Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Juan Pablo Monzon, Ya Li Lim, Fatima A. Tenorio, Rana Farrasati, Iput Pradiko, Hendra Sugianto, Christopher R. Donough, Juan I. Rattalino Edreira, Suroso Rahutomo, Fahmuddin Agus, Maja A. Slingerland, Mink Zijlstra, Shofia Saleh, Fakhrizal Nashr, Denni Nurdwiansyah, Nadib Ulfaria, Nurul L. Winarni, Nurbaya Zulhakim, Patricio Grassini
Summary: This study assesses the impact of agronomic management on low productivity in independent smallholder fields of oil palm production in Indonesia. Through analysis of data from 977 fields, it is found that agronomic practices, including nutrient management, harvest interval, weed control, and pruning, significantly contribute to yield gaps. Improving agronomic management can help smallholders increase yield and profit.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan P. Monzon, Maja A. Slingerland, Suroso Rahutomo, Fahmuddin Agus, Thomas Oberthur, Jose F. Andrade, Antoine Couedel, Juan I. Rattalino Edreira, Willem Hekman, Rob van den Beuken, Fandi Hidayat, Iput Pradiko, Dwi K. G. Purwantomo, Christopher R. Donough, Hendra Sugianto, Ya Li Lim, Thomas Farrell, Patricio Grassini
Summary: Oil palm production in Indonesia has significantly expanded through conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land. This study highlights the large yield gaps between large and smallholder farms, indicating that improved management practices could increase production while protecting fragile ecosystems. This research emphasizes the importance of intensifying existing plantations and limiting expansion to save forests and peatlands, and reduce carbon emissions.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Niharika Rahman, Ken E. Giller, Andreas de Neergaard, Jakob Magid, Gerrie van de Ven, Thilde Bech Bruun
Summary: The rapid growth of palm oil production and demand globally has led to a significant expansion of oil palm monoculture, particularly in tropical regions like Indonesia. This expansion has resulted in the conversion of carbon-rich land types to oil palm plantations, causing negative environmental impacts. Results from the study show that oil palm plantations under best management practices have higher soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks compared to other management practices, indicating that residue incorporation or retention as part of best management practices is an effective strategy for increasing SOC stocks.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Najeeb Al-Amin Iddris, Greta Formaglio, Carola Paul, Volker von Gross, Guantao Chen, Andres Angulo-Rubiano, Dirk Berkelmann, Fabian Brambach, Kevin F. A. Darras, Valentyna Krashevska, Anton Potapov, Arne Wenzel, Bambang Irawan, Muhammad Damris, Rolf Daniel, Ingo Grass, Holger Kreft, Stefan Scheu, Teja Tscharntke, Aiyen Tjoa, Edzo Veldkamp, Marife D. Corre
Summary: This full factorial experiment conducted in an Indonesian state-owned industrial oil palm plantation evaluated the effects of reduced management practices on ecosystem functions and biodiversity. The results showed that mechanical weeding exhibited higher multifunctionality and increased plant species diversity compared to herbicide treatment. Furthermore, reduced fertilization and mechanical weeding increased profit and gross margin while achieving similar yields.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Luehe, Felix Schwarz, Harold J. Hughes, Aiyen Tjoa, Martyna Kotowska, Fabian Brambach, Daniela Sauer
Summary: Oil palm trees accumulate a significant amount of silicon, which is stored in their above-ground biomass and returned to the soil through litter decomposition. Harvesting oil palm fruit bunches results in silicon losses from the system. Therefore, it is advisable to leave oil palm stems on the plantation at the end of the planting cycle.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hanoi Medina, Di Tian
Summary: Understanding the contributions of climate and management intensifications to crop yield trends is crucial for adapting to climate changes and ensuring future food security. A study conducted in Iowa, United States, analyzed the synergistic effects of climate and management intensifications on maize yield trends. The research found that climate factors contribute approximately 10% to 31% of the yield trends, with substantial variations across different time periods. Management intensifications can enhance yield gains with increased precipitation but lead to greater losses with increased temperature. Furthermore, it was observed that the sensitivity of yield to warming temperature increases with management intensifications over time.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Business
Elias Cisneros, Krisztina Kis-Katos, Nunung Nuryartono
Summary: This study explores the interactions between political and economic incentives in driving forest loss and land conversion for oil palm cultivation in Indonesian districts. The research finds clear evidence that political incentives before local elections and palm oil price exposure play crucial roles in increasing deforestation rates. The study highlights how economic and political incentives can reinforce each other as drivers of forest loss.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Jori A. Bremer, Lisa A. Lobry de Bruyn, Robert G. B. Smith, Frances C. Cowley
Summary: The review highlighted the advantages and challenges of integrating cattle grazing in oil palm plantations, suggesting that further research is needed to develop productive and sustainable systems for grazed cattle integration with oil palm plantations.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Floris Leijten, Uris Lantz C. Baldos, Justin A. Johnson, Sarah Sim, Peter H. Verburg
Summary: In the last three decades, global production of oil palm has increased significantly, leading to deforestation of tropical rainforests. However, many companies in the industry have pledged to eliminate deforestation through zero-deforestation commitments (ZDCs). If fully adopted and enforced, ZDCs could lead to a 40% reduction in global oil palm plantations by 2030 compared to a scenario with no compliance. This would result in the preservation of 96 million hectares of forests, 17% of which would have been converted by expanding oil palm plantations.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ardha Apriyanto, Julia Compart, Vincent Zimmermann, Saleh Alseekh, Alisdair R. Fernie, Joerg Fettke
Summary: Oil palm is the most productive oil-producing crop and accumulates the highest amount of oil in its fruit. Comparative analysis of high-, medium-, and low-yielding oil palms revealed unique characteristics during fruit development. Metabolomics analysis showed that starch and sucrose can be used as novel biomarkers for oil yield, as there were significant differences in starch parameters and sucrose levels among different yield categories.
Article
Horticulture
Alex Hermanto, Siew Hua Gan, Ivan Rendi Mustopa, Wei Chee Wong, Patrick Hong Chuan Ng, Ngai Paing Tan, Chun Wie Chong
Summary: Understanding the yield responses of different oil palm progenies to rainfall is crucial for effective plantation management. This study developed an alternative approach to evaluate oil palm yield responses to varying rainfall regimes by analyzing rainfall and yield data. The study identified the yield components most affected by rainfall fluctuations and determined the floral developmental stages susceptible to rainfall changes. It also compared the relative yield performance of different oil palm materials in different rainfall conditions to identify those adapted to low rainfall conditions.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jen Feng Khor, Lloyd Ling, Zulkifli Yusop, Wei Lun Tan, Joan Lucille Ling, Eugene Zhen Xiang Soo
Summary: Oil palm crop yield is sensitive to heat and drought, with El Nino events affecting production and economic losses in Malaysia. A new Fresh Fruit Bunch Index (FFBI) model was developed to analyze the impact of past El Nino events, showing better correlation and predictive ability compared to existing models. The FFBI model also indicates concerns for oil palm yield in the Malaysian industry for the next thirty-month forecasted period.
Article
Agronomy
Silvio Calcagno, Alessandra Piccitto, Cristina Patane, Salvatore L. Cosentino, Giorgio Testa
Summary: Castor cultivation techniques were optimized through evaluating the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on seed and oil yield. The highest yield was obtained with high soil nitrogen and medium water availability. Reducing irrigation water to an intermediate level could be an environmentally friendly strategy with minimal impact on yields.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Rosanne E. de Vos, Lisa Nurfalah, Fatima A. Tenorio, Ya Li Lim, Juan P. Monzon, Christopher R. Donough, Hendra Sugianto, Asri A. Dwiyahreni, Nurul L. Winarni, Nadia Mulani, Gilang Ramadhan, Muhammad Ali Imran, Antonius P. Tito, Pandu Sulistiawan, Muhammad Khoirul, Rana Farrasati, Iput Pradiko, Patricio Grassini, Maja Slingerland
Summary: This study aims to explore agronomic, socio-economic, and institutional factors that affect harvesting practices in independent oil palm smallholder farming systems in Indonesia, in order to assess opportunities for sustainable intensification through shorter harvest intervals and reduced harvest losses.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shilai Zhang, Guangfu Huang, Yujiao Zhang, Xiutao Lv, Kejiang Wan, Jian Liang, Yupeng Feng, Jinrong Dao, Shukang Wu, Lin Zhang, Xu Yang, Xiaoping Lian, Liyu Huang, Lin Shao, Jing Zhang, Shiwen Qin, Dayun Tao, Timothy E. Crews, Erik J. Sacks, Jun Lyu, Len J. Wade, Fengyi Hu
Summary: The successful breeding and cultivation of perennial rice provides an opportunity for sustainable development, increasing crop productivity, farmer livelihoods, and soil health while reducing resource use. Planting perennial rice not only improves crop yields but also accumulates organic carbon and nitrogen in the soil, thus improving soil quality. Farmers prefer cultivating perennial rice as it saves labor and input costs.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mirjam M. Pulleman, Wietse de Boer, Ken E. Giller, Thom W. Kuyper
Summary: Attention to soil biodiversity and its importance for sustainable food production has increased in recent years. However, popular claims on the importance of high F:B ratios, soil biodiversity, and inoculation with beneficial microbes for soil health and sustainable agricultural production cannot be generalized and require careful consideration of limitations and possible trade-offs.
OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
V. N. Mathinya, A. C. Franke, G. W. J. Van De Ven, K. E. Giller
Summary: The commercialisation of small-scale farming in South Africa is seen as a solution to various challenges in rural livelihoods. However, the low agricultural productivity of this sector poses a challenge to this pathway. This review highlights that the low productivity of small-scale farming is not solely due to biophysical constraints, but rather arises from differences at the farm and regional level. While opportunities such as investing in horticulture exist, the prospects for small-scale farming are limited by the competitive large-scale farming in the country. There is still a lack of understanding about small-scale farming systems in South Africa, particularly in terms of their contribution to household income and food security.
OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
David F. Herridge, Ken E. Giller, Erik S. Jensen, Mark B. Peoples
Summary: This study presents a methodology for quantifying nitrogen fixation in agricultural systems, specifically focusing on grain legume-rhizobia symbioses. The study estimates that soybeans are the dominant nitrogen fixers in global agricultural systems.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. B. Akakpo, I. J. M. de Boer, K. E. Giller, S. Adjei-Nsiah, A. J. Duncan, S. J. Oosting
Summary: Crop residues have the potential to address feed shortages and nutrient deficiencies in West Africa. This study assessed the nutritional quality of grain legume fodders under different storage conditions. The results showed that farmers and sheep were able to distinguish quality differences based on physical characteristics, while laboratory analyses could not. Correlations were found between the different quality assessment methods, with crop differences being the important determinants. This highlights the value of farmers' knowledge in formulating and implementing interventions.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
James Sumberg, Ken E. Giller
Summary: This paper critically examines the framing of 'alternative' versus 'conventional' agriculture and argues that the use of the term conventional agriculture is a strategy of homogenization, normalization, and othering. The paper suggests that focusing on the contributions of different farming systems to the sustainability of agriculture is a more productive approach.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Andrew Dorward, Ken E. Giller
Summary: The author, who had a major stroke in November 2014, recently regained consciousness and resumed engagement with literature and discussions on agricultural development and climate change. They highlight the lack of attention given to important issues such as climate change impacts on smallholder agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the need for global financial institution reforms. Additionally, the author comments on emerging issues like animal-free foods and artificial intelligence, concluding by suggesting areas that deserve more attention.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gatien N. Falconnier, Louise Leroux, Damien Beillouin, Marc Corbeels, Robert J. Hijmans, Camila Bonilla-Cedrez, Mark van Wijk, Katrien Descheemaeker, Shamie Zingore, Francois Affholder, Santiago Lopez-Ridaura, Eric Malezieux, David Makowski, Jairos Rurinda, Martin K. van Ittersum, Bernard Vanlauwe, Ken E. Giller, Sabine-Karen Lammoglia, Katharina Waha
Summary: This study estimated the impact of increasing maize yields with mineral fertilizer on household food security and regional/national maize supply in Uganda and Tanzania. Results showed that increasing fertilizer input could significantly improve food security in both countries, but the regions with the highest potential for increased maize supply did not align with the regions where household food security was most improved.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriel Y. K. Moinet, Renske Hijbeek, Detlef P. van Vuuren, Ken E. Giller
Summary: The role of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration as a 'win-win' solution to both climate change and food insecurity is critically examined in this article. The inclusion of SOC saturation in estimations significantly reduces the potential contribution of SOC sequestration to climate change mitigation, and the observed yield effects of increasing SOC are inconsistent. The article argues for a shift towards soil-smart agriculture that takes into account specific local conditions and quantifies multiple soil functions for land sustainability and food security.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ilse de Jager, Gerrie W. J. van de Ven, Ken E. Giller, Inge D. Brouwer
Summary: This study examines the gap between food availability and dietary needs in rural sub-Saharan Africa during the 'hunger season'. Findings highlight the importance of considering seasonality in nutrition-sensitive farming and the necessity of increasing yields of staple crops to free up space for nutritious foods like vegetables. Additionally, small farms rely on income from agriculture and other sources to meet their dietary needs. Overall, the results emphasize the value of modeling dietary effects from agricultural interventions in specific contexts, considering a local feasible nutritious diet and seasonality.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hannington Bukomeko, Godfrey Taulya, Antonius G. T. Schut, Gerrie W. J. van de Ven, Jerome Kubiriba, Ken Giller
Summary: Banana weevil is a major pest in East African Highland Banana, but the relationship between crop nutritional status and weevil damage is not well understood. In this study, the effect of insecticides alone and in combination with fertilisers on weevil damage was evaluated using data from two experiments in Uganda. The results showed that chlorpyrifos reduced weevil damage, while N increased damage. Also, application of K and Si reduced weevil damage compared to the control. These findings suggest that combining chlorpyrifos with K and Si fertilisers can help control weevil damage in bananas with low nutrient availability.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wilson C. Wilson, Maja Slingerland, Frederick P. Baijukya, Ken E. Giller, Simon Oosting
Summary: The demand for chicken meat and eggs in Tanzania exceeds production capacity due to low productivity of the sector. This study examines the yield gap in chicken production in Tanzania and explores the potential for increased production by addressing feed deficiencies. The findings highlight inadequate feed quantity and quality, lack of awareness about aflatoxin contamination, and the need for improved feeding strategies to ensure suitable and safe feed formulations.
Article
Forestry
Degi Harja Asmara, Suzanne Allaire, Meine van Noordwijk, Damase P. Khasa
Summary: Ecological restoration can be accelerated by using a multispecies and multifunctional approach. The challenges in restoring degraded land after mining include low soil productivity and contamination. This study evaluated the use of a mixture of woody and herbaceous species, biochar amendment, and plant spacing for restoration. Positive and negative effects were observed depending on the interactions between these factors. Plantation density was found to be the most important factor for achieving a net positive effect. Improvement in microclimate, through soil water conservation and microbial activity enhancement, was proposed as the mechanism behind the positive effect.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Urcil Papito Kenfack Essougong, Maja Slingerland, Syndhia Mathe, Ken E. Giller, Cees Leeuwis
Summary: This study assessed cocoa farmers' access to, demand for, and satisfaction with five innovation support services in Central Cameroon. The results showed that farmers mostly received training and advice, while inputs, credit, and equipment were the most demanded services. Farmers' satisfaction with service outcomes increased with the number of services received, and location, certification involvement, seniority, and leadership position in farmers' organizations significantly influenced access and demand for services.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & EXTENSION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
James Sumberg, Ken E. Giller, Dominic Glover
Summary: This paper explores the different definitions and meanings of principles and practices in agronomy literature. Understanding the use of these terms provides valuable insights into ongoing debates and politics about the future of agriculture and food. Furthermore, proclaiming and defining principles is a way to exercise discursive power and establish authority in a crowded marketplace.
OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Meine van Noordwijk, Grace B. Villamor, Gert Jan Hofstede, Erika N. Speelman
Summary: The instrumental and relational values of nature affect moral foundations and decision-making. Effective science-policy interfaces require communication based on both instrumental and relational rationality, synthesizing knowledge on recognized issues to address public concerns.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xiaofei Wang, Jiawei Zhang, Xiaoqin Wang, Yibo Hu, Xiaolong Ren, Zhikuan Jia, Tiening Liu, Zhenlin Wang, Tie Cai
Summary: Film mulching ridge-furrow planting (RF) is an important dry farming mode for wheat, but it often causes lodging due to lignin accumulation in the stems. This study investigated the effects of regulating the population distribution on lodging occurrence in wheat and found that adjusting the population distribution can improve lodging resistance by enhancing the mechanical properties of the stems and promoting lignin synthesis and accumulation. The light environment plays a crucial role in lignin biosynthesis and lodging resistance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Wei Wang, Jian-Hua Zhao, Meng-Ying Li, Wei Zhang, Muhammad Maqsood Ur Rehman, Bao-Zhong Wang, Fazal Ullah, Zheng-Guo Cheng, Li Zhu, Jin-Lin Zhang, Hong-Yan Tao, Wen-Ying Wang, You-Cai Xiong
Summary: This study investigated the physiological mechanism of yield loss in intercropped inferior species and found that plastic film mulching can alleviate water competition between maize and faba bean, reducing kernel abortion in maize.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Michael Merkle, Matthias Schumacher, Roland Gerhards
Summary: This study conducted a field experiment to test different methods and species of cover crops. The results showed that early establishment of cover crops, specifically direct sowing or sowing 10 days before harvest, had a positive impact on biomass formation and weed suppression. The performance of cover crops varied depending on the species, sowing date, and weather conditions, but a diverse cover crop mixture showed more stable performance under variable weather conditions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Dereje Ademe, Kindie Tesfaye, Belay Simane, Benjamin F. Zaitchik, Getachew Alemayehu, Enyew Adgo
Summary: This study used simulation experiments to evaluate the effects of planting time, nitrogen rate, and crop variety choice on potato productivity in Ethiopia. The results showed that shifting planting time forward and changing the nitrogen application rate had greater productivity benefits than switching varieties. In the mid-century climate period, early planting of medium and long maturity varieties with higher nitrogen rates showed potential adaptation benefits.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Wenlong Li, Xiaobo Gu, Heng Fang, Tongtong Zhao, Rui Yin, Zhikai Cheng, Chuandong Tan, Zhihui Zhou, Yadan Du
Summary: This study aims to establish critical nitrogen dilution curves (CNDC) for maize and diagnose the nitrogen status under different mulching planting patterns. The results showed no significant differences in CNDC and its estimated parameters across years and mulching planting patterns, suggesting the establishment of a universal CNDC model for maize nitrogen diagnosis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Guillermo A. A. Dosio, Pablo Cicore, Roberto Rizzalli
Summary: This study demonstrates through field experiments that reducing sink demand during the grain filling period in maize accelerates leaf senescence, particularly at specific phenological stages. The results also suggest that protecting grains can prevent yield reduction.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Xuan Wei, Yongjie Liu, Qiming Song, Jinping Zou, Zhiqiang Wen, Jiayu Li, Dengfei Jie
Summary: This study successfully established a model for detecting the spores of Agaricus bisporus disease using hyperspectral imaging and deep learning methods, providing a new approach for early prevention and detection of the disease.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Ferdaous Rezgui, Adolfo Rosati, Fatima Lambarraa-Lehnhardt, Carsten Paul, Moritz Reckling
Summary: The intensification of Mediterranean farming systems has had negative impacts on the environment, but agroforestry systems can address these issues. This study developed a practical methodology to assess the sustainability of Mediterranean agroforestry systems and found that they provide agro-environmental benefits and economic profitability, although they also require increased workload.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2024)