprehensive pictures of historical (1960-1990) and projected near/mid future (1950s: 2040-2060/1970s: 2060-2080) climate classes across Nepal. Ensembles of three selected general circulation models (GCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were used for projected future analysis. During the 1950s, annual average temperature is expected to increase by 2.5 °C under RCP 8.5. Similarly, during the 1970s, it is even anticipated to rise by 3.6 °C under RCP 8.5. The rate of temperature rise is higher in the non-monsoon period than in monsoon period. During the 1970s, annual precipitation is projected to increase by 8.1% under RCP 8.5. Even though the precipitation is anticipated to increase in the future in annual scale, winter seasons are estimated to be drier by more than 15%. This study shows significant increments of tropical (Am and Aw) and arid (BSk) climate types and reductions of temperate (Cwa and Cwb) and polar (ET and EF). Noticeably, the reduction of the areal coverage of polar frost (EF) is considerably high. In general, about 50% of the country's area is covered by the temperate climate (Cwa and Cwb) in baseline scenario and it is expected to reduce to 45% under RCP 4.5 and 42.5% under RCP 8.5 during the 1950s, and 42% under RCP 4.5 and 39% under RCP 8.5 during the 1970s. Importantly, the degree of climate boundary shifts is quite higher under RCP 8.5 than RCP 4.5, and likewise, the degree is higher during the 1970s than the 1950s. We believe this study to facilitate the identification of regions in which impacts of climate change are notable for crop production, soil management, and disaster risk reduction, requiring a more detailed assessment of adaptation measures. The assessment of climate boundary shifting can serve as valuable information for stakeholders of many disciplines like water, climate, transport, energy, environment, disaster, development, agriculture, and tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky Talchabhadel
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Ramchandra Karki
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Institute of Geography, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Vahdati K, Massah Bavani AR, Khosh-Khui M, Fakour P, Sarikhani S. Applying the AOGCM-AR5 models to the assessments of land suitability for walnut cultivation in response to climate change: A case study of Iran. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218725. [PMID: 31246980 PMCID: PMC6597063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to higher temperatures and lower water availability, climate change is likely to have a major impact on walnut production in the near future. Climate change will alter the land suitability for walnut cultivation around the world, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Here, land suitability for the cultivation of walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Iran was determined using the GIS for present and future conditions (2020-2049) with an approach to climate change. Accordingly, data from 375 synoptic stations throughout Iran were gathered for climatic factors including average, minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity and chilling requirement. Also, ASTER sensors (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) and their data provided this research with cells that make a precision of 150 m (5 s), and the data were used for gauging geological parameters such as altitude and land slope. The electrical conductivity (EC) of soil and water were informed by the data bank of the Iranian Water Resources Management. The results of temperature simulations for the future (2020-2049) were analyzed by 21 AOGCM-AR5 models under the RCP4.5 emission scenario. In the first phase of evaluations, the maps of land suitability were constructed for present conditions by considering a network of the above-mentioned parameters. By combining these layers of information, the final map of land suitability was illustrated for walnut cultivation. In the second phase, the NEX-GDDP was used in order to determine land suitability for the future (2020-2049). The results showed that Iran currently has 582844 km2 of land suitable for walnut cultivation. However, the future will see less suitable lands: the current area will be reduced by 6.19%, from 582844 km2 to 546710 km2. In general, the northern, northwestern and western margins of Iran are currently suitable for walnut cultivation. By approximation, these lands will also be major areas for prospective cultivations of walnut in the future (2020-2049), even though their current stretch will be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Vahdati
- Department of Horticulture, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Ali Reza Massah Bavani
- Department of Irrigation and Drainage, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Khosh-Khui
- Department of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Poya Fakour
- Department of Irrigation and Drainage, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saadat Sarikhani
- Department of Horticulture, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Kah M, Tufenkji N, White JC. Nano-enabled strategies to enhance crop nutrition and protection. Nat Nanotechnol 2019; 14:532-540. [PMID: 31168071 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-019-0439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Various nano-enabled strategies are proposed to improve crop production and meet the growing global demands for food, feed and fuel while practising sustainable agriculture. After providing a brief overview of the challenges faced in the sector of crop nutrition and protection, this Review presents the possible applications of nanotechnology in this area. We also consider performance data from patents and unpublished sources so as to define the scope of what can be realistically achieved. In addition to being an industry with a narrow profit margin, agricultural businesses have inherent constraints that must be carefully considered and that include existing (or future) regulations, as well as public perception and acceptance. Directions are also identified to guide future research and establish objectives that promote the responsible and sustainable development of nanotechnology in the agri-business sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kah
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason C White
- Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Lowry GV, Avellan A, Gilbertson LM. Opportunities and challenges for nanotechnology in the agri-tech revolution. Nat Nanotechnol 2019; 14:517-522. [PMID: 31168073 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-019-0461-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Current agricultural practices, developed during the green revolution, are becoming unsustainable, especially in the face of climate change and growing populations. Nanotechnology will be an important driver for the impending agri-tech revolution that promises a more sustainable, efficient and resilient agricultural system, while promoting food security. Here, we present the most promising new opportunities and approaches for the application of nanotechnology to improve the use efficiency of necessary inputs (light, water, soil) for crop agriculture, and for better managing biotic and abiotic stress. Potential development and implementation barriers are discussed, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to designing proposed nanotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory V Lowry
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Astrid Avellan
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leanne M Gilbertson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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20
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Ujiie K, Ishimaru K, Hirotsu N, Nagasaka S, Miyakoshi Y, Ota M, Tokida T, Sakai H, Usui Y, Ono K, Kobayashi K, Nakano H, Yoshinaga S, Kashiwagi T, Magoshi J. How elevated CO2 affects our nutrition in rice, and how we can deal with it. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212840. [PMID: 30835761 PMCID: PMC6400444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2 are predicted to reduce the content of essential elements such as protein, zinc, and iron in C3 grains and legumes, threatening the nutrition of billions of people in the next 50 years. However, this prediction has mostly been limited to grain crops, and moreover, we have little information about either the underlying mechanism or an effective intervention to mitigate these reductions. Here, we present a broader picture of the reductions in elemental content among crops grown under elevated CO2 concentration. By using a new approach, flow analysis of elements, we show that lower absorption and/or translocation to grains is a key factor underlying such elemental changes. On the basis of these findings, we propose two effective interventions-namely, growing C4 instead of C3 crops, and genetic improvements-to minimize the elemental changes in crops, and thereby avoid an impairment of human nutrition under conditions of elevated CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ken Ishimaru
- Institute of Crop Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Masako Ota
- Toyo University, Itakura-machi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tokida
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hidemitsu Sakai
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Usui
- Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ono
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakano
- Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoshinaga
- Central region Agriculture Research Center, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Jun Magoshi
- Institute of Crop Sciences, NARO, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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21
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Foyer CH, Siddique KHM, Tai APK, Anders S, Fodor N, Wong FL, Ludidi N, Chapman MA, Ferguson BJ, Considine MJ, Zabel F, Prasad PVV, Varshney RK, Nguyen HT, Lam HM. Modelling predicts that soybean is poised to dominate crop production across Africa. Plant Cell Environ 2019; 42:373-385. [PMID: 30329164 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The superior agronomic and human nutritional properties of grain legumes (pulses) make them an ideal foundation for future sustainable agriculture. Legume-based farming is particularly important in Africa, where small-scale agricultural systems dominate the food production landscape. Legumes provide an inexpensive source of protein and nutrients to African households as well as natural fertilization for the soil. Although the consumption of traditionally grown legumes has started to decline, the production of soybeans (Glycine max Merr.) is spreading fast, especially across southern Africa. Predictions of future land-use allocation and production show that the soybean is poised to dominate future production across Africa. Land use models project an expansion of harvest area, whereas crop models project possible yield increases. Moreover, a seed change in farming strategy is underway. This is being driven largely by the combined cash crop value of products such as oils and the high nutritional benefits of soybean as an animal feed. Intensification of soybean production has the potential to reduce the dependence of Africa on soybean imports. However, a successful "soybean bonanza" across Africa necessitates an intensive research, development, extension, and policy agenda to ensure that soybean genetic improvements and production technology meet future demands for sustainable production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine H Foyer
- Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture and School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amos P K Tai
- Earth System Science Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Center for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Sven Anders
- Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nándor Fodor
- Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Agricultural Institute, Martonvásár, Hungary
| | - Fuk-Ling Wong
- Center for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ndiko Ludidi
- Department of Biotechnology and the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mark A Chapman
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Brett J Ferguson
- Centre for Integrative Legume Research, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Considine
- Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture and School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Florian Zabel
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - P V Vara Prasad
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Rajeev K Varshney
- Center of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Henry T Nguyen
- Division of Plant Sciences and National Center for Soybean Biotechnology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Hon-Ming Lam
- Center for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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22
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Christ B, Pluskal T, Aubry S, Weng JK. Contribution of Untargeted Metabolomics for Future Assessment of Biotech Crops. Trends Plant Sci 2018; 23:1047-1056. [PMID: 30361071 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The nutritional value and safety of food crops are ultimately determined by their chemical composition. Recent developments in the field of metabolomics have made it possible to characterize the metabolic profile of crops in a comprehensive and high-throughput manner. Here, we propose that state-of-the-art untargeted metabolomics technology should be leveraged for safety assessment of new crop products. We suggest generally applicable experimental design principles that facilitate the efficient and rigorous identification of both intended and unintended metabolic alterations associated with a newly engineered trait. Our proposition could contribute to increased transparency of the safety assessment process for new biotech crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Christ
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tomáš Pluskal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sylvain Aubry
- Federal Office for Agriculture, 3003 Bern, Switzerland; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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23
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Shoyama K, Braimoh AK, Avtar R, Saito O. Land Transition and Intensity Analysis of Cropland Expansion in Northern Ghana. Environ Manage 2018; 62:892-905. [PMID: 30032319 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cropland expansion to meet the growing demand for food and fuel is a driving factor in forest degradation. Over the next few decades, increases in the area of agricultural land are expected to be concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, which still has large tracts of unexploited land suitable for agricultural production. We analyzed land-cover change in northern Ghana between 1984 and 2015 and compared it with background social factors associated with land change. Maps from three points in time were analyzed to identify the impact of cropland expansion on the distribution of natural vegetation. Three-level intensity analysis revealed that the overall rate of change for the 31-year period was less than that of the first time interval (1984-1999); however, the overall impact on natural vegetation was substantial, and grassland in particular was reduced to a very small proportion of the area over the period. Cropland replaced only grassland during the first time interval, but also began to replace open woodland during the second interval (1999-2015). The in-depth assessment revealed that cropland expansion continued at a steady rate, but the impact on natural vegetation was not uniform across vegetation types; grassland was more vulnerable than woodland, and woodland became increasingly targeted with continual expansion of the agricultural frontier as population increased. Further validation of the socio-cultural factors associated with the observed transitions will help to identify the explicit implications and assist in developing strategies to minimize the impacts of land-use change on regional livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kikuko Shoyama
- United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8925, Japan.
| | - Ademola K Braimoh
- World Bank, Agriculture Global Practice, 1818 H Street, NW Washington, DC, 20433, USA
| | - Ram Avtar
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10W5 Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Osamu Saito
- United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8925, Japan
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24
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Iizumi T, Kotoku M, Kim W, West PC, Gerber JS, Brown ME. Uncertainties of potentials and recent changes in global yields of major crops resulting from census- and satellite-based yield datasets at multiple resolutions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203809. [PMID: 30235237 PMCID: PMC6147479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global agriculture is under pressure to meet increasing demand for food and agricultural products. There are several global assessments of crop yields, but we know little about the uncertainties of their key findings, as the assessments are driven by the single best yield dataset available when each assessment was conducted. Recently, two different spatially explicit, global, historical yield datasets, one based on agricultural census and the other largely based on satellite remote sensing, became available. Using these datasets, we compare the similarities and differences in global yield gaps, trend patterns, growth rates and changes in year-to-year variability. We analyzed maize, rice, wheat and soybean for the period of 1981 to 2008 at four resolutions (0.083°, 0.5°, 1.0° and 2.0°). Although estimates varied by dataset and resolution, the global mean annual growth rates of 1.7-1.8%, 1.5-1.7%, 1.1-1.3% and 1.4-1.6% for maize, rice, wheat and soybean, respectively, are not on track to double crop production by 2050. Potential production increases that can be attributed to closing yield gaps estimated from the satellite-based dataset are almost twice those estimated from the census-based dataset. Detected yield variability changes in rice and wheat are sensitive to the choice of dataset and resolution, but they are relatively robust for maize and soybean. Estimates of yield gaps and variability changes are more uncertain than those of yield trend patterns and growth rates. These tendencies are consistent across crops. Efforts to reduce uncertainties are required to gain a better understanding of historical change and crop production potential to better inform agricultural policies and investments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshichika Iizumi
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kotoku
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Wonsik Kim
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Paul C. West
- Institute on the Environment (IonE), University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - James S. Gerber
- Institute on the Environment (IonE), University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Molly E. Brown
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
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25
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Achari GA, Kowshik M. Recent Developments on Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Plant Mineral Nutrition, Health, and Interactions with Soil Microflora. J Agric Food Chem 2018; 66:8647-8661. [PMID: 30036480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plant mineral nutrition is important for obtaining higher agricultural productivity to meet the future demands of the increasing global human population. It is envisaged that nanotechnology can provide sustainable solutions by replacing traditional bulk fertilizers with their nanoparticulate counterparts possessing superior properties to overcome the current challenges of bioavailability and uptake of minerals, increasing crop yield, reducing fertilizer wastage, and protecting the environment. Recent studies have shown that nanoparticles of essential minerals and nonessential elements affect plant growth, physiology, and development, depending on their size, composition, concentration, and mode of application. The current review includes the recent findings on the positive as well as negative effects that nanofertilizers exert on plants when applied via foliar and soil routes, their effects on plant associated microorganisms, and potential for controlling agricultural pests. This review suggests future research needed for the development of sustained release nanofertilizers for enhancing food production and environmental protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri A Achari
- Department of Biological Sciences , Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani , KK Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar , Goa 403726 , India
| | - Meenal Kowshik
- Department of Biological Sciences , Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani , KK Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar , Goa 403726 , India
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26
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Pu L, Zhang S, Li F, Wang R, Yang J, Chang L. Impact of Farmland Change on Soybean Production Potential in Recent 40 Years: A Case Study in Western Jilin, China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E1522. [PMID: 30022018 PMCID: PMC6069166 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
During the last 40 years, the quantity and spatial patterns of farmland in Western Jilin have changed dramatically, which has had a great impact on soybean production potential. This study used one of the most advanced crop production potential models, the Global Agro-Ecological Zones model, to calculate the soybean production potential in Western Jilin based on meteorological, topography, soil and land use data, and analyzed the impact of farmland change on soybean production potential during 1975⁻2013. The main conclusions were the following: first, the total soybean production potential in Western Jilin in 2013 was 8.92 million tonnes, and the average soybean production potential was 1612 kg/ha. The production potential of eastern area was higher than the other areas of Western Jilin. Second, farmland change led to a growth of 3.30 million tonnes in soybean production potential between 1975 and 2000, and a decrease of 1.03 million tonnes between 2000 and 2013. Third, taking account of two situations of farmland change, the conversion between dryland and other categories, and the change of irrigation percentage led to the total soybean production potential in Western Jilin increased by 2.31 and only 0.28 million tonnes respectively between 1975 and 2000, and increased by 0.12 and 0.29 million tonnes respectively between 2000 and 2013. In general, the increase of soybean potential production was mainly due to grassland and woodland reclamation. The results of this study would be a good guideline for protecting safe baseline of farmland, managing land resources, and ensuring continuity and stability of soybean supply and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoman Pu
- College of Earth Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
| | - Fei Li
- College of Unban and Environmental Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China.
| | - Ranghu Wang
- Institute of Loess Plateau, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Jiuchun Yang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
| | - Liping Chang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
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27
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Garcia-Barreda S, Forcadell R, Sánchez S, Martín-Santafé M, Marco P, Camarero JJ, Reyna S. Black Truffle Harvesting in Spanish Forests: Trends, Current Policies and Practices, and Implications on its Sustainability. Environ Manage 2018; 61:535-544. [PMID: 29204674 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0973-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The European black truffle is a mycorrhizal fungus native to Spanish Mediterranean forests. In most Spanish regions it was originally commercially harvested in the second half of the 20th century. Experts agree that wild truffle yields suffered a sharp decline during the 1970s and 1980s. However, official statistics for Spanish harvest are scarce and seemingly conflicting, and little attention has been paid to the regime for the exploitation of truffle-producing forests and its implications on the sustainability of this resource. Trends in harvest from 1969 to 2013 and current harvesting practices were analyzed as a case study, taking into account that Spain is a major truffle producer worldwide, but at the same time truffles have only recently been exploited. The available statistical sources, which include an increasing proportion of cultivated truffles since the mid-1990s, were explored, with estimates from Truffle Harvesters Federation showing higher consistency. Statistical sources were then compared with proxies for wild harvest (rents from truffle leases in public forests) to corroborate time trends in wild harvesting. Results suggest that black truffle production is recovering in recent years thanks to plantations, whereas wild harvest is still declining. The implications of Spanish legal and institutional framework on sustainability of wild truffle use are reviewed. In the current scenario, the decline of wild harvest is likely to continue and eventually make commercial harvesting economically unattractive, thus aggravating sustainability issues. Strengthening of property rights, rationalization of harvesting pressure, forest planning and involvement of public stakeholders are proposed as corrective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Garcia-Barreda
- Unidad de Recursos Forestales, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación y Experimentación en Truficultura de la Diputación de Huesca (CIET), Polígono Fabardo s/n, Graus, 22430, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Forcadell
- Qilex Consultoría Forestal, C/Rosario 42, 2° D, Teruel, 44003, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Unidad de Recursos Forestales, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
| | - María Martín-Santafé
- Unidad de Recursos Forestales, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
| | - Pedro Marco
- Unidad de Recursos Forestales, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
| | - J Julio Camarero
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC), Avda. Montañana 1005, Zaragoza, E-50059, Spain
| | - Santiago Reyna
- ETS Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia, 46021, Spain
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28
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Kukal MS, Irmak S. Climate-Driven Crop Yield and Yield Variability and Climate Change Impacts on the U.S. Great Plains Agricultural Production. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3450. [PMID: 29472598 PMCID: PMC5823895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21848-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate variability and trends affect global crop yields and are characterized as highly dependent on location, crop type, and irrigation. U.S. Great Plains, due to its significance in national food production, evident climate variability, and extensive irrigation is an ideal region of investigation for climate impacts on food production. This paper evaluates climate impacts on maize, sorghum, and soybean yields and effect of irrigation for individual counties in this region by employing extensive crop yield and climate datasets from 1968-2013. Variability in crop yields was a quarter of the regional average yields, with a quarter of this variability explained by climate variability, and temperature and precipitation explained these in singularity or combination at different locations. Observed temperature trend was beneficial for maize yields, but detrimental for sorghum and soybean yields, whereas observed precipitation trend was beneficial for all three crops. Irrigated yields demonstrated increased robustness and an effective mitigation strategy against climate impacts than their non-irrigated counterparts by a considerable fraction. The information, data, and maps provided can serve as an assessment guide for planners, managers, and policy- and decision makers to prioritize agricultural resilience efforts and resource allocation or re-allocation in the regions that exhibit risk from climate variability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suat Irmak
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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29
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Schauberger B, Gornott C, Wechsung F. Global evaluation of a semiempirical model for yield anomalies and application to within-season yield forecasting. Glob Chang Biol 2017; 23:4750-4764. [PMID: 28464336 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying the influence of weather on yield variability is decisive for agricultural management under current and future climate anomalies. We extended an existing semiempirical modeling scheme that allows for such quantification. Yield anomalies, measured as interannual differences, were modeled for maize, soybeans, and wheat in the United States and 32 other main producer countries. We used two yield data sets, one derived from reported yields and the other from a global yield data set deduced from remote sensing. We assessed the capacity of the model to forecast yields within the growing season. In the United States, our model can explain at least two-thirds (63%-81%) of observed yield anomalies. Its out-of-sample performance (34%-55%) suggests a robust yield projection capacity when applied to unknown weather. Out-of-sample performance is lower when using remote sensing-derived yield data. The share of weather-driven yield fluctuation varies spatially, and estimated coefficients agree with expectations. Globally, the explained variance in yield anomalies based on the remote sensing data set is similar to the United States (71%-84%). But the out-of-sample performance is lower (15%-42%). The performance discrepancy is likely due to shortcomings of the remote sensing yield data as it diminishes when using reported yield anomalies instead. Our model allows for robust forecasting of yields up to 2 months before harvest for several main producer countries. An additional experiment suggests moderate yield losses under mean warming, assuming no major changes in temperature extremes. We conclude that our model can detect weather influences on yield anomalies and project yields with unknown weather. It requires only monthly input data and has a low computational demand. Its within-season yield forecasting capacity provides a basis for practical applications like local adaptation planning. Our study underlines high-quality yield monitoring and statistics as critical prerequisites to guide adaptation under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Schauberger
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL), Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Christoph Gornott
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Frank Wechsung
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
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30
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Thiry AA, Chavez Dulanto PN, Reynolds MP, Davies WJ. How can we improve crop genotypes to increase stress resilience and productivity in a future climate? A new crop screening method based on productivity and resistance to abiotic stress. J Exp Bot 2016; 67:5593-5603. [PMID: 27677299 PMCID: PMC5066489 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The need to accelerate the selection of crop genotypes that are both resistant to and productive under abiotic stress is enhanced by global warming and the increase in demand for food by a growing world population. In this paper, we propose a new method for evaluation of wheat genotypes in terms of their resilience to stress and their production capacity. The method quantifies the components of a new index related to yield under abiotic stress based on previously developed stress indices, namely the stress susceptibility index, the stress tolerance index, the mean production index, the geometric mean production index, and the tolerance index, which were created originally to evaluate drought adaptation. The method, based on a scoring scale, offers simple and easy visualization and identification of resilient, productive and/or contrasting genotypes according to grain yield. This new selection method could help breeders and researchers by defining clear and strong criteria to identify genotypes with high resilience and high productivity and provide a clear visualization of contrasts in terms of grain yield production under stress. It is also expected that this methodology will reduce the time required for first selection and the number of first-selected genotypes for further evaluation by breeders and provide a basis for appropriate comparisons of genotypes that would help reveal the biology behind high stress productivity of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnauld A Thiry
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Crrtra. Mexico-Veracruz km 45, Col. El Batan, Texcoco, Edo. de Mexico, CP 56130, Mexico The Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Perla N Chavez Dulanto
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Crrtra. Mexico-Veracruz km 45, Col. El Batan, Texcoco, Edo. de Mexico, CP 56130, Mexico
| | - Matthew P Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Crrtra. Mexico-Veracruz km 45, Col. El Batan, Texcoco, Edo. de Mexico, CP 56130, Mexico
| | - William J Davies
- The Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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31
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Bannayan M, Paymard P, Ashraf B. Vulnerability of maize production under future climate change: possible adaptation strategies. J Sci Food Agric 2016; 96:4465-4474. [PMID: 26847375 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change can affect the productivity and geographic distribution of crops. Therefore, evaluation of adaptive management options is crucial in dealing with negative impacts of climate change. The objectives of this study were to simulate the impacts of climate change on maize production in the north-east of Iran. Moreover, vulnerability index which indicated that how much of the crop yield loss is related to the drought was computed for each location to identify where adaptation and mitigation strategies are effective. Different sowing dates were also applied as an adaptation approach to decrease the negative impacts of climate change in study area. RESULTS The results showed that the maize yield would decline during the 21st century from -2.6% to -82% at all study locations in comparison with the baseline. The result of vulnerability index also indicated that using the adaptation strategies could be effective in all of the study areas. Using different sowing dates as an adaptation approach showed that delaying the sowing date will be advantageous in order to obtain higher yield in all study locations in future. CONCLUSION This study provided insight regarding the climate change impacts on maize production and the efficacy of adaptation strategies. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bannayan
- Department of Agronomy, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parisa Paymard
- Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University - Mashhad Branch, P.O. Box 91735-413, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Batool Ashraf
- Department of Irrigation Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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32
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Fluegge K. Social learning theory and public perception of GMOs: What Blancke et al. (2015) and other plant biotechnologists are missing. J Sci Food Agric 2016; 96:2939-2940. [PMID: 26799696 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There exists a wide chasm between public opinion and scientific evidence on the safety of genetically engineered food, herein referred to as GMOs. Plant biotechnologists give credit to a small community of activists negatively influencing individual minds on this issue, but this approach neglects other social contexts in which such cognition operates. The author argues here that current public opinion on GMOs is a manifestation of the constant interaction between environmental, behavioral, and cognitive influences on this issue. In order to sway public opinion and be consistent with social learning theory, biotechnology advocates and plant scientists will need to move beyond their recognized expertise in order to rework the argument for GMOs in the modern-day food supply, one that wholly embraces an individual-level framing of the debate, tantamount to other successful professional trends like patient-centered medicine. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Fluegge
- Institute of Health and Environmental Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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33
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Abstract
In recent years, several extreme weather disasters have partially or completely damaged regional crop production. While detailed regional accounts of the effects of extreme weather disasters exist, the global scale effects of droughts, floods and extreme temperature on crop production are yet to be quantified. Here we estimate for the first time, to our knowledge, national cereal production losses across the globe resulting from reported extreme weather disasters during 1964-2007. We show that droughts and extreme heat significantly reduced national cereal production by 9-10%, whereas our analysis could not identify an effect from floods and extreme cold in the national data. Analysing the underlying processes, we find that production losses due to droughts were associated with a reduction in both harvested area and yields, whereas extreme heat mainly decreased cereal yields. Furthermore, the results highlight ~7% greater production damage from more recent droughts and 8-11% more damage in developed countries than in developing ones. Our findings may help to guide agricultural priorities in international disaster risk reduction and adaptation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Lesk
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0B9, Canada
| | - Pedram Rowhani
- Department of Geography, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Navin Ramankutty
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0B9, Canada
- Liu Institute for Global Issues and Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z2, Canada
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