Food and Energy Security最新文献

{"title":"One-Time Top-Dressing of Panicle Nitrogen Fertilizer Maintains High Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice in South China","authors":"Meijuan Li,&nbsp;Rui Hu,&nbsp;Changwei Xia,&nbsp;Zhenzhen Huang,&nbsp;Qiang Li,&nbsp;Kaiming Liang,&nbsp;Junfeng Pan,&nbsp;Shaobing Peng,&nbsp;Yanzhuo Liu,&nbsp;Youqiang Fu,&nbsp;Xinyu Wang,&nbsp;Qunhuan Ye,&nbsp;Yuanhong Yin,&nbsp;Xuemei Luo,&nbsp;Xuhua Zhong,&nbsp;Xiangyu Hu","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70278","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Optimized nitrogen (N) management for rice production typically involves multiple split applications of N fertilizer to enhance rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, China's rural labor shortage highlights the need to reduce the frequency of fertilizer applications to minimize labor inputs and improve production efficiency. A simplified N management involved less application frequency at critical stages in rice production, but its effectiveness was still uncertain. Thus, a field experiment was conducted in both early and late seasons of 2018 with 5 treatments: N0 (no N fertilizer), TC (optimized N management involving application at tillering, panicle initiation (PI), and grain filling stages); N1 and N2 (one-time N top-dressing at uppermost internode elongation (IE) or PI with the same total N input as TC); and RN1 and RN2 (one-time N top-dressing at IE or PI with a reduced total N input compared to TC). The effects of N management on grain yield, yield components, agronomic traits, biomass production, N uptake, and NUE were evaluated. In both seasons, N2 achieved grain yield and NUE comparable to TC, whereas N1 exhibited significantly lower grain yield, agronomic N use efficiency (AE_N), partial factor productivity (PFP_N), and physiological N use efficiency (PE_N). Furthermore, RN1 and RN2 resulted in significant yield reductions in the late season relative to TC. These suggested that tiller and grain N fertilizers might be omitted, and one-time N top-dressing at PI stage could effectively support high grain yield and NUE. The comparable performance of N2 and TC was primarily attributed to an optimal number of panicles and filled grains, as well as similar total biomass production and N uptake, resulting from the appropriate timing of panicle fertilizer application. Overall, N2 represented a labor-saving N fertilizer management strategy that sustained high grain yield and NUE under current labor-constrained production systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70278","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Coordination of Phosphorus and Water Enhances Maize Growth and Phosphorus Uptake by Modifying Root Distribution","authors":"Liyang Wang,&nbsp;Dan Liao,&nbsp;Xueyang Gu,&nbsp;Xiujie Gao","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70315","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Phosphorus (P) and water are essential but often spatially mismatched resources in agricultural soils, limiting plant growth and nutrient uptake efficiency. Their low mobility and uneven distribution in the soil profile necessitate strategies that optimize their use, particularly through targeted management at the root-soil interface. A split-root experiment comprising six distinct combinations of P and water was conducted to assess how their spatial coordination influences maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) growth, P uptake, and root development. Maize roots exhibit strong plasticity in response to spatial heterogeneity, preferentially proliferating in zones with simultaneous P and water availability. The co-localized treatment (CWP) significantly increased total root length (TRL) and surface area by up to 189% and 208%, respectively, compared to treatments with P or water applied alone. Shoot biomass and shoot P content under the CWP treatment were also markedly enhanced, achieving levels comparable to those in the high-input control despite a 50% reduction in P inputs. Additionally, root diameter analysis revealed a higher proportion of fine roots (&lt; 0.2 mm) in P- and water-enriched patches, indicating enhanced root foraging capacity. Phosphorus uptake per unit root length was also maximized under CWP treatment, matching levels observed in uniformly high P and water treatments, despite using half the inputs. Correlation analyses further confirmed positive relationships between TRL, shoot P content, and shoot biomass. These findings highlight the synergistic role of spatially coupled P and water supply in optimizing root/rhizosphere efficiency and maximizing nutrient acquisition. The study underscores the potential of precision nutrient-water placement strategies to enhance agricultural sustainability by improving input efficiency and crop performance under variable soil conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70315","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-Cost Training of Smallholder Vegetable Farmers Reduces Postharvest Losses and Increases Incomes in Bangladesh: Evidence From a Propensity Score Matching Analysis","authors":"Abu Hayat Md. Saiful Islam,&nbsp;Pepijn Schreinemachers","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70313","url":null,"abstract":"<p>An estimated one-third of global food production is lost or wasted. In low-income countries such as Bangladesh, most of these losses occur at the level of farmers and traders. Interventions are needed to reduce these losses and benefit smallholder farmers. This study is the first of its kind to quantify the impact of simple, low-cost postharvest training on smallholder vegetable farmers' postharvest knowledge, attitudes, postharvest practices adoption and farmers' income in Bangladesh. Using cross-sectional survey data for a sample of 411 eggplant and cabbage farmers in southwestern Bangladesh and applying propensity score matching, it finds that the training led to a significant increase in farmers' knowledge about and attitudes toward postharvest issues and increased the adoption of postharvest practices (including washing, cleaning, cooling and storage, and packaging). These improvements reduced postharvest losses in cabbage by 24%. The overall effect was a 32% increase (+USD 947; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) in mean household income during the <i>kharif</i> (rainy) season. These results show that relatively simple, low-cost postharvest training can make an important contribution to reducing losses and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70313","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Data Colonialism to Inclusive Artificial Intelligence: Governing Digital Transformation in Sub-Saharan African Food Systems","authors":"Kevin Okoth Ouko,&nbsp;Cherine Lando Yugi,&nbsp;Robert John Ogola","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70317","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly promoted as a transformative technology for improving agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and food security in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). However, growing evidence suggests that the governance of AI often reproduces existing inequalities by concentrating control over agricultural data, decision making, and economic value among external actors. This paper examines AI governance in SSA food systems through the interconnected lenses of data power, equity, and digital transformation. Agricultural AI systems rely on data generated through farming activities, management practices, production records, remote sensing, Internet of Things devices, drones, satellites, and other digital technologies. Although these datasets originate from farmers and their production environments, rights over data access, ownership, processing, reuse, and commercialization are frequently exercised by platform providers, technology firms, and development organizations, raising fundamental questions regarding data sovereignty, participation, and benefit sharing. The study draws on a semi systematic literature review with narrative synthesis of 92 interdisciplinary studies published between 2015 and 2025. Guided by a political economy perspective integrating theories of data colonialism and platform capitalism, the analysis develops a governance framework based on three analytical dimensions: data control, participation, and value distribution. These dimensions are used to conceptualize a governance continuum ranging from extractive to inclusive AI systems, providing a comparative framework for analysing governance trajectories across SSA. Evidence from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa shows that contemporary AI deployments are predominantly characterized by centralized data control, limited farmer participation, and unequal value capture, although important institutional variation exists across countries. The review also identifies emerging alternatives, including participatory design, farmer data cooperatives, and locally embedded innovation ecosystems, which demonstrate pathways toward more inclusive AI governance but remain fragmented and insufficiently institutionalized. The findings highlight persistent policy gaps in agricultural data sovereignty, sector specific regulation, and institutional capacity, and argue that the transformative potential of AI will depend less on technological innovation than on governance arrangements that redistribute power, strengthen local agency, and ensure equitable sharing of the benefits generated through AI enabled food systems. This study contributes to a transferable governance continuum that advances comparative analysis of AI governance and offers a practical framework for designing more inclusive digital agriculture policies in Sub Saharan Africa and comparable developing regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70317","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proteomic Determinants of Fluctuating Light Sensitivity in Soybean: Comparative Analysis of Tolerant and Sensitive Cultivars","authors":"Yuanfang Fan,&nbsp;Sajad Hussain,&nbsp;Marian Brestic,&nbsp;Feng Yang","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70291","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Fluctuating light (FL), caused by cloud movement, canopy dynamics, and intercropping, is a pervasive stress affecting crop productivity, yet the molecular basis of FL responses in different photosensitivity soybeans remains poorly understood. Here, we integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses to compare the responses to FL between two contrasting soybean cultivars: ND12 (tolerant) and GX7 (sensitive). FL treatment increased plant height but reduced leaf area, leaf thickness, and net photosynthetic rate (<i>P</i>_<i>n</i>) in soybean plants, also instigating structural changes in chloroplasts. Compared to ND12, GX7 was more severely affected under FL, exhibiting significant reductions in aboveground biomass, leaf area, stem diameter, and photosynthetic pigment content. Simultaneously, under fluctuating light conditions, ND12 maintained relatively stable performance in photosystem II (PSII). In contrast, the photochemical efficiency of PSII in GX7 was directly inhibited, along with obstruction in its downstream electron transport chain. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1707 and 1836 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ND12 and GX7, respectively, while proteomic profiling identified 54 and 38 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Notably, GX7 showed significant downregulation of proteins involved in PSI, PSII, light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), and the electron transport chain, with KEGG pathway analysis confirming suppression of “Photosynthesis—antenna proteins” and “Photosynthesis” pathways. In contrast, ND12 maintained stable expression of these photosynthetic components. These findings demonstrate that cultivar-specific proteomic remodeling of the photosynthetic apparatus determines FL tolerance in soybean, providing molecular targets for breeding cultivars adapted to high-density and intercropping systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70291","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative Physiology and Transcriptomics Reveal the Adaptive Mechanisms of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) in Response to LiCl Stress","authors":"Weijuan Zhou,&nbsp;Yitong Zhao,&nbsp;Jie Zheng,&nbsp;Pu Yang,&nbsp;Haiying Zhang,&nbsp;Ben Zhang","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70318","url":null,"abstract":"<p>With the ubiquity of lithium-ion batteries, lithium has emerged as a critical environmental contaminant, yet the mechanisms of its toxicity and tolerance in plants remain poorly understood. This study investigates the physiological and molecular responses of the C4 model crop foxtail millet (<i>Setaria italica</i>) to LiCl stress. Physiological analyses revealed a concentration-dependent effect: while low Li⁺ levels activated the antioxidant system, exposure to 50 mg/L LiCl triggered a severe oxidative burst, leading to the suppression of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT), lipid peroxidation, and significant growth inhibition. Transcriptomic profiling of the cultivar “Jingu 21” identified 1562 commonly regulated differentially expressed genes, indicating that Li⁺ stress disrupts Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis and reprograms metabolic pathways, including the upregulation of branched-chain amino acid degradation and plant-pathogen interaction pathways. To validate these findings, we analyzed five additional cultivars exhibiting differential tolerance. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the robust tolerance observed in “Jigu 22” correlated with the strong induction of key genes-specifically the transcription factor <i>SiBHLH148</i>, the vacuolar transporter <i>SiNHX1</i>, and the lipid transfer protein <i>SiDIR1</i>-<i>suggesting</i> their pivotal roles in maintaining ROS homeostasis and ion compartmentalization. These results elucidate the molecular basis of LiCl adaptation in foxtail millet and provide crucial genetic targets for breeding crops resilient to lithium pollution.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70318","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variety-Specific Nutrient Management Influenced the Productivity and Profitability of a Rice-Black-Gram Cropping Sequence in the Coastal Lowland Ecosystem of Odisha, India","authors":"Priyanka Das,&nbsp;Arun Kumar Barik,&nbsp;Pravat Kumar Roul,&nbsp;Sarthak Pattanayak,&nbsp;Sagar Maitra,&nbsp;Koushik Sar,&nbsp;Srilagna Mishra,&nbsp;Deepak Kumar Swain,&nbsp;Abdulrahman Alasmari,&nbsp;Ahmed Gaber,&nbsp;Akbar Hossain","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70316","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A rice-black-gram-cropping sequence-based field experiment was conducted at the farmer's field of Niali, Cuttack, Odisha, India, from 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021, with a split-plot design, where four rice varieties were assigned to main plots (viz., V₁: CR 1009 Sub1, V₂: CR 1018, V₃: Pooja and V₄: Upahar), and six nutrient management practices were assigned to subplots (viz., N₀: Control, N₁: 100% Recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF: 80–40–40 kg N, P₂O₅, K₂O ha⁻¹), N₂: 50% RDF from chemical fertilisers + FYM @ 8 t ha⁻¹, N₃: 50% RDF from chemical fertilisers + <i>Sesbania</i> green manuring @ 1.5 t ha⁻¹, N₄: Rice Crop Manager (115.5–32.7–52.8–25.0 kg N, P₂O₅, K₂O, ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ + FYM @ 3 t ha⁻¹), N₅: Real-time). The highest system yield (7.82 t REY ha⁻¹), system productivity (21.43 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹), system profitability (₹222.64 ha⁻¹ day⁻¹), system gross return (₹144,080 ha⁻¹), net return (₹81,262 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (2.27) were recorded in the Upahar rice-based system during both seasons. Among the different nutrient management practices in both seasons, the Rice Crop Manager recommended that the <i>Kharif</i> rice-black-gram-based cropping system perform best, since the total system yield, system productivity, system profitability, gross return, net return and B:C ratio were 8.77 t REY ha⁻¹, 24.02 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹, ₹161,476 ha⁻¹, ₹93,219 ha⁻¹ and 2.37, respectively. Therefore, the application of rice crop management-based fertilisers may be recommended to improve the productivity and profitability of rice-black-gram-based cropping systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70316","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Groundnut Improvement for Aflatoxin Resistance: Progress and Opportunities","authors":"Tullu Tadessa Asefa,&nbsp;Hussein Shimelis,&nbsp;Janila Pasupuleti,&nbsp;Seltene Abady Tesfamariam","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70311","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Groundnut, or peanut, is an industrial oilseed crop that serves the food and feed industries and provides income along the value chain. Pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination, caused by <i>Aspergillus</i> spp., hinders the food and feed value and market opportunities of groundnut products. Developing and deploying aflatoxin-resistant varieties is the most sustainable and economic approach to control aflatoxin for human and animal well-being. Variable resistance to <i>Aspergillus</i> infection and disease development has been reported, depending on cultivar susceptibility, crop management practices, and environmental conditions. Hence, understanding the physical, biochemical, and genetic basis of resistance mechanisms to <i>Aspergillus</i> infection is vital for the design and deployment of new varieties. Despite modest global efforts, notably in effective aflatoxin diagnosis and identification of the toxic secondary metabolites, there are limited breeding efforts that have bred and deployed aflatoxin-resistant varieties. This review aims to present the impacts of groundnut aflatoxin contamination and the progress and opportunities in resistance breeding using current technologies and innovations. The first section presents the production status of groundnut and the extent and conditions of aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin control methods and components of resistance are described in the second section, followed by progress and opportunities of resistance breeding with advanced technologies, including omics-assisted and gene-editing approaches. Information presented in the review may guide breeding and genetic management of aflatoxin, targeting the development of new varieties with desirable product profiles and durable resistance to control aflatoxin contamination along value chains.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70311","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bespoke Precision Agriculture for Small-Scale Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa: Defining Potential Benefits and Pathways","authors":"Kwame Agyei Frimpong,&nbsp;Yaw Sarfo,&nbsp;Isaac Kwasi Asante,&nbsp;Kwadwo A. Dompreh,&nbsp;Edwin W. Harris,&nbsp;Frank Kumi,&nbsp;James Lowenberg-DeBoer,&nbsp;Paula A. Misiewicz,&nbsp;Alexander Tetteh Kwasi Nuer,&nbsp;Sven Peets,&nbsp;Andrew Wilcox,&nbsp;Vincent O. Aduramigba-Modupe,&nbsp;Karl Behrendt","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70310","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Precision agriculture (PA) holds enormous potential for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where agriculture remains central to economic development, employing more than half of the adult population and contributing significantly to GDP. However, adoption rates remain low. This communication examines the potential benefits, challenges and possible pathways for increasing uptake among smallholders in SSA. Drawing from recent initiatives and case studies, successful applications demonstrate that low-cost, localised and gender inclusive PA innovations can increase adoption among smallholders. However, challenges such as high upfront technology costs, limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, limited access to financial services and a lack of tailored training remain significant barriers. Addressing these barriers requires the co-creation of affordable technologies and flexible financing schemes, the provision of support services, offline functionality and integrating PA into the educational curriculum and extension systems in SSA to build capacity to sustain adoption. Furthermore, promoting gender inclusivity and strengthening data management systems are equally important for long-term success. By addressing these barriers, PA can drive sustainable agricultural production, improve food security and enhance climate resilience. This communication highlights the need for coordination among farmers, developers, researchers and policymakers to foster a robust PA ecosystem for smallholder farmers in SSA.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70310","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148942271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Controlled-Release Urea Combined With Urea Sustains Yield and Improves Soil Organic Carbon Storage Under Reduced Nitrogen in Rice–Wheat Rotation","authors":"Yu Tao,&nbsp;Dehai Zhang,&nbsp;Zhipeng Xing,&nbsp;Miao Ye,&nbsp;Chuan Ni,&nbsp;Zujian Zhang","doi":"10.1002/fes3.70301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.70301","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Reducing nitrogen (N) input while sustaining productivity is central to the long-term food security of intensive rice–wheat systems. We evaluated whether blending controlled-release urea (CRU) with conventional urea (U) could maintain annual yield stability while improving soil carbon status during a 3-year rice–wheat rotation. Nine treatments, including various combinations of CRU and U as basal and panicle fertilizers, were evaluated. Under both conventional N and reduced N levels, CRU + U outperformed urea alone (CK), with annual yields 15.37% and 8.32% greater, respectively. The 70% CRU + 30% U basal fertilizer treatment increased the plant C content and soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, particularly under nitrogen reduction. CRU application significantly increased the labile organic C fractions (ROC, DOC, and MBC) under reduced N level, increasing SOC lability and the carbon pool management index (CMI). Positive correlations were found among crop yields, the SOC content, and labile organic C fractions, suggesting that improved soil C status is associated with higher crop yields. Furthermore, the straw C input was positively correlated with the CMI, suggesting that carbon accumulation in plant stems and leaves can increase the soil carbon pool and improve subsequent crop yields. Further analysis revealed that as the soil available alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) content increased, the SOC content initially increased but then decreased, peaking at 150 mg kg⁻¹ AN. These findings identify a practical N-management strategy (70% CRU + 30% U basal fertilization mode) for sustaining rice–wheat production with lower N input, with potential benefits for resource-efficient and climate-resilient food production.</p>","PeriodicalId":54283,"journal":{"name":"Food and Energy Security","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/fes3.70301","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148849156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}