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  • REVIEW
    Guangzhou WANG, Gang NI, Gu FENG, Haley M. BURRILL, Jianfang LI, Junling ZHANG, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 216-228. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024551

    ● Saline-alkali land is an important underutilized resource in China that could complement arable land and maintain the food security.

    ● China has made great progress in saline-alkali soil reclamation and utilization, and developed customized technologies for these soils.

    ● In the future, comprehensive management strategies should be implemented by integrating traditional saline-alkali soil management practices and new technologies to increase crop tolerance.

    Soil salinity is a global threat to the productivity of arable land. With the impact of population growth and development of social economy in China, the area of arable land has been shrinking in recent decades and is approaching a critical threshold of 120 Mha, the minimum area for maintaining the national food security. Saline-alkaline land, as important backup reserve, has been receiving increased attention as an opportunity to expand land resources. This review first summarizes the general principles and technologies of saline soil reclamation to support plant growth, including leaching salts or blocking the rise of salts, and soil fertility enhancement to improve the buffering capacity. Then the progress in this area in China is described including the customization of technologies and practices used in different saline-alkali regions. Following the soil management strategies, the concept of selecting crops for saline soil is proposed. This encompasses halophyte planting, salt-tolerant crop breeding and the application of saline-adapted functional microorganisms to improve the adaptation of crops. Finally, the current problems and challenges are evaluate, and future research directions and prospects proposed for managing this major soil constraint.

  • REVIEW
    Jianbo SHEN, Qichao ZHU, Yong HOU, Wen-Feng CONG, Wen XU, Jiuliang XU, Zhichao AN, Xiaoqiang JIAO, Kai ZHANG, Tianxiang YU, Lin MA, Oene OENEMA, William J. DAVIES, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 5-19. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024535

    ● Agriculture green development (AGD) has been undertaken in China for 5 years.

    ● New insights and advances on the four themes of AGD in China are elucidated.

    ● AGD involves interdisciplinary research innovation, multistakeholder participation, multi-objective realization and regional-specific technology implementation.

    ● Implementation of AGD in China will provide valuable experience paradigm for the world.

    Reconciling the tasks of producing adequate amounts of nutritious food for the increasing global population while preserving the environment and natural ecosystems simultaneously is an enormous challenge. The concept of agriculture green development (AGD) and the necessary governmental policies were developed to address the aforementioned challenge in China and to help achieve the related global sustainable development goals. Agriculture green development emphasizes the synergy between green and development; current agriculture has to transform from the intensive farming with high inputs, high environmental impacts and low resource-use efficiency to a more sustainable agriculture, in order to ensure an adequate supply of nutritious food while delivering environmental integrity, improved economic profitability, and social equity. A research program on AGD was established by China Agricultural University with four research themes, namely: green crop production, green integrated crop-animal production, green food and industry, and green ecological environment and ecosystem services, to provide a scientific basis for future developments and to facilitate the implementation of AGD in practice. AGD requires a multistakeholder approach, fueled by innovative and interdisciplinary research. Joint actions have to be taken by governments, farmers, supply industries, consumers, educators, extension services and researchers to support AGD. This requires strong coordination and public awareness campaigns. This review presents the progress that has been made over the past 5 years and makes recommendations for more research and development, in order to better deliver agricultural green and sustainable development on national and international scales.

  • REVIEW
    Kunguang WANG, Qiaofang LU, Zhechao DOU, Zhiguang CHI, Dongming CUI, Jing MA, Guowei WANG, Jialing KUANG, Nanqi WANG, Yuanmei ZUO
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 253-270. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024543

    ● Continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs) cause, on average, 22% reduction in crop production, seriously threatening sustainable agricultural development.

    ● Changes in the soil ecological environment are an essential and easily overlooked cause of CCOs.

    ● Studying CCOs from the perspective of the soil microbial food web may provide new approaches for explaining the formation mechanism of CCOs and controlling soilborne pathogens.

    ● Not all continuous cropping systems have CCOs, and some systems may enrich beneficial microorganisms to form healthy and disease-suppressive soil.

    Due to the increasing global population and limited land resources, continuous cropping has become common. However, after a few years of continuous cropping, obstacles often arise that cause soil degeneration, decreased crop yield and quality, and increased disease incidence, resulting in significant economic losses. It is essential to understand the causes and mitigation mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs) and then develop appropriate methods to overcome them. This review systematically summarizes the causes and mitigation measures of soil degradation in continuous cropping through a meta-analysis. It was concluded that not all continuous cropping systems are prone to CCOs. Therefore, it is necessary to grasp the principles governing the occurrence of diseases caused by soilborne pathogens in different cropping systems, consider plant–soil-organisms interactions as a system, scientifically regulate the physical and chemical properties of soils from a systems perspective, and then regulate the structure of microbial food webs in the soil to achieve a reduction in diseases caused by soilborne pathogens and increase crop yield ultimately. This review provides reference data and guidance for addressing this fundamental problem.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Haixing ZHANG, Yuan FENG, Yanxiang JIA, Pengqi LIU, Yong HOU, Jianbo SHEN, Qichao ZHU, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 20-34. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023512

    ● A target-threshold indicator evaluation system is proposed to measure China’s agriculture transformation.

    ● Evaluation based on a development score showed China is currently at a medium level in the Agriculture Green Development initiative.

    ● There was a trend for increasing development scores for 2010–2020 compared to 1997–2010.

    ● Trade-offs between eco-environmental factors and socioeconomic/food production factors were found to be the major barriers to the transformation.

    ● More effort is needed to address the insufficient and uneven development to provide coordinated improvement.

    China has initiated a green transformation plan in 2015, which was soon applied to agriculture, known as the agriculture green development (AGD) initiative, with the goals of achieving food security, high resource use efficiency, and an ecofriendly environment. To assess the agricultural transformation from 1997 to 2020, this paper proposes a national-scale indicator system consisting three dimensions (socioeconomic, food production and eco-environmental) and ten sub-dimensions to quantify the AGD score. This study showed that AGD score in China was at a moderate level during 1997–2010, scoring 40 out of 100. During this stage, decreased scores in the sub-dimensions of resource consumption, environmental quality, and environmental cost have offset the improvement in the socioeconomic dimension, resulting in fluctuated scores around 40. In the second stage (2011–2020), China’s AGD score improved but still at moderate level, scoring an average of 46.3, with each dimension increasing by 5.3%–25.0%. These results indicate that China has made progress in the agricultural transformation, transitioning from conceptualization to actions through the implementation of various policies and projects. However, the study emphasizes the need for more effort to address the insufficient and unbalanced development, along with the growing eco-environmental challenges, especially the trade-offs among dimensions.

  • REVIEW
    Lei DENG, Haitao HU, Jiwei LI, Xue LI, Chunbo HUANG, Zhijing YU, Hailong ZHANG, Qing QU, Xiaozhen WANG, Lingbo DONG, Zhouping SHANGGUAN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(3): 355-366. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023534

    ● Analyzes the current situation of planted forests construction in China.

    ● Summarizes the dynamic and benefit of C sequestration in plantation forest.

    ● Proposes the enhancement path of C sequestration for planted forests in China.

    ● Provides the path for realization of forest C sink trading in China.

    ● Suggests some insights for C sequestration and emission reduction in planted forests.

    Tree plantations are an important forest resource that substantively contributes to climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration. As the area and standing volume of tree plantations in China have increased, issues such as unreasonable structure, low productivity, limited ecological functionality and diminishing ecological stability have occurred, which hinder the ability of tree plantations to enhance carbon sequestration. This study outlined the trajectory of carbon sequestration and its associated benefits in tree plantations by examining the current state of tree plantation establishment and growth, elucidated the strategies for advantages of carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation in planted forests, and summarized the existing problems with tree plantations. This paper underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to boost carbon sequestration within planted forests and proposes management and development strategies for Chinese tree plantations. In the future, it will be necessary to apply scientific theories to practice and develop multi-objective management optimization models for the high-quality development of tree plantations. This will involve establishing a cohesive national carbon trading market, improving the prediction of carbon sequestration, and identifying priority zones for afforestation and reforestation, to better serve China’s national strategy for achieving peak carbon and carbon neutrality.

  • REVIEW
    Maoying WANG, Lingyun CHENG, Chengdong HUANG, Yang LYU, Lin ZHANG, Zhenya LU, Changzhou WEI, Wenqi MA, Zed RENGEL, Jianbo SHEN, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 186-196. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024547

    ● The pursuit of green development faces challenges of environmental impacts and low resource-use efficiency in fertilizer production.

    ● Green intelligent fertilizers can be designed to harness the synergy among plants, soils, microorganisms, nutrient sources and the environment.

    ● New strategies are proposed to align with the principles of green development in both industry and agriculture.

    ● Green intelligent fertilizers highlight a path toward harmonizing fertilizer production with the imperatives of green agriculture.

    This review addresses the growing disparity between the current state of fertilizer production in China and the evolving demands of green agriculture in the 21st century. It explores major advances in fertilizers, proposes the concept of green intelligent fertilizers and develops new strategies aligned with the principles of green development in fertilizer industry and agriculture. Green intelligent fertilizers may be designed to maximize the synergistic effects among plants, soils, microorganisms, nutrient sources and the environment. This concept emphasizes the integration of industry and agriculture toward green development for entire industry chain, using an interdisciplinary approach to drive the green transformation of fertilizer industry, and promote green and sustainable development of agriculture. By bridging the gap between the current state of fertilizer industry and a growing need for environmentally responsible agricultural practices, this review highlights a path toward harmonizing fertilizer production with the imperatives of green agriculture.

  • REVIEW
    Samuel J. CUSWORTH, William J. DAVIES, Martin R. MCAINSH, Carly J. STEVENS, Weilu WANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 155-168. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023508

    ● Macro-, micro- and nanoplastic pollution in agricultural soils threaten long-term crop production and environmental health in China.

    ● Resolving the existing issues with plasticulture in China requires holistic solutions that target plastic production, use and waste management.

    ● Mechanisms for change must focus on education, incentivization and the development of infrastructure to positively reinforce the procurement, management and disposal of agriplastics.

    ● The sustainable intensification of plasticulture in Chinese agricultural production systems is key to achieving long-term food and eco-security in China.

    Plastic pollution is global concern, affecting most aspects of global food production systems. Plasticulture, a practice used in agriculture to improve crop quality and quantity, among other factors, is a significant source of plastic pollution. This review examines the extent of plasticulture in China, the implications of the practice across decades of use and the legislative instruments used to resolve those issues. It briefly assesses the effectiveness of these policies and proposes possible future innovations to promote increases in long-term food and eco-security, where sustainable plasticulture is a key agent for change. While plasticulture has increased agricultural productivity in growth-limiting conditions, plastic pollution in agricultural soils has become acute in China. Consequently, plastic pollution is having deleterious effects on soil health and in turn, crop productivity in China. Plastic pollution in agriculture is a multifaceted issue and so proposed solutions should be informed by this complexity. Current measures do not reflect a holistic approach to solving this socioecological challenge and adopt a top-down approach, with little or no supportive mechanisms. Future recommendations need to consider the particular set of conditions that influence the production, use and end-of-life management of agriplastics, specific to the environmental, economic and social conditions in each location.

  • REVIEW
    Sha WEI, Junming FAN, Yanfeng TIAN, Hongmin DONG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(3): 367-380. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024553

    ● The main impediments to low-carbon development of livestock sector are recognized.

    ● The divergence between the existing policies and actual practices are explained.

    ● Policy should focus on establishing standards, database and monitoring network.

    Rapid growth and a vast transition of Chinese livestock industry driven by economic incentives make it become an important contributor on climate change over the last four decades. This study first analyzes the evolving low-carbon livestock development policies and regulations, then an assessment and explanations of the achievements and non-achievements are provided. The findings reveal that China began to pay attention to low-carbon development policy starting in the early 1990s. However, only after the cyclic and green concept became the main sustainable development policy, China began to move seriously toward low-carbon livestock development. Several policy instruments were introduced, including moderate scale, feed optimization, manure resource utilization, facility and equipment allocation rate, energy conservation and substitution. Overall, achievements were made in introducing such policies. However, due to the large share of standard agriculture and regional resources, and environmental diversity, such policies may have little effect in practice. The divergence between the policies and actual practices are explained, and important policies applicable to all developing countries are also recommended.

  • REVIEW
    Pengshun WANG, Donghao XU, Prakash LAKSHMANAN, Yan DENG, Qichao ZHU, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 229-242. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024562

    ● Soil acidification is determined by proton production and soil buffering capacity.

    ● Cropland acidification is mainly caused by anthropogenic activities.

    ● Nitrogen transformations dominate anthropogenic soil acidification processes.

    ● Acidification stage-specific strategies are needed for managing soil acidification.

    ● Optimizing N rate and N form is highly effective in mitigating soil acidification.

    Soil acidification is a serious constraint to food production worldwide. This review explores its primary causes, with a focus on the role of nitrogen fertilizer, and suggests mitigation strategies based on optimal N management. Natural acidification is determined by the leaching of weak acid mainly caused by climate and soil conditions, whereas the use of ammonium-based fertilizers, nitrate leaching and removal of base cations (BCs) by crop harvesting mostly accounts for anthropogenic acidification. In addition, low soil acid buffering capacity, mainly determined by soil parent materials and soil organic matter content, also accelerates acidification. This study proposes targeted mitigation strategies for different stages of soil acidification, which include monitoring soil carbonate content and pH of soils with pH > 6.5 (e.g., calcareous soil), use of alkaline amendments for strongly acidic soils (pH < 5.5) with aluminum toxicity risk to pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and decreasing acidification rates and supplementing BCs to maintain this optimal pH range, especially for soils with low acid buffering capacity. Effective mitigation involves optimizing the rate and form of N fertilizers used, regulating N transformation processes, and establishing an integrated soil–crop management system that balances acid production and soil buffering capacity.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Yuxin TONG, Marcos E. ANGELINI, Yusuf YIGINI, Isabel LUOTTO
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 271-281. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024567

    ● Global black soil distribution map developed by using country-driven approach.

    ● Black soils are key to global food security and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

    ● Black soils form under various pedoenvironments at global level.

    ● Black soils predominantly occur in Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Asia, and the northern and southern extremities of the Americas.

    ● Black soils hold a substantial global soil organic carbon stock, amounting to about 56 Gt.

    Black soils, characterized by their thick, dark horizons enriched with organic matter, epitomize highly fertile soils. However, their fertility precipitates intense land use, engendering challenges such as soil erosion, nutrient depletion, pollution, compaction, salinization, and acidification. Notably, these soils are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to substantial losses in soil organic carbon. Despite these challenges, black soils are pivotal for global food production. This paper delineates the implementation of digital soil mapping for the global cartography of black soils and human interference on these soils. Predominantly distributed in Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Asia, and North and South America, black soils cover an approximate area of 725 Mha, with the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, and China collectively have over half of this area. Agriculturally, these soils underpin significant proportions of global crop yields, producing 66% of sunflower, 30% of wheat, and 26% of potato outputs. The organic carbon content in the upper 30 cm of these soils is estimated at 56 Gt. Sustainable management of black soils is imperative for ensuring food security and addressing climate change on a global scale.

  • EDITORIAL
    William J. DAVIES, Jianbo SHEN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 1-4. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024549
  • NEWS & VIEWS
    Lihua MA, Shiyang LI, Linfa FANG, Xuanjing CHEN, Ran XIAO, Xiaoxuan SU, Zhaolei LI, Zhaohai BAI, Lin MA, Prakash LAKSHMANAN, Xinping CHEN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 134-139. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023511

    ● Cash crops and livestock production in Yangtze River Basin has grown rapidly.

    ● The agricultural inputs discharge multiple pollutants loads on water bodies in the YRB.

    ● Multiple pollutants impact on efficient utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus in agriculture.

    ● An explicitly multi-pollutant approach accounting for interactions is need.

    The rapid increase in the proportion of cash crops and livestock production in the Yangtze River Basin has led to commensurate increases in fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Excessive application of chemical fertilizer, organophosphorus pesticides and inappropriate disposal of agricultural waste induced water pollution and potentially threaten Agriculture Green Development (AGD). To ensure food security and the food supply capacity of the Yangtze River Basin, it is important to balance green and development, while ensuring the quality of water bodies. Multiple pollutants affect the transfer, adsorption, photolysis and degradation of each other throughout the soil-plant-water system. This paper considers the impact of multi-pollutants on the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles especially for crops, which are related to achieving food security and AGD. It presents prospective on theory, modeling and multi-pollutant control in the Yangtze River Basin for AGD that are of potential value for other developing regions.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Tianxiang YU, Jichen ZHOU, Lin MA, Fusuo ZHANG, Zed RENGEL, William J. DAVIES, Jianbo SHEN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 83-99. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024538

    ● Knowledge of the quantitative evaluation of changes in agriculture green development (AGD) is currently insufficient at the regional scale.

    ● Progress and potential pathways towards AGD in Hainan Province were assessed.

    ● The AGD index for Hainan Province improved from 38.8 in 1988 to 40.9 in 2019.

    ● Optimized nutrient management and diet structure improved the AGD index significantly.

    ● This approach can be used to assess the effects of future policies.

    The realization of green and sustainable development of agriculture is the common pursuit all over the world. Agriculture green development (AGD) program has been proposed as a sustainable development strategy in China, but insufficient is known about the quantitative evaluation of spatiotemporal variation in AGD at the regional scale. This study aimed to assess spatiotemporal patterns in AGD at the county/city-based regional level. For this purpose, a systematic index evaluation system was developed to assess the performance of socioeconomic, food production and environmental components in a key economic region (Hainan Province) of China. Hainan improved its AGD index (representing the overall performance toward achieving AGD) from 38.8 in 1988 to 40.9 in 2019. The socioeconomic development and agricultural productivity have improved with time; environmental quality declined due to overuse of chemicals from 1988 to 2013, but steadily improved after 2013, indicating positive effects of reducing chemical input. There was a higher AGD index in the coastal vs. central regions and the southern vs. northern regions. Scenarios featuring improved nutrient management or optimized diet structure and reduced waste improved economic benefits and social productivity while concurrently reducing environmental degradation. These results provide new insights for the future development of green and sustainable agriculture and formulation of agricultural policies in Hainan Province of China and even other developing countries that are facing or will soon face similar challenges.

  • REVIEW
    William J. DAVIES
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 35-54. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023514

    ● The urgent need to address increasing worldwide food and climate insecurity.

    ● Potential conflicts between these aims.

    ● Environmental challenges require a revolution in global farming practices.

    ● Growing concerns over diet-related health problems.

    ● New plant science to reduce global food insecurity.

    In many countries, political and environmental pressures are currently combining to generate a perfect storm of circumstances that is reducing food availability, increasing food costs and thereby reducing the availability of food to many. The UK is currently considering new national food and land management policies, and attention is also being given to legislation to address diet-related health issues. Many now argue for a revolution in UK farming practices to reduce their impact on the natural environment. The UK is not alone in facing these and other challenges. Both the contribution of agriculture to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the effects of climate change on food production are issues receiving worldwide attention. Regenerative agricultural practices can result in greater C capture, reduced GHG emissions, enhanced soil quality and enhanced biodiversity. However, it is questioned if such farming systems will be productive enough to feed a growing population with the food required for social and health benefits. To fully exploit the impact of new plant science in farmer fields, it is imperative to effectively link science to farming practices and conduct a broader conversation around the food revolution with social scientists and with the general public.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Xiao XU, Yanxiang JIA, Yuan FENG, Haixing ZHANG, Wen XU, Qichao ZHU
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 55-68. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024536

    ● Objective based county-level AGD evaluation index system was established.

    ● A typical agricultural county of Quzhou County in the North China Plain was use as a representative study.

    ● Unbalanced development was revealed as well as large gaps relative to targets.

    ● Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed more synergistic effect than trade-off effect.

    ● Trade-off existed between eco-environment and both food production and socioeconomic dimensions.

    Agriculture green development (AGD) has become an unavoidable choice to address the unique national circumstances of China. This study established a county-level AGD evaluation index system, comprised three dimensions, food production, ecological environment and socioeconomic development, using 20 indicators. The assessment delved into historical trend and current situation, utilizing Spearman rank correlation analysis to analyze trade-off and synergy relationships, using Quzhou County, Hebei Province as a case study. The main findings were in four areas. Firstly, the index for AGD in Quzhou County increased by 58.9% from 1978 to 2019. The major contribution were the social economy (65.8%) and food production (53.5%), whereas the ecological environment was found to have had a negative impact. Secondly, in 2019, the AGD index was only 56.4, indicating substantial potential for improvement relative to the target value. A notable difference in scores existed between the three dimensions, with the order being ecological environment (66.3) > food production (61.7) > socioeconomic (41.3). Also, 90% of the indicators did not reach the target value. Thirdly, relationship analysis of the indicators revealed that the synergistic effect exceeded the trade-off effect. Specifically, 46.3% of the indicators had no significant relationship, 35.3% had a synergistic relationship, and 18.4% had a trade-off relationship. Finally, interdimensional indicator relationships exhibited a trade-off effect between the ecological environment and both food production and socioeconomic dimensions. However, a positive trend of synergy between production and ecology has emerged since 2015. In conclusion, the quantitative evaluation index system exposed the unbalanced development and significant potential relative to the target value of AGD in Quzhou County, despite notable progress.

  • REVIEW
    Kemo JIN, Nico HEERINK, William J. DAVIES, Jianbo SHEN, Yifeitong ZHANG, Yong HOU, Yaqiao ZHAO, Zhengxiong ZHAO, Fusuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 100-112. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024545

    ● Challenges of agricultural development in the Erhai Lake basin.

    ● STB model promoting agricultural green transformation in Erhai Lake basin.

    ● Approach and impact of the Erhai STB in agriculture green development.

    ● Balancing farmer income with environmental goals.

    ● Erhai’s success: a blueprint for global sustainable farming.

    Balancing ecological preservation with sustainable agricultural practices is a global issue. Erhai Lake has felt this challenge keenly. To address it, in 2022, a Science and Technology Backyards (STBs) project was launched in Gusheng Village. The goal of this is to care for the environment while ensuring that farms and farmers can thrive sustainably. The uniqueness of the Erhai STB arises from its interdisciplinary integration, encompassing fields such as ecology, agronomy and social science, resulting in specifically-designed solutions for the Erhai context. While this model aligns with broader STB paradigms, its distinctive edge lies in technological innovation and robust support mechanisms for local agricultural stakeholders. This paper describes the methodology and outcomes of the STB initiative, highlighting its pivotal role in spearheading sustainable transition in Erhai. Preliminary findings underscore the potential of the STB model as an efficacious tool for harmonizing environmental conservation and agricultural practices, that are both financially and environmentally sustainable, rendering it a potential model for comparable regions in China and other counties.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Jianjie ZHANG, Xiangwen FAN, Ling LIU, Lin MA, Zhaohai BAI, Wenqi MA
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 69-82. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024548

    ● Relationships between agricultural green development (AGD) and 10 UN SDGs are presented.

    ● Historical changes and characteristics of AGD in China are analyzed.

    ● Knowledge gaps in AGD indicators in China are identified.

    While agricultural green development (AGD) is highly recognized and has become a national strategy in China, it is imperative to bridge the knowledge gaps between AGD and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to evaluate the contribution of AGD to meeting the SDGs. The first aim of this study was to compare the AGD goals and indicators with those of the SDGs so as to identify their relationship. The next aim was to examine the historical evolution of AGD indicators and analyze the gaps between the current status of various indicators and their benchmarks. Limiting factors were identified in China’s transition toward AGD. These findings reveal that the indicators of AGD align with those of the SDGs, but have greater specificity to the context in China and are more quantifiable. There has been a significant increase per capita calorie and protein intakes in China, as well as a notable rise in agricultural output per unit of arable land and rural incomes from 1980 to the 2010s. However, these achievements have been accompanied by a high resource use and environmental pollution, highlighting the need for a more sustainable, environmentally responsible agriculture in China.

  • REVIEW
    Rosli Muhammad NAIM, Maisarah Abdul MUTALIB, Aida Soraya SHAMSUDDIN, Mohd Nizam LANI, Indang Ariati ARIFFIN, Shirley Gee Hoon TANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(4): 652-673. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024550

    The escalating recognition of sustainable agriculture and food systems is a response to the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity, climate change, environmental deterioration and economic pressures. In this review, sustainable agriculture is characterized as an array of farming practices that effectively address immediate demands, while simultaneously safeguarding the potential of future generations to fulfill their needs. The primary objectives include sustained productivity, pollution reduction, and economic viability and sustainability. Sustainable food systems incorporate dimensions beyond production, including processing, distribution, consumption patterns, and waste management along the entire food supply chain. An abundance of research underscores the manifold benefits offered by sustainable agriculture and food systems to society at large. These advantages include fostering climate resilience, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing water quality, promoting biodiversity, enriching soil fertility, fortifying rural livelihoods and nurturing community well-being. Nevertheless, the path toward sustainability is strewn with significant challenges. These include substantial costs involved in transitioning, conflicts in policy objectives, and the pervasive influence of traditional methods. Achieving sustainability requires the execution of holistic strategies that traverse various sectors and scales. Accelerating this progress can be facilitated through the adoption of diverse strategies, including agroforestry, agroecology, urban agriculture, farmer knowledge exchange, ecosystem service payments and supply chain shortening. However, the success of these strategies hinges on the provision of appropriate policies and incentives. Further research is vital to ascertain the ideal conditions for implementing specific interventions and to assess the comprehensive expenses and benefits linked to them. This review emphasizes the assertion that widespread adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture and interconnected food systems has positive impacts in terms of community nutrition, conservation of natural resources and long-term economic progress.

  • REVIEW
    Ziqi WANG, Guotao SUN, Jiamin WANG, Gongshe YANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(3): 468-484. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023487

    ● Research on heavy metal passivation and nitrogen emissions is necessary for the pig industry.

    ● Mechanism of heavy metal passivation and nitrogen retention by different additives was introduced.

    ● Development and prospect of metal passivation, nitrogen preservation technology were discussed.

    The widespread use of feed additives in intensive and large-scale pig farming has resulted in high levels of heavy metals in pig manure. The long-term application of organic fertilizers containing high levels of heavy metals leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, which not only causes heavy metal pollution in the soil, and also affect food safety and endanger human health. Composting is an economical and effective technical measures to achieve environmentally-sustainable treatment of pig manure and is a practical method to reduce the problem of heavy metals and to improve the resource value of pig manure. The composting process is accompanied by high temperatures and the production and emission of gases, and also lead to changes in the nitrogen content of the compost and provide opportunity for heavy metal passivation additives. This paper summarizes the forms and types of heavy metals present in pig manure and reviews the progress of research as well as the techniques and problems of in the composting process, and provides recommendations for research on heavy metal passivation and nitrogen retention in pig manure composting.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Wenguang CHEN, Xiangbin KONG, Yubo LIAO
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 282-291. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023523

    ● Cultivated land quality can be considered in four dimensions: suitability, contiguity, resistance, and ecological stress.

    ● China’s future goals for construct cultivated land quality include four aspects: promoting the sustainable use of resources, improving the economic benefits of farming, coping with extreme meteorological disasters and meeting the transition of the food system.

    ● In the future, China should create three major food production spaces: high-standard, low- to medium-yield, and marginal cultivated land.

    ● Paths for improving cultivated land quality in the three major food production spaces were developed.

    Quality is the core feature of cultivated land. In the face of deteriorating cultivated land quality and growing food demand, improving cultivated land quality is a top priority for guaranteeing the sustainable use of resources and national food security. Cultivated land quality in the new era can be considered in four dimensions: suitability, contiguity, resistance and ecological stress. Cultivated land suitability in China shows a decreasing trend from east to west, cultivated land contiguity is high in the north-east and low in the south-west. In terms of cultivated land resistance, the number of strongly and weakly resistant cropping fields is small and spatially clustered. Cultivated land with ecological stress is mainly located in the northern region. Based on the current situation of cultivated land quality and the strategic needs of national high-quality development, China’s future goals for improving cultivated land quality include four aspects: promoting the sustainable use of resources, improving the economic benefits of farming, coping with extreme meteorological disasters and meeting the transition of the food system. Against the backdrop of a volatile international environment and high domestic demand for food, China should guarantee a safe supply of staples, a stable supply of animal feed and a moderate supply of high-nutrient food. In the future, China should create three major food production spaces: high-standard, low- to medium-yield, and marginal cultivated land. China urgently needs to construct three paths to implement the goal of improving cultivated land quality, namely the development of high-standard cultivated land with the core of spatial optimization, resilience enhancement and scale coupling, the transformation of low- to medium-yield cultivated land with the core of obstacle elimination, tenure adjustment, ecological sustainable, and the conservation development of marginal cultivated land with a focus on sustainable use.

  • REVIEW
    Zijian LONG, Yifei WANG, Baoru SUN, Xiaoyan TANG, Kemo JIN
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 243-252. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024566

    ● Soil compaction due to intensive agriculture threatens soil quality, crop growth, and food security.

    ● Study explores the factors contributing to compaction, aiming to develop effective mitigation methods.

    ● The goal is to reduce soil compaction, improve soil quality, boost crop yield and enhance agricultural sustainability.

    ● Innovations needed to address soil compaction in modern agriculture.

    With the development of agricultural technology to meet the growing demands of a rapidly increasing population and economic development, intensive agriculture practices have been widely adopted globally. However, this intensification has resulted in adverse consequences for soil structure due to intensified farming activities and increased usage of heavy farm machinery. Of particular concern is soil compaction, which leads to the degradation of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Soil compaction negatively impacts crop growth, reduces yields and poses a significant threat to food security and the overall sustainability of agricultural systems. Recognizing these challenges, this review aims to deepen understanding of the factors contributing to soil compaction and to develop effective mitigation strategies. By doing so, it is intended to attenuate the adverse impacts of soil compaction, improve soil structure, increase crop yield and ultimately enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Demeku MESFIN, Engdawork ASSEFA, Belay SIMANE
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 303-313. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023502

    ● Soil properties varied within coefficients of variation ranging from 7% to 169%.

    ● High variation in available phosphorus was caused by different management practices.

    ● Midland plains are dominated by Vertisol and Nitosols more suitable for agriculture.

    ● Lowland and mountainous highland area of the watershed are neither fertile nor suitable for agriculture.

    ● Lime application and organic fertilizer are fundamental to reversing soil acidity.

    Awareness of how soil properties vary over agroecosystems (AES) is essential for understanding soil potentials and improving site-specific agricultural management strategies for a sustainable ecosystem. This study examined the characteristics of soil quality attributes and implications for agriculture in the Choke Mountain watershed in Ethiopia. Forty-seven composite soil samples (0–20 cm deep) were collected from lowland and valley fragmented (AES 1), midland plain with black soil (AES 2), midland plain with brown soil (AES 3), sloppy midland land (AES 4), and hilly and mountainous highlands (AES 5). Ten of 15 soil quality properties were significant (P < 0.05 or 0.01), including silt, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, percent base saturation, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen and available phosphorous (P) across the five AES. However, all properties were variable with coefficients of variation from 7% (total porosity) to 169% (available P) across the AES. Although AES 2 and 3 are affected by waterlogging and acidity, these two have better prospects for agriculture, but AES 1, 4, and 5 are unsuitable for agriculture because of soil erosion. Therefore, appropriate and applicable soil management strategies, particularly lime application and organic fertilizer, are fundamental to reversing soil acidity and improving soil fertility.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Arnauld THIRY, William J. DAVIES, Ian C. DODD
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 169-185. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023521

    ● Score index methods readily discriminate genotypes adapted to a target environment.

    ● New quantitative method evaluated productivity and resilience of rice genotypes.

    ● Method identified A genotypes (high productivity and resilience) of Fernandez (1992).

    ● Method identified genotypes better adapted to reduced soil water conditions.

    ● Method can enhance rice sustainability (high productivity, low water use).

    In Asia, the rice crop sustains millions of people. However, growing demand for this crop needs to be met while simultaneously reducing its water consumption to cope with the effects of climate change. Lowland cropping systems are the most common and productive but have particularly high water requirements. High-yielding rice genotypes adapted to drier environments (such as rainfed or aerobic rice ecosystems) are needed to increase the water use efficiency of cropping. Identifying these genotypes requires fast and more accurate selection methods. It is hypothesized that applying a new quantitative selection method (the score index selection method), can usefully compare rice yield responses over different years and stress intensities to select genotypes more rapidly and efficiently. Applying the score index to previously published rice yield data for 39 genotypes grown in no-stress and two stress environments, identified three genotypes (ARB 8, IR55419-04 and ARB 7) with higher and stable yield under moderate to severe stress conditions. These genotypes are postulated to be better adapted to stress environment such as upland and aerobic environments. Importantly, the score index selection method offers improved precision than the conventional breeding selection method in identifying genotypes that are well-suited to a range of stress levels within the target environment.

  • EDITORIAL
    Guangzhou WANG, Qichao ZHU, Junling ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 213-215. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024569
  • REVIEW
    Fanlei MENG, Menru WANG, Yong HOU, Lin MA, Wenqi MA, Xuejun LIU, Fusuo ZHANG, Wen XU
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 113-121. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024540

    ● The framework of multi-objective nitrogen (N) management was developed.

    ● Multi-objective targets were established to support agriculture sustainable production.

    ● A food chain approach was developed to accurately quantify N flow in food system.

    ● “3R” principle was used in developing N management strategy.

    ● The collaboration with different stakeholders is crucial for promoting technologies.

    Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient for food production. The rapid increase in population requires high inputs of N to meet the growing food demand. If not managed well, the substantial loss of N from the food system has multiple impacts on grain yield, air and water pollution, and the economic benefits of agricultural. Multi-objective (food security, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability) synergistic consideration of N management in the food system is still lacking. This study employed strategies for optimizing N management in the food system, using Quzhou County as a typical example on the North China Plain. Firstly, a food chain approach was adopted to understand drivers and reasons behind N losses from the food system. Secondly, a top-down approach was used to define multi-objective N management, taking into consideration food security, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. Multi-objective N management aims to reduce N losses to the environment and increase N use efficiencies, while simultaneously increasing yields and economic benefits. Thirdly, 3R (reduce-retain-recycle) N management strategies were identified for specific crops and animals through a bottom-up approach and then analyzed the potential of these strategies to achieve the multi-objectives. Finally, there is a discussion of how to engage different stakeholders to promote the technologies implementation. This study provides new insights into the synergistic achievement of multi-objective N management in the food system and the development of environmentally-friendly agriculture.

  • PERSPECTIVE
    David R. MONTGOMERY
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(2): 297-302. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023530

    ● Much of the world’s agricultural land has been degraded through soil loss and degradation of soil organic matter.

    ● Regenerative farming practices based on combining cover crops, reduced tillage, and diverse crop rotations can rebuild soil, soil organic matter, and soil health.

    ● In the coming decades, global food security will increasingly depend on agricultural policies that respectively support soil-building practices.

    Over the course of the postglacial period has managed to add degrade a substantial portion of the world’s potential agricultural land. The soil loss and degradation that has repeatedly impacted regional societies around the world resulted from agricultural practices that increased the physical loss of soil (erosion), reduced soil organic matter, changed pH (acidification) or salinity, and disrupted or altered communities of soil life. In the coming century, as continued soil degradation threatens global food security while the global population keeps rising it is imperative that farmers develop and adopt soil-health building (regenerative) practices to solve a problem that has plagued societies throughout history. Growing evidence suggests that agricultural systems that combine cover crops, reduced tillage, and diverse crop rotations can reduce erosion, enhance soil health and rebuild soil organic matter to cultivate beneficial soil life and harvest both economic and environmental benefits. In the coming post-oil world, global food security would benefit from a global effort to promote soil restoration to help addresses the challenge of sustainably feeding the world, increase soil-based carbon sequestration, protect on-farm biodiversity and reduce off-farm water pollution. Because soil security sets a solid foundation for global food security, agricultural policies and subsidies should be reformed to encourage farmers to adopt regenerative, soil-building practices.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Mengyuan QIAO, Jianchun ZHU, Ronghua LI, Junting PAN, Ran XIAO, Hailong WANG, Kuok Ho Daniel TANG, Zengqiang ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(3): 381-396. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024552

    ● Production, distributions and environmental risks of LM in Shaanxi were studied.

    ● Energy utilization and carbon emission reduction potentials of LM in Shaanxi were estimated.

    ● LM in Shaanxi reached 4.64 × 106 t in 2021 with cattle and pig manure as the primary sources.

    ● LM is concentrated in northern Shaanxi and the eastern part of Hanzhong.

    ● Volumes of LM in Ankang and Hanzhong posed potential N and P pollution risks.

    ● LM energy potential and carbon emission reduction potential are 1.2 × 1011 MJ and 22%.

    Shaanxi is a leading province in animal husbandry (AH) in China. However, the lack of provincial information on the characteristics and utilization potential of livestock manure (LM) hinders crucial management decisions. Therefore, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution, availability and biogas potential of LM in Shaanxi, and examine the carbon emission reduction potential of AH. There has been a 1.26-fold increase in LM quantities in Shaanxi over the past 35 years, reaching 4635.6 × 104 t by 2021. LM was mainly concentrated in northern Shaanxi and the eastern part of Hanzhong. Cattle and pig manure were the primary sources of LM, with the average LM land-load of 14.57 t·ha−1 in 2021. While the overall AH in Shaanxi has not exceeded the environmental capacity, the actual scales of AH in Ankang and Hanzhong have already surpassed the respective environmental capacities, posing a higher risk of N and P pollutions. In 2021, the estimated biogas energy potential of LM was 1.2 × 1011 MJ. From 2012 to 2021, the average carbon emission reduction potential in Shaanxi was 22%, with an average potential scale of 10%. The results of this research provide valuable data and policy recommendations for promoting the intensive use of LM and reducing carbon emissions in Shaanxi.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
    Xiaomeng ZHANG, Xiangwen FAN, Wenqi MA, Zhaohai BAI, Jiafa LUO, Jing YANG, Ling LIU, Jianjie ZHANG, Lin MA
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 140-154. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2023533

    ● Development of a novel multi-indicator partition optimization method of nitrogen nutrient management.

    ● Calculation of multi-indicator environmental thresholds for ammonia volatilization, nitrogen surplus and soil carrying capacity in various regions within the basin.

    ● Recommendation of various regional spatial optimization methods to enhance nutrient management in crop–livestock systems.

    Although China has achieved great advancements toward national food security, the country is still confronted with a range of challenges, including natural resource stress, imbalanced diets and environmental pollution. Optimized management of crop–livestock systems is the key measure to realize agricultural green transformation. However, optimized management of crop–livestock systems that use multi-objective zoning is lacking. This study employed a multi-objective zoning management approach to comprehensively analyze four indicators: ammonia volatilization, nitrogen surplus, soil carrying capacity and ecological red line area. With its significant ecological integrity and a strong emphasis on sustainability, the Baiyangdian Basin serves as a unique and suitable test case for conducting analyses on multi-objective nutrient optimization management, with the aim to facilitate the agricultural green transformation. This study finds that less than 8% of the area in the Baiyangdian Basin meet the acceptable environmental indicator standard, whereas around 50% of the area that had both nitrogen surplus and ammonia volatilization exceeded the threshold. Implementation of unified management, that is, the same management technique across the study areas, could result in an increase of areas meeting environmental indicator thresholds to 21.1%. This project developed a novel multi-indicator partition optimization method, in which distinct measures are tailored for different areas to satisfy multiple environmental indicators. Implementation of this method, could potentially bring more than 50% area below the threshold, and areas with ammonia emissions and nitrogen surplus could be reduced to 15.8%. The multi-indicators partition optimization method represents a more advanced and efficiency-oriented management approach when compared to unified management. This approach could be regarded as the best available option to help China achieve agricultural transformation to improve efficient production and reduce environmental pollution. It is recommended that current policies aimed at nutrient management toward sustainable agricultural development should shift toward the application of multi-indicators partition optimization.

  • REVIEW
    Xiangwen FAN, Xiaomeng ZHANG, Xiaofei WU, Wenqi MA, Zhaohai BAI, Lin MA
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 197-209. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024544

    ● Utilizing optimization technology in crop and livestock systems can enhance food production.

    ● Numerous technologies have the potential to contribute to the mitigation of environmental impacts within food systems.

    ● Three potential pathways are proposed that could transform the current food system to align with SDGs and agricultural green development.

    A recent UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) analysis indicated a significant regression in the global SDG goal scores, particularly in SDG 2—Zero Hunger. The emissions of environmental pollution caused by meeting food demands have prompted some countries to intensify their climate change mitigation efforts. These circumstances have introduced significant uncertainty to the future global sustainable food development. Additionally, a notable global challenge is the persistence of hidden hunger, primarily characterized by the insufficient consumption of high-quality animal protein. Addressing this issue would necessitate increased environmental costs to attain high-quality food security. The future food system presents a significant challenge in coordinating food security, food quality and environmental quality. This article presents a comprehensive review and proposes a three-step strategy for future agricultural development based on food security, quality, and environmental aspects. This is a novel food system transfer strategy, as it concurrently addresses both global food security and environmental thresholds. It involves the construction of an efficient food system that operates within the constraints of environmental limits. The objective is to align with global SDG indicators and to maintain natural resource consumption and pollutant emissions within planetary boundaries.

  • COMMENTS
    Tianzuo ZHANG
    Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2024, 11(1): 210-212. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FASE-2024541