Agricultural production in the United States is undergoing marked changes due to rapid shifts consumer demands, input costs, and concerns for food safety environmental impact. systems are comprised of multidimensional components drivers that interact complex ways influence sustainability. In a mixed-methods approach, we combine qualitative quantitative data develop simulate system dynamics model explores systemic interaction these on economic, social sustainability agricultural production....

Diagnostic methods assaying leaf optical properties can aid rapid site‐specific screening of crop nitrogen status. A set calibration curves relating many 1.5‐nm band reflectance ratios to cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) N concentration was established from plants grown in sunlit growth chambers and at a range levels. Predicted actual concentrations were compared by regression for validation field‐grown samples diverse genotypes. Only those that combined red‐edge measure (700 or 716 nm) with...

Abstract Agriculture has been very successful in addressing the food and fiber needs of today's world population. However, there are increasing concerns about economic, environmental social costs this success. Integrated agricultural systems may provide a means to address these while sustainability. This paper reviews potential for challenges integrated systems, evaluates different hierarchical framework, provides definitions examples each systems. also describes concept dynamic-integrated...

Increasing scarcity of irrigation water is threatening global winter wheat production and food security. As a major world crop, has been pivotal in enhancing the sustainable wheat. To ensure security, it vital to better understand demands during key growth periods improve productivity (WP). Here we combined precipitation crop requirements analyze impacts deficit (CWDI) on main planting belt China. The results showed that often had unbalanced budgets, leading serious frequent CWDI North China...

Abstract Technological advances have contributed to impressive yield gains and greatly altered US agriculture. Selective breeding directed molecular techniques address biological shortcomings of plants animals overcome environmental limitations. Improvements in mechanization, particularly power sources harvest equipment, reduce labor requirements increase productivity worker safety. Conservation systems, often designed problems introduced from other technologies, negative impacts on soil...

The temporally variable light environment of natural plant canopies presents distinct limitations to carbon assimilation, partially as a result the photosynthetic induction requirement that develops when leaves are shaded. This study was undertaken with soybean (Glycine max L.) further identify factors contributing activation state fast component during low photon flux density (PPFD) periods. Determination pool sizes reduction cycle intermediates at and upon return saturating indicated...

This manuscript presents research results examining phosphorus (P) management in a soil–plant system for three variables: i) internal resources of soil available phosphorus, ii) cropping sequence, and iii) external input (manure, fertilizers). The was conducted long-term sequences with oilseed rape (10 rotations) maize (six over consecutive growing seasons (2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2006/2007) production farm on soils originated from Albic Luvisols Poland. pool, measured as calcium chloride...

This study was undertaken to examine the dependence of regulatory enzymes photosynthetic induction on photon flux density (PFD) exposure in soybean (Glycine max L.). The state varies as a function both magnitude and duration PFD levels experienced prior an increase PFD. results from combined activity separate processes that each turn depend environment different ways. Direct measurement enzyme activities coupled with determination situ metabolite pool sizes indicated fast-induction component...

Core Ideas Based on yield gap analysis, wheat can be improved significantly in China. Both actual and potential yields showed considerable spatial variability. Winter increased 53% of the counties Nearly half experienced impaired yields. Declining solar radiation increasing temperature reduce yield. Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) stagnation has been reported some regions world. China is largest producer across globe, but pattern its remains poorly addressed. Here, our goal to examine temporal...

Abstract During the 20th century, American agriculture underwent dramatic changes. At beginning, farms were more diverse, dependent on animal traction, on-farm inputs and income and, after initial land grants, nearly independent of government policy. However, external issues, such as policies, mechanization, fossil fuel costs, increased consolidation vertical integration markets societal awareness environment concern with farming practices, have substantially altered structure agriculture....

Abstract Despite the proximity in zones of adaptation for soft and hard winter wheat (SWW HWW; Triticum aestivum L.), agronomic evaluations have been confined to market class. Our objectives were compare SWW HWW regarding yield attributes; genotype, environment, their interaction; rates gain. Yield, grain volume weight, heading date, plant height collected from 40 adjacent studies evaluating cultivars 20 Kansas environments ( n = 2,885). Growing season weather partially explained variability...

Abstract Efficient nutrient use is critical to ensure economical crop production while minimizing the impact of excessive applications on environment. Nitrogen (N) a key component agricultural production, both as an input support and waste product livestock production. Increasing concern for future sustainability preservation natural resource base has led development budgets indicators policy instruments management. Nutrient N have been developed by Organization Economic Co-operation...

A significant trend of decreasing solar radiation has been observed in Northeast China over the past six decades. Such a decline could negatively impact maize ( Zea mays L.) production. The improved cultivated hybrids may have adapted to these changes radiation. In this study, four commonly were selected for 2‐yr field study. Two released 1970s and other two 1990s. comparison with 1970s, 1990s exhibited increases both dry matter at maturity P < 0.05) grain yields 0.05), although harvest...