Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study evaluates the impact of conservation agriculture (CA) on soil carbon sequestration and crop productivity in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, focusing on short-term effects over 3 and 5 years. Conducted at two distinct sites, Karnal and Samastipur, the research compares zero tillage, permanent raised beds, and conventional tillage systems across diverse cropping patterns. Initial findings after 3 years showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks at Karnal, while Samastipur’s maize-mustard-mungbean rotation on permanent raised beds showed increased carbon stocks. Notably, after 5 years, significant differences in soil carbon stocks emerged at both sites, with improved organic matter input indicated by coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) formation. The study confirms the potential of POXC and POC as early indicators for carbon sequestration in CA systems, highlighting the role of CA practices in enhancing soil health and crop productivity sustainably.

The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) provides the world’s population with staple foods, and it is crucial to maintain global food demand and security. Food systems are a complex ecosystem and sustain many feedback mechanisms. Crop residue management is one of those feedback mechanisms that was assessed under conservation agriculture, and a decomposition study was analyzed for the rice-wheat cropping system using rice, wheat, and maize crop residue for decomposition rate and nutrients release under agricultural practices (zero till, raised beds). Different zero tillage techniques in Samastipur demonstrated an accelerated decomposition trend, which was especially noticeable in the straw from wheat and rice. At the same time, permanent bed systems showed a relatively larger residue mass, especially in the case of wheat and maize straw. Permanent bed systems (wheat-maize system), particularly those using wheat straw, held the largest amounts of residue mass when the total residue mass throughout the sites was taken into account. Samastipur showed higher nutrient release for all the rice residue in wheat, rice residue in maize, and wheat residue in rice except maize residue in rice as compared to the Karnal sites. Decomposition kinetics, modeled via a first-order exponential decay function, showed high correlations (R 2 : 0.941 to 0.996) across treatment methods. The research underscores the significant effect of agroecological factors on residue decomposition and nutrient release, irrespective of residue type, highlighting the importance of tailored residue management practices for enhanced nutrient cycling and sustainability. These findings contribute to the optimization of residue management strategies in RWCS, promoting sustainable agriculture practices in the face of climate change and increasing food security demands.

How effective are climate resilient agricultural technologies (CRATs) in overcoming barriers faced in agri-food system by farmers across the different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of Bihar? This study examines the barriers that hinder farmers in Bihar from adopting CRATs amidst the growing impacts of climate change on global agri-food systems. It focuses on key CRATs, including zero tillage/minimum tillage (ZT/MT), laser land leveling (LLL), climate-resilient variety selection (CRVS), crop diversification (CD), site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), crop calendar and timely sowing (CCTS), and direct-seeded rice (DSR), and investigates the factors affecting their adoption. Using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and logistic regression, key factors that influence the adoption of CRATs were identified. Descriptive statistics showed moderate levels of soil health awareness (mean value = 2.70) and climate change awareness (mean value = 2.63). Correlation analysis found that social factors like training received had a positive correlation with the adoption of DSR (correlation coefficient = 0.410). Logistic regression results highlighted that technology awareness significantly influences the adoption of DSR (coefficient = 0.400, p = 0.253), while initial investment costs are major barriers for ZT/MT and LLL (coefficient = 0.400, p = 0.267). Results highlight the need to improve awareness through educational programs, provide technical support, and offer financial incentives to overcome the various barriers farmers faced. Targeted efforts in these areas can significantly increase the adoption of the CRATs, leading to more resilient and sustainable farming systems. Study supports not only the sustainable agricultural development but also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The most common cropping production system in South Asia, transplanted puddled rice followed by conventional-tillage wheat, is highly unsustainable, extremely energy-intensive, and emits a large amount of greenhouse gases. The practices used in conservation agriculture, including diversified cropping rotations, residue retention, zero-tillage direct-seeded rice, and zero-tillage wheat, can increase crop productivity while reducing energy use requirements and carbon footprints. Therefore, to promote a sustainable and energy-efficient conservation agriculture-based system with a less energy-intensive rice–wheat system, contrasting tillage and residue management scenarios were evaluated in this study. The treatments include triple cropping systems of zero-tillage direct-seeded rice (ZTDSR) during the rainy season, followed by zero-tillage rice–wheat–mungbean (ZTRWM) in winter, as well as zero-tillage rice–lentil–mungbean (ZTRLM), zero-tillage rice–chickpea–mungbean (ZTRCM), and zero-tillage rice–mungbean–mustard (ZTRMM) along with the conventional-tillage rice–wheat (CTRW) system. Zero-tillage systems exhibited significantly lower operational energy for irrigation (~40%), sowing (~26%), and land preparation (100%) compared to a conventional-tillage (CT) system. Compared to the conventional-tillage rice–wheat system, zero-tillage cropping systems achieved significantly higher system biomass yields. The zero-tillage system also increased wheat yields, resulting in a significant reduction in resources (fuel, fertilizer, and machinery) under zero-tillage (ZT) interventions. More than 60% of energy utilization came from crop residue, irrespective of the diverse cropping production systems. The maximum net energy returns, energy ratios, energy productivity, and energy intensity were recorded with the zero-tillage rice–wheat system. Zero-tillage production systems had significantly lower carbon footprints, higher carbon efficiency, and better carbon sustainability index than the conventional-tillage (CT) management system. Thus, it can be concluded that triple-zero-tillage production systems, along with residue management, yield lower net energy output, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon footprints as compared to conventional-tillage-based systems.

This study builds upon existing knowledge to quantify the extent of on-farm yield gaps and identify the most effective climate-resilient strategies (CRSs) to bridge them. By addressing these objectives, the study seeks to enhance wheat yield and resilience in the adverse climatic conditions. Productivity and adoption of CRSs are key indicators to monitor the progress toward more resilient production systems. Total eight project hubs were identified across Bihar (Banka, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Khagaria, Madhubani, Munger, Nalanda, and Nawada) for farmers-field experiment-cum-demonstration during rabi season (2019–2020). Three climate-resilient technologies (i) zero tillage (ZT), (ii) raised bed (RB), and (iii) happy seeder (HS) were evaluated across varying planting times from November 13 to December 31. Field experiments-cum-demonstrations conducted across 566 hectares involving 980 farmers in eight districts of Bihar revealed that early wheat planting (13–30 November) significantly enhanced grain productivity (up to 4.96 t/ha) and profitability (net returns up to $863/ha, B:C ratio 1.92), while delayed sowing (post–mid-December) led to yield reductions of up to 57%. Among crop establishment methods, happy seeder (HS) and zero tillage (ZT) consistently outperformed conventional farmer-managed practices, achieving 12.6–14.5% higher net returns and benefit-cost ratios up to 2.02, underscoring the agronomic and economic advantages of timely planting and resource-conserving technologies. The study concludes that sowing wheat in the second week of November using the Happy Seeder (HS) significantly boosts productivity and profitability. These results offer robust evidence to refine regional planting advisories and promote climate-resilient practices for enhancing wheat adaptation across subtropical India.

Maize is an economically important cereal crop, whose adaptability to a variety of agroecological zones and uses as a food, feed, and input in various industries has ensured its global importance. In this study, the implications of the raised bed planting (RBP) system on smallholder maize farming in Bihar, India, for four consecutive Rabi seasons were evaluated from 2020–2021 to 2023–2024. The research focuses on key parameters such as productivity, profitability, water use efficiency (WUE), and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) to present a sustainable alternative to traditional flatbed planting systems. Maize yield at RBP ranged from 9.28 to 10.53 t ha −1 , significantly higher than the range of 5.70 to 8.29 t ha −1 for flatbed (FB). The raised bed planting (RBP) system was more profitable as well, where net return increased by 20% compared to the FB system. WUE was 35% better in the RBP system, and NUE (grain yield per unit of applied N) was 25% better than FB systems. RBP enhances water and nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) use efficiency, boosting productivity and profitability.

What are the key factors influencing yield in winter maize cultivation under adverse climatic conditions? How can on-farm experimentation reveal innovative strategies to improve production in these challenging environments? Four year (2020-21-to-2023-24) on farm experimentation at 160 farmers in the districts of Purnia and Katihar were consider for study. The key factors evaluated for maize yields encompassed sowing windows, varietal performance, topography, seed treatment, earthing up, planting methods, spacing, tillage practices, irrigation, and nutrient management. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was validated by visiting on-farm experimentation at fields. Results indicated that the optimal sowing window for high yields was October 25 th to November 7 th , with high-yielding varieties Grover 4455 and Srikar 1818 showing the best performance. Topography showed a preferential distribution of yield towards upland areas. The variety P3355 demonstrated consistent performance, appearing across both high and medium yield categories. Higher frequencies of high yields in seed-treated plots were nevertheless obtained, with 62% high yields obtained in treated plots against 48% obtained in plots without treatment. At earthing up is one of the critical practices in flat bed system (FBS), and it contributed much to higher yields (χ²=17.86, p =0.003), but in raised bed system (RBS), which allow superior yields intrinsically. This trial showed that optimum spacing of 50 cm row-to-row and 22 cm plant-to-plant, coupled with moderate tillage operations of 4-10, with a median of 6, resulted in increased yields. Efficient irrigation management, where high-yielding plots received balanced nutrient applications of 243.85-165.51-106.74 NPK kg/ha, was a critical factor in realizing high yields. Principal component analysis (PCA) underlined the role of integrated agronomic practices in maximizing maize production. It provides actionable insight to farmers with respect to maize yield improvement for economic resilience and sustainable agriculture. Overall, this study identified optimal sowing windows, high-yielding varieties, and integrated agronomic practices that significantly enhance winter-maize production under adverse climatic conditions, offering actionable insights for sustainable agriculture.

Wheat production in subtropical agroecosystems is increasingly challenged by climate-induced stresses such as lodging, terminal heat, and erratic rainfall patterns. This study was conducted during the 2023–2024 rabi season across eight locations, namely, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) Research Station at Pusa and seven project hubs located in the districts of Munger, Nawada, Nalanda, Katihar, Purnea, Samastipur, and Vaishali in Bihar, India, and evaluated climate-resilient agronomic strategies to enhance wheat resilience and productivity. A randomized block design with 20 replications was used to assess the interactive effects of tillage practices [conventional tillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT), and permanent raised bed (PRB)], sowing times (early vs. timely), and wheat varieties (HD2967, DBW187, and DBW316) on crop performance. Results indicated that PRB and ZT strategies significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced (80%–90%) risk of lodging and increased (15%–25%) wheat grain yield compared to CT. Furthermore, early sowing (first fortnight of November) and the use of lodging-resilient varieties of HD2967 and DBW187 reduced crop lodging, improved crop performance, and increased wheat grain yield compared to late sowing (second fortnight of November) and the DBW316 variety, respectively. Correlation and regression analysis studies exposed a weak positive correlation between yield and wind speed ( r = 0.133) and a stronger positive correlation effect with rainfall ( r  = 0.342) during early-sown crops, with stepwise regression indicating yield gains of 0.32 t/ha and 1.15 t/ha under optimum wind speed and rainfall, respectively ( r = 0.68). In contrast, late sowing exhibited negative correlations, with yield declining by 0.39 and 0.12 t/ha under aberrant wind and rainfall conditions, respectively ( r = 0.52). The study emphasized the significance of adopting climate-resilient agronomic strategies, such as ZT, appropriate variety selection (HD2967 and DBW187), and early sowing, to enhance the sustainability and resilience of wheat production under adverse climatic conditions.

This paper follows the progress made in India for research and farmer adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) since the publication of Erenstein (2012), who contested the idea that zero-till (ZT) establishment of wheat in rice–wheat systems could be further developed into full CA systems. Data presented in this paper show that research has successfully found solutions for both the wheat and rice phases of the rice–wheat systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) in the past 8 years. It shows that by finding solutions in both the rice and wheat phases, yields, water use efficiency and profits increased, while labour needs reduced. Indian scientists have also confirmed these benefits in participatory on-farm research in various locations, both east and west regions of the IGP. Farmers see for themselves through experimentation that they get higher yields with less cost and with more efficient use of inputs and water. A key factor has been the development of improved seed drills with the help of Indian private sector manufacturers of agricultural equipment. Indian scientists have also successfully conducted CA research on several other crops and in other regions besides the IGP. The paper shows that it is better to introduce parts of the CA management practices in a step-wise fashion first, rather than introducing the entire package at once since farmers first have to test and evaluate a new technology to understand how it benefits them personally before they will adopt it. The paper concludes that in the rice–wheat systems of South Asia, adoption of CA is indeed possible to achieve although it is still a work in progress. CA is a complex technology package and it takes time to overcome all of the contested issues mentioned in Erenstein (2012).

Farmers around the world are increasingly vulnerable: climate variability is identified as the primary stressor, but unfavorable biophysical circumstances and disturbances in the socioeconomic domain (labor dynamics and price volatility) also affect farm management and production. To deal with these disturbances, adaptations are recognized as essential. Antifragility acknowledges that adaptations and volatility are inherent characteristics of complex systems and abandons the idea of returning to the pre-disturbance system state. Instead, antifragility recognizes that disturbances can trigger reorganization, enabling selection and removal of weaker system features and allowing the system to evolve toward a better state. In this study, we assessed the vulnerability of different types of smallholder farms in Bihar, India, and explored the scope for more antifragile farming systems that can ‘bounce back better’ after disturbances. Accumulation of stocks, creation of optionality (i.e., having multiple options for innovation) and strengthening of farmer autonomy were identified as criteria for antifragility. We had focus group discussions with in total 92 farmers and found that most expressed themselves to be vulnerable: they experienced challenges but had limited adaptive capacity to change their situation. They mostly made short-term decisions to cope with or mitigate urgent challenges but did not engage in strategic planning driven by longer-term objectives. Instead, they waited for governmental support to improve their livelihoods. Despite being confronted with similar challenges, four positive deviant farmers showed to be more antifragile: their diverse farming systems were abundant in stocks and optionality, and the farmers were distinguished in terms of their autonomy, competence, and connectedness to peers, the community, and markets. To support antifragility among regular farmers, adaptations at policy level may be required, for example, by shifting from a top-down toward a bottom-up adaptation and innovation regime where initiative and cooperation are encouraged. With a more autonomous orientation, farmers’ intrinsic motivation is expected to increase, enabling transitions at the farm level. In this way, connected systems can be developed which are socioeconomically and biophysically adaptive. When practices, knowledge, and skills are continuously developed, an antifragile system with ample stocks and optionality may evolve over time.