The impact of agricultural practices on pollinators and pollination services

The article examines how modern farming methods affect pollinators, such as bees, and the essential pollination services they provide. The study highlights that intensive agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides, habitat destruction, and monocropping, have led to a decline in pollinator populations1. This decline poses a significant threat to global food security, as many crops depend on pollinators for fruit and seed production.

The article also explores strategies to mitigate these negative impacts, such as integrating pollinator-friendly practices into farming systems. These practices include creating diverse floral resources, establishing habitat corridors, and reducing pesticide use1. By adopting these measures, farmers can help support pollinator health and biodiversity, ultimately enhancing crop yields and ecosystem resilience.

Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability to ensure the long-term viability of both farming and pollinator populations. It calls for coordinated efforts from farmers, policymakers, and researchers to implement sustainable practices that benefit both agriculture and the environment

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Environmental Impacts of Food and Agricultural Production: A Systematic Review

The article focuses on the significant environmental impacts caused by the expansion of agriculture and food production. The review highlights that agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss, with 85.71% of the 28,000 species assessed as threatened with extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) being affected by agricultural activities. The review also discusses various environmental impacts such as climate change, deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and water pollution.

The review emphasizes that the environmental impacts of agriculture vary widely depending on the agricultural practices and systems used. It categorizes the impacts into effect-based and means-based indicators, and explores how different farming practices contribute to these impacts. The review also examines the role of sustainable agriculture practices in mitigating these negative effects and promoting environmental sustainability.

Finally, the review suggests measures to limit the environmental impacts of agriculture, such as conservation tillage, sustainable farming practices, and the integration of renewable energy sources. It calls for coordinated efforts to implement sustainable practices and policies to ensure long-term environmental health and food security.

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The Role of Cover Crops towards Sustainable Soil Health and Agriculture

The article discusses the significant benefits of cover crops in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Cover crops, such as legumes, grasses, and brassicas, are grown primarily to cover the soil rather than for harvest. These crops play a crucial role in improving soil health by preventing erosion, enhancing soil structure, and increasing organic matter. The presence of cover crops reduces soil compaction and promotes better water infiltration, which is essential for maintaining soil fertility and productivity.

Furthermore, cover crops contribute to nutrient management by fixing nitrogen in the soil, making it available for subsequent crops. They also help in suppressing weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides, and providing habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms. This, in turn, enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services, leading to more resilient agricultural systems. The article highlights case studies and research findings that demonstrate the positive impact of cover crops on crop yields and overall farm profitability.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of integrating cover crops into farming systems to achieve long-term sustainability. It calls for increased awareness and adoption of cover cropping practices among farmers, supported by research, policy incentives, and educational programs. By leveraging the benefits of cover crops, farmers can improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

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Soil Erosion and Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes

The article "Soil Erosion and Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes" from the journal Soil & Tillage Research delves into the causes and impacts of soil erosion within agricultural settings. The study highlights how conventional farming practices such as intensive tillage, monocropping, and improper land management lead to significant soil loss and degradation. These practices disrupt the soil structure, reduce organic matter, and increase susceptibility to erosion by water and wind. The consequences of soil erosion include decreased soil fertility, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased sedimentation in water bodies.

The article emphasizes the importance of adopting conservation practices to mitigate soil erosion and enhance soil health. Techniques such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation are discussed as effective methods to protect soil from erosion. Conservation tillage involves minimal soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and organic matter. Cover crops provide ground cover and reduce erosion during off-seasons, while crop rotation helps maintain soil fertility and reduce pest pressures.

Furthermore, the article advocates for policy support and farmer education to promote sustainable soil management practices. It suggests that government incentives, community-based initiatives, and farmer training programs can play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of soil conservation measures. By integrating scientific research, practical farming techniques, and supportive policies, the article underscores the need for a holistic approach to ensure long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability.

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​The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Air Quality​

The article "The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Air Quality" in Atmospheric Environment examines how various agricultural activities contribute to air pollution. Key sources of emissions include livestock farming, which produces methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3), and the use of synthetic fertilizers, which release nitrous oxide (N2O). These greenhouse gases and pollutants contribute to global warming and can form particulate matter and ground-level ozone, affecting both climate and human health.

Tillage practices and biomass burning are also significant contributors to air pollution. Tillage can release stored carbon from the soil, while biomass burning of agricultural residues emits carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These activities disrupt the soil structure, increase erosion, and lead to the loss of soil organic matter. The article also highlights the impact of pesticides and herbicides, which can release VOCs and contribute to the formation of harmful air pollutants.

To mitigate these negative effects, the article suggests adopting sustainable agricultural practices such as precision farming, organic farming, and integrated pest management. These methods aim to reduce the reliance on chemical inputs, enhance soil health, and improve overall air quality. The research underscores the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability to ensure a healthier ecosystem and improved air quality.​

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Agricultural Eco-Efficiency: Challenges and Progress

The paper "Agricultural Eco-Efficiency: Challenges and Progress" explores the balance between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. It highlights the importance of agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE) in achieving sustainable development by maximizing agricultural output while minimizing resource consumption and environmental impact. The study reviews the progress made in AEE over the past two decades, emphasizing the role of technological advancements and scientific research in improving agricultural practices.

Despite the progress, the paper identifies several challenges in achieving AEE. These include the lack of unified evaluation methods, the need for new technologies to assess eco-efficiency, and the balance between improving agricultural productivity and protecting the environment. The paper calls for a comprehensive theoretical framework to better understand the driving forces behind AEE and to develop effective strategies for sustainable agricultural development.

In conclusion, the paper underscores the significance of AEE in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing environmental concerns. It suggests that future research should focus on developing standardized evaluation methods, advancing technological innovations, and fostering collaboration among researchers and institutions to enhance the eco-efficiency of agricultural systems.

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Water Resources: Agricultural and Environmental Issues

The increasing demands placed on the global water supply threaten biodiversity and the supply of water for food production and other vital human needs. Water shortages already exist in many regions, with more than one billion people lacking adequate drinking water. Agriculture consumes about 70% of fresh water worldwide, with significant amounts required to produce various food items. For example, approximately 1,000 liters of water are needed to produce kilogram of cereal grain, and 43,000 liters to produce 1 kilogram of beef. New water supplies are likely to result from conservation, recycling, and improved water-use efficiency rather than from large development projects.

Water is essential for maintaining an adequate food supply and a productive environment for the human population and other living organisms. As human populations and economies grow, global freshwater demand has been increasing rapidly. In addition to threatening the human food supply, water shortages severely reduce biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Water pollution facilitates the spread of serious human diseases and diminishes water quality. Humans obtain the majority of their nutrients from crops and livestock, which require water, land, and energy for production.

Food supplies per capita have declined by 17% over the past 20 years, partly due to an increase in human population and concurrent shortages of fresh water and cropland. Shortages in food supplies have contributed to the global problem of more than 3 billion malnourished people. Two of the most serious malnutrition problems are iron deficiency and protein or calorie deficiency, each resulting in millions of deaths annually. Population growth, accompanied by increased water use, will not only severely reduce water availability per person but also create stress on biodiversity in the entire global ecosystem

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Ecological intensification of agriculture through biodiversity management: introduction​

The concept of ecological intensification of agriculture through biodiversity management focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. This approach leverages biodiversity to improve ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, pest control, and pollination, which are essential for sustainable agriculture. By integrating diverse plant species and promoting ecological interactions, ecological intensification aims to create resilient agroecosystems that can sustain high levels of productivity without relying heavily on chemical inputs.

Historically, agriculture has shifted from diverse cropping systems to monocultures, driven by the industrial revolution and the advent of chemical agriculture. This shift has led to significant negative environmental impacts, including pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Researchers have been re-evaluating the relationship between biodiversity and agricultural productivity, finding that diverse cropping systems can be more productive and sustainable than monocultures. Studies have shown that biodiversity can enhance ecosystem functions and contribute to higher crop yields, challenging the traditional belief that monocultures are the most efficient way to produce food.

The introduction of ecological intensification emphasizes the need to rethink agricultural practices and adopt more sustainable approaches. By managing biodiversity within agricultural landscapes, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, improve soil health, and increase resilience to environmental stresses. This approach not only benefits the environment but also supports long-term food security by creating more sustainable and productive farming systems. The goal is to integrate biodiversity management into agricultural practices, ensuring that food production systems are both ecologically sound and economically viable.​

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Ecological restoration of agricultural land can improve its contribution to economic development​

Ecological restoration of agricultural land has the potential to significantly enhance its contribution to economic development. By restoring degraded agricultural lands, we can improve the provision of ecosystem services, such as water regulation, soil fertility, and biodiversity, which are essential for sustainable agricultural production. These ecosystem services support various economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, thereby contributing to overall economic growth and development.

Research has shown that landscape-scale ecological restoration can lead to increased economic benefits. For example, a study conducted in Dorset, southern England, compared different land use scenarios and found that ecological restoration scenarios resulted in higher Gross Value Added (GVA) and employment compared to agricultural expansion scenarios. The restoration scenarios increased GVA by up to 5.4% and employment by up to 6.7%, while agricultural expansion scenarios led to declines in both GVA and employment. This demonstrates that ecological restoration can enhance the economic value of rural land beyond traditional agricultural production.

Moreover, investing in ecological restoration can create a "restoration economy," which generates sustainable jobs and drives economic growth. By prioritizing natural capital and ecosystem services, policymakers can strengthen economic performance while also providing benefits to human well-being and environmental health. The positive impacts of ecological restoration on both the economy and the environment highlight the importance of integrating restoration efforts into broader economic development strategies.

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Farmers’ adoption of organic agriculture—a systematic global literature review

The article "Farmers’ adoption of organic agriculture—a systematic global literature review" provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the adoption of organic farming practices worldwide. The review synthesizes evidence from various studies to support policymakers and food-value chain actors in achieving policy goals related to organic farming. The authors map existing research, identify substantial gaps in research focus, methodology, and geographical coverage, and provide evidence-based recommendations to scale organic adoption.

The study highlights the importance of organic market maturity and agricultural productivity in determining the effectiveness of policy measures. Using a conceptual framework of the farmers' adoption process, the authors offer an overview of the factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt organic practices. These factors include economic incentives, access to information and training, social and cultural influences, and environmental awareness.

The review also emphasizes the need for tailored policy measures that consider the specific institutional, environmental, and socio-economic contexts of different regions. By systematically identifying relevant contexts, the study aims to support strategic decision-making for increasing the share of organic farming. The findings underscore the potential of organic agriculture to contribute to sustainable food systems and highlight the importance of targeted interventions to promote its adoption​

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Sustainable agricultural practices for food security and ecosystem services | Environmental Science and Pollution Research​

Sustainable agricultural practices are essential for ensuring food security and maintaining ecosystem services. These practices aim to balance the need for food production with the preservation of environmental health. Key sustainable agricultural practices include crop rotation, agroforestry, conservation tillage, organic farming, and integrated pest management. These methods help maintain soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity, which are crucial for long-term agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability.

One of the primary benefits of sustainable agriculture is its ability to enhance ecosystem services. These services include pollination, biological pest control, soil and water quality regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. By promoting diverse cropping systems and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, sustainable agriculture supports the natural processes that underpin these ecosystem services. For example, agroforestry systems integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, providing habitat for pollinators and natural pest predators, while also improving soil structure and water retention.

Sustainable agricultural practices also contribute to food security by increasing resilience to climate change and other environmental stresses. Practices such as crop diversification and conservation tillage help build resilient farming systems that can better withstand extreme weather events and pest outbreaks. Additionally, sustainable agriculture can improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by reducing input costs and increasing access to markets for organic and sustainably produced goods. Overall, sustainable agriculture offers a holistic approach to food production that supports both human and environmental well-being.​

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Worldwide pesticide usage and its impacts on ecosystem​

Pesticides are extensively used in modern agriculture to control pests, weeds, and diseases, thereby enhancing crop yield and quality. However, their widespread use poses significant threats to ecosystems. Pesticides can have direct toxic effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects like bees, birds, and aquatic life. These chemicals can disrupt food webs by eliminating key species or introducing toxins, leading to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.

One of the major concerns is the persistence and bioaccumulation of pesticides in the environment. Pesticides can remain in the soil, water, and air for extended periods, leading to long-term exposure for various organisms. This can result in chronic health issues, reproductive problems, and behavioral changes in wildlife. Additionally, pesticide residues can contaminate water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the human food chain.

The impact of pesticides on biodiversity is alarming. Studies have shown significant declines in insect populations, including pollinators, which are crucial for food production. The loss of biodiversity can weaken ecosystem resilience, making it more difficult for ecosystems to recover from disturbances. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management, organic farming, and the use of biopesticides, which can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote healthier ecosystems​

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Global Review Shows Alarming Impacts of Pesticides on Biodiversity and Ecosystems​

A recent global study published in Nature Communications has revealed the alarming impacts of pesticides on biodiversity and ecosystems. The study synthesized data from over 1,700 research papers and found that pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, harm plants, animals, and microorganisms across various ecosystems. Even at doses considered environmentally safe, these chemicals disrupt growth, reproduction, and vital biological functions in non-target species, raising urgent concerns about the long-term sustainability of pesticide use.

The study highlighted that pesticides negatively affect the growth, reproduction, and behavior of various non-target organisms in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. In animals, pesticides reduced growth, impaired reproduction, and altered behavior, while in plants, they caused reduced growth and lower reproductive success. Microorganisms, essential for soil health and nutrient cycling, were also harmed by pesticides. The analysis showed that pesticide effects were stronger in temperate regions compared to tropical zones, and newer pesticides showed no reduction in negative effects compared to older chemicals.

The findings emphasize the need to reduce pesticide reliance and strengthen biodiversity risk assessments. Sustainable farming practices and integrated pest management offer pathways to protect both agricultural productivity and the health of ecosystems globally. The study underscores the importance of adopting alternative pest management strategies that prioritize sustainability and the health of non-target species.

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The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Health and Biodiversity​​

The article "The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Health and Biodiversity" from the Journal of Environmental Management examines how various agricultural practices affect the health of soils and the biodiversity within ecosystems. It highlights that intensive agricultural practices such as the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, monocropping, and excessive tillage can lead to soil degradation, loss of soil organic matter, and erosion. These practices disrupt the natural soil structure and microbial communities, leading to a decline in soil fertility and overall health.

Furthermore, the article discusses the impact of these agricultural practices on biodiversity. The use of chemical inputs can harm non-target species, including beneficial insects, plants, and soil organisms. Monocropping reduces habitat diversity, making ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases. The loss of biodiversity negatively impacts ecosystem services such as pollination, natural pest control, and nutrient cycling, which are essential for sustainable agriculture.

The article emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices to preserve soil health and biodiversity. Practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, organic farming, and the use of cover crops can improve soil structure, enhance soil fertility, and support diverse ecosystems. By adopting these practices, farmers can maintain productive and resilient agricultural systems while protecting the environment.

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Implementing sustainable food forests: Extracting success factors through a cross-case comparison​

The article Implementing sustainable food forests: Extracting success factors through a cross-case comparison’’ by Stefanie Albrecht and Arnim Wiek explores the implementation of food forests, which are multistrata ecosystems providing food, livelihood opportunities, and environmental services. The study focuses on seven food forests, mostly in Europe, and examines their organization and management.​

Key findings include:

Success Factors: Long-term land access, sufficient start-up funds, and adequate farming and entrepreneurial know-how are crucial for the successful implementation of food forests2.

Challenges: Food forests face particular obstacles such as securing long-term land access and funding, which are not unique to them but are significant barriers.

Guidance: The study offers guidance to food entrepreneurs, public officials, and activists on how to successfully implement food forests to realize their full sustainability potential.

The article provides a detailed reconstruction of the implementation paths of the selected food forests, highlighting the importance of organization and management in achieving success.

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Rainwater harvesting in catchments for agro-forestry uses: A study focused on the balance between sustainability values and storage capacity

The study explores the use of rainwater harvesting (RWH) to support small-scale agriculture and manage seasonal water availability, particularly in regions with scattered populations or high costs for developing surface or groundwater resources. The research focuses on the Sabor River basin in Northeast Portugal, a rural area where agriculture and forestry are dominant.

Key points include:

• The study introduces an improved RWH site allocation method that uses dam wall height as an evaluation parameter.

• The height of the dam walls significantly impacts the irrigation capacity and storage of harvested rainwater.

• Small-height dams (3 meters) are more sustainable but have limited irrigation capacity, suitable for areas smaller than 10 hectares.

• Increasing the dam wall height to 6 or 12 meters improves irrigation capacity but may compromise sustainability values.

• The study ranks 384 sub-catchments based on their suitability for RWH sites for crop irrigation and wildfire combat.

The research highlights the balance between ecological sustainability and storage capacity, emphasizing the need for engineered dams to support larger-scale agro-forestry uses while maintaining sustainability values​

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The Imperative for Regenerative Agriculture

The article reviews the current state of agriculture, highlighting issues such as soil erosion and dependence on fossil fuels, which threaten food security for the growing global population. Soil is described as "the fragile, living skin of the Earth," and its health is crucial for the global nexus of soil-water-air-energy. How we treat the soil can significantly impact climate change, either positively or negatively.

Regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil health or restore degraded soil, enhancing water quality, vegetation, and land productivity. By using regenerative methods, it is possible to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) in existing soils and build new soil. This process draws down carbon from the atmosphere, improves soil structure and health, boosts soil fertility and crop yields, enhances water retention and aquifer recharge, and reduces soil erosion by minimizing runoff.

The article emphasizes the importance of local food production in preserving soil quality. Urban food production can contribute significantly to regenerative agriculture if regenerative methods are employed. To reduce fossil fuel use and preserve soil quality, integrated design approaches such as permaculture and the circular economy should be incorporated into urban infrastructure. Additionally, actions like draught-proofing and thermally insulating buildings, and living and working on a more local scale, can help reduce overall energy consumption.

In summary, the article argues that moving from the current linear model of resource consumption ("take, make, dispose") to a systemic, circular model ("reduce, reuse, recycle, regenerate"  is essential to meet the demands of future generations.​​

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Agricultural sustainability and food security

The article on agricultural sustainability and food security discusses the critical role of agriculture in human survival and the challenges posed by increasing population and limited resources. It highlights the historical reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop yields, which has led to environmental degradation and threats to food security. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable farming practices that are ecologically compatible and organic to improve food security and nutrition globally.

Key points include:

• The negative impact of excessive chemical use on soil, water, air, and biodiversity.

• The importance of sustainable agricultural practices to meet the growing population's needs while conserving the environment.

• The role of beneficial soil microbes in maintaining soil health and promoting plant growth.

• The potential of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• The need for global collaboration among governments, scientists, and farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and policies.

The article concludes that integrating traditional biological methods with modern biotechnological innovations is essential for achieving food security and sustainability in agriculture.​

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