Academic literature on the topic 'Global Production Ecosystems; flex crops; resilience'

Crop production is a constant battle with weeds, in which weeds, generally, are victorious. Therefore, rather than channeling our efforts into the development of a “silver bullet” to control weeds, the focus should be on sustainable weed management in both natural- and agro-ecosystems. However, sustainable weed management can be a challenge in the context of global climate change. Over the past few decades, global climate change, mostly indicated by phenomena such as increased atmospheric temperature and elevated CO2 levels, is evident due to human activities and natural events. These phenomena also affect regional/local climate, resulting in significant influences on the agricultural systems of a particular region. Rising CO2 levels may give comparative advantages to C3 plants through increased photosynthesis, biomass production and yield, compared to C4 plants. Plants with C4 photosynthetic pathways, on the other hand, are likely to benefit more from rising global temperatures than C3 plants. Thus, the differential responses of C3 and C4 plants to climate change may alter crop–weed interactions and competition outcomes, most likely at the expense of the crop. Climate change will likely cause shifts in weed community compositions, their population dynamics, life cycle, phenology, and infestation pressure. Some weed species may go extinct, while some others may become more aggressive invaders. Weeds are, generally, colonizers and have some unique biological traits and ecological amplitudes that enable them to successfully dominate crops in a habitat with changed environmental conditions. Moreover, climate shifts, especially erratic rainfall and drought, may affect herbicide selectivity and efficacy or the success of bio-control agents resulting in an establishment of a mixed and complex population of C3 and C4 weed species adding to the complexity of weed management. Although elevated CO2 levels will stimulate the productivity of major C3 crops, most troublesome agricultural weeds will likely be more responsive to a rise in CO2 than crops, and thus may dominate the agro-ecosystem. It is predicted that, as temperature rises, the majority of the C4 weeds will flourish and will pose serious crop yield losses. Understanding and assessment of the impact of simultaneous changes in multiple climate factors and their complex interactions on crops and weeds are therefore necessary to formulate an adaptive weed management approach and build resilience. Moreover, strategic policies and strong actions need to be taken to reduce the root causes of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions to minimize the impact of climate change on weed biology and management.

Abstract. Irrigation in the Mediterranean is of vital importance for food security, employment and economic development. This study systematically assesses how climate change and increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations may affect irrigation requirements in the Mediterranean region by 2080–2090. Future demographic change and technological improvements in irrigation systems are accounted for, as is the spread of climate forcing, warming levels and potential realization of the CO2-fertilization effect. Vegetation growth, phenology, agricultural production and irrigation water requirements and withdrawal were simulated with the process-based ecohydrological and agro-ecosystem model LPJmL after a large development that comprised the improved representation of Mediterranean crops. At present the Mediterranean region could save 35 % of water by implementing more efficient irrigation and conveyance systems. Some countries like Syria, Egypt and Turkey have higher saving potentials than others. Currently some crops, especially sugar cane and agricultural trees, consume in average more irrigation water per hectare than annual crops. Different crops show different magnitude of changes in net irrigation requirements due to climate change, being the increases most pronounced in agricultural trees. The Mediterranean area as a whole might face an increase in gross irrigation requirements between 4 and 18 % from climate change alone if irrigation systems and conveyance are not improved (2 °C global warming combined with full CO2-fertilization effect, and 5 °C global warming combined with no CO2-fertilization effect, respectively). Population growth increases these numbers to 22 and 74 %, respectively, affecting mainly the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. However, improved irrigation technologies and conveyance systems have large water saving potentials, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, and may be able to compensate to some degree the increases due to climate change and population growth. Both subregions would need around 35 % more water than today if they could afford some degree of modernization of irrigation and conveyance systems and benefit from the CO2-fertilization effect. Nevertheless, water scarcity might pose further challenges to the agricultural sector: Algeria, Libya, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia, Morocco, Tunisia and Spain have a high risk of not being able to sustainably meet future irrigation water requirements in some scenarios. The results presented in this study point to the necessity of performing further research on climate-friendly agro-ecosystems in order to assess, on the one side, their degree of resilience to climate shocks, and on the other side, their adaptation potential when confronted with higher temperatures and changes in water availability.

Abstract. Irrigation in the Mediterranean is of vital importance for food security, employment and economic development. This study systematically assesses how climate change and increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations may affect irrigation requirements in the Mediterranean region by 2080–2090. Future demographic change and technological improvements in irrigation systems are taken into account, as is the spread of climate forcing, warming levels and potential realization of the CO2-fertilization effect. Vegetation growth, phenology, agricultural production and irrigation water requirements and withdrawal were simulated with the process-based ecohydrological and agro-ecosystem model LPJmL (Lund–Potsdam–Jena managed Land) after an extensive development that comprised the improved representation of Mediterranean crops. At present the Mediterranean region could save 35 % of water by implementing more efficient irrigation and conveyance systems. Some countries such as Syria, Egypt and Turkey have a higher savings potential than others. Currently some crops, especially sugar cane and agricultural trees, consume on average more irrigation water per hectare than annual crops. Different crops show different magnitudes of changes in net irrigation requirements due to climate change, the increases being most pronounced in agricultural trees. The Mediterranean area as a whole may face an increase in gross irrigation requirements between 4 and 18 % from climate change alone if irrigation systems and conveyance are not improved (4 and 18 % with 2 °C global warming combined with the full CO2-fertilization effect and 5 °C global warming combined with no CO2-fertilization effect, respectively). Population growth increases these numbers to 22 and 74 %, respectively, affecting mainly the southern and eastern Mediterranean. However, improved irrigation technologies and conveyance systems have a large water saving potential, especially in the eastern Mediterranean, and may be able to compensate to some degree for the increases due to climate change and population growth. Both subregions would need around 35 % more water than today if they implement some degree of modernization of irrigation and conveyance systems and benefit from the CO2-fertilization effect. Nevertheless, water scarcity may pose further challenges to the agricultural sector: Algeria, Libya, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia, Morocco, Tunisia and Spain have a high risk of not being able to sustainably meet future irrigation water requirements in some scenarios. The results presented in this study point to the necessity of performing further research on climate-friendly agro-ecosystems in order to assess, on the one hand, their degree of resilience to climate shocks and, on the other hand, their adaptation potential when confronted with higher temperatures and changes in water availability.

Pantoea agglomerans RSO7, a rhizobacterium previously isolated from Spartina maritima grown on metal polluted saltmarshes, had demonstrated good plant growth promoting activity for its host halophyte, but was never tested in crops. The aims of this study were: (1) testing PGP activity on a model plant (alfalfa) in vitro; (2) testing a bacterial consortium including RSO7 as biofertilizer in a pilot experiment in urban orchard; and (3) identifying the traits related to PGP activities. RSO7 was able to enhance alfalfa growth in vitro, particularly the root system, besides improving plant survival and protecting plants against fungal contamination. In addition, in a pilot experiment in urban orchard, a consortium of three bacteria including RSO7 was able to foster the growth and yield of several winter crops between 1.5 and 10 fold, depending on species. Moreover, the analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence revealed that photosynthesis was highly ameliorated. Genome analysis of RSO7 depicted the robustness of this bacterial strain which showed resilience to multiple stresses (heat, cold, UV radiation, several xenobiotics). Together with wide metabolic versatility, genes conferring resistance to oxidative stress were identified. Many genes involved in metal resistance (As, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, Se, Te) and in tolerance toward high osmolality (production of a battery of osmoprotectans) were also found. Regarding plant growth promoting properties, traits for phosphate solubilization, synthesis of a battery of siderophores and production of IAA were detected. In addition, the bacterium has genes related to key processes in the rhizosphere including flagellar motility, chemotaxis, quorum sensing, biofilm formation, plant-bacteria dialog, and high competitiveness in the rhizosphere. Our results suggest the high potential of this bacterium as bioinoculant for an array of crops. However, the classification in biosecurity group 2 prevents its use according to current European regulation. Alternative formulations for the application of the bioinoculant are discussed.

This report examines how climate change is impacting agriculture and threatening national and global food systems, particularly in climate hotspots, and how these trends are projected to intensify over the coming decades. The report defines and details transformative adaptation for agriculture and why such longer-term, systemic approaches are needed to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and herders. Transformative adaptation in agriculture promotes long-term resilience by continually shifting the geographical locations where specific types of crops and livestock are produced, aligning agricultural production with changing landscapes and ecosystems, and/or introducing resilience-building production methods and technologies across value chains. The report presents evidence to support a call for urgent action by: Agricultural research organizations, to build and share knowledge regarding transformative approaches; Governments, to integrate this knowledge into plans and policies by establishing and implementing transformative pathways; and Funding entities, to increase financial support for agricultural adaptation and design sustainable financing mechanisms with the right incentives and disincentives to support transformative adaptation. Strategic investments in resilient food systems are crucial to manage intensifying climate change impacts and feed a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Planning for transformative adaptation should center on inclusive, participatory processes that engage a diverse range of stakeholders who may otherwise be marginalized in decision-making, such as women, youth and Indigenous peoples.

Global trends show that the world's population is growing with 250,000 new human beings per day, or 100 million a year. This significant growth of the population, coupled with a phenomenon of globalization and an increase in the average standard of living of individuals, first of all poses the problem of energy resources. In fact, major part of this energy, almost 96%, is produced from fossil fuels (petrol, natural gas, coal). The use of fossil fuels also poses environmental problems (pollution of water, soil, air, and all that results from it - loss of biodiversity, reduction of vital resources, etc.). Its combustion notably releases gaseous and particulate species into the atmosphere that are highly harmful to human health and ecosystems, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) that warm the climate on a global scale. The consequences of air pollution on health and associated costs are well identified. The possible consequences of climate change on our societies living in urban areas in form of development of urban heat island (UHIs) which make the cities warmer than its surrounding non-urban areas are also clearly identified. Without adaptive measures or enhancing the resilience capabilities, it further pushes us towards a very uncertain future. Other observations made on different areas across the world already show very significant impacts on the water resources (strong droughts), on the crops (lower yields) and thus on the basic food of our food chain. Another observation is that the population is concentrating more and more in the cities. Since 2007, the population of cities represents more than 50% of the world population. By 2030, this percentage is expected to exceed to 60%. Today almost 75% of total global energy is consumed in urban areas today. Favored by the dense presence of polluting activities and urban objects, very localized peaks of concentrations of a large number of harmful pollutants such as particles, nitrogen oxides and certain hydrocarbons are observed in urban atmosphere. If the reduction strategies of air pollution are not associated with significant growing urban population, it will pose even more health problems. Urbanization, through the alteration of natural land into artificial surfaces, the horizontal and vertical extension of buildings, the activities they generate, and the amount and type of energy they consume, also raises the problem of local warming of cities, the urban heat island, which tends to make cities populations even more vulnerable to climate change and air pollution. Some advantages of these urbanized spaces are to exploit: they concentrate the activities, well developed thus they can limit the needs of energy and resources through sharing; urban heat island reduces winter energy needs in the coldest countries, and increases the atmospheric mix of air pollution. Awareness of the environmental problems created by our lifestyles associated with their direct and indirect costs (present and future) is progressively increasing and regularly drives the policies to take measures to reduce the impacts of human activities and ensure the durable development of our societies. But what is a sustainable or durable future? How to qualify sustainability? Which indicators can be used? All of these questions need to be addressed quickly in order to evaluate the actions that will be taken. In transforming phase of the cities with use of modified form of buildings’ materials, space management, modes of eco mobility, alternative uses of energy etc., the research (public and private) is currently strongly mobilized to ensure technological innovation in all sectors (building, materials, mobility, informatics, etc.), which will enable us to reduce our impacts. The actors involved in spatial planning must also accelerate the integration of energy and atmospheric issues in their development projects and in particular those affecting the cities (production and distribution of energy, mobility, buildings, agriculture, waste, tourism, economic development, etc.). They must ensure that all projects lead to a drastic reduction in our energy consumption, to a better air quality that respects the health of ecosystems, to a climate protection and its effects, short and long term. Thus, the problems of the city become more and more multidisciplinary. Today the cities are a place of all issues since they welcome, and will continue to host most of the population for a long time. However, tools and knowledge in urban areas have yet to be developed, as the urban environment is complex because of its heterogeneity, and its dynamics of evolution are strongly influenced by localized sectoral policies that are not always consistent. To discuss the major issues of urban areas, an interdisciplinary conference titled “European International Conference on Transforming Urban Systems (EICTUS-2019)” was organized by Zone Atelier Environnementale Urbaine (ZAEU) from 26 – 28 June 2019 at Université de Strasbourg. The major themes of this conference were air, climate (risks, resilience, vulnerability, adaptation), energy; mobility; adaptation to climate change; urban governance, economy; public initiatives, planning, society and environment and associated risks; health and social inequalities; land cover landuse change, urban sprawl, urban forms; urban agriculture, nature in cities; sustainable urbanism and architecture; urban water and sustainability; and Smart, sustainable buildings and housing. Almost 160 abstracts were received and 108 people from 28 countries presented their work on 20 different topics as mentioned below.

Large parts of Earth’s natural ecosystems have been converted into simplified production system. These production systems, named the Global Production Ecosystems (GPE) are characterised by homogenised and industrial production, that delivers predictable yields of biomass and is highly connected through global trade. The anthropogenic inputs required to keep this predictability is likely to cause environmental degradation and could cause novel risks in the long term. The rise of flex crops is a phenomenon that is likely to further promote this homogenisation and industrialisation. These are crops with multiple and flexible uses that are increasingly targeted by agribusinesses to feed the demands of food, feed, fuel and other industrial products. This study examines global flex crops production ecosystem through the lens of resilience thinking, by analysing production data over time, including the social and environmental impacts of inputs, and assess the national concentration of production. I find that flex crops have expanded and intensified more so than similar crops. Since 1961 flex crops harvested area have increased in more than 150% in size, while similar crops have increased 10%. At the same time yields for flex crops have almost tripled, while similar crops have doubled their yield. I also find that in some aspects flex crops are heavily reliant on anthropogenic inputs. On a global scale the use of inputs is generally concentrated to a small number of countries, but that the average use of inputs varies greatly between countries. These findings indicate that the development of flex crops is an important to research to understand the GPE and that using resilience thinking is key to understand this phenomenon.