Cultivation Systems Using Vegetation Cover Improves Sustainable Production and Nutritional Quality of New Rice for Africa in the Tropics

Little is known about the impact of direct sowing under vegetation cover on the production and quality of New Rice for Africa （NERICA） on poor oxisol. In this study, two NERICA varieties （NERICA 3 and NERICA 8） were grown under tropical oxisol soil with very low nutrient contents. Four cultivation systems were used in completely randomized block design, including plowing （control）, unplowed soil with dead vegetation cover （DVC）, unplowed soil with live vegetation cover （LVC） and unplowed soil with mixed vegetation cover （MVC）. DVC significantly improved the exponential growth of NERICAs. NERICA 3 was the more productive （2.16–3.05 t/hm2） compared with NERICA 8 （0.71–1.21 t/hm2）. Cultivation systems improved the nutritional quality of NERICAs. The total protein content of NERICA 3 under DVC and MVC was 84.8% and 75.0% higher than control, respectively. The total soluble carbohydrate contents of NERICA 8 under LVC and MVC was 73.2% and 57.3% higher than control, respectively. These results suggested that conservative approach like direct sowing on unplowed soil with vegetation cover systems can improve the nutritional quality of rainfed NERICAs and their sustainable production under poor oxisol soil in sub-Saharan Africa.

Multiple cropping and soil fertility in sustainable production of paddy fields

Multiple cropping has been popularized on morethan two thirds of the total area of paddy fields inSouth China.It demands more nutrients due tohigher cropping index.Therefore,how to keepmoderately higher yields of multiple crops and to

A Sustainable Production Model for Potato at Low Latitude Plateau in Winter in Yunnan Province

[Objectives]To find a sustainable production model for potato at low latitude plateau in winter in Yunnan Province.[Methods]Xuanshu 2 potato variety was tested in prefectures of Yunnan Province.Soil covering experiment was conducted in two trials(open field experiment and green house potted experiment).Impacts of three cultivation factors were analyzed:(i)three cultivation models(T1,T2 and T3),(ii)planting density(T1,T2 and T3),(iii)soil covering(T1,T2,T3,T4)on plant growth,and yield production.[Results]The soil moisture content,temperature,roots growth,stems development,leaf area index,and number-weight of tubers per plant and per plot(g)have significantly increased with commercial yield average of 45 t/ha.[Conclusions]The combination of this method with modern agriculture mechanization should be further popularized and applied in large scale planting in regions with climatic conditions similar winter season in Yunnan Province,so as to make contribution to the satisfaction of the world population potato consumption.

Banana Fusarium Wilt(Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense)Control and Resistance, in the Context of Developing Wilt-resistant Bananas Within Sustainable Production Systems

Banana(Musa spp.) is seriously threatened by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense(Foc), also known as Panama disease.Attempts to control Fusarium wilt with fungicides damage soil health and have limited efficiency due to pathogenic variability. Elucidating the mechanism of infection and molecular basis of host defense through banana genome sequencing, genome editing and proteomic profile analysis will help formulate strategies to develop resistant cultivars. This will include research to better understand the functions of Fusarium wilt-resistance proteins. Transgenic approaches and protoplast fusion could be employed as tools for transferring resistance genes from wild relatives to commercial banana varieties, and may serve as a new strategy in solving the problems faced by banana breeding programmes.Evaluation of banana germplasm for resistance to Fusarium wilt using in vitro mutation and selection, along with somaclonal variation and somatic hybridization, could improve banana breeding efficiency for resistance against Foc. Plant hormones could also play an important role in regulating plant growth and defense by mediating developmental processes and signaling networks involved in banana responses to Foc. A complementary approach for managing Fusarium wilt, such as exclusion, surveillance and biological control as important components of integrated disease management programs must be considered to prevent and contain contagion. This includes studies on banana plant-microbe interactions, embracing both plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR) to induce Foc resistance, and exploring Foc-derived elicitors for inducing defense-related enzymes in bananas. The role of Silicon and crop and livestock integration must also be included in the Fusarium control toolbox. The current review also gathers knowledge of the biotechnological approaches along with biological control of Fusarium wilt of banana that will provide researchers insights and criteria to develop future studies.

A Study of Optimum Switching Problem for Production Systems Considering Efficiency, Delivery Time and Green Evaluation

This paper aims to derive the optimal switching strategy for production system considering efficiency, delivery time and green evaluation. Nowadays more and more manufacturing and logistics systems not only pursue better work efficiency, but also focus on green energy evaluation issues. Cost reduction and shortening of delivery time are always important management issues in pursuit of efficiency and optimization of the entire production system because of global production competition. In a market situation where customer needs change in various ways, in particular, due to inadequate quality, changes in the local environment, natural disasters and so on. Therefore, prompt planning of management measures such as switching work processes and changing production methods has become an important issue. On the other hand, since the Paris Agreement came into effect, the construction of an environment-friendly production system has been required as an approach to environmental problems such as global warming. In this paper, we propose an optimum switching model of production systems considering efficiency, delivery time and green evaluation using a green evaluation index (GEC: Green Energy Coefficient). We also discuss the optimal switching strategy by numerical observation.

International Conference on Sustainable Rice Production - Policy, Technology and Extension Celebration Activity for International Year of Rice and World Food Day 2004

Rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s Population.The production,processing and management of paddy rice have provided the basic conditions for the living of mankind.The production of rice has not only created

Maximizing Oil Palm Yield: Innovative Replanting Strategies for Sustainable Productivity

This paper examines the significance of innovative replanting strategies in maximizing oil palm yield while ensuring sustainable productivity.Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of current practices,the major findings of this research highlighted the importance of advanced breeding and clonal selection in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant oil palm varieties.Precision agriculture technologies,including IoT devices,drones,and sensors,were identified as critical tools for data-driven decision making,optimizing resource efficiency,and reducing environmental impact.Sustainable land use planning and agroforestry integration emerged as key strategies to balance productivity with environmental conservation.The broader impacts of this work extend to other agricultural sectors and land use planning,offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to promote responsible and resilient agricultural practices.By embracing innovative replanting strategies,the oil palm industry can contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future,balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.Continued research and collaboration are essential to achieve these goals and foster a harmonious coexistence between productivity and sustainability,integrating precision agriculture technologies for resource optimization and reduced environmental impact,promoting sustainable land use planning and agroforestry integration to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.Strengthening collaborations between governments,industry players,and research institutions for innovation and knowledge exchange is essential.

Experiences and Research Perspectives on Sustainable Development of Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems in the Chengdu Plain, China

The rice and wheat cropping pattern is one of the main cropping systems in the world. A large number of research results showed that successive cropping of rice and wheat resulted in a series of problems such as hindering nutrition absorption, gradual degeneration of soil fertility, decline of soil organic matter, and increased incidence of diseases and pests. In China, especially in the Chengdu plain where rice-wheat cropping system is practiced, productivity and soil fertility was enhanced and sustained. This paper reviews the relevant data and experiences on rice-wheat cropping in the Chengdu Plain from 1977 to 2006. The principal sustainable strategies used for rice-wheat cropping systems in Chengdu Plain included： 1） creating a favorable environment and viable rotations; 2） balanced fertilization for maintenance of sustainable soil productivity; 3） improvement of crop management for higher efficiency; and 4） use the newest cultivars and cultivation techniques to upgrade the production level. Future research is also discussed in the paper as： 1） the constant topic： a highly productive and efficient rice-wheat cropping system for sustainable growth; 2） the future trend： simplified cultivation techniques for the rice-wheat cropping system; 3） the foundation： basic research for continuous innovation needed for intensive cropping. It is concluded that in the rice-wheat cropping system, a scientific and reasonable tillage/cultivation method can not only avoid the degradation of soil productivity, but also maintain sustainable growth in the long run.

Soil and Water Resources and Land Sustainable Productivity in the Catchment Area with Intensive Management in Hilly Red Soil Regions,China

Taking an example of Majiayu Catchment Area (14.15 ha) in Taoyuan County of HunanProvince, the soil and water resources dynamics, fertility evolution characteristics andland productivity changing situation were studied. Fixed observation results from 1993to 2002 showed that pools covering about 15% of total area could store up 10% of surfacerunoff, keep 78.1% of eroded soil and 65.4% of lost nutrients. The yearly ratio ofinterception and evapotranspiration in land, storage in pools and drainage was 7:2:1,which ensured the resources and nutrients equilibrium and a benign recycle in thecatchment area system, and benefited the aquatic culture and helped to resist seasonaldrought. Moreover, the results showed that soil erosion modulus decreased significantly,equal to or lower than soil loss tolerance (≤500 tkm-2) in reddish yellow soil regions.Soil organic matter, total and available N content in sloping land, dryland and paddyfield increased steadily (>10%); water storage enhanced by more than 20% in sloping landand dryland in drought season; crop production increased by more than 20%; and productionof trees, fruits, tea and fish as well as land productivity increased yearly.

Bio-PCI a renewable reductant for iron production—where can it flourish?

Presently the iron and steel makers are compelled to incorporate rational initiatives to reduce its processing CO_2 total emissions.In the medium and long term,the injection of small particles of biochar through the tuyerees in blast furnaces,here called Bio-PCI,offers attractive features from the environmental and metallurgical point of view,as it is a renewable carbon neutral reductant and presents lesser impurities than coke.However,its utilization in iron plants is been hindered by the traditional large availability of relatively economical coal and coke.As the cost of the principal processing inputs increases(coal,coke and iron ore) the gap between fossil and renewable reductants decreases.In this sense,our contribution aims to complement the metallurgical inquiry of technical feasibility with a strategic identification of the areas with best prospects to benefits from the incorporation of Bio-PCI:where can it flourish?.Our analysis leads to indicate that emerging countries in specific,China,Brazil and India,are in a prime position to incorporate the Bio-PCI as they simultaneously comply with a growing iron industry based on blast furnaces,and possess an important potential for energy generation from forestry residues.

Nutralys pea protein Sustainable and innovative product from Roquette

What is sustainable development and what should we do?First definition of sustainable development given in 1987 by world Commission on Environment and Development (Bruntland Commission),it is the most often-quoted definition:

Sustained and Steady Development Maintainedfor Production and Operation in Changqing

Sincethebeginningoftheyear.ChangqingPetroleumExplorationBureauhasestablishedaclearworkstrategyandformulatedthedevelopmentplan.Efficientmanagementhasbeenrealized.Asaresult,goodeconomiced'iciencyhasbeenachievedandasustainedandsteadygrowthmomentumhasbee...

Molybdenum disulfide as hydrogen evolution catalyst:From atomistic to materials structure and electrocatalytic performance

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis defines the novel energy vector for achieving a sustainable society.However,the true progress of the given technology is hindered by the sluggish and complex hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)occurring at the cathodic side of the system where overpriced and scarce Pt-based electrocatalysts are usually employed.Therefore,efficient platinum group metals(PGMs)-free electrocatalysts to carry out HER with accelerated kinetics are urgently demanded.In this scenario,molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))owing to efficacious structural attributes and optimum hydrogen-binding free energy(ΔG_(H*))is emerging as a reliable alternative to PGMs.However,the performance of MoS_(2)-based electrocatalysts is still far away from the benchmark performance.The HER activity of MoS_(2)can be improved by engineering the structural parameters i.e.,doping,defects inducement,modulating the electronic structure,stabilizing the 1 T phase,creating nanocomposites,and altering the morphologies using appropriate fabrication pathways.Here,we have comprehensively reviewed the majority of the scientific endeavors published in recent years to uplift the HER activity of MoS_(2)-based electrocatalysts using different methods.Advancements in the major fabrication strategies including hydrothermal synthesis methods,chemical vapor deposition,exfoliation techniques,plasma treatments,chemical methodologies,etc.to tune the structural parameters and hence their ultimate influence on the electrocatalytic activity in acidic and/or alkaline media have been thoroughly discussed.This study can provide encyclopedic insights about the fabrication routes that have been pursued to improve the HER performance of MoS_(2)-based electrocatalysts.

Importance of Public Engagement in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the Benefits of Stakeholder Involvement in Project Design, Environmental Soundness, and Social Acceptability

The paper discusses the importance of public engagement in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and the benefits of stakeholder involvement in project design, environmental soundness, and social acceptability. It highlights the negative repercussions of mining activities in Ghana, including health consequences such as skin conditions, fever, coughs, diarrhea, malaria, and catarrh, as well as HIV/AIDS infection among those engaged in or connected to prostitution in mining towns. The environmental effects of mining in Ghana include noise pollution from heavy trucks, contamination of water bodies with chemicals from mineral refining, pollution of agricultural soils leading to reduced food productivity, and wildlife depletion from deforestation. The activities of small-scale miners, particularly those engaged in illicit mining, have a negative impact on water quality and increase the cost of water treatment for public consumption. Mining operations have detrimental effects on the social, cultural, and natural ecosystems in Ghana, affecting the quality of life of local communities. The study takes into consideration the impact of mining activities on the environment and natural resources in Ghana, as these are vital to the livelihoods of Ghanaian communities. Stakeholders in Tarkwa claim that mining operations have distorted the natural path of the river, leading to excessive pollution and making the water unfit for consumption. Ghana’s economy depends heavily on mining, which also contributes significantly to GDP and generates jobs for a large number of people. But mining also has a lot of negative repercussions, the effects of mining extend beyond the mineralized zone initially explored, highlighting the need to consider the environmental impact at every phase of the mining process.

What is artificial meat and what does it mean for the future of the meat industry?

The meat industry cannot respond to increases in demand by ever increasing resource use. The industry must find solutions to issues regarding animal welfare, health and sustainability and will have to do so in the face of competition from emerging non-traditional meat and protein products in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. These novel meat and protein products, otherwise known as ‘artificial meat＇ are utilising ground breaking technologies designed to meet the issues facing the conventional meat industry. These artificial meats, in vitro or cultured meat and meat from genetically modified organisms have no real capacity to compete with conventional meat production in the present environment. However, meat replacements manufactured from plant proteins and mycoproteins are currently the biggest competitors and are gaining a small percentage of the market. Manufactured meats may push conventional meat into the premium end of the market, and supply the bulk, cheap end of the market if conventional meat products become more expensive and the palatability and versatility of manufactured meats improve. In time the technology for other artificial meats such as meat from genetic modified organisms or cultured meat may become sufficiently developed for these products to enter the market with no complexity of the competition between meat products. Conventional meat producers can assimilate agroecology ecology concepts in order to develop sustainable animal production systems. The conventional meat industry can also benefit from assimilating biotechnologies such as cloning and genetic modification technologies, using the technology to adapt to the changing environment and respond to the increasing competition from artificial meats. Although it will depend at least partly on the evolution of conventional meat production, the future of artificial meat produced from stem cells appears uncertain at this time.

Opportunities and Challenges of Plant Bioactive Compounds for Food and Agricultural-Related Areas

The growing development of biological products highlights the social and environmental responsibility that several industrial companies are facing in recent years.In this context,the advancement of bioprocessing as an alternative for exploring the potential of ecologically based products,especially in biofuels,food,and agro-industrial business,exposes the rational efficiency of the application of renewable sources in different industrial segments.Industries strongly associated with food production concentrate large amounts of wastes rich in bioactive compounds.A range of highly effective technologies has been highly explored to recover large concentrations of prominent compounds present in these materials.The advances in this scenario assurance value addition to these by-products,in addition to highlighting their various technological applications,considering the biorefinery and ecologically based production concepts.Accordingly,this review article described a detailed and systematic approach to the importance of using bioactive compounds and exploring the main sources of these elements.Also,some recent and innovative research that has achieved encouraging results was highlighted.Furthermore,the study included the main extraction technologies that have been investigated as a strategy of prospecting the application of bioactive compounds and optimizing the processes for obtaining natural compounds from plant sources.Finally,future outlooks were presented to contribute to the innovative opportunities and applicability of highly promising technologies and manipulations of bioactive compounds from a range of perspectives.

Sustainable food production in marginal lands--Case of GDLA member countries

Sustainable food production in the changing climate and dwindling water resources in the Global Dry Land Alliance(GDLA)member countries is a real challenge,especially when considering marginal lands in dryland systems.The definition of marginal land is very vague and defined from different perspectives(pragmatism about marginal lands).Dryland itself indicates"marginality"due to water stress.In general,the abandoned agriculture land where food production is not economical,and has low inherent productivity potential is considered marginal;however,a land may be marginal for agriculture but vital for grazing.In this paper attempts have been made to give review of literature(water stress,extent of marginal saline lands,marginality).Policy matters(development of soil,water and agriculture strategies)that GDLA and member countries should consider for future sustainable food production in their countries,including but not limited to,assessment of land resources for agriculture potential,defining,mapping and characterizing marginal lands,and use of innovative technologies(conservation agriculture,climate smart agriculture,integrated soil reclamation program and capacity building)for food production,are discussed.The international perception(FAO,UNEP,CGIAR)on marginal lands is also described.An innovative approach of using national biocapacity and ecological footprint is used to assess marginality of GDLA member countries.Ecological overshoot(using 1.5 earth planets)and biocapacity debtor and creditor countries are highlighted.Challenges and best management practices for food production in marginal lands are included.Other important issues,like leasing land abroad,GDLA strategic food reserves and best management practices,innovative ideas for food production are shared.Finally recommendations are drafted for actions by GDLA,its member countries and the partners.

ECO-Case Based Reasoning Tool for Environmental Product Design

Case Based Reasoning(CBR)is one of the artificial intelligent methodologies that is widely used in problem solving by reusing the most similar previous experiences stored in the library.A framework of ECO-CBR for Life Cycle Assessment data collection has been used and the process was carried out using SolidWorks program.The practicality of the tool has been validated using case study,which then provides solution.The output enable researchers to determine forecast error and forecast accuracy,by valuing the calculation from Total Carbon Footprint,Energy Consumption,Air Acidification,and Water Eutrophication.ECO-CBR is able to assist designers in product design.Due to the limitation of environmental impact consideration in product sustainability,there is a demand to propose a tool that can assist designers to reduce environmental impact of product design at early stage.The model works as an essential guideline to lessen repeated mistakes in the product development process and help designers measure the risks before concluding ideal decisions.Minor errors that occur through the study showed that ECO-CBR is reliable to be implemented in order to find a better solution.

Reviewing Threats to Wild Rhodiola sachalinensis,A Medicinally Valuable yet Vulnerable Species

Occurring in China,DPR Korea,Japan,and Russian Federation and classified in the Red List of Chinese Flora as a vulnerable species,Rhodiola sachalinensis Boriss.is used increasingly in cosmetics,dietary supplements,and Traditional Chinese Medicines(TCMs).The aim of this study was to evaluate the(i)conservation status,harvesting and trade levels of R.sachalinensis,(ii)current state of experimental and commercial farming,and(iii)evidence of substitution or interchangeable use of R.sachalinensis with other Rhodiola species.We assessed data from multiple disciplines and languages including studies on R.sachalinensis biology and ecology,information on impacts of wild harvest,management measures,and current levels of cultivation.Our assessment shows that while R.sachalinensis is increasingly produced by cultivation,wild populations are decreasing and face multiple threats.These include(a)habitat loss including due to oil and gas infrastructure development on Sakhalin island,(b)climate change impacts on alpine ecosystems,and(c)overexploitation of wild plants to satisfy the growing commercial demand.Assessments of the conservation status of R.sachalinensis should commence in each Range State,as well as resource assessments and monitoring of harvesting and trade of wild R.sachalinensis.Even with increased reliance on cultivation,biodiversity conservation,and genetic diversity in wild populations are relevant to future use of this species.

PROGRESS ON IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY: UK−CHINA VIRTUAL JOINT CENTERS ON NITROGEN AGRONOMY

Two virtual joint centers for nitrogen agronomy were established between the UK and China to facilitate collaborative research aimed at improving nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)in agricultural production systems and reducing losses of reactive N to the environment.Major focus areas were improving fertilizer NUE,use of livestock manures,soil health,and policy development and knowledge exchange.Improvements to fertilizer NUE included attention to application rate in the context of yield potential and economic considerations and the potential of improved practices including enhanced efficiency fertilizers,plastic film mulching and cropping design.Improved utilization of livestock manures requires knowledge of the available nutrient content,appropriate manure processing technologies and integrated nutrient management practices.Soil carbon,acidification and biodiversity were considered as important aspects of soil health.Both centers identified a range of potential actions that could be taken to improve N management,and the research conducted has highlighted the importance of developing a systemslevel approach to assessing improvement in the overall efficiency of N management and avoiding unintended secondary effects from individual interventions.Within this context,the management of fertilizer emissions and livestock manure at the farm and regional scales appear to be particularly important targets for mitigation.