Agricultural Systems最新文献

{"title":"On-farm water quality: Co-design of result-based indicators","authors":"Perrine Branchet ,&nbsp;Olivier Godinot ,&nbsp;Nouraya Akkal-Corfini ,&nbsp;Matthieu Carof ,&nbsp;Christophe Jaeger ,&nbsp;Bénédicte Roche ,&nbsp;Françoise Vertès ,&nbsp;Virginie Parnaudeau","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Pollution of water resources by substances emitted by agriculture, such as nitrate, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, fecal microorganisms and microplastics, remains a crucial issue. To assess the effectiveness of pollution-mitigation projects, water quality is usually monitored at the watershed scale. In parallel, farmers and agricultural advisors use mainly means-based indicators to assess farm sustainability. In Brittany, France, the <em>Terres de Sources</em> project addresses the following issues: (i) individual farmers cannot assess effects of changes in their practices using result-based water-quality indicators at the watershed outlet and (ii) means-based indicators provide little information about local water quality.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>The aim of this project was to gather together researchers, farmers and advisors to build operational result-based indicators that would allow farmers to estimate on-farm emissions of pollutants to water. This article highlights the implementation and outputs of a collective design process to create such indicators.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>The Knowledge-Concepts-Proposals design method was implemented to explore ideas around the initial concept of “result-based water-quality indicators at the farm scale”. The method's design process has four steps, from initiation to outputs. Emerging ideas of indicators were classified in four categories and we finally selected scientifically relevant and achievable indicators. The methods for measuring these indicators were worked during the final phase of the design process.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>The main results of the design process were (i) a set of result-based indicators focused on nitrate and pesticides and related to chemical measurements and bioindicators, (ii) the development of phases of “farm characterization” and “on-farm monitoring strategy” to understand water circulation, the relevant “types of water” to sample and suitable on-farm monitoring locations. In addition, breakthrough ideas have emerged but not exploited in this project; they were related to indicators based on senses and on exposure of livestock to pollutants. Despite fixation effects, the group was actively involved in the design process and in the proposal of subsequent prototype testing on farms.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Most of the indicators selected had already been developed at the watershed scale, but attempting to adapt them to the farm scale was an originality. Farm-scale studies help understand sources of pollutant emissions that decrease water quality. Farmers' use of comprehensive assessment tools would help encourage them to pursue their efforts in agroecological transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"225 ","pages":"Article 104275"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Silvopastoral system as a climate-smart alternative for beef production: Enteric methane emission neutralization and animal thermal comfort increase","authors":"Henrique B. Brunetti ,&nbsp;Patrícia P.A. Oliveira ,&nbsp;José R.M. Pezzopane ,&nbsp;Alberto C. de C. Bernardi ,&nbsp;Alexandre R. Garcia ,&nbsp;Alexandre Berndt ,&nbsp;André de F. Pedroso ,&nbsp;Ana L.J. Lelis ,&nbsp;Sérgio R. Medeiros","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Climate-smart agricultural systems must mitigate climate change and adapt to it.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVES</h3><div>(i) test the ability of a silvopastoral system (SPS) in Brazil to neutralize the CH₄ enteric emission by tree carbon (C) assimilation, considering solely the stem-C destined to Products with Higher Added Value (HVAP) and furniture as valid, due to their long-term stability; (ii) test the SPS ability to provide increased animal thermal comfort and; (iii) compare the SPS productivity, animal thermal comfort and CH₄ emission with a full sun system (FS).</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>The systems had four areas managed under rotational stocking with beef cattle and were established with Piatã palisadegrass [<em>Urochloa brizantha</em> Stapf cv. BRS Piatã] in 2007. In the SPS, eucalyptus trees (<em>Eucalyptus urograndis</em> clone GG100) were planted in 2011, in single east-west oriented rows, with a 15 m × 2 m spacing, and thinned to 15 m × 4 m spacing in 2016. Microclimate data were collected in weather stations to determine the Black Globe and Humidity Index (BGHI). The CH₄ enteric emission was estimated using the Tier-2 equation (IPCC Methodological Guide - 2019). Tree height and diameter at breast height were measured every six months from October/2017 to April/2019 to estimate the stem biomass using an allometric equation. The stem biomass was multiplied by its carbon content and by 40 % to consider the break-through yield in sawmill.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>BGHI was lower in the SPS than in the FS. Even considering the stem-C appropriate for HVAP and furniture in a SPS with a stocking rate 256 % greater than the Brazilian average, 77 % of the CH₄ enteric emission was offset. When considering all the stem-C, the net C balance was −14.28 Mg CO₂ eq. ha⁻¹ year⁻¹.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>SPS are interesting alternatives to mitigate climate change while providing satisfactory animal production and increased animal thermal comfort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"225 ","pages":"Article 104277"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143379016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengthening livestock systems through Sorghum-based fodder value chain innovations in southern India","authors":"Harishankar Kanthaswamy ,&nbsp;Abhishek Das ,&nbsp;Saravanakumar Venkatachalam ,&nbsp;Ajaykumar Ramasamy ,&nbsp;Ashok Krishna Radha ,&nbsp;Shalander Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>India, a prominent global milk producer, faces suboptimal animal milk productivity primarily due to feed and fodder deficits and malnutrition of milch animals. In Tamil Nadu, landrace, dual-purpose and multi-cut sorghum fodder cultivars play a pivotal role in providing much-needed fodder under rainfed and limited irrigation conditions.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This research aims to comprehensively understand and identify strategies to address the fodder shortage issue by optimizing the sorghum fodder value chain.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We took interviews with various stakeholders in the fodder industry to gather required data. The study encompassed all types of sorghum fodder, including landraces, dual-purpose, and multi-cut varieties, being supplied through six distinct value chains. We collected data from 407 household farmers and 30 traders and processors through structured and semi structured interviews and focus group discussion.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>The study identified Channel I, involving direct transactions between producers and end-users (primarily dairy farmers and commercial dairy farms) emerged as the most efficient marketing channel for green fodder, offering competitive prices of INR^⁎ 1500 per ton for landrace, INR 1675 per ton for dual-purpose, and INR 1950 per ton for multicut fodder varieties. Among these fodder types, multicut fodder stands out as the most efficient option, ensuring farmers a consistent supply of green fodder while simultaneously reducing cost of production. Furthermore, the silage produced from dual-purpose and multicut fodder commands a superior market value, amounting INR 6500 per ton which is distributed via Channel I, thereby rendering the fodder production highly lucrative. We also compare the different variants of fodder sorghum with its close competitor maize and found out multicut fodder sorghum is the best option for the farmers.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>This research underscores the potential of promoting multicut sorghum fodder varieties as a pivotal solution to mitigate the fodder deficit issue. This strategic shift can contribute significantly to increased milk production and farm revenue, ultimately strengthening livestock systems in Southern India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"225 ","pages":"Article 104273"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143379017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seed certification, certified seeds use and yield outcomes in Nigeria: Insights from nationally-representative farm panel data and seed company location data","authors":"Hiroyuki Takeshima ,&nbsp;Catherine Ragasa ,&nbsp;Temilolu Bamiwuye ,&nbsp;Kwaw S. Andam ,&nbsp;David J. Spielman ,&nbsp;Hyacinth O. Edeh ,&nbsp;Adetunji Fasoranti ,&nbsp;Beliyou Haile ,&nbsp;Chibuzo Nwagboso ,&nbsp;Lucky O. Omoigui ,&nbsp;Tahirou Abdoulaye ,&nbsp;P. Lava Kumar ,&nbsp;Tesfamicheal Wossen","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Despite the importance of enhanced seed quality to agricultural productivity growth, evidence remains scarce regarding the nature and possible drivers of returns to formal sector quality assurance systems, including certified seeds production in countries like Nigeria that focus significantly on the formal-sector seed systems.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This study narrows this knowledge gap by estimating the effect of the quantity of certified seeds produced and the spatial variations where they are produced on the use of certified seeds and yields. We also assess the yield effects of certified seeds use and their relationship with agroclimatic and socioeconomic conditions.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We combine nationally-representative farm-household survey panel data with spatial data on the headquarters locations of seed companies, the quantity of certified seeds for maize, cowpea, and rice that they produce, and spatially explicit agroecological data. We apply panel fixed effects methods as well as instrumental-variable methods to address potential endogeneity associated with certified seeds use while also controlling for the use of improved varieties to separate their effects from the effects of certified seeds.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Our findings indicate that the availability of certified seeds—captured by indicators of certified seeds produced by seed companies headquartered in the states of survey respondents—is associated with positive but declining marginal effects on certified seeds use and yields. These results are robust when we also consider the potential within-state heterogeneity in the proximity to seed company headquarters, as well as potential spillovers from the nearest adjacent states. The yield effects of certified seeds are heterogeneous and depend on agroclimatic conditions and farmers' socioeconomic characteristics. The use of certified seeds is somewhat higher in areas with higher yield effects after controlling for certified seeds production. These patterns partly lead to observed non-linearities in certified seeds use because certified seeds may be more likely to be used by farmers with higher expected returns than farmers with lower expected returns. These results underscore the importance of spatially targeted efforts in enhancing certified seeds production capacity, together with the exploration of intermediate quality standards in the short term where costs of seed certification are high relative to returns.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>The study provides unique quantitative evidence in a nationally representative framework in an African country that returns to seed certification systems in the current setting significantly vary depending on contexts, including agroclimatic conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104268"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143125279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Unveiling the potential of organic farming in mitigating beef losses in Sweden","authors":"Ingrid Strid ,&nbsp;Maria Jacobsen ,&nbsp;Jesper Rydén ,&nbsp;Karin Alvåsen","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Food loss is a major problem, as it reduces food system efficiency. Loss of animals is of particular importance, as animal production generally has higher environmental impact.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>The objectives were to estimate beef loss rates on Swedish organic and conventional dairy and beef farms, to determine which system is better, and to calculate the food saving potential of assigning the loss rate of the best-performing system to the other.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>A material flow analysis based on data from the central register of bovine animals and slaughter weight statistics was performed. The flows included numbers and carcass weights of animals, grouped by breed, sex, age, and management system leaving farms for different destinations.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Organic farms lost on average 7.4 % of the yearly initial beef production, compared to the 19 % higher 8.8 % for conventional farms. Due to widely different conditions, comparisons between organic and conventional management should primarily be made per animal group. All animal groups had lower loss rates in the organic than in the conventional system. The food saving potential of ascribing organic loss rates to the conventional animals was 1300 tons of beef per year, equivalent to 10 % of all Swedish farm-level beef losses.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Organic dairy and beef farming could be a food loss intervention capable of a notable loss reduction. The results also revealed that there is no goal conflict between increased organic production and reduced food loss in Swedish beef production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104262"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Improving yield and profit in smallholder oil palm fields through better agronomy","authors":"Hendra Sugianto ,&nbsp;Christopher R. Donough ,&nbsp;Juan P. Monzon ,&nbsp;Sunawan ,&nbsp;Iput Pradiko ,&nbsp;Ya Li Lim ,&nbsp;Fatima A. Tenorio ,&nbsp;Gonzalo Rizzo ,&nbsp;Suroso Rahutomo ,&nbsp;Fahmuddin Agus ,&nbsp;Setiari Marwanto ,&nbsp;Maja Slingerland ,&nbsp;James Cock ,&nbsp;Patricio Grassini","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Palm oil production is a major source of income for millions of smallholders in Indonesia, the main palm oil producing country in the world. However, smallholders' yield is low in relation to the attainable yield. Adoption of better management practices (BMPs) as an approach to increase yield and profit has received less attention than certification and replanting programs.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>To evaluate the impact of BMP on yield and profit and associated physiological and agronomic drivers in smallholder fields in Indonesia.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We evaluated BMP against the farmer reference management (REF) on 30 paired fields over four years in five provinces in Indonesia. The BMP treatment included improved harvest, weed, soil, and nutrient management practices. Besides fresh fruit bunch (FFB) and crude palm oil (CPO) yields, and associated profit, we measured plant growth, nutrient accumulation, and radiation capture over time to understand the physiological factors associated with variation in yield.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>Implementation of BMP led to increased annual FFB yield by <em>ca.</em> 40 % with 1.2 t ha⁻¹ more CPO yield. Profit was 20 % greater in BMP than in REF fields. Higher yield in BMPs was associated with higher nutrient accumulation, dry matter production, and partitioning to fruit bunches. The magnitude of FFB yield increase due to BMP depended upon initial yield and degree of BMP adoption, but not the planting material.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Adoption of BMPs by smallholder oil palm producers in Indonesia would increase both their yield and profit. This would bring prosperity at the local and national level through increased income for rural producers and increased total production of oil without the need to clear new forest areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104269"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A tribute in memory of Dr Pytrik Reidsma","authors":"Martin K. van Ittersum,&nbsp;Katrien Descheemaeker","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.104201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.104201","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 104201"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143167206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Room for renewables: A GIS-based agrivoltaics site suitability analysis in urbanized landscapes","authors":"Thomas Reher ,&nbsp;Cas Lavaert ,&nbsp;Sam Ottoy ,&nbsp;Johan A. Martens ,&nbsp;Jos Van Orshoven ,&nbsp;Jan Cappelle ,&nbsp;Jan Diels ,&nbsp;Bram Van de Poel","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>Flanders, a densely populated region in Belgium, faces challenges in balancing agricultural production with renewable energy targets. Agrivoltaic systems combine solar energy and agricultural activity on the same field and can increase land productivity while simultaneously expanding the share of renewables. However, its potential and implications for the region is geographically complex.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This research aims to assess the suitability of Flanders' 658,000 ha agricultural land for agrivoltaic systems, using a geographical multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA), considering environmental, technical, agronomic, and cultural criteria to optimize land use for simultaneous food and energy production.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>We describe a Geographic information system Multiple-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA) using QGis-software. Expert stakeholder input was incorporated by applying the pairwise comparison method from the analytical hierarchical process (AHP). Criterion weights are applied to seven classifiers: irradiance, soil suitability, slope, orientation (aspect), crop type, flood risk and distance to roads/grid. Areas with particular societal, ecological, economic, and historical importance are excluded. The resulting scores are then placed in their agronomic and energy context.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</h3><div>Our analysis indicates that 60.4 % of Flanders' farmland is well suited for agrivoltaic development, and that 9 % of farmland under AV would suffice to meet future energy targets in combination with rooftop PV. After our analysis, 11.5 % of total agricultural land was classified as less suitable, 28.74 % as somewhat suitable, 19.40 % as suitable and 12.22 % as very suitable.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires a multi-facetted approach. Agrivoltaic systems can contribute to this shift, opening up additional land without significantly compromising farm revenue. This study presents insights into the feasibility and geographic potential of agrivoltaic systems in densely populated regions with intensive agriculture like Flanders and can serve as a base for future discussion regarding dual land use planning decisions locally and abroad.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104266"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143055367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Simulation study of the production efficiency of family-type agricultural management entities under regulation measures on farmland: Three-stage super-SBM model considering greenhouse gas emissions","authors":"Shuqi Dong ,&nbsp;Renjie Hou ,&nbsp;Tianxiao Li ,&nbsp;Qiang Fu ,&nbsp;Ping Xue ,&nbsp;Yu Gao ,&nbsp;Zhaoqiang Zhou ,&nbsp;Qinglin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Black soil farmland protection is a necessary measure in China to achieve sustainable, high-quality farmland development. Biochar, as a new type of soil amendment, has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase crop yields. However, few studies have addressed the widespread application of biochar from a productivity perspective.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to assess the productivity of farmland regulation measures to provide information that can be used for monitoring and comparison. The strengths and weaknesses of different tillage practices in soils with different gradients of biochar application and further targets for improvement were determined.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this work, a three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach combined with a superefficiency measurement (Super-SBM) model with slack was used to study the production efficiency of 40 experimental plots at the Acheng Experimental Site, using soil greenhouse gas emissions as an undesired output. The dynamics of productivity in the experimental plots were explored after the influences of the external environment and statistical noise were removed.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>The results showed that biochar could significantly inhibit soil greenhouse gas emissions, and deep tillage and the application of 500 kg mu⁻¹ biochar resulted in the greatest emission reductions. Tillage and the market price of crops increase on-farm productivity by influencing the input redundancy of biochar and seeds. Family-type agricultural management entities can optimise environmental protection and economic efficiency by selecting different farmland regulation measures, which include the following: 1) Deep ploughing and the application of 500–558.74 kg mu⁻¹ biochar for hard-grain corn are suitable for family farms. 2) Deep ploughing and the application of 500–504.72 kg mu⁻¹ biochar for sticky corn are suitable for large-scale growers. 3) Deep ploughing and the application of 0–40.43 kg mu⁻¹ biochar for sticky corn are suitable for traditional farmers.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study provides feasible options for the sustainable and green application of biochar under different agricultural management conditions. It can be used as a general pattern and extended to other agricultural management entities that show inefficient agricultural production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104265"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143020047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The uptake of European soy production: Insights from a participatory agent-based model","authors":"Siavash Farahbakhsh ,&nbsp;Kaat Peeters ,&nbsp;Joke Pannecoucque ,&nbsp;Greet Tavernier ,&nbsp;Birgit Vanden Berghen ,&nbsp;Jef Van Meensel","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><div>While there is potential for soy production in Europe, many European regions still struggle to adopt soy cultivation. Consequently, the European market is heavily dependent on imports from overseas. At the same time, in line with current literature, the EU is paying specific attention to the necessity of yield improvement through research funding, training, and learning instruments, as well as allocating direct subsidies for protein crops. However, it is yet unclear how such efforts could result in the adoption of soy, given farmers' perceptions of yield instability due to climate change and environmental stress factors.</div></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><div>This research aims to examine the effect of different factors on soybeans adoption in a systemic way, considering socioeconomic and environmental dimensions as well as farmers' decision-making dynamics.</div></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><div>Relying on the case Flanders, one of the struggling European regions, and considering potential value chains for arable and dairy farming, this research develops a participatory agent-based model.</div></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><div>The results show the interaction between yield and price, highlight the limitations of subsidies' effects and support the focus on learning, training, and the importance of yield improvements in the adoption process of soybean in Flanders.</div></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><div>This study provides a dynamic perspective into the problem of soybean adoption in Europe by examining farmers' decision-making processes and the social environment that influences their choices and perceptions of success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":"224 ","pages":"Article 104264"},"PeriodicalIF":6.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}