This study explores the elements that impact the fluctuations in crop yield in the Philippines for both irrigation and rainfed agricultural systems, focusing on the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium fertilization on crop yield. Spearman's Rank Correlation determines the relationship between soil fertility, nutrient content, and crop yield. These correlations suggest that adequate water allows for the efficient use of nutrients. On the other hand, rainfed systems show a strong negative correlation with fertilization for nitrogen (r = -0.562, p \ < 0.001) and phosphorus (r = -0.565, p \< 0.001), suggesting that water limitations affect nitrogen use. We observed that irrigation has a strong positive correlation with nitrogen application (r = 0.773, p \< 0.001) and magnesium application (r = 0.346, p = 0.001), among other nutrients. Machine learning models such as Decision Tree, Random Forests, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) were used; regarding the model performance evaluation, the Random Forest model demonstrated strong consistency and robustness, regardless of whether it was an irrigated or rainfed area, with only slight increases in MAE (0.3107 to 0.3607), MSE (0.1790 to 0.2391), and RMSE (0.4230 to 0.4890), while maintaining high R² values (0.8661 to 0.8095). The study points out the need for tailored agricultural practices, emphasizing synchronized water and nutrient management in irrigated areas and water conservation in rainfed areas to enhance rice production and ensure food security.

Cultivating oleiferous brassica species, including rapeseed and mustard, is essential for increasing edible oil production in Bangladesh. However, the expansion of its cultivation faces challenges due to the dominance of rice-based cropping patterns. The present study evaluated 30 genotypes of B. campestris, B. napus, and B. juncea over two growing seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) in Gazipur, Bangladesh, to identify short-duration high-yielding genotypes that are fit for cultivation in the 70-80-day gap between T-Aman and Boro rice cropping windows. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant genetic effects (p < 0.001) for most traits, with no substantial differences between years. High genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) values were observed for traits such as pods on secondary branches, secondary branches, mature pod plants^-1, and pods on primary branches, indicating consequential genetic control and selection potential. Correlation analyses demonstrated that grain yield was positively and significantly associated with biomass (BIO; r = 0.92***), thousand grain weight (TGwt; r = 0.87***), and phenological traits such as days to flowering and days to maturity, indicating their importance in selection. Among the four clusters, the highest yield-producing genotypes were grouped in Cluster III, while early flowering genotypes formed in Cluster II. Principal component analysis explained over 63% of the total variation, capturing heritability-controlled traits (grain yield, biological yield, mature pod plants^-1, pods on primary branches, and days to maturity) in PC1, whereas environmentally influenced traits (pod length, harvest index, and oil content) were in PC2. Heatmap analysis further confirmed distinct trait patterns, aiding in selecting specific genotypes with early flowering and high yield. Genotypes G12 (TH-2) and G6 (SAU Sarisha-1) produced moderate yields (average 1.79 and 1.75 t ha^-1, respectively) in the shortest possible time (average 78.81 and 76.79 days, respectively), making them suitable for cultivation in a gap between the popular T-Aman and Boro rice cropping window. These findings provide valuable insights to support sustainable agriculture and enhanced farmer profitability.

Soil nutrient dynamics play a vital role in maintaining the productivity and long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Yet, many existing models fall short by overlooking critical biological feedbacks or oversimplifying the complex interactions between inorganic nutrients, organic matter, and plant biomass. These oversights limit their usefulness in guiding effective and sustainable land management practices. In this study, we aim to address this gap by formulating a comprehensive nonlinear mathematical model that captures the key ecological processes driving nutrient cycling in soils.

We develop a three-dimensional system to represent the dynamic interplay among inorganic nitrogen, soil organic matter, and plant biomass. The model incorporates essential processes such as mineralization, fertilization, nutrient uptake by plants, plant growth, and organic turnover. We establish the positivity and boundedness of model solutions to ensure that they remain biologically meaningful. Equilibrium points, including a plant-free state and a biologically feasible positive state, are identified and analyzed for stability using the Jacobian matrix.

To understand the influence of different factors on system behavior, a detailed sensitivity analysis is performed. This reveals which parameters—such as fertilization rate or mineralization efficiency—most significantly affect long-term nutrient levels and plant biomass. Numerical simulations validate the analytical results and provide great perspective into how the system evolves over time. These simulations illustrate the conditions under which the soil–plant system reaches stability or becomes degraded.

Overall, the proposed model offers a valuable theoretical framework for evaluating soil fertility dynamics and optimizing nutrient management in agricultural settings. It contributes to the understanding of sustainable farming practices and supports data-driven strategies in precision agriculture.

In Nigeria, potato crops are known to be widely cultivated in Plateau, Kaduna, and some parts of Kano, but little or no information is known for prospective production hubs such as the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria. However, this study aims to examine relatable prospects for sustainable potato production in Nigeria with data-driven insight from the farmers in the Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in August 2023 at Sarduana Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Men and women potato farmers were consulted using a quantitative structured individual in-depth interview (QSIDI) approach on information focused on the demographic, agronomic, nutrient, disease management, and postharvest management practices specific to the potato production at the Mambilla Plateau. Results showed disparities in both agronomic and management practices for the cultivation of potatoes between the men and women farmers, but they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the postharvest activities practiced by the men and women farmers interviewed, particularly in the storage facilities utilized after harvest. Four potato varieties were mentioned by the farmers, and Yellow Sese was the most preferred. The majority of the potato varieties were sourced from an open market in Cameroon, with less preference for varieties in Nigeria. The linear regression model from the study also revealed that seed source (R² = 0.48) could positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) be used to predict potato yield in the study area. The overview of potato production at the Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State, had clearly shown prospects for national and international intervention with a focus on driving breeding initiatives, improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, and increasing the chances of potatoes becoming a national crop.

This study investigates the effects of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (APP)-activated distilled water (PAW) on the germination and seedling characteristics of deteriorated seeds from two Okra varieties (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. 'Smooth Green' and cv. 'Red Ruby.') Deteriorated seeds were soaked in PAW for 8 hours, followed by 8 hours of air-drying, before being germinated using the top-of-paper method. Parameters including germination percentage, seed vigor, and germination speed were evaluated after 7 days. Additionally, seedlings were grown in sterile soil, and traits such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry shoot and root weight, and seedling vigor were assessed after 2 weeks of growth. This study followed a completely randomized design (CRD), with three replications and two subsamples: 100 seeds per subsample for germination testing and 10 plants per subsample for seedling evaluation. Comparisons were made among three treatments: PAW-treated deteriorated seeds, distilled water-treated deteriorated seeds, and untreated deteriorated seeds. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test at a 95% level of significance. The results revealed that PAW-treated seeds exhibited the highest germination percentage, germination index, and faster germination compared to the other groups for both Okra varieties. Furthermore, PAW-treated seeds developed longer shoots and roots, and showed greater fresh and dry biomass compared to distilled water-treated and untreated seeds. PAW treatment improved germination percentage by 20% in 'Smooth Green' and 22% in 'Red Ruby'. These findings demonstrate that PAW priming is an effective technique for enhancing the germinability, seed vigor, and seedling performance of deteriorated Okra seeds.

Sugarcane, a key tropical cash crop, suffers significant yield losses in arid regions due to soil salinity stress. This study evaluated ten sugarcane varieties under normal and saline soils to identify salt-tolerant genotypes. Key morphological traits (shoot height, green leaf count, leaf area) and biochemical parameters (protein, amino acids, proline, chlorophyll) were investigated to assess salinity’s impact and guide selection for saline cultivation. The climatic parameters were monitored throughout the experiment. The study revealed that salinity reduced sugarcane's growth but enhanced its biochemical traits, including its protein, free amino acid, and proline contents. In terms of the mother shoot height, varieties CoSe 01424 and CoS 95255 exhibited strong tolerance to salinity, despite a 43.6 % reduction in the mother shoot height from an average of 106.6 cm to 60.1 cm under saline conditions. The average leaf count showed a slight decline from 9.8 to 9.2 under saline conditions. The leaf area decreased by 35.4 % under saline conditions, with CoSe 03234 maintaining the largest leaf size among the varieties. Biochemical analysis revealed that sugarcane grown in saline soil had a 6.6% higher average protein content (100.4 μg/g) compared to that grown in normal soil (94.1 μg/g). Varieties CoSe 03234, CoS 03251, and CoS 95255 exhibited increased protein levels under salinity, indicating enhanced protein accumulation under salt-affected conditions. Sugarcane in saline soil had, on average, 48% more free amino acids, with CoSe 03234 showing the highest levels. The proline levels increased in almost all the sugarcane varieties under salinity, with CoSe 03234 and CoS 03251 showing the highest accumulation. The chlorophyll content in sugarcane dropped by 20.6% in saline soil (0.257 μg/g) compared to normal soil (0.324 μg/g). CoSe 03251 had the highest chlorophyll content (0.451 μg/g) in the saline soil. This study identified salt-tolerant sugarcane varieties, CoSe 03234, CoS 03251, CoSe 01424, and CoS 95255, that support saline soil cultivation, higher yields, and sustainable agriculture.

Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart., commonly known as doum palm, is a culturally, nutritionally, and medicinally valuable (yet underutilized) species predominantly found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. Despite its ecological and economic potential, no standardized or comprehensive in vitro propagation protocol has been previously established for this species. Traditional propagation methods, primarily via seeds, are constrained by slow germination, long juvenile phases, and genetic heterogeneity. Therefore, the development of reliable tissue culture techniques is essential for the species' large-scale propagation, conservation, and genetic enhancement.

This review presents, for the first time, a scientific synthesis and evaluation of in vitro culture strategies for Hyphaene thebaica, based on original research findings and emerging data. It explores the use of various explants, including seed-derived radicles, root tips, and floral tissues, in initiating callus, shoot, and root formation. The influence of key factors such as plant growth regulators (e.g., 2,4-D, IBA, BAP, 2iP), carbon sources, and culture media compositions (e.g., MS, B5) is discussed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the successful induction of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos from female inflorescences, marking a novel achievement in H. thebaica micropropagation.

Additionally, the review addresses challenges such as phenolic compound exudation, tissue browning, and somaclonal variation, offering practical mitigation strategies. This pioneering work lays the foundation for future conservation, genetic improvement, and commercial exploitation of H. thebaica through plant biotechnology.

Optimizing nitrogen (N) management in corn (Zea mays L.) production is critical for enhancing sustainability and profitability, especially given its non-nitrogen-fixing nature and the inefficiency of conventional N fertilization due to losses. This study, conducted in 2023 and 2024 at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (TAREC), evaluated the effectiveness of the microbial nitrogen product Pivot Bio® under irrigated and non-irrigated environments. A split-split plot design with three replications was used to assess four N rates (133, 200, 267, and 333 kg N ha^-1), four seeding rates (59,000, 74,000, 89,000, and 104,000 plants ha^-1), and the presence or absence of Pivot Bio®, which allowed a 45 kg ha^-1 N reduction in the biological treatments. Results revealed significant main effects of irrigation, nitrogen rate, and seeding rate on grain yield (p < 0.05), with the highest yield (12,668 kg ha^-1) observed under irrigated conditions with Pivot Bio® and 333 kg N ha^-1. Notably, the interaction between nitrogen and irrigation, seeding rate and irrigation, and nitrogen and seeding rate significantly influenced yield. Under non-irrigated conditions, yield was consistently lower and less responsive to increased N or plant density. These findings suggest that Pivot Bio® has potential as a sustainable nitrogen supplement in irrigated systems, allowing for reduced N application without sacrificing yield

Agricultural systems are becoming increasingly complex, requiring data-driven, science-supported models to address their multifaceted challenges and ensure sustainable management. In Greece, agriculture is a critical sector, contributing significantly to the economy and rural livelihoods, but it also faces pressing challenges such as competing water uses, energy demands, lackluster productivity, and environmental pressures. This study presents a comprehensive multi-model assessment of Greece’s Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems Nexus, evaluating agricultural production alongside energy and water requirements and quantifying the associated air pollution impacts at the national level. For the first time to our knowledge, we connect the FABLE Calculator (the software of the FABLE Consortium) with LEAP (Low Emissions Analysis Platform, from the Stockholm Environmental Institute) and the WaterReqGCH (a model developed by the Global Climate Hub). The FABLE Calculator provides detailed estimates of agricultural and livestock production, which are then used by LEAP to calculate the respective energy demand and the associated greenhouse gas emissions per fuel type used. The WaterReqGCH model uses the activity levels in FABLE and LEAP in order to estimate the water requirements of the agricultural and livestock sector. The models run based on a current accounts scenario expressing Greece's national commitments to the agri-food, energy, and water sectors according to the Greek Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Plan, the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and the River Basin Management Plans. The results indicate that the implementation of the CAP Plan, combining higher productivity, together with the NECP, assuming cleaner fuels, can result in a 73.4% decline in Greece's agricultural production GHG emissions despite the slight increase in the sector's energy consumption by 15% in 2050. Agriculture is the dominant consumer of water resources, consistently accounting for 88–89% of the total water consumption over the period 2020-2050. Agricultural water consumption follows a slight increase after 2025 and reaches an average consumption of 8041.12hm³ by 2050, with only minor fluctuations and large uncertainty ranges due to a combination of hydro-climatic and agronomic parameters. The assumed higher productivity of the agricultural sector is likely to also increase its total water consumption. The insights provided by this multi-model approach are useful and holistic evidence for policymaking, highlighting the need for more coordinated approaches.

The transition towards sustainable agrifood systems requires the use of effective green management strategies with the integration of measurable indicators. The adoption of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework introduces a new way to assess sustainability with a structured approach to evaluating and improving both the environmental and social performance of businesses, including those in the agrifood sector.

This research study explores the crucial role of SASB metrics in monitoring key sustainability indicators, such as water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste management. Through the alignment of agrifood operations with these standards, businesses can gain greater knowledge about their inefficiencies and environmental impact and carry out targeted, data-driven improvements.

In addition to environmental performance, this research highlights how SASB standards support broader ESG goals,[1] helping organizations align with stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements. Special attention is offered to digital technologies that improve the collection, measuring, and analysis of sustainability data. These tools not only enhance the accuracy of reporting but also facilitate long-term planning and encourage the move to circular economy models.

This study features practical case studies and realistic strategies for incorporating SASB metrics into business operations all through the agrifood supply chain [2]. From primary production to processing and delivery, this research demonstrates how these metrics can promote accountability, transparency, and strategic planning.

By including sustainability at the core of their processes through recognized standards such as SASB metrics, agrifood enterprises can enhance their competence, reduce environmental footprints, and play an important role in addressing global climate and resource challenges.

References

[1] Yeşil, T., Analysis of sustainability accounting standards: a review, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, 2024, 12(1), 303-324

[2] Gerber R. et al., An evaluation of environmental, social, and governance reporting in the agricultural sector, BusStratDev., 2024, 7, 316.