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Organic farming has potential for the conservation of global biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Despite this, knowledge of the effects of organic farming systems on farmland biodiversity is limited in Asia, the worldwide leader in rice production. We conducted the first national‐scale study to investigate the effects of three different rice farming systems (conventional, low‐input and organic) and specific management practices (e.g. herbicide and insecticide applications, crop rotation and levee‐vegetation management) on species richness and abundance of multiple taxonomic groups (plants, invertebrates, Pelophylax and Hyla japonica frogs, cobitid loaches and birds) in Japan during 2013–2015. Organic fields supported the highest richness and abundance of several taxonomic groups (native/Red List plants, Tetragnatha spiders, Sympetrum dragonflies and Pelophylax frogs), followed by low‐input and conventional fields. We also found taxon‐specific responses to specific management practices. For instance, plant richness and Tetragnatha and Sympetrum abundance increased with reduced herbicide and/or insecticide applications. Sympetrum and cobitid loach abundance increased in the absence of crop rotation, whereas H. japonica abundance increased with crop rotation. Pelophylax abundance increased with an increased height of levee vegetation. At spatial scales larger than single fields, waterbird richness and abundance were positively correlated with the proportion of organic rice fields, presumably due to increased prey abundance. Meanwhile, landbird richness and abundance were positively associated with annual precipitation and annual mean temperature, suggesting that such climate increases food availability. Synthesis and applications. We highlight the positive effects of organic and low‐input farming for biodiversity relative to conventional farming in rice paddies. We also provide the scientific basis of the current agri‐environmental schemes in Japan, subsidising organic and low‐input farming for biodiversity. The taxon‐specific associations with management practices indicate that avoiding crop rotation, maintaining levee vegetation and organic farming at large spatial scales can also be wildlife friendly. These practices may thus be incorporated into agri‐environment schemes for effective biodiversity conservation. 要旨 有機農業は、生物多様性と、それに関連する生態系サービスの保全に重要な役割を果たすと考えられている。しかし、有機農業が農地の生物多様性にもたらす影響は十分にわかっておらず、特に水稲の主要な生産地であるアジアにおいて知見が非常に少ない。 私たちは、日本の水田では初となる全国規模の野外調査を2013–2015年に行い、慣行、減農薬および有機栽培の3つの農法の違い、および、除草剤・殺虫剤の施用、輪作の有無、畦畔の植生管理等の管理手法の違いが複数の生物種群（植物、無脊椎動物、トノサマガエル属、ニホンアマガエル、ドジョウ科および鳥類）に与える影響を評価した。 在来／レッドリスト植物種数、アシナガグモ属、アカネ属およびトノサマガエル属の個体数は有機栽培の水田で最も多く、次いで減農薬栽培田、慣行栽培田となった。また、管理手法の違いに対する応答は分類群毎に異なることが明らかとなった。具体的には、植物種数、およびアシナガグモ属とアカネ属の個体数は除草剤もしくは殺虫剤施用の少ない水田に多かった。アカネ属とドジョウ科の個体数は輪作を実施しない水田に多かったが、一方でニホンアマガエルの個体数は輪作を実施する水田に多かった。トノサマガエル属の個体数は畦畔の植生高に比例して増加した。 水田団地のスケールでみると、水鳥類の種数・個体数は有機栽培田の面積率と正の相関を示しており、これは食物量の増加によるものと考えられた。一方、陸鳥類の種数・個体数は年降水量および年平均気温と正に相関しており、こうした気候が食物量を増加させる結果と示唆された。 総括および応用　慣行栽培と比較して、有機栽培および減農薬栽培が農地の生物多様性に正の影響をもたらすことが明らかになった。これにより、現在、日本で実施される農業環境政策（有機・減農薬栽培等に対する交付金制度）の効果について科学的な評価基盤を提供することができた。さらに、輪作を回避すること、畦畔植生を適当な高さに維持すること、および有機栽培を行う水田を空間的にまとめることも、特定の分類群の保全に有効であることがわかり、こうした取組の推進が望まれる。 We highlight the positive effects of organic and low‐input farming for biodiversity relative to conventional farming in rice paddies. We also provide the scientific basis of the current agri‐environmental schemes in Japan, subsidising organic and low‐input farming for biodiversity. The taxon‐specific associations with management practices indicate that avoiding crop rotation, maintaining levee vegetation and organic farming at large spatial scales can also be wildlife friendly. These practices may thus be incorporated into agri‐environment schemes for effective biodiversity conservation.

Soil quality is directly affected by alterations in its microbiological, biological, biochemical, physical, and chemical aspects. The microbiological activities of soil can affect soil fertility and plant growth because it can speed up the cycling of nutrients, enzymes, and hormones that are needed by plants for proper growth and development. The use of different agricultural management practices can influence microbial biomass and enzyme activities by altering soil microclimate, soil microorganism habitat, and nutrient cycling. Based on this, the present work planned to evaluate the impact of conventional, low-input, and organic farming systems in a vegetable field growing celery on microbial biomass and different soil enzyme activities. The present study showed a comparison of the effect of different practices on biological soil quality indicators during two sampling times, i.e., one month after colonization and one month before harvesting. It was observed that the soil microbial biomass in the organic farming system was significantly higher than that found in conventional and low-input practices. Under an organic farming system, the soil microbial biomass in December was significantly higher than that in October. The soil microbial biomass carbon in the 0–20 cm soil layer showed higher variation compared to that in the 20–40 cm layer for all the three of the farming management practices that were used in the study. Additionally, the soil total carbon and total organic carbon were recorded as being higher in the December samples than they were in the October samples. Under all the three of the management practices that were applied, the soil catalase activity was higher in the October samples than it was in the December soil samples that were collected the from 20–40 cm soil layer compared to those that were taken from the 0–20 cm layer. The application of organic fertilizer (chicken and cowmanure compost) resulted inincreases in the soil urease and in the protease activity. The protease activity of the soil samples that were extracted from the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers in October was higher in the samples that were taken from farms using conventional practices than it was in the samples that were taken from farms using organic and low-input practices, while the samples that were collected during December from both of the soil layers showed higher protease activity when organic methods had been used. No significant variation in the soil urease activity was observed between the two soil layer samples. Urease activity was the highest when organic management practices were being used, followed by the low-input and the conventional modes. For the conventional and low-input practices, the soil urease activity showed an obvious trend of change that was related to thetime of sampling, i.e., activity in December was significantly higher than activity in October. The novelty of this study was to determine the microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activity in a six-field crop rotation (tomato, cucumber, celery, fennel, cauliflower, and eggplant) using three management practices: low-input, conventional, and organic systems. The present study showed that the long-term application of organic fertilizers plays a large role in maintaining excellent microbial and enzyme activitythat result in improved soil quality.

This paper reviews recent research articles published in Euphytica on breeding for intraspecific diversification (genotype mixtures) and mixed cropping of different species. We highlight several aspects that these papers have in common, including the use of novel approaches to overcome resource constraints, such as low mechanization, external input availability, or farm labor scarcity. We also discuss how these research articles demonstrate a conceptual overlap with Frugal Innovation, which involves finding elegant solutions despite financial or technological constraints. Our analysis suggests that breeding for diversified cropping systems is a key strategy to improve livelihoods and to intensify agricultural production in resource-limited contexts. Finally, we recommend best practices for successful approaches to breed for low-input and diversified cropping systems, including improving nutrient use efficiency, plant community improvement, research using improved phenotyping techniques, and policy frameworks for farmers and breeders. The approaches presented in this article have implications for promoting agricultural intensification and reducing poverty in rural areas.

Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) has been a food source since ancient times. In Spain, it is considered a marginal crop, and jujube fruits are of low economic importance. Its consumption is bound to local marketplaces. However, jujube is a good alternative crop due to its climatic adaptation and low-input conditions. We aimed to evaluate the morphological, physicochemical, and bioactive compounds of jujube fruits grown under low-input conditions (wild and organic farming) in the Mediterranean basin, specifically in Marjal de los Moros, Valencia, Spain. The organic system produces higher protein, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate concentrations from small-caliber fruit cultivars. Potassium and phosphorus are the major mineral elements in jujube. The fruits’ total polyphenols range from 480.83 to 630.81 mg EGA·100 g−1 fw in organic conditions and 520.71 mg EGA·100 g−1 fw in wild conditions. Low-input conditions influence the production of glucose (sweet fruits) and bioactive compounds, as well as mineral concentrations. A strong relationship exists between vitamin C levels and the potassium concentration. Jujube fruits are classified as “vitamin C-rich”. A 20 g serving of fruit can provide the regular vitamin C requirements of an adult person. The environmental and nutritional opportunities offered by jujubes are in line with different SDGs.

Biochar is a rich-carbon charcoal obtained by pyrolysis of biomasses, which was used since antiquity as soil amendant. Its storage in soils was demonstrated contributing to abate the effects of climate changes by sequestering carbon, also providing bioenergy, and improving soil characteristics and crop yields. Despite interest in this amendant, there is still poor information on its effects on soil fertility and plant growth. Considerable variation in the plant response has been reported, depending on biomass source, pyrolysis conditions, crop species, and cultivation practices. Due to these conflicting evidences, this work was aimed at studying the effects of biochar from pyrolyzed wood at 550°C, containing 81.1% carbon and 0.91% nitrogen, on growth and yield of tomato plants experiencing low-input farming conditions. San Marzano ecotype from Southern Italy was investigated, due to its renowned quality and adaptability to sustainable farming practices. Biochar administration improved vegetative growth and berry yield, while affecting gene expression and protein repertoire in berries. Different enzymes of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis were over-represented, whereas various stress-responsive and defense proteins were down-represented. Molecular results are here discussed in relation to estimated agronomic parameters to provide a rationale justifying the growth-promoting effect of this soil amendant.

Currently, marine algae are capturing the attention of both farmers and researchers eager to integrate sustainable methods to safeguard their crops. Instead of relying exclusively on synthetic pesticides, which often have negative environmental effects, some growers are now exploring algae-based products in hopes of reducing pest pressures. Various natural compounds sourced from algae—such as specific fatty acids and complex sugars—are believed to inhibit pest development, although their precise mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that these compounds may bolster the plant’s own immune responses, thus enhancing crop resilience. Despite certain limitations on field applications, various techniques, including spraying, amending soil, or pre-treating seeds, are currently being evaluated. The results from the laboratory present a positive outlook, but implementing these discoveries to ensure consistent efficacy in practical settings is a major challenge. Variables such as climatic fluctuations, product durability, and formulation standards all elevate this complexity. In every instance, the approach of incorporating algae to lessen chemical dependence while securing uniform yields persists in being of interest, particularly in the area of organic or low-input farming.

Eco-efficiency is commonly used as an indicator of sustainability since it expresses the efficiency with which natural resources are utilized to meet people’s needs. Agriculture relies heavily on these ecological resources and by-produces significant environmental burdens, shifting the interest of researchers and policymakers toward the promotion of ecological practices. However, limited evidence exists regarding eco-efficiency across various ecological approaches like low input, conservation, and organic farming. This paper contributes to the existing literature and provides insight into the eco-efficiency of Cretan olive farms managed under different ecological approaches. Olive oil production is vital for the socio-economic sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture, a significant element of the region’s culture, and the basis of the well-known “Mediterranean diet”; therefore, it is crucial to investigate eco-efficient management options for olive farmers. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a second-stage statistical analysis are employed to estimate the eco-efficiency of olive farms and investigate factors affecting it. Composite indicators for biodiversity, soil, and input management are incorporated in the eco-efficiency model. The results indicate that organic farms achieve the highest eco-efficiency scores, followed by other ecological approaches. Additionally, eco-efficiency seems to be explained by farmers’ dependency on subsidies, commitment to farming activity, and environmental awareness.

This study assesses local stakeholders’ perceptions regarding how a Mediterranean cereal-based cropping system could transition to a more sustainable production, focusing on the identification of the most suitable alternatives for their diversification. Fifty-four stakeholders from the Aragon region in Spain, including farmers, technical advisors, public agricultural officers, local researchers, and experts from environmental NGOs, were consulted. Their responses were analysed using multi-criteria decision-making techniques to order their preferences for different farming practices and diversification strategies. Stakeholders’ responses suggest a priority for balancing soil conservation with the economic viability and continuity of farms. This is evident not only in its consideration as a priority objective but also in their preferences for farming practices, where their implications for farm profitability, especially through the choice of less costly alternatives, are a main concern. This economic rationale also influences their choice of crop diversification alternatives, with a preference for short (two-year) rotations in rainfed cereals and double cropping in irrigated cereals, showing a consideration of the balance between environmental and economic sustainability, and for diversification crops that farmers are already familiar with, aiming both to reduce the uncertainties linked to new crops and to minimise the need for technical support.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a popular herb of great economic and medicinal value. Despite its significant potential, there are currently no commercially available varieties specifically adapted to Mediterranean low-input farming systems. The present study aimed to develop a genetically improved breeding population derived from indigenous Greek chamomile germplasm, following a multi-year strategy, based on pedigree selection under low-input conditions. This selection process constituted the first phase of the breeding program, during which selection focused on improving inflorescence dry weight and essential oil quality, particularly with respect to α-bisabolol and chamazulene content. After three cycles of selection, considerable genetic gains were achieved. The realized heritability values exceeded 0.5 for all assessed traits, confirming strong genetic control. In the fourth year, representing the second phase of the breeding program, the breeding population—developed through selection during the first phase—was evaluated alongside the initial population and commercial diploid and tetraploid varieties. The breeding population exhibited significant observed gains compared to the initial population: inflorescence dry weight increased by 12.17%, α-bisabolol content by 71.45%, and chamazulene content by 6.57%. Additionally, the breeding population not only surpassed all evaluated diploid genotypes in essential oil composition, but also displayed a chemotypic shift, indicating successful alignment with tetraploid varieties characterized by high-value chemical profiles. Furthermore, this selection process targeting specific commercial chamomile traits indirectly contributed to improvement in plant height and inflorescence morphology. Overall, these results demonstrate that conventional breeding, when applied effectively to native resources, can enhance both agronomic performance and essential oil profile. The newly developed breeding population provides a strong foundation for future cultivar development tailored to Mediterranean low-input sustainable farming systems.

Purpose: Urban farming is experiencing rapid growth and is believed to be a potential solution to future sustainable food production needs. In tropical regions, highly nutritious legumes are a common crop in urban farming. However, most production still highly depends on synthetic fertilizers and manure with high carbon footprints. One possible solution to this issue is the application of fertilizer. This study aimed to find an alternative to synthetic fertilizer for legumes grown in containers in urban farming setups.Method:In this study, several fertilizers were applied to the long bean (Vigna sinensis L.) grown in a container at an urban farming setup. The fertilizers used included synthetic fertilizer, manure, vermicompost, insect frass (produced by black soldier fly larvae fed on municipal wastes), and a combination of vermicompost and insect frass. The parameters observed were the long bean's growth, productivity, and yield quality.Results:The application of insect frass improves the growth medium chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. However, applying vermicompost produced better growth, productivity, and yield quality than insect frass. Combining vermicompost and insect frass with a ratio 1:1 produced higher plant (281 cm), more average pod numbers per plant (17.33), and the highest average yield per plant (273.13 gram).Conclusion:Providing vermicompost and insect frass originating from municipal waste could replace synthetic fertilizer and manure to improve the sustainability of urban farming. Combining both materials could produce a synergetic effect, further enhancing the growth and yield of long beans.